Philippines

Gary Fallesen

Philippines

The Philippines is considered the only Christian nation in Asia. But when you visit its many islands and provinces, you find there are still many Filipinos who have yet to come to know Christ.

In Luzon, in the mountains of the north where tribal people still live with no electricity and farm the mountain slopes, animism and the worship of animals, elements of nature and their ancestor’s spirits are still practiced. The lack of spiritual guidance and growth has caused many tribal people to get involved in crime and illegal activities. This has resulted in more poverty and lawlessness that affects the progress of mountain communities.

In the south, on the island of Mindanao, the population is still predominantly Muslim. It has become extremely difficult for missionaries to bring aid and do evangelism because of the presence of extremist factions that abduct and do not hesitate to take the life of anyone who ventures into their territories. An uneasy peace stands between Christians and Muslims, which every now and then breaks out into violent conflict.

Despite the efforts of many Christian missionaries through the years the Philippines still have many tribal communities that are considered unreached or have never heard the name of Christ. Sharing God’s love has been made difficult by deeply rooted traditions, culture, beliefs, and the many religions that are preached. There is a great need for more people to pray for more doors of opportunity to open to share the Gospel to many more Filipinos because we are not yet the Christian Nation that we are named to be. We are a nation that is still in need of Christ.

Ace Concordia, coordinator, C4C Philippines

Fast facts

Location: Southeastern Asia. Leader: President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (since Jan. 20, 2001). Population: 97.9 million living on a land area that is slightly larger than the U.S. state of Arizona. Primary Religion: Catholicism. The country is 80.9 percent Roman Catholic with about 5 percent Muslim and 2.8 percent Evangelical Christian.

Where in the world?

The Philippines (highlighted) is an archipelago between the Philippine Sea and the South China Sea, east of Vietnam.
(The World Factbook)
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