Southern Asia-Pacific Division
The official website of the Southern Asia-Pacific Division of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
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Adventist Mission Broadens Outreach with Key Partnership in Under-Served Area in the Philippines
The Adventist Mission in Zamboanga Peninsula is reaching out to more communities in the islands of Sulu, one of the most conflict-ridden provinces in the Philippines. The Gagandilan Brigade, a Philippine Army unit that is carrying out civil-military operations (CMO) in the region, has formed a new partnership with the mission under the direction of the Communication Department. The partnership aims to provide humanitarian and educational assistance to the people of Maimbung, Parang, Indanan, and Patikul, where the brigade is operating. These are some of the towns that have experienced decades-long violence and unrest as a result of the presence of terrorism in the region.
The Adventist Mission hopes to share the message of faith, hope, and love with these communities, as well as help them reintegrate into society and rebuild their lives. The mission has already made a remarkable impact in Jolo and Talipao, where it has established two learning centers run by an Adventist-supporting ministry in the Philippines called SULADS, a volunteer organization that serves the indigenous and marginalized people in Mindanao. The learning centers, located in Bud Bunga and Upper Sinumaan, are the first non-Muslim educational institutions in the Sinumaan Complex, a former stronghold of a terrorist group.
The Adventist Mission has also been working with the Special Forces, another unit of the Philippine Army, to promote peace and development in Sulu. The mission has been involved in educational and economic initiatives. The program was successful and acknowledged as "game-changers" in the province by the former brigade commander General Eugenio Boquio, Adventist-Muslim Relations, and the SULADS-Special Forces. The new partnership with the Gagandilan Brigade will kickstart with a medical and dental outreach in Parang, a week after the holy month of Ramadan. The Zamboanga Peninsula Mission is appealing for prayers and support as it continues to expand its presence and influence in Sulu. The mission believes that God will use its gifts, talents, and resources to bring healing, transformation, and salvation to the people of Sulu.
Cart Gladden Aguillon, Communication and PARL Director, Zamboanga Peninsula Mission
The original article was published on the Zamboanga Peninsula Mission website
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