Davao Mission Celebrates Annual Thanksgiving Series, Hosts ‘Blessings Come in Packages’ Season 4

The Davao Mission of Seventh-day Adventists (DM) has successfully hosted its week-long Annual Thanksgiving Series on Hope Channel Davao, featuring the fourth season of “Blessings Come in Packages.” The event ran from December 8 to 13, 2023, with nightly broadcasts from 7:00 to 8:30 PM, culminating in a grand celebration on December 14 at the Davao del Sur Coliseum in Digos City.

The series was aired on Hope Channel Davao’s digital platforms and AWR 104.3 Hope Radio Davao, with national simulcasts on GSat Channel 37 and Satlite Channel 103.

Themed Presentations and Performances

The nightly series featured interviews, presentations, and musical performances focusing on various themes:

“Blessings of Opportunity”
Highlight Interview: Rhoen and Amy Catolico of Southeastern Philippine Union Mission; Music: Central Davao Adventist Youth Organization (CENDAYO) Choir; Keynote: Pr. David Bornales, DM Executive Secretary.

“Blessing of Family and Relationships”
Highlight Interview: The Durano Family, retired workers of Davao Mission; Keynote: Pr. Lito Magsico, DM Ministerial Secretary; Music: Sis. Sam Sheera Tan.

“Blessing of Forgiveness”
Highlight Interview: DM departmental directors; Keynote: Pr. Joel Quipanes, Field Secretary/NDR-IEL Director; Music: Thea Estocada.

“Blessing of Health and Strength”
Highlight Interview: Pastor Dr. Jonathan and Dr. Sarah Dy-Casio of Adventist Hospital Davao; Keynote: Pr. Geronimo Jose, DM Health Ministries Director; Music: Advent Chorale.

“Blessing of Answered Prayer”
Highlight Interview: Bro. MJ Orillosa and RJ Nebres of ASi SSD and Davao; Keynote: Pr. Reynaldo Merin, DM President; Music: My Redeemer’s Symphony of South Philippine Adventist College.

“Blessing of Giving”
Highlight Interview: Narvaez Family, donors of the Riverdale SDA Church; Music: Davao City Adams Center Adventist Church Choir; Keynote: Sir Raymond Robles, DM Treasurer.

Sabbath Celebration – DM-Wide NDR-IEL Care Group Festival

The week concluded with the DM-wide NDR-IEL Care Group Festival on December 14, gathering more than 8,000 Adventists from Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental, Davao City, Digos City, Samal City, and nearby regions. Held at the Davao del Sur Coliseum, the event featured inspiring messages, musical performances, and community recognition.

Provincial leaders, including Congressman Hon. John Tracy Cagas and former Vice Governor Marc Cagas, commended the Adventist community for their disciplined lifestyle and positive influence. “You are generous and inspire others to live with high moral standards,” Congressman Cagas said, referencing 1 Peter 2:11.

Music and Message of Gratitude

Pr. Danielo Palomares, SePUM President, delivered a powerful message on the “Blessing of Gratitude,” highlighting Isaiah 40:31: “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength…”

The Sabbath celebration included performances from prominent choirs in the region. The mass choir finale resonated powerfully throughout the coliseum, creating a heavenly atmosphere of praise and worship.

Culminating Evangelistic Series

Meanwhile, Pastor Michael Palar, Hope Channel Coordinator for the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD), conducted his evangelistic series, “The Greatness of God,” at Toril Central Seventh-day Adventist Church. The series, held from December 8 to 13, resulted in 41 baptisms, a testament to God’s transforming power.

Pr. Palar, former Hope Channel Indonesia Director, expressed gratitude for the warm reception from the Davao Mission, coordinated by Pr. Joel Quipanes, Mrs. Cheryl Hodge, and district pastors.

A Call to Mission

The celebration underscored the Adventist Church’s mission to serve as “watchmen and light bearers,” reflecting Ellen G. White’s counsel: “They have been given a work of the most solemn import—the proclamation of the first, second, and third angels’ messages.”

Hope Channel Davao’s Annual Thanksgiving Series reaffirmed the Adventist commitment to faith, service, and gratitude, drawing thousands to worship and fellowship.

[Photo by Frando Rabino]