The Congress started off in a grand manner with the Vice Governor of the Province of Yogya-karta who represented the Governor of Yogjakar-ta and his government. A display of Indonesian cultural performance by Baptist Indonesians followed by a parade of conventions welcomed the 9th APBF Congress delegates. The Congress was blessed by the presence and preaching of BWA President Dr. Paul Msiza.
For the first time in the history of the APBF a Baptist leader from Mongolia, Rev. Oggi attend-ed the meeting. The Congress was also blessed by the attendance of 100 delegates from Indone-sian Papua (Fellowship of Papua Baptist Church-es), led by their leader Rev. Titus Yikwa. They enthralled the Congress with their testimonies played out in drama and dance and lively sing-ing. Their joy and pride in belonging to the larger family of Baptist believers both in the APBF and BWA represented by the BWA Presi-dent was visible and moving.
The General Council business meeting was also well attended by 90 delegates representing 40 member conventions. The highlights of the General Council was as follows:
1. Received into membership two new members - Vanuatu Baptist Convention and Grace Bap-tist Churches of Indonesia.
2. Constitutional Amendment presented and approved.
3. Election of new team of leaders led by the new President of the APBF Rev. Edwin Lam.
4. Election of the new General Secretary: Rev. Dr. Vesekhoyi Tetseo (Vee).
5. Received and accepted the invitation from the Korean Baptist Convention to host the 10th APBF Congress in 2022.
Delegates greatest takeaway from the congress
- “The need for continued interaction across the cultures for the gospel”
- “Opportunity to meet and interact with Baptist believers from across the Asia Pacific region, and see the strength of their faith”
- “Fellowship, capacity building and learning from one another is extremely helpful in build-ing God's Kingdom”
- “APBF is EVANGELICAL. The gospel is being given its prominent place and pronouncement”
- “Sharing of practical ministry and community development project that is impacting lives”
- “Networks, potential for future collaboration among theological educa-tors”
- “Seeing many Christians from many cultures. A taste of heaven”
- “Enthusiasm of delegates to spread the Word”
- “Mission for God, re-dedi-cation in His ministry”
- “Mission and evangelism through caring and loving
