First North American Baptist Convention

The North American Baptist Association of the Ghana Baptist Convention
organized its 1st National Convention which occurred on May 25-27, 2007 at
Fordham University, Bronx, NY. The theme of the convention was: Building
Stones of Rememberance.

In his welcoming address, the Chairman of the NABA executive committee, Rt.
Rev. Samuel Nana Poku , who is also the Pastor in Charge of Abundant Life
Baptist Church, Bronx, NY said, "I welcome you to this maiden Convention of
the North American Baptist Association of the Ghana Baptist Convention on
behalf of the Executive Committee. ("AKWAABA"). You are welcome to New York
City, the Empire State of America, and the financial capital of the world.
If there is anything you don't get from here it means it does not exist."

Rt. Rev. Nana Poku also expressed his appreciation to all guests for
accepting the invitation and "honoring us with your presence here today".

The mission of the convention was to: unite Ghanaian Baptist churches in
North America, facilitate communication, network and form partnerships with
Ghana Baptist churches in order to promote evangelism, discipleship,
leadership development, planting churches and developing strategies for
cooperative social action.

He said the reason for theme was, "how do we as Ghanaians acclimate into the
American culture without losing our Biblical Cultural Values (our identity)
or Compromising our Faith in our Lord Jesus Christ"? Beloved, we lived in a
time of hopelessness. Every day comes with it challenges. Natural disasters
happening all around us almost every blessed day, Earthquakes, Tornadoes ,
Hurricanes, HIV/AIDS pandemic, the threat of avian flu which the first one
has been seen in Tema ,Ghana. The war in Iraq Afghanistan, Darffur and
Somalia and other parts of the world continue to bring death to hundreds of
people. The political instability and corruption of many governments brings"


He also stated the challenges such as: Getting their own Place of Worship,
Raising Leaders (Pastor s and Musicians), Planting at least one church in
every State, Strengthening the existing churches, Help in building a strong
bond of relationship between the local Baptist associations,
and Maintaining cohesiveness among our churches as well as Financial
assistance.

He concluded by encouraging members to live their lives in a manner that
demonstrates their love and belief in Jesus Christ. They must be law abiding
citizens and pay their taxes to refrain from any form of social vices and
immoral practices which will tarnish the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus
Christ. After his address, he declared the convention opened.

In his brief sermon, Rev. Dr. Johnny G. Mccann Sr., Senior Pastor of Saint
Luke Baptist Church, NY said on his previous visit to Ghana, he visited the
Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and saw the statue of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah
with his right hand pointing forward. He asked the tour guide what that
meant and he was told that it meant;Forward ever, backward never. He
encouraged attendees to always look forward for great opportunities in the
Lord and never look back.

NAMES OF THE MAIN SPEAKERS:
Rev. Dr John NY G. Mccann Sr. (Snr Pastor Saint Luke Baptist Church, NY)
Rev. Chris Mcnairy (North America Mission Board- NAMB)
Rev. Malobe Sampson (Associate Minister Thessalonia Baptist Church, NY)
Dr. Joseph Vetere (Founder & Director Of "7 Weeks Of Wellness"' Program, NY)


Special Invited Guests:
Terry Robertson (Executive Director / Treasurer BcNY.Sbc)
Rev Gary Frost ( Executive Director MNYba)
Rev. Charles Prempeh Mcwhales (Associate Minister Convent Avenue Baptist
Church, NY).
Rev. Richard Hannah (President, African American Fellowship Of NY)
Rev. Edward Tinslet (1st President African American Fellowship, NY)
Rev. Agyei Darko (Chairman, Ghanaian Ministers Fellowship NY)
Rev. Benjamin Boakye (Assemblies Of God Church, Bronx, NY)
Rev . Siaw ( Head Of Christ Apostolic Church, USA & Canada)
Nana Anane Amponsah (Asantefuo Hene Of New York)
North American Baptist Association Of The Ghana Baptist Convention Executive
Committee Mem bers:

Rev. Samuel Nana Opoku = Chairman
Rev. Dr. Robert Owusu = Vice Chairman
Deacon Frank Boamah = Treasurer
Deacon John Bio Asante = Ass. Treasurer
Deacon Kwaku Owusu Banahene = Secretary
Rev. Daniel Addai Smith = Member
Rev. J.W. Boakye Donkor = Member
Rev. Joseph Atta Fynn = Member
Mr. Clement Darkwa = Member
Rev. Vincent Asamoah = Member

Public Relations Officer For The Program - Nana Asamoa Boateng

The National Baptist Association of the Ghana Baptist Convention Executive
Committee Members would like to thank all who supported in diverse ways and
made the convention a success.