HOME > RESOURCES > WEEKLY PRAYERS > PRAY FOR PHILIPPINES ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2015
BY ELEAZAR FERNANDEZ ON AUGUST 31, 2015
Lectionary Selection: Mark 7:24-37
Prayers for the Philippines:
How long, O God, will your creation groan in pain? How long, dear God, will your people suffer?
Calamities unleashed by your violated and groaning creation have befallen upon your people. While typhoons and monsoon rains, followed by flash floods and landslides, are a common occurrence in the Philippines, they have increased their ferocity and destructive powers in recent years. And, while it is true that the whole nation has suffered, the onus has fallen on the most vulnerable members of society.
Loving God, as if the calamities were not enough, the vast majority of your people continue to suffer from the politics of greed, graft and corruption, violence, and impunity. When impunity continues, we can only expect demoralization, cynicism, and powerlessness, which produce a climate conducive to crime. The vicious cycle continues.
The affliction of your people and creation is not hidden from your sight, O God. You, too, have suffered with them. We ask that you let your Spirit enter into every human heart and into every structure of power, to bring transformation and healing. Empower your people to pursue the work of exorcising
Empire in all its deathly manifestations, and resist trading silence for the illusion of security.
Accompany and nourish them so they do not succumb to cynicism and despair, but continue the long and hard work of global democracy and justice. Amen.
Mission Stewardship Moment from the Philippines:
It has been my privilege to serve as President of Union Theological Seminary (UTS), Philippines, for about two years and three months now. Without a doubt we have faced many challenges as an institution, but we are turning slowly and steadily the challenges into opportunities. We are not simply www.globalministries.org
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surviving; we are thriving. Beyond maintaining and strengthening our traditional degree programs (Bachelor of Theology and Master of
Divinity), we are venturing into new programs that make theological education more accessible, flexible, adaptable, and affordable, by offering hybrid courses (face-to-face and online). Moreover, some of these innovative programs address the needs of vulnerable communities, such as the training of Indigenous
Peoples (IPs) for community leadership and development and the first responders training on “ Mental Health, Psychosocial Support, and
Spiritual Care in Situations of Trauma.
”
We are deeply grateful for the multiple ways you have supported partner’s institutions (Dansalan
College Foundation, Northern Christian College, Silliman University, Southern Christian College,
Union Theological Seminary, and United Church of Christ in the Philippines) and programs in the
Philippines: through solidarity and prayers, advocacy, mission volunteers, immersion programs, development projects, financial gifts, etc. These various institutions have carried out faithfully and creatively the mission of the church in their respective contexts.
(Prayer and Mission Moment by Eleazar Fernandez)
Global Ministries Missionary in the Philippines:
Eleazar Fernandez serves as a long-term volunteer with the United Church of Christ in the Philippines.
His appointment is made possible by your gifts to Disciples Mission Fund, Our Churches Wider
Mission, and your special gifts.
More information on the Philippines: http://www.globalministries.org/philippines www.globalministries.org
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HOME > WHERE WE WORK > EAST ASIA & THE PACIFIC > COUNTRY DIRECTORIES > PHILIPPINES
The Philippines is located in Southeastern Asia, archipelago between the Philippine Sea and the South
China Sea, east of Vietnam.
Population (2014 est) – 107,668,231
Area – 186,400 mi
Capital – Manila
Ethnic Background
Tagalog – 28.1%
Cebuano – 13.1%
Ilocano – 9%
Bisaya/Binisaya – 7.6%
Hiligaynon Ilonggo – 7.5%
Bikol – 6%
Waray – 3.4%
Other – 25.3%
Exports – semiconductors and electronic products, transport equipment, garments, copper products, petroleum products, coconut oil, fruits
Imports – electronic products, mineral fuels, machinery and transport equipment, iron and steel, textile fabrics, grains, chemicals, plastic
Life Expectancy (2014 est) – M 69 years F 75 years
Infant Mortality (2014 est) – 17.64 deaths/1,000 live births
Adult Illiteracy Rate – 4.6% www.globalministries.org
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