If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like for the Wesleyan movement to shape an entire nation, look no further than Ghana.

This week in our Prayer & Fasting journey, we are lifting up The Methodist Church Ghana, one of the largest and most influential Methodist bodies in the world.

On January 1, 1835, a young British missionary named Joseph Dunwell stepped off a boat and onto the shores of Cape Coast in what was then called the Gold Coast.

He had been sent by the Wesleyan Methodist Missionary Society — a young man with a big gospel and a hard assignment. Within six months, he was dead from malaria. But before he died, something remarkable happened. Within three months of his arrival, a small community of 50 believers had already formed.

That’s the Methodist Church Ghana. Born in sacrifice. Built on grace.

The pioneer who followed, Thomas Birch Freeman, arrived in 1838 and became the great father of Methodism in West Africa — carrying the gospel from the coast all the way to the Ashanti Empire, into Nigeria, and across the wider region. In the first eight years of the church’s life, 11 out of 21 missionaries died. They kept coming.

Today, The Methodist Church Ghana includes approximately 800,000 members across more than 3,000 congregations. That’s over 874,326 members across 20 dioceses, 337 circuits, and 4,934 societies — with 1,058 active pastors, 11,861 local preachers, and 34,403 lay leaders serving the church at every level.

But what’s remarkable is not simply its size.

It’s the church’s presence.

In Ghana, Methodist churches are woven into the fabric of daily life. You see it in schools educating future leaders. You see it in hospitals and clinics serving vulnerable communities. You see it in vibrant worship gatherings filled with prayer, music, testimony, and deep spiritual expectancy.

The church that started with 50 believers now runs hospitals, clinics, universities, and some of the finest secondary schools in West Africa. Wesley College — a Methodist institution — has more than 80 years of history as the foremost teacher training college in Ghana. In April 2023, the church commissioned its fifth hospital — a 50-bed facility in the Central Region — expanding healthcare access to rural communities.

The Methodist Church Ghana often speaks about being a church that exists for both “spiritual renewal and social transformation.” That balance feels deeply Wesleyan. Faith is never just private. Grace always moves outward.

The church is also investing heavily in the next generation — training pastors, equipping lay leaders, planting churches, and calling young people into Spirit-filled leadership. They have set its sights on reaching 1.4 million members by 2028 — targeting an annual growth rate of 7% — through focused evangelism, discipleship, and a “One Church, One Circuit” church planting strategy.

And perhaps one of the most encouraging realities is this: while many parts of the global church are navigating decline, the church in Ghana continues to grow with confidence and joy.

Their witness reminds us that the Methodist movement is alive and flourishing around the world.

A Prayer for the Methodist Church Ghana

Gracious God, we give You thanks for 190 years of Your faithfulness in Ghana. We remember the missionaries who gave their lives so that others might hear the gospel — and we honor the indigenous Ghanaians who received that word, ran with it, and made it their own. Strengthen pastors, bishops, teachers, evangelists, and lay leaders. Pour out Your Spirit on their congregations. Raise up young leaders with deep faith and bold vision. Let the hospitals and schools be instruments of Your grace, bringing healing and dignity to the vulnerable. As the church pursues 1.4 million members by 2028, may every new congregation be a community of transformed lives and kingdom witness. Unite us as one global Wesleyan family, rooted in the same grace that landed on the shores of Cape Coast in 1835. Amen.

Our prayer journey brings us to a denomination whose leaders have walked alongside World Methodist Evangelism for many years as beloved partners in the gospel: The Wesleyan Church.

The Wesleyan Church traces its roots to 1843, when the Wesleyan Methodist Connection was formed at an organizing conference in Utica, New York, by ministers and laymen who separated from the Methodist Episcopal Church — primarily over their fierce opposition to slavery. From its earliest days, the church championed both the gospel of personal holiness and the call to social justice, ordaining women to Christian ministry and advocating for women’s rights long before either was common practice. In 1968, the Wesleyan Methodist Church united with the Pilgrim Holiness Church to form The Wesleyan Church as it exists today — a vital, growing, and globally engaged denomination.

The Wesleyan Church is active in nearly 100 nations, with approximately 1,731 member churches in the United States and Canada and nearly 5,000 congregations worldwide, claiming over 600,000 worshippers, including more than 194,000 in North America. Through local churches, church planting, education, disaster response, and global partnerships, the church continues to pursue its mission of “transforming lives, churches, and communities through the hope and holiness of Jesus Christ.”

The Wesleyan Church operates five colleges and universities in North America and many Bible colleges, ministerial institutes, hospitals, and clinics in other countries, and its publishing house distributes books, literature, and Sunday school curriculum in both English and Spanish. Its Global Partners mission organization has planted churches across the world, with 179 international church plants in a single recent year and more than 31,000 new believers outside North America coming to faith.

World Methodist Evangelism is profoundly grateful for the partnership of The Wesleyan Church. Over the years, leaders including Dr. Jo Anne Lyon, Rev. Kimberly Gladdon, Dr. Dave Smith, Rev. Zach Szmara, Rev. Chase Stancle, and Dr. Luigi Penaranda have served on the WME Board of Directors and provided teaching and leadership at our Order of the FLAME gatherings across the United States. Their faithfulness is a gift to the whole Wesleyan family.

A Prayer

Gracious God, we give You thanks for The Wesleyan Church — for its long history of courage, holiness, and compassionate witness that stretches back more than 180 years. We thank You for leaders who have stood for justice, proclaimed the gospel of entire sanctification, and carried Your love to nearly 100 nations of the world. We pray for every Wesleyan congregation — in small towns and great cities, in North America and across the globe — that each might be a community of grace and transformation. Bless their work as they plant churches, train leaders, and reach those who have not yet heard the good news. We are especially grateful for the Wesleyan leaders who have served alongside World Methodist Evangelism — may their investment in our shared mission bear fruit for generations to come. Amen.

Today, our prayer journey takes us to the Iberian Peninsula, where the Igreja Evangélica Metodista Portuguesa — the Portuguese Evangelical Methodist Church — faithfully carries the gospel in one of Europe’s oldest nations.

The origin of the Methodist Church in Portugal arose from the witness of two English laymen, Thomas Chegwin in 1854 and James Cassels ten years later, who initiated small groups for prayer and Bible study following the pattern established by John Wesley and his class system. In 1868, Portugal’s first Methodist chapel was built in Vila Nova de Gaia, and within a few years the church had launched an educational crusade against widespread illiteracy, opening primary schools across the region. Between 1920 and 1940, the church experienced its most fruitful period of expansion, recruiting members from all social classes and confirming itself as one of the most dynamic and prestigious evangelical churches in the country. For many years the church functioned as a district of the British Methodist Church, and it was not until 1996 that it became fully autonomous, electing its own bishop and adopting its current name.

The IEMP is a relatively small denomination in terms of numbers, but its impact on Portuguese society is significant. The church consists of approximately 1,000 baptized members and a wider community of over 2,000 people served through its ministries. They gather in 12 main congregations and various mission points, stretching from Porto in the north to Lisbon and down to the Algarve, under the leadership of Bishop José Sifredo Teixeira.

In 2019, World Methodist Evangelism was honored to provide leadership training for the church in Porto, deepening the bonds of our shared Wesleyan family.

A Prayer

Gracious God, we give You thanks for the Igreja Evangélica Metodista Portuguesa and for the long, faithful story of Your people in Portugal. We remember those first small gatherings for prayer and Bible study, and we marvel at how You have sustained and grown Your church across more than 170 years. Strengthen all who lead, preach, and serve. May the church’s witness in an increasingly secular Portugal be marked by grace, courage, and joy. Amen.

Today, our prayer journey takes us to Southeast Asia, where the Methodist Church in Malaysia (MCM) is faithfully living out the gospel.

The MCM traces its roots to 1885, when Methodist missionaries first arrived and began sharing the gospel through preaching, education, and medical work. Today, it is one of the largest Protestant bodies in the nation, consisting of approximately 135,000 members across more than 1,000 congregations and preaching points.

Organized into several annual conferences, the church reflects the rich cultural diversity of Malaysia, with ministries in Malay, Chinese (Mandarin and various dialects), Tamil, and English.

Under the leadership of Bishop Rev. Dr. T. Jeyakumar, the church is currently in a season of “reform and revival” and is widely known for its strong commitment to education and social service. It operates numerous schools, colleges, and social outreach ministries, serving people of all backgrounds.

In a nation where Christians are a minority, the church continues to embody a faithful, gracious, and respectful witness — sharing Christ through both word and deed.

A Prayer

Gracious God, we thank You for the Methodist Church in Malaysia and for the many ways Your Spirit is at work among them. Strengthen their leaders, encourage their congregations, and bless their ministries. Give them wisdom and grace as they live out their faith in a complex and changing world. May their lives reflect Your love so clearly that many are drawn to You. Unite us as one global Wesleyan family, rooted in grace and sent in mission. Amen.

This week, we travel from the “Southern Cone” of South America to the islands of the South Pacific to highlight Uruguay and New Zealand.

Iglesia Metodista en el Uruguay (IMU)

The Methodist story in Uruguay is one of historic pioneering. In 1969, the IMU became the first Methodist church in Latin America to become autonomous. Today, under the leadership of President Raul Sosa, the church consists of approximately 1,000 members across 20 congregations.

In a nation often cited as the most secular in Latin America, the IMU is a courageous witness. They are widely respected for their “Integral Mission,” particularly through the Instituto Crandon, one of the most prestigious educational institutions in the country. The church is a strong voice for human rights, environmental stewardship, and social justice, proving that even a small flock can be “leaven” for an entire nation.

The Methodist Church of New Zealand (Te Hāhi Weteriana o Aotearoa)

Across the ocean, the Methodist Church of New Zealand is a diverse and multicultural church shaped by both Māori and Pākehā (European) traditions, as well as Pacific and immigrant communities. Officially established in 1822, it is now led by President Rev. Peter Taylor and Vice President TeRito Peyroux-Semu. The church consists of approximately 12,000 members across 150 congregations.

The church is unique in its commitment to being a “Bicultural Church.” It operates under a “Bicultural Treaty” that honors the partnership between the Tangata Whenua (the indigenous Māori people) and Tauiwi (all other peoples). This commitment to reconciliation and justice is central to their identity, as they seek to be a “prophetic, inclusive, and compassionate” presence in a modern, diverse society.

World Methodist Evangelism was honored to have the Methodist Church of New Zealand join us in 2017 for our evangelism seminary hosted by the Wesleyan Methodist Church in New Zealand. Young adults from this Church also joined us in 2018 for Metanoia Global in Costa Rica.

A Prayer for Uruguay and New Zealand

Gracious God, we thank You for our brothers and sisters in Uruguay and New Zealand, for the pioneering spirit of the church in Uruguay and the reconciling heart of the church in New Zealand. In places where faith can feel fragile, strengthen their congregations to be bold witnesses of Your grace in secular and diverse cultures. May their witness be marked by love, justice, and hope. And remind us again that though we are scattered across the world, we are one in Christ. Your Spirit knows no borders and Your love speaks every language. Amen.

We are now stopping by the Andes and coastal cities of Peru, where the Iglesia Metodista del Perú faithfully proclaims the gospel and serves communities across diverse cultural and geographic landscapes.

Iglesia Metodista del Perú

The Methodist story in Peru is one of “Holistic Mission” — a beautiful blend of high-quality education and a fearless witness for social justice. Today, under the leadership of Bishop César Llanco Zavaleta, the IMP consists of approximately 32,000 members across 145 congregations, organized into seven diverse districts reaching from the coast of Lima to the high-altitude peaks of Cusco.

In Peru, Methodism is synonymous with excellence. The church manages some of the nation’s most prestigious schools, including Colegio América del Callao and Colegio María Alvarado. These are not just academic centers; they are mission outposts where thousands of young people are formed in Wesleyan values. Furthermore, the IMP has a long, prophetic history of standing with the marginalized, including a legacy of advocating for indigenous land rights that dates back over a century. Today, they continue this work through migrant support, community kitchens, and planting new churches.

WME has a wonderful history of collaboration with the Methodist Church of Peru and was honored to be able to hold an evangelism seminar in Lima in 2019.

A Prayer for Peru

Gracious God, we thank You for the Iglesia Metodista del Perú and for the ways Your Spirit is at work among them. Strengthen their leaders, encourage their congregations, and bless their ministries. May Your gospel take root deeply in every community they serve — from the mountains to the coast. Strengthen their hands as they serve the vulnerable and proclaim Your grace. Bring renewal, unity, and hope through their witness. Amen.

This week our prayer journey takes us to two very different regions of the globe — the vast Pacific islands of Fiji and the heart of South America in Paraguay — where Wesleyan Methodist communities are faithfully following Jesus and serving their neighbors.

Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma

The Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma is the largest Christian denomination in the country, shaping the spiritual and cultural life of the nation. It grew out of the Wesleyan movement in Australia and became autonomous in 1964. The Church has held significant influence and is considered one of the three “pillars” of Fijian society, alongside the Vanua (traditional chiefly system) and the Matanitu (the state). With approximately 212,860 members worshiping in around 2,860 congregations served by 430 pastors, they have five main emphases: evangelism, education, economic development, ecological justice, and empowerment. 

Under the leadership of President Reverend Dr. Semisi Turagavou, the church is currently focused on “elevating the standard” of its service to the people. From managing over 50 schools to addressing critical social issues like drug abuse and domestic violence, the Methodist Church is woven into the very fabric of Fijian life. This year, they are celebrating 190 years of Methodism in the islands, moving forward with a vision to “move Christ’s Church to another level.”

WME has a wonderful history of collaboration with the Methodist Church of Fiji and Rotuma. Most recently, we held an evangelism seminar in 2024 where over 1000 people gathered for in person training, and over 120,000 joined for the live stream.

Comunidad Evangélica Metodista del Paraguay (CEMP)

In South America, the Comunidad Evangélica Metodista del Paraguay represents a growing Methodist witness led by Bishop Eligio Genes Fernández. The Evangelical Methodist Church of Paraguay grew out of missionary work in the 1940’s, and the first Methodist worship gathering in Paraguay was held in 1988. Since then, the church as an autonomous body saw a significant new beginning in 1989 following the end of the national dictatorship. The church has grown into a community of roughly 1,025 baptized members, with a wider community reach of about 2,499 through ministries, congregations, and outreach efforts.

The CEMP focuses on holistic ministry that combines evangelism with other ministries such as education and health services. They are a “hands-on” church, known for their medical clinics and community kitchens (comedores) that serve children in the streets. Because a significant portion of the Church consists of youth and children, particularly young new believers, there is a strong emphasis on discipleship and leadership development. Like most Churches in our Wesleyan Methodist family, the CEMP follows the Wesleyan-Arminian theological tradition, emphasizing the authority of the Bible and a “holiness message” that focuses on the power of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life. Bishop Genes often speaks of the church’s current season as one of “re-learning” the doctrines of John Wesley — refocusing on the unique Methodist balance of personal piety and social action.

A Prayer

Gracious God, we thank You for the many congregations in Fiji and in Paraguay. Though they are separated by the vast Pacific, they are united by the same “warmed heart.” Bless their leaders with wisdom and discernment. Encourage their congregations as they follow Your call to serve and love. May Your Spirit continue to guide them in discipleship, outreach, and justice and may their witness continue to transform their nations from the inside out. Unite us across continents as one global Wesleyan family, rooted in grace and sent in mission. Amen.

This week, our global prayer journey takes us to two nations defined by their coastlines and their deep commitment to “faith in action”: Panama and Australia.

Iglesia Evangélica Metodista de Panamá (IEMP)

Methodist work in Panama was initiated by a laywoman “Madre Abel” between 1811 and 1821; however, the Church was officially established in 1906 through the work of missionaries from the United States. The Evangelical Methodist Church in Panama became autonomous in the early 1970’s. Today it is a small but faithful community of approximately 2,000 members across 18 congregations, carrying forward a Wesleyan commitment to discipleship, youth outreach, and service in both urban and rural areas. Although its size is modest, its impact is evident in youth ministries, educational initiatives, and its pastoral care for families throughout Panama.

The IEMP is perhaps most famous for the Instituto Panamericano (IPA), one of the most prestigious educational institutions in the country. Under the current leadership of Bishop Pedro Araúz Valdés, the church continues to emphasize that the Gospel must be lived out in the classroom, the clinic, and the community. As we pray for their congregations this week, we celebrate their dedication to raising a generation of leaders grounded in Christian values.

Uniting Church in Australia (UCA)

Across the Pacific, we highlight the Uniting Church in Australia. Formed in 1977 through the union of the Congregational Union in Australia, the Methodist Church of Australasia, and the Presbyterian Church of Australia, the UCA is a uniquely Australian expression of the “Global Parish.” It is currently led by Rev. Charissa Suli, the youngest person and first person of color to serve as President of the Assembly, and includes more than 670,000 people in roughly 1,800 congregations and faith communities who worship in 45 languages.

The UCA is a “pilgrim people,” deeply committed to social justice, reconciliation with First Nations peoples, and multicultural ministry. With a presence in almost every local community in Australia, they are a powerful voice for the marginalized, operating one of the largest networks of community services in the country through UnitingCare.

A Prayer

Gracious God, we thank You for the spirit of unity and service that defines our family in Panama and Australia. From the canal to the outback, Your grace is at work. Bless their leaders with wisdom and their members with a renewed passion for the Gospel. We lift up Bishop Pedro Araúz Valdés and the teachers at the Instituto Panamericano as they begin their 2026 school year. Bless their rural missions and church planting efforts. We also lift up President Charissa Suli and the 17th Assembly. Strengthen their multicultural fellowships and their bold witness for justice and environmental stewardship. May their light continue to shine brightly, bringing hope and healing to their nations. Amen.

This week, our prayer journey takes us to the “middle of the world” as we highlight the Iglesia Evangélica Metodista Unida del Ecuador (IEMUE).

The Methodist presence in Ecuador is a story of perseverance and transformation. Founded in 1964 through the work of missionaries from the United States, the church has grown into a vibrant, autonomous body. Today, under the leadership of Bishop Silvio Cevallos, the IEMUE consists of approximately 1,500 members across 20 congregations, with its heart beating strongest in cities like Quito, Guayaquil, and the rural highland communities.

The IEMUE partners with other Methodist bodies such as the Free Methodist Church and focuses much of its work on education and rural mission work. They don’t just preach the Gospel; they live it out through an Integral Mission that focuses on the most vulnerable. Key pillars of their work include:

• Community Education: Providing resources and support for children in marginalized areas.
• Health and Nutrition: Leading projects that address child malnutrition and provide medical aid in rural Andean villages.
• Empowerment: Training lay leaders to be agents of change in their local neighborhoods.

In Ecuador, the Methodist Church is a “small but mighty” voice, advocating for the rights of indigenous people and working tirelessly to bring the “warmed heart” of Jesus to every corner of the nation. WME was honored to be able to hold an evangelism seminar at the Nazarene Theological Seminary in Quito, Ecuador in 2023 in partnership with the IEMUE and the Church of the Nazarene.

A Prayer for Ecuador

Gracious God, we thank You for the faithful witness of our brothers and sisters in Ecuador. We praise You for their commitment to the poor and their passion for Your Word. Bless their 20 congregations; may they be lighthouses of Your grace. Strengthen their hands for the work of mercy and open doors for the message of Your love to reach every heart. Bless Bishop Silvio Cevallos with wisdom and joy as he leads the church into a new season of growth. Be with the pastors and lay leaders serving in the highland communities, often navigating challenging terrain and limited resources —and may Your presence be felt in every family and every corner of Ecuador. Amen.

This week, our prayer journey takes us to two nations known for their natural beauty and their deep-seated faith: Costa Rica and Australia.

Iglesia Evangélica Metodista de Costa Rica

The Iglesia Evangélica Metodista de Costa Rica is a cornerstone of the nation’s Protestant history. Founded in 1917 by missionaries who arrived on horseback from Panama, the church grew out of the work of Methodist missionaries from the United States and has been an autonomous church since 1973. Today, it is a vibrant community of 16,000 members across 103 congregations.

They are widely respected for their “holistic” approach to ministry. Beyond their local chapels, they operate the renowned Methodist School, a university, a seminary, and even a children’s home. In Costa Rica, being Methodist means caring for the mind, body, and spirit of the next generation. Their witness reflects the warmth, joy, and relational strength that characterize the Wesleyan tradition in Latin America.

World Methodist Evangelism has a wonderful history of partnership with the Methodist Church of Costa Rica. Our Regional Secretary, Bishop Fernando Palomo, leads this church, and in 2018 they graciously hosted Metanoia Global, our international young adult gathering — a powerful expression of global Wesleyan unity.

Wesleyan Methodist Church of Australia (WMCA)

While we previously highlighted the Chinese Methodist family in Australia, this week we focus on the Wesleyan Methodist Church of Australia (WMCA). This movement was officially formed in Melbourne in 1946 after a local leader, Kingsley Ridgway, met an American serviceman and felt a call to bring the Wesleyan holiness tradition to the Australian people.

The WMCA is an autonomous church that grew out of the Methodist Holiness movement and is connected to the larger Wesleyan Church. Today, under the leadership of National Superintendent Dr. Lex Akers, the WMCA consists of 2,452 members across 95 churches.

They are a deeply missional church, focusing heavily on church planting and raising up new leaders through Kingsley College to reach a modern, secular Australia with a simple, practical faith. Their vision is clear and compelling: that every disciple will make a disciple, and the church will multiply itself until the transforming presence of Jesus Christ impacts every community throughout Australia.

We are excited about the growing opportunities for collaboration between WME and the Wesleyan Methodist Church of Australia — and especially grateful that members of this church will be joining us in March for the United States gathering of the Order of the FLAME.

A Prayer

Father, we thank You for the diverse ways the Wesleyan flame burns. Whether in the mountains of Costa Rica or the cities of Australia, Your Word remains constant. Bless these two churches today. Strengthen their leaders, encourage their congregations, and bless their outreach. Pour out Your Spirit in fresh ways — bringing renewal, unity, and boldness in witness. Remind us that though we are oceans apart, we are one in Your love. May Your love be made known through them, and may Your Church flourish for Your glory. Amen.