A3/Philippines is underway.
On January 16–19, 30 handpicked leaders attended an orientation session co-sponsored by the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches (PCEC) and the Philippines for Jesus movement (PFJ). Between them, PCEC and PFJ represent 55,000 of the more than 68,000 Protestant churches now active in the Philippines. They include churches from more than 75 different denominations.
Bishops Noel Pantoja from PCEC and Dan Balais from PFJ headed the group that attended the session. Bishop Noel told us:
“A3/Philippines is an answer to a prayer for greater unity that we have been praying since 2010.”
Bishop Dan added:
“A2/Philippines is an important step in the ongoing reconciliation process God has been leading our respective movements through, as we repair damage that was done when a key Philippine pastor ran unsuccessfully for President.”
Rev. Adrian De Visser, A3/Sri Lanka National Director and A3 Vice President for Partnership Development, led the orientation session. He introduced the leaders to A3 and gave them a brief overview of what the full two-year experience can offer.
“What we can do over a few days is to give you a taste of what A3 is like,” Pastor Adrian explained to the gathering of 25 men and five women. “From here, you and your leaders can discern who is called to become part of the first A2/Philippines class.”
The dates for all eight sessions of Class One have been set. The next steps will be led by Bishops Noel, Dan, and their colleagues as PCEC and PJM together determine the 12–15 leaders who will now be invited to join Class One. Session One will be held May 5–8 at CCT Tagaytay Retreat and Training Center just outside of Manila, where the orientation was held.
“We are excited to be a part of what God is doing to bring the Philippine Church together,” Rev. Adrian shared. “This is an historic time for the Philippine Church, as they move forward with a vision to double the number of churches in the Philippines by 2020. The need for spiritually-grounded, empowered, and equipped pastors will be greater than ever.”
All of us at A3 are excited about the launch of A2/Philippines. It is indeed an answer to prayer. And it is made possible due to your friendship, prayers, and financial support. THANK YOU for all you have done and continue to do to support the work of A3!
Noel Becchetti
VP for Leader Development
More Information
