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 t...
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.
Each year, VOM Australia provides financial support to students and faculty at a Bible college in Mindanao. The college equips men and women for the purpose of expanding God’s kingdom in this Muslim-dominated region of the Philippines. Students come from different parts of Mindanao.
The curriculum includes pastoral training, outreach, children’s ministry and discipleship. The college has a favourable reputation within the community and the staff and students are taking every opportunity to show love to their Muslim neighbours, as well as reaching out to Muslims in other areas.
Below is an excerpt of a letter we received from the director of the college, Pastor Jack. We hope it encourages you to pray for these students and the staff as they share the Good News of salvation in Mindanao.
Greetings in the name of our Lord. We are grateful for your ongoing support and partnership as we witness the growth of our Bible school this year. Currently, we are blessed to have two interns, five full-time, and ten part-time students, along with seven dedicated Bible teachers guiding them in their spiritual journey.
The primary objective of our Bible school is to empower our students to significantly contribute to our local churches. In alignment with the Great Commission, we specifically encourage our students to reach out to the Muslim communities nearby. We are thankful to the Lord for opening new opportunities to engage with our Muslim neighbours, which we believe is crucial for the advancement of the gospel.
Last December, we hosted a Muslim wedding on our campus at no cost, facilitated by Labis, our respected Muslim ‘man of peace’. This initiative has paved the way for renewed connections with the Muslim community. Additionally, we are excited about Malli, who is eager to invite his family and friends to our school to learn about the Scriptures, as well as Safi Chimon, a local Imam, who shows great interest in biblical truths.
We ask for your prayers for these Muslims and our ministry, as we seek to touch more lives for Christ. Thank you for your valuable partnership.
Your fellow minister in the gospel,
Ps Jack
Director
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