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.
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.
First 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.
First Lady Green
First 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
Bishop Al Garvida
He 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.
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 Valverde
As Regional Board Chairman, he reported on regional growth and led rehearsals for a multicultural mass choir, which he described as a prophetic symbol of breaking barriers through unity.
Bishop Samuel Aguilar
He delivered the Day 1 evening sermon, "Empowered to Lead and Anointed to Serve," 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, Bishop 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.
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 Bishop and Sister 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.
Dr. Jason Lambert
Bishop Jason Lambert provided a report on regional growth and promoted the upcoming Southwest Region Conference in Phoenix, AZ.
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.
Bishop Leal
Bishop Reinando Leal, serving as General Treasurer, was recognized for his leadership and challenged the congregation to meet a significant missions goal for the evening.
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.