There are few moments during an International Assembly that capture the excitement of our global Church family quite like the Parade of Nations. As the opening music begins and the flags start making their way into the room, the atmosphere changes. This year, that anticipation was especially fitting as the Assembly gathered around the theme “Testify.” Before the first nation entered, the congregation was reminded that we gather “as one body from many nations, tribes, languages, and people” to testify of God’s faithfulness and what He has done throughout the earth.
We were reminded that the Church of God of Prophecy now has congregations on every inhabited continent and churches in 137 nations around the world. We heard testimonies of new salvations, baptisms, missions, churches, and the continued ministry of our orphanages serving children in 11 nations. Then came the declaration that “the Church of God of Prophecy is a global family. One church, one mission, one message to reconcile the world to Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit,” followed by the call to welcome the nations. As the upbeat song “Let’s Go Up” filled the room, the celebration began.
One by one, our nations entered, bringing with them a beautiful picture of the diversity within our global family. Leaders proudly carried their flags, some dressed in beautiful indigenous clothing, while blue stoles bearing the names of their nations rested across their shoulders. There was a sense of joy and pride as each nation was welcomed. Yet, amid the celebration of 139 nations, there was an especially anticipated moment still to come: the announcement of four new nations joining our global Church family.
Madagascar: A Call Answered
The first new nation welcomed during the Parade was Madagascar, an island nation off the southeastern coast of Africa. This new work is a testimony to a calling that Pastor Iseolorunkanmi Matthews carried in his heart for several years. In March 2024, funding was received to begin the process of planting a mission church, and with faith and anticipation, Pastor Matthews and his family began making preparations to establish the work.
The first converts were welcomed on September 29, 2024, and the congregation was officially set in order the following month. God continued to bless the young church, and by June 2025, an average of 80–90 people were worshipping together. During a powerful revival, 14 believers were baptized and 55 entered into covenant membership. With an application for official registration submitted to the government, we celebrate the establishment of the first Church of God of Prophecy congregation in Madagascar and look forward to all God will continue to do there.
Poarch Creek Nation: A New Community Reached
The second new work represents a unique and significant addition to our global family—the Poarch Band of Creek Indians in Atmore, Alabama. Established in a repurposed local church building and led by an ordained Poarch Creek minister, this new congregation was established to serve and reach the local community.
The Poarch Band of Creek Indians is a federally recognized sovereign Native American nation within the United States. The Lord has already richly blessed this new church plant, and its addition to our fellowship reminds us that our mission extends across cultures, communities, and nations. We rejoice in this opportunity to see the gospel of Jesus Christ continue to reach new people and communities.
United Arab Emirates: From Bible Study to Congregation
The story of the Church of God of Prophecy in Dubai began with a young couple following God’s leading in a new place. Several years ago, Jonah Policarpio, son of Bishop Policarpio of the Philippines, and his wife, Wilma, relocated to Dubai for employment. After becoming involved in several Christian fellowships, Jonah recognized God’s call and began a ministry under the banner of the Church of God of Prophecy.
What began as a simple Bible study soon grew into a congregation. Many of those attending are Overseas Filipino Workers who have found a spiritual home and supportive church family in Dubai. Beginning with just 20–30 worshippers, the congregation continued to grow and was officially organized on March 22, 2026. The congregation now has 69 believers who have entered covenant membership, with approximately 95 people worshipping each week. We celebrate this new congregation as a beacon of light in a strategic part of the world where people from many nations live and work.
Vietnam: An Open Door
Perhaps one of the most remarkable stories of these four new nations is the way God opened the door in Vietnam. Following an initial connection with Bishop Gary Langley in June 2025, an indigenous Pentecostal fellowship expressed a desire to learn more about the history, doctrine, and ministry of the Church of God of Prophecy.
In July of this year, that desire led the fellowship’s leaders to become part of our global Church family. The work began with 20 covenant members, including 17 pastors serving local congregations near Hanoi. Together, these pastors shepherd hundreds of believers, creating tremendous opportunity for continued growth, discipleship, and leadership development. As this new work takes shape, we joyfully welcome Vietnam and look with faith toward all that God will yet accomplish there.These four new nations are more than additions to a list. They represent people, pastors, congregations, and communities where God is opening doors for the gospel. Their stories remind us that we truly are a global family and that the story is still being written.
If we want to see the gospel continue to spread and the Church of God of Prophecy reach more nations, we cannot do it without the prayers, encouragement, generosity, and support of our local churches. Through Harvest Partners Ministry, churches have an opportunity to build meaningful connections with congregations and leaders around the world and help provide the support needed as new works are established and existing ministries continue to grow. Whether partnering with one of these four new nations or with one of the many nations where we already serve, your church can become part of what God is doing around the world.
As we testified during the Parade of Nations about God’s faithfulness, may we also testify through our participation in His mission. The next time you see a flag in the Parade of Nations, remember that behind every flag are people, churches, and stories. Consider how God might use your church to become part of their story.
