Reflections of our Team Leader

Today was an amazing day. I have begun to see God’s plan unfold for the Southern Philippines Methodist College.  When we first came here in 2008, there had not been any missionaries to the Southern Islands for over 30 years, and the Bishop of the Southern Islands was in desperate need of help for the people of Mindanao. His focus was on the development of SPMC, the only theological college in the Southern Islands.  Our first trip primarily focused on trying to figure out what each party could do. They weren’t sure what to do with a mission team, and we sure didn’t know what their plans were to develop the school and how we could best help.  At first it was the blind leading the blind, but by building relationships and opening a dialog, we learned how to work together to improve the school.  We learned about their customs and philosophy of life, and they learned about our capabilities and skills. The second year was the awakening, when we both came together to develop a realistic plan that would achieve the success of SPMC.  Together we developed a plan to grow the school and support teachers and students. Chapelwood’s part was to focus on supporting SPMC with financial aid, teacher support, medical support and, when applicable, construction projects that would aid in the school’s development.

Now, on our third trip here, we are seeing the fruition of all the efforts. Staff development for teachers, and improvements in the library, have been warmly received.  We see great progress in the school and our relationships are stronger than ever.  The construction projects are helping students and making the college more attractive to increase enrollment.  We are truly Partners in Christ, and several of our team members have seen God’s hand at work here at SPMC.    

posted by Dave Luther