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Plenary speakers from Brazil, the United States, Australia, Ghana, and Portugal, gave challenging lessons focused on the theme of "Sharing the Love That Unites." Heart-felt praise to God in song was led by Ken Young with singers and musicians from the United States and Brazil. Teachers from eight countries led workshops on the Bible, Christian history, and worldwide ministries.

This was the first Gathering to be held in the Global South, after previous meetings in the United States, England, Australia, Canada, Scotland, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Jamaica, and New Zealand.The Gathering was ably led by World Convention President B.J. Mpofu from Zimbabwe and organized by Vice President Victor Hugo Queiroz from Brazil. In the words of Victor Hugo, "The churches in Brazil will never be the same."

Plans are underway for the next Global Gathering in Seoul, Korea in 2016.

• Because we are the only structure that provides an identity for our movement globally.  World Convention is not an event but an everyday ministry that connects our churches worldwide. Without World Convention, many of our churches would only focus on their local congregation. Others might have regional, state, or national structures. But we are the only organization whose purpose is to build up fellowship, understanding, and common purpose within the Christian-Churches of Christ-Disciples of Christ global family. No doubt God's church will continue without that global  understanding, but how much more can we work with Him to bring in the kingdom if we have that  global identity.

• Because of the specific fruit that God provides through World Convention. Fruit like our Global Gathering every four years for fellowship, encouragement, and partnership in ministry. Like the opening of the church in Bom Retiro in 2011, planted by churches in Brazil and Korea connected through World Convention. Like the many stories of connections for ministry through World Convention.