Couples In Ministry Conference, Metro Manila, The Philippines, December 2008

Partners In Ministry Until He Comes
Two-day conference and retreat for couples in ministry
December 8-10, 2008, Metro Manila, Philippines
Speakers: Dr. Rod and Barbara Pence
Plenary Session: Rev. Clem Guillermo

On December 8-10, 52 couples (Filipino pastors, Christian workers and their wives) came from as far as Pampanga and Batangas to participate in a 2-day couples conference outside of Metro Manila.

The 52 couples represented different denominations and were a mix of ages, both young and old. All of them had the same desire – to take part in a special retreat for couples sponsored by ACTION/CGM, as well as to enjoy a brief respite from their personal ministries.

Throughout the conference, devotional messages were led by by Jeff Anderson (ACTION Philippine Director), Raffy Sison (ACTION Missionary), and Paul Ellis (ACTION Missionary). These messages not only challenged the attendees, but also complemented the main messages of Dr. Rod Pence.

ACTION missionaries Dr. Rod and Mrs. Barbara Pence (former missionaries in Korea with more than 50 years in ministry together and with experience in Biblical counseling) were the main guest speakers of this two-day conference/retreat for couples.

Dr. Pence spoke of the Lord Jesus as the creator of all things. He emphasized the attitude of love as exemplified by the Lord Jesus (Philippians 2:5-11). He urged and encouraged the delegates to practice this kind of love in their relationships with one another. He personally shared his experience as a husband and minister of the gospel. The delegates were challenged, not only by the messages, but by Dr. Pence’s personal testimony and example of having a good partnership in ministry.

Separate sessions were held for the husbands (led by Dr. Pence) and their wives (led by Mrs. Pence). Topics such as guilt, resentment, jealousy, doubt, failure, and anger were discussed. Scripture was used to remind everyone that God has the answers through His Word which equips us to deal with each of these specific areas.

Plenary speaker Rev. Clem Guillermo (Director of Back to the Bible Philippines) shared the warning signs of drifting away in marriage. After giving specific examples of a deteriorating marriage relationship, he gave specific steps, or “first-aid” on how to cure a sick marriage. Rev. Guillermo concluded by saying, “Marriage is like alkaline battery because it can be recharged.” He encouraged the couples to continue nurturing their relationships.

The last night was very memorable. The husbands served the evening meal to their wives. After dinner, they sang a beautiful Filipino love song to their wives entitled “Ikaw”. You are God’s gift to me, the answer to my prayer, so that in all time, in every moment, I will love you. After the song, the husbands gave their wives a rose and a kiss. The most beautiful part of the evening was the “Recommitment Vow” led by Pastor Mike.

At the end of the conference, the couples received their picture and a free CLAIM set of books which included Written in Stone by Philip Graham Ryken, Rediscovering the Lost Treasure of Family Worship by Jerry Marcellino, Praying by the Spirit by Robert Rakestraw and Embraced by the Cross by LE Maxwell.

At the close of the conference, almost every couple wanted to attend another conference like this in the future as it was a wonderful opportunity to spend time together learning from God’s Word, reminisce, and “recharge” their marriages.

Written by Ernie Fornoles (attended conference with his wife, Rosely Fornoles, CGM Vice-President of Operations)