The Southeastern Philippine Union Mission (SePUM) held its 1st Midyear Executive Meeting on June 3, 2024, at the Adventist Hospital Davao-Upper Room Fellowship Center (AHD-URFC) in Bangkal, Davao City. This was the first time the union had organized two events in its history, and the AHD-URFC served as a very conducive venue for the meeting.
Pastor Edwin Magdadaro, SePUM Executive Secretary, delivered a devotional message emphasizing the words of Jesus, “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you.”
The administrators of SePUM, led by Pastor Danielo Palomares, Pastor Edwin Magdadaro, and Sir Lawrence Lamera, who serve as president, executive secretary, and treasurer respectively, were assembled for a meeting. Also in attendance were directors responsible for various areas and members of the executive committee. Representatives from the five mission territories – Davao Mission (DM), Northern Davao Mission (NDM), South Central Mindanao Mission (SCMM), Southeastern Caraga Mission (SeCM), and Southern Mindanao Mission (SMM) – were present, as well as representatives from two institutions: Adventist Hospital Davao (AHD) and South Philippine Adventist College (SPAC).
Pastor Magdadaro emphasized that God is the one who chooses, and we should not question His authority to appoint people to work in His vineyard. He qualifies and quantifies them to bear fruit, not fruits, because “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control are manifestations of the fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22-23). These qualities are interconnected and cannot be separated from one another.
“The word ‘remain,’ derived from the Greek word ‘meno,’ encourages us to stay, abide, keep, and live with the consistent mission of following Jesus. Leaving positive impressions will make us like a ‘branch that bears fruit; (that) He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit.’ (John 15:2)”
Sister Ellen G. White continuously enlightens us with her Spirit-driven advice and writings: “As you receive the Spirit of Christ, you will grow and bring forth fruit. The graces of the Spirit will ripen in your character. Your faith will increase, your conviction deepen, and your love will be made perfect. More and more, you will reflect the likeness of Christ in all that is pure, noble, and lovely.” Christ’s Object Lesson, 69
We express gratitude to God for choosing, qualifying, and guiding us through the Holy Spirit, which influences our lives. (SePUM Communication)
