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We awoke this morning to the shocking and incredibly sad news from the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP), the primary and long-standing church partner of the Presbyterian Church (USA).
The decades-old UCCP School in that City, Dansalan College, was attacked on May 23rd. Laubach Hall (the main building of the school) was burned down, which includes the science laboratory, the library and dormitory.
Please include the people of the Philippines and Dansalan College in your prayers. [/three_fourths][/columns]
A Call for Prayers and Sobriety for Such a Time Like This
“All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that our God saves.”
(1 Samuel 17:47)
1) In the wake of the senseless, violent attack against the people and ministries of the Dansalan College in the Philippines, we call upon all of our mission partners to stand in solidarity with and to fervently pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ in the Philippines.
a) Pray for those who may have been physically harmed, taken captive, or in any way had their freedom restricted by the attacks.
b) Pray for the healing of those who have been victimized and traumatized by the violent attacks, as well as their loved ones.
c) Pray for justice and peace for all in the midst of this horrific situation.
d) Pray for the leaders of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines, that they may have the mind of Christ as they discern how to best respond to this tragedy, including the wisdom and unwavering resolve to rebuild their educational ministry.
e) Pray for the Muslim and Christian students at Dansalan College, and the faculty and staff of Dansalan College as they strive to be ambassadors of peace in their interfaith relationships.
Important Note: The UCCP notes that “Dansalan College reflects the importance and impact of interfaith relations. The student body is made up of approximately 95% Muslim students, while the staff is 80% Christian.”
2) We ask you to please include this critical call to prayer in your prayer chains, prayer group meetings, and in your congregational worship services in the coming weeks.
In Mission Partnership with You,
Barry and Shelly
Rev. Dr. Barry Dawson and Shelly Dawson
Regional Liaison for Southeast Asia
