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Asia Baptist Network Leadership Conference
ABN Leadership Conference Brings 38 Churches Together in Yokohama
By Craig Webb
The annual Asia Baptist Network Leadership Conference recently concluded at Yokohama International Baptist Church (YIBC) in Japan. This year's gathering represented a milestone for the network, which comprises 12 churches and missions across Japan, Thailand, The Philippines, and South Korea.
Under the guidance of host pastor Ben Howard and the YIBC staff, the conference featured several innovations, most notably live translation for all main sessions. This allowed the many Japanese language speakers from area churches to participate fully in the conference.
Taylor Hartley of 9Marks ministries, based in Washington, DC, served as the conference's primary speaker (see page 6). His presentations complemented multiple breakout sessions, including a newly introduced women's track that expanded the conference's educational offerings (see page 7).
Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention leaders played significant roles in the event's conclusion. HPBC Executive Director Craig Webb delivered the closing message on Tuesday afternoon, while HPBC President and Kona Baptist Senior Pastor Brian Frable brought the conference to its conclusion with Wednesday afternoon's final address.
The conference maintained its tradition of welcoming not only members of the Asia Baptist Network churches but also extended invitations to pastors and leaders from other regional churches, as well as missionaries serving throughout Asia. This year's event was particularly successful in its reach, with 147 leaders participating from 38 churches.
Ben Howard, YIBC lead pastor, said, “This conference was only possible because of the partnership between the churches of the Asia Baptist Network, the support of Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention, and the sacrificial service of the members of Yokohama International Baptist Church. It was a joy for us to host, and an encouragement to see the results of our efforts in the ministries of local churches both here in Japan and throughout the Asia Pacific region.”
