Oct 19 through Oct 25. | Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands
The Assemblies of God General Council of the Northern Mariana and Palau Islands gathered in Saipan from October 19–25, 2026, for its Triennial General Council and Missions Convention. Under the theme “How Can They Hear?”, inspired by Romans 10:14, the week brought together pastors, ministers, missionaries, and congregations for worship, spiritual renewal, fellowship, and a renewed commitment to fulfilling the Great Commission.
Throughout the week, special services were held at local Assemblies of God churches, featuring guest speakers Dr. Shalini G. Pallil, Rev. Diane Laws, and Rev. Steve McManus. The convention also included missions-focused chapel services and presentations at Grace Christian Academy, providing students with opportunities to hear about God’s work around the world and the importance of sharing the gospel.
Alongside the spiritual emphasis, the General Council conducted important business sessions addressing ministerial credentialing, organizational leadership, financial stewardship, and the future direction of the fellowship. A significant milestone came on October 23, when the General Membership approved a transition in leadership. Rev. Daniel Dilse was selected as the new General Superintendent, succeeding Rev. Michael D. Rodgers, Jr., who now serves as General Secretary. Pastor Alain Nunez assumed the position of General Treasurer, while outgoing General Secretary Rev. Frederick Fatialofa concluded his service in that office.
We also had to the pleasure of credentialing two new ministers this year: Pastor Christian Arumaikodi from Tinian Christian Assembly of God and Pastor Jose Mafnas from Hanom Linala Assembly of God in Tanapaq, Saipan. We look forward to future ministers and pastors being credentialed and serving along side us in the Mariana and Palau Islands.
You can watch the closing conference via Youtube via Grace Christian Assembly – Navy Hill site here.
An important emphasis of this year’s gathering was the vision of making missions a shared responsibility across the entire General Council. Rather than viewing missions as an activity of individual congregations, leaders discussed opportunities for churches throughout the Northern Mariana and Palau Islands to work together in supporting missionaries, church construction, and other ministry projects through coordinated giving and prayer.
The week culminated on Sunday, October 25, with a joint worship and closing service featuring Dr. Shalini G. Pallil. The celebration included recognition of outgoing leadership, the installation of newly selected officers, ministerial credentialing, and a renewed call to support missions.
More than a gathering for organizational business, the 2026 Triennial General Council and Missions Convention represented an opportunity for the churches of the Northern Mariana and Palau Islands to strengthen their unity, celebrate God’s faithfulness, and look forward with renewed purpose.
The question that guided the convention continues to challenge every believer: “How can they hear?” It is a reminder that the responsibility of carrying the gospel to those who have not heard belongs to all of us.
