The Kerusso – June | 2022
Kerusso (Greek): “To publish, proclaim openly: something which has been done.”
Asia Pacific Journey 2022 ~ By, Max Edwards, EMC IGS The Asia Pacific Conference came about as a result of ongoing compassion and evangelism efforts by Rev. Dr. Jun Mateo and his wife Marlene. They have been leading medical missions trips in the Philippines for many years. The Asia Pacific Conference was formally affiliated as a Mission Conference of the Evangelical Methodist Church at the 32nd General Conference in 2018. Because of governmental restrictions related to the Covid-19 pandemic, the church has been unable to meet face-to-face in a conference-wide gathering for over two years. But in May of 2022, the Asia Pacific Conference excitedly met together in Manila for a two-day inperson Journey meeting. It was incredible!! Pastors and delegates came from areas near and far to fellowship, learn, deliberate, and worship the Lord. The atmosphere was vibrant, and the people were delighted to be able to see one another, and to encourage and bless each other. Judy and I were excited to finally get to travel to the Philippines to see our EMC Family face-to-face. We were in Manila from May 1 – May 8, and visited several of our local churches in the towns and villages both north and south of the capital city. What a delight to meet such devoted and sincere men and women of God, eager to follow HIS call to make disciples and love people in the name of Jesus. The Journey meeting was held in Manila on May 4-5. It was an exciting time of inspiration and training, as well as a very special ordination service in which we ordained 13 men and women into vocational ministry! Rev. Mateo is retiring this year as the Superintendent of the Asia Pacific Conference, so one of the tasks facing the pastors and delegates at the conference was choosing a new leader to follow him. The vote was taken twice, and both times, Rev. Eric Ramirez and Rev. Rod Reyes received EXACTLY the same number of votes. But there was no political negativity, nor tension … just a clear expression of both loyalty and trust among Rev. Eric Ramirez and the pastors and church members toward these his wife Mona Lisa two capable leaders. It seemed to be an indication that the Lord has marked them both out as Superintendents. The decision was made to place Rev. Rod in the Superintendent’s role for two years, with Rev. Eric serving as the assistant Superintendent, and then in mid-2024 have them swap those roles. The entire conference was pleased with that solution. Rev. Rod is currently drafting a leadership and vision proposal to be presented to the conference. (Continued)
Rev. Rod Reyes