Church of God Regional Leaders Unite in UAE for Landmark Gulf Leadership Summit

The National Overseers and their representatives of The Church of God (COG) in the Gulf countries of the Middle East for the very first time met in UAE under the leadership of the newly appointed regional superintendent Dr. Sushil Mathew. The two day “Regional Leadership Council Meeting” was organised and hosted by Dr. K. O. Mathew, the National Overseer of UAE at the Sharjah Worship Center in UAE.
Dr. Gary Lewis, General Overseer, Church of God; Dr. Thomas Propes, General Director, Church of God World Missions (COGWM) and Dr. Stephen Darnell, Field Director, Europe, Middle East, CIS and Russia, greeted the council. Dr. Darnell during his live address via Zoom, spoke to the delegates from Acts 2:17, and encouraged the council to have dreams and visions, which can serve as foundations for the establishment of strategies. Dr. K. O. Mathew welcomed the delegates to UAE and shared his appreciation and happiness in the decision of the COGWM leadership in establishing a separate region for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Each national leader presented a detailed report introducing their country and ministry:
Bahrain ​​: Rev. Bose Varghese & Rev. George Varghese
Kuwait ​​: Dr. Sujumon John & ⁠Rev. Sam Pallom
Oman ​​​: Rev. Alexander Geevarghese
Qatar ​​​: Rev. Sam T. George & ⁠Rev. Jose Baby
Saudi Arabia ​​: Rev. Rajan Samuel & ⁠Rev. Reji George
United Arab Emirates : Rev. Shan Mathew & Rev. Kurien Mammen
In addition, Rev. Gladson Varghese (Recording Secretary) and Rev. Aby Babu (Praise and Worship) were also present at this meeting.
The delegates jointly spent time in prayer for each nation in the region. Following that Superintendent, Dr. Sushil Mathew welcomed the delegates and expressed his deep appreciation and gratitude to the leadership of COGWM for his appointment. He acknowledged the long years of hard work and dedication of the leaders in the region for over 50 years which resulted in the establishment and strong presence of the Churches of God in the Gulf Countries.
Dr. Sushil Mathew shared his vision for this region emphasizing the theme “Forward Together in Gulf Countries of the Middle East” and urged the leaders to work together in unity towards the growth and development of ministry in the region. He elaborated on international protocols, responsibilities and expectations of leadership at both national and international levels. and highlighted the critical pillars of leadership, drawing attention to the importance of moral, doctrinal, and financial integrity. His address served as a guiding framework for maintaining excellence and integrity in leadership roles within the Church of God.
In addition to discussing upcoming events and initiatives, the Superintendent acknowledged and addressed challenges and opportunities facing the region. Special emphasis was laid on reiterating the COG declaration of faith and important spiritual and administrative leadership responsibilities of national overseers.
During the Q&A sessions, many current issues facing ministers related to credentialing, organizational structure, geographic jurisdictions, and reporting responsibilities were presented to the superintendent which were discussed at length. The Superintendent addressed these issues and has assured that due consideration will be given to these matters as a priority for him to strengthen the Churches of God in the Gulf Region.
Dr. K. O. Mathew informed the council about property donated by His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, the supreme council member of UAE and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah to COG UAE. This was followed by a discussion about the counstruction work planned at this site. Superintendent visited the proposed site along with UAE Overseer and Council Members and prayed over the proposed construction plan. Dr. K.O. Mathew expressed his desire to include a COG GCME Headquarters and Superintendent’s office in this complex.
The Superintendent has shared his vision to for a greater impact to establish the following to coordinate various ministries in the region.

1. Regional Leadership Council (National Overseers)

2. Regional Evangelism & Church Planting Board (National Evangelism & Church Planting Directors)

3. Regional Education Board (National Educational Directors)

4. Regional Missions Board (National Missions Directors)

5. Regional Youth Board (National Youth Directors)

6. Regional Women’s Ministry (National Women’s Ministry Coordinators)

For the efficient and effective functioning of the region, the following *appointments* were made at this meeting:

1. Dr. K. O. Mathew, National Overseer of UAE: Regional General Coordinator, Leadership Council of COG Gulf Countries in the Middle East (GCME).

2. Dr. Sujumon John, National Overseer of Kuwait: Regional Coordinator of Education Board.

3. Sis. Gracy Mathew: Regional Women’s Ministry Coordinator.

4. Rev. Gladson Varghese Karottu, UAE: Regional Media Coordinator.

Additional appointments will be made soon.

Dr. Sujumon John, National Overseer of Kuwait, led the delegates in a time of corporate prayer and Rev. Rajan Samuel, National Overseer of Saudi Arabia concluded the conference with a blessing prayer for newly appointed leaders.

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