VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 7/8/15)—A delegation of Siyin Chin pastors and American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) Executive Director Dr. Aidsand F. Wright-Riggins III met at American Baptist Churches USA’s Mission Center here Monday to discuss mutual ministry ideas and concerns. While at the Mission Center, the group also met with ABCUSA General Secretary A. Roy Medley.

The visiting group included the Rev. James Nang Khai, general secretary of Siyin Region Baptist Association (SRBA), and the Rev. Daniel Cin Za Dal, vice president of the Chin Baptist Convention, who are visiting the United States to witness Siyin Chin and American Baptists in home mission. They were accompanied by the Rev. Dr. Thuam Khai, an American Baptist-endorsed military chaplain and pastor of Siyin Chin Baptist Church (SCBC), Laurel, Md., as well as the Rev. Dr. Vungh Lian, visiting pastor to SCBC.

Comprised of 27 churches and served by 52 licensed and ordained ministers, SRBA, the Rev. James Nang Khai said, envisions each church supporting a missionary focused on evangelism among Buddhists and Muslims.

Sharing his enthusiasm for discipleship and mission, Dal stressed the importance of his U.S. visit, particularly the opportunity to learn of ABHMS’ ministries.

“Since 1832, ABHMS has sought to preach the Gospel, establish new churches and minister to persons in need,” said Wright-Riggins. “Whether through establishment of colleges and schools or via support and advocacy for immigrants and refugees, ABHMS has led the way for American Baptists to be a people focused on the Great Commission who seek to minister in our nation.”

All agreed regarding the importance of training for both clergy and lay leaders—most importantly, youth. The group discussed various opportunities for future partnership among Siyin Chin American Baptist leaders, ABHMS and ABC.

ABHMS—the domestic mission arm of American Baptist Churches USA—ministers as the caring heart and serving hands of Jesus Christ across the United States and Puerto Rico through a multitude of initiatives that focus on discipleship, community and justice.

American Baptist Churches USA 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.