Elected on the Same Day

Bishop Jim Tuan was re-elected to a second term on November 2nd in the Philippine Islands, and on the other side of the world, on the same day, Bishop Jose Ildo Swartele de Mello, was re-elected in Brazil– also to a second term.

Bishop Jim Tuan leads the Filipino Church with compassion for the cities. One Free Methodist Pastor saw the children living in the street–sleeping in the street. He championed a home for these children and gathered them in. International Childcare came alongside. Food and Elementary Education was lovingly provided for the children. Advocating for the children, some were able to re-connect with their families. The orphans remained in their “church home”. More than one hundred street children have been embraced by the FMC. While finding the cities a challenge to decode, the Filipino church launches ministry to the prisons and other wholistic ministries. One lay couple rose to the challenge to shepherd a church plant when the Pastor quit. “We’re available,” they responded. Their glass installing business pays the bills. Since June of this year, they have baptized 4 adults! The Filipino Acronym of STAFF defines the Free Methodist Posture, Submissive to the Lord, Teachable, Available, Faithful, Fruitful

In addition to Lay Pastors, 72 Bible College Students are preparing for ministry. Thank the Lord for the emerging leaders “to go to the other towns” in the P. I. Luke 4:43

NOTE: Bishop Ildo Swartele was so busy hosting the World Conference, we did not want to give him one more thing to attend to–an interview. Please pray as Brazil feels passionately about going to “the other towns also” in new iniatives in the cities, in wholistic ministries and in sold-out ministry to the youth. (As you can see by the photos and video, the Brazilian FMC has a passionate love for Christ!)