The cities selected for this expansion were chosen based on several key factors, including population size, concentration of universities, strategic geographic positioning, and proximity to existing mission hubs. The selection reflects a strong focus on youth outreach, national influence, and sustainable growth.

This 50-city mission network is especially youth-focused. With many young people across the continent searching for purpose and truth, OA Oceania seeks to answer the questions of the so-called “lost generation” and guide them to find their identity in Christ. The mission aims to raise the emerging generation as Christian leaders who will shape the future of their nations with a firm biblical foundation and a missional heart.

The network is organized by presbyteries and categorized according to the level of pioneering progress. A portion of the cities already has either missionaries or native members present. Some cities have been outreached but are yet to receive long-term missionaries, while the majority remain unopened and are now being prioritized for pioneering efforts. Among the top priorities are capital cities in currently unreached countries and locations home to leading academic institutions.

Strategic Mission Plan

To advance this network, OA Oceania has outlined a phased strategy focused on activation, pioneering, leadership development, and multiplication:

1. Activate Partially Opened Cities
   Cities that have been outreached but without a long-term missionary will receive focused attention through short-term mission trips. Missionaries will engage in intensive evangelism efforts over one week to identify Bible students who can continue studies online and later attend regional retreats for deeper spiritual growth and church integration.
2. Pioneer Priority Cities Across Presbyteries
   Each of the ten presbyteries has identified a top city for pioneering. Where the top city has already been reached, the next in line will be prioritized. OA Oceania is preparing to deploy over a dozen missionary teams trained through Olivet Theological Seminary (OTS) to both partially opened and new mission fields.
3. Develop and Empower Native Leadership
   Raising local leaders is central to long-term mission success. Native members will receive systematic training through OTS and Olivet Leadership Institute (OLI), with native families being established to oversee each presbytery and provide foundational support for mission growth.
4. Multiply Through Satellite Church Planting
   As ten strong presbyteries are established and more than half of the cities are actively engaged in mission, the model will shift toward multiplication. Small cell churches will be planted across surrounding areas, beginning with 2–3 person gatherings and growing through intentional discipleship and outreach. This will maintain a dynamic missional culture while extending the church’s reach.

Ongoing Training and Strengthening of the Network

To support leaders and ensure continued growth, a range of regular programs will be implemented:

• Weekly mission conferences and united prayer meetings
• Sister-city partnerships to encourage collaboration and accountability
• Monthly presbytery-based mini retreats for reflection and planning
• Quarterly regional retreats held at the Oceania Olivet Center
• Ongoing visitation and training by the Department of Mission (DOM)
• Elim prayer tours for spiritual renewal
• Leadership training intensives through OLI

This continent-wide initiative marks a significant step forward in the region’s mission vision. With the united efforts of missionaries, native leaders, and churches across Oceania, the 50-city network is poised to bring lasting impact, raise a new generation of Gospel workers, and fulfill the calling to make disciples of all nations.

In early July 2025, nearly 200 mission workers of Chinese cultural background gathered from around the world for a major conference focused on reaching the emerging generation. Attendees represented churches, fellowships, charities, Christian families, media, and business-as-mission efforts, serving both in mainland China and internationally.

Pastor Faith Yang, General Secretary of Olivet Assembly Oceania, participated in the conference and shared, “The presentations and reports were deeply moving and gave me practical insights for our work in Oceania.”

The gathering revealed a mature, resilient, and mission-driven body of Christ. Several key lessons emerged:

1. Evangelism at the Core of Every Ministry
Across all ministries, there was a unified heart for evangelism. Leaders did not dwell on what others failed to provide but took ownership of outreach: “I will evangelize and raise people to bless others.” Even support-focused ministries with limited resources had created self-sustaining models to carry out their mission and raise new workers without relying on external aid.

2. Focused Dedication Brings Breakthrough
Special evangelism periods—where ministers dedicated four hours daily to outreach—resulted in spiritual renewal and the arrival of many new Bible students. If daily goals were missed, the following day’s effort doubled. These initiatives not only brought visible results but also strengthened ministers’ hope and passion.

This reflects the biblical principle that even those already dedicated to God, like the Apostle Paul, can renew their vows—and God faithfully honors those commitments.

3. Data Brings Clarity and Direction
Careful use of statistics provided mission leaders with a clear view of progress. Analysis on more than 200 days of evangelism and outreach of 60 churches in mainland China showed that raising one disciple—someone who follows Jesus and actively engages in frontier mission—required an average of 500 evangelism hours, regardless of the method used.

While different approaches may feel more or less effective, the data reminded leaders that long-term fruit comes through sustained effort. Statistics helped unify vision and sharpen mission strategy.

4. Church Grounds, Parachurch Accelerates
While church ministries provide solid spiritual roots, younger-generation-led parachurch fellowships are better positioned to reach today’s digitally native youth. Many senior ministers acknowledged growing communication gaps with younger generations. Together, these ministry models create a healthy balance of theological depth and cultural relevance.

5. Blessing Follows Faithfulness in Basics
A minister overseeing over ten fellowships shared how one particular group, though lacking in outward activity, remained consistent in daily Bible reading, regular worship, and 4:30 a.m. prayer. Over time, this steady spiritual discipline brought forth greater fruit than more event-driven fellowships.

This affirmed that what is faithfully done before God, even in quietness, draws His blessing.

A Renewed Vision for Oceania
Reflecting on the event, Pastor Faith Yang said, “The unity, dedication, and faith I witnessed encouraged me deeply. These insights are shaping our approach to mission in Oceania.”

In Australia, where diverse cultures and growing secularism pose both challenge and opportunity, this renewed understanding of mission is vital. Outreach here must be intentional, culturally aware, and sustained with prayerful dedication. Whether in major cities or frontier communities, the call remains the same: to raise disciples who carry the Gospel boldly to the ends of the earth.

As churches and fellowships continue laboring together, these lessons offer valuable direction—reminding us that spiritual fruitfulness requires not just strategy, but also sincere faithfulness and Spirit-led endurance.

This lecture centered around the theme of “bearing fruit” and was guided by three reflection questions for group discussion prior to the lecture:

• What does it mean to “bear fruit”?
• How can we “bear fruit”?
• Have you ever been hated by the world because of following Jesus? What did you experience, and has your understanding changed after reading today’s passage?

The Meaning of “Bearing Fruit”

Pastor Faith began by uncovering the biblical foundation of fruitfulness, referring to the first words God ever spoke to humanity in Genesis 1:28 – “Be fruitful and multiply.” She explained that this was not merely about physical multiplication but pointed to God’s greater design for human life: to live in a way that reflects His image, reproduces His love, and blesses the world.

Jesus, as the true vine, perfectly embodied this purpose. His life was one of abundant fruitfulness – marked by perfect love and unity with the Father, and overflowing with compassion, peace, healing, and salvation for others. In contrast, Pastor Faith noted how the lives of many in Jesus’ time, especially among the religious elite, had become lifeless and burdensome under the weight of 600 laws. Like the cursed fig tree, their faith bore no real fruit.

Jesus upheld and fulfilled the greatest commandment: to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. He called His disciples to bear fruit by remaining in Him, living in His love, and sharing that love with others. This, Pastor Faith explained, is the true meaning of a fruitful life – one that mirrors Jesus’ love and glorifies the Father.

How to Bear Fruit: Pruning and Union

To live such a fruitful life, two essential steps were emphasized: being pruned by the Father and being united with Jesus Christ.

1. Pruned by the Father, the Gardener
   Drawing from John 15:2, Pastor Faith explained that the Father lovingly prunes every branch that bears fruit, so it may bear even more. This pruning process involves cutting away everything that is worldly, defiling, or distracting from the life of Christ within us. Whether it is secular influence, unhealthy habits, or selfish desires, God uses His Word to cleanse us and shape us. As Jesus said in John 15:3, “You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.” The Holy Spirit, who is the Spirit of Truth, sanctifies believers to live a life that increasingly reflects Christ.
2. United with Jesus Christ, the True Vine
   Pastor Faith then unpacked the meaning of being united with Christ in three dimensions:
   • Loved and Redeemed in Christ: Union begins not with what we do, but with what Christ has already done. He loved us first, redeemed us through His blood, and gave us new birth. Through this, we are grafted into Him – the true vine – and receive a new life rooted in His love.
   • Living the Commandment of Love: True union with Christ leads us to obey His command to love one another as He loved us (John 15:12). This Christ-like love is sacrificial and unconditional, and it is the clearest evidence that we are abiding in Him.
   • Fellowship in Christ’s Sufferings: Pastor Faith reminded attendees that abiding in Christ also means sharing in His sufferings. Just as the world hated Jesus, His followers will face persecution and rejection. However, this fellowship in suffering deepens our union with Him and strengthens our witness to the world.

Group Reflection and Sharing

After the lecture, participants gathered in small groups to reflect the grace received in the lecture. The sharing were filled with sincerity and spiritual breakthroughs. One brother shared how the gospel liberated him from a legalistic approach to parenting, allowing love and grace to take root in his family. Another testified about the challenges of maintaining faith amid business relationships and how the message helped him embrace humility and a Christ-centered posture.

Conclusion

This Easter Retreat lecture served as a powerful reminder that the Christian life is not a matter of external performance but internal transformation. As believers are pruned by the Father and remain united with Christ, they are empowered to live fruitful lives that glorify God and serve others with His love.

The message of John 15 continues to echo: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.” May all who attended this retreat walk forward with renewed desire to abide in Christ and live fruitfully for the Kingdom of God.

Lecture 3 of the Easter Retreat at Oceania Olivet Center was delivered by Pastor Faith Yang, OA Oceania General Secretary. The retreat continued to bring deep spiritual insights and powerful reflection through this important lecture.

Before the message, cell groups were given three discussion questions to prepare their hearts and minds. Two questions were designed to review the previous sermons and lectures, while the third question invited participants to reflect more personally. It asked: What is the reason for joy in Jesus? Another key question was: What are the three purposes of the coming of the Lord? These questions helped to guide the audience into the theme of the lecture.

Pastor Faith’s message focused on the judgment that was brought through the life of Jesus Christ. She clearly explained the meanings of sin, righteousness, and judgment as taught in the Gospel of John.

1. Sin

The lecture began with the topic of sin. It was explained that even worldly standards of morality help people recognize sinful actions. John the Baptist also called people to repent, but the repentance he taught was mainly about various deeds and behaviors.

However, the sin highlighted through the Gospel is deeper. On the day of Pentecost, Peter spoke about the sin of “murdering the author of life.” This means that rejecting Jesus, who is the full expression of God’s love, is a great sin. To not believe in Jesus is to reject the love God has freely given to all. This gave the audience a deeper understanding that sin is not just about actions, but also about rejecting the One whom God has sent.

2. Righteousness

Pastor Faith then explained the difference between the old righteousness and the new righteousness. The old righteousness, based on the Law, exposes people’s sins and brings judgment. But Jesus revealed a new righteousness-one that comes from the grace of God.

Even though all people have sinned and fall short of God’s glory, they are justified freely through faith in Jesus Christ. This grace is given without discrimination. Not only did Jesus reveal the righteousness of God, but He also gives this righteousness to those who accept His love.

The message strongly emphasized that faith means accepting. Many retreat participants were touched by this point. Some shared later that they had always thought they needed to do something or give something to receive salvation. But the message helped them realize that salvation comes by receiving and accepting what Jesus has already done. The children of God are called to open their hearts to what the Lord has given, not to rely on human works.

3. Judgment

The final part of the lecture explored the meaning of judgment. Pastor Faith led the audience through the reasons behind God’s creation of the world and human beings. Using Jeremiah 17:9, she explained how the human heart became corrupted-“The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure.”

Because of sin, Satan became the ruler of this world, ruling over people through the weakness of their flesh. Many false teachings separate the heart from the body, claiming to be spiritual while continuing in corruption, like empty kernels of weeds.

However, Jesus came in the flesh and lived as a real man. Through His physical death on the cross, He overcame the power of death and broke Satan’s rule. This judgment came not only in words, but through the very life of Jesus. The church is now called to witness this truth and live by the victory Jesus has accomplished in His body.

Lecture 3 was a powerful time of truth and grace. It helped the retreat participants understand the deep spiritual meaning behind sin, righteousness, and judgment, and led many to reflect on how the children of God are to respond to the love of God. The message made clear that true joy in Jesus comes not from what the believers do, but from receiving what Christ has already done.

Dr. Kathy explained three main purposes for Jesus’ coming: first, as the revelation of God; second, as the Saviour to save sinners; and third, as the Lord to show the Way of life. Jesus made God known, brought salvation, and guided people into a new life.

The lecture then explored the role of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit was sent to lead those who had been justified through Christ. While Jesus changed their state-from sinners to forgiven-the Holy Spirit changes their status by sanctifying them and making them holy. The Spirit completes and perfects the salvation Jesus provided, preparing believers to live in God’s presence.

Another important part of the message was the explanation of the “Era of the Holy Spirit.” Dr. Kathy taught that history has passed through three stages: first, the era of lawlessness when people did not recognize sin; second, the Era of the Law, when Moses received the law that pointed out sin but could not remove it; and third, the Era of Grace through Jesus Christ. In a broader view, history is also divided into the Era of the Father (when God spoke through messengers), the Era of the Son (when God revealed Himself through Jesus), and the Era of the Holy Spirit (when God dwells in those who believe in Jesus).

Dr. Kathy concluded by sharing the most important truth: God revealed Himself as a Triune God because of His deep love. The Holy Father loves the world. The Holy Son loves the world. The Holy Spirit loves the world. Out of this love, the Triune God makes Himself known to His people.

This lecture helped all participants grow in their understanding of God’s love and His divine plan of salvation through the Trinity. It was a powerful reminder of how deeply God cares for His people and how He continues to be with them through His Spirit.

Before the crucifixion, Jesus prepared His disciples for what was to come. He spoke of sorrow turning into joy, and encouraged them with the promise of resurrection. But He also revealed a joy that was already present even before the resurrection, and was not dependent on circumstances. This is the joy rooted in divine love.

At the heart of creation, when God formed man and woman, He said, “It is very good.” This wasn’t merely the satisfaction of finishing a masterpiece. It was the joy of a parent giving birth to a new life. God’s joy was in creating beings who could grow, mature, and freely respond to His love. Love gives freedom, and in that freedom there is joy when the child responds to the parents’s love. That is the heart of God in creation.

Even though man fell, God didn’t give up on man. Instead, He sent His Son, Jesus, to show us how to live in response to that love. Jesus, as a true human being, prayed with tears and learned obedience. In doing so, He showed us what it means to live as true human.

As Jesus faced the cross, He didn’t see it as defeat, but as the doorway to new life. The cross was not the end-it was the beginning of resurrection. And that resurrection life now lives in us.

This is the joy we are called to live with as a church-not a superficial happiness, but a deep, redemptive joy. It is the joy that comes from communion with the Father and the Son, a unity formed in love and tested through suffering. Just as the apostles in Acts 5:40-42 rejoiced in sharing Christ’s suffering, so too can we rejoice in our trials, knowing they are part of God’s redemptive work.

After the message, the members joined in Holy Communion to remember the Lord’s suffering and resurrection, partaking in the body and blood of Christ with reverence and gratitude.

May the church be filled with this joy-the joy of the resurrection that is alive in us through Christ.

Throughout Holy Week, churches held various gatherings and fasting prayers, creating an atmosphere of spiritual seriousness and devotion. Leaders and members across Oceania used this time to grow in their understanding of God’s love and rededicated themselves to living out that love through service and mission.

The Holy Week began on Palm Sunday, and the General Secretary of OA Oceania traveled to Fiji to speak at the South Pacific retreat. Leaders from New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands, and Papua New Guinea gathered for this retreat under the theme “The Present Sufferings and Future Glory.” Based on Romans 8 and various passages on eschatology, the retreat focused on the Biblical teachings about the Kingdom of Heaven and the End Times. The messages were Gospel-centered, helping participants find clarity, especially those who had been confused by popular or political ideas of the end times.

For many, the retreat was eye-opening. A missionary from Tonga shared their experience:

“This gathering has been deeply meaningful to me. In fact, my understanding of history has been shaped ever since I came to the church. For over ten years, that teaching has never changed. However, it hadn’t formed a clear system within me. It felt like the key points were fragmented and disconnected. As a result, I often felt confused and found it difficult to guide students toward a proper sense of history—because deep down, I myself didn’t know exactly where to lead them.

Through this gathering, and especially through studying the Bible, I feel that I’ve been renewed in many ways. Now, there is a system forming inside me. I hope that from now on, I can continue organizing and refining the Word by following this system.

Through gaining a better understanding of eschatology, I’ve also found great hope. I’m no longer discouraged by one or two failures, because I now know that this is by no means the end of history.”

Following the retreat, the missionaries returned to their mission fields with renewed passion and strong hope, eager to proclaim the Gospel and invite many into the faith of Jesus Christ.

At the same time, in the regional Olivet Centre—Oceania’s main retreat center—an Easter Weekend Retreat was held from Good Friday to Easter Sunday. The theme was “Take Heart! I Have Overcome the World,” based on Jesus’ farewell message in John 14–16.

The retreat included three services, three Bible lectures, one prayer meeting, and multiple group discussions. These sessions helped participants gain a deeper understanding of essential Biblical truths, such as the Trinity, the work of the Holy Spirit, salvation through Jesus Christ, and the meaning of sin, righteousness, and judgment.

This Lenten and Easter season became a time of great spiritual renewal for Olivet Oceania. As members meditated on the Lord’s death and resurrection, their hearts were once again ignited with the living hope of the Gospel, and their commitment to sharing God’s love with the world grew ever stronger.

Reflecting on 2024: God’s Faithfulness and the Holy Spirit’s Work

Before the service, Pastor Faith Yang, General Secretary of Olivet Assembly Oceania, shared a heartfelt reflection on God’s work in the region by reviewing the Top 10 news of 2024. Testimonies of the amazing work of the Holy Spirit and God’s faithfulness filled the room with gratitude and hope. The review not only celebrated milestones achieved but also highlighted the guidance and discipline God provided throughout the past year.

Ushering in the New Year with Thanksgiving and Prayer

As the countdown to 2025 ended, Pastor Faith Yang led a prayer, expressing deep gratitude for God’s provision, forgiveness, grace, and guidance in 2024. The prayer also sought greater blessings and deeper spiritual growth for the new year. This moment of dedication reflected the members’ desire to place God at the center of their lives and endeavors from the very start of 2025.

The Greatest Commandment: Love God and Love Others (Sermon Excerpt)

The sermon delivered after the New Year prayer was based on Matthew 22:34-40, focusing on the Greatest Commandment. The question posed by the Pharisee was meant to test Jesus but also reflected a genuine concern in the hearts of the Jews. Jesus answered by quoting Deuteronomy and Leviticus, emphasizing that God must come first, above all earthly relations. Not only should God be first, but He should also be the only focus of devotion. With all their heart, soul, strength, and mind, God’s people are called to love Him.

The fall of humanity brought a breaking of purity, as hearts and lives became entangled with earthly idols. The history of salvation is a narrative of breaking idols, distinguishing the chosen, and purifying them. God purifies His people as gold is refined. As members of Oceania OC begin the new year, they were called to examine their hearts and ask God to purify them so they may love Him alone.

Jesus completed the Greatest Commandment by adding a second part: loving others. According to Leviticus 19, love harbors no revenge, hatred, or bitterness, and forgiveness must come from the heart. Jesus further taught a story to define “neighbor” — to the beaten man, the Samaritan was the neighbor. Those who seem distant should be brought near through the incarnate love demonstrated by Jesus Christ. This love is the foundation of mission work. God’s people are called to love their neighbors as themselves, embodying the mission to bring others closer to Him. Upon these two commandments hang all the Law and Prophets.

A Year Rooted in Love

As 2025 begins, the Oceania OC community is resolved to live out the Greatest Commandment—loving God with undivided devotion and loving their neighbors with Christ-like compassion. This commitment will undoubtedly shape their journey through the year, as they strive to glorify God and share His love with the world.

Drawing from Romans 5:11-21, Pastor Yang preached a sermon titled “Grace Reigns through Righteousness Leading to Eternal Life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” The message highlighted the limitless grace of God, which, through the righteousness of Christ, offers eternal life to all who believe. The congregation was led to reflect deeply on the true meaning of Christmas—a celebration of God’s redeeming love and the salvation given through His Son.

The sermon explored the “Theory of Representation,” grounding it in both Old and New Testament passages. It explained the spiritual connection and influence of Adam’s sin and Christ’s righteousness, as well as the resulting curses and blessings. Pastor Yang addressed contemporary challenges in understanding how Adam’s sin continues to affect humanity today and how the righteousness of Jesus Christ, established 2,000 years ago, is imparted to believers. The theological depth of the message offered clarity and inspiration, urging attendees to embrace the transformative power of Christ’s righteousness.

This special service served as a poignant reminder of the hope, joy, and peace found in Jesus Christ and called believers to live as witnesses of His grace and righteousness.

May the message of this Christmas continue to inspire hearts to draw nearer to the Lord and to walk boldly in the light of His grace.

While banners and formal materials were not yet prepared, the brothers and sisters in Christ demonstrated creativity and resourcefulness, effectively sharing the Gospel message with those they encountered. This initiative highlights Melbourne Church’s deepening commitment to reaching young people and others who are seeking to study God’s Word and pursue the path of discipleship.

One New Hope Community Church member shared, “I am excited to announce that this evangelistic outreach will now take place every Wednesday morning. We invite our church community to pray fervently for meaningful encounters, for the hearts of those seeking answers, and for those faithfully preparing to share God’s love with others.”

We give thanks for this opportunity to bring the light of Christ to the streets of Melbourne and pray that God will continue to bless and guide this mission. May many more come to know His love, grace, and hope in the days to come.