SePUM starts the Year with Ten Days of Prayer Initiative

To set intentions, seek strength and guidance, and embrace gratitude, the Southeastern Philippine Union Mission (SePUM) family began fiscal year 2025 with a series of 10 Prayer Sessions. These sessions, which included sermons delivered by women leaders, directors, administrative assistants, and secretaries, took place twice a day from January 6 to January 10. The series concluded with a foot washing ceremony on Friday evening, followed by a church visitation at Upper Mintal Adventist Church on Sabbath, January 11.

Miss Cherry Anne Sotto, the Receiving Cashier, delivered her sermon titled “Abide With Me” before the first day of work began. Meanwhile, Ma’am Marietta Nacorda, the Administrative Assistant for Health and Education Ministries, gave a stirring message called “Teach Us to Pray” during the afternoon session of the prayer meeting.

During the third session on Tuesday, the morning speaker, Ma’am Joecyl Jane Legario, who serves as the administrative secretary to the executive secretary, presented a prayer titled “Be Specific.” In the afternoon session on the same day, Mrs. Ivan Mae Flores, the Administrative Assistant for Youth and Communication Ministries, took to the pulpit to discuss “Unanswered Prayers.”

Ma’am Leoniflor Etac Seda delivered a sermon titled “Hallowed Be Your Name,” based on “The Lord’s Prayer.” She serves as the Administrative Assistant for Sabbath School and Adventist Muslim Relations in the Lord’s vineyard. During the afternoon session, Ma’am Meldy Cole, SePUM’s Assistant Treasurer, inspired the audience with a message centered on the theme “Your Kingdom Come.” This session rekindled the expectation of God’s promises among those present.

Delivering another compelling topic with passion and persuasion, we emphasize that “God’s will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven,” and we trust that He will “give us this day our daily bread.” In the morning, Chief Accountant Irenea Alboria performed a noble task, and in the afternoon, Ma’am Charlyn C. Dabucol, Administrative Assistant to the President, delightfully shared her experiences and insights.

On Preparation Day, Ma’am Lindy Lou Magdadaro, the Women and Family Ministries Director and a survivor of a major heart operation, discussed the “Forgive Us Our Debts” segment of the Lord’s Prayer. Meanwhile, Ma’am Jill Palomares, the Children’s Ministries Director and MSA Coordinator, offered insights into Jesus’ plea, “Do Not Lead Us Into Temptation,” emphasizing the profound power of prayer.

The vespers worship gathered all SePUM workers along with their family members, filling the worship hall to capacity for the Foot Washing Ceremony and Communion Service. This event carried a meaningful message about unity and love, along with other virtues in heavenly harmony. Foot washing, as demonstrated by Jesus, represents humility and service, highlighting that true greatness comes from serving others. It symbolizes the cleansing of sins and impurities, reminding believers of the importance of living a purified life—both spiritually and morally—and fostering love and unity within the SePUM community.

Communion is important because it reminds us of Jesus’s sacrifices, nourishes us spiritually, and unites us as His followers in these challenging times. It strengthens the bond within the Christian community by allowing us to participate in a shared ritual and express our collective faith.

On Sabbath morning, a unique sense of camaraderie with God filled the Upper Mintal Adventist Church, located at Sitio Dabong, Purok 8, Mintal, amidst the Millanes Farms. Inspiring testimonies about answered prayers echoed throughout the hall, surrounded by trees and lush greenery.

Elder Danielo Palomares reminded everyone of the power of prayer through the story of Elisha, the champion of answered prayer. The prophet Elisha, successor to Elijah, performed numerous miracles filled with divine power, and let us enumerate a few:

• Parting the Jordan River: After receiving Elijah’s mantle, Elisha struck the waters of the Jordan River, causing them to part so he could cross over.
• Healing Poisoned Water: Elisha purified the contaminated water supply in Jericho by adding salt, making it safe again.
• Multiplying Oil: He miraculously multiplied a widow’s jar of oil, allowing her to pay off her debts and support her family.
• Raising a Child: Elisha brought the son of a Shunammite woman back to life, demonstrating God’s authority over life and death.
• Feeding a Hundred: Elisha fed a hundred men with twenty loaves of barley bread, showcasing the concept of divine provision.
• Floating Axe Head: A borrowed axe head fell into the water, and Elisha made it float so it could be retrieved.
• Healing Naaman: Elisha healed Naaman, the commander of the Syrian army, of leprosy by telling him to wash in the Jordan River.
• Protecting Israel: His intercession caused the Syrian army to become blind, thereby protecting the people of Israel.

Our prayers, when accompanied by deep faith, connect us to God, who has the immense power to make everything possible.

Inspired by the examples of God’s faithfulness and guidance, the SepUM Ladies Chorus and several SePUM couples shared their songs of thanksgiving. This continued until Sabbath afternoon at Mountain Haven, when every family joyfully expressed their commitment to serving God by sharing more testimonies and reflections.

In summary, starting the year with prayer sessions can create a positive atmosphere for the months to come. Prayer helps us connect with our faith, seek guidance, express gratitude, and build a sense of community. This spiritual practice can offer clarity, strength, and a deeper sense of purpose as we face the challenges and joys of a new year.

“The lesson is for all in positions of trust. When God opens the way for the accomplishment of a particular work and gives assurance of success, the chosen instrumentality must do all in his power to bring about the promised result. In proportion to the enthusiasm and perseverance with which the work is carried forward will be the success given. God can work miracles for His people only as they act their part with untiring energy, laboring together with God for the upbuilding of His kingdom.” Ellen G. White, Prophets and Kings, 263.1