VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 5/13/14)—On Thursday, May 1, 2014, American Baptist Women’s Ministries hosted a dinner gathering for women leaders from several associations of ethnic Baptist groups originally from Burma, now living in the United States. This event was part of the Burma Diaspora meetings hosted by American Baptist Churches USA, facilitated by ABCUSA president Rev. Donald Ng.

During the gathering, leaders of women’s ministries from the Karen, Karenni, Kachin, Falam Chin, and Hakha Chin Baptist associations in the U.S. shared about their ministries with women and girls and the critical needs of women in their community. AB Women’s Ministries executive director Virginia Holmstrom and associate executive director Rev. Sandra Hasenauer explored deepening connections among all women’s ministries, and ways that AB Women’s Ministries could be supportive in empowering women and girls during their transition to a new life in the United States.

“We have much to learn from one another,” said Holmstrom, after listening to testimonies of challenges and faith cited by the leaders. “We look forward to continuing the dialog and building supportive networks that strengthen relevant ministries with women and girls.”

American Baptist Women’s Ministries is a Christ-centered ministry with a commitment to encourage and empower women and girls to serve God. For more information about AB Women’s Ministries, visit www.abwministries.org.

American Baptist Churches is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with over 5,200 local congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.