As the worldwide Muslim communities ended the celebration of the Holy Ramadan, the Adventist Mission departments of the Southeastern Philippine Union Mission (SePUM) and Davao Mission (DM) launched two Fellowship Meals in different locations within the city of Davao. These initiatives embodied hospitality, compassion, and interfaith friendship, showing respect, kindness, and solidarity with Muslim neighbors during a sacred season.
After friendly negotiations of Adventist health educators with the Sirawan community in Toril, Jollibee meal packs were distributed during the Iftar, the evening breaking of the fast, on March 19. Through the Happy Home Adventist Church brethren on the other side, they also arranged another Halal food sharing on the day of Eid al-Fitr, the festival marking the end of Ramadan, on March 21.
Sharing food is a universal language of care. By offering meals, Adventists demonstrate Christlike love and neighborly concern, echoing the biblical call to serve others. It builds bridges of trust and mutual respect between Adventists and Muslims, counters prejudice by showing practical love and hospitality, and opens opportunities for dialogue and deeper understanding of each other’s faith. Most of all, it strengthens community bonds, especially in diverse societies.
One of the community leaders of Sirawan, Toril, shared his thoughts: “We are so happy to accept your presence and offer here today because as Muslims, we take pride in engaging with any group of people so that the love and unity of men in this world will continue. We also wanted to share the real meaning of being Muslims, to erase the wrong perceptions of others about us. We wanted to show that we are peace-loving people.” — Bro. Mohadjar Gawan, Chairman, Political Committee, Davao City.
His wife, Mrs. Warda Sapal Gawan, also posted on Facebook these lines addressed to the project initiators: “As the blessed Month of Ramadan draws close to its end, we express our profound gratitude for your generous support, sharing and providing free iftar meals for our Bangsamoro brothers and sisters fasting this holy month.”
On the other hand, Happy Home Church found a Muslim community at Ma-a near the parcel of land they are aiming to purchase for a church building. The youth, celebrating Global Youth Day, chose this venue for packed Halal meal distribution as their main activity for the celebration.
Mr. Juraij Sarabosing, a Muslim criminology student and youth leader, expressed while sharing his sticky rice cake delicacy (biko) with the guests: “I have this happy feeling today to have you here, sharing foods and eating with us, a reunion of the tribes of Ishmael and Isaac, with our grandfather Abraham.” Ustadz Samsodin Mukalam Mamendig, their community leader, agreed while listening nearby having conversations with Pastor Jonathan Hemoroz, SePUM Adventist Mission/ Adventist-Muslim Relation Director.
Galatians 6:10 says, “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone.” As Jesus Himself said in Matthew 25:35, a key line inside a parable: “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” The Qur’an 2:177 also speaks relevantly: “The righteous are those who feed the poor, the orphan, and the captive, for the love of Allah.”
Having “Communion in Action” as the Global Youth Day theme, the Spirit of Prophecy declares: “The world will be convinced, not by what the pulpit teaches, but by what the church lives.” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7, p. 16)
This Facebook post from one of those who received the packed meal truly inspires: “Everyone was happy. May the Almighty bless your team with good health, peace & prosperity. May our partnership grow stronger in mutual respect and understanding. May we always stand together in promoting goodness and peace.” (https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1AnJzdEKVg/)
