March 15, 2025, was a significant day for the EFC churches in Southern California. On that day, not only was it the annual mission conference of EFC Irvine, but it was also the first large-scale gathering in collaboration with the EFC General Assembly and other EFC churches in Southern California. The purpose of this gathering was to bring together the EFC churches in Southern California, to create opportunities for churches to connect with mission organizations to network and to share resources, as well as to edify believers, small groups, and fellowships of local churches.
The meeting began with a welcome address by Pastor KC Liu of EFC Irvine. Pastor Allen Hu, the Secretary General of the EFC General Assembly, introduced the theme of this year for EFC, which is the Year of Evangelism; Pastor Allen expressed his hopes for the gathering. He encouraged the attendees with the spirit of EFC, “Attempt Great Things for God, Lead Millions of Souls to Christ.” Following that, the EFC Irvine worship team led the congregation in worship with three different languages: English, Mandarin, and Taiwanese, joyfully and passionately bringing everyone before the Lord.
Next, Pastor Felix Liu shared a message based on Matthew 9:35-38 and John 21:15-17, titled “Pray to the Lord of the Harvest.” He reminded everyone in three aspects: first, seeing the lost sheep without a shepherd; second, becoming workers with a heart of compassion; and third, seeking the Lord of the harvest first. He also shared how, in 1986, when he was in Taiwan, the Holy Spirit led him to be deeply moved by the painful social phenomenon of reckless young people street racing toward death. This experience gave him the inspiration for the mission motto, “Attempt Great Things for God, Lead Millions of Souls to Christ,” which later became the shared vision of EFC. This goal was then expanded from one EFC church to more than 100 churches worldwide over three stages, including 9025, 2050, and 2020-200-20,000, as an example of what could be achieved.
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Pastor Felix Liu also proposed that in this Year of Evangelism, we recommit ourselves to overcoming difficulties and, in particular: first, to genuinely become people of prayer; second, to prepare ourselves physically, mentally, and spiritually for a short-term mission training; and third, to join a short-term mission team with family or mission partners this year and take action. He concluded by calling on pastors and ministry representatives from all the churches to come to the altar to kneel and make a vow to the Lord, calling for revival. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, almost all the attendees responded in prayer and came forward. The morning session ended with a heartfelt prayer by Pastor Stephen Wang, the Senior Pastor of EFC Irvine, and Pastor Allen Hu.
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After a brief break, attendees had two sessions to choose to participate in seven different workshops: 1) EMCI Mexico Short-Term Mission, 2) Taiwan Summer English Short-Term Mission, 3) Logos Evangelical Seminary Mission Training, 4) Family Mission, 5) Muslim Refugee Ministry, 6) Sow International Ministry Egypt Mission, 7) Live Out Love Winter Short-Term Mission. After the mission organizations’ presentations, EFC Irvine provided a wonderful lunch for the attendees. Following lunch, there was a brainstorming session led by Pastor KC Liu of EFC Irvine and Pastor Will Chen of the General Assembly. They answered various questions, received suggestions, and shared personal testimonies. The event wrapped up around 3 p.m., marking the completion of this rich and engaging joint mission conference. Over 200 attendees left with a sense of fulfillment, having made new connections, and committed to praying for and supporting one another throughout the year.
Looking ahead, we earnestly hope that all churches, groups, and individuals who are moved to embark on mission trips will experience God’s grace in the mission fields, go on their trips smoothly, lead others to Christ, fulfill the mission, and bring glory to God. Amen! Hallelujah!
