SPRINGFIELD (AP) – Thousands of people from around the world are gathering in southwest Missouri for the centennial celebration of the Assemblies of God.

KOLR-TV reports the denomination holds its international congress every three years in a different country. This year’s congress is being held at JQH Arena in Springfield.

Organizers expect about 10,000 people to attend, from the Springfield area and from countries as diverse as Mongolia, India, Switzerland and China.

Nearly 3,000 hotel rooms in the Springfield area have been booked for the gathering, which opened Tuesday and runs through Sunday.