AIZAWL, INDIA (ABNS 2/16/24)—On Wednesday, February 14, a significant event took place as a delegation of the Burma Advocacy Group, led by the Rev. Dr. A. Roy Medley, General Secretary Emeritus of American Baptist Churches USA, held a crucial meeting with Chief Minister Pu Lalduhoma, of the state of Mizoram, at his office in Aizawl, India.

The Burma Advocacy Group (BAG), a subcommittee/working group under the American Baptist Churches USA Burma Refugee Commission, expressed gratitude for the warm reception and support provided to Burma refugees in Mizoram. This is especially important given that Mizoram, bordering Myanmar/Burma, is currently home to over 40,000 refugees from Myanmar/Burma across various parts of the state.

During the meeting, Chief Minister Pu Lalduhoma discussed his recent meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi. He conveyed optimism regarding the central government’s willingness to enhance the conditions of Burma refugees and readiness to support the Mizoram government when needed. View a news release from the Government of Mizoram about the visit here.

The Burma Advocacy Group, comprising various organizations such as the American Baptist Churches USA, Chin Baptist Church groups, Karen Baptist Church groups, Kachin Baptist Church groups, Baptist Union of Norway, and their partner churches worldwide, is being hosted in Mizoram by the Baptist Church of Mizoram and Lairam Jesus Christ Baptist Church. Their guidance during this trip in Mizoram is provided by Joseph Lalhimpuia, an ordained Baptist Elder and former Member of the Mizoram Legislative Assembly.

American Baptist Churches USA is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with approximately 5,000 congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.