The Philippines is a Southeast Asian country, comprised of more than 7,000 islands. The capital, Manila is the world’s most densely populated city on earth with 111,000 people per square mile. 20 million people live in the Metro Manila area and 37% of these people live in one of the 580 slums and exist on $1 to $2 per day. The 580 slums differ in size, from 500 to 5,000 families. There is one slum that has a population of 1 million. Jesus said, “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor…” Luke 4:18.
360Serve is partnering with a group of dedicated church planters who have a heart to plant a holistic church in every slum in Metro Manila. These courageous men and women are some of the most sacrificial and dedicated servants of the Lord that I have ever met. They go into these slums at great risk sharing the good news of the gospel. Hundreds and even thousands are turning to Christ. Churches are being planted in these slums. Church planters minister to the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the community. God is doing an incredible work in the slums of Metro Manila. It is an honor to join God in his great work in this area of the world.
Support a Filipino Church Planting Pastor
These church planters are joyful and very dedicated people. In this meeting I asked the church planters how I could pray for them. In response, one of the most common prayer requests they had was, “Please pray for God to keep us from sickness.” I asked, “How many of you have gotten seriously sick from serving in the slums?” All of their hands went up. They get Tuberculosis, Encephalitis, Hepatitis and other diseases. They go into these slums knowing it’s just a matter of time before they come down with one of these diseases. They believe Jesus became poor that we might become rich. They are willing to become sick so others can know Jesus. Most of these church planters have planted 4-6 churches. Many of them came to know Christ in the slums. All of these church planters are highly trained and qualified, but they are also very poor themselves. I was humbled by their incredible willingness to sacrifice even their health to serve Jesus and advance his gospel. The average church planter will plant a church every two years. They go door to door in the slums talking to and befriending the people. When they earn the right to share the gospel with people, 80% of those they share the gospel with accept Christ as their Savior and Lord.
Support Women Church Planters in the Philippines
God is using many dedicated women church planters to bring the gospel and plant churches in the slums of Metro Manila. You can support a woman church planter like Queenie for $50 per month.