Urban and Rural Ministries

Alliance of Bible Christian Communities of the Philippines

In 1972, churches started by OMF and SEND formed the Alliance of Bible Christian Communities of the Philippines (ABCCOP). Much of our work in urban and rural areas still aims to strengthen ABCCOP.

ABCCOP Ministry in Albay Province

The 8,000-foot high, cone-shaped Mayon Volcano draws many to Albay province. Its lack of churches drew OMF in the late 1970's. Since then, we and ABCCOP missionaries have planted a district of churches. This district is now led by local believers. They would welcome OMFers who want to help train leaders or be on one of their church planting teams.

For more information contact us.

ABCCOP Ministry in Sorsogon Province

Sorsogon province, famous for its basking whale sharks, volcanic hot springs, delicious sea food and mountain vistas, is situated in the southeastern corner of Luzon. OMF is responsible for planting a district of ABCCOP churches there. One church has been planted. Three church planting teams are serving there now. Church planting will be opened in additional towns as workers become available. They would welcome OMFers as team members or to develop training for the district.

For more information contact us.

Ministry to the Urban Poor

In Philippine cities, many people live along rivers, railways, or unused government land in crowded slums. Depression, hopelessness and poverty cause families to breakdown. Many become addicted to illegal drugs, drunkenness, and gambling. Physical and verbal abuse are sadly common as is sexual promiscuity.

Our ministry to them is called ‘Bukang Liwayway’ (Dawn for the Urban Poor). It seeks to empower them for community transformation and the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). Our goal is to plant 10 house churches of 12 to 15 people in each area. Indwelled by the Holy Spirit, new believers experience personal transformation. Using their gifts and skills for good, they then make a tremendous difference in their community and local church.

To empower them, we provide educational sponsorships and run livelihood programs. We hold regular medical and dental clinics. We also train health workers in each community.

You too can get involved by praying, giving or coming!

• Pray regularly for this ministry and its workers.
• Give to support the community development programs and the workers.
• Come as a cross-cultural missionary, short-term worker, or a professional in a specialized field such as health.

For more information visit their website www.dawnforthepoor.org

Pili Bible Church

Surrounded by low mountains and the sea, Pili is a small village on Mindoro. Its farmers barely make enough to survive. The banning of logging greatly reduced another source of livelihood. Destruction of its coral decreased the fish in its sea. As a result, its citizens are poor; many of its children suffer from malnourishment.

For 5 years, Pili Bible Church has passionately reached out to these people. Its 50 members want to minister to them in four areas: wisdom, spiritual, physical and social. To express God's love in practical ways, they have set up a community development committee. It is overseeing livelihood projects. It also hopes to begin a feeding center for malnourished children. One OMFer is involved in this work.

Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship

Inter Varsity Christian Fellowship (IVCF) works within universities in the Philippines, promoting Christian Union meetings and encouraging Bible studies and prayer groups. OMF provides some workers in Manila to lead, advise and train students. We currently need staff for campus work, pioneer evangelism, and to lead camps and cross-cultural mission treks.

University of the Philippines Student Outreach

The University of the Philippines (UP) is situated in busy Metro Manila. Its 10 dormitories house 500 students each, most of whom are from rural areas. OMF provides workers to assist individuals from the university’s Christian Fellowship. Together, they seek to reach out to and counsel fellow students in the dorms who may be experiencing homesickness or loneliness. Set up 15 years ago, this group meets once a week for prayer meetings and Bible studies.

Informal Youth Outreaches

Acts 17 tells us that Paul "reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there.” Filipino students and young adults enjoy meeting foreigners and responding to their friendliness. In a large, lonely city, an OMF missionary can become like a dad or mum, peer or friend to them. We seek to build genuine and honest relationships with them that reflect Christ's love and care for them.

The Manila Japanese Christian Church

The Manila Japanese Christian Church meets in rooms rented at Union Church in Legaspi Village, Makati. Most Japanese businessmen with their families are here for a three-year contract. Therefore the church membership is continually changing. We are thankful, however, for Japanese men converted during the past five years, married to Filipinas, whose now live here permanently. Our aim is to reach out to the Japanese community in Manila (about 10,000) with the Gospel of Christ. We do this through men’s meetings, women’s evangelistic Bible studies, children’s meetings, seminars, family camps and Sunday afternoon worship services.