India Mission Summit in Kohima on October 2-5, 2014

The idea of having an India Mission Summit was generated when I informed partner conventions in India that American Baptist International Ministries would celebrate its 200th anniversary at Green Lake in 2014. “Why not a celebration in India as well?” they asked. “Our churches always remember the sacrificial love of American Baptist missionaries, and we should express our gratitude in this important occasion.” As similar voices began spreading, the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) made a commitment to host the India Mission Summit on behalf of the Council of Baptist Churches in North East India. This gracious and strong commitment led to the formation of a Summit Planning Committee, which has worked diligently for almost two years. The Summit, which will officially begin on October 2, was kicked-off with a press conference on September 30. Pray for us.

“Baptists Celebrate the Past and Envision the Future”

1,200 Baptist delegates from Bengal-Orissa-Bihar, Northeast and South India will celebrate their common heritage in the India Mission Summit in Kohima from October 2 to 5, 2014. Despite their different social and cultural backgrounds, these delegates share the same witness to the sacrificial love of American Baptist missionaries who started their ministries in India more than 175 years ago. They come from 12 well-established Baptist conventions and organizations, which represent more than 2 million baptized members. They continue the mission to serve the poor and the oppressed bringing them educational, social, health, economic and spiritual transformation.

While celebrating the 200th anniversary of International Ministries (aka American Baptist Foreign Mission Society) this year, the delegates also focus on finding their united voice and cooperation to bless India and the whole world. The Summit is designed to provide joyful worship, close fellowship and mutual learning. The delegates will engage in serious biblical reflections. Renowned Christian leaders and scholars like Valson Thampu, principal of St. Stephen's College of the University of Delhi, and John Dayal, co-founder and secretary general of the All India Christian Council, will help the congregation to understand and respond to critical issues facing the Indian churches: 21st Century India Mega Trends, Religious Liberty, Human Trafficking, Youth and Future Leaders and Christian Stewardship.

Mr. P.B. Acharya, the honorable governor of Nagaland and Tripura, and Mr. T.R. Zeliang, the honorable chief minister of Nagaland, will bring greetings during the Summit. A delegation of American Baptist International Ministries and guests from Thailand, Myanmar, Indonesia and South Africa will attend this important Baptist event.

NBCC General Secretary Anjo Keikung shares his excitement, “We are excited by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision that India will lead the 21st century world. Indian Baptists also seek to become a transforming power for peace, justice and abundant life for all people groups and nations.”