Bible trek in the Southern Asia-Pacific region winds up

Since its launching on October 11 at the Araneta Coliseum in Manila, Philippines, by the world leaders attending the world annual council of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, the Bible has been on its journey to the different countries of the southern Asia-Pacific region (SSD).

It has replicated the October 11 programs in various venues. On October 18, the Follow the Bible (FTB) ceremony was held at the Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies (AIIAS) in Silang, Cavite, Philippines, where Dr Ella Simmons, vice president of the Seventh-day Adventist world church (GC), exhorted her audience to give time to reading the Bible.

Toward the end of October, three FTB programs were held in central Philippines: First in the morning of October 25, at the Bacolod City Seventh-day Adventist Church, where a thousand people were in attendance. And second at Central Philippine Adventist College, where the college community was joined by 600 academy students who were having their Students’ Congress on the college campus. Another rally was held, one Sabbath later, at the East Visayan Academy in Cebu City, where more than a thousand attended.

On November 1, close to 5,000 faculty members, students, and church members participated in the FTB rally at the Adventist University of the Philippines in the province of Cavite. After the event, the special Bible was displayed at the university library for four days before it was transported to other places.

On November 24, at the opening of the year-end meetings for the church in southern Philippines (SPUC), at the Garden Church in Cagayan de Oro City, the FTB for the region was held. This was done almost simultaneously with those at the two union headquarters in Indonesia and at the headquarters of the Adventist Churches in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

On December 2, the Bible rally was held in Yangon, Myanmar, where hundreds of church members and non-members with the special participation of the director of the Myanmar Bible Society, attended. This was followed by another event in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, during the ASI Convention that was attended by delegates from two Asian regions: Northern Asia-Pacific and the Southern Asia-Pacific.

On December 10, Wednesday evening, at a full-packed church at Agaña Heights, Guam, another program was held. And the last of the events was done at Balestier Church in Singapore. It was here that the President of Southern Asia Division of the Church received the Bible to transport it to India where the Bible will start its journey until it goes to another regional territory.

A grand yet elaborate program done in the aforementioned places made the Bible trek in the SSD memorable. It indeed invited church members to give time to reading their Bibles amid the busy affairs of life.

On all of these occasions, the church leaders of the region attended the FTB rallies.

In the Singapore FTB rally, three church members gave their testimonies on what the Bible mean to them. A young Indian mother of two who practices medicine in Singapore said that the only reason why she has been able to “cope with the stressful responsibility of motherhood and medical practice is the reading of the Bible every morning and evening.” A young man who just finished his two-year mandatory military service with the Singapore Armed Forces related how he survived in the service amid pressures of all kinds. “The promises in God’s holy book gave me strength to stand as an Adventist.” [AND Staff | Photo courtesy of Rajmund Dabrowski]

Women tackle ways to serve at retreat

In an age when women become indispensable participants in the affairs of the society, church leaders have designed ways to nurture and harness their potential for leadership in church matters. And this possibility is best done at special occasions where these women are in solitude by themselves.

To fulfill such a task the women’s ministries leadership at the Philippine International Church (PIC) on December 2-5 held a 3-day retreat at the Agustin rest house, Leynes, Batangas for 42 women under the theme, “Make me a woman You can use.”

Prior to their trip to the retreat venue, under the leadership of Dr Vicky M Tobias, a devotional message was given by Pastor Efraim Parulan, PIC church pastor.

At vespers, a keynote message was delivered by Ms Esther T Daquila, women’s ministries director for the Adventist Church in northern Philippines (NPUM). She exhorted the women to live “to touch the heart of others.”

The event was highlighted with presentations that were designed to empower the women of the church. Among these presentations and the speakers were:

- The role of women in the church – Ms Esther T Daquila, presenter
- Conditions of women in Bible times – Dr Eleanor V Roque, NPUM Shepherdess International coordinator
- Teen parenting and programs – Prof Elizabeth Busang, PhD student, Adventist University of the Philippines (AUP)
- A woman of worth – Ms Helen B Gulfan, Women’s Ministries director, Southern Asia-Pacific Division
- How to study the Bible – Dr Vicky T Tobias, AUP Community Extension director
- Principles of effective leadership – Dr Eleanor V Roque
- Communication skills – Ms Lydia G Celestre, AUP Language Center director
- The gift of art of public speaking – Ms Joosthie P Orbe, professor, AUP College of Nursing
- Women’s needs assessment in the local church – Ms Esther T Daquila

In her commitment message, Ms Gulfan challenged the participants to “break up the camp and move forward.”

“The retreat, though a level 1 certification event, developed strong family relationship and camaraderie among the participants,” the leaders were heard saying. “It did not only bring closer relationship and learning leadership skills but has spiritualized us. This was one of the greatest benefits we gained,” said the participants. [Joyce Mhayamaguru]

Adventist leader participates at Chin meetings

Themed “Post Eden Drive, Our People Our Land,” the first general council of Chin leaders in Myanmar from various church denominations and professionals of different fields, was held October 29-30, at the Post Eden Drive, Falam, Chin State of Myanmar.

Situated at 5,180 feet, Falam, the former capital city of the Chin Hills, was geographically conducive for such a pioneering convention. It was also home for the Zomi Baptist Convention (ZBC) and location of the Zomi Theological College (ZTC).

Kenneth Suanzanang, communication and public affairs director of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Myanmar (MYUM}, upon invitation of Reverend Drs Do Sian Thang and Joel Za Hlei Kap, ZTC president and vice-president, respectively, attended this very memorable event. It was Suanzanang’s second invitation from the ZBC to lecture on development of the Chin State.

“The Chin State is the most underdeveloped and the poorest of the 14 states or divisions in Myanmar. Tens of thousands have migrated from our state and we regret to say that this is not the right way. We must push the development of our Chin Land,” said Van Thawng, state officer, Cotton and Silk Production Department, Chin State. “Yes, there are barriers–all inhabitants of the Chin State speak 55 dialects, but we are only one tribe, one people—that is Chin!” Thawng added.

On October 28, at the opening ceremony, Suanzanang offered a prayer of invocation and on the final day, he gave a lecture that generated points for a lively discussion.

“In former days the Chin Hills were filled with fragrant flowers, beautiful orchids and cherries, and rhododendrons. The air was filled with various kinds of birds. Yes, in fact, hornbill even symbolized our faithful Chin tribes. Now, the hornbills are extinct. Will the Chin people become also extinct in their homeland?” asked Bishop Dr Lian Khen Tang of the Catholic Church, during his consecration message, October 30.

At this occasion, the Chin leaders committed themselves toward the development of the Chin land. Incorporated in their long range plans reiterated the following goals:
Protect the lands from wild fires.

Implement the SALT system of cultivating sloped hills and lands.

Establish a model farm at Lailun, believed to have been the original land of the Chins, and to extend this farm to every township for Chins to emulate and implement.

A bi-annual general council and a yearly executive committee meeting will be held in order to monitor the implementation of the program on Post Eden Drive.

“We long to see the new day when Post Eden Drive will all have the features of an Edenic land—beautiful and invigorating!” said participants. [Kenneth Suanzanang]

Governor Welcomes Prayer for Strength Amid Political Crisis

Adventists don’t meddle in politics, but they care about the needs of leaders of the land who are beset with challenges that go with the demands of their day-to-day functions that sometimes border into political crisis.

Amid the political turmoil apparently surrounding the governor of the province of Pampanga, pastors of the Seventh-day Adventist Church whose pastoral jurisdiction covers the province, took time off to hold a special prayer for the Catholic priest–turned-governor, the Honorable Eduardo “Among Ed” Panlilio, October 20,in his office.

Area pastor Rene Montoya together with his local counterparts Peejay Salcedo, Cesar Magbatas, Jason Lejano, Raul Derequito, and Ernie Marine of the central Pampanga pastorate, prayed for the Pampanga Governor.

Sensible to the political aggression that oftentimes create crippling effects to whoever leads in local and national leadership, the pastors called on Governor Panlilio for the pray-over session to which the governor greatly welcomed and appreciated.

“The governor was very much excited when we came to his office. We saw the eagerness on his face for strength that comes through intercessory prayer for leaders, especially from fellow spiritual counterparts,” said the pastors.

At this short but memorable meeting, Among Ed shared the tremendous challenges that his office face every day. In the course of their conversation, biblical insights were uttered regarding God’s role in placing and removing people in leadership positions. “These challenges smooth rough edges,” the Pastors added.

The pray-over activity was preceded by the visiting group’s singing a popular Tagalog hymn, “May Nagmamahal Sa ‘Yo” (There’s Someone Who Loves You). [Peejay Salcedo]

Young Professionals exult at mission involvement

The Young professionals of the church long to be part of a strong force that preaches in their community the message of hope amid global financial turmoil. They exult at the thought that the leaders of the church rely on them with strong beliefs that they are God’s messengers.

Indeed, more than 400 of them coming from within the Seventh-day Adventist Church of northern Philippines (NPUM) had a weekend fellowship to renew their commitment in the Lord’s work, October 31-November 2, during the Young Professionals Retreat held at the headquarters of the Adventist Church in Mountain Provinces (MPM), Baguio City.

The fellowship theme, “Many Hands, One Mission,” showed that when professionals who are propelled by youthful vigor and enthusiasm saturate their world of work with the gospel message, the results are beyond expectations.

Excited with the prospect of meeting old and new friends, the first chilly night in the mountains was warmed by the welcome remarks of Pastor Levi Payoyo, MPM president. “Experience the coolness of the weather,” he said, “but we assure you that we leave no room unheated in our hearts to accommodate you here. Also, may those of you who look for a lifetime partner find one before you leave the place.”

Keynoting the event, Pastor Arnel Gabin, NPUM youth director, said that he envisions “young professionals of the church [who] will be more active in sharing the gospel…Leading out in evangelism [endeavors], Bible studies, Voice of Youth [meetings] as well as in building churches.” He also envisions a youth who will withstand societal pressures that endanger their faith.

Pastor Jobbie Yabut, youth director for the southern Asia-Pacific region (SSD), during his vespers message counseled the young professionals to have “confidence in Jesus Christ as this is the secret of a victorious Christian.”

On Sabbath worship service, November 1, Pastor Abner Roque, NPUM president, gave a marching order to the youth. “Our church should not be stagnant but be proactive in church mission. As young professionals of the church you are the catalysts,” he said.

During the retreat, Dr Armand Fabella of the Adventist University of the Philippines (AUP) School of Graduate Studies, presented a series of lectures. He talked on God’s Workmanship, while Rey Letran, a graduate assistant at AUP public relations department, led out in the devotional presentations.

“I am glad our leaders treat us as strong contributors to mission of sharing the gospel,” testified Leslie Noay, a worker at the Philippine National Red Cross. Added Ding Mendoza, a certified public accountant and businessman: “I am now more certain of my role in the church.” [Alfred Selin/Geronimo Viernes Jr]

Retreat challenges Filipinos to keep faith aflame

The Filipino Adventist community in Singapore has been keeping their faith relationship with God and with each other by holding annual retreats where they converge at one place to spend a week-end of spiritual refreshing.This year’s retreat was held at Fairy Point Chalet 5, Singapore. Their featured speaker for the event was Pastor Ron Genebago, communication director for the Adventist Church in central Luzon on the theme, “Maaligamgam ka Ba?” (Are you lukewarm?).

When asked the foregoing question, all admitted they were lukewarm indeed. And with this personal assessment, the discussion sank deeply into the participants’ hearts that called for God’s power to rekindle their faith.

“The retreat’s theme proved to be a timely message for everyone attending this year’s weekend spiritual revival,” said the attendees.

The messages were focused on how to keep the faith burning for Jesus. These messages were complemented by the lyrics of theme song: “Set my faith on fire…so the world can see….”

“It’s nice to see the spirit of this retreat seen in every one of us: unity, dedication, love for one another,” said Vincent Nepomuceno, an FM member. “May we find ourselves always ‘hot’ to proclaim to others Christ’s soon-return, while preparing ourselves for that event.”

The Sabbath (Saturday) activities were divided into four sessions. Each session involved a presentation of a topic that bordered on the theme to include “Sitting at the feet of Jesus”; “God’s guidance in combating gossip”; and “How to remain hot for Jesus.”

“The topic on gossip was appropriately discussed because a lot of us were guilty of doing it,” said one participant.

The sundown message was a video presentation that called for understanding and love for the old members of the family. And at sunset a very lively evening of games ended the Saturday activities.
Besides Pastor Ron Genebago; Dr Jonathan Catolico, communication director for the church in the southern Asia-Pacific region (SSD) was also at the retreat to help with the question and answer session.

Pastor Mark Chan, pastor of the Balestier Seventh-day Adventist Church, also came to the Sabbath afternoon meetings. John and Corinna Cheang, who were greatly involved with the Filipino Ministry were at the Sabbath morning sessions, too, to give moral and spiritual support to the members. They were accompanied by the Balestier assistant church Pastor Margihon Bayu Kaumpungan.

“It was a lifetime experience to be part of this retreat,” said Shiela Pulmones, FM leader. “And for Pastor Ron to hand over his personal ‘marked’ Bible was a humbling moment in my life,” she added.
An update of the plan to form a Filipino congregation in Singapore was announced by Pastor Chan. This gave the Filipino Adventists in Singapore a reason to rejoice. By the time they are organized into a church, they will have their own pastor to care for their flock.

“We believe everyone was revived for Jesus. To remain ‘hot’ for Him is our goal as reflected in our souvenir pin ‘Be Hot’ that were distributed at the retreat,” said organizers. [Aiza Baring-Prieto/Joy Lumancas/Sheila Amora]

Our Home, Our Field of Evangelism

The family, the smallest unit in the society commands the biggest role in the affairs of the community. When the home fails to rightly nurture its members, most likely, the society gets into trouble.

The Seventh-day Adventist Church considers the home a center of evangelism where the word of God is taught and crystallized in the minds and hearts of the residents. This was the concept that guided the family retreat done at Lee Jee Camp, Tanay, Rizal, October 31-November 3, organized by the leaders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in central Luzon (CLC) in northern Philippines (NPUM).

“Turn your hearts into your family,” said Pastor Jose Zabat, Jr, CLC Adventist Community Service director, as he voiced out the event’s theme to the 40 families in attendance. “As we turn our hearts to God, He will help us to focus our all for the sake of our families because they are of critical importance to God’s overall purposes.” Paraphrasing Malachi 4:5-6 and Luke 1:17, he further said, “God planned the family to be the foundational structure for promoting worship, evangelism, discipleship, fellowship, studying and learning God’s word and God’s way. Thus, preparing them for Jesus’ soon return.”

The importance of the parents’ role in keeping the faith of the children focused on Jesus was shared by Pastor Carmelito Galang, Jr., CLC president, when he welcomed the participants to the gathering.

“May this event be replicated,” said Cynthia Barnedo and Monalee Balicat, two of the 144 participants who summed up the reactions of the whole group as they spent precious hours of renewing their commitment to their own families.

“Family worship was modeled by Abraham when he built an altar for the Lord. He established his family with regular family worship,” echoed Pastor Diosdado Fofue, CLC ministerial secretary. “It is best that we always start the day with our God by having family worship.”

At vespers, October 31, Pastor Israel Bacdayan, CLC stewardship director, discussed the influence of Ellen G. White’s books to the Adventist family values. He also reminded the children, youth and parents the need to follow health principles advocated by Mrs. White while encouraging them to have regular worship devotions. He also addressed the bad influence of computer games that usually take their time and money.

An activity that determines “top things to bring when travelling” was initiated by Ms Miriam Andres, Family Life and Children’s Ministries director for the church in the southern Asia-Pacific region (SSD). This was done by conducting a survey among young people on what to bring when they travel. The result of the survey turned out that the Daily Bible Study Guide or Lesson Quarterly was not part of the top ten things to carry even as Sandra Galang, daughter of the conference president, had it on her list.

“This could be the reason why orders for this study guide dwindled. I hope that the families give emphasis to this matter,” Ms Andres reiterated.

Andres also discussed how communication functions as key to family’s intimacy. “Connectedness within the family is important. The members of the family should share life together. They should not be strangers in their own homes,” she said.

In one of the sessions, the parents were feted to the presentations conducted by Ms Andres while the children had separate activities designed for them.

Pastor Gerry Cajobe, one of the presenters, facilitated the activity for the young people where they were encouraged to voice out their needs being church worker’s children. They came out with the following: (1) The leadership should facilitate a seminar that will help them cope with societal pressures even as they face fears of not meeting the expectations for church workers’ kids, (2) To hold a retreat where workers’ kids can establish strong bonds in order to gain support from each other, and (3) To organize themselves as outreach teams to be able to visit churches.

Marriage intimacy discussions such as couple’s pray time together, Bible reading, and love expressions were made alive in the afternoon sessions with Pastor Benjamin Casimiro, CLC executive secretary, and his wife Lenny.

On Sunday, Pastor Albert Regoso, CLC administrative consultant, told the participants that every home should always become a “little heaven on earth. “ At this point, he led the congregation into sharing their burdens and had these prayed for.

“At the end, my brothers and sisters, those that we can bring to heaven are members of our family. Let us then emphasized the primacy of the Bible to strengthen our families,” said Pastor Carmelito U Galang, Jr, CLC president, during the commitment service. [Ron Genebago]