by G. Larque Vaye

On Friday, Oct. 7, the All-Africa IPFBM Conference ended in Accra, Ghana, as delegates committed themselves to church planting and Muslim evangelism.

The conference brought together association leaders, pastors, missionaries, and church leaders from Ghana, India, Kenya, Liberia, Rwanda, Tanzania, Togo, and the United States. At the historic Christianborg Baptist Church, Osu Lokko Road, Accra, Ghana, attendees listened as speakers shared their insight on “Equipping for the Work.” Rev. James Togba, pastor of Maranatha Baptist Church, Caldwell, and coordinator of the African Fundamental Baptist Mission, and I represented Liberia.

Welcoming the delegates, Chris Hindal, director of GARBC International Ministries and chairman of the council of eight, said, “Personally meeting one another and learning one another’s ministries and goals create the initial dialogue that will lead to global projects.” He asked the delegates to pray for God’s direction during the conference. “Surely it is the will of God that His name be exalted and proclaimed in areas of the world where the witness is silent or weak,” he said. He further thanked the delegates for investing their time and resources in the initial efforts to move the partnership from mere networking to an active partnership of Bible-believing Baptist ministries.

The four-day conference was packed with activities. Delegates awoke as early as 5:30 a.m. for devotions, followed by breakfast at 6:30. At 8:00 everyone gathered for the morning service to hear reports, praises, and a message. Two hours later attendees took a break to enjoy snacks and then returned to the service to hear another message and more reports. Following lunch at noon, the afternoon hours were devoted to workshops, where guests planned strategies for church planting and evangelism to Muslims.

During the closing service, certificates were presented to speakers. Making special remarks at the program was an elderly Ghanaian pastor and current speaker of the Ghanaian parliament. He called on all fundamental Baptist churches to stand up for the fundamental faith. It is regrettable, he said, that some in fundamental Baptist churches are opting for the change of Baptist doctrine in favor of the growing wave of charismaticism that is sweeping across Christendom with great impact on the African church.

In his closing remarks, Chris Hindal thanked the participants for attending this year’s regional conference.

G. Larque Vaye is pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, Monrovia, Liberia.