Back to the Altar and Bible Conference Unites Over 900 Participants in the Southern Asia-Pacific Division

The Back to the Altar and Bible Conference (BTTA+BC) opened tonight at the Plagoo Holiday Hotel, Bali, Indonesia. It invited 926 delegates from the four Adventist regions in the Philippines and the Adventist Church in Timor Leste to participate in this event. The theme, “Chosen for Mission,” will encourage and equip church workers with distinct cultural influences and spiritual zeal to care and disciple for the church and its members. The event will run from August 4 to 7.

The Mountain Province Mission, representing the North Philippine Union Conference (NPUC), started the event with a captivating mini-ethnic presentation. The 276 participants from the NPUC territory paraded banners from different missions and conferences, culminating in a heartfelt rendition of the NPUC Hymn. This vibrant unity and cultural pride set a powerful tone for the meeting.

Meanwhile, the Southeastern Philippine Union Mission (SePUM), with 223 delegates, uplifted the atmosphere with their harmonious singing of the Davao Hymn. This performance represented the five local missions attending the event from the Southeastern region, emphasizing their collective commitment to the mission.

The Central Philippine Union Conference (CPUC), with 203 participants, was instrumental in coordinating and facilitating the opening program. Their delegation delivered a stirring performance of “Victory in Jesus,” instilling a sense of triumph and dedication to Jesus’s mission and ministry among the attendees.

The Southwestern Philippine Union Conference (SWPUC) brought together 217 delegates from the northwest to northeastern parts of Mindanao, representing five local missions and conferences. Their participation highlighted the Adventist Church’s extensive reach and diverse representation.

Adding a splash of international flavor, the Timor-Leste Mission’s delegation of seven delegates enriched the event with their presence and active participation, symbolizing the global nature of the BTTA+BC initiative.

Pastor Rudi Situmorang, the Ministerial Association secretary for the Adventist Church in the Southern Asia-Pacific region (SSD), warmly welcomed the 926 participants to this final installment of the BTTA+BC series. “As we come together, let us remember God’s words! This conference is a call to return to the Bible and the Altar! This conference is to equip everyone with God’s words as we continue to journey together while we wait for Jesus to come,” he urged.

The keynote message, delivered by Pastor Wendell Mandolang, the SSD Executive Secretary, resonated deeply with the theme “Chosen for Mission.” He emphasized the importance of personal spiritual discipline amidst the distractions of modern technology. “We are here to find our way back to the Altar. God chooses us to lead our people, your church, your district, amidst the challenging times when technology can become a distraction to your responsibilities, families, and spirituality,” he noted.

Pastor Mandolang urged the delegates to evaluate the quality of their time with God, encouraging them to “start building your altar” even in solitude.

Meanwhile, Pr. Ramon Canals, the Ministerial Association secretary from the worldwide Adventist Church headquarters in Maryland, USA, banged the gong seven times to symbolize the conference’s opening.

The BTTA initiative is a global appeal by the Seventh-day Adventist Church to daily personal worship with God. In our busy, media-saturated lives, the essential communion with God is often neglected. This conference aims to rekindle that personal devotion, recognizing it as the cornerstone of a vibrant spiritual life.

As this conference progresses, the participants are expected to engage in various breakout sessions designed to deepen their understanding and commitment to the mission. The BTTA+BC is a testament to the Adventist Church’s dedication to fostering a spiritually enriched community equipped and ready to face the challenges of contemporary life while staying rooted in their faith.