Philippines Team
In 1980 at the age of 20, Jeff Pessina gave his heart and his life to God. As he continued to study the scripture, his heart began to ache for those who had not yet learned of the God who loved them. Within five weeks of committing his life to Jesus, Jeff's desire to Reach and Help People find their way Back to God found him quitting his job, selling everything he had, and leaving his home in Aurora, Illinois to serve in the mission fields of the Philippines. Jeff's overwhelming desire to win hearts for the Kingdom was the foundation for the Philippine Frontline Ministries of today.
In 2011, Frontline Ministries was able to REACH thousands of people with the Gospel. Evangelism continues to be the heart of Frontline and through tent outreaches they can take the Gospel on the road to the most unreached areas of the Philippines. In addition, Frontline celebrated the launch of three new church campuses - which continue to bring together communities and build disciples.
The many ministries devoted to restoring lives have continued to grow this year. In the dumpsite of Balok, many livelihood projects are in full swing including a quilt making business and community garden. These programs RESTORE dignity to the poorest of the poor. The first girl's dorm was completed this summer and is home to 18 formerly abused, abandoned and dangerously neglected street children. The boy's dorm is nearing completion and the boys are very excited to move into their new home!
In May of 2011, Frontline launched the Frontline Training Program to REPRODUCE leaders in each of their campus sites. The intent of this program is:
- To impart a passion for evangelism.
- To teach Biblical truths and Scriptural formation.
- To illuminate and eliminate barriers to evangelism.
- To provide hands on experience and direct involvement in mass and personal evangelism.
- To enhance and build character in relation to working together as a team.
- To strengthen the body of Christ by assisting in, and imparting passion for evangelism.
By the end of last year more than 150 students had engaged in this program. Jesus told us that there wasn't a problem with the harvest; the fields "are white unto harvest," He said. The issue is that there is a shortage of workers to handle the harvest. We believe the Frontline Training Program is part of our response to the prayer of Jesus... "that the Lord of the harvest would send out workers into the harvest field." This is an exciting and important project here at Frontline.
A heart that loves God is filled with compassion. Through our partnership with Philippine Frontline Ministries, we get the opportunity to live out God's dream for our lives - to help the hurting and be the hands and feet of Jesus. Invest yourself into the cause of Christ and in Reaching and Helping People find their way Back to God in the Philippines.
