The Kristus Center

The Kristus Center for Cross Cultural Friendship grew out of the Asia-Pacific Friendship Association that was formed in February 1998. Its purpose was to build bridges of friendship and human understanding between communities in America and those in the developing nations of the Asia-Pacific region. Renamed the Kristus Center for Cross Cultural Friendship to reflect its spiritual values, it was incorporated as a non-profit 501 (c)(3) charitable and educational organization on the Feast Day of St. Andrew, November 30, 1998 and extended its mission to building healthy communities among poor, indigenous people in developing countries around the world.

The Kristus Center, as a community of people of diverse faiths and cultures united in service to Christ, embraces an approach to global outreach that is theologically rooted in Missio Dei – an understanding that mission is the work of the Triune God for the sake of others. The Center proposes that the gentle and inclusive presence of Christ is both its compass and companion during the journey of life. This presence is said to be the defining element shaping all Kristus relations and providing clarity to the overall purpose of love.

The Center's work also embodies the following core characteristics and values:

* Informal, creative and building communities across cultures
* Catalytic, facilitative and supportive of people’s gifts and talents
* Cultivating mutuality and “learning communities”
* Relational and focused on people and friendship
* Encouraging inter-faith cooperation and action

www.kristusway.org [http://www.kristusway.org]

Kristus multi-media

To Serve Our People is a recently completed Kristus Center documentary that explores issues of health and healthcare among tribal people in the Cordilleras of the northern Philippines. It specifically addresses the challenges and opportunities confronting Abatan Rural Hospital.www.kristusway.org/toserveourpeople.htm [http://www.kristusway.org/toserveourpeople.htm]