FAQs
Here are the answers to some questions people often ask about CREM. If you wish more details, please contact us through our Contact Us page or you can email us for more information at info@crem.co.
What Does CREM mean?
Answer: Christopher Riley Education MinistriesWhy not a Traditional Name like Church of God, New Testament Church, Assembly of God, or St. Joseph Church?
Answer: As with many other ministries in Canada, USA, Europe, and England and other parts of the world, God moved in the heart of an individual who just felt the call of God on his life (see the History of CREM) and he began using his personal funds or salary which was small, giving most of it in service and worshipping of God. Reverend Christopher Riley only wanted to write and speak about his writings as an author and Christian Educator. Thus we have Christopher Riley Education Ministries.What does CREM do?
Answer: CREM’s main reason for existence is to glorify God Our Saviour (our Trinitarian God). CREM goes out in the communities or barangays; identifies needs (mini-projects) of the communities—either the community at large or hurting and needy individuals. We sometimes respond as Christians to small disasters, if funds allow. CREM then tries to find a partner and together they try to address the problems with a Christian perspective in mind.What is the mission of CREM?
Answer: It is the mission of CREM to partner with individuals, churches, and para-church ministries to equip, empower, elucidate, and encourage believers, and non-believers as citizens in the practice of the truth.Where is CREM from?
Answer: CREM was founded in Canada. Its founder and executive director, Christopher Riley, lives in Canada. He holds a Masters Degree of Divinity in Christian Education and a Bachelor Degree in Computer Information Systems. CREM's mainly currently partners with churches in the Philippines, India, and Kenya. We on occasions do small projects in other others.Is CREM a missionary organization, a church or a cult?
Answer: CREM is a missionary organization in the main. It is a charitable organization, which as it evolved, we added online and later a local and physical church. It emphasizes action of the gospel of Jesus Christ in the true and Biblical meaning of religion; but will not ignore or minimize the value of teaching Christian doctrines with defense or reasons. CREM is not a cult. It does not push or promote an individual philosophy which it invented or which is a modification of the Truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.What does CREM believe?
Answer: Our beliefs are stated clearly on our website under “We Believe.” Please click on the relevant page. Most importantly, we respect our clients, partners, and recipients of our services. We do not go and superimpose our solutions without consultation or as a condition of our services.What flavor of Christianity does CREM support?
Answer: We are evangelicals. We believe that the bible is relevant to today’s world and situations. That it is the truth and it is God’s Word. It is infallible and inerrant. We believe in salvation through Jesus Christ alone. Our beliefs are grounded in faith and reason. We are trans-denominational. We encourage all Christians to know the reasons for their beliefs.Does CREM help only Evangelicals?
Answer: No. CREM’s mission statement clearly discloses that its services are non-discriminatory. It will serve all people regardless of race, creed, culture, or sex. In fact, CREM is very excited to minister to non-Christians. Since CREM operates only in the Philippines presently because of budgetary reasons, then our services are limited to the areas or communities in which we work.Would CREM serve homosexuals?
Answer: Absolutely. Serving a person, does not mean that CREM agrees with the person’s beliefs nor does it mean that the person must agree with CREM’s beliefs. After all, the gospel is primarily preached to unbelievers. Thus to even atheists and agnostics will CREM offer its services.Does CREM provide funding with terms?
Answer: Yes. CREM is a small operator. CREM encourages partners and recipients as much as possible to provide volunteers for any services to which CREM contributes. CREM needs evidence of its operations in the form of receipts, bills, quotes, letters of authorization, photos and videos of its activities. CREM’s only request is for an opportunity for one of our Project Coordinators to give thanks to God and Jesus Christ for what he provides and enables, prior to distribution of any free goods or services.Does CREM provide solutions to problems?
Answer: No. CREM believes that the leaders of communities usually are fully aware of what their problems are and the kinds of solutions needed. CREM may respectfully intervene by suggesting alternatives following our survey and familiarity with the problems. It is ultimately up to the recipients to decide on what is best for their communities or barangays.Who can get help from CREM?
Answer: Anyone. Any community through one of CREM’s Project Coordinators or partners can approach CREM. Again our focus is currently in the Philippines—mainly in the rural areas. CREM's Project Coordinators live in or in the neighbouring barangays or cities. They are in the frontlines.Can a person directly apply for help from CREM?
Answer: No. CREM deals with its partners in the community or area within which it operates. Individuals’ situations we label as mini- projects and are done based on recommendations from our partners or identification by a Project Coordinator.What are the major activities of CREM?
Answer: CREM’s focus is in Christian Education. But we DO NOT miss the opportunities to help with basic needs of shelter, food, clothing, clean water, and health issues while we are on an Educational Project. Whatever we do, we often seek opportunities to provide knowledge, understanding, and relevant applications of the Holy Scriptures. We therefore supply free Bibles in Vasayan language and Bible study materials. We are also available to speak on Scriptural issues with a Christian focus in mind.Does CREM operate outside the Philippines?
Answer: No. We supply Free Bibles in Vasayan language and as a limited supplies in English Language. We have only recently begun to provide minimal services (at this time) outside the Philippines. CREM may at times simply advise an enquirer where they can access similar and additional services. There are many international organisations, individuals, and churches (small and large) who offer similar services.Does CREM supply Bibles outside the Philippines?
Answer: No. CREM currently operates ONLY in the rural areas of the Philippines and does not have the resources to supply Bibles outside of the Philippines. Further, the Free Bibles we supply will only be in the Vasayan Language.