Our History
Building Missions to Muslims in Southern Philippines — 1999–Present
***Some pictures blurred to protect identities of active church planters.
Late 1990s
Christar Missionaries from the US, Germany, and Philippines begin investigating the establishment of a missions training center to equip Filipino missionaries to reach their Muslim neighbors.
1999
DMI's parent organization is founded. Scott and Patsy Steel are selected to be President and Director.
2000
Land is purchased and construction begins on the new training center facilities.
2001
The first students arrive to begin a 2-year training program.
2010
The Steels retire after 24 years of ministry. Andreas and Angela Stiagmiller take over as Director.
2012
The training program is extended to 3 years to include more intensive study of Bible and Doctrine. Training now incorporates hundreds of hours of direct exposure in the communities to be served.
2019
After 18 years of operations, over 100 Filipino students have graduated the program, with approximately 30% becoming long-term missionaries to Muslims.
2020–2022
Covid sweeps the globe. Almost all operations are shut down and nearly all western staff must leave. The organization is left with minimal functionality. Fox and Joy Dasa arrive to succeed the Stiagmillers as Director.
2022–2024
Some operations resume and 3 students are trained and graduated.
2024–Present
In recognition of significant challenges and the changing needs of ministry in the Philippines, the Director and Board of Trustees launch a plan to rebuild the program to provide a full spectrum of Whole-of-Church engagement in church planting. Expected re-opening for full operations is late 2026 or early 2027.