The Magindanao peoples of the Philippines

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Abdul’s story

Abdul was exclaiming excitedly to a Christian missionary, “The rebels tell us that there is nothing more glorious than to die as a Mujahidin during Jihad. Not only do we go straight to Paradise, but we secure a place for the rest of our family as well. That is why I need to help them fight if the time comes. There is no other way I can reach Paradise, as I do not pray in the mosque as I should.” The missionary gazed at the college-age young man, and replied, “Did you know that Isa Al Masih was the Mujahidin who came and died during the greatest Jihad, the struggle of God and the god of this world? If we put our trust in Isa, we, as part of His family, will all go to Paradise - to Heaven - to live with Him forever!”

This idealistic young man is a member of the Magindanao people group, almost one million strong, living on the southern island of Mindanao in the Philippines. The name “Magindanao” means “people of the flood plain.”

The need in Magindanao, Philippines

The Magindanao believe they are orthodox Muslims but in actuality their practices are permeated with the folk religion that preceded the coming of Islam to the Philippines in the 1300’s.

Christianity is viewed with animosity because of the conflict between Roman Catholic Filipinos and Muslims early in Philippine history. They are discriminated against socially, economically, and politically. They have always been perceived as “Moros,” the hated Muslim minority. However, despite this turbulent past, many Filipino Christians are awakening to the need to reach out to their Muslim brothers and sisters.

Pray for Muslims in the Philippines:

* Praise God for recent breakthroughs among rural Magindanaons and some new believers. Pray for Magindanao fellowships to begin.

* Pray for wisdom and discretion for use of the Jesus film in the Magindanao language. Pray also for the ongoing Bible translation work.

* Magindanaon territory has suffered from government-rebel fighting over the years. Pray that the Prince of Peace will reign in these war-torn regions.