4 Filipino-Australian preachers from Filipino Australia SDA Church-Dandenong in Melbourne, Australia, took turns in preaching the life-changing gospel at Arakan Covered Court in the progressive border town of Cotabato (formerly North Cotabato) and became instrumental in the baptism of 163 precious souls for South Central Mindanao Mission (SCMM).
Kevin Lozada, 34, had a fiery message, sharing it oftentimes using the local vernacular. Jether Haniel Lapojapo, at the age of 26, had so much experience to tell from his Filipino-Australian cultural adaptation.
In his teenage years, Jonathan Ramos, 18, was spirit-filled in his biblical presentations, capturing the attention of the youth crowd. While Bro. Gavrilo Jovic, 18 and of Serbian descent, had the versatility and friendliness that helped the team increase attendance and participation.
The team was sent by a small group (care group) in their church, thus showcasing the power of Nurturing, Discipleship, and Reclamation -Integrated Evangelism Lifestyle (NDR-IEL) in propagating the gospel locally and anywhere our resources can reach.
With the intense cooperation of churches from the two districts of Arakan, the North District led by Pr. Nelson Peroy and the South District shepherded by Pr. Jhoneffer Lumindas, their support system paid off. It is a realization of what Mrs. Ellen G. White wrote decades ago: “Let the believers living near the place where you are holding meetings share the burden of the work. They should feel it a duty and a privilege to help make the meetings a success. God is pleased by efforts to set them at work. He desires every church member to labor as His helping hand, seeking by loving ministry to win souls to Christ.” Evangelism 111.2.
At SCMM, the home mission, under the leadership of Elder Welnie Miado, Pr. Edwin Seliote, and Sir Nilo Cabatingan, President, Executive Secretary, and Treasurer, respectively, the missionary bonding was sweet like the flavors of the diverse fruits abundant during the season.
Pr. Rene Rosa, Vice President for NDR-IEL of the Southeastern Philippine Union Mission (SePUM), was beaming with gladness at the participation of young missionaries and adult members of the church in conjunction with the 150th Anniversary of Sending Missionaries and the My Journey with God Season (5) campaigns. He was full of energy and heaven-sent wit as a translator for the series.
“Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15),” is Christ’s command to His followers. Not that all are called to be ministers or missionaries in the ordinary sense of the term; but all may be workers with Him in giving the “glad tidings” to their fellow men. To all, great or small, learned or ignorant, old or young, the command is given.” Education, 264.
“I have no higher wish than to see our youth imbued with the spirit of pure religion, which will lead them to take up the cross and follow Jesus. Go forth, young disciples of Christ, controlled by principle, clad in the robes of purity and righteousness. Your Saviour will guide you into the position best suited to your talents and where you can be most useful. In the path of duty you may be sure of receiving grace sufficient for your day.” Testimonies for the Church 5:8
