Equipping, Expanding, and Standing Strong Together | | |
Greetings, faithful partners and friends!
What an incredible month of September it has been for Crossing Cultures International in the Philippines! Across our islands, God is moving in powerful ways—multiplying leaders, opening fresh doors for training, and showing His unfailing faithfulness even in the face of trials.
From vibrant Teacher Training Workshops in Palawan, where 40 attendees gathered and 14 new partnerships were forged, to new leaders stepping up in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, the hunger to be equipped with God's Word is unstoppable. We are also deeply moved by how our community rallied together to extend Christ’s hands and feet, delivering vital earthquake relief and rebuilding assistance to our brothers and sisters in South Cotabato.
To our faithful donors and partners, thank you for standing with us through your generous giving and steadfast prayers. Your support helps equip leaders with God’s Word, opens doors for training, and brings hope to communities facing hardship. We praise God for your compassion and commitment to His work in the Philippines.
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May God bless you,
Henry and Cora Ventura
CCI Philippines National Director
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Mthane Irene Joe A. Montera, CCI Coordinator in Bukidnon
Pastor Mthane is the Church Host Pastor of Assurance Fundamental Baptist Church since 2015. He joined CCI training in 2013. He was appointed as a volunteer Area Coordinator for Bukidnon in June 2026.
"As a newly appointed volunteer Area Coordinator, I have taken on the challenge of launching a local discipleship class at Assurance Fundamental Baptist Church using the curriculum of CCI. We currently have 11 committed students ready to enroll in the CCI program, and we are waiting for a few more to join before officially commencing classes.
To ensure that our students are not hindered from pursuing this training due to financial constraints, I have reached out to professionals within our church to sponsor the required training manuals and study materials. As soon as full book sponsorship is secured for every enrolled student, we will officially launch the class sessions."
Please join us in prayer for the following needs:
- That the Lord will touch the hearts of our prospective sponsors so that all required manuals and study materials will be fully funded without delay.
- That the 11 enrolled students (and those still considering) will remain steadfast, clear their schedules, and approach this discipleship training with diligence.
- That this program will effectively equip faithful leaders to labor alongside their pastor, strengthen the local church, and advance the Lord's work in Bukidnon.
| | Praise the Lord! A new class was started at Diadem Fundamental Baptist Church in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. | | |
Teacher Training Workshop (TTW)
Pastor Elison and Pastor Job, our new Area Coordinators in Palawan, reported that they held three Teacher Training Workshops in September: in Aborlan, Bataraza, and Brooke’s Point. A total of 40 people attended, and 14 partnerships were forged at these TTW’s. Please pray that these pastors will start equipping other church leaders soon.
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God's Financial Principles Seminar
Pastor Nonie, an Area Coordinator, conducted a seminar on God’s Financial Principles at Guimaras Christian Mission Church Visayas. A total of eight participants attended this seminar. The participants learned about God-centered financial management and stewardship.
| | Earthquake Relief and Rebuiding | | |
CCI sent relief funds to Reggie Victorio to help those affected by the recent earthquake in South Cotabato and General Santos City. Pastor Repaso personally distributed the funds to three churches and 21 students, providing support as they recover and rebuild.
Among the recipients was Pastor Renwel Agao, a CCI student, who received financial assistance to help rebuild the earthquake-damaged house of worship of OneLife Christian Church in Lambuling, T’boli, South Cotabato.
Pastor Repaso also delivered assistance to Rodel Becislao of Edward Baptist Church in T’boli, South Cotabato. Rodel is currently studying at Lamsugod Bible School, and his church building sustained severe damage in the earthquake.
The third church recipient was a CCI graduate from Lamsugod who is now planting a church in Batutunggal, Lake Sebu. His newly built church building was also severely damaged. The remaining funds were distributed among 21 students affected by the earthquake to help meet their needs during this difficult time.
| | Pastor Melvin called together a Visayas team meeting with the coordinators in Western Visayas. Please pray for wisdom as Melvin leads the Visayas team. Pray for unity, cooperation, and passion among the team members. The primary agenda of the meeting was to develop plans and strategies for the upcoming CCI activities and programs. They discussed strengthening coordination, identifying priorities, and establishing plans to ensure the 2027 activities would be well organized and effectively implemented throughout the Visayas. | | |
Pastor Rafael Dominguez, our new Area Coordinator for Sorsogon, is being trained by Marlon Bermas, while Pastor Ernest Lorence Salcedo, our new Area Coordinator in Batangas, is being trained by Pastor Eloi. In Bukidnon, Pastor Frank Flores is beginning to serve as a volunteer Area Coordinator. He gathered alumni in September to discuss ways to extend the ministry into remote areas of the province.
We thank God for these men who, having personally benefited from CCI training, are now answering the call to help others receive the same opportunity to grow and serve!
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Prayer Requests & Praises
- Please pray for the staff of CCI Philippines as we begin planning our goals, priorities, and budget for next year. The regional teams’ preliminary plans will be consolidated into a national plan in October. Ask God for wisdom and clear direction throughout this process.
- Pray for unity, cooperation, and passion among the Visayas team members as they serve together and prepare for the year ahead.
- Please pray for the new Area Coordinators, asking God for wisdom, strength, and guidance in this role. Pray for strong relationships with pastors, teachers, and students, and for fruitful opportunities to expand the training ministry.
- Pray for the rebuilding of OneLife Christian Church in Lambuling, Edward Baptist Church in T’boli, and the newly built church in Batutunggal, Lake Sebu. Ask God to provide the resources needed to restore these places of worship and encourage their leaders and congregations.
- Please pray for the 21 students who received earthquake relief and for all those affected in South Cotabato and General Santos City. Pray for safety, comfort, provision, and renewed hope as they recover.
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