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Philippines (Mindanao)Hostile
Christian Persecution in Philippines (Mindanao)
Overview:
On the island of Mindanao, where Muslim-majority communities dominate the western and southern regions of the island, Islamist groups and the government have engaged in a long-standing conflict over the Islamists’ desire to form an independent Muslim state. Groups such as Abu Sayyaf and Maute have pledged allegiance to the self-proclaimed Islamic State (ISIS) to gain financial help and recruit foreign fighters. Islamic extremists routinely threaten Christians and have driven many out of Muslim-majority areas. Many pastors and other believers have been killed. However, a significant number of Christians remain in these areas as a bold witness for Christ.
Major Religion:
Most people in the greater Philippines are Christians, but the Mindanao region includes areas with a significant Muslim majority and where Islamic extremism has a strong influence.
Persecutor:
In the Mindanao region, Christians are attacked by both Sunni Muslims and communist rebels.
What It Means To Follow Christ In The Philippines
In the western and southern Mindanao region, attacks on Christians are sporadic and unpredictable, creating an environment of constant tension for Christians. Government forces usually respond when conflicts occur, but Christians’ rights are not protected in areas where the government has ceded control to Islamists. Churches are legal, and graduates of Bible schools in the Mindanao region boldly share the gospel in Muslim communities.
Access To Bibles
Bibles are available in cities but are much harder to obtain in remote rural areas. Give Bibles
VOM Work
VOM responds to attacks on Christians in hostile areas of Mindanao. Give to VOM’s Global Ministry
Prayer Requests:
- Pray for those sharing the gospel in Muslim-majority communities on the island of Mindanao.
- Pray for the peace and protection of Christians on the island of Mindanao, where Islamist groups are active.
- Using Acts 2:38 as a guide, pray that Islamists on the island of Mindanao will repent and be saved.
- Pray that Filipino Christians will proclaim the gospel in Muslim-majority regions.
- Islamists have killed Christians on the island of Mindanao. Pray for the comfort and provision of families of martyrs.