United States

A. Introduction

Situated in the southern part of North America with the Pacific Ocean on its west, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and Canada in the north. It has 50 states and stretches across three climatic regions: arctic, temperate, and tropical. It is a multicultural country consisting of many ethnic groups. The population is approximately 330 million. The US society is stable and economically advanced. It leads the world in science and high-tech development. It is presently the world’s superpower and enjoys religious freedom and speech.

B. The development of the True Jesus Church

The USA is politically stable and has a democratic system. Religious freedom is enshrined in its constitution. Therefore, the IA Office was registered here. Churches in America are increasing steadily.

In 1930, the True Jesus Church was first established in Honolulu Hawaii, and became the first True Jesus Church in the Western Hemisphere. Since the first World Delegates Conference was held in 1967, the believers in continental America began to be involved more in the divine works and spiritual services. They would often drive long distances to attend services.

In the mid-1970s, the majority of the believers of the True Jesus Church were immigrants from Taiwan and Hong Kong. Most of them resided in Southern California and New York; as a result, there were more resources in these two areas.

In order to utilize human and financial resources in promoting divine work, the first US National Conference of Churches (NCC) was held on July 24-26, 1976. Also, the Evangelical Coordination Council (ECC) was established as an administrative organization to promote divine work. This organization consolidated the strength of all the believers as they began to participate fervently in divine work and free offerings. As such, the church was able to garner resources to support administrative and full-time missionary workers. The church was also able to contribute towards overseas ministry. For example, on 15 August 1978, a Nigerian I. J. Akpan was baptized in California. He returned to Nigeria to preach the gospel. The Truth was then later preached to Ghana, Nigeria of West Africa.

In 2019, there were 25 churches and 5 houses of prayer in the USA. There are about 2,500 believers. The IA Office is situated in Garden Grove, California. The US GA will undertake the duty to conduct training courses for future administrators, divine workers, and youths to preach and promote the truth in all areas.

• USGA Website