About 600 evangelical Christian leaders from 84 nations across the world gathered in Kuala Lumpur in what was the largest general assembly—both in number of delegates and nations represented—ever held by the World Evangelical Fellowship (WEF). Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad officially opened the 11th assembly in a banquet that provided foreign delegates a taste of Malaysia’s varied cultures presented through a series of colourful and spectacular dance presentations.
Much was achieved during the week-long assembly which proved to be an exhausting series of meetings for the delegates. Among the highlights were the passing of two crucial resolutions (an unprecedented move in all WEF’s 50 years of existence); and the change of the name “World Evangelical Fellowship” to “World Evangelical Alliance” with effect from January 1, 2002. At the assembly, WEF honoured 72-year-old Norwegian Ingulf Diesen for his contribution to the evangelical movement.
The assembly also saw several “firsts”—the first time a general assembly was graced by the host country’s Prime Minister; the first time a general assembly was broadcast live on radio; and the first time a Malaysian was elected into the WEF International Council.
Delegates bade farewell to Rev. Dr Jun Vencer who stepped down as International Director after nine years of service. A dinner was thrown in honour of Dr Vencer where many delegates paid tribute for his dedication and achievements.
The issues discussed during the assembly included domestic abuse, youth, globalisation and ecclesiology—the nature of the Church.
The assembly drew together a range of speakers including: Dr Miroslav Volf, a professor of theology at Yale Divinity School; Rev Joel Edwards, general director of the Evangelical Alliance (UK); Rev Bertil Ekström, regional director for InterAct in Latin America; Stuart McAllister, former general secretary of the European Evangelical Alliance; and Isaac Zokoue, head of Bangui Evangelical School of Theology (Central Africa Republic).
In conjunction with the general assembly, night meetings for the public were held throughout the assembly. Here, the participants were forcefully challenged by speakers including George Verwer, founder and director of Operation Mobilisation; Dr Clive Calver, president of World Relief (USA); and Dr John Haggai, founder of the Haggai Institute. They were also thrilled by cultural dances presented each night by dancers from the Christian Dance Fellowship of Malaysia.
The general assembly officially closed on the last night meeting in a joyful mood. Singers and dancers decked in vibrant, resplendent costumes led the crowd in jubilant celebration filled with hope for the years ahead. The crowd, which included the delegates, also celebrated the Holy Communion, using the unique communion cups specially flown in from the USA. Called the “Celebration Cup”, each cup had a thin wafer and grape juice.
In thanking NECF Malaysia for hosting the general assembly, WEF Chairman David Detect said, “The World Evangelical Fellowship is pleased at the arrangement, hospitality and warmth of NECF Malaysia. We are very impressed with what the NECF Malaysia has been able to do in Malaysia.”
He added, “This is an encouragement to the smaller WEF fellowships in countries where Christians are a small minority.”
WEF is the umbrella body representing 114 national evangelical alliances, which themselves represent some 160 million Christians worldwide. The WEF general assembly takes place once every four years. |
