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A bomb exploded in the Chapel of the Sacred Heart in Mindanao, Philippines, during Mass on the morning of December 25. The blast blew out the chapel's roof and wounded 11 people. Authorities are still trying to identify those responsible for the attack, but police suspect it is the work of the Islamist group Abu Sayyaf, which allegedly is connected to al-Qaida and Indonesia-based militant group Jemaah Islamiyah.

Pray for those injured in this attack. Pray for the church members as they recover and rebuild from this tragic incident. Pray that Christians in the Philippines will demonstrate the love of God through consistent love and prayer for those who persecute them (Matthew 5:43-48).

To learn more about the opposition facing Christians in the Philippines, visit the Philippines Country Report.

Country Information

Population
110,818,325 (July 2021 est.)

Ethnicity (%)
Tagalog (24.4), Bisaya/Binisaya (11.4), Cebuano (9.9), Ilocano (8.8), Hiligaynon/Ilonggo (8.4), Bikol/Bicol (6.8), Waray (4), other (26.2)

Religion (%)
Christianity (85.6), Islam (6), Other (7.4)

Leader
President Rodrigo Duterte (2016)

Government type
Presidential republic

Legal system
Mixed legal system of civil, common, Islamic, and customary law

Statistics provided by CIA World Factbook.

Pray for the Philippines

Pray for those in the various villages of Mindanao who have been victimized by rebel groups. May they not pursue any form of retaliation, acknowledging that vengeance belongs to God alone – the Righteous Judge. Instead, may these believers be granted His grace and strength to not only forgive the perpetrators but to also earnestly intercede for them. Let's join our Christian brothers and sisters by praying for a mighty outpouring of God's love and power to take place, compelling many more to seek repentance and salvation, for only then can His righteousness and justice truly prevail.

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