By PCLC and FFWPU Philippines
The Pacific Christian Leadership Conference in collaboration with the FFWPU Philippines convene the 3rd Philippines Clergy Nation-Building Seminar with the theme: “Together Solving Youth and Family Problems” at the New Generation International School, Trece Martires City, Cavite, Philippines on April 16, 2024. The event gathered 78 attendees composed of 48 clergies and 30 FFWPU leaders and Staff. The program was graced with the support of Heavenly Top Gun missionaries assigned to the Philippines who came to help contribute to the immense success of the said event.
The opening program commenced with doxology prayer and singing of the Philippines National Anthem followed by listening to welcoming messages from selected leaders. Rev. Froilan Matbagan, Area Director of FFWPU Southern Luzon, mentioned the word “Together” taken from the event’s theme which emphasized unity and collaboration in addressing the challenges facing our youth and families.
The second part of the seminar was the Education session. This part was composed of two special lectures by Dr. Robert S. Kittel titled “Understanding the Heart and Nature of God” and “The Fall: Two Tragedies” followed by discussion and reflection sharing where participants were grouped from their respective seats. Clergies honestly expressed their thoughts on the lectures received and shared their gratitude for the opportunity to attend this kind of seminar.
Afterward, three (3) presentations were shared with the clergies by selected leaders and one testimony from the Heavenly Top Gun missionary from South Korea. Rev. Leo Angelo Halog, President of FFWPU Philippines, shared about the Educational Initiatives in the Philippines; Rev. Ronnie Sodusta, President of IAYSP Asia Pacific, shared about the IAYSP initiatives on Nation-building and finally, Ms. So Young Hwang, Heavenly Top Gun Missionary from South Korea, shared her testimony as a Working Model of Pure Love.
This session ended with a special Filipino song performance titled “Hawak Kamay” by 10 Heavenly Top Gun Missionaries from South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, and Italy.
The discussion and planning session proceeded led by Dr. Julius Malicdem, Vice Chair of PCLC Asia Pacific. Clergies were able to share their reflections and credited PCLC for introducing the new approach to resolving family and youth problems in our country. They are looking forward to inviting the PCLC family to their respective churches and delivering this new approach.
The last part of the seminar was focused on the adaptation of Statement on Marriage and Family where clergies joined in the resolution-signature campaign to become the advocates and catalysts of helping build healthy marriages and strong families to eradicate youth and family problems. A Call to Action led by Bishop Felomino Josol encouraged religious leaders to become active partners with PCLC to achieve its vision, mission, and goal and work hand in hand together to solve our common problems in the family and youth.
The program ended with all the clergies singing together the song titled “Heal the Land” while holding each other’s hands as a manifestation of unity transcending barriers of denomination and religion.
Everyone departed with an optimistic and excited heart to share their newfound knowledge with their churches and families and envision a brighter future for the young and families of this beautiful country, the Philippines.