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.