Philippine Trip - Episode 11 - Philip Flores Part 2

Philip has been uniquely gifted and equipped for the ministry to which God has called him. He ministers to pastors throughout the Philippines, those who for most part have had no theological training. After leaving the Navigators and graduating from seminary he became involved in a mission group called TOPIC (Trainers of Pastors International Coalition) They are working in developing countries in Asia, Africa and South America. They are called by God to minister to the shepherds of the flock. Philip has been the national coordinator of TOPIC Philippines for the past ten years. Philip and I had breakfast with three men he’s mentoring and training. It is so evident that Philip has a pastor’s heart whose ministry is based on relationship. TOPIC (Trainers of Pastors International Coalition) has become the training, equipping and mentoring arm of the PCEC (Philippine Counsel of Evangelical Churches) which number about 2,800 churches. The director of PCEC is Efraim Tendero.

Mary and I developed a close relationship with Ephriam in the early 70’s. He was a first year student at FEBIS (Far Eastern Bible Institute and Seminary) where I was teaching two classes—Evangelism & the Christian life course. Ephriam was an energetic, enthusiastic and committed student. I spent considerable time with him, helping him to get establish in the basics of the Christian life. It was apparent even then that he had unusual gifts of leadership, a servant style of leadership. In 2001 Mary and I had the joy of reconnecting with Efriam and his lovely wife. We were attending the 40th anniversary of the Navigators in the Philippines. They were honoring Gene Tabor and me who started the work 40 years ago. What a privilege it was to spend time with Efraim and his wife. It was a time of encouragement, challenge and a new realization of the greatness and goodness of God. Efraim expressed his deep appreciation for the ministry I had in his life and that what he learned in those early years laid the foundation for his walk with Jesus and for his ministry. This affirmation didn’t cater to my pride. It humbled me, to realize anew that we sow, we water but it’s GOD that makes it grow and multiplies it a thousand times over.

Philip has divided the Philippines into sixteen geographical regions ministering to many needy pastors. Philip and his team have developed a five year program called "CORE 300." CORE stands for, “Community Of Regional Equippers” and “300” indicates the set target number of trained and equipped pastors. For the past five years Philip and his team have been mentoring and training core pastors from these sixteen regions. The goal is three-fold. First, to minister to their personal needs. Second, to train and enable them to equip their people for the work of the ministry. And third, to encourage these key pastors to train and equip other pastors to do the same. II Timothy 2:2. The target date to train and equip 300 pastors is December 31.2010. As of July, 204 have received in depth training and have graduated from this 5 year course. They are quite sure that their goal of 300 trained pastors will be met by the end of this year. Pastors in these out of the way places often get discouraged and overwhelmed in their own personal lives and ministry. They have no one to mentor and encourage them. Also, special financial needs continually arise, especially in the area of medical expenses, with no reserve to handle them. Philip has established an emergency fund. Some pastors were ready to throw in the towel before Philip and his training team began visiting and ministering to them on a regular basis.

While I was there, a three day retreat was held in Takaytay City for pastors from the sixteen regions. Efraim Tendero,the director of PCEC (Philippine Counsel of Evangelical Chruches) was the main speaker and Philip Flores, and Boy Espiritu were moderators. Boy Espiritu was also a FEBIAS student back in the 70’s, who became a member of a group I formed called, “The Mighty Seven”—a group of seven men that met weekly for training” They were committed to become the kind of men that David had, “mighty men of valor” I had some time with Boy Espiritu and his wife during my trip. Again, here is a couple who are pursuing God and advancing the kingdom of God. Unfortunately, I was not able to attend the three day retreat since I had doctor appointments. Close relationships among these 500 pastors have evolved over the five year training period. They’ve learned to be open and honest with one another. Successes and failures are shared. Often, sharing ones failures ministers more deeply than sharing one's successes. It makes one realize that he is not alone. Failures and suffering prepares one to minister to the needy. Some one has said, “In the ministry of love, only the wounded can serve.”

These pastors belong to different and very diverse denominational groups. It’s unfortunate but often true that each denomination consciously or unconsciously feel they have a corner on the truth which often divides the body of Christ. Walls that often separate pastors have been broken down. Philip has an inclusive mind set which has taken root in the hearts of these pastors. They have come to experience the liberation and joy that takes place by being one Body, not merely in theory but in actually experiencing it at the core of their lives. Christ's prayer in John 17:21 is being answered through the Holy Spirit using Philip and other team members of TOPIC—“that they may be one, as You, Father, are in Me , and I in You; that they may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.”

Next: Tribute to Mary, my wife