1ST DAY REPORT: Southern Asia-Pacific Congress at MVC Draws more than 30,000 Participants
While the main gate and secretariats continue accepting registered and walk-in delegates for the SSD-wide Congress 2024 on June 10, the scheduled launching day, God continues blessing His people with beautiful messages and speeches, music, and the rubbing of elbows with relatives, brethren, and friends from 8 countries of Southeast Asia attending the reunion of people believing that “Jesus is coming!” and accepting the challenge: “Get Involved!
The Parade of Nations was so impressive, with more or less 30,000 delegates marching around Mountain View College in Mount Nebo, Valencia City, Bukidnon, Philippines.
The Opening Program was historical and memorable. Senators Maria Imelda Josefa Remedios “Imee” Marcos and Ronald Marapon “Bato” dela Rosa came, and their speeches contained inspiring impressions about the Seventh-day Adventist Church. They both mentioned the positive consequences of healthy lifestyle principles, the denomination’s education and hospital institutions, welfare acts and good deeds contributing to government programs, and many more services to God’s people.
The Church History Presentation coordinated by Pastor Bryan Tolentino was essential in helping us understand that our Church is rooted in Creation and journeyed through the Dark Ages until today. Indeed, God led this Church against territorial boundaries and changing trends.
The Sports Fellowship excites everyone with a thrill. South Philippine Union Mission (SePUM)’s three basketball teams won their games. In the 26-up, 25-under, and Ministers categories, players selected from the five missions of SePUM demonstrated enthusiasm and cohesiveness under the leadership of Pr. Nelo Seda, Jr., SePUM Youth Director.
When the sun settled in the west, the Music Festival gave a stirring inspiration. The music and God’s singing mouthpieces are world-class, and the presentation was heavenly. Anchored by Pr. Ilde Brian Faigmani of Davao Mission and Sis Floribel Doplon of SSD, provides music by The Asidors, Antique Choral, Sons & Daughters, Advent Philomels, Singing Ambassadors, Glanzen Singers, Central Bukidnon Institute Orchestra and MVC Orchestra.
The evening devotional gave a beautiful culminating segment with Pastor Daniel Ebenezer, General Conference Sabbath School/ Personal Ministries Associate Director.
The Night of Lights and Fire bonfire ended the day’s series of well-organized ways of praising God. The SPUC Praise Team, Sis Joy Ann Barera, and world champion and The Voice Kids-Philippines Finalist Cyd Pangca, provided music that supplemented the oil in our lamps to light the world and gave us fire to believe that “Jesus is coming. Get Involved!”
This SSD-wide Congress 2024 theme song challenges us with these lyrics: “Jesus bids us “Let your trumpets blow,” and for power and strength from Him we’ll draw. To the entire world we go, in our lives His truth shall glow. He will come, and this world shall know.” (SePUM Communication)