Preparing men and women for ministry across Asia is Rene’s primary focus. Rene specifically works with Asian Theological Seminary which has students from not only the Philippines, but from other Asian countries as well. His passion is to see strong, vibrant church ministry leadership teams all over the region witnessing for Jesus in this needy area of the world. Expansion of training to nearby provinces has made courses of study available to the farthest corners of the islands. Rene and other teachers travel to these places to teach modular courses and help in the development of workers who cannot access the program in Manila. A specific goal is to nurture spirituality among the students by engaging in discussions on what it really means to draw near to God. This provides a pivotal forum that addresses the core aspects of the inner man and how attention to these aspects can bring revitalization in one’s ministry.
A major challenge is to provide an even wider access for the training programs using current technology. The approach will seek to maintain face-to-face interaction among teachers and students. Rene wants to keep the mentoring approach as a key component in building up the church leadership in all of Asia. Pray for each individual whose life we touch will be drawn close to the Lord and the Lord give us strength, wisdom, and good health as we serve Him on a day-to-day basis.
About Rene:
“At ten years old I, Rene, accepted the Lord when a CBFMS missionary taught Bible studies in my home. I was thrilled by what I read in Scripture and eagerly shared it with classmates. During High School summer camp I sensed the Lord calling me into full time ministry and shortly thereafter I started teaching Sunday school in my home church. I entered Bible school and after graduation was enlisted as one of the school’s teachers where I found a great passion for teaching.”
Rene’s late wife, Carla, accepted the Lord when she was eight years old. As a young adult she was involved in a church plant which exposed her to varied ministries where her love for serving the Lord grew. Carla’s call to missions was in 1983 during a Sunday morning service. Her career was well established but God’s call was clear. She served four years in the Philippines as a short-term missionary.
Rene and Carla both worked within the CB Association of the Philippines Training Department. They shared a common desire to help develop workers for the Philippine churches. They were married in the US where Rene completed further studies. They returned to the Philippines in 1993, this time as a family with two children. Since then, and through Carla’s passing to Glory in 2021, they have been involved in various training ministries, directorships, and assisted in churches going through transition.
“What a privilege to play a role in shaping future pastors and church workers,” says Rene. “It is a joy to see men and women come forward to the task of evangelizing and discipleship. It brings much satisfaction to know that a pastor who is now leading a group of churches was once your student and now being used significantly for the Lord’s harvest field.”
Publications by WorldVenture:
* I See You, Day 27
