Believing in the importance of deepening our understanding of God’s Word and affirming our spiritual calling, Southeastern Philippine Union Mission (SePUM) gathered around 400 ministers for the Union-Wide Bible Conference. The sacred gathering was held at Wong's Hall, Southern Mindanao Mission Compound, General Santos City on Oct. 2 to 4.
Themed “Committed to Our Identity,” the event will highlight the importance of embracing who we are in Christ and standing firm in our faith amidst the challenges of the world. Through inspired messages, worship, and fellowship, participants are called to renew their commitment to live out their identity as God’s chosen people, reflecting His truth, love, and mission in every aspect of life.
The opening program on a bright Friday afternoon had the warmest welcome from SePUM leaders, Pastor Danielo Palomares, president and Pr. Reynaldo Merin, Field Secretary and Spirit of Prophecy coordinator. Pr. Ian Felicitas, Field Secretary of the 11-country headquarter of Adventists, the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) who shared about asking “Who am I?” just like Moses questioning his capabilities as for a chosen missin. Initial arrival of participants consist of 398 servants of the gospel, administrators, directors of SePUM, its five missions, Davao Mission(NDM) , Northern Davao Mission (NDM) , Southeastern Caraga Mission (SCM) , South Central Mindanao Mission (SCMM) and Southern Mindanao Mission (SMM) along with pastors assigned in the districts and urban churches.
Also participated were the chaplains of Adventist Hospital Davao (AHD) and theology instructors of South Philippine Adventist College (SPAC). Deliberating on vital theological concerns were Pastor Clinton Wahlen, Ph.D., is an associate director of the Biblical Research Institute (BRI) at the worldwide headquarter or General Conference of Seventh-day, Pastor Kelvin Onongha, Ph. D., president of the Adventist University of Central Africa, and; Pastor Donny Chrissutianto, Ph. D. , Associate Professor of Historical and Theological Studies and Director of Master of Divinity program of Adventist International Institute of Advance Studies (AIIAS).
Also sharing his experiences and learning will be, Representing the Southern Asia-Pacific Division, an 11-country territorial jurisdiction of the church are Pastor Stephen Salainti, vice-president for Leadership; and, Pastor Kerry Estrebilla, associate executive secretary. Dr. Chrissutianto will expound the topics, "Did Ellen G. White Support the Idea of Last Generation Theology", "Humanity of Christ in the Scriptures," "Traces of Last Generation Idea in Christian History." Dr. Onongha will reveal pound-per-pound the proofs about "Adventist Animism and its Challenges," "The Missional Identity of the Last Generation., and "Preparing the Last Generation to Meet the Lord." Dr. Wahlen, a former athiest magician, delivered topics like "The 144,000 and the Great Multitude", "Remnant Theology and Last Generation Theology.", “The Holy Spirit in Trinitarian Relationship” and "Mission of the Remnant. "Pastor Estrebilla will deliberate on “Practical Ways t Handle Theological Issues in the Church,” and many more theological topics will be revealed.
Pr. Romeo Flores Engga, Jr., a young district leader of Tampakan 1 District of South Cotabato, part of Southern Mindanao Mission. He originally hailed from Kamansi, Montevista, Davao de Oro and accepted the call here after graduating from SPAC and he shared insights about the conference: “I am so grateful to be a part of this training with notable speakers, to know more about last generation theology and the remnant church’s stand and identity.”
Pastor Virgilio Basia, Jr., instructor of the SPAC School of Theology also had an inspiring insight, saying, Master of Arts in Religion (Emphasis on History and Applied Theology) from AIIAS. He said, “this gathering is a wonderful opportunity that truly empower our theologians, our pastors, coming from different fields. I appreciate the program of our field secretaries from our higher to local church organizations. As we empower our workers in the fields, they will multiply the lessons learned around them, and I believe our churches and believers will also become stronger.” He added, “This gathering is like heaven for me. It is such a wonderful reunion with my co-workers, both old new. Greeting and fellowshipping with one another, sharing testimonies about God’s love, if heaven is not like this, I don’t like heaven. One thing more, the belongingness of each one, the organized preparation especially the meal distribution, a five-star hotel accommodation be like. Thanks to those who in one way or another contributed to its success.”
“We are part of heaven’s community on earth. And while it may be tempting to base our identity on personality tests and assessments, no human means of identification can compare to finding our identity in a God whose love for us is changeless and forever.” Ellen G. White. Counsels on Self-Identity, 32.3
