Judson bicentennial celebrated in Burma

05 December 2013: Christians, mostly Baptists, in Burma are celebrating the bicentennial of the arrival of American Baptist missionaries Adoniram Judson and his wife in the country.

The event organized on a grand scale in its compound on 5-8 December by the Myanmar Baptist Convention (MBC) marks the 200th anniversary of the mission legacy of the Judsons, who arrived in Rangoon on 13 July 1813.

The MBC said that as a result of the faithful service and selfless sacrifices of the Judsons and our ancestors, there have arisen many Baptist churches in our country now.

According to MBC’s website, it has now got 18 conventions and 2 directly-affiliated churches, and there are 4,722 Baptist churches and more than one million Baptists in Burma today.

In his message, Rev. Dr. Zaw Win, MBC President, said that the whole year of 2013 is a time to give special thanks to God, adding: “The 200th anniversary will be celebrated not only by MBC but also by its respective conventions. Regional associations and basic churches are also urged to observe this jubilee.”

Dozens of Chin Christian leaders and representatives from across the country and abroad are also participating in the historic celebration being held in Burma’s former capital.

Meanwhile, a group of Baptist members from Kachin State were attacked with stones near Pyawbwe station in central Burma yesterday while travelling on a train to attend the Rangoon event.

Hkaw Nam, a lady from the N’Jang Dung Kachin Baptist Church in Kachin state capital Myitkyina, was injured in the head, according to the Kachin News Group.

Roy Medley, General Secretary of the American Baptist Churches, is scheduled on the first night to lead the worship service in paying tributes to the Judsons and other missionaries.#