ORLANDO (BP) – Since the military coup in Myanmar in 1962, the people of Myanmar have endured decades of turmoil, hardship and upheaval. Yet, through faith, perseverance, and community, the Myanmar Baptist community in the United States continues to stand strong.
The annual Myanmar Baptist Fellowship gathering took place June 8 at the Rosen Centre Hotel near the Orange County Convention Center.
“This event was a powerful testament to the enduring faith and unity of Myanmar believers in the United States,” Fellowship President Thuam Cin Khai told his listeners, emphasizing the significance of the gathering.
“This is the fifth annual meeting since 2022 at Anaheim, Calif.,” Khai continued. “Today we’re highlighting ongoing collaborations with the International Mission Board and churches across the nation. Our work is rooted in faith, community building, and hope for our churches, families, and future.”
“The Myanmar Baptist community in the U.S. has experienced remarkable growth over the past several years,” Executive Director Hre Mang told his listeners. “What began with approximately 40 to 50 people gathering annually – primarily in Florida – has expanded into a nationwide network of regional divisions, including California, the Southeast, North, and West regions. These regional gatherings foster local engagement and strengthen bonds among Myanmar believers nationwide.”
The annual fellowship meetings usually coincide with the SBC Annual Meeting. “They serve as vital moments for worship, fellowship and strategic planning,” Mang said.
The central focus of this year’s gathering was fellowship and the election of a new leadership team. The fellowship hosts an annual leadership retreat designed to nurture spiritual growth, leadership development, strategic vision sharing and engagement with SBC entities, Mang said. Both during annual meetings and leadership retreats, MBCUSA engages with SBC entity leaders, ministers and experts, strengthening partnerships and collaboration.
“Engaging our youth is a top priority,” Mang said. “While some are actively involved, especially those from Indiana and Dallas, there’s still much work to empower the next generation. We currently have about 100 Myanmar seminary students studying in the U.S., at Southern Baptists’ six theological seminaries, and we’re committed to increasing their involvement with local churches and SBC entities, especially IMB and NAMB. Developing strong leadership and spiritual maturity among young believers is vital for the future of Myanmar’s church community.”
A highlight of the fellowship was the recognition of the first Myanmar American family – members of the Falam Christian Church of Indianapolis – recently commissioned to serve with the IMB. Celebrated as pioneering Burmese American missionaries, their dedication exemplifies Myanmar believers’ long-standing commitment to spreading the Gospel and supporting their community overseas, Mang said.
At least 150 Myanmar churches have established relationships with the Southern Baptist Convention, reflecting a desire for strengthened ties and shared mission, Khai said. “The fellowship actively seeks to connect these churches with SBC networks, fostering unity and common purpose.”
Mang clarified that the focus is not on fundraising but on mutual support, partnership, and sustaining Myanmar Baptist churches within the SBC framework. “Our intention is not only to develop our organization’s leadership, but also to make our pastors and leaders familiar with the SBC entities and leaders. By working together we can achieve more.”
“But only a small number of churches, fewer than 50, contribute to missions through the Cooperative Program and turn in their Annual Church Profile,” Mang said. “We need to do more. We are working to help member churches engage with the SBC and MBCUSA. The fellowship encourages partnership and ministry involvement through the IMB, emphasizing that collaborative efforts can transform lives through faith.”
Guest speaker Eden Char, pastor of Lishu Christian Church in Fort Worth, Texas, drew lessons from Nehemiah’s leadership as described in Nehemiah 2. He highlighted vision, leadership, and delegation traits exemplified by Nehemiah in rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls.
Encouraging Myanmar Baptists, especially the youth, to adopt a Nehemiah-like vision, Eden called on the community to lead with faith, purpose, and resilience, nurturing a new generation of leaders committed to their faith and country. The keynote speaker also emphasized the need to stick to biblical doctrine in this time of compromising cultures, and also focus on obeying the Great Commission and mission work.
The Orlando gathering served as a powerful reminder of Myanmar believers’ unwavering faith and resilience, Mang said.
“Despite decades of hardship, we continue to come together, celebrate our faith, and work toward a brighter future,” the executive director said. “Our churches’ commitment to community, leadership, and spiritual growth shines through these annual meetings. Looking ahead, we remain hopeful that ongoing collaboration with organizations like the IMB and SBC will enable Myanmar churches to share the Gospel, strengthen their churches and live out their faith with courage and purpose.”
Elections followed. Thuam Cin Khai is to continue to serve as president of the Myanmar Baptist Churches USA (MBCUSA). He is pastor of Siyin Baptist Church and president of Judson Bible College, both in Laurel, Md.
Vice President (East region): Naw Bawk Kinraw is pastor of Life Community Church Myanmar in Jamestown, N.C. Vice President (West region): Silas Thiang is pastor of Agape Myanmar Mission Church in San Diego, Calif. Vice President (Mid-West region): ZoZum Kuihon is pastor of Indiana Disciple Church in Indianapolis, Ind. Vice President (Southeast region): Thomas Thein is pastor of First Myanmar Baptist Church in Columbia, S.C.
Recording Secretary: Kamlenthang Haokip is pastor of Bellevue Myanmar Baptist Church in Owensboro, Ky. Treasurer: James Amar is pastor of Elim Church International in Clarkston, Ga., and president and CEO of JMA Ministries.
Hre Mang, pastor of Falam Christian Church in Indianapolis, Ind., is to continue to serve as executive director.
The 2026 Myanmar Baptist Fellowship gathering in Orlando exemplified the strength, unity, and spiritual resilience of Myanmar Christians in the United States, Mang said. “It highlighted our ongoing efforts to engage the next generation, build partnerships, and develop leaders rooted in faith, grounded in testimonies of hope and perseverance amid the challenges faced in our homeland and among our diaspora.”
Lal San Ce is a writer in Indianapolis, Ind.
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