SePUM Hosts First Year-End Meeting, Celebrates Remarkable Growth

Delegates convened at the Southeastern Philippine Union Mission (SePUM) headquarters in the Upper Room Fellowship Center at Adventist Hospital Davao for its inaugural Year-End Meeting. The gathering aimed to review accomplishments from SePUM’s first ten months and outline strategic plans for future growth.

SePUM, officially organized in January 2024, consists of five missions—Davao Mission (DM), Northern Davao Mission (NDM), South Central Mindanao Mission (SCMM), Southeastern Caraga Mission (SCM), and Southern Mindanao Mission (SMM)—as well as South Philippine Adventist College (SPAC) and Adventist Hospital Davao (AHD).

Delegates and Leadership

SePUM President and presiding officer, Pr. Danielo Palomares warmly welcomed a 10-member Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) delegation. Among the attendees were presidents, executive secretaries, treasurers from the five missions, administrators from SPAC and AHD, representatives from the 1000 Missionary Movement and Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), and ten lay members of the Executive Committee. SePUM’s leadership team included Executive Secretary Pr. Edwin Magdadaro, Treasurer Elder Laurence Lamera, Associate Treasurer Elder Esmiraldo Cantila Jr., and 13 departmental directors.

Themed “Called to Be Faithful,” the meeting emphasized God’s love and the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. SSD Treasurer Pr. Jacinto Adap reflected on the importance of knowing God, understanding our identity in Him, and embracing our roles as His ambassadors. “We are a chosen generation, a remnant church, and God’s messengers to a world in need,” he said.

Discussions and Highlights

The meeting began with a recommitment to the Adventist Church’s mission, approval of the daily agenda, and review of previous minutes and committee assignments. Key discussions included:

• Harvest 2025 Program: A large-scale evangelistic initiative to reach new souls for Christ across the SSD from January to December 2025;
• Adventist Heritage Awareness: Plans to establish Adventist Heritage Rooms and displays to inspire a deeper understanding of the Church’s history and mission in all Adventist institutions;
• Church Signage Program: A renewed focus on enhancing Adventist identity through clear, unified signage and visual branding. Additionally, SePUM, through the Communication department, will release the territorial Road and Directional Signage System (RDSS) during the first quarter of 2025 to augment the SSD-approved Church Signage Guidelines;
• Wedding Standards Initiative: Another significant move is the approval of the Adventist Family Ministries and Ministerial directors to form a committee to develop guidelines to uphold Adventist principles in weddings and reception ceremonies.

Administrative, Records, and Financial Success

Elder Palomares also presented SSD’s travel-themed video reports, showcasing departmental accomplishments and highlighting 42,566 baptisms—an inspiring milestone that places SePUM as the top-performing union in SSD. SePUM leaders pledged to honor mission fields that excelled in evangelism.

In just ten months, SePUM’s missions achieved remarkable results:

• Southeastern Caraga Mission (11,468 baptisms)
• South Central Mindanao Mission (8,807 baptisms)
• Davao Mission (7,641 baptisms)
• Southern Mindanao Mission (7,580 baptisms)
• Northern Davao Mission (7,070 baptisms)

The total baptisms exceeded 42,566, reflecting the union’s steadfast commitment to soul-winning.

In addition, Treasurer Elder Laurence Lamera’s financial report also highlighted SePUM’s priorities in supporting evangelism, missions, institutions, and departments. SePUM ranked third among SSD unions in the 2024 Treasury Evaluation Criteria. Southern Mindanao Mission (SMM) earned top honors for financial performance, followed by NDM, SCMM, SCM, and DM.

Further, Pr. Magdadaro reported SePUM’s success in implementing the Adventist Church Management System (ACMS), earning recognition as one of the top three performing unions in SSD. SMM excelled in membership reporting, achieving a population-to-adventist ratio of 12:1 and an impressive church-to-barangay ratio of 1:08.

Spiritual Reflections and Commitment

SSD Associate Treasurer Mr. Allan Deblois led a devotional message exploring the question, “Which comes first, calling or faithfulness?” He drew on biblical examples, such as Bezalel, David, Daniel, and Miriam, to illustrate how God values faithfulness above talent. “God’s call is not dependent on multiple talents but on a single, faithful heart,” he said.

During the commitment service, SSD Vice President Pr. Stephen Salainti urged attendees to emulate the faith of Joshua and Caleb. Reflecting on Numbers 13:30, he declared, “Let us go up at once and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.” He encouraged the delegates to remain faithful to their mission despite challenges.

Faithfulness in Little Things

The meeting concluded with a reflection on Ellen G. White’s timeless counsel: “Integrity in little things, the performance of little acts of fidelity and little deeds of kindness, will gladden the path of life; and when our work on earth is ended, it will be found that every one of the little duties faithfully performed has exerted an influence for good—an influence that can never perish” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 574).

SePUM’s first Year-End Meeting celebrated God’s blessings and affirmed the union’s commitment to faithfulness and mission. Delegates left inspired to build on their successes, empowered to serve, and determined to lead others to Christ.