Muhammad mandated death for apostates, and that is still part of Islamic law. At least three other pastors were killed as well. Will the Islamophobia never end? “Philippines Pastors Face Death for Ministry to Muslims,” by Gary Lane and Lucille Talusan for CBN News, April 11:
MINDANAO, Philippines – The Philippines is a mostly Christian nation, but in the south, Muslim fundamentalists are trying to build an Islamic state.
Christians there face persecution and even death.
The island of Mindanao on the southernmost part of the Philippines is predominantly Muslim. The area’s most remote parts are a haven to terrorist groups linked to al Qaeda that carry out attacks and kidnappings in the region.
Strong Persecution
Because of this, persecution against Christians is strong. This year, at least four house churches closed down after their pastors and lay leaders were killed by Muslim extremists.
Pastor Mario Acidre was one them. His wife, Mayang, was distraught over her husband’s murder, which took place right in their home.
“My husband staggered into our bedroom and I was shocked because he was full of blood,” she recalled. “I brought him to the hospital right away. He was operated on for eight bullet wounds, but did not survive.”
Pastor Acidre was a former Muslim who converted to Christianity. He boldly shared the gospel to his Muslim relatives and neighbors.
Despite threats to his life, he was not afraid to hold Bible studies in his home, which he eventually converted into a house church.
Sharing the Gospel
Witnesses say that just a few hours before he was killed, Acidre agitated some Muslim vendors when he told them he did not believe in the amulets they were trying to sell him.
Pastor Edilberto Beira is the coordinator of the Christian and Missionary Alliance Churches of the Philippines in the Muslim region.
“I admire Pastor Mario’s commitment to the Lord. He tried to share the gospel to the Muslim vendors,” he said.
But Beira added that, “This incident triggered threats to other Muslims who converted to Christianity, and that is why the house churches closed down.”…