ABM has worked in partnership with the Episcopal Church in the Philippines since the early 1990’s. Our partnership has facilitated community development projects in many Philippines communities as well as strengthening the ministry of the church. But partnership also invites Australians to learn from the church in the Philippines. In this dynamic developing nation, where English is widely spoken, there are many lessons to be learned as well as inspiring stories to be uncovered.

An ABM Pilgrimage is a unique opportunity to undertake a journey of reflection and discovery. You will witness holistic mission in action and learn from members of the Anglican family in another part of the world. Many people enquire, ‘what will we do?’ Our task as pilgrims is not to change the community that we are visiting. Instead we will prayfully enter into the daily life of the communities we visit confident that God is also transforming us as we learn from the great things that capable women and men in the Philippines are already doing. Together we will ask the question, ‘what does it mean to be partners in mission?’

How Much? $1990 + airfares of approx $1000

Who canapply?

Anyone over 18 (or travelling with a parent or guardian who is over 18), fit to travel in a developing country and ready to pray and reflect on mission in a group environment.

How to Apply Submit the application form available from ABM’s website.

Contact

Greg Henderson, ABM Education Officer

(07) 3103 0394, education@abm.asn.au

An ABM Pilgrimage with the Episcopal Church in the Philippines

SAGADA PILGRIMAGE11 - 20 October 2014

The Episcopal Church in the Philippines

Day 1 Depart Australia bound for Manila. Our accommodation in Manila is at the ECP centre in Quezon City.

Day 2 Sunday morning worship at Cathedral of St. Mary and St. John, Episcopal Church in the Philippines Mission Center, Quezon City. Briefing and orientation with staff of the ECP. Afternoon visit to Caloocan community.

Day 3 Travel by minibus to Baguio seeing many towns and villages along the way. Baguio is a bustling university city and with an Anglican Cathedral and numerous parishes.

Day 4 Back on the road, we will be stopping to meet and exchange stories with several church communities on our way to Sagada. High in the Cordillera mountains Sagada is famous for its rice terraces and pine forests. It is also a heartland of the Anglican Church in the Philippines. We will be accommodated at St Joseph’s Rest House, a short walk from the historic St Mary’s Church.

Day 5 We will join workers and learn about Tadian’s organic demonstration farm. This farm models contextually relevant sustainble farming practices for rural farmers that has benefited the livihoods of many communities in the Philippines. We will also visit a Community Development program in Soysoyoc being run by the ECP and learn about the church’s integrated approach to community development and see the successful fruits of past projects.

Day 6 Visit Ubaya processing centre and Basao community. See and learn about Sagada’s famous ‘hanging coffins’.

Day 7 Quiet Day. Time to reflect and pray or explore Sagada’s natural treasures.

Day 8 Maligcong rice terraces & Bontoc visit. Return to Baguio.Day 9 Return to Manila after Sunday morning worship at Christ

Church Kias; A thriving Anglican parish on the outskirts of Baguio. This is the parish featured in the ABM video ‘Jesus loves the little Children’.

Day 10

Everyday

Morning reflection and final preparations for returning to Australia.

Prayer, reflection and facilitated group discussion.

* Itinerary subject to change

Important Information

Because we are travelling in a developing country, you will should consult with your doctor about your suitability to travel to the Philippines. You should be able to carry your luggage up flights of stairs and be comfortable taking long winding road journeys on poor roads. Temperatures will vary from humid 35 degree days to the possibility of cold nights in the mountains.

Accommodation will be in simple guest houses. Expect a clean bed with a foam mattress. Rice is a staple of the Philippines diet. We will have electricity and mobile phone reception in most places, but they should not be relied upon.

All participants in ABM pilgrimages must provide proof of working with children certification.

For more information please feel free to contact ABM.

“Our first task in approaching another people, another culture is to take off our shoes, for the place we are approaching is holy. Else we may find ourselves treading on another’s dream. More serious still, we may forget that God was there before our arrival.”

Max Warren (1904-1977) General Secretary of the Church Mission Society

A pilgrimage is a spiritual journey to which the pilgrim joyfully responds ‘yes’ to God’s invitation.