Polomolok, South Cotabato — It was a day of joy and fellowship as the SEPUM Adventist Mission director, together with dedicated volunteers, joined the Moving Up Ceremony of Madrasato Tarbita Al-Islamia, an Arabic school serving the Muslim community of Barangay Lapu, Polomolok.
Pr. Jonathan Hemoroz, Adventist Muslim Relations Director, has long supported local madrasahs through initiatives such as school supplies distribution, restroom construction, feeding programs, roof renovation, and the provision of Patriarchs and Prophets books to parents, teachers, and Maguindanaon learners.
Community leaders, including Hon. Fahodey K. Nilong, Punong Barangay of Lapu, were present to witness the event. The barangay, with a population that is 80% Muslim, welcomed the fellowship with gratitude. Also in attendance were Bro. Victor Turpaud, known as Abdul Zafaar, and his wife Kim—tourists from Colorado who actively support Islamic movements. In an interview, Bro. Turpaud shared: “I adopted the name Abdul Zafaar and loved to wear Islamic apparel because I believe they, among others, need respect and support. Aiding madrasahs in Mindanao has been part of my mission, leading to my second visit to the Philippines. I am grateful that Adventist Mission is also with me passionately.”
The program was further strengthened by the presence of Ustadz Abdul Mutilan and his wife Ustadzah Leah, coordinators of Worldwide Involvement in New Global Strategies Inc. (WINGS). Their linkages with Muslim community leaders across the Southern Mindanao Mission (SMM) and their connections with madrasah teachers—both ustadz (male mentors) and ustadzah (female mentors)—have opened doors for opportunities to serve Muslim brethren, bringing the mandates of Global Center for Adventist-Muslim Relations of the worldwide church headquarter, the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.
One of the school’s instructors in the school with more than 50 learners, Ustadz Abdul Mojeedd U. Usman, expressed heartfelt appreciation: “I am inspired to know that there are people like you who are not part of our community yet willingly provide our needs and share with us the gifts you received from Allah.”
Beyond this school, Adventist Mission leaders and sponsors are set to attend the Moving Up Ceremonies of six other madrasahs located in Koronadal Proper, Sumbakil, Marangit, and Bio—all in Polomolok—one in Lumatil, Sarangani Province, and another in Malita, Davao Occidental. Altogether, these institutions, with a total of 657 schoolchildren, have been beneficiaries of the SEPUM Adventist Muslim Relations (AMR) program for the past two years.
Madrasahs teach classical Arabic, guide learners in memorizing and understanding the Qur’an, and train them in Islamic laws and practices—including worship, morals, and daily living. This is seen as nurturing both children and adults in the path of righteousness.
The Adventist Mission gladly respects and supports this culture, affirming that it is part of our calling to share the Creator’s love without distinction of race, culture, language, or way of life.
Since “God is no respecter of person (Acts 10:34), Christians must show impartial kindness to everyone—regardless of social status, race, or character—treating all as children of God and potential recipients of grace. Mrs. Ellen G. White, wrote: “The interests of the varied classes of society are indissolubly united. We are all woven together in the great web of humanity, and we cannot without loss withdraw our sympathies from one another.” Gospel Worker 92.314.1
Photos: Mrs. Marjurie Hemoroz and Mr. Florante Callo
Details and Coordination: Ustadzah Norsama Giamlod Kogkag, Ustadzah Morcia Mariano Ginaluga and Barangay Secretary Annie Ross Ebarle
