In honor the 25th anniversary of the Bicol Center for Christian Leadership in the Philippines, both this week and next we will be sharing stories from people involved in the ministry, today (see below) and at its start (next week).
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By Jenna Merrifield
Volunteer in Mission – BCCL
Thank you so much for your prayers and support during my time here serving in the Philippines at the Bicol Center for Christian Leadership! I am here serving as a Volunteer in Mission with the NAB – essentially a missionary intern. I have been here since the beginning of April and will be going back to Canada at the end of June. My time here has been an incredible experience, although pushing me out of my comfort zone at times.
I have been serving in a few different capacities. I help out with different events put on by the school, such as prayer events or our events with the Indian medical students, along with others. I attend some of the classes, help out in the café at the school (helping them with their English and teaching them some Canadian baking recipes), participate in different outreach events of the students, and build relationships with all the staff of the school and the café.
I have seen God work through simple yet miraculous ways. God continues to open doors for conversations and is allowing me to use my psychology degree more than I ever thought I would be using it here. . . .
The next Fit Assessment is right around the corner in Medina, Ohio, August 11–13.
This multi-step process delivers insights to any current or potential missionary, church planter, or revitalization pastor, reporting on their “fit” for the ministry they are endeavoring to engage in. To complete the NAB Fit Assessment, candidates meet together for a multi-day, in-person experience hosted by a diversity of trained leaders. These three days together help us communally discern your best next step in ministry.
If you arere interested in beginning the Fit Assessment process, your first step is completing the online application, found at the link below.
The 2026/2027 cohort of Blue Ocean is now accepting applications.
Blue Ocean is a transformative one-year learning experience. You’ll be part of a cohort that journeys together throughout the year, exploring what it means to join God on mission, be formed into the character of Christ, and dwell in your neighborhood – sharing and living out the Gospel. This program includes three in-person learning modules, each held in a different location:
- Vancouver, British Columbia, October 20–23, 2026.
- Sacramento, California, February 2–5, 2027.
- TBD, May 4–7, 2027.
Participants come from across North America, each of whom serve in leadership roles at NAB churches of varying sizes and ministry styles.
Our modules are thoughtfully designed to integrate teaching, conversation, hands-on activities, shared experiences, and meals, creating a holistic and immersive experience. Find out more about Blue Ocean on the NAB website.
The NorCal Association is seeking their next Regional Minister as Kent Carlson prepares to retire from this role at ehend of the year. This role will be an important one for the next chapter of ministry in Northern California, providing pastoral support, strengthening churches, developing leaders, encouraging church health, and helping our region continue to participate in the broader mission and End Goals of the NAB.
The search team will begin reviewing potential candidates on July 17, with the final day for applications being July 31. Anyone interested, or anyone who knows a potential candidate, is encouraged to send a résumé and cover letter to rmsearch@sunrise.church. You can find the full job description and other details at the link below.