The history of Baptist Mission Australia dates back well over a century

In 1864, prior to our nation’s federation, individual Baptists began their faithful work in the Australian colonies.

Today, thanks to those who went before us, our ministry extends to Africa, Asia and the Pacific. 15 nations in total.

On 28 October 1882, Ellen Arnold and Marie Gilbert set sail from Adelaide for India. Today they are remembered as Australia’s very first Baptist missionaries.

These early pioneers paved the way for Baptist Missionary Societies in other Australian colonies to send missionaries of their own in the years that followed. The picture above is five women, who were sent out together to Bengal. The Australian Baptist Foreign Mission (ABFM) was formed in 1912.

Up until WWII, the work of ABFM focused on the region of Bengal. But after the horror and devastation of not one, but two world wars, Australian Baptists felt challenged to extend the reach of their overseas missions to other countries in the region. And to Papua New Guinea in particular. Work with Australia’s First Peoples also began.

Today, thanks to those who went before us, our ministry extends to Africa, Asia and The Pacific. 15 Nations in total. Around 1,800 active faith communities are operating with a formal membership. That’s more than 150,000 believers… not to mention the wide range of medical, health and development initiatives that are now led by these national churches. What an incredible legacy. We give thanks for the steadfast obedience of His early followers. Great is His faithfulness!

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies

never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is

your faithfulness. (Lam 3:22-23)

God bless

Pastor Stephen