In the heart of Matalam, Cotabato, a beautiful testimony of unity unfolded as brethren from the Matalam 1 & 2 Districts and Matalam Central Church, under the leadership of Pastors Eric Bonjoc, Jhoneffer Lumindas, and Charnie Solerano, joined hands in true bayanihan spirit to help complete the South Central Mindanao Mission (SCMM) Headquarters. Their joyful sacrifice and cooperative labor reflect the essence of Christian service, working together the landmark for the two-year old baby mission, and for the glory of God.
The spirit of bayanihan finds its roots in Scripture, where believers are called to bear one another’s burdens and to labor side by side for the mission of Christ. “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow” (Ecclesiastes 4:9–10). Paul reminds us, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). And again, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58). These verses remind us that unity in service is not only practical but deeply spiritual, strengthening the body of Christ and advancing His mission.
Ellen G. White, a Spirit-driven American writer whose words inspired the church for decades, also emphasized the power of united effort in accomplishing God’s work: “In union there is strength; in division there is weakness. In all our work, harmony and union are to be preserved” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 4, p. 19). She further wrote, “The work of God can never be accomplished by individual effort alone. It requires the combined action of the church, the united strength of brethren working together in love” (Review and Herald, July 9, 1895). Her counsel echoes the bayanihan spirit—when believers, young or old, set aside self-interest and work together, the mission flourishes and God is glorified.
The SCMM Administration, directors and staff, temporarily settling in an office at an ancillary building, gratefully acknowledges the brethren’s joyful and sacrificial service. Their unity demonstrates that the mission is not carried by one, but by many hearts and hands working together. Just as the early church “had all things in common” (Acts 2:44), the brethren of Matalam have shown that true Christian bayanihan is alive today. The completion of the SCMM Headquarters is more than a construction milestone—it is a spiritual testimony of what God’s people can achieve when they unite in love and service. Through bayanihan, we strengthen the mission, uplift one another, and magnify the name of the Lord.
Together, we strengthen the mission for God’s glory.
Photo Credits: SCMM Media
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