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.

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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 newsdesk@umnews.org. To read more United Methodist news, subscribe to the free UM News Digest.

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