DM, SePUM Inaugurates Garcia Memorial Church
The small Northern Tagakpan Adventist Church transformed into a massive Garcia Memorial Church, which had its Inauguration, Blessing, and Turn-Over Ceremony on the beautiful Sabbath of April 27 at Garcia family estate, Purok Maladaya, Tugbok, Davao City as a proof of church’s growth in spreading the precious gospel to this ailing world.
As a special Sabbath, praise time started with the music from Sheveruj Singers, Royal Valley Seventh Day Adventist Elementary School (RVSDAES) Ukulele Ensemble, The Harmony Haven, and 7thSound Singers. At the same time, church members and guests flowed into the countryside farm worship venue with the administrators and directors of the Southeastern Philippine Union Mission (SePUM) and Davao Mission (DM).
The reading of the church building construction story by one of the sponsor’s family members, Sis. Zenaida Garcia Oliverio gave an inspiring narrative of God’s leading, which started from the generosity of their parents, Bro. Gavino S. Garcia and Sis. Agnes V. Garcia, for sharing a portion of their property to put up a small church. Seeing the growth of baptism as the years went by, the US-based Garcia family, which involved Sr. Norie Garcia Niere and Madeline Garcia Salomon, donated a more significant parcel of land and financial support to build a multi-million structure, conceivably the largest Adventist church in Davao Mission with no denominational expense.
Pr. Reynaldo Merin, DM President, expressed gratitude to the family donor who believed in the power of God to transform their generous giving into numerous blessings for the family, the multitude of believers, and the people with whom we aim to share the gospel at any cost.
Pr. Edwin Magdadaro, SePUM Executive Secretary who had the most beautiful time sharing the Sabbath homily, put to the fore the emphasis of God in 2 Chronicles 7:14: “If my people, who are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” American Standard Version (ASV)
All believers who flocked into such huge buildings to praise God with varied origins, others hail from congregations in simple shelters or churches in modern and elegant style while some structures are in a dilapidated state, we joyfully gather to rehearse the reunion in heaven. As children of the Father, we should remain prayerful, humble, and continuously seeking His face until we go home to the heavenly golden mansion prepared for the faithful.
In the olden times, God appointed Zerubbabel to rebuild the temple. In this generation of God’s remnant people, Mrs. Ellen G. White reminds us: “Whenever it is possible, let our church buildings be dedicated to God free of debt. When a church is raised up, let the members arise and build. Under the direction of a minister guided by his fellow ministers’ advice, let the newly converted ones work with their own hands, saying: “We need a meetinghouse, and we must have it.” God calls upon His people to make cheerful, united efforts in His cause. Let this be done, and soon will be heard the voice of thanksgiving: “See what the Lord hath done.” Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, 101.1” (SePUM Communication/Photos by DF Callo and GMC Fb Page)