Participants of 2025 annual meeting of MMF. Photo: Hellen Bok (MMF/NIC assistant coordinator)
A forum to strengthen Lutheran identity and strengthen collaboration of Mekong churches and mission partners
(LWI) - The Mekong Mission Forum (MMF), which recently marked its 25th anniversary, stands as a powerful testimony to the way that churches can flourish when they journey together in trust, faith, and shared responsibility. Over the past quarter century, the Forum has helped build strong networks, deepen a shared Lutheran identity, and shape leadership for the life and mission of the churches across Asia’s Mekong region.
The MMF brings together Lutheran and other Christian churches, alongside educational and diaconal organizations, from across Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. Initiated by the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) Asia Desk in 2000, the MMF was formed to foster closer collaboration among churches and mission partners and now accompanies Mekong churches in holistic mission through leadership scholarships and training in theology, peacebuilding, and conflict resolution.
Congratulating the MMF on its anniversary, Rev. Dr Rospita Siahaan, LWF Regional Secretary for Asia, said, “For 25 years, the Mekong Mission Forum has united minority and emerging Lutheran churches in witness and service through strengthening Lutheran identity, enhancing theological and leadership formation, and deepening partnerships across the Mekong region. We give thanks for the faithful commitment and mutual sharing between local and mission partners in this continuing journey of faith and service.”
A strong network
At a recent meeting of the Forum, Ms Charis Lee was elected as the first woman moderator for a 3-year term, saying that: "As a representative for the Norwegian Mission Society in the Chinese-speaking region and a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Hong Kong, I am honored to be elected as the moderator for the Mekong Mission Forum, and continue working with like-minded Lutheran churches and organizations to embrace new opportunities in sharing the gospel and God’s love in the region."
The 25 years of MMF have been a journey of joy and hope.
Leon Chau, Outgoing Moderator of the Mekong Mission Forum
Reflecting on the MMF journey so far, the outgoing moderator, Mr. Leon Chau from the Chinese Rhenish Church Hong Kong Synod, described the past 25 years as both challenging and deeply meaningful. “The 25 years of MMF have been a journey of joy and hope,” he said. “Along the way, we have seen both possibilities and challenges, yet we continue to walk, share, and pray together, witnessing real progress.”
He pointed to the tangible fruits of this shared journey. “Friendships have deepened, churches have been planted and grown, and leadership training has strengthened pastors and lay leaders,” Chau said.
He emphasized that MMF’s work is rooted in holistic mission, diakonia and koinonia, strengthening theological and leadership formation grounded in Lutheran identity. Annual theological consultations offer a key space for shared learning on contextual theology and pastoral challenges, while also fostering a regionally rooted, mutually supportive network of churches, he added.
Stories of hope
Chau also highlighted the impact and far-reaching potential of this work. In Cambodia, mission-supported livelihoods projects, such as mushroom farming and chicken rearing, have helped church members and local communities to achieve more stable incomes. In Myanmar, a long journey of reconciliation led divided Lutheran churches to unite and form the Federation of Lutheran Churches in Myanmar, strengthening shared identity and leadership through collaborative ministry. Meanwhile, the Lutheran Church in Cambodia has now become a full LWF member.
Participants of MMF 2025 in a group discussion. Photo: Hellen Bok (MMF/NIC assistant coordinator)
Leon Chau, MMF Moderator opens the 2025 annual meeting. Photo: Hellen Bok (MMF/NIC assistant coordinator)
Installation of First Woman Bishop, Rev. Sreyleak Touch, of the Lutheran Church in Cambodia. Photo: Leon Chau)
The support offered by churches in Myanmar to people affected by internal military conflict and resulting poverty stands as a strong public witness to wider society. This ministry is being coordinated by the Federation of Lutheran Churches in Myanmar, with mission partners, responding at different levels to their appeals.
In recent years, MMF has also shown sensitivity to regional political tensions, including the border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia. As a result, the venue for the 2025 MMF meeting was swiftly relocated from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City to avoid potential difficulties for participants from either country and to ensure inclusivity and care for all.
