Church planting in the Philippines has many challenges, notably working in areas where extremist groups exist. Recently, one of the pastors of a church plant, was informed that a group had a kill order on his life. The cause of the order was that the pastor was accused of receiving aid from the army. The pastor himself was a former group member who found Christ and left the group, mostly on friendly terms. However, the accusation carried weight. The pastor was informed out of a courtesy by another friend of his. At first, he wanted to run away, in fact he hid out at a friend’s house in another city. As his options and the fate of the church were discussed, several other individuals in the church and other former members in other churches spoke up. They said don’t run and let’s try to talk with them.  Everyone prayed, and it took a week, but the local group allowed the pastor to present his evidence. The pastor spent two days with the group, and they concluded that he was innocent and that someone else had become envious of the church and all the good they were doing, especially their livelihood projects. During this time the pastor was also able to share the gospel message with over a hundred members present. Our pastor now has an open door, though it is a dangerous undertaking. But, as he has said, nothing is impossible for God to do in the midst of this unusual climate, especially when all you can be is a man of peace for Christ.

If you would like to help make a difference in the lives of people like this pastor, here’s how: