Team member ordination in Taiwan
by Asia Area Director Eric
Trevor, the newest member of the Free Methodist World Missions (FMWM)-Asia missionary team, was ordained this past April during the 70th Annual Conference of the Chinese Free Methodist Church in Taiwan. This unique event illustrates the FMWM's commitment to the "Better Together" way of Biblical Interdependence, guided by the Holy Spirit's loving influence.
Trevor's journey to ordination began when he was looking for a denominational family that was compatible with his current assignment with Voice of the Martyrs in South Korea. His father read an article by Eric, the Area Director for FMWM-Asia, and recommended that Trevor contact him.
Trevor contacted Dr. Steve Tungate, the Pastoral Formation Director for FMCUSA, who passed the information along to Eric. Eric and Trevor had a good FaceTime call, and Eric approached Supt. Michael Forney about the possibility of ordaining Trevor in the Pacific Northwest Conference (PNWC).
PNWC's Assistant Superintendent Rev. Cathy Tastad oversaw Trevor's MEG processing, and put him in touch with Rev. Kyle Welstad, of Crossview Free Methodist Church in Snohomish, WA. Trevor "joined" Crossview and was mentored through the ordination process by Dr. Darin.
Trevor was received as a Certified Missionary Candidate (CMC) at the ONE Conference in June of 2022. At the Better Together Conference in Thailand in November, Trevor met many other leaders, including Supt. Tsai of Taiwan, Bishop Matt Whitehead, and others. He prayed for Supt. Tsai in Mandarin.
During the Better Together Conference 2022, Eric, Trevor, and Pastor Tim from VOM-K met. Eric suggested consideration of Trevor being ordained in Taiwan. Bishop Matt concurred, and Supt. Tsai also extended a similar invitation.
PNWC processed a certificate of transfer, and the Taiwan MEG agreed to receive Trevor. Planning began for his ordination.
On April 22, 2023, Trevor was ordained as a full member and ordained elder in the Free Methodist Church during the 70th Annual Conference of the Chinese Free Methodist Church in Taiwan.
This event is a testament to the FMWM's commitment to working together as a global church family. It is also a reminder that God is raising up new leaders from all over the world to share the gospel and make disciples of Jesus Christ.