For the past few months, I have had the opportunity to work with CRUIS Inc. (CBM partner in Davao) as they launch a new ‘Business Initiative Program’ (BIP).  The BIP is a joint effort between CRUIS Inc., Canadian Baptist Ministries and leaders from indigenous Muslim communities in Mindanao, Philippines.  The purpose of the BIP is to create sustainable small business that will provide employment that offers fair & equitable wages and benefits, that fulfills a need within the local community, provides quality products and services, and strengthens the interfaith relationships between Christians and Muslims as they work together to promote and build peace and reconciliation within their communities.

For the past number of months, CRUIS Inc. has been busy working on developing this Business Initiative Program.  In partnership with CBM, who provided funding to purchase three professional grade sewing machines and one edging machine, CRUIS Business Initiative Program is launching a tailoring shop that will provide much needed services such as alterations and clothing repairs, as well as indigenous products such as Malongs (click here to view a picture of a Malong), uniforms, and souvenir bags & products.

This past week, I had the opportunity to travel as part of a team, to Midsayap – a small community in south/western Mindanao, to participate in the final orientation and training for the employees.  I had the opportunity to facilitate a couple of discussions related to their business.  The first discussion focused on ‘how to market and promote your business’ utilizing low or no cost methods such as word of mouth, customer referrals, and social media.  A large part of our discussion focused on the importance of providing good customer service during and after the sale.  The second discussion was centred on ‘how to properly establish pricing for your products and services’.  During this discussion, we talked about factors that impact product pricing such as material and labor costs, accessories and shop supplies, and the importance of being consistent with production time and in product quality.  At the conclusion of the orientation, we joined together in offering a prayer of blessing on the business (the opening of the business was intentionally set to coincide with the end of Ramadan) and celebrating what God has done and will continue to do through this new tailoring shop.

Please join with us in praying for the continuing development of this business (and others that may follow) as they work to develop their products/services, promote their business within their local community, and establish a strong customer base.  Also, please pray that this business will be a model for positive interfaith relations between Muslims and Christians working together to promote and advance peace and reconciliation through their business!

Upcoming

July 10th to 17th – We are looking forward to hosting Malcolm & Patty Card (Malcolm is the President of CBM’s Board of Directors) and introducing them to the Philippines and some of the new and exciting ministry that is starting to take shape here.  We will be taking them to Capiz Province to introduce them to our partners (KPM) and to some of the Food for Life farmers.  Please join us in praying for safety as they journey to the Philippines and please pray for our time together as we share our ministry with them.

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In closing, we want to express our sincere thanks and appreciation for everyone who continues to pray for us and financially support us as we serve with CBM in the Philippines. Your faithful love and support means so much to us and serves as a reminder of God’s love, faithfulness and provision. Thanks for joining us on this journey…TOGETHER we are impacting families and communities through word and deed!

If you are interested in becoming a Partner-in-Mission please contact Barb Keys (bkeys@cbmin.org or call 1-905-821-3533) at Canadian Baptist Ministries.   You can also visit their website at www.cbmin.org to give online or for more information.  We are only able to follow God’s leading in our lives thanks to the monthly support of generous individuals and churches.

All donations of $10.00 or more will receive a charitable tax receipt at year end. 

Thank-you!

Michael & Melanie

Kyla, Sean, Carter & Allie