A Clarion Call to Every Filipino: The True Spirit of Bayanihan
By Ben Patts
To our fellow global Filipino ministries, workers, and leaders:
As Filipinos serving across borders and oceans, we are no strangers to the storm. Daily, we navigate turbulent seas—facing the crashing waves of cultural displacement, systemic barriers, organizational friction, and interpersonal conflict.
But hear this now: we refuse to let the undercurrents of division erode our God-given mandate. We cannot afford the luxury of resigning ourselves to discord, nor can we allow external forces to fracture our fellowship. We are called to a much higher standard.
Returning to Our Roots: Bayanihan and Diskarte
When the gales of misunderstanding strike, we do not retreat. Instead, we anchor ourselves in the Lord, embodying the true essence of Bayanihan—our ancestral grace of communal unity, lifting the heavy load together, and carrying one another’s burdens.
We ignite this heritage with Diskarte—our God-given, resilient creativity that thrives in the wilderness and forges a path where none seems to exist. Like our forefathers who literally carried their neighbors' houses upon their shoulders, we prove that no weight is too heavy when borne by a united community.
A Vow of Unity
We must boldly declare that division is never an option, and apathy is an indulgence we wholly reject. Alongside this courage, we must walk in humility, recognizing that our individual paths are not always the right ones.
If the terrain before us offers no clear road to reconciliation, and if the path to unity seems hidden, then in the mighty name of our Lord Jesus Christ, we will carve one:
We will clear the thickets of pride that blind our judgment.
We will shatter the stubborn rocks of organizational rivalry.
We will bridge the chasms of past hurts, armed with unwavering grace and truth.
Architects of Peace
We are not passive passengers waiting out the storm. We are the architects of solutions, mission engineers, authors of peace, and navigators steering our people toward absolute oneness.
If we cannot find a bridge to our brothers and sisters, we will become the bridge.
Our covenant with God—and with one another—is vastly stronger than any raging floodwater that seeks to divide us. Our higher calling demands nothing less than absolute, relentless, and unstoppable solidarity.
Reflection Questions for Our Community
In what area of your current ministry or work do you feel the most "turbulent water"? How can we apply the spirit of Bayanihan to that specific challenge today?
What is one "thicket of pride" or "rock of rivalry" you are willing to let go of this week to clear the path for someone else?
This message was delivered at the recent Meet and Greet. Let it serve as a catalyst for our collective mission as we move forward together.
GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP
At last year’s General Conference in Long Beach, California USA Rev. Adam Hunley, director of the Global Mission, UPCI delivered a powerful and timely sermon on Global Partnership Evangelism. He shared a prophectic vision for the church, calling for humility and collaboration in fulfilling the Great Commission. Rev. Hunley emphasized that the “open door in the Holy Ghost” symbolizes God’s guidance, readily available to those who embrace unity. This call for unity serves as a rallying cry, reminding us of our shared purpose in Christ.
Modern-day Visionaries and Revivalists
MISSIONARY PROGRAM
The missionary program is the FMD's heart and soul. Without it, our division would not exist.
We have a unique opportunity to commission a family, ready and eager to answer the call. But we can’t do it alone. We need your partnership.
Your prayers and financial support are absolutely vital in making this a reality. Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to sending this family on their mission. Time is of the essence, and we believe that with your help, we can see them commissioned this very year.