April 18-26, 2010, Asian Seminary of Christian Ministries (ASCM) students and alumni ministered in Occidental, Mindoro. Each summer for 11 years now, professors Doreen and Neil Benevidez have led the Mindoro Missions Team (MMT) to bring holistic missions to the people of Mindoro, especially to the Mangyan tribes, based on Matthew 25:34-40. This year MMT conducted a seminar for the pastors and workers attended by 30 of them, a pastors’ kids conference attended by 15 PKs, a Youth Camp attended by 120 young people, and ministered to more than 200 Mangyans in the Mangyan community.
In the pastors and workers seminar, ASCM students shared strategies for more effective ministry. The PK conference was handled by ASCM students that are PKs themselves. It was a blessed time for these PKs to share their struggles and challenges. The theme of the youth camp was “SURVIVOR” and the youth were given challenges to do. It was a fun and refreshing time for everyone.
The Mangyan Pastor, Nestor Baclaoman, expressed his gratitude for the missions team and their yearly sharing of the Gospel to the scattered tribes in the mountains while catering to their needs. He told Pastor Neil, “Marami pong salamat dahil naisip niyo na may mga taong katulad namin sa bundok na nangangailangan ng kalinga at pagmamahal ni Kristo” (Translation: “We are very grateful that you continue to remember that there are people in the mountains who also need the care and love of Christ.”).
Going on a mission trip has many challenges: food, travel, sleeping conditions, threat of disease and sickness, and the challenge of being accepted and effective in presenting the Gospel. Despite the many challenges of going to remote areas, ASCM students understand the mandate to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to those who need it the most. The Gospel comes alive when it is demonstrated in simple and tangible ways. The Asian Seminary exists for the Gospel to be shared effectively to all people, that is why ASCM students, professors, and alumni alike, join hands together to fulfill this call.
Scott and Carol Rains
President – ASCM
Project Number 0600104 [1]
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© 2010 Church of God World Missions [2]