In the 1980's, superintendents, pastors and church leaders from different countries gathered for fellowship in the Asia Pacific Area Fellowship a few times. Gradually they asked what was the goal and aim for these meetings, because they were not satisfied to travel for long distances just to gather for fellowship. They all agreed that the great commission of Jesus should be the goal and aim for the Christian churches and fellowships. Therefore why didnt they join forces for carrying out the great commission of Jesus and reaching out to different people groups in different countries.

In the early 1990's in the Asia Pacific Area Fellowship held in Bombay (now Mumbai) the Bombay Declaration was signed to enhance partnership in the gospel among the member countries. In 1991 the Hong Kong FMC was the first one to sign an agreement with the Philippine FMC for a Filipino ministry in Hong Kong. The Philippine FMC would send missionaries and the Hong Kong FMC would support them financially. It has been working out well now for 13 years.

After the signing of the Bombay Declaration, two more meetings were held to discuss the formation of an association for missions work. In August 1994, the theme was Partners in the Gospel. The superintendents, pastors and leaders gathered together, and after much prayer and four days of discussion, the dream became reality. Those who were present all voted for the formation of the Asia Pacific Free Methodist Missions Association (APFMMA) on the afternoon of August 5, 1994, and adopted the proposed Charter.

Since 1994, new works have been launched in Hong Kong, Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, and most recently, Vietnam. Mission teams have been sent out to these countries. Now there are more than thirteen missionaries from five different countries that have been sent out to these countries.

We are excited to be partners with God and see His wonderful work, and also to be partners in the gospel. We have experienced what the Bible says, One who calls into existence the things that do not exist. (Rom 4:17).

We are excited to celebrate the 10^th Anniversary of APFMMA in different countries. The Executive Director Rev. Polly Ho will go to visit these countries to join the celebrations. The celebration schedule is :

• India Dec 30, 2003
• Taiwan Feb 22, 2004
• Cambodia Feb 29, 2004
• Japan Conference May 30, 2004
• Tokyo Early June 2004
• Hong Kong Early July 2004