SePUM Family Heads to Surigao del Sur for the First District Visit

Shepherding is a ministry of proximity essential to pastoral care. The Southeastern Philippine Union Mission (SePUM) family, led by President Pastor Danielo Palomares, embarked on their first Bisita Iglesia to Surigao del Sur from July 24 to 26. This visit strengthened the connection between leaders, members, and God.

During this time, church members from various districts gathered for a unique Sabbath fellowship on July 26. Pastor Palomares and his wife, Jill Palomares, the MSA and Children’s Ministries Director, visited Tandag Central Adventist Church. They were joined by Joecyl Jane Toledanes and Sir Lolito A. Fuentes, the Executive Secretary’s administrative assistants.

Pastor Edwin Magdadaro, Executive Secretary, and his wife, Lindy Lou Magdadaro, SePUM Family Ministries and Women’s Ministries Director, visited Carromata Adventist Church in San Miguel. They shared inspiring experiences with members from seven nearby churches.

SePUM Treasurer, Elder Laurence Lamera, and his wife, Aida Lamera of Adventist Hospital Davao, served Madrid Adventist Church. They were joined by Ivan Mae Flores, communication and youth department secretary, and her family, bringing joy and unity through music and fellowship.

Pastor Reynald Dela Cruz and his wife, Dr. Eunice Dela Cruz, traveled to Dahican Adventist Church in Carrascal, Surigao del Sur, braving a 13-kilometer rough road. They met with brethren from 11 churches and saw the local mining situation.

Dr. Perlyn Panes, SePUM Education Director, and her husband, Jezreel, a church school teacher, visited Liangga District. Cherry Ann Sotto, Receiving Cashier, and Lemuel Bayo from the general services department completed the team.

Barobo Adventist Central Church welcomed Pastor Rene Rosa, Vice President for NDR/IEL, his wife, Elizabeth, and their family. Joining the team were Irenea Alboria, Chief Accountant; Meldy Cole, Assistant Treasurer; Alpha Amor Taotao, NDR/IEL/Health/Publishing department secretary; and Joenary Lomocso of the General Services department.

At Bitaugan West Adventist Church, Pastor Victor Navarro, his wife, Elma, and their children led worship with music and messages. Florante Vacalares Callo, Communication Staff, joined them and introduced new church hymnal accompaniments.

Pastor Jonathan Hemoroz and his wife, Joy, celebrated her birthday at Victoria Adventist Church in Tago. They were joined by Jann Denzel Martin Guinguing, Disbursing Cashier, for a joyous fellowship with six other churches.

Pastor Raul Emnace, Sabbath School and Personal Ministries Director, and his wife, Monyen, visited Tina Adventist Church in San Miguel. They participated in a children’s ministries convention attended by members from 19 churches.

Pastor Dante Dabucol, Stewardship Director, and his wife, Charlyn, Secretary to the President, visited Dawis Adventist Church to share stewardship messages. Marchie Sela from the General Services department accompanied them.

Youth Director Pastor Nelo Seda Jr., his wife, Leonie Flor, department secretary for SS/PM, Adventist Mission, and the 1000 Missionary Movement visited San Agustin Adventist Church. They were joined by Pastor Agapito Orendain, NDR-IEL and PARL Director of the Southeastern Caraga Mission headquarters (SCM), for the Church’s 29th-anniversary celebration.

Retired Health Director Pastor William Nacorda and his family visited Sta. Cruz, San Miguel. Ma’am Marietta Nacorda, stewardship/PGTS/education department secretary, shared lectures on stewardship.

Publishing Director Pastor Danny Inato and his wife visited Buenavista, Tandag City, where they found an unpainted church building with vibrant, hospitable members.

Meanwhile, Elder Rhoen Catolico, Communication/PARL/Adventist Media Director, spent the first two days with the team, then traveled to Davao Oriental and celebrated the AWR 94.3 Hope Radio Mati’s 12th anniversary in Mati City, witnessing the on-site baptism of 370 new Adventist Church members.

Pastor Demetrio Taotao attended a special event at the 1000MM campus in Silang, Cavite, while Elder Esmiraldo S. Cantila Jr. brought his sick wife to the hospital and missed his assignment.

This visitation ministry brought joy, tears, and inspiring experiences, simulating our reunion in heaven as we build and care for God’s remnant Church.

Hebrews 10:25

“Not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

Ellen G. White

“God has a distinct people, a church on earth, second to none, but superior to all in their facilities to teach the truth, to vindicate the law of God. God has divinely appointed agencies—men whom He is leading, who have borne the heat and burden of the day, who are cooperating with heavenly instrumentalities to advance the kingdom of Christ in our world. Let all unite with these chosen agents, and be found at last among those who have the patience of the saints, who keep the commandments of God, and have the faith of Jesus.” — Counsels for the Church, p. 240.4

“We are all members of the same body, and each member must act a part for the benefit of all the others. All members have not the same office. As the members of our natural body are directed by the head, so as members of the spiritual body, we should submit ourselves to the direction of Christ, the living head of the Church. We are as branches of a common vine. Christ speaks of us as branches that have been grafted into himself, the True Vine. If we are true believers, living in daily, hourly connection with Christ, we shall be sanctified through the truth, and shall act our part in blessed union with the other branches of the True Vine.” — Review and Herald, July 9, 1895, par. 1