Each year, the Church of God office of Youth and Discipleship coordinates International Training Global Expedition trips. The purpose of these trips is to provide training for local church leaders, pastors, and church workers in various locations around the world.

Led by Tony Lane, coordinator of discipleship and children’s ministries, the third annual trip to the Philippines will be February 7-15, 2011. It is designed to provide practical training and resources for youth, children’s, pastoral, and administrative ministries for current and future Asian church leaders.

The training will begin with three days of ministry to nearly 200 students at the Asian Seminary of Christian Ministries (ASCM) in Makati City, where the purpose is “training nationals to reach their own.” A highlight of the experience is hearing how some of ASCM’s students found Christ and how they will one day be returning to their homelands to minister despite the huge challenges. Many of the students are from countries which appear to be closed to the Gospel.

After last year’s conference, Dr. Scott Rains, president of ASCM, wrote the team members, “I want to let you know how very deeply I appreciate you taking the time and expense to bring this crucial training to us here in the Philippines. The entire faculty, staff, and students were truly impacted by your lives and ministry. You may never know the far reaching extent both here at the Asian Seminary and soon throughout Asia.”

On Saturday, February 12, a ministries training conference will be held for Church of God congregations on the Metro Manila region. The very well organized event, under the leadership of the host pastor, Anthony Velasco, will take place at the Dasmarinas Church, and will be attended by church workers from congregations large and small.

On Sunday, the team members will be ministering to children, youth, and adults in area churches. The team will consist of senior/lead pastors, discipleship pastors, youth pastor, children’s pastors, worship/music pastors, and other church leaders.

For information about the 2011 Philippines Ministry Training Event, or other International Training Event Trips, as well as short term missions trips to Mexico in January 2011 and in the summer of 2011, contact the International Department of Youth and Discipleship, 423-478-7229 or e-mail Tony Lane at tlane@churchofgod.org.
Future training trips include Austria, Italy, Romania and Spain.