United Methodist mission partners in the Philippines gathered for roundtable discussions in Manila. The meeting provided a space for partners to share their context and strategic priorities, engage in continuing study on decolonizing mission, and focus on ways that General Board of Global Ministries and General Board of Higher Education and Ministry can mutually support the region.
The Philippines Central Conference (PCC) episcopal areas, agencies and institutions shared priorities for the quadrennium. A new strategic program was started by episcopal areas among 28 annual conferences. Some of these innovative ministries focus on resource development, leadership development for clergy and laity, and Wesleyan discipleship programs and resources. Health care access, ministry with indigenous people, congregational vitality and community engagement are priorities for the church, which has also taken steps toward salary and benefit standardization for church workers. Philippine outreach and mission growth in the Middle East was also lifted up in celebration.
Historic institutions continue to update and innovate
The Philippines Central Conference (PCC) agencies and two church-related institutions presented unique ministries of leadership development among women and youth, such as justice ministries and community development. There is deep engagement among communities of youth and women to serve children living with HIV and create opportunities in low-income communities, both urban and rural.
Mary Johnston Hospital, the only UMC hospital in the country, presented innovative programs and ministries such as a community-based midwives program and the Red Flame Initiative (a blood network ministry). The hospital is powered by solar panels which create savings from the lower electric bill to be channeled to fund its HIV and AIDS program.
Educational institutions presented highlights from their current programs. They identified challenges that might benefit from Global Ministries and Higher Education and Ministry support in the areas such as scholarships, community extension programs, facility improvement, faculty development and other programs to strengthen ministerial formation and specialized trainings.
The disaster management offices (DMOs) and the Manila Episcopal Area Anti-Human Trafficking Program and Migrant Ministry outlined current programs to resource partners in the areas of disaster management, human trafficking and migration.
Mutual understanding for stronger long-term partnerships
In both his opening and closing remarks, Roland Fernandes, general secretary for Global Ministries and Higher Education and Ministry, affirmed a commitment to walk and work with partners in the Philippines. “The roundtable continues the process of partner engagement and recognizes the importance for Global Ministries and GBHEM of the Philippines UMC, its organizations and ecumenical partners in the Philippines.” He further expressed that this roundtable arises out of the conviction that mutual understanding of each other leads to stronger long-term partnerships.
Echoing his words to the spring Board of Directors meeting of the two agencies, Fernandes reminded the partners of their collective moral imperative “to stand firm on the side of the gospel message, which calls us to welcome the stranger, feed the hungry and tend to the sick.”
Your Generosity Supports Educational Efforts
By supporting the World Service Fund apportionment, you help agencies like General Board of Higher Education and Ministry provide scholarships for students in colleges and universities including seminaries. Please encourage your leaders and congregations to support the World Service Fund Apportionment at 100 percent.
excerpt from a story by Darlene Marquez-Caramanzana, Asia Pacific area liaison with Global Ministries in the Philippines.
This story shows the impact of the World Service Fund—one of seven apportionment funds of The United Methodist Church—to connect our hearts and resources in mission around the world. Through this fund, the Church supports global ministries, discipleship, evangelism, education, and social justice work that transform lives and communities. Together, we share the love of Christ across boundaries and bring hope where it’s needed most.
When your church contributes faithfully to the World Service Fund, you help the whole Church live out God’s mission in every place.
