Good News!

Today we received this news release from a friend. Interesting to say the least, since we have good Bap friends there. They have told me that they are hoping this paves the way for Bap work there. We shall see...... (I've done some editing)

This news release came from the official government V News Agency (Viet Tan Xa). If this conference proceeds as anticipated, it will allow Bap Churches to open an official seminary and print religious materials.

Bap Church to hold first General Conference
January 2, 2008
From the Capital- The Grace-Southern Bap Church will hold its first General Conference from January 10-12 in HCMC with an expected 400 guests, including those from abroad.

The V Bap Protestant Church was licensed for operation in December, 2006.

At the upcoming meeting, the church is expected to elect an executive council and pass a charter, rules and disciplines as part of its roadmap towards the Government’s recognition of its status as a religious organisation.

The Bap Protestant denomination was first introduced into Viet Nam in 1959, under the influence of the SBC of the US, according to the Government Religious Affairs Committee.

The first Bap church was founded in 1962 and concentrated its religious mission only in major cities. In 1975, the Bap Church set up 16 chapters with some 10,000 followers.

Later on, more Bap organizations have been founded. The existing 11 different Bap groups share the same belief theory and history which came from the SBC.--Enditem