It has already been over a month since I returned from my visit to the Philippines. The past month has been full of times of prayer, fruitful discussions, and long contemplation about the work that impacted me so significantly in such a short visit. As I reflect on the trip, I remember several moments that both excited me and gave me pause. One such time happened as I sat in Coron captured in my thoughts before preaching to look up and see the young pastors huddled together. These men, now pastors were the fruit of the institute and seminary.
Another time happened as we returned from Coron, we were on approach to land, and the national capital region of Metro-Manila was in complete view. As I viewed the city, I recalled an earlier conversation that informed me that the institute and seminary had about thirty pastors in the city. I was overwhelmed by the need for more churches led by trained pastors that could proclaim the truths of the scripture.
The Christian Training and Missionary Fellowship Mission Agency (CTMF). has graciously offered to take us to be missionaries under their oversight. We have accepted their offer. This opportunity is a process for us. We don't have a complete picture of how this will unfold, we believe this is the next ministry for which God has been preparing us. For the immediate future, I will start raising support for our transition expenses and monthly support.
I am excited to fold into their mission of developing national leadership through education and church planting. I am delighted to join a team that is committed to entrusting kingdom work to national leadership.
As it stands now, my responsibilities will include these projects.
- First, I will be involved in the planning and implementation of projects related to the Bible Institute and Seminary, specifically in areas of accreditation and future extensions beyond the current physical campus.
- Second, I will be assisting in developing and implementing a missions strategic plan to clearly and directly fulfill a mission of raising up national leaders and planting churches.
- Third, I will be teaching courses for the seminary as well as preaching and teaching for special days hosted by the association of churches.
- Fourth, I will be editing existing discipleship materials and writing materials to assist with leadership and church planting efforts.
I will fulfill my role by primarily working from our current location in Florida while being in regular (daily/weekly) contact with leadership in the Philippines. I anticipate making about five trips a year over to the Philippines upon gaining full support. I ask you to join me in prayer for this ministry and our family as we make this transition. I already have some speaking engagements scheduled and I am looking for others. Also, I would ask you to consider a role as a financial partner to make this ministry happen.
