Young adults lead songs in English and Asian languages for worship times. Joanne Wang from Evergreen Baptist Association leads vocals in front, joined by (left to right) Sun Kim from Japanese Baptist Church, Seattle; Jae Chung from New Jersey; Woun Kim from American Baptist Seminary of the West, Berkeley, Calif.; and Marie Onwubuariri, pastor of MacArthur Community Baptist Church, San Pablo, Calif.

"How Then Shall We Live?" and "How Then Shall We Serve?" were twin themes respectively of two Asian Ministries events held back-to-back in Seattle, Wash., in August. A retreat hosted by Asian Ministries for emerging leaders took the lead, followed by the first Asian American Baptist Convention sponsored by the Asian Caucus.

"This is the beginning, with God challenging us to move to another level of ministry," said the Rev. Florence Li, National Ministries' Asian churches strategist and national coordinator for Intercultural Ministries, who guided planning for the two events. "It's especially important that people connect with each other through supportive presence and prayer, knowing they are not alone."

Team-mindedness gave the gathering its meaning from the perspective of Rev. Herb Tsuchiya, president of the Asian Caucus and a second generation Japanese American. "A sports team requires a ‘huddle,' so that the coaches can coach team players on the winning strategy. So it is for our Asian pastors, seminarians, young adults and lay leaders. We need to gather together so we get to know the game plan for winning," he said.

Some participants were profoundly encouraged by the sense of connectedness, as was Pastor Hojin Yu from First Korean Baptist Church in Merchantville, N.J. A new church planter for Asian Ministries, the convention was an eye opener for Yu, who said, "Prior to attending the Seattle conference I was unaware of the size of the Asian ministry in the United States. ... Different grants and programs gave me the feeling that I am part of a greater organization that really cares about bringing people to the Lord."

Vannapha Depriest, a Laotian layleader from Wichita, Kan., confirmed that sense of supportive presence when she said, "I sensed a deeper perspective of God's hand on his people. The whole conference brought up a challenge to seek 'living in obedience,'to love God's people, to pursue godly life, to maintain our faith (in good times and bad times), and continue to preach Christ to others."

Pastor Marie Onwubuariri and Ieda Reyes (front row, 2nd and 3rd from left) wear Filipino clothing, while Karmen Sounakhen (second row, far left) dons her native Laotian dress for the Multi-Cultural Celebration.

During their time in Seattle, conferees had an opportunity to hear from leaders of American Baptist Churches USA about key ministry areas for the denomination. The presence of General Secretary Dr. A. Roy Medley, Executive Director Dr. Aidsand F. Wright-Riggins III, from National Ministries, and Acting Executive Director Dr. Charles Jones, from International Ministries, bore witness to Asian Ministries' valued place in an even larger team context. And a panel discussion with these leaders provided a chance for answering questions about identity, church growth and mission opportunities.

Strategic direction for missional ministry among Asian American churches was a central rallying point. "People are understanding that ministry among Asian Americans must be very creative," said Li. "Workshops provided brainstorming time and gave evidence to how we can shape a strategy that moves mission forward and keeps Asian American churches and constituencies together as one big family."

In another show of collaboration, the Evergreen Association and local Black Caucus hosted a picnic lunch for the conferees. As a time of fellowship, it helped to strengthen relationships among groups. The Rev. Kenneth Kho, who is Filipino, serves as the Asian Caucus regional advocate for Southern California and is pastor of Atwater Park Baptist Church, a small 83 year-old church in Los Angeles with multicultural membership. He said, "The most pleasant experience for me was the hospitality of the local [American Baptist Churches USA] people. They not only made us feel welcomed, but actually lived out the hospitality that reflected much of Asian heritage and cultures."

Asian Ministries is a mission program of National Ministries, American Baptist Churches USA. At present, there are more than 130 Asian American Baptist churches, congregations and fellowship groups within ABCUSA.

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