Imagine
you are a reporter. Where will you go to get good news? Probably
you will go where the likelihood of a great story exists - where
war is taking place - where a ravaging tornado is just passing
through - or would it be to catch a picture of a terrifying
volcanic explosion and eruption.
If you were a businessman, where would you start your business?
You likely would think of a product that's needed whose supply
is lacking. and would look for a location accessible to your
market for this product.
Now, imagine you are a missionary -
where will you go? As trade, industry and technology invade
the Philippines, it is ironic that little attention is given
to the real need of it's people - THE KNOWLEDGE AND APPLICATION
OF GOD'S WORD. Could this be the place for YOUR "Mission
Field"?
GEOGRAPHY: About the Philippines
HISTORY OF RELIGION: Since the country was discovered by Ferdinand
Magellan for Spain in March 1521, the majority of Filipinos
are Catholic. In the beginning of this religion, Filipino
priests were not given the opportunity to be promoted to position
of eminence. The Bible was withheld from the people. There
was no religious liberty and lived only with the words taught
to them from the mouths of the Catholic priests.
The Evangelical faith arrived after Spain was defeated in
a revolt, which also involved the United States of America,
in 1896. This victory led to independence and the opening
up of the Philippines to the Gospel message.
Catholicism has been a strong influence not only to social
life but also to the Government with many political decisions
being persuaded by the Catholic Church. The election of the
first Protestant President in 1992 ended this privileged influence.
Missionary goals have been set during the year 2000 by many
denominations, agencies and foundations. People in the Philippines
are now zealous in their search for truth - the truth of God's
way that has been withheld from them for such a long period
of time.
The cities and provinces in the Philippines have millions
of people living in them. Some in squalid shantytown slums,
others in sick city rubbish dumps. Then of course, there are
those with jobs, businesses, etc. who can afford homes, automobiles
and some of the better things of this life. But who could
begin to guess how many of these millions from this diverse
spectrum have ever heard anything from the truth of God's
Word? Jesus' words of Matthew 9:37 "…the harvest
is plentiful but the laborers are few." fits perfectly
there!
START A MISSION: Your mission field can be sharing with Philippine
Mission - either in person or with any resources available
to you. Why not consider helping promote the well-being of
this people spiritually through the latest forward-thinking
evangelism and care available? Could this be the place for
YOUR "Mission Field"?
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