In January, I traveled to the Philippines with Darren Sweeney, global director for HOPE61. During our time there, we met many people involved with One Mission Society (OMS) as well as local church leaders. We also attended a ministry conference focused on church multiplication. I was both impressed by their vision to plant a church in every town and village and humbled by their absolute reliance on God to make this a reality. I made many new and lasting friendships, and I look forward to returning, if the Lord wills it.
One of the goals of this trip was to build relationships with leaders in the Filipino church and in Every Community for Christ (ECC), a ministry of OMS led by Filipinos. In partnership with ECC, we were invited to attend the Juan Project conference, several ECC leadership gatherings, and a retreat. At each venue, we met one-on-one to share about each other’s ministries, what God has done and what he is doing now, and to pray for one another. These interactions deepened the relationships we were seeking to build. My impression of the Filipino people I was blessed to meet and spend time with is hard to describe, as their humility cannot be overstated and their hospitality was off the charts! The way I was impacted can be summed up in one word: joy!
Toward the end of our two-week visit, we presented HOPE61’s Engage training at a church in Tarloc City, and more than 40 people attended. What impressed me most was how focused and responsive people were, especially during the discussion times at the various tables. During the training, one of the pastors became very emotional and said he wished we had come sooner to present the material! As a result of this training, more than 10 people committed to take the Multiply training (the next level), so God was indeed moving hearts.
God blessed our desire beyond our expectations, finding ways for HOPE61 to be part of God’s work in the Philippines.
