The Philippines

18th Biennial Philippine Youth Conference:

The 18th Biennial Philippine Youth Conference was held from 27 to 31 December 2021.  Because of COVID restrictions, the conference was conducted virtually via Zoom.  Where possible, the young people from each ecclesia gathered together in either their ecclesial hall or meeting place to participate in the conference and share meals together.  Those who could not join an ecclesial group, made connection to the Conference from their home.  In total about 300 joined in.

The main studies were led by Bro Daniel Jolly on “Though We With Giants Fight” and Bro Kent Wilson on “Habakkuk: Minor Prophet, Major Message”.  Four young Filipino brothers led a study each on various topics.  The evenings included a session on the joy of preaching in Pakistan presented by Bro David Mansfield (Campsie Ecclesia) and a praise night with each ecclesial group of young people presenting their item.

Group study sessions were held each day to discuss the main points of the studies.  There were also games which mainly consisted of quizzes.  Though a virtual gathering is not the same as meeting together face to face, the Youth Conference was enjoyed by all.

COVID situation:

Ecclesias in rural areas have been able to meet together for some time now.  The easing of restrictions in densely populated cities, such as Metro Manila and surrounds, now allows ecclesias in those areas to meet together face to face for the first time since the beginning of the COVID pandemic.  The use of Zoom during the pandemic has opened up opportunities that will continue to be used when the effects of the pandemic have come to an end.

For further information, please contact Bro Peter Wassell at: [email protected].