Former administrators, alumni, and past batches of the 1000 Missionary Movement (1000MM) joined the celebration of the movement’s 30th year of existence on its campus in Silang, Cavite, Philippines. This marks 30 years of God’s providence and guidance to the 1000 Missionary Movement in sending missionaries worldwide to proclaim God’s blessed hope and soon return. The 1000 MM continues to train young men and women who dedicated their lives to the gospel work. They are sent to least reached areas worldwide where God’s message has not been heard yet.
Southern Asia-Pacific Division and Northern Asia-Pacific Division graced the event, remembering the blessings of the pioneering days and how the Lord has led the institution to where it is now. Reminiscing how the movement started, leaders from both Asian divisions acknowledged the 1000 MM pioneers for establishing this empowering program and preparing young people to be a part of God’s end-time ministry.
Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) President Pastor Roger Caderma opened the event by sharing valuable reminders about missionary work and how the movement inspired thousands of young people to do the Gospel commission. He narrated how God’s word spread vastly in different countries through young missionaries who were bold and fearful to do the mission.
In his message, Caderma shared that we all share the responsibility of accomplishing God’s mission. Through faith, we submit to God’s leading and guidance and see how the Lord will use us mightily in. the mission field.
“Wherever you are assigned, whatever responsibility you have, the Lord has a purpose in your life,” Caderma said.
Part of this celebration is the homecoming of the 57th batch of 1000 MM. Due to lockdowns caused by the pandemic in the past two years, missionaries from other countries were temporarily halted due to travel restrictions. The 57th batch represents missionaries coming entirely from the Philippines.
Former Northern Asia-Pacific Division (NSD) President Si Young Kim addressed the 57th batch of missionaries. He recalled his time when he was still the director of the 1000 MM from 1995 to 2000. He said every moment in the mission field is an opportunity to see God working in different miracles.
“There are many challenges you will face in the mission field, but God will always be there with you while you are serving,” Si Young Kim said. “Because there is joy in the mission field,” Kim added.
Newly elected General Conference Associate Secretary Saw Samuel was also present in the gathering as the hour of worship speaker. In his message, he recognizes God’s guidance for the 1000 MM and how he has led missionaries to be a beacon of hope in places where they are called to serve.
“The Lord has guided us in the past, He will be our strength at present, and He will sustain us for the future,” Samuel said.
Northern Asia-Pacific Division President Yohan Kim delivered his share of fond memories while he was still a director in the 1000 MM back in 2000-2006. Kim challenged the 57th batch to keep the Holy Spirit close to their hearts as they venture into different ministries God would like them to flourish.
Capping the day with baptism and commemoration
After finishing their one year in mission with the 1000 Missionary Movement, the 57th batch was able to build churches and organize evangelistic meetings all throughout the program. Their prayers and hard work resulted in the baptism of more than 300 candidates. On the afternoon of the anniversary program, 75 candidates affirmed their decision to baptism.
A commemoration rock was inaugurated and prayed for during the anniversary. The commemorative rock was a reminder of God’s strength and refuge for the movement since the day it was established and how the Lord remained steadfast for his missionaries in the past, present, and the years to come. The commemorative rock engraves the bible verse Mark 16:15, which says, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”
This rock encourages 1000 MM pioneers, batches, and campus visitors about our high calling of preaching the gospel to everyone worldwide.
The idea of establishing a sending missionary institution was first realized in 1991. This program was conceptualized by former Northern Asia-Pacific Division President Jairyong Lee. After a successful presentation and deliberation, the proposed project was then approved by the Asia-Pacific Division (formerly Far Eastern Division). In 1992, the first batch of young people arrived for training. It was two months after when they finally secured a property for the 1000 Missionary Movement Campus in Balubad, Silang, Cavite. The following year, the first batch of missionaries was commissioned. This marked the beginning of the 1000 MM batches of missionaries sent for mission in different parts of the world.
At present, the 1000 MM has 11,383 missionaries representing 64 nations, reaching out to 47 global mission fields.
After thirty years of existence, the 1000 Missionary Movement remains resolute in its commitment to bringing the message to remote places around the world. Staying true to its promise that “once a missionary, will always be a missionary.”
Edward Rodriguez, SSD Communication Department