Philippines
Easter in the Philippines
through the eyes of a Camino missionary"In the Philippines, Holy Thursday and Good Friday are national holidays. Easter is an observed holiday. Due to Spanish colonization, Catholicism has had a significant influence on how the Philippines celebrates Easter. Many traditions observed by the people of the Philippines are very similar to those in Latin American countries.
During Holy Week, the crucifixion is recreated throughout the city. In some areas, the commemoration is embraced in full form. Men will allow themselves to be tied, beaten, and even nailed to a cross. Their perspective of Christ's suffering is that they have to suffer and endure pain in order to feel connected to, and forgiven by, Christ. The Catholic Church does not officially condone this, but the faithful respect and admire it. They take on suffering for themselves. They have a hard time believing that Christ suffered for us so that we would not have to. For much of the country, Easter in the Philippines focuses significantly more on Christ’s death than on His resurrection.
On Good Friday, families will begin cooking for the feast that will occur on Easter Sunday. The entire town comes together on Sunday at the town center to enjoy time with family and friends. It is a community event that people celebrate with one another.
For me personally, Easter is a reminder of God's mercy. Christ’s death and resurrection are not just for me. His gift is for my entire family, my loved ones, my neighbors, my friends, and you. Because God gave us the gift of His Son, by grace we have eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ."
Country Profile
A multinational team from the U.S. and Central America is mobilizing to the Philippines, serving alongside the Filipino church to reach people who have never heard the gospel of Jesus Christ.
July 2015 was an historic time as the PCEC (Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches) celebrated their 50th anniversary. Even the President and Chief Justice of the Philippines were in attendance. At this event, Camino Global was recognized as a formal partner of the PCEC. After the event, Camino met with business leaders, educators, government officials, and ministry leaders throughout the Philippines.
The first Camino missionaries to form the core of a new team will arrive from Honduras in mid-2018.
View the Philippines Prayercast video at www.prayercast.com.
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In Spanish, "Camino" means "journey, way or path."