Key Ministries
Ethnic ministry
Our vision is to see people from the 14 ethnic groups in the Philippines come to know Christ. We build relationships in communities with little or no Christian witness, demonstrating God’s love through practical service and community engagement. Ministry activities include programs for children, youth, women, and men, as well as livelihood projects, educational assistance, disaster response, values education, youth camps, friendship evangelism, and discipleship.
Migrant ministry
As migrant populations continue to grow in the Philippines, this ministry focuses on building meaningful relationships with Indonesian, Chinese, and Indian communities. SIM workers engage with Indonesian and Chinese diaspora groups, while a local church partner reaches out to international students, many of whom are from India. Through friendship and hospitality, we seek to share the love of Christ and the hope of the gospel.
Mobilisation
Many churches have yet to fully embrace a vision for reaching ethnic peoples and migrant communities. We partner with churches and like-minded organizations to help more believers engage in God’s mission. The mobilisation team encourages and equips churches, groups, and individuals to serve as senders, mobilizers, welcomers, and goers in local and global missions.
Member support services
This ministry provides care and support for mission workers through leadership development, member care, missionary kids’ education through Faith International Academy, and strengthened governance and administration. SIM Philippines is also working on organizational capacity to strengthen ministry effectiveness.
Spiritual Landscape in the Philippines
The Philippines is an archipelago of more than 7,100 islands, divided into the regions of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. After more than 300 years of Spanish rule and nearly 50 years under American governance, the nation gained independence in 1946.
Although the Philippines is often referred to as the “only Christian nation in Asia,” most Filipinos identify as Roman Catholic. Only about 10% identify as evangelical or other Protestant Christians, while approximately 11% belong to ethnic minority groups. Poverty also remains a significant challenge, affecting about 18% of the population.
Despite the country’s Christian heritage, fear, misunderstanding, and prejudice have sometimes discouraged local evangelical churches from actively engaging with ethnic communities.
Please pray
- For God to bring supernatural and miraculous encounters in families and communities that will open doors for the gospel.
- For more Filipino churches and individuals to become involved in ethnic ministry and in sending, supporting, and caring for mission workers.
- That young people who have attended camps and placed their faith in Jesus Christ will grow in their faith, be a positive witness in their families, and influence their communities for Christ.
- For our disciple-making efforts and for the growth and maturity of fellowships of ethnic background believers. Ask that they would grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Latest stories from around SIM
Across the world, young people are showing a growing openness to faith: from Thailand to North Africa to Central Asia. As spiritual hunger rises among Gen ...
An encounter with rural ministry as a teenager changed the course of Samuel's life. Years later, God led him, his wife and their children from Ethiopia to ...
In Central Asia, a small group of young Christians is being intentionally equipped as emerging leaders. Mentoring, ministry experience and sports outreach ...
Creativity has become a doorway to encounter God in Addis Ababa, where mission workers Malaika and Halawi are helping believers hear His voice through pr...
In North Africa, Lobna’s life was marked by manipulation, addiction, and fear until God intervened through the faithful love of His people. This is the s...
Even in retirement, nurse midwife Beth Roberts continues to live out her calling. After nearly three decades in Guinea, she now supports mission workers, r...
In Equatorial Guinea, where many pastors lead without support or accountability, a new generation of church leaders is being equipped for healthier, Christ...
A new cross‑shaped church has opened in Namwera, Malawi, marking a historic moment for the Yao people. Once a small house fellowship, the Namwera Yao Eva...
When a labourer’s father fell gravely ill, SIM worker Thomas Crowe was asked to visit him in his final hours. The gospel conversation that followed broug...
After witnessing deep division between Christians and Muslims in Jos, Nigeria, Toby Abts launched a ministry that helps believers build trust, overcome fea...
After an unexpected end to their ministry placement, Laura and Skhumbuzo Goge discovered God was redirecting them toward a new calling — walking with you...