SSD Inaugurates Impressive Training Campus at Lake Sebu
The Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) marked a historic moment on May 8 with the inauguration and thanksgiving ceremony of the Adventist Training Center (ATC) at Lake Seloton, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato. The event, led by SSD President Pastor Roger O. Caderma and local church leaders, celebrated the culmination of a worldwide effort that began with the 13th Sabbath School offering in 2017.
Allocated initially for a hospital in Surigao, the global offering was redirected due to unmet technical requirements. SSD then opened opportunities for missions in Mindanao to submit new project proposals within a limited timeframe.
Pastor Caderma, then serving as president of the South Philippine Union Conference—now the Southwestern Philippine Union Conference—encouraged Southern Mindanao Mission (SMM) administrators to propose a training center. With urgency and dedication, then-Executive Secretary Dr. Elfie Ramon Miranda meticulously crafted the proposal with the full support of then President Rene Rosa, currently serving as Vice President for Evangelism of Southeastern Philippine Union Mission (SePUM).
A Vision Realized
Through God’s providence, efforts to scout an ideal location led to the discovery of a 3.4-hectare titled property, free from legal encumbrances. This site, now home to a demo farm, convention center, sports facilities, dining hall, and guest accommodations, serves as a hub for various ministry initiatives.
Recognizing the growing need for continuous education and skills development, SSD later acquired an adjacent 3-hectare property to house the TESDA Training Center, dormitories, and a sanctuary, further expanding opportunities for everyone seeking personal and spiritual enrichment.
A Center of Influence
This is a project of the General Conference, our worldwide headquarters, established to serve as a center of influence,” stated Pastor Caderma. “It will strengthen our ministries and, through partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), provide livelihood training to help people improve their quality of life while deepening their knowledge of Jesus.”
Elder Wendell Mandolang, SSD Executive Secretary, and his Associate Secretary, Elder Mamerto Guingguing, along with the SSD Treasurer, Elder Jacinth Adap, attended the gathering of happy people. The jubilant faces of mission administrators, directors, and field workers radiated throughout the ceremony.
With a sense of amazing feeling, Elder Enrile Yata commented: “It’s remarkable! This gift is established in this beautiful tourist destination. It is one of the popular catch basins of the country’s tourism industry, home to the seven breathtaking waterfalls and a serene lake. This will be an instrument to connect with the community that will fulfill the church’s missions, since it will create linkage, transform, and bring the message to the people around the place.”
In his keynote message, Pastor Mandolang expounded that these structures are an enduring testament to God’s faithfulness and are envisioned as a place open to every soul in need of leadership development, discipleship training, and spiritual formation.
“We, His people, had this gift being united in one purpose, one calling, and one message: to proclaim Jesus Christ and prepare for His soon return,” said Pastor Nildo Mamac, SMM President.
Upon reading the history, Pastor Rosa mentioned many individuals whose expertise, resources, and connections were used by God in so many ways for this project. From the General Conference, to SSD leaders, the pillars of the two bifurcated unions and the supportive leaders of this church. God touched the hearts of government leaders and instrumentalities from various line agencies. The plaques and citations also were handed to generous businessmen and benefactors from all walks of life.
Most of all, the construction workers from humble backgrounds devoted time, skills, and strength. The leadership of Mr. Fred Polvera and his family, who showed determination and strength in making this vision come true, proved that laughter made the work even more meaningful. As the days passed, the lake and waterfalls nearby, more than 100 precious souls accepted Jesus through baptism, and their influence and testimonies radiated brightly in the community.
1 Corinthians 3:11 reminds everyone about the most reliable construction base: “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.”
Ellen G. White, whose pen and writings continuously encouraged many, wrote: Every uttered word exerts an influence, and every action involves a train of responsibility. No one can live to himself in this world, even if he would. Each one forms a part of the great web of humanity, and through our individual threads of influence, we are linked to the universe. Christ used his influence to draw men to God, and he left us an example of the way in which we should speak and act.
A person who is molded by the Spirit of God will know how to speak a “word in season to him that is weary,” and will realize the highest human blessedness,—the joy of imparting to others the precious treasures of the wisdom and grace of Christ. But those who permit themselves to be controlled by the enemy of all good will speak words which should never be uttered.” (The Review and Herald, February 16, 1897)