A spirit of renewal, understanding, and heartfelt connection filled the newly established Kikugawa Filipino Seventh-day Adventist Church (KFSDAC) as families gathered for the Love Language Series, culminating in a meaningful Couples’ Retreat from April 29 to May 3 in Kikugawa, Shizuoka, Japan.
The series, presented by Rhoen Peralta Catolico, Communication, Public Affairs and Religious Liberty (PARL), and the Media Director of the Southeastern Philippine Union Mission (SePUM), offered a practical, faith-centered, and family approach to strengthening relationships within the home. He was joined by his wife, Anily Mae Catolico, the SePUM Administrative Assistant to the Treasurer, who co-facilitated the retreat sessions and guided couples through deeper conversations and reflection.
The initiative was facilitated through the collaborative efforts of the Japan Union Conference and the Southeastern Philippine Union Mission via a service request between the Northern Asia-Pacific Division and the Southern Asia-Pacific Division—highlighting a cross-territory commitment to family care for overseas Filipino members.
The Catolico couple could closely relate to this need, having also worked in Singapore for more than four years, where they experienced firsthand the unique challenges faced by families living and working abroad.
Blending insights from the five love languages with principles from the Hope for the Family Series, the presentations emphasized intentional love, meaningful communication, and spiritual grounding. The retreat focused on helping spouses discover each other’s love languages and personality types—anchored on the simple yet powerful practice of learning to listen.
Unlike traditional seminars, the retreat was designed as a “listening ministry.” Husbands and wives participated in separate sessions where they were encouraged to openly share their thoughts and experiences, followed by plenary gatherings that fostered shared reflection among couples and families. This intentional structure created a safe space where participants felt heard, understood, and affirmed.
“This is more than just living under the same roof,” Rhoen Catolico said. “Over time, if we don’t make a conscious effort to bring joy to one another, we may end up treating our spouses like roommates.”
He also highlighted the realities faced by many families, especially those working abroad. “More often than not, while working in a foreign land, we become too focused on our jobs. We face physical, financial, and emotional challenges, and, slowly, family and intimacy take a back seat. We must be intentional in making God first in everything we do.”
Addressing family discipline and relationships, he added, “Some parents discipline their children the way they were disciplined. Parents, take time to listen to your children—and children, honor your parents.”
Echoing this message, Amy Catolico emphasized the importance of intentional communication. “We need to understand our spouses’ needs and express what is in our hearts,” she said. “We should never assume—our spouses cannot read our minds. We must take time to communicate. Spouses need to listen more to each other’s needs and to their children. Everyone deserves to be heard.”
Throughout the retreat sessions, emotions surfaced as participants reflected on their personal journeys. Tears were shed, hearts were opened, and relationships were revisited with renewed hope. A central message resonated deeply among attendees, captured in the series theme song: “There is beauty all around when there’s love at home.”
Yajiro Soejima, former KFSDAC head elder and now a Bible worker of the Japan Union Conference serving Filipino churches in the area, shared his appreciation for the program. “In the busyness of work, we often find ourselves drifting into separate paths,” he said. “This event came at the right time. These are the daily struggles we face, but with God’s help, we can overcome them together. I am truly grateful for this series.”
The initiative marked a milestone for KFSDAC, being the first event of its kind since the church’s organization. Under the leadership of Head Elder Jeffrey Sagarino, along with the support of church officers and members, the program was warmly received. The newly acquired church building was filled each night with eager participants, reflecting the growing unity of the Filipino Adventist community in Kikugawa.
Sagarino expressed both appreciation and vision for future initiatives. “We should do this more often and extend invitations to our fellow Filipinos in the area,” he said. “The couple listened and understood our need because they were once in our shoes. This event has sparked interest among other Filipino congregations, many of whom joined virtually due to distance.”
As word spread among Filipino congregations across Japan, interest in the ministry continued to grow, with plans already being considered to repeat the program sooner than expected—an encouraging sign that its impact is reaching far beyond Kikugawa.
Archibal Madamba, a church deacon, shared that the event had been in preparation for years. “This program was three years in the making,” he said. “There were challenges along the way, but we remained committed to bringing this series and retreat to our growing church. We are truly grateful!”
As the series concluded, it left behind more than lessons—it nurtured deeper connections, renewed commitments, and a shared desire among families to place Christ at the center of their homes.
The Love Language Series and Couples’ Retreat stand as a testament that even far from home, God continues to build stronger families—across borders.
