The former U.S. airbase in Clark, the Philippines, endured an invasion of sorts on the 29th of August as 90 officers from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, Coast Guard, their spouses, and Christian workers converged at the Oxford Hotel for the Christian Officers Conference organized by the Military Ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ (CCC). Among the delegates were representatives from Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the USA. With the theme “Lead Where You Are”, the meeting challenged Christians from the uniformed services to advance the Gospel wherever they may be. The 3-day conference opened Saturday evening with Major General Carlos Holganza, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations (J3) of the AFP, underscoring the need for a fresh approach to the insurgency problem, and how godly, caring, values-centered leaders are central to this approach. In the course of the weekend, Dr. Tom Roxas, CCC Director for SE Asia, gave three powerful devotional messages based on Acts 13:36, pointing out the need for Christians to submit to God’s deliberate purpose for their lives in their single allotted lifespan. The conference drew inspiration from officers whom God had blessed with spiritual maturity,

professional competence, and a faithful testimony. Colonel Erwin Luga (ret), former Army officer and now pastor of the PMA Christian Fellowship, challenged the delegates to lead transformation in their families, while Lt Col Joel Paloma, an Army battalion commander deployed in Maguindanao, shared his experience in leading transformation in the field. The weekend’s high point was the stirring challenge from Senior Supt Cesar Binag, the architect behind the reform initiatives of the Philippine National Police, for the delegates to lead strategic transformation for the next generation. If the action points of the delegates are any indication, the impact of the conference will be felt beyond the Clark perimeter: “I’d like to start a Bible study in the Coast Guard,” “…at the AFP Medical Center,” “… disciple men in the Navy,” “… lead my [police] office in prayer,” “… be a submissive wife and good mother to my son,” “… start a military ministry in Indonesia,” “…in the Cambodian Army,” “… start a prayer breakfast in the Cambodian Army.” “How long will you wait before you begin to take possession of the land?” Joshua asked the Israelites. We have waited too long – and night is coming. The time to lead for the glory of God is NOW!

Lead Where You Are!

L-R: Navy Captain Sam Felix

welcoming the delegates;

MGen Carlos Holganza AFP,

keynote speaker; and

Dr. Tom Roxas, devotional

speaker.

The Military Ministry Report 11 September 2009 www.milmin.net

(Below) BGen Boonthouen of Cambodia and wife, Chenda, came to know the Lord in January, 2009, through a couples’ retreat sponsored by Cambodia Campus Crusade for Christ. Two months later, they organized a couples’ retreat for 70 Army couples.

(Above) Col Erwin Luga sharing his insights on how to strengthen the family. Erwin also introduced the Homebuilders Bible Study program designed to reinforce marriages and the family. (Below) LtCol Joel Paloma sharing about the challenges a Christian officer faces in the field. Joel has started prayer breakfasts and small groups in Samar and Maguindanao.

(Above) Major John Jadloc regrets not having shared the Gospel to his radioman who was later killed in action. In 2008, John and other officers started a prayer breakfast at GHQ. He is an active partner of the Military Ministry.

Worship …

Prayer …

The Word …

Claiming the nations …

(Below) A potent mix of idealism and frustration drove Army Captain Geri Gambala to lead over 200 soldiers in the “Oakwood Mutiny”. Sentenced to life imprisonment but later pardoned, Geri now shares the true formula for genuine transformation: faith in Jesus Christ. Geri is now pursuing an M.A. in Transformational Leadership at the International Graduate School of Leadership and serves as a volunteer with the Military Ministry.

(Above) Police Senior Superintendent Cesar Binag is the Chief of Staff of the Program Management Office of the PNP, the office responsible for transforming the PNP into a credible and effective organization. Cesar presented his sons – the future generation – as an object lesson for the need for generational transformation in the country.

Fun and fellowship …

Sharing “war stories” …

Meeting fellow soldiers …

Covenanting to Lead Where I Am!

Covenant to Lead Where I Am By God’s grace and in the power of

the Holy Spirit, having accepted the challenge of

Christ’s Great Commission, I hereby covenant to live a righteous life

in obedience to God’s will as revealed in Scripture,

to strive for excellence in my profession in service to God and country,

to minister the Word of God – whenever and wherever the need or

opportunity arises – and to disciple faithful followers of Christ

who will disciple others also.

Acknowledgments: We are deeply grateful to our donors

who helped fund the conference. Photographs are courtesy

of Major John Jadloc. For more photos and details, visit

our website at www.milmin.net.