The 50th Anniversary of the Asian Pacific Baptist Federation commenced in Singapore on November 17 under the theme ‘Imagining the Future Together.’ Welcome greetings were extended by Rev Dr Vesekhoyi ‘Vee’ Tetso, General Secretary of APBF, and Rev Dr Bobby Lee, Executive Director of the Singapore Baptist Convention.
Greetings were also conveyed by past Presidents Dr Billy Kim of Korea, Rev Harry Monro, and Rev Jason Das, along with a presentation on APBF’s history by Rev P Bonny Resu, former General Secretary of APBF. Conversations took place with past Presidents and leaders of the PBF Youth and Women departments.
The guest of honor, Rev Dr Elijah M Brown, General Secretary of the Baptist World Alliance, shared insights on ‘Staying Focused: On Mission with God,’ and ‘APBF into the Future’ was presented by Dr. Rachel Tan, Academic Dean of TBTS. Conversations and presentations on ‘Peace, Youth & Theological Education Ministry’ and ‘God’s Work Through Partnership’ were led by resource persons.
Special presentations were made by the Nagaland Baptist Church Choir, under the leadership of James Shekiye Swu, and the Mizoram Baptist Church Choir.
The Asia Pacific Baptist Federation, initially founded as the Asia Baptist Federation in Hong Kong on November 16, 1972, currently comprises over seven million Baptist believers, 65 Conventions, 40,000 local churches, and spans 22 countries.
The conference, scheduled to conclude on 18 November, is attended by several hundred delegates from different countries. From Nagaland, the General Secretary of NBCC, Rev Dr Zelhou Keyho, and several delegates are participating in the conference.