Pray with the Philippines, May 25, 2025
Pray with the Philippines
Lectionary Selection: John 14:23-29
Prayers for the Philippines
Almighty God, please save the Philippines!
Some government officials’ actions endanger our sovereignty as a nation and our democracy. Extrajudicial acts, lack of due process, and conspiracies leave ordinary citizens distrustful of the government. In addition, we fear our country may be dragged into a war between two countries. God, please forbid!
Our situation looks dire. Criminality and drug use are on the rise. The streets are not safe, especially for women and children. Some police officers are brutal, rude, and disrespectful. Even lawmakers are abusive and arrogant. Filipinos are divided by ideology and politics. People fear the return of authoritarianism and dictatorship in the country’s governance. Further, the country’s economy may be on the verge of collapsing. Its debts have risen to trillions already. There are no job opportunities, and people depend on financial assistance. Additionally, natural disasters and the effects of climate change are significant threats to the Philippines!
Lord, we present these concerns, among many, to you. Without you, we cannot do much to solve our problems. Therefore, we pray for the transformation of our leaders: that they serve the people and attend to their needs faithfully; that they repent and turn away from evil deeds; that they serve with integrity, humility, compassion, and righteousness; that they protect the nation’s sovereignty, uphold the law of the land and be obedient to the divine command. Give us patriotic legislators to govern the country. We pray that peace reign in the Philippines. To God be the glory. Amen.
Mission Moment from the Philippines
Dansalan College has served for more than six decades in Marawi City and Lanao del Sur, in Southern Philippines. Marawi City is the only Muslim City in the Philippines. The Maranao Muslims are the main inhabitants, along with a few Christians. At a time when discrimination against the Maranao Muslims was very strong (early 1940s), Dansalan College helped bring them into the Philippine body politic. The college launched programs and projects to expedite the achievement of this goal. Quality education was prioritized to address the high illiteracy rate in the area. Other programs and projects included non-formal education, especially adult literacy; community extension service in agriculture, arts, and crafts; development research; community sanitation; and primary health care. The programs contributed to the development of a core of successful professionals and community leaders. Many alumni now serve as congresspeople, governors, mayors, and city/provincial councilors.
In addition, the school promoted friendly and harmonious relationships between Muslims and Christians. School officials, church leaders, civic leaders, government officials, and other influencers participated in its interfaith activities through conferences, seminars, dialogues, and research.
The school’s success in implementing its programs and projects would not have been possible without the generous and faithful financial and moral support from the Global Ministries (Disciples of Christ and the United Church of Christ). For this, Dansalan College is indeed grateful.
In May 2017, the Marawi war occurred. Dansalan College was burned down by rebels and reduced to rubble and ashes. Seven teachers and administrators were held hostage by the rebels. Forty-two were trapped for 12 days; more than 10 others for a day. The last hostage was released after 5 months. And by God’s grace, no life was lost among the more than 80 Dansalan College employees. The school had to move to Iligan City, about 30 kilometers north of Marawi City. Global Ministries helps sustain the school operation in Iligan City by supporting its projects. Currently, it provides funds for implementing the Regenerative Agriculture and Landscaping Project. This Project promotes organic farming, mini forest development of hardwood and fruit trees, environmental care, cash crops, livestock raising, and flower gardening. It also serves as a learning station for students, employees, and the community.
Furthermore, Global Ministries has helped equip the school to serve as a center for different church activities, community activities, and other regional and national organizations and agencies. With improved facilities and a spacious campus, the school became a favorite venue for camping, Family Day celebrations, Training Seminars of Restorative Justice, and regular meetings of the Multi-Sectoral Validation Group, which processes conflict incident data gathered from the conflict areas.
We express our profound gratitude to the generosity of Global Ministries, our mission partner. We are inspired to do our task to share the Love of God with others, with the hope that peace may reign in the world.
Mission Partners in the Philippines