EFA renamed ‘Asia Evangelical Alliance’; Indian its new General Secretary

In a major paradigm shift, the Evangelical Fellowship of Asia (EFA) was renamed to Asian Evangelical Alliance, followed by the installation of Rev. Dr. Richard Howell as its new General Secretary.

The developments were part of the EFA 2008 General Assembly gathering, August 4–6, held at Bible Bhawan, New Delhi.

Top Evangelical leaders including the Director of World Evangelical Alliance, Dr. Geoff Tunnicliffe, Rev. Sang–Bok David Kim, the Chairman of EFA and Rev. Godfrey Yogarajah led the installation ceremony appointing Rev. Howell, an Indian, as its new General Secretary.

About Rev. Howell, Dr. Geoff acclaimed, "Howell is a great man of vision and an able leader. I believe, in this century, Asian Evangelism needs a strong leadership like him."

"On behalf of WEA and the global Christian family, I gratulate him and hope for the best relationships," he added.

A former Principal of the Alahabad Bible Seminary, Rev. Howell is the current GS of the Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI), which has a membership of over 35,000 organisations and an International Council member for Evangelism Explosion.

"I know Howell for more than 15 years, and we have had a wonderful co–working. I am sure his vision for Asia and his dynamic leadership will take EFA to greater heights, in the service of the Lord's kingdom," Rev. Yogarajah, his predecessor said.

Attending the ceremony, Archbishop of Delhi, Vincent Concessao, praised the new leadership under Rev. Howell and said, "He has been a very spirited man and as he takes over the task of Evangelisation of Asia, I hope we can fulfill the dream of the Lord and the Cross which stands for love. May 'Evangelisation' which is the urgent need of Asia, be fulfilled by the organisation and its new leader."

For Rev. Howell, the new task and responsibility will be on ease only, "as I continue trusting the Lord and diligently serve the Asian community."

"One thing that always I am remembered is that, I am not alone and the Body of Christ which is the Church is with me. The continual support of the 'global family' will help me in the progress," he said. "The cross of Christ must be planted in Asia and the alliance unitedly will stand in this commission of serving the Church."

Underlining the major developments of EFA under the leadership of Rev. Yogarajah, who served as the GS for seven years, Dr. Geoff said, "Yogarajah has been a very hardworking, sincere and faithful leader whom I very much respect. His contributions to the Evangelical community in Asia and the world has been marvelous and praise worthy."

Rev. Yogarajah who leads the Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka (EASL), and who also serves on the International Council and the Religious Liberty Commission of the World Evangelical Alliance, was later presented with a plaque by Rev. Kim, who appreciated the faithful service of the Christian leader in the Asian community. "His dedication, love and service for Asia and the world is great and plausible," Kim said.

Founded in 1983, EFA empowers National Alliances to be members of transformation in Asia, by uniting evangelical churches to serve in the areas of mission and Church Planting, Theology and Church Renewal, Religious Liberty, Social Concern, Women's Ministry, Youth Ministry and Leadership Development.

It contains a membership of 16 Asian National Alliances and 12 associate members.


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