How much is still needed to be done to reach the Philippines?
There are many ways to measure the greatness of a nation’s
spiritual needs. By some of those measures, there are greater needs in
many other countries. By some of those measures, there are still large
needs in the Philippines.
For example, 90 million Filipinos still need to hear the good
news of Jesus Christ in a meaningful way. 18,000 communities still
lack a church. Millions of Filipinos are young Christians who need to
be discipled.
What is the political situation there?
The Philippines is a republic with a voter-elected, democratic
government. The peace and order situation in most of the country is
more than adequate.
We avoid places where people are rallying
against the government or a foreign government. During election
periods, we also avoid places where candidates are campaigning.
The political situation in Asia is dynamic. Countries are
moving in a variety of directions. In this shifting context, the
Philippines works hard to maintain good relationships with its near
and distant neighbors.
Isn’t the Philippines already reached?
We praise God that the church in the Philippines has grown
significantly since the 1970s. However, the growth has been
inconsistent. Some peoples are reached. Other peoples still have very
few churches and Christians. While we are helping train some of the
more reached groups, we are also doing pioneering work among several
of the least-reached peoples.
How can we help the Philippine church to reach its own
least-reached peoples?
We are thankful that many local ministries are seeking to reach
the least-reached peoples. Several of them very much want us to
continue serving alongside them. Plus, multi-cultural teams can model
the universal church among such peoples which is often a powerful witness.
Should our limited mission resources be invested in more
strategic fields?
The answer to this questions depends on what you mean by
strategic. By some definitions, the answer would be yes. By other
definitions, the Philippines would qualify as a strategic field.
For example, many Philippine peoples are highly religious. They
want to engage in discussions about the most important things in life.
If you consider it strategic to invest mission resources among
spiritually open people, then the Philippines is very strategic.
It is not uncommon for a missionary to evangelize and disciple
a Filipino who takes a job overseas in the near future. Large numbers
of Filipino Christians work in places where missionaries cannot go.
They are naturally friendly and often make friends with local people.
By this measure, it is very strategic to invest mission resources in
the Philippines.