Philippines Update December 2010

Starting this past October we implemented two innovations in conducting PTC Seminars that we field tested between July to September. The innovations were quite simple but they brought out the gifts, character, and diversity of the PTC Team.

Because of the challenge of teaching in so many languages (there are about 136 languages spoken among the 7,100 islands of the Philippine archipelago) to communicate clearly and effectively to the seminar participants in different locations, the PTC leadership team organized the ourselves according to the languages we speak.

We were able to form 3 groups, the Ilocano/Pangasinense/Pampango speaking group, the Tagalog/Bicol/Visaya speaking group, and the Cebuano/Ilonggo/Karay speaking group. This resulted in specific regions of focus for every group. The first group focuses in northern Philippines; the second group in Central Luzon to Northern Visayas, while the third group in Southern Visayas to the whole of Mindanao.

The other innovation is in the area of module ‘specialization’. The PTC Seminar material is organized according to modules. Every group member was given a module to learn and study very well to the level of mastery and expertise. The expected result is that we will produce ‘lead’ speakers for every module in each group.

From October to December the PTC Training Team conducted 8 seminars, and 1 facilitators training.

Paul and Arcy traveled to Balaoan, La Union to conduct a seminar on Devotional Prayer held at the Immanuel Community Christian Church. They also traveled to Cantilan, Surigao where a seminar on Basic Principles and Foundational Skills in Doing Bible Exposition was held at the Cantilan Gospel Church. The last day of the training was held in Ayoke Island.

Paul, together with Andres Navarra, and Marcelito Cagud were invited by the World Vision Iloilo to conduct a seminar among catechists, nuns, and priests on Basic Principles of Doing Bible Exposition held at the ARSAI Multi-Purpose Center in Bakhaw, Iloilo City. The participants were enlightened particularly about the doctrine of salvation.

Rudy Rabe and Noel De la Cruz lead the seminar on Mastering the Basics of Doing Exposition at Jesus is the Answer Fellowship in San Antonio, Zambales. They also traveled to Subay, Cardona,

Rizal where a seminar on the functions of leadership was held at the Subay Assembly of God Church.

Julius Cacalda and Rudy Rabe lead the training on the Gospel of Matthew at the Servants of Jesus Ministries International in Boboin, Infanta, Quezon. Three pastors regularly attending the seminars qualified for the facilitators training.

Jeff Taclas lead the seminar on Foundational Skills in Doing Bible Exposition at the Central Philippines Baptist School of Theology in Buena Vista, Guimaras.

Arman Aspa together with Jeff traveled to Maasin, Sarangani where they conducted a seminar on Basic Principles in Doing Bible Exposition among the pastors working amongst the tribal group of Manobo in Mindanao.

At the PTC Center, a Facilitator’s Training was conducted with the PTC Team members leading the training. The PTC Family Christmas gathering was also held at the PTC Center.

As the year 2010 is about to end, we thank God for the opportunities He had given us and another year of fruitful service in training the grassroots pastors and church workers here in the Philippines. Pray with us as we look forward to 2011 for another year of service to Him.

Thank you for your continued partnership with us in this gospel work.

Paul C. Caampued, Jr.

Director