Rev. Dr. Naomi Dowdy at 90: a living legacy still shaping generations

In a remarkable gathering of over 130 pastors & leaders representing 44 churches at the Ministers Fellowship International, Singapore Annual conference on July 17 2025, the atmosphere was electric yet deeply reverent as Rev. Dr. Naomi Dowdy—international apostolic leader and trailblazer in global missions—delivered a message that pierced hearts and stirred destinies. At 90 years old, Dr. Dowdy stood not only as a testament to endurance but as a burning voice for purpose, prophetic clarity, and kingdom leadership.

With unwavering clarity and prophetic boldness, Dr. Dowdy preached on “Influencing God’s Kingdom in Your Assigned Valley,” drawing from Ezekiel 37 and 2 Kings 4 to ignite a fresh fire in leaders to rediscover and reclaim their God-given assignments. Her central message was clear: “You cannot speak into your assignment until you can hear the voice of God and see the opportunities He sees.”

The response from the audience was nothing short of overwhelming. Many were visibly moved during her altar ministry—some weeping, others on their knees, surrendering afresh to their callings. There was a tangible shift in the spiritual atmosphere as she declared, “Arise and shift UP to a new level of expectation… Without your engagement, the Kingdom of God cannot come.”

Her PowerPoint visuals were not merely instructional—they were prophetic invitations:

• “Understand your Sphere of Assignment.”
• “Speak and Declare God’s Prophetic Purpose.”
• “You are bringing influence into your valley by your voice and word.”

What made the impact more profound was the authenticity and authority with which she ministered. She spoke not from theory, but from a lifetime of tested faith, global missions, and apostolic oversight. “God did not move Ezekiel out of his circumstances,” she reminded the room, “He wanted to use Ezekiel in his dead valley to bring resurrection life.”

The conference hall became an altar of encounter as Dr. Dowdy called for leaders to rise again, not by human effort but by prophetic obedience. “When God releases a word,” she declared, “it is an invitation for His intervention.”

As the session closed, many lingered, unwilling to leave the moment. The hunger for more of God and a renewed sense of purpose was palpable. Pastors later shared how the message reawakened dormant dreams and gave language to silent frustrations. One attendee summed it up: “At 90, Dr. Naomi Dowdy still burns brighter than many half her age. She didn’t just preach a message—she imparted a mantle.”

The organising leadership of the event expressed deep gratitude: “We are honoured and humbled by Dr. Dowdy’s presence. She is a gift to the Body of Christ, and her legacy continues to multiply.” In a generation searching for authentic leadership and clear spiritual direction, Rev. Dr. Naomi Dowdy demonstrated that a life surrendered to God, no matter the age, can still shake valleys and awaken destinies.

Reflection by Rev. Gabriel Han

Rev. Gabriel Han delivers paradigm-shifting message

The afternoon session of the MFIS 2025 Annual Conference was marked by a standout presentation from Rev. Gabriel Han, Lead Apostolic Elder of Ministers Fellowship International Singapore (MFIS). His message, titled “Equipped for the Kingdom & Unleashing the Fivefold Ministry,” was widely seen by attendees as a powerful wake-up call and a much-needed paradigm shift for church leadership across the nation.

Rev. Han began by confronting a sobering reality: while the Church is actively being called to win souls, influence culture, and reach the next generation, many pastors themselves are quietly struggling—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. “MFIS exists to walk alongside pastors,” he stated, “not just to champion big visions, but to strengthen those carrying them.” This statement resonated strongly with many in the room.

He went on to identify five common dysfunctions affecting churches today:

• The Unfathered Church – lacking spiritual mentors
• The Uncorrected Church – avoiding discipline and accountability
• The Unfruitful Church – producing little lasting impact
• The Unhealed Church – carrying unresolved wounds
• The Untaught Church – lacking sound doctrine and theological grounding

To these challenges, Rev. Han presented five biblical solutions drawn from the fivefold ministry model. Apostles bring spiritual fathering and foundation; prophets restore God’s standards; evangelists mobilise the Church for harvest; pastors nurture healing and wholeness; and teachers establish sound doctrine. Together, these roles are essential for building a balanced, mature, and healthy Church.

Rev. Han concluded by unveiling the new Fivefold Ministry Equipping Program booklet, a key resource developed by MFIS. He explained that the program provides a clear growth path in three core areas—biblical theology, ministry skills, and Christlike character—and helps leaders progress through five stages of development: Discovery, Development, Proficiency, Mastery, and Legacy.

The presentation was met with widespread appreciation. Many pastors described it as an eye-opening moment, bringing fresh clarity and renewed conviction. The fivefold framework, paired with the practical growth pathway, was especially praised for its relevance and accessibility. Leaders expressed gratitude for the emphasis on growing both deep and wide in offering by this equipping program.

By team leader

I was late, but right on time for God to meet me

Although I was late, I was glad I was in time to hear the evangelist, Rev. Raymond Mooi preach to the ministers. This was the first time I had heard him. All I knew was that he founded a short-term school of ministry in Kuala Lumpur called ACTS. As he spoke, I found myself captivated by the story of his salvation and how God equipped and trained him to be a healing evangelist to the nations. The more he spoke, the more I felt the Spirit challenging and inspiring me to repent and believe God for more. Raymond Mooi isn’t just a preacher — he’s a fire-starter with fire in his bones. He moves like Philip in the book of Acts. He doesn’t just preach about Jesus; he brings him into the room, and healings and miracles follow the gospel.

He shared about the crying need of this sceptical age: the demonstration of God’s power in healings and miracles that will confound human wisdom and false beliefs.  He told us that more miracles happened among the unsaved than among Christians — and I believe him. Why? Because those who are desperately without hope often reach out with everything they’ve got. And God, rich in mercy, meets them there – the kingdom of God in power, not in words only. Hundreds of people who attended his evangelistic meetings became Christians after experiencing or witnessing the miraculous healings that God performed.

Then came the part that floored me — he said the place where he saw the most miracles was Japan. Japan? The land we often say is “hard ground”? Yet God poured out healing after healing, and hundreds came to Christ. It reminded me — God isn’t limited by culture, language, or logic. He moves where hearts are open.

His stories and scriptures raised our faith, and when he prayed for the sick among us, I saw at least twenty people (some of whom I know personally) go on stage and testify about the healings they experienced.

Together with many others, I responded to the altar call. I felt the presence and power of the Lord and went down on the floor, groaning in prayer. I fell and arose feeling overwhelmed. I needed that fresh anointing of the Spirit. My faith was ignited. I thank God that I did not miss the session.

Reflection by Kenny Chee

Have you ever experienced something like this? Do you long to see God move in power again in your life or church?

Drop a comment below or share your own story — I’d love to hear from you!

Addendum

One of the must-have sessions in all MFIS Conferences is a conversation with a panel of pastors. Pastor Rhordan was the moderator, and he was at his best. I particularly love the questions he asked the pastors. All pastors should take some time to reflect and respond to these questions. They will clarify purpose, enlarge self-understanding, and energise action. Here are the questions:

What’s a one-line job description of your current season as a pastor – in emojis or metaphors, if you’re brave?” (How would you describe the season you are in right now, or have come through recently?)

Tell us a recent moment in ministry that made you pause and say, “Wow… this is why I do what I do.” (Some moment of ministry that you’re most proud of.)

What’s something you admire (or even envy) about the pastors from a different generation?

What’s one leadership lesson you are learning in this season?

⁠What’s one practice or rhythm that’s helped you stay grounded and growing in God?

What’s one thing you wish the Church would do differently in raising up leaders from your generation?