By: Joy Dauz More than 130 core leaders of theArise Christian Ministries, Inc. (ACMI) from around Mindanao congregated at the Naawan Beach Resort in Naawan, Misamis Oriental last April 8 to 10, 2009 forbonding and renewing of ties, meeting and reviewing of past plans, including redirecting and looking forward for more fruitful ministries ahead. Based on ministry reports given during the meeting, there were already 17 full time workers of ACMI todate based in 22 outreaches and 19 key ministry areas around Mindanao, including that in Cabatuan, Ilo-ilo city and Negros in the Visayas. Outreaches in Tawi-tawi and Dinaig. We also praise God for thework being started in Qatar. Many of these full time workers are supported solely by the Ministry Umbrella based in Cagayan de Oro City; some are co-supported by the Umbrella Ministry and the local congregation to where the full time workers belong; while the rest are locally supported by the congregation. Some ministry workers are shored up also by outside sources – both individual and corporate supporters. Even Christian Bautista, a renowned singer inthe Philippines, had plunged an amount in support of the ministry work. According to Pastor BoySing-ingan, a ministry worker of pure Higaonon descent who works at the Kalipay outreach in the uplands of Gingoog City, “the Umbrella Ministry, in tandem with the Arise Foundation, had already implemented a special project in his area that included components like agro-forestry, livelihood and 1st level water system” under strong support from the Sacred Harvest Foundation, Inc. based in the USA. Some outreaches in Cotabato are recipients of support from Joy of Life church based in Australia. “The implementation impacted agood impression from the local indigenous chieftains and barangay politicians,” this according to Pastor Sing-ingan. “They saw that even top leaders of ourministry swooped down at the area just to lend their helping hands in pushing and realizing the project. “The sight of the brethren working in unity and harmony for community development so blessed Brgy. Captain Jose Benayon of Kalipay that he was touched to unilaterally donate apiece of residential lot with an area of 300 square meters for the ministry. “Right now, construction of the fellowship center in Kalipay, which will be established in said donated lot”, has been started. Also, a house near the lot which will serve as temporary resting house for brethren visiting the place was purchased by Arise Foundation. This is being occupied at present by PastorAnsoy Sin-ingan. Pastor Ansoy Sing-ingan, is reportedly being groomed to be reassigned at Sitio Malahone in Brgy. Kamagong,Nasipit, Agusan del Norte – the very place of habitation of many of their bloodkinsmen. The community people inMalahone have had long desired for Pastor Ansoy Sing-ingan to work with them and shepherd them spiritually so that there will be peace in the land. (Based on reliable A-1 information, the place, time and again, used to be a seedbed of insurgency and an intermittent hotbed of deadly attacks and skirmishes between the government forces and cadres belonging to the left wing.) Pastor Bernardo Mendoza revealed, in conjunction with the community development report, that a follow up projectis already at the pipeline and will soon be implemented beginning last week ofMay, 2009. Supported once again by the Sacred Harvest Foundation, the follow upproject, to be established at the donated lot, will be a fruit tree nursery venture, wherein the resulting seedlings will be shared to other Higaonon fellows that have farmlands in the community. Engr. Santiago Evasco, currently the President of the ACMI, announced that the ministry will purchase 2 motorcycles for full time workers due to the inevitable expansion of tents in several regions. The motorcycles, he said, will facilitate the mobility needs of the workers who shuttle far and wide, back and forth, in several ministry outreaches. Pastor Perlen Ababa shared during the meeting that “the sight of the leaders coming from all over Mindanao is a great encouragement.” He went on to verbalize his commitment as a willing and available speaker for different ministry areas across Mindanao, but on advance notice. The devotional time held everymorning likewise firmed up the bonding time of the brethren and updated them about what’s on and up in the different ministry areas. The three-day retreat and fellowship time cost the Umbrella Ministry PhP 86,000.00 in spot cash. But the Lord provided according to Dr. Babes Mendoza; “He touched individuals and friends to donate a sum total of PhP50,000.00 and the remaining balance were co-shared by the Umbrella, the Cagayan de OroCity and the IliganCity ministry ares. Originally,” she continued, “we expected 60 people to attend, but God brought in many more, including 15 kids. But thelord is gracious; He equally provided the finances.” At the bottom line, she mused,“We hope to have similar times in the near future, as leaders need to bond together and refresh the vision and mission God has laid on our shoulders.” (JoeyDauz) | 
