Story number 1 for 29 May 2001

(Philippines)–Topping the news, last week’s Philippines elections were the first test of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s support since she took office. Recent unrest, generated by political and sometimes sectarian groups, was firmly put down in the days preceding the election. Despite the tension, the work of FARMS International was uninterrupted. FARMS’ Joseph Richter. “I think the danger of an ongoing insurgency is our main concern. What we try to do in the Philippines is equip evangelists with income-generating projects so that they can support their families and do the work of evangelism.” Richter says that becomes a challenge when the area is in upheaval. “Any area that is involved in conflict, usually the economic situation is diminished. That’s where we come in and help in a way that really can put people on a better footing to help their family as well as to carry out the work of evangelism.”