In the Muslim-majority southern island region of Mindanao, Islamist groups and the government have engaged in a longstanding 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.
Source: The Voice of the Martyrs USA
Many pastors and other believers have been killed. However, a significant number of Christians remain in these areas as a bold witness for Christ.
Several new Christians in Mindanao are currently enduring various forms of persecution. Non-believers in their village are angry that Christians are gathering regularly with other believers. In Mindanao, attacks on Christians are sporadic and unpredictable, creating an environment of constant tension for Christians. Many have been killed.
Let us pray.
- Pray that despite persecution, these new believers would continue to grow in their faith and be a light in their village.
- Ask the Lord to be their shield of protection against attack. Pray they will look to Him and not be fearful.
- Pray that those who are persecuting them would see Christ in the lives of these Christians, hear the Gospel, and be moved to give their lives to Jesus.
Lord we lift up all these christian believers in this area, that you will help each one to grow and in their faith and knowledge of you, and that they will be a shining light to all the muslims. Please provide them your shield of protection, against the fiery darts of the enemy coming via the muslims.
May their persecutors hear your gospel, receive visions from you, that you are the one and only True God and they themselves get saved.
In your amazing name we pray.
Blessed and sovereign Lord Jesus, you died for your church and so we plead for the new Christians in Mindanao who are currently enduring various forms of persecution. We understand attacks on Christians are sporadic and unpredictable, creating an environment of constant tension for Christians and many have been killed. We pray that despite persecution, these new believers would continue to grow in their faith and be a light in their village and indeed the beginning of an unstoppable revival among the population of Mindanao. We ask you to be their shield of protection against any attack and pray they will look to Him and not be fearful. We of course, ask that those who are persecuting them would see Christ in the lives of these Christians, hear the Gospel, and be moved to give their lives to Jesus. Lord have mercy, please have mercy and may grace and peace continue to be with your people.