Mobilizing Leaders, Transforming Lives | | |
Dear Ministry Partners,
In June, we witnessed a wave of leadership development and ministry multiplication across the Philippines. More than 130 pastors, global ministry leaders, and CCI alums gathered for our strategic National Conference in Bohol and a historic regional conference in Calabarzon. These events strengthened leaders, encouraged collaboration, and equipped them to continue multiplying biblical training in their communities.
Thank you for investing in the sustainable, long-term equipping of local leaders. Your faithful partnership is helping transform lives, strengthen churches, and advance the gospel throughout the Philippines.
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May God bless you,
Henry and Cora Ventura
CCI Philippines National Director
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From a CCI Graduate in Naga City
"Crossing Cultures International changed our outlook in life to be more positive, passionate about our work, and compassionate towards others. It brought us a deeper sense of belonging in the Kingdom of God because we believe we are His children, His disciples, and His friends. It helped us to grow and mature as Christians through Pastor Steven Guianan. He became our mentor, role model, spiritual father, and friend. He molded us to become good teachers, diligent students, and humble servants of Jesus Christ."
| | Last May, Pastor Pedro Rocabo started a new church called Kazam Church in Baybay City, Leyte. Pedro is a student of the CCI class in Tipay Church, also in Baybay City. They have about 20 adult members. | | We held a support-raising dinner at Bohol Tropics in Tagbilaran City. Nineteen people attended to hear updates on CCI's international and local ministries. We rejoiced in what God is doing and enjoyed a wonderful time of fellowship over dinner. | |
On June 22, we held the first-ever CCI Calabarzon Conference in Cabuyao City. Calabarzon comprises the southern Tagalog provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon. The United Family of God Church graciously hosted the event.
Dr. David Nelson, CCI President, shared CCI's mission, vision, and core values, training materials, and provided an update on where CCI is today. Pastor Eloi spoke on multiplication. I shared ways teachers and alumni can become more involved in CCI and support the ministry. Pastor Orlando Sacman and Sister Daisy Impas shared how CCI training has impacted their ministries.
More than 60 people attended the conference. Participants were divided into small groups by geographic area and were challenged to develop ideas to expand CCI's ministry in their respective regions.
| | Photos from the Calabarzon Conference in Cabuyao City | |
We held our National Conference June 14-19 at Camp Karis in Bohol. We worshipped God, enjoyed meals together, cast vision for multiplication, reported on the ministry's progress in our respective areas, listened to teaching and testimonies, made plans for the rest of the year, and enjoyed team-building activities, fellowship, and a refreshing day at a white-sand beach. There were 54 participants. | Dr. David and Mindy Nelson attended along with Josh and Gina Bloomfield (VP of International Ministries), John North (Ambassadors for Christ), and Frids Lumba (Regional Director of the Malay Countries). Board member Aldo Atienza spoke on "Faithful Stewardship: Managing God's Resources for Ministry Impact," and Arnold Labunog made a generous financial contribution that helped make the conference possible. Josh was ordained during the conference. | | |
God's Financial Principles Seminar
We held a God's Financial Principles (GFP) seminar in Mandaue City with 12 participants. Dr. David Nelson, Melvin Caindoy, and I led the seminar. One of our board members, Dick Persons, helped organize the event, and another, Aldo Atienza, shared valuable insights during the discussion. Many of the participants expressed gratitude for what they learned and are excited to share these biblical financial principles with their congregations.
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The participants shared what they learned from the seminar. One group reported that they learned that, "We should manage money in God's way. It starts with our mindset. We should not focus on a poverty mentality or a worldly perspective, such as prosperity, but rather on stewardship. We are God's stewards, so we are to take care of His property, which includes everything that we have time, attention, energy, and material belongings."
Many were blessed and renewed their commitment to faithfully supporting missions, realizing that God owns everything.
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Teacher Training Workshops
Pastor Marlon Bermas' promotional efforts resulted in a Teachers Training Workshop (TTW) in Bulusan, Sorsogon. He and Pastor Christopher Gandol traveled 262 kilometers by motorbike to facilitate the training.
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Additionally, Pastor Leo Candole conducted another TTW in Ajuy, Iloilo, with 10 pastors representing two partner organizations. Below is the testimony of one of the participants of this TTW, Pastor Charlie Parreño, who is the Ministry Coordinator of Iloilo Amazing Grace Mission. (Pictured below)
"Praise God that I became a partner of CCI. I enjoyed the workshop and was blessed to be part of a team not only in discipling but also in equipping leaders and pastors in northern Iloilo. CCI materials have become a blessing for us as a Bible Institute. We can use the CCI curriculum as our guide and platform in our Bible Institute. Looking forward to great results in our endeavor for God's Glory."
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A devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck the southern Philippines on June 8, leaving widespread destruction across Mindanao. Several CCI leaders and churches were directly affected, including Area Coordinator Arsenio Datang, whose church building sustained significant damage.
CCI has established a relief fund to assist impacted pastors, churches, and families as they recover and continue ministering to their communities. Please pray for those who have lost loved ones, for families rebuilding their lives, and for our CCI leaders as they share the hope of Christ during this difficult time.
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Prayer Requests & Praises
- Praise God that the CCIP National Conference and Calabarzon Conference in June were very successful.
- The participants overwhelmingly praised the teaching, the facilities, and the food. and the staff.
- Please pray for the recovery efforts in Sarangani Province for our CCI students and teachers who were affected by the June 8 earthquake. Pray that God will help them rebuild their devastated churches, provide the financial assistance and essential goods they need, and enable them to recover and return to their normal lives.
- Please pray for good health, strength, and God's continued guidance for all CCI teachers and coordinators as they faithfully serve in their respective areas.
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