Out of the 82 missionaries of Batch 66 of the 1000 Missionary Movement, 22 dedicated emissaries arrived at the Southeastern Philippine Union Mission (SePUM) headquarters on March 27 to serve in the five mission fields. Leaving behind the comfort of their homes and personal pursuits, they vowed to become instruments of God in reaching people through this ministry. Organized by Dr. Jairyong Lee in 1991 as a youth-driven initiative, the movement has since served in 47 countries, established 860 congregations, and built 66 churches, according to official statistics.
The Spirit-driven missionaries who will be serving in the “half of Mindanao” are now ready to enter the vineyard of God. Abegail “Abhie” Aguilando, 28, a teacher from Bicol, is paired with Sherry Jean Peros, 23, an Education graduate from Bohol. Together, they will serve at Malabog District of Davao Mission.
Toril Seventh-day Adventist Church will be cared for by Ermelyn Lambojon, 26, an Information Technology graduate from Sinonoc, Misamis Occidental, and Rea Gumanod, 18, from Jose Dalman, Zamboanga del Norte.
Hyomin Kim, also known as Ruth, 20, a bio-technology enthusiast from the Korea Union Conference, will serve Kidapawan West in Kidapawan City alongside Lady Ivan Gallardo, 22, a BS Nursing graduate from Umingan, Pangasinan.
Sitio Bawod, San Antonio, Cateel, Davao Oriental will be the new mission area for Sandy Gee Castardo, 20, an Education student from Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro, and Margie Regin, 26, from Kabankalan, Negros Occidental.
Ana Marie Orveta, 25, a BS Psychology graduate from San Pablo City, Laguna, will partner with Charlene Maglapit, 38, a Computer Technology graduate from San Rafael, Iloilo, as they serve San Roque, New Bataan, Davao de Oro.
New Loon, Asuncion, Davao del Norte—where church planting recently followed the successful 1000MM evangelism in 2025—will be served by Minhee Bang, 23, an Elementary Education graduate from the Korea Union Conference, together with Ronafie Jay Dawe, 19, from Danao City, Cebu.
Kabacan SDA Church will welcome Bishal Tamang, 25, a Sociology student from Nepal, and Mark Lou “Marcos” Bahami, 39, a Development Communication graduate from Hinunangan, Southern Leyte.
Lebak SDA Church, a remote territory in Sultan Kudarat, will be served by Nolly Aroz, 18, from Zamboanga del Norte, and Jo Cheolwong, 28, a Broadcasting and Journalism major from the Korea Union Conference. Meanwhile, Polomolok, District 2 of South Cotabato, will be the mission field of Baek Doo Sann, also known as Joshua, 25, a Theology graduate from the Korea Union Conference, and Nicomedes III “Jim” Diaz, 22, a Broadcasting major from Bohol.
Jeraben Pina-apol, or Jerab, 18, from Gingoog City, together with Lorenz Jim Seguisabal, 19, will serve San Agustin, Surigao del Sur. At Caipongan, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur, Ronnel Jay Labrador, 19, from Manila, will work with Radiant Sardonyx Marquez, 25, a BS Criminology graduate from Negros Occidental.
Under the leaership of Pr. Demetrio Taotao, Jr., the SePUM 1000MM Director, the one who established the only 1000MM Pre-training Center at Yes-Go Resort, Pagsilaan, New Bataan, Davao de Oro, the group continues to inspire communities all over the territory. The training center was a collaboration of a non-Adventist host who provided the facility, the SePUM, and Northern Davao Mission (NDM) leaders with the local churches nearby, providing strong influence for evangelism and soul-winning.
Before going to their individual assignments this year, Pr. Victor Navarro, SePUM Health Director and trained counselor provided lecture and orientation, to equip them with practical health awareness, emotional resilience, and spiritual grounding. This preparation strengthens their commitment, unity, and compassion, enabling them to serve communities more effectively.
After the unified prayer for the group, the eager missionaries left for New Bataan, Davao de Oro to conduct home visitations and evangelistic meetings until April 18, aiming to share God’s love in their unique ways.
“In this closing work of the gospel there is a vast field to be occupied; and, more than ever before, the work is to enlist helpers from the common people. Both the youth and those older in years will be called from the field, from the vineyard, and from the workshop, and sent forth by the Master to give his message. Many of these may have had little opportunity for education; but Christ sees in them qualifications that will enable them to fulfil his purpose.” Ellen G. White, Youth Instructor, March 3, 1908, paragraph 2)
