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Philippines

• Persecution & Prayer Alert

  

  
  "O come, Thou 'Rod of Jesse' [the Messiah],
  Free Thine own from Satan's tyranny;
  From depths of hell Thy people save,
  And give them victory o'er the grave."
  ~ These lyrics, based on Isaiah 11:1-5, are from the hymn,
  "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel."
  Translated from Latin by John Mason Neale
  
  

  For many who receive the weekly "Persecution & Prayer Alerts," Christmastime brings to mind the imagery of joyful family celebrations, the enjoyment of peaceful carol music and, most importantly, the celebration of God's gift to humanity, as expressed through the birth of His Son Jesus. It's a season involving Christmas pageants, festive lights, gift-giving, and meaningful worship services of celebration. While the specific traditions may vary among individual families and churches, the primary purpose remains the same for all believers: to remember and celebrate the arrival of the "Promised Messiah."

• Bomb Blasts Kill At Least Twenty

  

  Coordinated bombs at a cathedral in Jolo, southern Philippines, killed at least 20 people and injured over 80 on January 27th. The first bomb went off during the church service; the second exploded outside the door, as people fled and troops responded to the disaster. Those killed included five soldiers. ISIS has claimed responsibility for the incident, and the Philippines military has been conducting raids in an effort to track down those responsible.

• Hostages Escape Militant Captivity

  

  After a full three months of fighting, the Armed Forces of the Philippines are now in control of all but a half-kilometre grid square of Marawi city. To date, the battle has claimed the lives of 573 militants, 128 soldiers and police, and at least 45 civilians. The progress has been slowed and complicated by the fact that the militants -- those who pledged allegiance to the self-proclaimed Islamic State -- have planted numerous improvised explosive devices and retained civilian captives as human shields.

• Young Girl's Unwavering Faith

  

  In the Philippines, one girl has stood firm for her Christian faith despite her young age. Not too long after accepting Christ, Jen-Jen began to experience pressure from adult authority figures, one of whom was a schoolteacher with militant views. One day, the teacher announced that one of the class requirements was to go to a mosque and pray a Muslim prayer aloud. Although Jen-Jen explained that she now prayed to Jesus and could not pray in a mosque, the teacher refused to budge on the requirement.

• Persecution Incidents on the Rise

  

  Nine Christian civilians were reportedly shot dead at a militant-run checkpoint in the besieged city of Marawi in the southern Philippines on May 23rd. Sources report that local residents identified the nine who were slain as Christians, explaining that the victims had been pulled from a truck and their hands bound, before their bodies were riddled with bullets and left in a field.

• Fatal Gunshots Fired by Motorcyclists

  A dedicated church elder from Sultan Kudarat, Philippines, was brutally murdered by two men on September 11th. Witnesses say Perfecto Padilla, 52, was resting outside his house in a hammock when two militant Muslim men came by on motorcycles and began firing what was believed to be a 45-calibre pistol from about five metres away. Perfecto was struck by seven bullets in his chest, thigh and other parts of his body. The assailants quickly fled the scene.

  Perfecto's daughter Naomi ran to her wounded father, crying and screaming for help. A pastor was nearby, visiting a church member, when he heard the screaming and promptly came to assist. Noting the seriousness of Perfecto's wounds, Pastor William borrowed a tricycle so he could immediately take him to the hospital, but the wounded man died on the journey. Perfecto is remembered for his dedication to the church and desire that more people come to know Christ.

  Perfectos' two children, Naomi (12) and Joseph (10), are now left alone without parents. Since their mother went to work overseas many years ago, they have lost contact with her. Our local ministry partner immediately tended to them after being informed of the tragedy. VOM is providing financial assistance for the children so they can receive necessary care, rebuild their lives, and have a hopeful future. More on the persecution of Christians in the Philippines is available here.

  Thank you for joining us in praying that Naomi and Joseph, who are deeply grieving the sad loss of their loving father, will experience the compassionate care, comfort and provision of their Heavenly Father who longs to meet their every need. Ask Him to strengthen their faith so that as they grow and mature, they will be able to build on their deceased father's spiritual legacy. May there be an end to the tensions between Christians and militant Muslims in the Philippines, particularly the Sultan Kudarat area, so that land disputes will be resolved and people can live in safety and harmony.

• Lives Endangered as Extremism Rises

  The rise of Islamic extremism throughout the globe has placed religious minorities in dire situations, as they have become the prime targets of many militants. Most would view the Middle East and Africa to be the primary locations for such attacks against Christians; however, recent news reports indicate that Southeast Asia is experiencing its own fight against extremism.

  Surprisingly, the Philippines, known to be a Christian majority nation, has also seen a rise in attacks against believers by Muslim militants. During the month of December alone, 14 people were killed due to a terrorist attack in which a chapel was hit with explosives; and an additional nine died when 200 gunmen raided Christian villages in Mindanao. The rise of Islamic radicalism has placed believers in different parts of the world -- whether representing a religious minority or majority -- on high alert. More about persecution in this Asian country is available at this page.

  Please pray for the loved ones of those victimized by the raids that took place recently in the various villages of Mindanao. May the grieving family members and friends not pursue any form of retaliation, acknowledging that vengeance belongs to God alone -- the Righteous Judge. Ask that they instead be granted His grace and strength to not only forgive the perpetrators but to also earnestly intercede for them. Let's join them by praying for a mighty outpouring of God's love and power to take place throughout the Philippines, compelling many more to seek repentance and salvation, for only then can His righteousness and justice prevail.

• Bombing Victim Gives Thanks for Healing

  Bus bombings have become increasingly common in predominantly Christian areas of the Philippines. Photo: Pakistan Tribune

  Christians in the Philippines, especially in Mindanao, have been targeted by terrorists and anti-government rebels in a series of bus bombings while using public transit. The attacks have resulted in serious injuries and, in some cases, even fatalities. (For more information on persecution in the Philippines, review VOMC's previously posted prayer alerts/video reports.)

  VOM Australia recently spoke with Esther, a Christian resident of Mindanao and the daughter of a pastor, as she described her personal experience in a bus bombing ordeal. Ready to apply for her first nursing job, Esther had boarded an early morning bus containing seven other passengers. After a loud and abrupt explosion, the passengers ran outside. Thankfully, no one involved in this particular incident was killed, but some -- including Esther -- had to be hospitalized after sustaining severe wounds and loss of hearing.

  Esther suffered from a damaged ear drum, and now has difficulty walking due to vertigo. Yet she thanks the Lord that fellow Christians have been praying for her healing. Six months after the bombing incident, a doctor told Esther that her eardrum is almost completely restored. The medical specialist then exclaimed, "It's a miracle!"

  Thank the Lord for answering prayer on behalf of those still recovering from the aftermath of the bombings. Continue to pray that He will not only minister healing and freedom of fear to the injured victims, but also needed comfort to loved ones who are now grieving over loss. May He use Esther's vibrant testimony as a means to: 1) convey the plight of Christians in the Philippines; and 2) share the Gospel message with others in need of salvation. More specifically, ask the Lord to convict the hearts of the assailants so they may experience spiritual transformation and serve as catalysts of His peace, bringing an end to this violence.

• Christian Villages Attacked in Mindanao

  Pray for the protection of villages in the Philippines. Photo: Flickr / smallislander

  Two Christian villages in Midsayap, Cotabato, were attacked by the Muslim Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) on July 29th and July 31st, according to VOM sources. More than 70 armed men attacked the villages, using four boats to reach the villages and carry away their spoils. They ransacked the villagers' homes, taking belongings such as rice, clothing and utensils. The attackers also took all the animals from the village, including goats, pigs and more than 300 ducks.

• Christians Forced to Flee Homes

  Photo: Flickr / fveronesi1

  On June 1st, approximately 160 Christians were forced to flee their villages after they were attacked by Muslim extremists. The villages of Malipayon, Saban of Barnagay, Maybula and New Bunawan were attacked at about 9 a.m. that Saturday. An estimated 300 armed men fired more than five mortars in an attempt to cause harm to the unsuspecting residents of these communities.

  The Christians who fled the attacks are now in need of food, mosquito nets, bed sheets, sleeping mats and medicine. Many have become ill because they weren't able to take their bedding or medications with them while fleeing the attacks. These persecuted Christians are currently unable to return to their villages because they fear the militant Muslims will kill them and burn down their homes. VOM has provided these suffering believers basic necessities such as food, mosquito nets, blankets and medicine. For more information on the difficulties facing persecuted Christians in the Philippines, go to the Philippines Country Report.

  Please pray that our brothers and sisters in this part of the world will continue to place their hope in the Lord and will be able to forgive their persecutors. May He provide for all their needs and, in time, let them know when it's safe to return to their homes. Pray that the perpetrators will come to know His love, forgiveness and blessing through the witness of these faithful Christians (Romans 1:16).