Adventist Young Professionals from Two Unions of Mindanao, Convene

From a small group of young Adventist young professionals from the Mid-America Union Conference (MAUC) in 2019, before the dreaded pandemic, the Adventist Young Professionals (AYP) united the young adults from the two (2) bifurcated unions of Mindanao for the first-ever  Mindanao-wide Adventist Youth Professional Convention at Adams Center Adventist Church on October 30-November 3, with the theme “LIFTED.”

With 117 delegates in attendance from the entire Mindanao, the two union youth directors’ complete supervision is felt. Pastor Nelo Seda Jr., Youth Director of SePUM, and Pr. Junifer C. Colegado, his counterpart in the SWPUC Youth Ministries, unified all the mission and conference youth directors to support the event. Through intensive preparation for organizing the event, every committee member was empowered by the digital social network and virtual groups that fostered Christ-centered discussions.

Rural and city-based chapters collaborated with local churches to facilitate meaningful spiritual gatherings. These events provided a space to share stories and inspirations, aiding individuals in their transition from college to professional life. The chapters aimed to create a strong network to support those struggling to find employment in the city or surrounding areas. Additionally, new church families formed, although some individuals eventually faced challenges related to Sabbath keeping, which led them to question their faith.

Leading the AYP chapters in the five missions of SwPUC is Bro. Reneboy Maquilava was in training during the convention. However, Ms. Jeia Perez Napalan represented him. SePUM’s AYP President is from the Business Office of Southern Caraga Mission, and he is Zesher Dawn R. Montero, who shared some beautiful insights about the event. “Bloom where you are planted.” Wherever you find yourself, you can make a difference and bring the light of Jesus to the world. We must use our differences in unison to lift Jesus into our lives so that others may be lifted!

To all young professionals, now is the time to embrace a life of love, cultivate authentic relationships, and serve selflessly, as Jesus did. We should pray and share our testimonies to demonstrate the transformative power of faith. Additionally, we can invite others to church, providing them with opportunities to learn more about Jesus. It is crucial to remember that our calling is to use our professions as a platform to be faithful witnesses and share His love with the world. Through these actions, we can plant seeds of faith that God will nurture and grow,” says Zesher.

Former Mountain View College professors, Pastor Teddy Asok, discussed “Thriving Spirituality in a Secular Workplace,” while Dr. Gemini F. Asok gave timely insights about “Balancing Faith, Family, and Career in a Fast-Paced World.” and “Love, Courtship, and Marriage.” Pr. David Bornales, Davao Mission (DM) Executive Secretary, magnified the need for humbleness in his sermon about “Lifting Jesus in my Achievements” while Engr. Meljune Orillosa, ASi Vice President for the 11-country territory of Southern Asia-Pacific region (SSD), reminded every attendee to be faithful stewards on a talk aptly titled: “Financial Stewardship: Managing Your Resources for God’s Glory.”

You need to know that every moment at the convention was priceless and life-changing. Pastor Edwin Magdadaro, SePUM Executive Secretary, was there with his fiery talk about the role of Adventist youth in today’s decaying society. Dr. Chliejvferwyn C Catolico, President of South Philippine Adventist College, elaborated on “Navigating Conflict in the Workplace.”

Attorney Randell Ty delivered a powerful Hour of Worship message focused on the importance of missions. His words aimed to foster unity and inspire young people to engage in various church ministries by uplifting their intentions to God. A key part of his message stated, “God will answer your prayers in His perfect timing. I encourage you to be patient and not to pursue anything that God has not ordained. While you wait for the answers to your prayers, meditations, and supplications, remember this: Do not dwell on your past relationships, disappointments, or defeats. Instead, I urge you to lift your eyes to heaven for encouragement, transformation, guidance, and healing.”

Every word and detail shared at the convention became spiritual weapons, serving as the shield and sword for every eager participant in the plenaries and worship sessions.

Mrs. Ellen G. White, an Adventist American writer who always lifted her eyes to heaven for God-given guidance details, once wrote, “We have an army of youth today who can do much if they are properly directed and encouraged. We want our children to believe the truth. We want them to be blessed by God. We want them to act a part in well-organized plans for helping other youth. Let all be so trained that they may rightly represent the truth, giving the reason of the hope that is within them, and honoring God in any branch of the work where they are qualified to labor.”—General Conference Daily Bulletin, January 29, 1893, 24. Christian Service 30:3