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Through the Adventist Mission office under the direction of its director, Pastor Jonathan Hemoroz, the Adventist Church in the Southeastern Philippines (SePUM) recently launched a seminar to improve pastors' awareness and understanding of Adventist-Muslim relations. Held at the Davao Mission (DM), a regional headquarters of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, the event took place at the DM Conference Hall on March 20th and 21st. Pastors from various areas, including Davao City, Digos City, Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Sur, and Davao Oriental, participated in the seminar.

In 2020, the Muslim community in the Philippines comprised over 6.9 million individuals. Predominantly situated in the southern regions of the country, this sizable population presents a notable opportunity for the church to establish meaningful connections and engagement.

During the devotional meeting, Pr. Eugene Dela Peña, Adventist Missions Director of South Central Mindanao Mission (SCMM), emphasized the importance of including Muslims in the church’s efforts, urging delegates to overcome biases and prejudices that may hinder in building relationships.

Drawing from his own experiences, Dels Peña reflected on his youthful interactions and connections with leaders and communities within the Muslim community. He highlighted significant commonalities between Adventist and Muslim cultures, stressing the vital importance of deep respect and cultural understanding in nurturing a meaningful and enduring relationship. It was from this realization that the Adventist Muslim Relations (AMR) program emerged, aiming to foster mutual understanding and engagement between the two communities.

Pastor Jonathan Hemoroz, the Adventist Mission director of SePUM, underscored the pivotal role of Adventist Mission as the linchpin connecting all church ministries. He emphasized its crucial function in reaching out to unreached territories and people groups, whether they reside in urban areas, remote mountain villages, or along coastlines and marshlands. Pastor Hemoroz urged pastors to recognize the mission as the cornerstone of their unique ministry approach.

Pastor Harly Ybañez, the AMR Director for Northern Davao Mission, called upon each participant to heed Christ's commission as outlined in Matthew 24:14: "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." He emphasized that every tribe and culture must be included in our ministries, regardless of whether our endeavors are in their infancy, met with resistance, or face obstacles.

Pastor Mike Antonio, the AMR Director for Southern Mindanao Mission, advocates for deep cultural understanding as a key to bridging the divide. He emphasizes the importance of learning the Muslim language as a means to break down significant barriers and foster genuine relationships. Highlighting commonalities, Pastor Antonio underscores that both Adventists and our Muslim brethren share beliefs in the power and dominion of Allah and Yahweh, as well as faith in the Second Coming of Jesus. Additionally, he notes mutual admiration for cohesive family bonds and the pursuit of social justice. Additionally, Adventists adhere to the Quran's distinctions between halal (allowed) and haram (prohibited) foods, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

This initiative aims to extend the reach of the Adventist message to areas that have yet to experience it, thereby broadening the scope of spiritual outreach and engagement. Through the establishment of these trainings and seminars, these nations will have access to opportunities for worship, fellowship, and spiritual growth within the context of their own communities. This endeavor underscores the commitment of the Seventh-day Adventist Church to fulfill its mission of spreading the gospel to every corner of the globe, including regions where religious diversity and cultural nuances present unique challenges and opportunities.

Southeastern Philippine Union Mission Communication Department