Last month leaders from around the A Rocha world came together in the Philippines for the triennial Leaders’ Forum, based on the theme ‘Your kingdom come’. It was a joyful and deep time of worship, encouragement, decision-making, relationship-building and planning. While each A Rocha organization has its own unique context and culture, we are united by our vision, mission, five core commitments and, most significantly, the understanding that the work of A Rocha is first and foremost worship of our loving, triune creator God.
One of A Rocha’s strategic priorities is to expand the geographical reach of the Worldwide Family. It was exciting to celebrate the launch of A Rocha Costa Rica and A Rocha Singapore, about which more below. And to have friends from the region join us at the start of the week, meaning we had representatives from an amazing 26 countries!
Other highlights included a visit to the beautiful Taal Lake, stories of how land and seascapes around the world are benefiting from A Rocha’s work and praying for one another in the struggles of seeing places and species we love come to harm. We held our traditional Forum photo competition, with delegates voting for the winners. Congratulations to all on the shortlist and especially to the category winners. Do go and feast your eyes on the beautiful images here!
Winners
- Close encounters: African white-faced owl – Anthony, A Rocha Kenya
- Hands-on conservation: a three-way tie!
Algarrobo seeds – Xavier Saer, A Rocha Peru
Predator – Karioi team, A Rocha Aotearoa New Zealand
Scarce chaser dragonfly Libellula fulva – Izabela Kujawiak, A Rocha France - Teamwork: divers helping each other – Lucky, A Rocha Kenya
- Wildlife: Natterjack toad Epidalea calamita – Izabela Kujawiak, A Rocha France
- Environmental Education: Child nature connect – Geoffrey Bukenya, A Rocha Uganda
