WHO are they? Isn’t it amazing how many people groups there are in the Philippines
alone? While they all share some similarities, every one is unique and special to God.
Today we will learn about the Bicolano people, a tribal group of people that are still, for
the most part, isolated from modern civilization. Their lifestyle is built around one main
thing—survival! Most of these tribal groups are farmers, but their techniques are so
primitive that they often harvest very little. Another important thing about the Bicolano is
that they are broken into many, many tribes. Each tribe is run by one chief or leader,
and sometimes the individual tribes even have their own language! However, some of
these tribes are so far away from civilization that it can be difficult to reach them with the
gospel of Christ.
WHERE do they live? The tribes that make up the Bicolano people group are scattered
across the Philippines, but they are mostly on the islands of Luzon and Mindanao.
HOW many? There are more than two million Bicolano people, and only 1.3% of them
are evangelical Christians.
WHAT do they worship? The Bicolano people are mostly animists, meaning that they
believe in lots of gods and spirits, who they think are in control of their lives and
circumstances. Many believe that they must perform certain religious rituals in order to
make it into their “next life.” Some of the tribes have shamans, chosen people who they
think are capable of communicating with the gods and curing sick people using magic.
While each tribe’s set of beliefs vary, all are depending on false gods and spirits instead
of the one true God. They need to hear the truth!
PRAYER needs:
• Many of the things we take for granted, like quality medical care and a sufficient
food supply, are constant struggles for the Bicolano people. Ask God to protect
and provide for them.
• Pray that the Lord will call people willing to go to the Philippines and share Christ
among these people, who so desperately need to know about Him.
• Pray that the hearts of the Bicolano would be softened by God and made
receptive to the Gospel.
• Pray that the Lord will rise up strong local churches among each tribal group.
