Since first travelling to the Philippines in 1993, Colin Reed has been focusing upon true missionary work – spiritually and physically – spreading the gospel and working to reduce poverty by working with disadvantaged communities in south east Asia. The ministry is founded upon Luke 4:18-19
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because He anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.
The work has grown each year as more and more people have wanted to join Colin on his short term mission trips. In order to give a formal foundation to the work that’s being carried out, Compassion Ministry has been established to give a platform for all the various activities, and all built upon Colin Reed and his passion for the lost and the dispossessed.
Without cheerful giving much of the work that has been carried out to date would never have got off the ground . Education has been a priority as financial giving has paid for scholarships to higher education for the older and brighter children as well as providing many basic materials for the poorest children to be able to attend school.
Infrastructure is also essential, particularly following the many natural disasters over the past ten years that have befallen the island, such as typhoons, fires, and floods. Rebuilding projects are still in place.
The water for life project has made a wonderful contribution in the betterment of people’s lives. Compassion Ministry gives generously to the water projects.
God’s heart is for the weak and defenceless, widows and the poor but the orphan children probably touch more people’s hearts than anything else. The ministry to the orphans is not just in practical things, such as providing them with essential supplies, but by spending time with them, playing with them and showing/sharing the love of God to and with them.
There are many children whom are sponsored but there are many more who are waiting for someone to wrap them in their arms by way of sponsorship, to support them in their schooling and basic necessities such as food and clothing.
However, it is the spiritual issues that lie at the heart of Compassion Ministry.
Works alone, without the underlying message and foundation of the good news of Jesus Christ, would not be sufficient. The salvation message brings light and hope into lives that are broken and empty.
The ministry works at levels: the first is the gospel campaign where Jesus is preached and raised high. These campaigns have seen many hundreds of souls saved (approximately 700 in 2015). Many prophetic words have been given that 2016 will see a mighty harvest of salvation.
The second level is that of teaching and beginning the process of making disciples. Working with mature local Christian leaders, new converts embark on discipleship programmes which includes baptism by water and the Holy Spirit. This is apostolic faith being lived out in the world in which we live today – souls turning to Christ, miracles, signs and wonders through healing and deliverance – setting the captives free in every sense of the word!
The third level is coming alongside the local communities – becoming a part of not apart from their lives. It is this close relational aspect of his mission that has established and confirmed Colin with this community on Mindanao island. Love and trust are the two ingredients that have created a strong bond between Colin and the parents and the children. The local Christian leaders can rely on Colin to deliver all that he promises because God’s promises are even greater and trustworthy.
It is by the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit that Compassion Ministry exists and continues to reach out to the poor, the orphans, the widows, the sick, those in chains and the lost… the message and the mighty works of God in Christ Jesus have never changed.
Praise the Lord!