The Southeastern Caraga Mission (SCM), as a newly established territory, hosted an orientation and training event focused on the Sabbath School, Personal Ministry, and Adventist Possibility Ministries at Barobo Central Church on May 8–10, which involved participation from fifteen districts, each sending at least ten delegates per territory.
“Making Disciples for Christ: I Will Go,” as a theme, emphasized Sabbath School. Sabbath School nurtures faith development at every stage of life; it fosters interactive learning and becomes a vibrant place for spiritual dialogue and emotional support. The weekly lesson reviews are igniting spiritual revival through deeper study and Spirit-led teaching.
Personal Ministry, as emphasized in the training, is the heartbeat of lay-driven evangelism in the Adventist Church. It’s where theology meets action, and every member becomes a missionary—with the mission to equip and inspire church members to actively share the gospel. It encourages members to engage in Christ’s method alone—mingling, showing sympathy, meeting needs, and inviting people to follow Jesus.
The training introduced the newest ministry of the church, which is equally important. Adventist Possibility Ministry (APM) plays a transformative role in the Church by shifting the focus from limitations to God-given potential. It is ministry with the deaf, blind, physically challenged, emotionally and mentally challenged, orphans and vulnerable children, the widowed, and many others with special needs. The training emphasis affirms that “all are gifted, needed, and treasured.”
Mrs. Ellen G. White, an American writer, had a reflection that every soul, including those with susceptibilities, deserves to be seen with dignity and purpose. She scribbled, “I saw that it is in the providence of God that widows and orphans, the blind, the deaf, the lame, and persons afflicted in a variety of ways, have been placed in close Christian relationship to His church; it is to prove His people and develop their true character.” — Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 3, p. 511
Indeed, God’s compassion should be felt by everyone. In Luke 14:13–14, there is a compelling message: “Invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind... you will be blessed.”
The training afforded everyone the chance to serve communities in a wholistic manner—to study the Word and to teach, to make disciples to do the same tasks, and to give distinct love to those with special needs.
