Young Filipino Leaders Grow in Mission Practice
The School of Mission for Young People (SMYP) brought together more than 30 leaders in the UMC to engage in conversations and experiences around mission in Asia.
By Darlene Marquez Caramanzana
MANILA — In the Philippines Regional Conference, the School of Mission for Young People (SMYP) has provided a platform for young leaders to fully engage in critical conversations about mission since 2022.
Through a five-day program, young people engage in discussions on the history of mission, mission in Asia, and theological reflections; workshops on the role of youth in mission; conversations with partner institutions and organizations engaged in mission; and participate in community visits.
The SMYP celebrates the gifts, capacity, agency, and meaningful reflections and practices of young people who are in leadership positions and are themselves creating programs that are missional in nature.
This year’s event, sponsored by the General Boards of Higher Education and Ministry and Global Ministries, was attended by 32 national, annual conference, district, and ecumenical leaders, with 10 international guests joining for one of the days from the Council for World Mission–Training in Mission (TIM) program hosted by Union Theological Seminary, Philippines.
Watch the UMC TV coverage below on the July 20-24, 2026, gathering.
Darlene Marquez Caramanzana is the Mission Engagement area liaison for the Asia-Pacific region for Global Ministries and Higher Education and Ministry.
Related Posts
Sometimes, the road to Damascus passes through Breezewood, Pennsylvania. There at the intersection of Interstates 70 and 76, the Rev. Bruce Maxwell, a United Methodist deacon who serves as an endorsed chaplain at the travel plaza, cares for truckers, travelers, or anyone passing through.
The EXPLORATION discernment event is unlike any other event with its goal of helping people discern and not pushing them into ordained ministry or into a particular form of Christian service. EXPLORATION helps participants discern and be open to what God may be asking of them and how they are called to use their gifts and graces to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
"What inspired me to become a deacon is to be able to share the love of God with individuals who may not ever enter the church," says the Rev. Jacob Penvose, a deacon in full connection from the Western Pennsylvania Annual Conference.
