This summer, Olivet Assembly USA (OAUSA) regional churches held a series of Summer Retreats across the country, drawing members, newcomers, and missionaries together for a time of worship, Bible study, and fellowship. From St. Louis to New York, Washington D.C., and beyond, the retreats offered opportunities for spiritual renewal and mission-focused reflection.
The Summer Retreat was held from August 15–17 at Saint Louis Immanuel Church, concluding the U.S. short-term mission pioneering project. Missionaries and new members who had been evangelized during the mission period joined together for a weekend of grace-filled encounters. Participants shared in Bible expositions, worship services, meals, and recreational activities.
On Sunday, August 17, Pastor Mark Spisak, General Secretary of OAUSA, delivered the closing service message from Luke 19:9–10. He exhorted the congregation—pioneers, newcomers, and members alike—to focus on righteousness by faith in Jesus Christ, reminding them that the Lord’s mission is “to seek and save the lost.”
Following the retreat, missionaries who had joined the short-term pioneering project gathered for a mission conference, discussing how to follow up with newly evangelized members and discerning next steps for mission growth.
The Northeast U.S. Summer Retreat was held in Dover, New York, from August 22–24. On Sunday, Pastor David Chang, President of World Olivet Assembly (WOA), delivered the closing sermon under the theme “Jesus, the Light of the World.”
Preaching from John 1:9–13, Pastor Chang emphasized that although Jesus came into the very world He created, many did not recognize Him. Yet, to those who receive and believe in Him, He gives the right to become children of God. He reminded attendees that the world is dark, not only morally, but in failing to see and know God. Jesus, the true Light, reveals the Father to us.
Bethel Presbyterian Church hosted its 2025 Summer Retreat in Washington D.C., concluding with a closing service on Sunday, August 31. The sermon, based on Ephesians 1:9–12, focused on God’s sovereignty and His perfect plan to unite all things under Christ.
The pastor reflected on the Cross as the greatest demonstration of God’s power to turn evil into victory and assured the congregation that God’s final judgment will bring perfect justice. The message encouraged believers to live in joyful obedience, trusting in God’s sovereign plan while exercising their faith through free will.
From September 5–7, Saint Louis Immanuel Church hosted its Summer Retreat, culminating in a joint Sunday and closing service on September 7. Pastor Anthony Chiu preached from John 1:1–18, leading the congregation to reflect on Christ as the eternal Word (Logos), the Light of the World, and the full revelation of God.
Pastor Anthony emphasized that the Word becoming flesh is the very heart of the Gospel, calling believers to anchor their faith in Christ’s truth and to live as His witnesses. The retreat theme—“Concerning Sin, Righteousness, and Judgment: United with Christ, Bearing Much Fruit”—resonated deeply with participants, reminding them of God’s continual preparation of their hearts.
In addition to these gatherings, churches in Los Angeles and San Francisco in California, Orlando, Florida, Atlanta, Georgia and other regions also held Summer Retreats, each with unique programs of worship, Bible study, and fellowship, yet united in the Spirit of renewal and mission.