Compass Asia Pacific has recently concluded a three-day retreat in Manila, Philippines from 15-18 October. National directors from the region including South Korea, China, Singapore, Australia, and the Philippines gathered to strengthen relationships, share updates and discuss best practices in ministry. James Sim from Singapore, the director of Compass Asia Pacific hosted the program.
One of the highlights of the event was the arrival of Howard Dayton himself. Having the founder of Compass – finances God’s way, and author of the Compass books and other publications was indeed a moment to celebrate. Flying from Florida, USA, he was warmly welcomed by all those who came for the retreat.
Leo Kuiper of Compass Netherlands also flew a long distance to be there and provided an overview of the ‘Debt Free Coaching’ course they currently offer in the Netherlands. Leo also explained that financial problems are just the tip of the iceberg. According to Leo, “Money cannot solve financial problems. The root of financial problems in people’s lives is their lack of a personal relationship with God.”
Throughout the retreat, each National Director discussed and gave a brief overview of the various impacts and causes of debt in people’s lives, the debt situation and government regulations in their specific countries.
With each representative sharing updates on what God is doing through Compass, it was a time when everyone in the room felt God’s presence and was reminded about Compass’ main mission to share the love of God with every person and to teach people worldwide how to handle finances God’s way.
Compass Australia was represented at this event by Ian Charlesworth, our company secretary. After the retreat, he had this to say:
I had “met” the Compass national directors from the countries within the Asia Pacific region many times via our monthly video-link conference calls, but to finally meet face-to-face was a privilege and a pleasure. To eat together, to hear them share their vision, their struggles and their successes in delivering this ministry, and to pray together, was the highlight. Each country has such a unique cultural and economic background, and yet God’s Word clearly addresses the deep financial, emotional, and spiritual needs of all people. To meet up with Howard Dayton was inspiring. God bless him for the financial stewardship ministry he has founded through Compass – finances God’s way!
