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Philippines

Christian village raided, two men killed
Two men are dead and another remains missing following a raid by approximately 40 Muslim rebels on the predominately Christian village of Sitio Arco in Basilan province, southern Philippines on Good Friday (April 10). Cosme Aballes, Ernan Chavez and six children were kidnapped during the raid. Another man, Jacinto Clemente, was shot and killed by the rebels. The children were released later that day. Aballes was barbarically beheaded and his body was found two days later in the nearby town of Lamitan. According to a military spokesman, the rebels "will kill anybody they encounter and the intention they had was to disrupt the Christian activities during the Lenten season when they went to Sitio Arco." The spokesperson also stated that "their second motive was to extort from local leaders in the area," referring to Chavez, who at last report was still missing.
Pray for the family and friends grieving the death of those killed. Pray for the safe release of Chavez. Pray that authorities will be able to effectively stop the militant organizations operating in the country.
To learn more about the persecution of Christians in the Philippines,click here.
Pastor executed by communist rebels in Philippines
Communist New People's Army (NPA) rebels in the Philippines have executed a Christian pastor whom they accused of aiding soldiers in anti-insurgency campaign in Mindanao, a regional Army spokesman said on July 30. Lt. Col. Kurt Decapia said soldiers had recovered the body of Josefino Estaniel (45), a pastor of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, from a shallow grave in Dalagdag village in Calinan district in Davao City. According to reports, the pastor, who had been kidnapped in May, had been subjected to torture during his captivity.
Pray for the family of Pastor Estaniel during this time of grief. Pray for the safety of other church leaders in the region. There has been a sharp rise in attacks and threats on Christians, and especially church leaders, in recent weeks. On July 29, armed men stopped a mini-bus and murdered four Christian male passengers execution-style in Mindanao. A fifth passenger is still missing. Pray that he might be found alive and returned to his family.
Learn more about the persecution facing Christians in Philippines at our Philippines Country Report.
Pastor Killed in Mindanao
Pastor Vic Vicera was shot dead by unknown assailants in Mindanao on April 15, according to VOMC contacts in the Philippines. That evening, the attackers stormed into Pastor Vicera's home and opened fire on him, his wife and another pastor present. Pastor Vicera was shot eight times and killed. His wife, Beth, was shot in her hand and leg. Pastor Saturnino was also shot in his leg. Local Christians suspect that the attackers were Muslim militants. Pastor Vicera lived and worked among Muslims and some of them had reportedly tried to convince him to convert to Islam.
Pray for the family and congregation of Pastor Vicera. Pray for healing for his wife and Pastor Saturnino. Pray that Christians in Mindanao will rejoice in their afflictions knowing that those who share in Christ's sufferings will also share in His glory (1 Peter 4:12-13).
For more information on the persecution of Christians in the Philippines, go to thePhilippine Country Report.
Missionary Killed in Mindanao
^{Fr Jesus Reynaldo Roda
Photo from}^CathNews
Father Jesus Reynaldo Roda, a Catholic missionary with the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, was murdered by a suspected al-Qaeda related group of Islamic militants on the evening of January 15 in the chapel at Notre Dame of Tabawan School in the city of Tabawan. The armed group forced its way into the chapel where Father Roda was praying. When he resisted their attempt to kidnap him, he was shot and killed.
Pray that Father Roda's colleagues will find strength, courage and peace in Christ. Pray that God will raise up other cross-bearing disciples to continue His work in the Philippines.
For more information on persecution of Christians in the Philippines, go to thePhilippines Country Report.
Six Filipinos Killed for Confessing Christ
At least six Christians are dead, including an infant girl, and another five injured after suspected militant Muslims opened fire on a group of Christian families in the predominantly Muslim island of Jolo in the Philippines on February 2. At least five gunmen, believed to be from the militant organization Abu Sayyaf, went door-to-door in the village of Patikul and asked the residents if they were Christians. If the residents confessed faith in Christ, the militants opened fire.
Those killed were identified as Itting Pontilla (45), Emma Casipong (16), Melanie Patinga (9 months), Selma Patinga and Pedro Casipong. Abu Sayyaf ("Bearer of the Sword") is a militant Muslim guerrilla organization associated with the al-Qaeda network and has been operating in the southern Philippines since 1991. They have been blamed for a series of bombings, kidnappings and murders, mostly targeted at Christians and foreigners.
Ask the Lord to carry those who are grieving through this very dark time. Pray that the families and friends of Itting, Emma, baby Melanie, Selma, and Pedro will find comfort in the knowledge that their Saviour weeps with them and that the Holy Spirit is interceding for them. Pray that they will be strengthened by the knowledge that their loved ones are in the presence of the Lord. Pray that God will protect them from further attacks and that those responsible will be brought to justice.
Pastor and Wife Killed in Ambush
An Alliance Church pastor and his wife died instantly when they were ambushed in Patonoling, Tupi on the weekend of January 28-29, according to the Philippine press. Timothy Ariao, 46, and Delia Juebas, 39, were traveling to a church gathering when they were ambushed by gunmen with automatic weapons. Although no one has claimed responsibility, Christian workers have been kidnapped or killed by Communist insurgents in the past.
Pray that the gunmen will be found and arrested. Pray that God will raise up a new pastor to take Pastor Timothy's place. Pray for the continued ministry of this congregation.
Convert from Islam Seriously Wounded
^Zamboanga^City
A 24-year-old Christian man in Zamboanga City in southern Philippines was seriously wounded by Muslim militants on November 17. According to Compass Direct, family and friends have asked that his name be withheld for fear that his attackers may return.
The relatively new convert from Islam was making his way home from the market around 9:00 p.m. when he was ambushed by three men. He was shot in the abdomen and the chest. One bullet lodged in his spine, causing fear of paralysis. However, he has been able to move slightly, giving hope of a full recovery.
The man has been an ardent evangelist since he came to faith in Christ. His public testimony has resulted in several death threats against him. He is a member of the Tausug tribe, which is predominantly Muslim.
Pray for a full recovery for this young man. Pray that this incident will be used to demonstrate the love and grace of God. Pray that his attackers will see the light of Christ in him and come to trust in Jesus.
Missionary Murdered in Suspected Setup
A missionary working among minority groups in the Philippines was shot and killed on January 17. According to Missions Insider, a missionary was riding his motorbike on Mindanao Island when he accidentally hit a motorbike driven by a Muslim. On hearing about the accident, the other missionaries from the team came and police took the two drivers to their headquarters for questioning. A member of the team was wheeling the motorbike home when he was shot in the chest and killed. The killer has not been identified, but he is suspected to be a member of a militant Muslim sect. The other missionary is suspecting a setup, since they had previously received death threats.
Pray for the widow and their 2-year-old daughter as they grieve this loss. Pray for other missionaries working in high-risk areas of the Philippines.

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