Asia: Philippines

Mission History

Christian Reformed World Missions began its work in the Philippines in 1962 when Vince and Lucy Apostol began developing churches on Negros Island. By 1976 three congregations had been established to form the Philippines Christian Reformed Churches (CRCP). By 1990 there were 25 fully organized congregations and more than 20 emerging churches on the Islands of Luzon, Negros, and Panay.

These churches were organized into five regional assemblies or Classes. In 1997, the CRCP Synod convened for the purpose of identifying their own denominational vision and strategic plan. Since that time, CRWM has made a transition into a partnership for the purpose of assisting the CRCP to achieve its ministry vision and carry out its strategic plan.

Culture

The Philippines is one of the worlds largest archipelagos, consisting of more than 7,100 islands. Lying southeast of mainland China, the Philippine Islands stretch for 1,000 miles between Taiwan and Borneo.

The 72 million Filipinos are a mixture of many races and nationalities, including Malaysian, Indonesian, Chinese, Spanish, and American. Roman Catholicism has influenced the Filipinos since Spanish priests came to the islands in 1521. Many Filipinos, however, still practice animism–a belief in and fear of spirits–mixed with their Catholic Christian beliefs. Protestant missionaries first came to the Philippines in the early 1900s. About seven percent of the people are Protestant today.

Mission & Vision

The Christian Reformed Church of the Philippines (CRCP) has approximately 5,000 worshipers gathered in nearly 80 congregations (in various stages of development), over 60 pastors and a large number of church officers and lay leaders. The vision of CRWM in the Philippines is to see clusters of healthy Reformed Churches actively fulfilling the Great Commission in the Philippines and overseas. Our strategic plan to accomplish this vision is to build the capacity of the CRCP (through leadership development, membership training, theological education, missions development and mentoring of pastors and key leaders). In addition, CRWM in the Philippines is committed to serving the larger needs of the body of Christ in Southeast Asia in the areas of theological education and mission development.

The Philippines is a joint field with CRWRC, which focuses its work in the area of Christian community development through networking with a variety of partner groups. CRWRC also partners with the CRCP in the area of deaconal development.

Results

Missionaries continue training and mentoring Filipinos for servant-leadership in the church. Today there are 43 fully organized churches, 27 emerging churches and 10 new starts. CRWM has planted new churches in Tacloban, Leyte and Cagayan de Oro, Mindanao, which are in the process of being shepherded into the CRCP.

Prayer & Support

The most important gift you can give missionaries is a daily prayer for their lives and work. At any given time Christian Reformed World Missions supports over 200 long-term and short-term missionaries located in over 20 countries around the world. Through partnerships, our work extends to over 30 countries. These people have been called, commissioned, and sent by Christian Reformed churches to represent our devotion to Jesus Christ, and to urge others to accept His offer of salvation.

Here’s a partial list of items to pray for on behalf of missionaries:

• emotional needs
• physical needs
• relationships with other missionaries
• relationships with nationals
• relationship with God
• effective ministry
• family life

Financial support is also crucial for the ongoing work of bringing the Good News around the world. Support can be given for specific missionaries, or specific projects can be found in the “Project Giving Guide” at your church or available from the World Missions offices in either the United States or Canada.

Useful Expressions in Tagalog

• How are you? - Kumusta po kayo?
• Good morning. - Magandang umaga po.
• Please come in. - Tuloy po kayo.
• Thank you. - Salamat.
• I cannot speak Tagalog. - Hindi po ako marunong ng Tagalog.

The Christian Reformed World Missions Team in the Philippines

Robert & Patricia Harris (Elizabeth, Timothy, Andrew, David), Leadership Development, Theological Educator
Russ & Sherri Palsrok,  EurAsia Regional Leader, Theological Educator
Dwayne & Gladys Thielke, (Timothy, Matthew), Church Developer

Partners in the Phililppines

Becca VanWeerdhuizen, Partner Teacher, Faith Academy visit Becca's blog

More Resources

Videos
Video-2000 From Life to Life: Mariel's Story (9 min.)
Video-2003 The Island Potter: Bringing Christ to the Philippines (11 min./5 min.)
Video-1997 MK (9 min.)
Video-1990 Operation Coconut (21 min.)

Proclaim: February-March 2003
• Download the Word Document (12pg, 64k)
• Download the PDF (8pg, 232k)

Proclaim: August-September 2001
• Download the Word Document (17pg, 60k)
• Download the PDF (33pg, 929k)

Proclaim: Summer 2000
• Download the Word Document (18pg, 60k)
•Download the PDF (30pg, 800k)

CRC Source: Winter 1999
•Download the PDF (16pgs, 576k)