San Francisco, Agusan del Sur —The Southeastern Caraga Mission (SCM) of the Seventh-day Adventist Church began its new quinquennium (2026–2030) with a mission-wide orientation and training for district coordinators of Adventist Women’s Ministries, Adventist Family Ministries, Adventist Possibility Ministries, and Music Ministry. The event, held at the FRIEND Foundation Function Hall, gathered 198 registered delegates, 21 ministerial spouses, and more than 30 district pastors under the theme “Leaders Grounded in the Bible and Focused on the Mission.”
The Adventist Women’s Ministries, with SCM Women and Family Director, Mrs. Marchie Lagra- Mercader, and Mrs. Lindy Lou Magdadaro, Women and Family Director of Southeastern Philippine Union Mission (SePUM), presented its vision of empowering women to grow spiritually and serve effectively in their homes, churches, and communities. “Our sisters have generally a very hard time, with their increasing families and their unappreciated trials. I have so longed for women who could be educators to help them to arise from their discouragement, and to feel that they could do work for the Lord. And this effort is bringing rays of sunshine into their lives, and is being reflected upon the hearts of others.” Ellen White and the Role of Women in the Church 9.24
Adventist Family Ministries emphasized its mission to strengthen families as centers of discipleship, nurturing Christ-centered relationships that build resilient homes and churches. The goal is to let everybody know that “the sweetest type of heaven is a home where the Spirit of the Lord presides. If the will of God is fulfilled, the husband and wife will respect each other and cultivate love and confidence.” Adventist Home 16.1
Sister Lovely Cosejo-Durano gave the basic principles of Adventist Church Music and highlighted the Music Ministry’s role as a vital instrument of worship and evangelism, reminding leaders that music is not only art but a spiritual tool to inspire, uplift, and proclaim the gospel “speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord.” Ephesians 5:19
The training also emphasized that Adventist Possibility Ministries (APM), also under the supervision of Ma’am Mercader for SCM and Ma’am Aida Lamera, for SePUM, envisions a church where every person—regardless of ability, circumstance, or loss—is valued, included, and empowered to serve. Its mission is to inspire, equip, and mobilize individuals with special needs, caregivers, and those who have experienced loss, so they may rediscover wholeness in Christ and actively participate in building God’s kingdom.
SCM Treasurer Mr. Jun Durano Jr. opened the program with a devotional message, followed by Pastor Edwin Magdadaro, SePUM Executive Secretary, who led the Commitment Service. Ms. Magdadaro delivered the Midday Devotional, while lecturers and facilitators guided participants in understanding their responsibilities and the importance of collaboration among ministries.
The orientation, who had the support from numerous Spirit-driven individuals, reflected SCM’s united commitment to equip leaders who will advance the mission of the church in the years ahead—strengthened by cooperation, and focused on building God’s kingdom through women, families, inclusivity, and music. Most of all, as one church in one accord travelling to heaven, we are “grounded in the Bible, focused on the mission."
Contributor: Mrs.Marcie Lagra-Mercader, SCM Women and Family Director/ APM Coordinator
Photos: SCM Media
