NAMB hosts evangelical dinner for ambassadors

WASHINGTON — A Christmas message on the transforming love of God is not particularly unusual, but the audience of ambassadors and deputy ambassadors from around the world made a dinner in Washington Dec. 17 particularly special.

“An Evening of Friendship and Celebration” was sponsored by Christian Ministries to the Nations and was hosted by Segbe Cyrille Oguin, ambassador from the African nation of Benin.

Christian Ministries to the Nations is the ministry arm of the North American Mission Board (NAMB) to the diplomatic community in Washington. It is headed by NAMB missionary Cecil Mahendranath, himself a former diplomat from Guyana.

Attending the dinner were about 63 ambassadors, deputy ambassadors and their wives, including at least five Muslim ambassadors, a Chinese diplomat and his wife, and many other non-Christians.

Mahendranath said NAMB sponsors events such as this about every three years both to raise the profile of his year-round ministry and to communicate the gospel directly to world leaders in a public setting.

“Diplomats are really accustomed to events like this,” he said, noting that it is often easier to gain access to diplomats through social gatherings than through making a direct appointment because of the nature of their work.

“They may never have an opportunity to go to church,” he said. “But they will come to an event like this — and they heard the gospel from beginning to end.”

Mahendranath visits embassies and international agencies throughout the city, sharing Christ with unbelievers and providing discipleship and encouragement to Christians through regular Bible studies and other efforts.

The Christmas program — which featured recording artist Babbie Mason — also included several Christian diplomats who have been a part of Mahendranath’s ministry. Ambassador Oguin served as master of ceremonies, while ambassadors from Lesotho, Zambia and St. Kitts read familiar passages of Scripture describing prophecies of Christ and His birth.

The featured speaker for the evening was noted Southern Baptist author Henry Blackaby.