Please include in your prayers the Indigenous Peoples of the Philippines, in particular, the Lumad in Mindanao (Southern Philippines). Recently, they were assaulted in a place where they sought refuge, at UCCP Haran's (United Church of Christ in the Philippines) Mission Center in Haran Davao City. In the early morning of February 24, 2016, cottages housing refugees were burned, which injured five people including a two year old child.
STUDY
Reflect & Connect, 3rd Thursdays of March & May. Want to learn more about the human rights situation in the Philippines? Want a space to learn more about the basic problems? This study focuses on breaking down current issues in the Philippines and connecting to the stories of the struggle. Meets at Buena Vista UMC, 2311 Buena Vista Ave., Alameda, CA 94501.
Serve the People Bible Study, every 4th Thursdays from March to May. Join us as we reflect on the connection between the bible and being active participants of revolutionary peace and justice. What does the Bible say about vision, being part of a collective, self-care/resilience-building, and our strengths? Hosted by Pine UMC. Meets at Buena Vista UMC, 2311 Buena Vista Ave., Alameda, CA 94501.
IMMERSE
One of the best ways to learn and get connected or re-connected to the issues in the Philippines is to actually be there! Join us this July as a delegate of the 2016 Pastoral and Solidarity Visit (PSV). This is a powerful 10-12 day visit where you will immerse with the people of the Philippines and hear the stories that need to be shared with the rest of the world. Contact Rev. Jeanelle N. Ablola at jna.design@gmail.com for upcoming trainings, studies and more. APPLICATIONS ARE DUE IN LATE MARCH!
GIVEAs we gear up for the upcoming Pastoral & Solidarity Visit to the Philippines in July, you can give by supporting one of our delegates. Keep an eye out for fundraisers and other volunteer opportunities in the upcoming months. You can also give by opening up your space or small group for speakers from previous PSV delegates, building awareness of the human rights situation in the Philippines.
ADVOCATEFor those attending the upcoming 2016 General Conference of the United Methodist Church, please see these legislative items, and note that Rev. Liberato Bautista of the General Board of Church and Society will be bringing forth a resolution in support of the Indigenous Peoples of the Philippines and their plight for justice and liberation. Click here: http://www.umc.org/who-we-are/general-conference-2016-legislation
