Adventist churches in Southeastern Philippines (SePUM) and Southern Mindanao (SMM) are working together through their Adventist Mission departments to organize outreach programs for Muslim communities in the region. On Aug. 9–10, during the third round of their initiative, they donated school supplies and meals to 376 children from four madrassahs.
A madrassah is a learning institution where students study the Qur’an, Hadith (sayings of Prophet Muhammad), Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), and Arabic language and literature. Occasionally, subjects such as mathematics, logic, and natural sciences are also included in the curriculum.
Madrassah students typically attend formal schools—either government-run or private—from Monday through Thursday and devote Fridays to worship. On weekends, they attend madrassah classes to deepen both spiritual and intellectual growth.
On Saturday afternoon, Aug. 9, the team visited Barangay Rubber, Barangay Lapo, and Sitio Beu in Polomolok, South Cotabato. Volunteers supported 166 schoolchildren with food, ballpoint pens, notebooks, and Filipino-language copies of Patriarchs and Prophets, a work by Ellen G. White that resonates with Islamic values.
The following day, they visited Al-Madrasahtol Juhaida Al-Islamia in Sitio Dampilan, Lumakil, Maasim, Sarangani Province. They were welcomed by Barangay Chairman Ascar C. Malimping, Kagawad Madini Abdulbali, and Secretary Nor-en Malimping.
The school serves 210 students from kindergarten to high school (Madrasa Sanawi), along with 39 Ummahad (mothers) who are also pursuing education. Ten Azatidz (ISAL teachers) guide students in Islamic Studies and Arabic Language.
Pastor Jonathan Hemoroz, Adventist Mission director of SePUM, together with his wife, Marjurie, administrative assistant for Children’s Ministries, led the activities. Marjurie, who was raised in a Muslim neighborhood in Zamboanga City, said the initiative reflects a heartfelt desire to share love and build bridges. The couple emphasized that the bond between Muslims and Adventists can be strengthened by recognizing the shared heritage of Isaac and Ishmael—half-brothers whose descendants continue to reflect that brotherhood today.
The outreach was made possible through the support of Pastor Abner P. Dizon, director of Interfaith Services for Muslim, Secular, and Postmodern Ministries at the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. His work is supported by Worldwide Involvement on New Global Strategies (WINGS) Inc.
Pastor Ian Basco, SMM associate publishing director and newly appointed Adventist Mission, 1000 Missionary Movement, Go Gospel Outreach, and Global Mission Pioneers director of SMM, expressed joy at the growing Adventist-Muslim relations, which he said are engaging resources and influence to foster understanding. With the help of Ustadz Abdul Mutilan and Ustadha Lea Peñaranda Mutilan, connections were established, and more collaborative activities are anticipated.
“This is the first time a group has come to us with such blessings for both children and adults,” said Bae Shirley Alip, federation president of the Moro Women’s Association in Maasim.
“I am happy to be here witnessing this time of sharing. Despite the distance, you still have the love to visit our far-flung community. We will always be pleased to welcome you anytime,” said Malimping.
The school buildings beside the mosque—donated by Hadji Morsib Malimping and his family—stand as a testament to the community’s commitment to nurturing Islamic faith from an early age.
Adventists hold deep respect for Muslims, not only because of shared beliefs, but also because love and understanding are central to Christlike ministry.
Church leaders emphasized that the initiative also seeks to strengthen ties with Muslim communities by recognizing shared values and mutual respect. Islam teaches belief in one sovereign God (Allah), the role of many prophets familiar to Christians and Jews, and the hope of a coming Day of Judgment—points of common ground that foster dialogue and understanding.
Representatives underscored that service transcends religious differences, echoing Ellen G. White’s statement that all humanity is one family through creation and redemption, and that calls for compassion must be answered regardless of belief. This sentiment reflects the biblical reminder in Acts 10:34–35 that God shows no partiality but accepts anyone who honors Him and does what is right.
Through these efforts, Adventists affirmed their respect for Muslim neighbors and their commitment to building relationships grounded in peace, love, and shared humanity.
The original article was published in the Southeastern Philippine Union Mission website.