This 15th World Assembly was the 2nd world assembly that I had attended since being involved with Methodist Women leadership team. It has been an eye-opener on several aspects of administration/ management of World Federation as well as Methodist Women in the big one-family of the world. The theme ‘Arise & Shine’ touched my heart cord in many ways, tingling it, and at times perhaps twisting it a bit. The learnings were plentiful to take home – some close to my heart with revolutionized new perspective. While it touches my heart, it also troubled me; making me re-adjust and re-evaluate my perspective/ understanding of the Bible.
The matters that caught my attention were – indigenous women leadership within our church & community which was shared by Ms Te Aroha Rountree (President of the Methodist Church of New Zealand) and Rev Tara Tautari (General Secretary of the Methodist Church of New Zealand); whilst new perspective and powerful message on Samson & Delilah or Bible interpretation/ understanding from Rev Jennifer Pathmarajah of England. It good provides a good comparison / context within our GCMW / MW also.
The intangible value of the 15th World Assembly is the strengthening and connection of Methodist sisterhood; women of faith – of different race, culture, language, and country – coming together ‘to know Christ, and to make Him known’. It has been an honour and blessing to attend this 15th World Assembly. Thank you GCMW and MW SIAC for making it possible. Glory be to God Almighty for this special gift.
One of the gifts – meeting sisters from around the world – and maybe being from Asia; then to flock with feathers of the same kind! Clockwise from top left corner: Sisters from South Pacific, Rev Suli, Ms Feona & Ms Mele of South Pacific Area, Ms Kimiko of Japan, Rev Dr Hikari of Wesley Foundation, Japan, Ms Te Aroha Rountree, Ms Alison Jude – President Emeritus, and Rev Dr Haesun of Scranton, South Korea.
Report by Dato Ir. Alice Jawan Empaling Counsellor, GCMW / MW-SIAC 3 September 2026