Two hundred eighty-five believers in their golden years attended the 2nd Mission-wide Convention of the Senior Citizens, held on November 9 at the ACMC Building, Southern Mindanao Mission Headquarters, Purok Mangga, City Height, General Santos City.
The aim of the celebration is to bring joy, genuine connection, and a sense of belongingness to the seniors. The church understands that they face the challenges of loneliness, loss, and isolation. They need comfort, companionship, supportive community, spiritual support, and a sense of purpose.
Pastor Raul Emnace, Sabbath School/ Personal Ministries Director and ASI Coordinator of Southeastern Philippine Union Mission (SePUM) highlighted the theme: “Honoring the Patriarchs: We are to live with heavenly culture, we are going home.” He emphasized the message of Paul to Titus:2:2,4, which says: “That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. The aged women likewise, that they are in behavior as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,”
Pr. Nildo Mamac, SMM President had his inspiring message and presence with the organizing capabilities of Sis Merilyn Gumahad, President of the Adventist Senior Citizens Association of the Philippines (ASCAP), SMM Chapter and Ma’am Fely Alfanta, SMM Family Ministries Director.
Psalm 71:9 says, “Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth.” King David and the leaders of the Southern Mindanao Mission (SMM) had the same prayer, and they wanted every believer to have a legacy of compassion and faith and feel loved, valued, and connected in old age.
“David entreated the Lord not to forsake him in old age. And why did he thus pray? He saw that most older people around him were unhappy because the unfortunate traits of their character increased with their age. If they had been naturally close and covetous, they were most disagreeably so in mature years. If they had been jealous, fretful, and impatient, they were especially so when aged.” (The S.D.A. Bible Commentary 3:1148.)
In these last days, we should offer the best we can provide to our patriarchs as we inspire others to embrace and share their faith.
