Pray for Philippines on Sunday, July 9, 2017

Lectionary Selection: Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30

Prayers for the Philippines:

Our troubles and tears are overflowing. Compounding the so-called “acts of God” that destroy lives and properties are acts of humanity that are appallingly destructive. The most recent fighting in Marawi City (Mindanao) that resulted in lives lost and properties destroyed as well as a groundswell of internal refugees is one of the symptoms of our deep social malady. Happening almost at the same time was the violence that killed many at Resort World Manila. This is happening against the background of the “war on drugs” that has destroyed many lives.

When will know we know the way of peace? When will we choose the way of life against the way of death? When will we know the way of healing and liberation? Is there any hope?

We come to you, o God, because we believe that you can help us find our way to healing.

We come to you, o God, because we believe that you are the wellspring of our hope. Let your Spirit come and dwell among us that we may acquire active hope: hope that says “no” to death and says “yes” to life and a hope that takes courage to live differently while we have life. And, when the enormity of the situation seems to overwhelm us, help us to realize that we are not called to do everything but to do something, which is to sew our piece into the larger quilt of our planetary concerns.

This is our prayer. Amen.

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Mission Stewardship Moment from the Philippines:

We are deeply grateful for the multiple ways you have supported partners 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.

Union Theological Seminary, in particular, expresses its gratitude to the Global Ministries for the Cirilo delCarmen fund for the lectureship on Pastoral Care and Counseling and, also, for its support in the renovation of UTS Administration Building. Moreover, UTS deeply appreciates scholarship funds for our seminary students who belong to the United Church of Christ in the Philippines.

(Prayer and Mission Moment by Eleazar Fernandez)

Mission Partners in the Philippines:

More information on the Philippines: http://www.globalministries.org/philippines

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.

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