“Creation Care is a global concern… we are all responsible and accountable to God for the beautiful creation He has entrusted to us.”
— Ronjel Delfin, Environmentalist and Youth Leader, Capiz, Philippines
As Earth Day (April 22) shines a global spotlight on environmental stewardship, communities around the world are taking bold steps to restore, protect, and honour God’s creation.
In a mountainous village in the Capiz region of the Philippines, one young leader is doing just that—transforming the landscape, mindsets, and farming practices of his community through our partner Kabuganaan Philippines Ministries’ (KPM) Church Creation Care project.
a land in crisis
The primary livelihood in the rural, hilly region where Ronjel lives is farming. For years, farmers have participated in unsustainable practices such as cutting down trees to plant hybrid corn and using heavy chemicals that strip the soil of its fertility. Now, the community faces soil erosion, drought, low yields, and other environmental problems.
A Church-Led Response
Recognizing the urgent need for change, Ronjel, a 34-year-old government employee and licensed environmentalist, joined with local churches through CBM’s Creation Care initiative. This project empowers churches and communities to take action through:
- Education on sustainable farming
- Promotion of SALT (Sloping Agricultural Land Technology)
- Establishment of community nurseries
- Church-based environmental advocacy
“I’m so glad to be part of this project,” Ronjel shares. “With this, I can help educate our farmers in the church and community and introduce mitigating measures. It’s high time for the church to participate.”
Faith Meets Action
Ronjel sees the church not just as a spiritual community, but as a steward of creation.
“The church is a group of Christ’s believers concerned not only with human beings and their souls, but with the rest of God’s creation too.”
As a youth leader and church board member, he’s mobilizing local farmers, many of whom are church members, to transition toward eco-friendly agriculture. He’s even offered part of his own land for a community nursery.
Hope on the Horizon
The seeds of change are beginning to take root. More farmers are recognizing the long-term value of sustainable farming. Through training, partnerships, and faith-based leadership, communities are gradually rebuilding their relationship with the land.
“I hope to strengthen collaboration with the government, non-government organizations, and the church. I dream of local farmers being organized and equipped to implement environmental projects,” Ronjel says.
This Earth Day, Be Part of the Movement
You can join Ronjel and churches in the Philippines in restoring creation. Here’s how:
PRAY for farmers and church leaders as they face the challenges of climate change and work toward sustainable solutions.
SHARE this story to raise awareness of the ways the global church is caring for creation.
GIVE to support CBM’s Creation Care projects, helping communities adopt eco-friendly farming, restore forests, and protect their environment for future generations.
LEARN about the creation care initiatives in your local communities and get involved!
