Adventist Training Center at Lake Sebu Slowly Getting into Shape
A visionary leader had in mind a place for conducive learning and continuous education for everybody in the Adventist church. Today, it is shaped like a sturdy tree out of a seed. The training center that he prayed and worked hard for is now like a worm-turned-butterfly, named Adventist Training Center at Barangay Siloton, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, near the 354-hectare placid Lake Sebu, amidst forests and mountains and nestled at 3,300 feet above sea level.
Since his assumption as President of the Southern Mindanao Mission in 2008, Pastor Roger Caderma, now President of the 11-country territory called the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD), has continued to believe in the power of learning and continuous education, which is essential, especially for our leaders and our youth.
He summoned himself to find ways with faith and hard work; he inspired everyone with advice from our spiritual guide, the prolific writer Mrs. Ellen G. White. “Young people must be taught that life means earnest work, responsibility, and care-taking. They need training to make them practical men and women who can cope with emergencies. They should be taught that the discipline of systematic, well-regulated labor is essential not only as a safeguard against the vicissitudes of life but as an aid to all-around development.” Education, 131.2.
Pastor Caderma was voted as Executive Secretary of the South Philippine Union Conference (SPUC) in 2015, yet the fire for the project remained hot until the worldwide council of Adventist leaders chose him to be the President of SSD in June 2022. Though his scope of church administration grew wider than he expected, the training center near the lake kept occupying his mind.
All the other leaders of SMM and the higher offices supported the cause while they negotiated and bought a sloppy property with quite a number of grownup lumber and fruit trees. Progressively, from well-defined plans, road development started, and buildings were established. Starting from scratch in 2022, they built parsonages and cottages to shelter pastors, missionaries, and carpenters until a huge gymnasium came shaping up.
Because of its elevation, Adventist World Radio Philippines provided sufficient funds for constructing a broadcast building and transmitter at the hill’s peak to house the AWR98.9 Lake Sebu. Recently, the 1kW broadcast transmission could reach communities within the Cotabato provinces and beyond.
God saw the need for more ample spaces to make the venue more conducive and appropriate for fellowship and learning, and the adjacent landowners sold their property at a friendly price. Soon, the entire 8.9 hectares, a portion of God’s land in a tourist-preferred community, will house a dormitory and multi-purpose function hall where people from all walks of life could gather to know more of Jesus and the practicalities in life. One generous Adventist donor gave a substantial amount to build an impressive guest house in the woods, while several converts from various denominations were hired to finish multiple construction jobs.
Once, they asked the barangay leaders to allow for the installation of a post intended for street light near the gate, but they denied the friendly offer for the safety and benefit of many. However, in an instance, the barangay established a small yet cozy detachment, with police officers and auxiliary peacekeeping volunteers having alternate surveillance during the night. We believe that angels keep watch 24/7 over us, and we only need one luminous electric bulb, but more significant opportunities happen, and we thank God for the blessings.
Pr Nildo S Mamac, Pr. Enrile S Yata and Elder Aldrin R. Heramil, President, executive secretary, and treasurer of SMM, respectively, along with the directors and everybody in the mission field, are in awe of God’s generosity, for making the hill and the Adventists shine in the training ground and center of influence that grew from a seed of faith and embryo of hard work and unity.
We thank the support of the Southeastern Philippine Union Mission (SePUM) and Southwestern Philippine Union Conference, which were bifurcated yet working hand in hand to “occupy till Jesus comes.” Also, we thank SSD for its “selfless, sustainable developments” in the Lord’s vineyard. Above all, we thank the Almighty Father for using us and lending us time, talents, and treasures to make these borrowed times useful while hopefully waiting for His soon return.
Proverbs 9:9 gives us the guiding inspiration for all of us willing to grow in Jesus: “Give teaching to a wise man, and he will become wiser; give training to an upright man, and his learning will be increased.” (SePUM Communication)