98th International Assembly, Saturday Evening Session (2014)

The Saturday evening session of the 98th International Assembly celebrated the Global Harvest, highlighting the Church’s worldwide reach through worship, testimony, and a powerful call to surrender to Christ. The evening opened with a musical concert by the Bahama Brass Band, followed by pre-session interviews led by Amber Payne with Joey Garcia and Morais Cassell (Tomlinson Center) and Mark Menke (Center for Biblical Leadership). Session moderator Bishop Ben Feliz, General Presbyter for Mexico, Central America, and the Spanish-speaking Caribbean, honored Bishop Romeo R. Ferguson for 22 years of faithful service to the Bahama Brass Band, with General Overseer Sam Clements presenting a commemorative plaque. Cathy Payne, Global Missions Coordinator, then led the Celebration of Nations, exhorting from Revelation 7:9–10 and Ephesians 2:18 as flags and nations were recognized, including the welcoming of Tuvalu (with Bishop Gary Langley) and the nation of China. Bishop David Browder (Oceania) prayed over the nations represented. Worship continued with the Northeast USA Regional Worship Team, followed by the receiving of the offering by Wider Europe bishops. The International Assembly Mass Choir, directed by Chad Lambert, led the congregation in “Sing Praises,” “Don’t Give Up,” and “For Every Mountain.” General Overseer Sam Clements recognized International Offices staff and introduced the evening speaker, Dr. Mark Williams, General Overseer of the Church of God (Cleveland, Tennessee). Dr. Williams delivered an Inspirational Word and Call to Surrender titled “The Global Harvest,” centered on 1 Timothy 3:14–16 and the declaration, “It’s all about Jesus.” Drawing from Paul’s letters to Timothy, he urged leaders to connect with their calling, continue in prayer, choose godly leaders, and commit to a life of holiness, reminding the Assembly that the Church’s mission is to uphold the truth of Christ to the nations. The service concluded with a powerful altar call and season of prayer, as Dr. Williams prayed for spiritual refreshing, renewal, and recommitment among pastors, leaders, and delegates—affirming the Church’s calling to proclaim Jesus Christ to the world.