Three hundred and twenty-two delegates from around the globe gathered recently in Kusadasi, Turkey for the 2025 Global Assembly of the International Pentecostal Holiness Church. On Wednesday, November 5th the delegates met in the conference room of the KoruMar Ephesus Resort to worship Jesus Christ, listen to inspiring national reports, and pray.
Passports from various countries brought by delegates attending the 2025 Global Assembly.
The morning of the November 5th began with Rev. Tres Ward and his wife Rachael leading the delegates in praise to God. Presiding Bishop Beacham then reminded the delegates of God’s promise to the IPHC in Isaiah 54:1-3 and the IPHC themes of being A Place of Hope and A People of Promise. Beacham welcomed the delegates and recognized delegates from newly added IPHC nations, Scotland and Macedonia. Beacham then shared information about the IPHC in the United States and called for other nations to send missionariesto the USA.
Bishop Talmadge Gardner, Executive Director of IPHC World Missions Ministries and IPHC Vice-Chair gave the keynote address. Gardner spoke of the blessings of the Lord in response to the 2017 IPHC Arise 2033 Vision. Since 2017 the IPHC has grown to an additional twenty-six and there are now IPHC churches in over 120 countries. He recalled Rev. Jentezen Franklin’s call to the IPHC in 2001, “I have raised you up for such a time as this and you cannot retreat. Your days of harvest are not behind you, but your fields of harvest are before you.” He concluded with an enthusiastic call for us to be “one church in thousands of locations!”
The next speaker was Rev. Ismail Serinken, IPHC leader in Turkey and the host for the Global Assembly. Ismail
Rev. Ismail Serinken with his wife, Angela.
recognized his wife Angela who years ago came as an IPHC missionary from Romania. Though facing many difficulties, Angela was faithful to God’s call, and the fruit of her faithfulness is seen in their family and the growing IPHC presence in Turkey. Ismail then told of his leadership role in a new Turkish Bible translation that is being released this Christmas. This version is the first Turkish Bible to use Biblical language for Jesus rather than Arabic for the Lord’s name. He indicated a need for about $15,000 to complete the project for distribution this year and in a few moments dozens of people from around the world stood and committed the money to spread the Word of God in Turkish!
Through the remainder of the morning inspiring reports were given by Dr. Wallapa Wisawasukmongchol of the new Hope Center Ministry facility for women in Phetchabun, Thailand. Argentine Bishop David Passuelo called for us to be “dangerous” to the kingdom of darkness. Rev. Rosaline John from India inspired everyone with her account of the impact of Arise in Prayer in India and how thousands of Indian women are arising in prayer.
The morning concluded with reports from Rev. Khader Koury from the Palestinian Territory of Bethlehem and Rev. Michael Sadowsky from Living Israel in Haifa. Koury, who is originally from Gaza, shared about his family in Gaza and relief for the small Christian community in this war-torn area. Sadowsky spoke of the impact of the war in Israel since the October 7, 2023, attack and atrocities against Israeli citizens from Hamas. He shared how Living Israel is growing and now has ministry in twenty-five Israeli cities.
To close the morning with these two men, one from Gaza and the other a Russian speaking Jew in Israel, demonstrated the power of the gospel to bring reconciliation and healing in this sin-devastated world.
The first afternoon session has presentations from Bishop Valerii Reshetinskyi from Ukraine, Bishop Michael John of India, Bishop David Trejulo from Spain, Rev. Gretchen Schwartz from Belgium, and Rev. Debra Crook from the Philippines.
Bishop Reshetinskyi spoke of the ongoing attacks from Russia against Ukraine and the need for continued prayer and financial support to help the thousands of Ukrainians impacted by the war. Heartbreaking photos of the humanitarian crisis in the south of Ukraine were shown. But the photos also showed the impact of the constant stream of aid from IPHC Ukraine to these needy people.
Gretchen Schwartz spoke of her ministry, along with IPHC missionary Lulu Salazar, in Antwerp, Belgium among women in the world of prostitution. Gretchen shared the impact of building relationships with these women and showing the love of Christ is making a difference in their lives. She described the challenges faced by transgender “women” struggling to discover their real identity in Christ.
The final group of reports were from Dr. Terry Tramel from USA, Rev. Eddy Kwok from Hong Kong, Rev. Togo Ranaivoarimanana from Madagascar, and Bishop Adonis Gato from Cuba. Dr. Tramel shared how India leads the way in the international dimension of the IPHC Global Outreach Offering and encouraged each nation to participate. Hong Kong Field Superintendent Eddy Kwok shared an inspiring and informative message on unity based on Psalm 133. Both Rev. Ranaivoarimanana and Bishop Gato closed the global reports with messages of great hope and celebration.
The final session of this significant day included Holy Communion, prayers for various parts of the globe, and personal prayer times of impartation and prayers for healing.
Bishop Jason Beiler giving a devotion in Thyatira
From Kusadasi most of the delegates boarded buses and toured the archeological sites of the seven churches in Revelation 2 and 3. It was particularly special that each bus stopped at the IPHC church location near the archeological site of Laodicea. In that location we met with local IPHC leaders for prayer and fellowship.
From a personal perspective, I have participated in six of the seven IPHC Global Assemblies. Each has been special, but to me the Wednesday day of praise, reports, and prayer were the most significant spiritual day of my life as an IPHC minister.
I am very thankful for the work of the General Superintendent’s Office and World Missions Ministries in planning and executing this special occasion.
