A joyful delegation of secretaries from the Southeastern Philippine Union Mission (SePUM) journeyed to Lebak, Sultan Kudarat for a weeklong Secretariat Evangelistic Series held at the Barangay Aurelio Freires Sr. Gymnasium on August 17-23. With the timely theme, “Preparing Families for Eternity,” the event culminated in the baptism of 50 precious souls.
Lebak is a remote territory under the Southern Mindanao Mission (SMM), accessible through several scenic yet challenging routes. From Isulan, the provincial capital, one travels through Bagumbayan and Sen. Ninoy Aquino, reaching Lebak after a 110-kilometer journey. Alternatively, via Cotabato City, the route passes through Awang, North Upi, and South Upi, totaling 116 kilometers and offering breathtaking views across Maguindanao del Norte and del Sur. A third coastal route spans 323 kilometers via Kalamansig. Most roads are national secondary highways connecting multiple provinces.
The opening night on Sunday featured Sir Lolito Fuentes, Jr., Administrative Secretary to the Executive Secretary, delivering a compelling message titled “Don’t Let the Monkey Fool You,” which emphasized the importance of spiritual discernment. On Monday, Admin Assitant to the Treasurer, Ms. Anily Mae Tibay-Catolico addressed the poignant question, “Why Do Families Suffer?”
Tuesday’s session was led by Ma'am Ivy Lou Cantilla, who presented “The Definite Solution to All Problems.” On Wednesday, Ma'am Charlyn Dabucol delivered an all-Hilonggo sermon to the Hilonggo-speaking community titled “How to Have a New Family.” Thursday continued with another fluent Hilongga, Ma'am Elizabeth Rosa, who spoke on “How to Keep Your Family Together.” The week concluded with a powerful Friday message from Ma'am Marrieta Nacorda: “The Biggest Problem Has Been Solved.”
The Sabbath overflowed with joy as believers experienced, for the first time, the “union secretariat’s all-out love,” led by their spiritual father, Pastor Edwin Magdadaro, Executive Secretary of SePUM. He served a rich spiritual feast during Sabbath School and a worship buffet titled “God’s Great Family” during the Hour of Worship.
Ma'am Ivan Mae Flores hosted the program alongside the eloquent Hilongga, Ma'am Marjurie Hemoroz, who also served as Quiz Master. Ma'am Leoniflor Seda and Ma'am Ivy Cantilla led the Children’s Hour with difficulty of sharing stories to Hilonggo children but did it with grace and with aid of the locals. Ma'am Joecyl Jane Legario managed registration and the raffle draw.
Under the pastoral care of Pastor Lener Luses Encarnacion and his wife, Mrs. Ivie Logroño Encarnacion of Lebak 1 District, believers from 13 churches gathered in unity. These included Lebak Central, Tibpu-an, Poloy-poloy, Basak, Tinonggos, Agsam, Apos Church, Bukal-Bukal 1, Bukal-Bukal 2, Bagangan Church, Panggo, Bululawan, and Calamungog. Like bees drawn to nectar, attendees eagerly absorbed the messages and offered music as sweet as honey.
The speakers visited as many homes and churches as possible, listening to heartfelt testimonies of trials and triumphs. Mr. Arnel Gawid, an Adventist working with DPWH, shared, “We are extremely happy for the very special visit of Union secretaries and their head, our Executive Secretary. This is a first for us Adventists in this very remote place.” Mr. Brendo Balontong, a Personal Collection manager, added, “I am inspired by the family-oriented topics. These office secretaries are so persuasive with their sermons.”
This remnant church is blessed with modern-day Deborahs, Ruths, Miriams, Esthers, prophetess Huldahs—even an Abigail (1 Samuel 25). There are contemporary Mary Magdalenes and Samaritan women, the newscasters of Jesus’ presence. Like teacher Priscilla, who instructed Apollos (Acts 18:26), and Phoebe, a deaconess commended by Paul (Romans 16:1–2), these women serve with grace and conviction. We also see the spirit of Junia, described by Paul as “outstanding among the apostles,” reflecting leadership in the early church (Romans 16:7).
Though the journey to Lebak is long, it led many to walk the narrow yet sure path to the feet and throne of Jesus, in a kingdom paved with highways and mansions of pure gold, adorned with glittering stones in its sacred places.
Mrs. Ellen G. White wrote in 1899 about this task in sharing the gospel anywhere. “The field of labor is to be extended. The gospel message is to go to all parts of the world. The most unpromising fields must receive earnest, determined labor. The sons of God, earnest, true, unselfish, must use all the knowledge they possess in managing this important work.” Evangelism 46.3
