Historic First-Time Meeting at Regional Level of Relief & Development Ministry

A historic first-time meeting of Relief & Development (R&D) of the Asia Pacific (APAC) Region was held in October 2023, in Bali, Indonesia. Participants shared expertise, experience, and ideas as they networked with one another for greater impact both locally and globally.

Buzz Maxey, a CAMA Services USA worker in Indonesia, wrote, “Just needing to say how encouraged we were that such a wonderful event was held. We have heard great comments from some of those who attended and just last night a pastor mentioned how inspired he was at the creative nature of various ministries and presentations.” Maxey continued, “I think it inspired our people to think beyond the walls of the church and to be creative in meeting the needs around them. The president of the national church as well as other church leaders called me to a meeting to discuss some practical action in reaching the poor and especially the many Internally Displaced People (IDP) in Papua. That’s love in action.”

“I just read an email that the president of an Alliance national church in Indochina is forming a national social committee for the church with David Strong as an advisor – things that we’ve been praying for a long time God is bringing about,” added Jason Drummond, the CAMA Services Regional Developer-North Asia and Asia Pacific. David and Doris Strong are on a special assignment from CAMA Services USA to ECHO (Hope Against Hunger).

Teresa Coman, a CAMA Global Partner in the Philippines said, “Thank you again for inviting us to the APAC Conference. It is an honor to speak and especially to listen to all the work being done across the region and more. There is so much to bring home, especially the connections with many people. Some other workers in the region asked me for some information on Child Protection in their work, and I hope to know more about their end and their context so that I can help them effectively.”

Coman added that “a worker from another country has also been working with children and youth and wants to influence the national church they work with to integrate child protection mechanisms in their churches. It is an encouragement for me to know that many workers see the importance of this in their work and want to do something about it.”

Rev. Ken Graham, the AWF APAC regional coordinator, welcomed the participants and presenters at the first APAC R&D Conference, October 11-14. In his opening remarks, Graham highlighted the significant presence of six APAC Region national church presidents who had graciously joined the gathering. He emphasized the unique nature of the conference, acting as a convergence point for practitioners, participants, national church presidents, international collaborators from CAMA Services and The Alliance Canada, and individuals committed to uplifting communities through R&D programs. Graham underscored the transformative power of conveying messages of love, support, and practical community development, emphasizing that such endeavors have the potential to unlock doors to hearts and bestow blessings upon the lives of communities within the APAC Region.

Organized by dedicated professionals from CAMA Services USA and The Alliance Canada, the conference aimed to foster an effective R&D ministry at the grassroots level, blending faith and practice for sustainable, holistic solutions.

The conference featured a rich tapestry of activities, including sessions led by the experienced couple David and Doris Strong, individual presentations showcasing local R&D efforts, break-out learning sessions, and engaging round-table dialogues. The agenda was complemented by an insightful day of experiential learning, featuring a field trip to a sustainable development ministry focused on clean water and bio-gas production solutions.

The mornings began with worship, setting the tone for the day, followed by the Strongs imparting the foundational principles that underpin a robust R&D ministry. Emphasizing the integration of physical and spiritual needs, the participants were challenged to recognize the dignity of everyone, echoing God’s concern for both the spiritual and physical aspects of communities.

Distinguished figures, including presidents of the national church of Indonesia, the Philippines, and Australia, as well as leaders from the United States, Canada, and India, graced the conference. Dr. Daniel Rhonda, president of the Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA) Church of Indonesia, shared the inspiring journey of Kemah Peduli (Tents of Compassion), highlighting its development through disaster response and the acquired expertise in R&D programs. Kemah Peduli is the Relief & Development Organization of the C&MA in Indonesia.

The afternoons featured impactful presentations from ministries in the region, addressing diverse issues such as inclusion for people with disabilities, youth leadership through cricket, water management, and relief efforts for trauma-affected children. In particular, the Philippines showcased a government-recognized ministry that combats the online sexual exploitation of children, underscoring the conference’s focus on holistic solutions led by local practitioners.

Friday afternoon provided an opportunity for intensive breakout sessions on topics like Creation Care, Community Development with Coding Education, Voucher Programs, and Monitoring and Evaluation through Storytelling. This was followed by enriching round table discussions, fostering networking and idea-sharing among participants.

The immersive experience allowed attendees to connect over meals and activities, enhancing collaboration, partnership, and prayer. Culminating in a visit to a working community development organization, participants witnessed sustainable clean water solutions, bio-gas production demonstrations, and innovative anti-gravity water pumps benefiting remote communities.

The APAC R&D conference was a resounding success. The capacity of Relief and Development efforts worldwide was strengthened through increased awareness, advocacy, and training. The expanding scope of this work within churches reflects a deepening commitment to the Great Commandment and the Great Commission, demonstrating compassion and collaboration. Anticipating replication in other regions, the conference stands as a beacon for transformative, holistic programs.

Yakub Christian, of India, who works in relief and provides basic needs to people for survival, is thankful for what he learned: “These are new practical ways to share the gospel, learn how others used different techniques to do ministry through business. We can offer small business options,” he said, to those who “are poor in our community so that they know God’s love.”