Heartening success from a pastors’ conference in the Philippines.

Philippines (MNN)–A regional terrorist network linked to al Qaeda continues to train its militants in the southern Philippines.

That raises concerns about a four-month old peace accord and about planned strikes against believers near Christmas. Against this backdrop, Global Advance’s David Shibley says they met with church leaders to share a mission vision. “It was exciting because not too many pastors’ conferences are held in that area. This is on the island of Mindanao, where there’s been considerable terrorist activity, and yet we found a group of pastors, very committed to continuing to advance the Gospel.”

Shibley describes the outcome of the conference as encouraging. “371 pastors and church leaders attended this Frontline Shepherd’s Conference. Over 100 of them committed to cross cultural ministry and to be the first fruits of Filipino missionaries who would go, not only to the rest of Asia, but to the ends of the earth.”

Pray for the safety of the church leaders as they begin their evangelistic work.