Even the pandemic couldn't stop the South-Central Luzon Conference (SCLC) from its weeklong praise and celebration of God's 90-year of goodness and mercy to His mission on September 19-25, 2021.
The celebration began with an early devotional by Pastor Reymundo Torres, SCLC President, at Lucena Adventist Church in Quezon, Philippines, the first headquarters of the southern work. Then, a convoy of nine vehicles traveled from Lucena, Quezon to the current work headquarters in San Pablo City, Laguna. Mrs. Delba De Chavez and Irenea De Torres led the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new SCLC Pavilion, built through funds from generous mission supporters. The Pavilion became the face of the 90th founding Anniversary where organizers actually held the activities and streamed live through the South-Central Luzon Conference Facebook page to reach a thousand more participants who joined the celebration from their places around the globe.
"I think this happened in God's perfect time, and through the spirit of unity among the leaders when the idea about this [building and celebration] was introduced," said Mr. Roland Fabon, SCLC Treasurer.
Pastor Nelson de Chavez, the first Conference status president, opened the celebration with a recollection message. He recalled how the mission pioneer workers served with commitment and self-sacrifice to carry forward God's cause in the southern Tagalog area. "We who are still alive today face great challenges... Let's be holy, firm, and strong in the faith. Hold on firmly to the faith and zeal of those who've gone before us!" he urged strongly.
The week featured a reading of the SCLC history which ran for a few days. Attendees also enjoyed some afternoon games early in the week. Live and recorded music also took a significant part in the celebration.
On Tuesday night retired ministers shared how they'd experienced the goodness of the Lord during their terms in the ministry. The Conference health, literature, and education forces also shared their pieces of appreciation and witness to God's care and leading through the years. "I praise God for He is good enough to let the celebration run smoothly. And we commit to making it smoother next time," said Esther Fadriquela, who oversaw the daily programs.
Featured speakers included former treasurer Bro. Tom Dayahan, former presidents Pastor Arnel Gabin, now the NPUC Executive Secretary; Pastor Hermogenes Villanueva, now the SSD Sabbath School Director; Pastor Dem Robles, San Diego Filipino-American Adventist Church senior pastor; and former NPUC Education director Nelson Castillo. On Friday, Pastor Reymundo Torres, SCLC President, was all thanks to God and the supportive membership locally and abroad.
The culmination of the celebration highlighted the setting apart of ministerial workers to the gospel ministry on the Sabbath, September 25. In the morning, Pastor Mamerto Guingguing II, Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) Communication Director, blessed the brethren with a message on abiding in Christ. He emphasized remaining in God's Word, love, and work. "This is my hope and my prayer that all of us here in South-Central Luzon Conference will have a beautiful reunion, not only the 90 years reunion. It's just the beginning of a beautiful journey towards eternity," he concluded.
In the afternoon, Pastor Rudy Baloyo, SSD Executive Secretary, began the ordination ceremony with a reminder drawn from 2 Timothy 4 dealing with the qualities of the pastor's position. Then, Pastor Lemuel and Mrs. Esther Fadriquela, SCLC Ministerial Secretary and Ministerial Spouse Association (MSA) Coordinator, respectively, facilitated the ordination. They introduced the sponsors, the wives, and the following ten ordinands: Pastors Rhick Almeria, Honevic Cadiz, Junas Carreon, Michael Dalida, Dan Kelvin Fiecas, Alvin Gasang, Renato Liberato, Ralph Palmones, Franklin Rollan from SCLC; and Pastor Abner Dizon from Cavite Mission. Senior ordained pastors laid their hands and poured the oil symbol of the Holy Spirit on the ordinands.
"It was an important experience, a confirmation of God's call to me," Pastor Ralph Palmones said of his ordination. "I praise and thank God, first of all, for His goodness to us. I saw His leading, guidance, and care. It was such a precious and sacred event in my life," Pastor Franklin Rollan said.
Pastor Arnel Gabin charged the new ministers who, with their wives, received a warm welcome to the brotherhood and sisterhood of Christ's full-time gospel ministry. After the ordination, some of the new pastors went down to the water to baptize eight new believers.
"This was all done by the Lord. And I am deeply humbled that God has given more than what we have expected. The ordination of nine [pastors] especially brought me great joy in the Lord, for it means additional workforce who can perform what should be done in our churches," Pastor Rey Torres said, with deep emotion in his voice.
Pastor Michael Dalida, South-Central Luzon Conference
For more details about the SCLC 90th Anniversary, watch the SCLC@90 videos on the Conference Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SCLCAdventist