Grant Harris is the Lead Pastor at Windsor Park Baptist Church.
Ethan Miller (National Youth Catalyst) and I recently attended the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Asia-Pacific Baptist Federation (APBF) in Singapore on behalf of the Baptist Union of New Zealand. The APBF was founded in November 1972 after the growing strength and independence of Asian countries, linked with the increasing awareness of interdependence, underlined the need for a greater and deeper sense of Baptist unity. Over the last fifty years, an array of international ministries have been formed to foster collaboration and unity among Baptist churches in our area.
The anniversary celebrations were a time to honour those who had gone before, to celebrate our unity, and to further the connection of Baptist leaders throughout the Asia-Pacific area. As I always say, ‘good things happen when we get together,’ and that was certainly our experience.
From the heavenly voices of two choirs from Nagaland to meeting many Baptist leaders from multiple countries and challenging contexts, it was a privilege for Ethan and me to have our first exposure to the APBF. Hopefully, it won’t be our last. Being part of the wider work of Baptists throughout this region continues to open us all to something bigger than ourselves. It continues to foster the realisation that we are better together. Taking a photo with Baptist World Alliance General Secretary Elijah Brown was also a highlight.
Photos supplied by Grant Harris.
