Thai Presbyterians gather

Asian assemblies are fostering community

by Shani E. McIlwain | Presbyterian News Service

Earlier this month, First Thai-Laotian Presbyterian Church in Las Vegas, Nevada, hosted the Thai Presbyterian Assembly. (Contributed photo)

The Thai Presbyterian Assembly gathered earlier this month in Las Vegas, Nevada, for its 28th annual conference.

Delegates from seven churches in the United States met at the First Thai-Laotian Presbyterian Church and were hosted by the Rev. Dr. Prachuab Dechawan, the church’s founding pastor.

Dechawan has been instrumental in starting Asian new worshiping communities on the West Coast. Currently, Dechawan is leading his church in a financial campaign to purchase a much-needed new building in Las Vegas to serve as the church’s sanctuary and the center for training for Asian churches.

The Rev. Ralph Su, Associate for Asian Intercultural Congregational Support with Racial Equity & Women’s Intercultural Ministries, says that the 10 Asian assemblies across the denomination help to put resources in the hands of congregations.

As the associate for Asian congregational support, it is important for Su’s office to keep the churches informed and connected. One of the biggest challenges is the language barrier. While Su speaks four languages, he is not versed in some of the languages represented. Many faith communities have built an ecosystem that allows for their Sunday worship services to be held in both English and their native tongue.

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is home to 10 Asian assemblies. (Contributed photo)

Moderating the assembly was Ruling Elder Aimee Patimeteeporn, who also serves as the newly elected Moderator of the National Asian Presbyterian Council. The keynote speaker for the conference was the Rev. Dr. Boonratna Boayen, Moderator of the Church of Christ in Thailand, the PC(USA) partner in that country. Boayen said we must have the “courage of a lion,” to share our faith in Jesus Christ and build new churches in our world.

The Vietnamese Assembly will convene in Houston later this summer. This is an opportunity for fellowship and worship to connect with colleagues in ministry and further build and strengthen communities. That is especially important as immigrant communities of faith have felt the aftereffects of Covid. One-fourth of these congregations have not returned to in-person worship.

“Our presbyteries will welcome the immigrant communities and offer them the hospitality of Jesus,” Su said, “empowering them with our support so they can become vibrant Presbyterian churches.”