AFWIS Joins OW in prayer for the Republic of the Philippines, Asia

_______________________________________________

Oct 03: Philippines

Join the Prayer Movement

click map to enlarge

click map to enlarge

click graph for key

Philippines

Republic of the Philippines

Asia

See Prayer Information

Geography

Area: 300,000 sq km
80 provinces; 7,250 islands, of which over 700 are inhabited, 11 of which contain the vast bulk of the population. The largest are Luzon (116,000 sq km) in the north and Mindanao (102,000 sq km) in the south. Over 75% mountains; prone to devastating typhoons.
Population: 93,616,853    Annual Growth: 1.83%
Capital: Manila
Urbanites: 66.4%
HDI Rank: 105 of 182 (UN Human Development Reports 2009)

Peoples

Peoples: 186 (11% unreached) All peoples
Unreached Peoples Prayer Card

Official language: Filipino (based on Tagalog), English    Languages:181 All languages

Religion

Largest Religion: Christian

Religion		Pop %	Ann Gr
Christians	86,361,547	92.25	1.7
Evangelicals	11,558,344	12.3	3.1

Answer to Prayer

Increased spiritual unity. The Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches (PCEC) establishes warm fellowship and cooperates in developing common goals for ministry among 68 denominations, 150 independent congregations and 170 mission agencies and parachurch groups. Philippines for Jesus (PFJ) is a network of Pentecostal and charismatic groups. The National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP) covers more mainline groups. Many local and regional Ministerial Fellowships are established as well. Pray that this unity continues and strengthens, and that it extends across broader confessional lines.
     For an additional 2 Answers to Prayer see Operation World book, CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM.

Challenge for Prayer

The Roman Catholic Church sees much change in the Philippines and within itself as society changes and the religious scene diversifies. Some of the major issues:
a) Coping with the loss of its position of privilege and with the decreasing proportion of population affiliated with Catholicism. Some seek to preserve the status of Catholicism in politics and society; others work to oppose threatening movements (such as nominalism, Protestant and Independent groups). Pray for new life to course through the Church and its leadership, institutions and parishes. Over 2,000 Filipino Catholic missionaries serve in other lands.
b) Large numbers of Catholics are more influenced by animism and witchcraft than by Christianity. In some parts of the islands, Catholicism is a thin veneer over long-held indigenous superstitions. They need exposure to the biblical gospel.
c) The charismatic networks have large numbers and spiritual fervour. Recent surveys indicate that anywhere from 15 to 30% of Catholics identify themselves as charismatic. El Shaddai claims eight million members. Couples for Christ (and now Singles for Christ), Ligaya Ng Panginoon, FAMILIA Community and Bukas Loob Sa Diyos add up to millions more. Within these movements are many committed evangelicals, but also some extra-biblical superstitions and beliefs. Pray for God’s grace upon these dynamic and influential communities.
     For an additional 13 Challenges for Prayer see Operation World book, CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM.

More Information

The Operation World book, CD-ROM, and DVD-ROM provide far more information and fuel for prayer for the people of Philippines.