Youths Offer Skills to Communicating Christ

The prospect of young people getting into the writing ministry for the church is rich as indicated by the number of them participating in seminars designed to awaken their interest in writing. Though adults still find time to sharpen their skills in the writing trade, younger minds have gotten into the bandwagon of modern communication.

A total of 110 participated in the writing and e-publication seminar organized by the communication department of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in northeastern Mindanao (NEMM), September 16-17, at the auditorium of Northeastern Mindanao Academy (NEMA) in Los Angeles, Butuan City.

Of this 110, mostly were elementary and secondary students. The others were teachers, church leaders and administrators, pastors, lay leaders, and some retired government employees.

“I belong to the ‘once young’ who have outgrown the ability to grasp instructions on using modern technologies, but I came because I wanted to keep alive my desire to communicate through modern writing techniques,” said Elizabeth G Amores, a 73-year-old retired public school supervisor, when asked about her impressions of the seminar.

“We cannot thank the organizers and presenters enough for the opportunity given us to attend this seminar. The lectures allayed our fears that writing is such a hard thing to do. While our growth may not be phenomenal we are on our way to becoming writers for the church,” said young participants.

“I wish we had these instructions when we were young. We already could have been contributors to the publications of the church, but it is not too late to begin writing,” said Jaivic Buo, a pastor who accompanied six young people from his field to this seminar.

“Surprisingly, while reading the articles contributed by the participants, I didn’t realize that the 87th, the last piece was done past 1:30 dawn! I must have been engrossed with the good stories and experiences put in paper by these participants,” said Jonathan C Catolico, writing session presenter, and communication director for the church in the southern Asia-Pacific region (SSD).

The 20-hour seminar introduced the participants to web design, graphic application, layout and design, photojournalism, and news and creative writing. On hand to help Dr Catolico with the presentations were Reuben A Pagaduan, chair of the Fine Arts department of the Adventist University of the Philippines, and Raymark Bagoyado, an IT specialist who owns a computer business in the Visayas.

The officers and department directors of NEMM led by Pastor Solomon V Mongaya, president, faithfully attended the two-day seminar. “We appreciate very much the support of our administrators,” said Nilda E Caberte, NEMM communication and education director, “and the participation of our students, teachers, pastors, lay leaders, and school administrators. We also express our thanks to the administrators, faculty and staff of NEMA for allowing us to use their facilities and giving opportunities for their students and teachers to take part in this seminar.”

At the commitment service, the participants were challenged by Dr Catolico to communicate “hope to the people in your community.” The participants received their certificates of completion. [Seminar Participants/AND Staff]

Seminar Exhorts Family Worship

A family having an experiential relationship with God makes home a lovely place to live in. At Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) church, family worship was the focus of a message Pastor Zoe Zabat presented as the fellowship meeting of church members from Central Metro Manila 1 opened on Sabbath, September 6.

Representing six churches—Cembo, Comembo, Fabac, Malibay, Villamor and NAIA, the brethren listened to and participated in a lively discussion that emphasized the significance of family daily devotion and commitment to the Lord.

A testimony of how God blesses the faithfulness of His children in returning tithes and offerings was given by Engr. Joel Duhaylungsod. “I cannot fathom God’s bountiful blessings in my life when I give Him the glory by returning tenth of what He gave me—and also offerings,” he said.

The afternoon meetings were devoted to promotions of involvement in community service, family ministry, and livelihood. “As we involve ourselves in community services, we reinforce the people’s description of us as ‘doers of good’,” said Pastor Zabat. “Following Christ’s examples will make us effective instruments of care.”

Inspired by the day’s messages, an organization of the Adventist Community Service followed. George Colorado was chosen to head this organization who was inducted into office, along with his fellow officers, by Pastor Zabat. [Reynaldo L Maglipas]

Visits Bring Joy to Churches

An exhilarating countenance is hardly unnoticed when someone receives a visit of friends or fellow church members. This was how church members felt when the Stewardship Department of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Central Luzon (CLC) initiated a visitation program that kicked off September 6.

Six districts and two churches in the Rizal Province and the two cities of Marikina and Pasig were beneficiaries of this program. Each speaker who was chosen to deliver the message at each venue delved on the theme: “Stewardship is Lordship.”

All eight speakers based their talks on Proverbs 3:9-10, honoring the Lord with one’s wealth and first fruits of crops. “By these, the blessings derived will be overwhelming,” they said. They also voiced out the Lord’s commendation that “those who were faithful over few things will inherit the joys of the Lord” (Matthew 25:33).

“The brethren were greatly delighted by the visit,” said Rey Culapan, a leader of one of the groups. “The brethren were so nice. The fellowship was great!” added Ruth Mendoza, while Mary Nieras said “our bonding was very wholesome,”

One of those visited summed up the experience as “Truly a blessing from God!” [Israel Bacdayan]

Adventist Pastor Presents Food on TV Show

A great opportunity to serve came to the Health Ministries Department of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Central Luzon (CLC) when its director, Pastor Richard Mendoza, was invited as a resource person on Destiny Cable’s Channel 3 show “Health and Lifestyle on TV,” August 21.

Buddy Castillo, the program’s host, interviewed Mendoza live on issues pertaining to food and diet in the Bible. Aided by a PowerPoint presentation, Pastor Mendoza outlined the principles recorded in Leviticus 11, where clean and unclean meats were delineated. Observers said that the pastor’s non-oppressive approach left good impressions every after some difficult questions were asked by the host.

This impression resulted to another invitation for Pastor Mendoza to talk live on topic that pertaining to ‘wine.’

“This is the first time I invited a clergy to be my resource person in this show.” These were the host’s introductory words of Pastor Mendoza. Indeed, in past episodes, only medical doctors and experts were guests in this TV show aired every Tuesday and Thursday at 5:00PM.

Pastor Mendoza pointed out that there were other Bible-related topics, like vegetarianism, lined up where he will be invited to discuss in succeeding programs. [Pito, CLC Weekly News Update]

Church Addresses Postmodern People’s Spiritual Needs

The world has millions of “postmodern” people. Though unchurched, these millions are inclined to matters that concern their spiritual life. And metropolitan cities in the southern Asia-Pacific region have a chunk of these “postmodern” people.

On August 22-23, a seminar was held to address the need to reach out to this segment in society. Dr Miroslav Pujic, director of the Center for Secular and Postmodern Studies (CSPS) of the world church of the Seventh-day Adventist, was the main presenter.

The Urban Evangelism Training Seminar, held at the headquarters of the church in southeast Asia (SAUM), in Singapore, had 73 participants representing various entities of the church in the southern Asia-Pacific region (SSD), including those countries within the SAUM territory.

Considered a ”e:frame your mindset” seminar, the participants explored the “potential for Adventist ministry in today’s rapidly evolving culture.”

Dr Miroslav Pujic’s experience as a pastor, church planter, and a church consultant in a highly modernized society brought to the seminar his philosophy centered on ‘connecting people to share Jesus.’

“Relationship is a key to success in evangelism that wins people to Jesus,” said Pujic, “and we need to follow Jesus’ example of mingling with people.” He reiterated that postmodern individuals are not against God, however, for them the church is boring and irrelevant and therefore a need to bond and connect and relate with them.

The principles that need addressed to relate with people to include: (1) Spending time with people, (2)Talking with people, (3)Eating with people, (4) Sympathizing with people, (5) Meeting their needs, (6) Winning their confidence, and (7) Connecting them with God.

”How exciting that something relevant, cutting-edge and innovative approach is now coming from our church” concluded the participants. [Amy Ng/AND]

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Seminar Team Goes to Typhoon-Battered Region

Submerged houses, rerouted rivers, volcanic-ash covered farmlands, and collapsed buildings are reminiscent of damages brought by deadly typhoons exacerbated by flood-driven volcanic ‘lahar’ in recent months. A scene every person living in southern Luzon cannot erase in their memories.

Nevertheless, this struggle to divert the mind from the sad past has to be redirected. These people must find answers beyond their present circumstances. “The Adventist church communicators must be purveyors of hope in a seemingly hopeless world,” said Jonathan C Catolico, communication director for the Church in the southern Asia-Pacific region (SSD), at a gathering of leaders of the church in southern Luzon (SLM). “And as communicators, we need to team up ourselves with the more experienced Mate—Jesus Christ,” added Dr Catolico, during his keynote address of the two-day writing, layout and design seminar, September 9-10, at SLM where 52 participants attended.

Besides Dr Catolico, who presented the newest project of the church in communicating the love of Christ to the world using the Advent SIM in mobile phones, Jose F Sarsoza, Jr, vice-president for editorial affairs of the Philippine Publishing House, occupied most of the first day of the seminar discussing news writing, news-feature writing and other related topics. Reuben A Pagaduan, chair of the Tradigital Fine Arts Department of the Adventist University of the Philippines, spent the next day presenting photojournalism, layout and design, and basic graphic software application.

Pastor Nestor D Dayson, SLM president, himself a writer, enjoined his fellow church leaders, pastors, and staff to hone their skills in writing to be effective communicators of God’s word to the world they live in. Also attending the seminar were lay leaders, radio broadcasters, and professionals.

“I have been using my camera for some years and only now that I discovered techniques of getting good and right pictures,” said Anecito Acain Jr, one of the participants who had been conducting the participants on visits to the foot of Mt Mayon and other places.

Eden N Lumbao, SLM communication director, organizer of the said event, was expressive of her appreciation to the presenters as she commended the team for choosing SLM venue for the said seminar. “We cannot thank you enough for the time and effort you extended to us in order to enhance our communication skills,” concluded Ms Lumbao. [AND Staff]

AMiCUS conducts leadership seminar

Studying in schools and universities not operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church may introduce the church’s youths to the intricacies of secular leadership.

While such leadership styles are good, the Adventist youth needs a training that focuses his leadership acumen to church programs. Hence, the leadership seminar, August 31, sponsored by the Adventist Ministry to College and University Students (AMiCUS) held at the Cocueco Hall of the Central Luzon Conference headquarters.

Themed, “An Inconvenient Truth: Leadership Science, Leaders Should Know,” the seminar was attended by 30 youth from various colleges and universities in Metro Manila.

Dr Francisco D. Gayoba, ministerial secretary and Global Mission coordinator of the Adventist Church in northern Philippines (NPUM); and Pastor Rudy A. Nepomuceno, a retired Adventist minister, conducted the one-day two-session seminar.

Dr Gayoba took the morning session by presenting “Commitment and Maturity is the Key to a Successful Leadership.” He pointed out that “it is better to have a small group of committed and mature members than having a large group of uncommitted members.”

Pastor Nepomuceno, on the other hand, centered his discussion on the 10 principles of good Christian leadership.

While the seminar was brief and concise, participants said they learned a lot. Cielo, a student from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, echoed an off-repeated slogan gleaned from the seminar: “Trust your members. Have confidence in your people.”

Certificates of attendance were given to the participants preceding the pictorial pose with their AMiCUS adviser, Pastor Jessie Acosta, youth director for CLC. [Kassandra T. Fabella/PITO]

Once a Missionary, Always a Missionary

The slogan, “Once a missionary, always a missionary,” has been lived up to by those who have gone through the experience of joining the 1000 Missionary Movement (1000MM) program.

The youth when rightly trained, according to Ellen G White, will hasten the Lord’s coming as they preach the message of a crucified and risen Savior. This concept prompted the establishment of the 1000MM whose headquarters and main campus are located in the Philippines.

In 1998, the 1000MM work was extended to Bangladesh under the leadership of Pastor Wiley Gamaliel Falia, then youth director for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Bangladesh (BAUM). Since then the 1000MM has been rendering missionary work in Bangladesh. Many people have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. The slogan has left indelible marks in the life of Montu Murmu.

In 2007, as he joined the 1000MM, he was instrumental in bringing 21 people to accept Jesus as their Lord. After one full year of volunteer work, he went home to continue this mission. His missionary spirit did not fizzle out at the end of his work at the 1000MM. Instead, he took to himself the slogan that “once a missionary, always a missionary.” Just recently, six more persons were baptized through his efforts.

Now, Montu Murno prides his newly built house church where several people come together every Sabbath to worship the Lord. Indeed, the richness of joy deriving from personal experience of bringing people to Christ will keep a person doing the same thing as long as he lives. Moreover, Murno continues to live that pleasant experience. [Ruben Kisku/AND]

Globe launches the new ADVENT SIM

Manila, Philippines — Globe recently launched the new Advent SIM, the customized SIM for members of the Seventh-day Adventist Community. The Advent SIM provides affordable mobile communications and specialized value-added services for Seventh-day Adventist Community members so they can conveniently stay connected to one another. [More from HardwareZone website]

Click HERE for more AdventSIM details

The Globe AdventSIM AVP

Mission Field Assumes New Name at First Constituency Meeting

Arrayed with colorful mini-flags, lengthy streamers, outspread tarpaulins, potted plants, and new paints, the Batu SDA Church of Batu, Siay, Zamboanga Sibugay marked its historic milestone as Southwestern Mindanao Adventist Field (SWMAF) held its inaugural constituency meeting, August 13-16. And at this event Zamboanga Peninsula Mission was born!

The church members were excited as they prepared for this historic beginning. “Its significance sustained our joys as we made history here,” said Heshbon Buscato, pastor of the field in Batu. “Believing that a mission will be born, we prepared hard. And we were not disappointed—a new era came to this part of the Philippine field enabling us to effectively evangelize this region.”

A streamer welcoming church members, guests and leaders to this big event prominently displayed its message, “A Mission of Hope.”

Attending this inaugural constituency meeting were 173 official delegates along with 700 members that filled the church to more than its capacity. And the presence of church leaders from the regional headquarters of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the southern Asia-Pacific (SSD) and in southern Philippines (SPUC) even made this gathering more memorable. Pastor Alberto C Gulfan, Jr, SSD president and representing the world church (GC) led these leaders.

The guests, many of whom took part in the daily speaking engagements other than Pastor Gulfan, were Pastor Wendell M. Serrano, president, and wife Estrella; Pastor Wilson C Catolico, executive secretary; Levi B Baliton, treasurer, Pastor Jerry C. Patalinghug, youth director; Pastor Carlos N. Aganio, ministerial secretary; Pastor Ephraim O. Paquibo, Sabbath School director; and Pastor Alejandro G. Perez, Jr., health director, all of SPUC.

Other guests were the officers and directors of sister mission fields. Among them were Pastors Robert G. Jimenez, president of the church in Davao (DM); Solomon V. Mongaya, Northeastern Mindanao (NEMM); Samuel M. Galarpe, Northern Mindanao (NMC); and Rudy G. Jimenez, Western Mindanao (WMC).

Western Mindanao Conference, the mother headquarters of the new mission, sent all its officers and most of its directors as the latter was weaned from its mother unit. They were Charles Peduche, treasurer; Pastor Mamerto Guinguing, executive secretary; Dr. Bobby Asis, education superintendent; Pastor Jemuel Cabahug, Sabbath School director; and Pastor Segundino Asoy, youth director and ministerial secretary.

Prominent officials of the town of Siay and Barangay Batu came for the opening ceremony. They and the church members were witness to the official declaration that this once attached field of SPUC has become a full-fledged mission having a new name—Zamboanga Peninsula Mission. Pastor Gulfan made the pronouncement amid cheers and applause culminating to a 30-minute display of fireworks.

In retrospect, SWMAF officially separated from WMC in November 2004. On August 14, four years and five months later, the official delegates to this constituency meeting ratified its operating policy and chose its new name—Zamboanga Peninsula Mission—but not until a long period of deliberation.

Following the ratification, new directors were elected to give a hand to the leadership of this infant mission. They were Pastor Ervin Salarda, Sabbath School director, Voice of Prophecy coordinator and ministerial secretary; Pastor Harlann G. Gaid, youth director; Dr. Matilde N. Benito, education, communication and Children’s Ministries director; and Myrna E Pamunag, women, health, family ministries director and Shepherdess coordinator.

In four years three presidents were installed: Pastor Ephraim O Paquibo, 2004-2005; Pastor Luciano T Nermal Jr, 2006-2007; and Pastor Edwin C Gulfan, 2007 to the present. It also had two treasurers in the interim—Teofilo C Alcorin, who later migrated to the United States and Ronald Hazel B Ramos, who has served to the present. Pastor Antonio V Pamunag, was elected executive secretary since 2006.

The new mission has wide but challenging territory—scenes of secessionist’s movements laced with bombs and wars–comprising parts of Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga Sibugay, Basilan Province, Jolo and Tawi-Tawi Islands. Its headquarters is located in Zamboanga City and has 17,140 baptized members; employing 65 office and field workers that nurture 259 churches and 30 companies in 19 pastoral districts.

Its commitment to mission drove ZPM to attain its autonomy from Western Mindanao Conference. It has joined the sisterhood of missions and conferences in proclaiming the everlasting gospel in the context of the Three Angel’s Messages of Revelation 14:8-12—readying a people for the soon return of Jesus! [Matilde N. Benito/AND

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