Inspired by the Mission

Rev. Jurcelyn Astudillo, new Head of the Regional Office Asia, Photo: Terri-Lynn Smith / UEM

At the beginning of her work at UEM, there was a language course in Bahasa Indonesia, now she starts working at the office itself: Rev. Jurcelyn Boncales Astudillo is the new head of the Regional Office Asia of the United Evangelical Mission (UEM).

The ordained pastor of UEM member church UCCP* comes from UCCP Bohol District, Philippines. As Deputy Executive Secretary of the UEM Asia Department, she is now leading the Regional Office in Pematangsiantar, Indonesia. She studied Theology in Dumaguete and Business Administration in Manila. "This unique combination of faith and business acumen that allows me to approach challenges with a holistic perspective, balancing spiritual principles with practical solutions and both are of great use to me in my new office," says Jurcelyn Boncales Astudillo.

When asked about her best memories with UEM, she answers: "I have very good memories of my time with the UEM, for example as a participant in the personnel exchange programme for pastors in Sorong, West Papua.’ After a local earthquake, she took over the organisation of the emergency aid activities of her local church as programme coordinator and got to know the great solidarity within the UEM communion.

These encounters shaped her view of UEM: “I was inspired by the mission and values of UEM, which focus on spreading the Gospel, promoting social justice, and supporting communities in need.”

We wish Rev Astudillo all the best and God’s blessings for her work at UEM.

*UCCP = United Church of Christ in the Philippines