The history of Union Church of Manila is a story of faith - faith in the guiding hand of an Almighty Father, a pillar of fire leading his children through a wilderness of difficulty and bounty, war and peace, disappointment and triumph, despair and hope - but always and ever delivering them from the darkness of night to the brightness of day.

American missionaries arrived in the Philippine Islands soon after the victory of the U.S. fleet over the Spanish Armada in Manila Bay in 1898. The first of these torchbearers were the Presbyterians and the Methodists - the Presbyterians resolving in General Assembly to "open the Philippine Islands to the Bible and Protestant missionaries"; the Methodists sending representatives to "look over the field". They came with their families to minister to the Americans arriving in the Islands for business, government, mission, or military work. They came bearing the light of the Gospel, armed with naught but their conviction and the amazing grace of the Lord.

Early contributors to the founding Union Church included Dr. James M. Thoburn, Methodist Bishop, who delivered the first sermon by a Protestant missionary in Manila in March 1899; Dr. James B. Rodgers, Presbyterian minister, who arrived in Manila in April 1899 after his missionary service in Brazil; Dr. Homer Stutz, first Pastor of Methodist Central Church (American Church); and Mr. And Mrs. Prautch, missionaries of the Methodist Episcopal Church, who came to the Philippines for business but responded to the call to evangelize. At the turn of the century, the flame of faith was lit in the Philippine Islands. 

It did not take long for the vision of a united ministry to foreigners, especially Americans, to emerge. Flames of union were fanned by the fervor of the Presbyterians, Methodists, and Disciples of Christ. Formal discussions on unification, versus simply cooperation, spanned three years and were fraught with challenges, some internal to the groups, some external. But in the end, the Presbyterian and Methodist organizations, and individual members of the Disciples of Christ agreed that a united ministry to the American population in the country transcended denominational concerns. And so it was that on October 11, 1914, 32 years before the founding of the World Council of Churches, Christianity in a tiny country in the Asia-Pacific responded to the Lord's pleas "...that they may all be one..." and formed the Union Church of Manila. Union Church was consecrated "...to unite Christians in worship and in every effort to spread the gospel, and to give adherents to any denomination, while sojourning in Manila, a church in which they may worship God and labor in unity for the upbuilding of the Kingdom."

The union was signed and sealed at a service of worship with Bishop Brent of the Episcopal Church preaching and Rev. George W. Wright, Presbyterian, and the Rev. Edwin F. Lee, Methodist, officiating. The first church building of the Union Church of Manila was the Emerson Chapel on Padre Faura Street, which the Presbyterians donated, and which the Methodists matched with a donation in cash and a hand-pump organ.

A "parade" was how the early ministry was described - with American ministers and congregational members coming and going. But though the ministry was like a swiftly flowing stream, the Union Church of Manila even then had the most solid foundation of all - Jesus Christ, the Rock of Ages.

After the union, the Church became entitled to its own minister. First came Rev. Bruce S. Wright (1915-1918) - "tall, rugged, big-featured, with the soul of a poet". Then the Rev. Louis O. Richmond (1918-1921), "... a man's man, yet a man of deep sympathies". 

Union Church experienced rapid growth: the church organization was set up, members were received each Sunday; a full program of service was provided; the church building was enlarged and rearranged. Twenty-two denominations were represented, including Baptists, Congregationalists, Disciples of Christ, Lutherans, Episcopalians, Federated churches, United Brethren, Church of God, Latter Day Saints, Greek Orthodox, Hebrew, Dutch Reformed, Evangelical, Mennonite, Nazarene, and some Roman Catholics.

Little did those pioneers know that their enthusiasm would soon be tested in the fires of world events. In the sermon he delivered on the day of unity, Bishop Charles Brent of the American Episcopal Cathedral was prophetic when he gave this call: "Today, in your triumph of unity and peace I sound the trumpet calling you to war. Men are made for tasks and in them they find their satisfaction. Manhood unfazed by problems falls into decay. Haste, then, to the war. Take up the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day and having done all, to stand."

The First World War broke out in Europe. American and British men – members of Union Church, and sons, and husbands, and brothers of members enlisted and were sent to France or Siberia. Two developments in America further decimated the Union Church congregation: first, in the early 1920's, the passage of the Jones Bill and the resulting policy adopted by the Administration of Governor General Francis B. Harrison to turn over positions in government to Filipinos; then, in the latter part of the decade, the Great Depression, which saw an exodus of expatriates from the Philippines.

To face these challenges, men of God did rise up to forward the cause. One was Rev. John B. Ferguson (1922-1924) who almost did not make it because he and his wife had three more than the customary two children of a pastor. One of the brightest sparks in this period was the establishment in 1923 of the Union Church Hall, a home for abandoned Filipino mestiza girls, which the church maintained until 1938. This was the beginning of the 
church’s organized ministry to communities at risk - what it now calls its Missions and Benevolence ministry.

All the ministers in the early years - Rev. James Burton Rodgers (October, 1924 - May, 1925), Rev. Orwyn W. E. Cook (1925 -1928), Rev. F. Gordon Hart (1928 - 1931), Rev. John P. Jockinsen (1931 - 1935), and Rev. E. K. Higdon (February - November, 1935) found themselves taking the role of counseling pastor in that most distressing of times. For many transient members of the congregation, each day was a struggle against loneliness, fear, and temptation, and the church was the haven to which they turned. Even now, visiting members of Union Church find it "...something to remind us of that which does not change; that which is the same yesterday, today, and always. For many of us, that has been the church and the things for which it stands."

The blaze of Union Church burned brightest when Rev. Walter Brooks Foley (Nov. 1935 - 1945) took his place as pastor. Under his leadership, the church facilities were renovated - the sanctuary was deepened and dignified, a raised altar was built, stained glass windows replaced the plain ones, the roof garden was glassed in, and the church grounds were beautifully landscaped. The Women’s Auxiliary exchanged the old pipe organ with a Hammond electric organ through the unique fundraising strategy of assigning a price to each part. One could then be a pledger for one key or a pedal unit: "with the Lord’s help, the parts became a whole."

After the union, the Church became entitled to its own minister. First came Rev. Bruce S. Wright (1915-1918) - "tall, rugged, big-featured, with the soul of a poet". Then the Rev. Louis O. Richmond (1918-1921), "... a man's man, yet a man of deep sympathies". 

Union Church experienced rapid growth: the church organization was set up, members were received each Sunday; a full program of service was provided; the church building was enlarged and rearranged. Twenty-two denominations were represented, including Baptists, Congregationalists, Disciples of Christ, Lutherans, Episcopalians, Federated churches, United Brethren, Church of God, Latter Day Saints, Greek Orthodox, Hebrew, Dutch Reformed, Evangelical, Mennonite, Nazarene, and some Roman Catholics.

Little did those pioneers know that their enthusiasm would soon be tested in the fires of world events. In the sermon he delivered on the day of unity, Bishop Charles Brent of the American Episcopal Cathedral was prophetic when he gave this call: "Today, in your triumph of unity and peace I sound the trumpet calling you to war. Men are made for tasks and in them they find their satisfaction. Manhood unfazed by problems falls into decay. Haste, then, to the war. Take up the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day and having done all, to stand."

The First World War broke out in Europe. American and British men – members of Union Church, and sons, and husbands, and brothers of members enlisted and were sent to France or Siberia. Two developments in America further decimated the Union Church congregation: first, in the early 1920's, the passage of the Jones Bill and the resulting policy adopted by the Administration of Governor General Francis B. Harrison to turn over positions in government to Filipinos; then, in the latter part of the decade, the Great Depression, which saw an exodus of expatriates from the Philippines.

To face these challenges, men of God did rise up to forward the cause. One was Rev. John B. Ferguson (1922-1924) who almost did not make it because he and his wife had three more than the customary two children of a pastor. One of the brightest sparks in this period was the establishment in 1923 of the Union Church Hall, a home for abandoned Filipino mestiza girls, which the church maintained until 1938. This was the beginning of the 
church’s organized ministry to communities at risk - what it now calls its Missions and Benevolence ministry.

All the ministers in the early years - Rev. James Burton Rodgers (October, 1924 - May, 1925), Rev. Orwyn W. E. Cook (1925 -1928), Rev. F. Gordon Hart (1928 - 1931), Rev. John P. Jockinsen (1931 - 1935), and Rev. E. K. Higdon (February - November, 1935) found themselves taking the role of counseling pastor in that most distressing of times. For many transient members of the congregation, each day was a struggle against loneliness, fear, and temptation, and the church was the haven to which they turned. Even now, visiting members of Union Church find it "...something to remind us of that which does not change; that which is the same yesterday, today, and always. For many of us, that has been the church and the things for which it stands."

The blaze of Union Church burned brightest when Rev. Walter Brooks Foley (Nov. 1935 - 1945) took his place as pastor. Under his leadership, the church facilities were renovated - the sanctuary was deepened and dignified, a raised altar was built, stained glass windows replaced the plain ones, the roof garden was glassed in, and the church grounds were beautifully landscaped. The Women’s Auxiliary exchanged the old pipe organ with a Hammond electric organ through the unique fundraising strategy of assigning a price to each part. One could then be a pledger for one key or a pedal unit: "with the Lord’s help, the parts became a whole."What was thought to be the death knell for the Union Church of Manila were the sirens of World War II. When the Japanese entered the Philippines, the "enemy aliens" were interned at the University of Santo Tomas, while the "neutral aliens" were allowed to stay in their homes. In both places, Union Church members kept the faith.

Rev. Foley and his wife, though not interned by the Japanese, chose to join the congregation at Santo Tomas and there continued with worship services and council meetings. Services were held every Sunday for 38 months, either at Father's Garden, a place where the monks had meditated, or in the fourth floor science laboratory. As former pastor Rev. Charles Mosebrook stated during the church’s 50th anniversary service, Union Church continued to minister "in spite of dungeon, fire and sword."

Outside Santo Tomas, services continued to be held in the Union Church building with representatives from other churches, including the Episcopal Cathedral and Ellinwood Church. These were carried on until September, 1944, when the Japanese took over the building and used the premises to manufacture war materials. Gatherings were held at the home of Rev. Ernest J. Frei until January 1945.

The war for the liberation of Manila had thousands of casualties. Three had the most devastating impact on Union Church - the death of Rev. Foley (Feb., 1945) during the shelling of Santo Tomas, the complete destruction of the Union Church building and its gardens, and the exodus of the international community. Mrs. Foley survived, but lost an arm.

Dr. Foley had nurtured the dream of an enlarged service by Union Church, first to the American forces that he was sure would come to Manila, and then to the many other foreign nationals who would help rebuild the city. He had planned for a wider outreach by radio and newsletter. If he had been spared to continue the work of Union Church after liberation, "thousands of servicemen who passed through the city in those days might have received the benefit of the ministry. This church, at an important crossroads on the threshold of Asia, designed to minister to Occidental wayfarers who pass through Manila and sometimes tarry a few months or a few years, might then have known its day of brightest usefulness."

Though it was not to be then, Dr. Foley's dream would be realized soon after.

The revival began in the hands of four pre-war Union Church Council members who remained in Manila after the war. In response to the urgent spiritual needs of a rapidly growing international civilian population, the people of Union Church held their first post-war service at the Seventh Day Adventist Chapel on Donada Street in Pasay on August 10, 1947. Other activities - Women's Auxiliary workshops, choir practices, and youth meetings - were held in various homes. The first acting pastor was Dr. Harry Fonger, preaching to 37 people.

   When Dr. Charles Mosebrook (1947 - 1949) was loaned to Union Church by the Methodist Mission, he took on what then seemed to be an impossible task - the gradual rehabilitation of the church building. The people responded. First to be rebuilt was the third floor roof garden, then the education building, then the manse. Funds poured in from everywhere. To complement the restored building Albert Awad, a member of Union Church to this day, donated a new Hammond organ in memory of his brother, Samuel, who had been killed in the war. The sanctuary was reborn. In the service of dedication on November 18, 1951, Union Church's renovated building was as lovely as it was the first time it rose from the ground in 1907. It was John B. Ferguson's (1949-1951) second term as Union Church of Manila's Pastor.

The years 1951 to 1958 were a period of unparalleled growth. Rev. Charles A. Malotte (1951 - 1955) and Rev. Calvin C. H. Bremer (1955 - 1958) ministered to congregations that were increasing Sunday after Sunday, crowding the facilities. Fastest to grow was the Sunday School whose membership at that point exceeded the entire congregation before the war. Mr. John Cooper, Sunday School Superintendent in the mid-1950s, once commented, "I've got them packed in like sardines!" Yet, when the idea of moving out of Padre Faura location was first broached, the members chose to stay put, either because the site was close to their homes, schools, and offices, or because they could not bear to leave a place that they had seen rise from the ashes.

In 1958, however, during the term of Rev. Arthur R. Anderson (1958 - 1961), the move became inevitable. The building was just too tight, the Ermita area too crowded, and Makati too progressive to resist. The motion to sell the Padre Faura property was approved by the congregation on April 26, 1959. Very quickly, a new site was located at the corner of Buendia Avenue and Makati Avenue and bought from Ayala Corp. at a cost of P36 a square meter. Cornerstone laying was held on January 10, 1960. On September 18, 1960, the first service was held in the new sanctuary.

So fast was the transfer to the new building that when Rev. Joseph R. Bogle (1961 - 1964) prepared to perform the first baptism by immersion, he could not do so because the baptistry was not completed to be able to hold water. During Rev. Bogle's term, the north educational wing was built.

Auspiciously, Rev. Earl F. Palmer (1964 - 1970) became the shepherd of the flock as the church celebrated its golden anniversary in October 1964. Membership passed the 500 mark; the pastor initiated early-morning discussion groups; a centralized air-conditioning system was installed; and the south educational wing was built, completing the Walter Brooks Foley Memorial Church Building. The music ministry thrived under the direction of David Yap and the resident soloist Ernesto Gregorio. The ever-reliable Women's Auxiliary acquired a grand piano for the sanctuary. And the church reestablished its social concerns with the creation of the Church and Society Committee which started projects at the Carmona squatter resettlement site.

While to Rev. Palmer we owe the view that having a transitional congregation gives Union Church "a New Testament sense of values and urgency," to his successor - the Rev. Richard H. Leon (1970 - 1975) - we attribute the concept "the fellowship of the broken wall binds this church of sojourners yet fellow citizens and members of God’s household."

Rev. Leon's reception to Manila in 1970 was quite eventful - student riots in January, jeepney strikes in February, a fire at manse in April followed two days later by a major earthquake, an especially bad rainy season, and Yoling - the worst typhoon in recent memory - that tore off a large part of the manse roof. These he matched with an equally eventful pastorate: total church attendance close to 800; youth camp programs all over the country; a vigorous benevolence program; a very active music ministry; greater involvement in Philippine society; an active Women's Auxiliary group; and a versatile educational ministry.

Before the Laurel-Langley Agreement expired on July 4, 1974, thus preventing the ownership of land by foreigners, the Union Church congregation decided to sell the Buendia property, lease land in Legaspi Village and build a new church. The contract with Ayala Corporation to effect this decision was signed on February 26, 1974 for a 50 year lease of property on which our church would be built. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on January 19, 1975; the service of dedication was held on December 16, 1975, two days before Rev. Leon left for his next assignment.

In the hands of Architect Jose Zaragoza, Union Church in Legaspi Village emerged to be the very best in beauty and function. Rev. Leon, who worked closely with Al McCasland, Chairman of the Building Committee, and Fred Velayo, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, described Union Church's role as he perceived it: "By our location and design, we will be a constant reminder that God is vitally active and present in the midst of all life."

With the successive guidance of pastors Donald Mathieson (1975 - 1977), Jack Shriver (1977 - 1978), Interims Melvin G. Williams (1979 - 1980) and Douglas Cook (1980), Alex B. Aronis (1980 - 1985), and Darrell W. Johnson (1985 - 1989), the church made itself relevant not only to its own people but also throughout its larger sphere of influence.

Rev. Jack Shriver championed the youth inside the church and the poor outside. From him came these words: "I have said many times from the pulpit that I believe there is no other gospel but the social gospel. God cares for us – body, mind, and soul. We must do the same with our neighbor." The Carmona Resettlement project remained a major mission focus.

Rev. Williams invited the San Antonio Catholic Church to join the traditional Thanksgiving Service of Union Church with the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. He also started the Thursday noontime Communion Service and quiet hour indicating that church is for all people at all times.

Well-remembered and well-loved was Rev. Alexander B. Aronis, a Greek-American former body builder and ex-Navy Chaplain, who chose to deliver his sermons a few steps down the pulpit, as if to bring the word of God closer to the people. Precise, powerful and personal, the church grew under his leadership. Two services were started on Sunday mornings, one contemporary, and the other traditional. Many of us can picture him in our minds that one Sunday when he delivered Matthew 5, 6, and 7 verbatim, as the Lord Jesus Christ would have spoken those words on the mountainside, 2,000 years ago. 

During the time of Pastor Aronis the Church and Society Committee and the Women's Auxiliary flourished with ministries in the local community. CRIBS, Philippines placed dozens of babies in the homes of UCM'ers for foster care. The Nutrition and Preschool Programs in Kahilom involved dozens more of the congregation. By careful budgeting and a stronger desire to serve the poor, over 25% of the church's income was given to benevolences. The church library, having begun in a tent in the early 1900's, having been destroyed in the 1940's when the church was used as a munitions factory, now provided thousands of books to residents of greater Manila.

Rev. Darrell Johnson experienced a baptism of fire as he plunged into the ministry amid the boiling cauldron that was the Philippines in 1985. Etched in our minds are two of his historic sermons. One he delivered right after the 1986 snap elections when it became clear that the will of the people would be thwarted. He gave us reassurance, borrowing words of an African American, "Though it often seems it's still Friday, Sunday's a comin'! Sunday has come." In the other sermon delivered the Sunday after the EDSA Revolution started, he gave us courage, exhorting the powers that be "to let God's people go!"

No history of Union Church would be complete without the mention of the role its leaders and its members played in the liberation of the Philippines from tyranny in 1986. In his report that year, Rev. Johnson stated it mightily, "Let it be noted for the record that we witnessed a validation of Jesus' claim that in Him God's Kingdom, God's new order, is breaking into the world through "the meek," through those who forsake the trappings of power and risk their lives to go the way of the cross."

Rev. Johnson practiced ecumenism in thought and action. He and his Administrative Pastor, Rev. Fred G. Thomas, worked with leaders of other faiths, notably Fr. Herb Scheider, Jesuit priest and founder of Ligaya Ng Panginoon, to convince us that all believers are part of one body. It was his main mission "to find ways for such a large, diverse church to really be the Family of God and discover the richness and joy of being the Body of Christ." 

Pastor Charlie Pridmore was added to the Staff as Associate Pastor in 1988 and remained so during the tenure of Pastor Gordon Smith.

Upon turning 75 in 1989 and surviving a period of intense national upheaval, Union Church entered a mellowing period. The fires that once raged had become a steady, burning flame around which a thousand worshippers regularly gathered.

Rev. Gordon Smith, (1989-1992) a theological professor and missionary, led the church for three years, first as Interim Pastor and then as Senior Pastor. A serious and disciplined man, his sermons both taught and inspired. His challenges to live a godly life remain with us.

Rev. Charlie Pridmore who had been Associate Pastor became Interim Pastor after Dr. Smith left (1992) and was promoted to Senior Pastor in 1993, remaining in this position until 1998. During his tenure, Charlie and his wife Darlene led a vital program for the youth. Pastor Charlie is particularly remembered for his practical sermons and leading youth with monthly visits to the Makati Jail. He was joined for a time by Rev. Anne Baxter-Smith. Both practiced the ministry of love, friendship, and companionship to the highest degree. Rev. Sharron Man served as Associate Pastor during 1998 and 1999.

A vision was birthed in 1994 by a group considering the future needs and ministries of UCM. Now nearing the half-way mark of the church’s 50-year property lease, concern was again growing for a permanent home for UCM. Due to frequent moves by the expatriates, Filipino citizens now comprised more than 50% of the UCM membership. Could the church possibly own its own land and church building before the 50-year lease agreement expired?

Thanks to the foresight, vision, and energy by an initial team of Mike Palmer, Reiner Willems, Ted Regala, John Cheesman and Pastor Charlie, the UCM Philippines Foundation, Inc. was established in 1997. This foundation enabled the Ayala Corporation to donate property and construct a building for UCM on 1/3 of the original property in return for the forfeiture of the lease. John Cheesman, Rick Panos and Kevin Wadds offered their unique talents by serving in critical positions to help make the vision a reality. During the transition period from April, 1999 to November, 2001 UCM continued its vibrant ministry with worship at the EPCI Bank and its programs and offices at Trafalgar Plaza in the neighboring Salcedo Village.

Thanks to the inspiration of the brief pastorate of Rev. David Pederson in 1999, the unique calling of Union Church was reaffirmed: "We are an international church with a unique calling to reach out to the foreign community so that all people may know and mature in Christ." Small groups meeting the needs of internationals provided substance to the church’s vision.

Rev. Alex Aronis, former Pastor of UCM from 1980-1985, responded to the call to return as Interim Pastor of UCM in January 2000. He arrived just after the church had lost its Senior Pastor, Associate Pastor, Youth Director and Business Administrator. With his gifted preaching and organizational ability, Pastor Aronis led the church through the transition period. 

His wife, Carol, joined him on the staff as Director of Women's Discipleship. Carol directed and inspired the women's efforts greatly during her stay. The women have been a vital part of the Union Church since its early beginnings. Originally known as the "Ladies Aid Society", then the "Women's Auxiliary," in 1998 the organization was renamed the "Women of Union Church of Manila." The workshops, bazaars, auctions, teas, dinners, crafts, Hospitality International Guide, and Bible Study groups worked synergistically to cultivate Christian fellowship, supporting the church in its ministry to women and to many charitable organizations and programs in the Philippines.

Shortly, after the Aronis' arrival, it became clear that a major fundraising campaign to complete the architectural changes and outfitting of the church was necessary. While John Cheesman served as Life Building Chair, Carol Aronis led the Life Building Campaign with the help of a wonderful support team. At the Banquet on December 14, 2000, the goal of P45,000,000 was surpassed. During 2001 the Council voted to give an extra P5,000,000 from this fund to the poor through the Missions and Benevolence Committee. By our Dedication Day, over P63,000,000 had been given to the Life Building Campaign.

The church moved into its permanent location on November 4, 2001 with two inspiring celebration services. The formal dedication of the building with a recommitment to UCM's vital ministry was held on December 9, 2001. Today Union Church is a deeper and wider ministry, touching lives through the varied ministries within and outside its walls. Through enlarged Christian Education programs, fellowship and outreach groups, benevolence and mission projects, future generations will be challenged to use this magnificent facility toward the goal of "Building Lives" for Christ.

Pastor Douglas Beyer served as Interim Pastor during 2002. He was joined by the energetic Associate Pastor Dave Ginter who directed the Youth and Christian Education programs. In early 2003 Alex Aronis was invited to return as Senior Pastor. His wife Carol Aronis was called to serve as an associate pastor with him. Janis Brikmanis of Latvia also joined the staff serving as Youth Director in 2003. With the presence of Delfa Matic as Children's Ministry Director, Marvin Layug as Director of Contemporary Worship, Carminda Regala as Chancel Choir Director, Eddie Punongbayan as Church Administrator and Jun Flores as Resident Organist, the Union Church had a full complement of servant leaders.

In 2005, the Union Church of Manila called the multi-talented Reverend Steve Ruetschle to serve as the new Senior Pastor of Union Church.  He was installed on October 23, 2005 as the Lord's choice to lead UCM into a new chapter in her walk with Christ. In late 2005, Associate Pastor Dave Ginter followed God’s call to the Union Church of Guatemala.  To further UCM’s mission as a Church of All Nations, Reverend Matthew Owen was called to serve as Executive Pastor in December 2006.  

In June 2007, the much loved Choir Director, Carminda Regala, retired after more than two decades of serving  the music ministry of Union Church of Manila .  Eudenice Palaruan, a world-renowned conductor, was called to serve as the Choir Director of Union Church and Alejandro Consolacion, a well known organist and composer was called to serve as the new Church Organist.    With the guiding hand of the Almighty, Union Church of Manila will continue to fulfill its mission for PEOPLE OF ALL NATIONS to be United in Christ, Centered in Christ and Maturing in Christ.  As we celebrate our 93^rd Anniversary on October 2007, UCM boldly declares:  "GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS, O LORD."

As our former Pastor Dick Leon once said, "We cannot rest on the beauty of a new building or on the laurels of a past record of success. We must see that our continued health and strength as a part of Christ's body is to be found in our growth in the future. A church is a people, called by God in Christ ... gathering for worship, study, and fellowship ... so that we can go into the world to speak His word and embody His love."