This week we drove over to Toledo. We arrived Thursday afternoon and had Street Level’s weekly Bible study that night. We studied the parable of the hidden treasure and pearl of great value and discussed how incredible life with Jesus should be.

On Friday morning we had the first day of our Toledo Ministry Training Institute class.  

A few of us did a Street Level lemonade and coffee outreach outside of one of the universities. We had opportunities to talk with students and to invite them to a game night as well as our Thursday night Bible study. 

Friday night we hung out with university students from Street Level. We got to know each other more. We also had some pizza! Multiple people came, and it was a fun evening of fellowship.

Saturday we finished the week with day two of the MTI, while others went postering around the city. Afterwards, we went back to Cebu City.

On Monday morning, we all boarded a ferry to the neighboring island of Bohol. We had the evening to walk around and explore before we dove into ministry on Tuesday morning.

Several pastors and church leaders from around the island showed up bright and early for the Ministry Training Institute class. Most were returning students, but a handful were new. 

Meanwhile, Britt and Daphne handed out fliers at two universities to invite students to a pop-up Bible study later in the evening. Four students attended and engaged in a short study on abiding in Jesus. 

The next day, the team finished the MTI class while Britt and Daphne headed back to Cebu for the Street Level meeting. 

We will finish out the week in Toledo with the last MTI class and a Street Level meeting, outreach, and fellowship night. 

It’s crazy to think that Team 2 has already been in the Philippines for a almost a week! Here are some highlights of the ministry we’ve been blessed to participate in over the past few days. 

After a day of walking and getting caffeinated to help fight jet lag, Brittany and Daphne jumped right into things with Street Level Cebu on Wednesday evening. They were able to start a series of studies in the parables, beginning with the parable of the unforgiving servant. It was great to connect, study, and fellowship with the students there.

Bright and early Thursday morning, the team all started making our way to the other side of the island together, then parted ways in Balamban. The girls headed to Toledo for the weekly Street Level meeting there while the rest of the team made their way north to Bantayan Island in preparation for the first of three MTI ‘s.

On Friday morning, 20 pastors and church leaders came together for Day 1 of the MTI course titled “The Making of a Man of God.” It was great to see many familiar faces return to study and learn together.

Saturday brought Day 2 of the MTI, and at the same time Brittany and Daphne had the opportunity to lead a youth summit just around the block with help from the Street Level Members from Cebu and Toledo. 24 youth from Bantayan attended. The topic was from a 6-part series called “Follow Me” by David Platt going in depth on what it means to biblically and practically follow Jesus.

On Sunday morning, most of the team made the long journey back to Cebu for church in the evening. Meanwhile, Pastor Tim and Sharon went even further north to the tip of Bantayan Island to teach at a church in Madridejos. Tomorrow, we all will head over to Bohol for the next MTI class. 

This past week a group of nine pastors from Bantayan, Bohol and Cebu Islands gathered at the Shofar Mission office in Cebu City for an intensive week of study and discussion. These men have been committed to furthering their biblical training through our Ministry Training Institute classes over the years, as well as the first PTI class. This week’s topic was “Church Ministry & Administration” which covered many practical aspects of overseeing a church.

We were greatly blessed to be able to spend the week with these fellow pastors in fellowship and discussion, and we will continue to pray for all their ministries and churches.