SePUM’s Daily Congress Trivia Game:A Lady from NCMC Drives Home A Mountain Bike

Southeastern Philippine Union Mission (SePUM) initiated the “Congress Trivia Questions for a Prize” event on the opening day, which culminated in the SSD-wide Congress 2024 held on June 10-15 at Mountain View College in Valencia City, Bukidnon.

The main objective of the activity is to encourage delegates to listen to sermons, speeches, devotionals, and plenary talks and to learn more deeply from breakout sessions and church historical details. The questions given during the trivia games were based on this emphasis every afternoon.

Every correct answer entitles the participant to pick a number from the bowl, which corresponds to a valuable prize, such as a smartwatch, Bluetooth speaker, rechargeable fan, mosquito swatter, blood pressure monitor, earbuds, bags, and other simple yet valuable items for everyday living.

On the evening following the Sabbath, a red and black 8-speed aluminum full-suspension mountain bike was offered as the grand prize. A scooter, turbo cooling fan, and mosquito swapper were also available for other winners.

Before awarding the main prizes, the program host Dan Florante Callo, SePUM Communication staff, asked 20 lucky winners the usual trivia questions. The questions were about details from the sermons of the Sabbath School and Hour of Worship speakers.

Afterward, an exciting game ensued, led by Ma’am Ivan Mae Flores, SePUM Secretary for Communication and Youth Departments. Finally, four finalists emerged to compete for the top prize. They will choose a question and explain their answers to two smiling honorable jurors: Pastor Victor Navarro and Sir Rhoen Shane Catolico, SePUM Health Ministries, and Communication Directors, respectively.

During this round, Sir Rhoen Catolico, the communication director, clearly emphasized the importance of the content, relevance to doctrine, and delivery. He stated, “There is no wrong answer.” However, he also mentioned that they would examine how the answers can create significant spiritual implications and applications around the topic question.

The 4th prize was awarded to Sister Eva S. Bulo of Central Mindanao Mission (CMM) for her precise explanation of the question: “What is your understanding of last night’s program, ‘Heaven at Last?'”

The third prize was awarded to Bro. Ancito Nisperos, a literature evangelist from Gingoog. During the final interview, he answered a question drawn from a bowl: “How will you use the mountain bike if you win it?” He replied, “I will use it to deliver books as a literature evangelist, get exercise, and reduce gasoline expenses.”

The judges praised his answer but awarded him the fan. “You’ll sweat meeting clients after biking; you’d be better off with this turbo cooler to relax after deliveries,” explained Pr. Victor Navarro.

The second prize winner’s question was: “How does the Congress Dome relate to our faith as Adventists?” Her inspiring answer won Sis Arlene Estolora of WMC the scooter, and she said, “I will give it to my son.”

The lady delegate from the North Central Mindanao Conference (NCMC), Sis Maylin Legaspi-Simanastre, provided a comprehensive answer to the question: “In your opinion, what are the effects of bifurcating Southwestern Philippine Union Conference (SWPUC) and Southeastern Philippine Union Mission (SePUM)?” She took the microphone and stated, “In response to the mission of spreading the gospel, dividing territories between SWPUC and SePUM has allowed for the growth and expansion of SPUC. This division has provided us with more opportunities to explore areas to deliver the message of salvation and allowed our church to reach out and expand.”

“Since the beginning, this young Sabbath School superintendent has faithfully attended the trivia games. She said, ‘I have prayed for this bicycle daily since it was announced at the SePUM Agila Booth. I have wanted a bike since high school, and God granted it to me, my husband, and soon my little boy. God indeed answers prayers.'”

Jeremiah 33:3 assures, “Call unto me and I will answer you, and show you great things which you have not yet known.” (SePUM Communication)