1987-Present
Adoniram Judson Memorial Baptist Church of Los Angeles
Covina, California CA
Rev. Samuel Saw was the founding pastor of the Adoniram Judson Memorial Baptist Church in suburban Los Angeles. He recalls that in October 1987 about 10 families from Burma were meeting at the Temple Baptist Church where worship was conducted in Burmese by Rev. Dr. James E. Conklin, pastor of the Temple Baptist congregation. Previously Conklin had served as a missionary in the Karen rural areas of Thailand where he had learned the languages and established relationships.
Among those earliest worshippers was a Kachin lady, Daw Nang Mai and her 5 children with their families; a Mon lady, Daw May Chit Thwin with her 4 children and their families; and a Karen lady Daw Haven Bate and her family. Daw Nang Mai led Bible study, Auntie Daw May Chit Thwin was responsible for recruiting members, and Auntie Haven was the treasurer. Because of these three ladies who worked tirelessly by giving all their time, more Burmese Christian families started to gather from all over the San Gabriel Valley. Little by little, the communal spirit started to grow and members became closer to one another. In 1987, these three matriarchs, Daw Nang Mai, Auntie Daw May Chit Thwin, and Auntie Haven were able to make Adoniram Judson Memorial Baptist Church a legally recognized faith-based organization.
Although most church members resided in the Alhambra and Covina areas, they faithfully participated and served in the Temple Baptist Church, which was located in Los Angeles. Through connections of members, more Burmese Christian families partook in church and the number of members slowly increased. To raise funds for the church, in 1996, nationally known Burmese guitarists and singers, New Yin Win, Sai Htee Sine, April Chit Khin, and Po Dali Thein Tan were invited to perform. Also in 2001, a fashion show, designed by June Din took place. In 2002, AJMBC relocated for a short time to First Southern Baptist Church in Covina.
By the grace of God, in 2002, AJBC was able to buy a building and move to our current location. The church dedication service took place in 2003. In 2008, the building was expanded with extra room through the sacrificial support of members.
AJMBC, in association with American Baptist Churches USA (ABC USA), Alliance of Asian American Baptist Churches, Burmese Christian Association of North America (BCANA), along with International Myanmar Baptist Fellowship (IMBF), carried out the Great Commission.[1] They continue to be involved in national as well as international ministries. The founding pastor, Rev. Samuel Saw, served the congregation 1987 to 2003 and his son, Rev. William Saw, is the current pastor guiding the congregation of some 120 members.[2]
+++++++++++++++
[1] “30 Year Long Journey of AJMBC,” Adoniram Judson Memorial Baptist Church, 1987-2017. 30th Anniversary Celebration, October 21-22, 2017, np.
[2] Email from Dr. Angelene Naw to the compiler, June 23, 2023.