The four Gospels were not written by accident. Each was written for a specific people group, and each reveals a distinct portrait of who Jesus is. Together, they form a complete picture of the Saviour who came for the whole world.

The Lion — Matthew’s Portrait for the Jews The Jews were proud of their heritage, their religion, and their identity as God’s chosen nation. They were eagerly awaiting their King. So Matthew testified that Jesus is the King of Kings, the one who fulfilled every Old Testament prophecy. The image is the lion — majestic, sovereign, and royal. To a people who thought they alone belonged to God, Matthew declared: your King has come.

The Ox — Mark’s Portrait for the Romans The Romans boasted of their military power and authority. Roads they built two thousand years ago still stand today; that was the kind of empire they were. Yet towards these powerful and arrogant people, Mark painted a surprising image — not a conqueror, but a servant. Though Jesus is the Eternal King, He came not to be served, but to serve. Mark’s Gospel, the shortest of the four, records the most miracles — Jesus tirelessly healing the sick, restoring the broken, serving those in need. The image is the ox, strong yet yielding in service.

The Man — Luke’s Portrait for the Gentiles Luke was the only Gentile author in the New Testament. He wrote for all peoples — the marginalised, the despised, those told they did not belong. He traced the family tree of Jesus all the way back to Adam, not merely Abraham, testifying that Jesus came not just for the Jews but for the whole of humanity. He is the Son of Man — approachable, compassionate, and fully one of us.

The Eagle — John’s Portrait for the Greeks The Greeks prided themselves on their culture, philosophy, and pursuit of truth. They considered themselves the most civilised people in the world, looking down on everyone else as foolish and ignorant. Towards these people, John testified that Jesus is the Word, the Truth from above, the Son of God. The image is the eagle — soaring, bold, and divine.

What is remarkable is that every one of these audiences was proud and arrogant in their own way. Yet God loved them all. The Gospel was brought even to the proudest hearts — because those whom we might write off, Jesus never did.

In Revelation 4:6–7, four living creatures surround the throne of God — a lion, an ox, a man, and an eagle. The full glory of Christ, worshipped for eternity.

He is King. He is Servant. He is our Brother. He is our God. And He came for all of us.

(Mission and Education Cooperation)

CENTRAL COAST, NSW — Leaders across Oceania are continuing to explore deeper cooperation between mission and theological education, seeking practical ways to utilise educational platforms and theological resources to strengthen gospel expansion, leadership formation, and long-term mission development throughout the region.

Theological Education for Worldview Shaping

At the centre of these discussions is the role of theological education in serving not only formal ministry students, but also the wider mission movement. Leaders emphasise that theological training plays a vital role in shaping worldview, strengthening biblical thinking, and equipping workers to engage effectively in frontier mission contexts.

Olivet Theological Seminary, together with related educational initiatives across the Pacific, has been identified as one of the key platforms supporting this vision.

Theological Education Integrated with Mission Practice 

Theological education is understood not merely as academic study, but as a process of formation for mission. It is described as shaping workers spiritually and intellectually, building biblical worldview, and fostering long-term fellowship and cooperation among ministers and missionaries.

Students engaged in theological training come from diverse backgrounds, including those with prior ministry experience and those newly entering ministry preparation. Many have testified that structured theological study has helped them organise and deepen their understanding of Scripture, enabling clearer and more systematic articulation of their faith.

Leaders also note that disciplined learning environments, including reading, writing, and assessment, encourage deeper engagement with biblical and theological reflection. At the same time, curriculum development continues to be reviewed to ensure a strong biblical foundation while maintaining balance in academic workload.

Emerging areas of development include the responsible integration of technology in learning environments, including AI-assisted tools used to support discussion and critical thinking. These tools are being explored as aids to learning, without replacing spiritual discernment or independent theological reflection.

Supervised ministry remains an essential component of formation, linking academic study with practical mission involvement. This integration is viewed as a key bridge between theological reflection and real-life ministry practice.

Theological Education as Mission Initiatives Beyond the Seminary

In addition to formal training, leaders are developing wider educational initiatives aimed at extending theological engagement beyond seminary students. Workshops and short courses are being designed to help members and leaders strengthen biblical thinking and develop a more mission-oriented and globally aware Christian worldview.

Educational initiatives in Pacific regions are also being explored as platforms for sustainable mission engagement and community connection, particularly in contexts where education provides an accessible and recognised avenue for long-term ministry presence.

Through these ongoing efforts, leaders express the hope that mission and theological education will continue to work closely together for the strengthening of the Church and the advancement of the Gospel across Oceania and surrounding regions.

Central Coast, Oceania – Following the Pentecost season, congregations across Oceania have commenced a continent-wide devotional journey through the Book of Hebrews, focusing on the person and work of Jesus Christ and the rich theological message of this New Testament epistle.

The devotional programme is designed to encourage believers to deepen their understanding of Christ, strengthen their faith, and grow in biblical maturity through daily engagement with Scripture. Over a period of forty days, participants are guided through a series of studies exploring key themes in Hebrews, including the supremacy of Christ, His perfect priesthood, His once-for-all sacrifice, and the call to faithful perseverance.

Members are encouraged to read the assigned passages each day, meditate on selected memory verses, and reflect prayerfully on the biblical teaching. Study questions and reflection materials have also been prepared to assist personal devotion, family worship, and small-group discussion.

Local congregations are participating in various ways, with ministers and church leaders encouraging members to engage consistently with the devotional materials and apply the teachings of Hebrews to daily Christian life. The programme seeks to foster a renewed appreciation for God’s Word and a deeper commitment to following Christ.

The Book of Hebrews offers a timely reminder of the greatness of Christ and the hope believers have in Him. As congregations throughout Oceania journey through this study together, many are praying that the Lord will use His Word to bring spiritual renewal, strengthen faith, and inspire fresh dedication to the mission of the gospel across the region.

(Pentecostal Retreat broadcast to mision fields across Oceania)

CENTRAL COAST, NSW — Members and students across Oceania gathered for a Pentecostal Retreat during the Pentecost season, joining both online and in person through connected church venues across the region. The retreat provided a focused time of teaching, worship, and prayer centered on spiritual warfare, and on learning to rely on Christ and the Holy Spirit through the Triune God in daily Christian life.

The lectures emphasized the reality of spiritual battles and the believer’s call to stand firm in Christ. Participants were taught that victory over sin and spiritual opposition is not achieved through human strength, but through the finished work of Jesus Christ and continual dependence on the Triune God.

Taking advantage of the Pentecost season, the retreat placed special emphasis on the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Believers were encouraged to grow in awareness of the Spirit’s presence, guidance, and empowerment, and to live a life of prayer, faith, and obedience in union with Christ.

Biblical teaching also guided participants through the call to put on the full armour of God, remain watchful in prayer, and actively participate in the mission entrusted by Christ. The Great Commission was highlighted as part of the believer’s identity and response to God’s grace, lived out through dependence on the Triune God.

Interactive sessions allowed participants to reflect on Scripture and engage in group discussion, helping to deepen understanding and personal application of the Word of God in daily life and ministry.

The retreat concluded with a Pentecost Sunday service focusing on sin, righteousness, and judgment, followed by a time of prayer for spiritual renewal. Members gathered locally across different regions seeking repentance, renewal, and strengthening in their walk with God.

Across Oceania and the Pacific mission fields, the retreat also became an opportunity for fellowship and encouragement. Communities gathered for worship, teaching, and prayer, with participants expressing renewed faith and a deeper desire to live in dependence on the Triune God in spiritual battle and mission.

The gathering concluded with gratitude for God’s work throughout the region and a shared commitment to continue advancing in spiritual maturity, unity, and mission.

(The Easter Retreat in Oceania Olivet Centre. Credit: Olivet Assembly Oceania.)

MANGROVE CREEK, NSW — During the Easter weekend, members from across Oceania gathered at Oceania OC for a retreat centered on John 20–21, reflecting deeply on the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the mission that flows from His victory over death.

Through expository Bible studies, participants explored the post-resurrection accounts in John 20–21, learning how the disciples moved from fear and confusion to the full recognition of the risen Lord. The studies emphasized how their spiritual eyes were opened to the reality of the resurrection and its transforming power.

A key focus was John 21, where the risen Christ restores Peter and reaffirms his calling. Participants reflected on the “code of mission” embedded in this passage, highlighting the call to love Christ through shepherding His people. The message emphasized that the Great Commission is expressed through a pastoral heart, faithful service, and active participation in caring for God’s flock.

Alongside the main retreat, a children’s retreat was held simultaneously. Through engaging multimedia presentations and reflective group activities, children were guided into the stories of the resurrection in an age-appropriate and interactive way. They were encouraged not only to understand the biblical narratives but also to reflect on their deeper meaning, growing in their understanding of Jesus’ resurrection and its significance for their lives.

The parallel children’s program created a vibrant environment where both adults and children were nurtured in faith. While adults focused on deeper theological reflection in John 20–21, children explored the same core message through creative learning, helping them build a foundational understanding of the Gospel.

Throughout the retreat, worship, prayer, fellowship, and mission sharing strengthened the community. Members and leaders testified to God’s ongoing work across Oceania, including evangelism, discipleship, and church planting efforts.

The retreat concluded with renewed conviction in the reality of the resurrection and its call to mission. Participants returned to their local ministries strengthened in faith, awakened to the risen Christ, and encouraged to live out the shepherd’s heart in serving and discipling others.

Jesus, on the other hand, appeared sorrowful and weak. “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” He confessed to His disciples (Matthew 26:38). He did not hide His fear or pretend to be brave. Instead, He prayed earnestly, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will” (Matthew 26:39). Luke records His anguish as so intense that “his sweat was like drops of blood” (Luke 22:44). Hebrews 5:7 emphasizes the intensity: He prayed with “fervent cries and tears,” and His obedience was heard because of His reverent submission. Jesus was fully human, struggling with the weight of death and the conflict of wills, yet He revealed His weakness honestly before the Father.

Many believers struggle in similar ways. Some remain in Peter’s first stage—confident yet unaware of their weakness. Others reach the second stage, admitting their weakness, yet remain trapped in despair, afraid to fully surrender and let God’s power work. Jesus shows another way: weakness, honestly brought to God in prayer, becomes the place of obedience and spiritual growth. Obedience is not instant; it requires wrestling, repeated prayer, and continual reliance on God.

Through Gethsemane, Jesus demonstrates that true strength is not the absence of weakness but the faithful surrender of it. By honestly presenting sorrow, fear, and reluctance to God, He received divine strength to walk the path of the cross. For believers, this teaches that honest prayer, even amid weakness, opens the door to God’s power, obedience, and spiritual renewal.

The Fiji branch of Olivet Theological Seminary recently carried out a reorganization of its local study space, marking a new step in preparing for theological education and youth outreach in Fiji.

Members gathered to clean and reorganize the room used for study and training. Furniture was repaired together, including fixing several tables, and the space was rearranged to create a more welcoming and functional learning environment. A television monitor was also installed to support lectures, online classes, and training sessions.

The time of preparation was not only practical but also encouraging for the team. Working together strengthened fellowship among members and renewed their shared commitment to theological learning and ministry preparation.

After the reorganization was completed, members took photos in the refreshed study space. The images will be used for an upcoming social media campaign introducing the Fiji branch of Olivet Theological Seminary and its programs.

As part of this effort, the branch plans to launch a social media initiative aimed at reaching young people from high schools and universities who may be interested in theological study and Christian leadership training. The campaign will highlight opportunities for youth to explore theology, grow in biblical understanding, and prepare for service in church and mission contexts.

Through these preparations, the Fiji branch hopes that the renewed space will serve as a welcoming place for study, discussion, and training for the next generation of Christian leaders. The team expressed hope that more young people in Fiji will discover the value of theological education and participate in programs that help them deepen their faith and understanding of Scripture.

Olivet Assembly Oceania recently shared a summary of campus outreach activities conducted during the university orientation season in New Zealand and Fiji. The two-week orientation period provided a valuable opportunity for engaging students and introducing Christian fellowship and Bible study opportunities to a large number of young people on campus.

During the outreach, volunteers organized information stalls and participated in campus roaming evangelism, speaking with students and offering encouraging Bible verses. In New Zealand, four days of outreach resulted in 86 new club sign-ups, an amount that would normally take several months to gather through regular street evangelism. In Fiji, the response was even larger. Over five days of stall evangelism and five days of campus outreach conducted through the campus club, about 1,000 club sign-ups were collected, equivalent to roughly two years of ordinary individual street evangelism outreach.

One of the encouraging aspects of the orientation outreach was the openness of students to conversations about faith. Many students approached the stalls to make enquiries, while others expressed appreciation for the Bible verses that were shared with them. Some students remarked that the verses spoke directly to their personal situations, opening meaningful conversations about faith and life.

The outreach also integrated both in-person and online engagement. As students connected with the campus team, many followed the ministry’s social media platforms, significantly increasing online subscriptions and allowing continued communication beyond the initial meeting. These online channels are expected to play an important role in maintaining relationships with interested students.

The presence of the campus club also provided opportunities to interact with other Christian clubs and student groups. Through these interactions, friendly relationships were built, and the volunteers received encouragement through fellowship with fellow believers on campus.

With the large number of contacts gathered during orientation, the next stage of the ministry focuses on follow-up. Unlike smaller-scale outreach, mass evangelism requires consistent communication and organized efforts to maintain contact with students who have expressed interest. In Fiji, volunteers have already begun reaching out individually to many of the contacts. Social media updates, newsletters, and invitations to activities will also be part of the follow-up process.

A retreat has recently been organized in Fiji as one of the follow-up events, although participation is still gradually developing. Previous experience in New Zealand has shown that it may take several weeks of consistent communication before students begin attending Bible studies or ministry events.

Leaders shared that campus club outreach is a long-term process that requires patience and careful stewardship of the contacts gained during orientation. They expressed hope that, over time, local students will become more actively involved in organizing activities and eventually take leadership roles, including facilitating Bible studies for their peers.

As university environments in many places become increasingly secular, Olivet Assembly Oceania continues to pray that more cities will establish campus-based clubs to maintain a visible and welcoming presence for students seeking faith, fellowship, and meaningful conversations about life and purpose.

Each day of the devotion includes two to three reflection questions following the Scripture reading. These questions are designed to guide believers toward deeper personal meditation on the Word of God, encouraging them to recall concrete experiences and consider how biblical truths apply to their lives and ministry.

The reflection questions may be used for personal devotion as well as for small group discussion. OA Oceania leaders noted that thoughtful self-examination during Lent helps believers cultivate humility, strengthen their reliance on Christ, and grow in spiritual maturity. Through honest reflection and prayer, participants are encouraged to apply Scripture more intentionally in daily life and continue growing in faith and obedience.

One example from Day 21–22 invites participants to reflect on their response to truth and surrender. The passage recalls how those who came to arrest Jesus carried lanterns and torches—symbols often associated with light and truth—yet used them to oppose Christ Himself. Participants are asked to consider moments when something meant for good, such as authority, knowledge, or even Scripture, was used in a way that caused harm or misunderstanding, and how such experiences shaped their pursuit of truth.

Another reflection contrasts Peter’s bold action with the sword and Jesus’ willingness to accept the Father’s will, expressed in His words, “Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” Participants are invited to reflect on situations in which they faced conflict or injustice and to consider whether they responded by trying to control the outcome or by entrusting the matter to God.

Through this Lenten devotion series, OA Oceania hopes members will gain a deeper understanding of the cross and experience

spiritual renewal as they meditate on Scripture and walk through the season of Lent together. Leaders encourage members and ministry partners across Oceania to participate prayerfully, whether individually or in fellowship, trusting that this period of reflection will strengthen faith and deepen devotion to Christ.