FCFI’s First Event in the Philippines: A God-Ordained Opportunity to Reach Filipino Farmers

(Bert and Karen Duatin, Elton and Eleanor Suico, with A.D. Alvarez at the FCFI booth)

FCFI recently had the opportunity to be part of its first event in the Philippines, opening a new door to connect with farmers, families, and communities in the country. The experience was a meaningful first step and showed the potential for FCFI’s ministry to grow in the Philippines.

The timing of the event was also a blessing. Several members of the team already had commitments before and after the event, while Pastor Bert and his wife happened to be in Cebu at the time. The event dates worked well with everyone’s schedules, allowing the team to come together and represent FCFI. It was a reminder that God can bring the right people together at just the right time.

Coming Together as a Team

Before the booth was set up, the team members had the opportunity to meet one another in person with AD Alvarez. Eleanor, Elton, Pastor Bert and Karen came together to help represent FCFI and welcome visitors to the booth. The team also had a short video call with Dan Janzen before the meeting began.

Getting the booth ready came with a few challenges. The team had to move locations several times before settling into the final spot. However, the last location turned out to be a good one. The booth was located near an area where souvenir shirts were being sold, which meant there was a steady flow of people passing by.

The booth included FCFI brochures, an EV Color Tool featuring Bible verses, and interest forms for visitors who wanted to learn more or stay connected. A laptop also displayed some of FCFI’s different activities and ministries, giving visitors a better picture of the work being done through the organization.

(FCFI booth materials included brochures, the EV Color Tool with Bible verses, interest forms, and a laptop displaying FCFI’s various activities and ministries)

Connecting with Farmers

Throughout the event, the FCFI team met many people and farmers from different parts of the Philippines. Each conversation provided an opportunity to introduce them to FCFI and share more about its mission.

Some visitors showed a genuine interest in learning more. Several were seen scanning the QR codes on the brochures and banner to explore FCFI’s resources and activities. These simple interactions opened the door for meaningful conversations.

The team also had the opportunity to pray during the event. Moments like this demonstrated that the booth was more than simply a place to provide information. It became a place where people could connect, ask questions, and receive prayer and encouragement.

(A farmer scans the QR code to learn more about FCFI, while the team takes time to connect with visitors, pray, and share encouragement)

A Few Highlights from the Event!

Ending the Event in Prayer

At the end of the event, the team gathered together to close the experience in prayer. They took time to thank God for the opportunity to represent FCFI, for the people they were able to meet, and for the conversations and connections made throughout the event. The team also prayed for the farmers and communities they encountered and for God’s continued guidance as FCFI explores future opportunities in the Philippines.

It was a meaningful way to end the event—together as a team, giving thanks to God and committing the future of the ministry into His hands.

Looking Toward the Future

On the last day of the event, the team met with A.D. Alvarez to discuss the experience and consider ways to build on this first opportunity. They talked about how the ministry could continue to grow in the Philippines, taking things one step at a time while keeping the bigger vision in mind.

FCFI’s first event in the Philippines was a significant beginning. It provided an opportunity to meet farmers, introduce people to the ministry, and begin building relationships that could continue beyond the event.

There is a growing opportunity to connect with farmers and communities throughout the Philippines, and FCFI is praying about how God may continue to use these opportunities in the future.

What began as one event could become the start of a much larger ministry effort—reaching more farmers, building relationships, and sharing the Gospel throughout the Philippines.

FCFI is grateful for this first opportunity and looks forward with faith to what God may do next.