SePUM Headquarters Hosts First Year-end Departmental Advisory Meetings

On December 4, 2024, presidents, executive secretaries, treasurers, and department directors from all five missions of the Southeastern Philippine Union Mission (SePUM) convened for the inaugural Year-End Advisory Meeting. The event took place at SePUM’s temporary headquarters located on the third floor of Adventist Hospital Davao in Bangkal, Davao City. This gathering marked a significant milestone for the newly established union, celebrating progress reports and fostering optimism for the upcoming year.

The gathering was marked by enthusiasm and collaboration, with mission administrators and directors engaging in lively discussions. Separate departmental sessions addressed important issues related to evangelism, member nurturing, and ministry development to focus next year’s Harvest2025 initiative and reinforced the church’s commitment to holistic growth and unity.

In the concluding session, SePUM administrators expressed their gratitude to the delegates for their dedication and tireless service. SePUM’s extensive territory, often referred to as “half of Mindanao,” includes five mission fields:

1. Davao Mission (DM): Covers Davao del Sur (excluding Barangay Butulan), Davao Occidental, Davao, and Digos cities, portions of Cotabato (Tulunan), and Sarangani (Malungon), Island Garden City of Samal, and part of Bukidnon. The mission oversees 174 organized churches.
2. Northern Davao Mission (NDM): This includes the provinces of Davao del Norte, Davao de Oro, and Davao Oriental, as well as the cities of Tagum, Panabo, and Mati. The mission supervises 243 organized churches.
3. South Central Mindanao Mission (SCMM): SCMM encompasses Cotabato, Kidapawan, and Tacurong cities, the provinces of Maguindanao and North Cotabato, and parts of Sultan Kudarat. It has 179 organized churches and continues to grow.
4. Southeastern Caraga Mission (SCM): This mission comprises the provinces of Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur and has 270 churches under its care.
5. Southern Mindanao Mission (SMM): The oldest territory covers General Santos and Koronadal cities, South Cotabato and Sarangani provinces, Balut and Sarangani islands, and parts of Sultan Kudarat. SMM supervises 269 churches.

Despite being a relatively young union, SePUM has achieved significant milestones in its first ten months. Delegates have recognized the importance of unity and mutual support, drawing inspiration from Psalm 133:1, which states, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” (NIV). This sense of unity, reminiscent of the early Christian church, fosters harmony and a shared purpose.

Ellen G. White emphasized the central role of Christ in uniting His followers: “Christ is the uniting link in the golden chain which binds believers together in God. There must be no separating in this great testing time… The children of God constitute one united whole in Christ, who presents His cross as the center of attraction. All who believe are one in Him.” (Selected Messages, 3:20-22).

The Departmental Year-End Advisory Meeting ended with a renewed commitment to furthering SePUM’s mission of advancing God’s work throughout Mindanao. Delegates departed inspired to continue serving with faith, hope, and unity.