Philippines
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DEMOGRAPHY
ECONOMY |
LIFE & LIBERTY |
Contents |
[edit] Geography
[edit] Location
[edit] Climate
[edit] Natural Resources
[edit] Demographics
[edit] Peoples
[edit] Provinces
[edit] Life
[edit] Economy
[edit] Government
[edit] Religion
[edit] Islam
[edit] Buddhism
- There are small minorities of Buddhists (3% or 2,300,000). Of the 850,000 Chinese, perhaps a tenth practice Chinese religions that are heavily based on Buddhism. Buddhism in the Philippines gained its foothold with the rise of the Buddhist Srivijaya empire in Malaysia in the 7th century and lasted until their decline in the 13th century. Active trading by Chinese and Indian merchants with native tribes brought Buddhist knowledge and iconography to the country. Archeaological finds in the Philippines unearthed priceless Buddhist statues and other artifacts dating to this era. Linguistic influence also left its indelible mark, with Buddhist concepts such as dukkha (suffering) and bodhi (knowledge) entering everyday speech.
[edit] Christianity
[edit] History
[edit] Churches
- Dramatic growth in the number of evangelical churches approaching 40,000.
- Metro-Manila is a mega-city of enormous challenge, but God is working. Much prayer since 1985 has brought about positive change. Over 15% of the population is linked to an evangelical church.
- GKI-P (Indonesian Christian Church in the Philippines) in Metro-Manila. Pastor Mekky Famdale, mfamdale@yahoo.com
[edit] Church and State Relations
[edit] Mission, Evangelization, and Training
- The Filipino diaspora around the world is a phenomenon worth noting and praying for. There are thousands upon thousands of Filipinos all around the world, serving not only in places like the hospitals of America, and well-paid engineering and computer jobs, but often in lowly positions as nannies and gardeners, cooks and housekeepers, chauffeurs and care-takers. And the remarkable fact is that many of these Filipinos are believers with a heart of mission, many of them trained in the Philippines before they leave their homeland to equip them to be effective witnesses in what are often very hard places.
- Let us pray for these Filipino believers:
- That their lives will manifest integrity and grace that will continue to make them welcome workers.
- That their congregations in the countries, where they are serving will be places of deeper encounter with God as well as further training and encouragement for witness.
- That they will be enabled to develop meaningful and deep relationships with the local population among whom they work and for whom they work.
- That the Church in the Philippines will have an ever-growing vision for the unreached Muslim peoples, continue to provide relevant training for those going overseas, and be an effective support/ prayer base.
- That God will work miracles of salvation through their testimonies and intentional outreach.
- While the scenario in the Acts of the Apostles is different, we can pray that Acts 8:4 might be true of the Filipinos … “Those who had been scattered preached the Word wherever they went.”
- The training and discipling of new leaders is a priority. Praise God for many Filipino leaders with national and international influence. Many do not see formal training as an asset. Many of those who graduate are reluctant to serve in rural areas where the need and poverty is greater. Hundreds of rural congregations languish without adequate leadership. Many of the better qualified emigrate to the USA. Pray that God may continue to raise up godly, committed leaders.
[edit] Broadcasting
[edit] Councils and Networks
[edit] Future Trends
[edit] For More Reading
