Executive Board Meeting
The board met to review official reports, approve the annual profit and loss statement, and unanimously re-elect Bishop Luke Smith as General Chairman for a three-year term.
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55th World Congress
From May 5–7, 2026, Apostolic believers from around the world gathered in Van Nuys, CA, for the 55th World Congress, where powerful worship, global missions reports, leadership sessions, and Spirit-led preaching united the Fellowship around the call to revival, discipleship, and world evangelism.
2026 State of the Fellowship
What happens when Apostolic believers around the world come together with one mind, one faith, and one mission? Lives are changed. Churches are strengthened. Leaders are equipped. Revival spreads. The 2026 State of the Fellowship report gives you an inside look at the global impact of the AWCF: from international missions and leadership training to testimonies of unity, growth, and revival across nations. Be encouraged, inspired, and reminded that God is still moving through His Church in this generation. Download the report and see what your Fellowship is accomplishing around the world.
Day 1 Livestream
Highlights from Day 1
State of the Fellowship
Bishop Luke Smith highlighted the organization's significant global expansion and reaffirmed the vision of John 17:21, emphasizing that the fellowship's strength lies in spiritual unity rather than organizational structure.
Ladies' Breakfast
This inaugural "Ladies’ Breakfast" was designed as a dedicated opportunity for women of the fellowship to foster connections and cultivate deeper relationships at the start of the Congress.
Elect Lady Thompson
Elect Lady Thompson addressed the sisterhood with a timely message about the importance of life that prioritizes our spiritual walk.
Sis. Irene Valverde
Serving as the AWCF Women's Director, she spearheaded the Ladies' Worship Service and emphasized the "absolute importance" of women's ministry through the Titus 2 model of discipleship and mentorship.
Sis. Rosa Castaneda
Representing Hispanic delegates during the international prayer, she was also honored for her extensive labor and dedication in preparing the Monte de Santidad venue for the fellowship.
Lady Emelita Degu
Representing Ethiopia, she participated in the international prayer segment and shared a message regarding how persistent prayer and fasting have fueled the church's massive expansion across Africa.
First Lady Anna Almeda-Smith
She represented the Philippines in prayer and shared a message focusing on the miraculous legacy of her parents' ministry and the importance of prayer in the home.
Monte de Santidad Worship
The band led the congregation in high-energy praise and worship throughout the event, helping to "saturate the building" with spiritual power.
Lady Green
Lady Green led the assembly in a memorable repertoire of Spirit-filled worship and intercession songs.
Pastor Pedro Castaneda
As the host pastor, he officially welcomed the Congress to Los Angeles and expressed deep gratitude for the love and support shown to his family during times of trial. He also expressed intent to host the 56th World Congress in May 2027, which the Executive Council agreed to. Click here to register.
Bishop Al Garvida
Bishop Garvida presented a report on the millions of Apostolic believers in the Philippines and presented Bishop Luke Smith with a token of appreciation from the Philippine delegation. He also invited mission-minded believers to travel for the Philippine Conference. Click here to know more.
Bishop Becerra
He brought greetings from Ecuador and South America, reporting on the significant growth of four church networks in the region through the implementation of the "cell system".
Pastor Carlos Martinez
Representing Central America, he brought greetings from El Salvador and cautioned the congregation against letting their hearts grow distant from God while performing religious rituals.
Bishop Efraim Valverde
As Regional Board Chairman, he reported on regional growth and encouraged the faithful to support God's Work through the AWCF all year round. He also encouraged saints from the west coast to come and join the upcoming Western Regional Conference. Click here to know more.
Bishop Samuel Aguilar
He delivered the Day 1 evening sermon, challenging the fellowship to shift from a "membership" model to a "discipleship" model that transforms homes.
Day 2 Livestream
Highlights from Day 2
Remembering Sis. Beth Riley
The Congress honored the late Sis. Beth Riley with a special proclamation celebrating her legacy as a "pilar of restoration and hope" and her powerful impact on thousands of lives.
Remembering Bishop Huerta
Delegates paid tribute to Bishop Roberto Huerta for his decades of tireless service in South and Central America, acknowledging him as a dedicated mentor and faithful servant of God.
Dr. C.H. Braddy
Serving as Vice Chairman, Dr. C.H. Braddy shared a powerful testimony of God's protective power and miraculous healing following a major vehicle accident after his return from East Africa. He also invited all leaders present to the upcoming Leadership Summit in Atlanta, GA. Click here to register.
Dr. Perry Thompson
Bishop Thompson delivered the morning message on Wednesday, characterized as a "scholar in the faith" and a "preaching machine".
Bell Gardens Worship
The Bell Gardens praise team, brought by Pastor Reynaldo and Sister Lili Leal, was formally recognized for their wonderful musical contribution to the worship services.
Amalgamated Choir
A multicultural mass choir featuring Hispanic, Black, Anglo, Filipino, and Ethiopian singers rehearsed under Minister Jonathan Valverde to serve as a prophetic symbol of breaking barriers through unity.
JMCIM Mimers
Representatives from the JESUS Miracle Crusade International Ministry (JMCIM) performed a special musical selection retelling the story of Mary’s "Alabaster Box".
7,000 Club Championship
Pastor Skiba and his congregation were awarded the championship belt for raising the highest amount of support for the 7,000 Club's international missions initiatives.
Pastor Jason Lambert
Pastor Jason Lambert provided a report on regional growth and promoted the upcoming Southwest Regional Conference in Phoenix, AZ. Click here to know more.
Dr. Andrew Robinson
Dr. Andrew Robinson delivered a report on the AWCF educational department’s global success and encouraged pastors to enroll in religious education training to enhance their leadership.
Pastor Daniel Paredes
Pastor Daniel Paredes offered a song focused on finding oneself alone when "trouble seems to abound" and realizing the necessity of returning to the spiritual "source" for hope and strength.
Pastor Reynaldo Leal
Pastor Leal, serving as General Treasurer, was recognized for his leadership and challenged the congregation to meet a significant missions goal for the evening. He also invited the Hispanic brethren to join the Nuestra Identidad Espiritual Convencion 2026 in Bell Gardens, CA.
Bishop Samuel Smith
Chairman Emeritus Bishop Samuel Smith preached the Wednesday evening service, focusing on the letters to the churches in the book of Revelation.
Day 3 Livestream
Highlights from Day 3
Dr. Charles Laster II
Honored as a "homegrown" psalmist and producer, Dr. Laster led the collaborated praise team throughout the Congress and was recognized for composing three original songs specifically for the AWCF.
Bishop Eliphas Mitugo
The national chairman of Kenya led the congregation in a joyful chorus of "What a Fellowship" and testified that he found the true "body of Jesus Christ" through his connection with the AWCF.
Bishop Agu
Bishop Agu shared his moving testimony of leaving the "second heaven" of America to serve widows and orphans in Nigerian villages, emphasizing that true gospel work requires deep compassion.
Bishop Holdsworth
Celebrating 45 years of leadership in Jamaica, Bishop Holdsworth stressed that the church must shift from "maintenance minded" church membership to a mission-focused model of accountable discipleship.
Pastor Allen McMillan
Pastor McMillan was recognized on the platform for his dedicated support for the AWCF operations and shared remarks concerning the progress and initiatives of upcoming National Youth Conference in Kingsport, TN. Click here to register.
Minister Jonathan Valverde
Jonathan Valverde directed the multicultural amalgamated choir and performed the song "Guíame Señor," testifying how God’s "soft voice" encouraged him to be faithful in his early ministry and announcing the release of his new mariachi album.
Minister James Almeda
Minister James Almeda brought greetings from the Philippines, testifying to the millions of Apostolic believers there and sharing a miraculous account of God protecting his family during a recent high-speed vehicle accident in Texas.
Dr. Seth Mena
Dr. Seth Mena spoke about the need for healing and recovery programs in war stricken Gaza, where a building will be built for both Palestinians and Israelis who would like to walk the way of Jesus.
Bishop Ayele Lakew
Bishop Ayele shared a prophetic vision concerning a mountain and a great fire in the Los Angeles area and was honored as a "living testimony" to God's power in Ethiopia, particularly through a miraculous deliverance and conversion he witnessed decades ago.
Bishop DJ Shoulders
In addition to sharing insights from his travels to the Philippines, Bishop Shoulders facilitated the final offering, encouraging the congregation to support the fellowship's global tentacles now more than ever before.
Bishop Kebede Degu
After reporting over 81,000 baptisms in Ethiopia in a single year, Bishop Degu delivered the final sermon, challenging believers to trade their personal burdens for the "burden of Jesus" for world evangelism.
Eagles Club 2026
The Eagles Club recognizes faithful supporters whose generosity helps sustain the year-round operations, administration, and ministry efforts of the AWCF.
Upcoming Events
Make plans today to join these opportunities to network, fellowship, grow, and serve.