This year – 2026 – marks the 80th anniversary of the arrival of the first Australian Baptist intercultural workers in Assam, India.
I am writing this update as I head back from a very encouraging visit to Assam, where it was my privilege, alongside Rema, our Asia Mission Mobiliser, to connect with leaders from the Boro, Rahba, Achik (Garo) and Uraon Baptist associations. Together the four groups make up the Lower Assam Baptist Fellowship (LABF).
Over the past week it has been a joy to see many expressions of our faithful legacy, built over many years, as well as come alongside passionate, gifted local leaders and hear about their hopes and dreams for future ministry. I have experienced wonderful hospitality, shared in deep and rich conversations, prayed, wept, laughed and listened to and learned from some experienced, gifted local voices.
A deep gratitude for the ministry of Australian Baptists – past and present – is evident across the LABF churches and leaders. They are so thankful to God for the role Baptist Mission Australia and generous and prayerful Australian Baptist churches and people have played in their faith stories. There is a strong desire for the strengthening of our existing relationships as together we consider new, exciting mission opportunities in each of the four associations and the LABF run Shalom Institute.
While sharing a meal with some of the Achik leaders, they did a video call with one of the long-serving alumni who served there more than 50 years ago. It was a touching moment. There was a strong reminder of the past and faithful ministry that has left an indelible mark. Sitting with us were two young emerging Achik leaders who shared about their aspirations for the future. Past, present and future all together around the table – with the powerful reminder that the God who came before our former workers is with us today and opening new doors for ministry in a changing Assam.
The Assam Baptists no longer need Australians on the ground sharing the good news of Jesus. They are the people best suited to embrace new, holistic mission opportunities in their own changing communities and across borders, alongside near neighbours, from other religious traditions.
I was very encouraged that each of the four LABF groupings sense the Spirit leading them in new ways, including their desire to grow in contextual mission approaches. I am thankful for the great work that Rema has done in leading several contextual mission training gatherings for Assam leaders. We are already seeing some of the fruit from this training.
Curiosity, new missional imagination and courage has been sparked among some key leaders and enthusiastic emerging leaders across the four groups. They are talking about how they can walk alongside people that they have not ministered among traditionally – people from different ethic groupings and religious backgrounds, people in neighbouring countries and in impoverished communities in need of transformative holistic mission responses.
The LABF associations are all, in their own unique way, expressing the four key causes of Baptist Mission Australia. As well as becoming more effective in sharing the hope of Jesus in culturally and religiously diverse communities, they are keen to expand community transforming initiatives alongside people experiencing poverty. They also share a passion to see more leaders and emerging leaders trained. They know and celebrate the importance of partnership.
The population of Assam is 36.8 million people – more than our total national population. It’s estimated that only about 5 to 7% of the state are Christians. Yes, there are big challenges, but it was encouraging to hear LABF leaders humbly and faithfully focusing on opportunities before them.
The LABF members see the need for a renewed mission focus in their own regions and beyond, and will welcome all that Baptist Mission Australia can do, standing alongside them, building capacity, equipping, encouraging, praying and resourcing some specific initiatives.
I will be back in touch soon with churches and donors from across our movement who have previously supported work in India, so you can be made aware of some specific needs/opportunities. We’re also looking to identify some specific short-term ministry opportunities for relevant, interested people.
I head home from this visit thankful and excited. It’s always good to breathe in some of our wonderful, historical faith story. But even more, it’s better to see how passionate local leaders are seizing the moment in their local communities.
Our Assam sisters and brothers are a great example of what God’s Spirit is doing across the Global South church. And our privilege, our opportunity, as Australian Baptists – in a new season of partnership – to cheer them on – to help them as they see to multiply disciples and transform local communities facing complex needs. And to listen and learn from them as sisters and brothers where God is on the move!
