Philippines
Presbyterian World Mission has four mission co-workers living and working in the Philippines, along with Young Adult Volunteers. We work in partnership with the United Church of Christ in the Philippines. Our work centers around theological education and leadership development, evangelism and new church development, social service and development, young adult and women ministries, justice and peace, security and reconciliation. Our mission priorities are leadership formation in the partner church, ministries to abused women and children, social and economic development, peace, justice and reconciliation and Christian-Muslim dialogue, accompaniment in programs of disaster mitigation and rehabilitation, and work to combat climate change.
About our work
Cobbie and Dessa Palm
The United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) was established in 1948 and is a union of several early Protestant churches that were in mission in the Philippines. Cobbie serves the church as a mission facilitator. He leads seminars for local church pastors throughout the Philippines, enhancing their skills in church development and revitalization. He also develops curriculum and trains churches in peace and reconciliation for the Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform. Dessa coordinates the UCCP’s Theater for Evangelism and Advocacy, which seeks to train church workers and members to creatively communicate the gospel and bear witness to the transformative role of a caring and compassionate church. The Palms also work with the Young Adult Volunteer program in the Philippines. You can read more about their ministry on their profile page, which can be found here.
You can read more about their ministry on their profile page, which can be found here.
Cathy Chang and Juan Lopez
From their home base in Manila, Philippines, Cathy Chang and Juan Lopez will help global partners address issues of migration and human trafficking. The UN’s International Labor Organization estimates 21 million people are victims of coerced labor and/or forced sexual exploitation. While human trafficking is a worldwide problem, countries in Asia are increasingly vulnerable. Cathy and Juan will work with Asian churches and non-governmental organizations to help coordinate efforts related to the scourge of modern-day slavery. They will also resource various programs of the Presbyterian Mission Agency and US congregations concerned about the issue.
You can read more about their ministry on their profile page, which can be found here.
United Church of Christ in the Philippines
CROP Drop-in Center, a prostitute rescue program
National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP)
Philippine Christian University
Silliman University
Southern Christian College
Union Christian College
Brokenshire College
Northern Christian College
Presbytery Partnership
Sacramento Presbytery
Resources from our partners:
Brief Background for the National and International Day of Prayer for JustPeace in the Philippines
Prayer for JustPeace in the Philippines – English version
Prayer for JustPeace in the Philippines – Tagalog version
Liturgy Day of Prayer for JustPeace – English version
Liturgy Day of Prayer for JustPeace – Spanish version
Mission coworkers serving in the country:
Cobbie Palm - cobbie.palm@pcusa.org
Dessa Palm - dessa.palm@pcusa.org
Cathy Chang - cathy.chang@pcusa.org
Juan Lopez - juan.lopez@pcusa.org