Navigation Back Search
Search

Filipino United Methodists celebrate mission in Middle East

By Larren Jo Basillo and Matthan Bang-asan  
Jan. 12, 2026 | DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (UM News)

Filipino United Methodists living in the United Arab Emirates gather in Dubai for an annual meeting and celebration that included special choir performances and worship. Video by Larren Jo Basillo and Matthan Bang-asan.

Filipino United Methodists from across the Middle East Region gathered for the Middle East Mission District Annual Gathering, carrying the theme “Brave Hearts, Blessed Hands: Uniting in Love, Service and Courage.” Bishops Ruby-Nell Estrella, Rodel Acdal and Israel Painit of the Philippines Regional Conference joined the community in worship and delivered messages of encouragement and spiritual strength to Filipino church members who work abroad in the United Arab Emirates.

Watch video

Video segment written and edited by Larren Jo Basillo and Matthan Bang-asan, with voiceover by Jhoanna Kylle Ragasa and photos and video by the UAE Media Team.

News media contact: Julie Dwyer at [email protected]. To read more United Methodist news, subscribe to the free UM News Digest.

Related Tags

Sign up for our newsletter!

Subscribe Now
Violence
The Rev. Joseph M. De Castro, pastor at First United Methodist Church in Dubai, delivers a benediction at the Hamarin Center, a venue in Daira, Dubai, that the congregation rented while places of worship in the country were temporarily closed as a safety precaution during the U.S.-Israel war with Iran. His congregation of mostly migrant workers met by Zoom on Easter Sunday. Photo courtesy of the TFUMC Dubai Media Team.

Middle East United Methodists feel brunt of war
Filipino United Methodists who work and worship along the Arabian Peninsula have been caught in the crossfire of the U.S.-Israel war with Iran.
Faith Stories
Charles H. Webb was much honored in Indiana for his leadership of the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. He found time to play organ for his local United Methodist church and to serve on The United Methodist Church’s Hymnal Revision Committee. Webb died April 13 at age 93. Photo courtesy of Malcolm Webb.

Methodist prodigy became a maestro
Charles H. Webb, who died April 13 at age 93, served The United Methodist Church during a long, stellar music career.
Mission and Ministry
Holly Petti and her dog Paisley chat with people entering the Sanctuary at Pinnacle View United Methodist Church in Little Rock, Ark. The church has a designated dog greeter every Sunday in addition to numerous pet outreach ministries the congregation offers. Image from video by Lilla Marigza, UM News.

Dog church welcomes people and pets
A United Methodist church in Little Rock celebrates Earth Day by recognizing God’s care for his people and the pets they love.

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2026 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved