The Asia-Pacific Region Nazarene Compassionate Ministries “Super 8” meeting convened in Manila, Philippines, from 13-18 June 2026. Field and National NCM coordinators, and Holistic Child Development (HCD) coordinators gathered to have conversations and training focused on HCD across the region.
The name “Super 8” reflects the six regional fields—East Asia, Southeast Asia, Sealands, Philippine-Micronesia, Melanesia, and Australia & New Zealand— along with two districts.
One of the key activities in the meeting was the church visits. The team was divided into 3 groups and assigned to partner churches across the Metro Manila District. During Sunday service, team members had an opportunity to fellowship with local churches and share the calling to be compassionate churches, allowing them to gain insight into the Filipino culture and history during the cultural immersion.
The day ended in a Jollibee welcome party, reflecting the central role of Jollibee in Filipino family life. Delegates experienced firsthand how families celebrate—a valuable insight for localized HCD programs.
The meeting opened with a powerful devotional message from Regional Director Kafoa Muaror. He emphasized that effective compassionate ministry must originate from a deep, intimate connection with Jesus Christ rather than mere human effort or organizational strategy. He reminded the team that Christian ministry is distinguished by the person of Jesus, restoring dignity and transforming lives through a “visible witness” of hope.
The two interactive workshops encouraged conversation, and participants engaged in reflection and dialogue. The first workshop, facilitated by Sealands Field Strategy Coordinator Stephen Gualberto, focused on the topic “Raising Generations of Hope: The Church’s Calling to Holistic Child Development.” The workshop provided an avenue for deeper understanding into the biblical value of children and their role in Kingdom building.
The second session titled “Compassion in Practice: Lessons and Models from the Local Church,” was facilitated by Jackson Natividad and Melvin Olicia. Both workshops provided an avenue for creative and innovative ministries to children and for building the very foundation of our Child Theology as we engage with children.
On the second day of the meeting, Muaror shared the region’s vision, affirming and encouraging the NCM team across the Asia-Pacific that compassionate ministries are part of the vision besides calling on them to collaborate with other ministries to provide support and engagement towards achieving the regional vision.