At the height of the global health crisis, when church activities and programs are severely limited, the South Philippine Union Conference (SPUC) of Seventh-day Adventists is welcoming new members to its growing family of believers.
SPUC, the Mindanao union of Seventh-day Adventists that comprises six missions and two conferences added 37,061 souls to its roster of believers this first and second quarters of 2021. 22.75% of this new number was harvested by North Eastern Mindanao Mission with 8,434 baptisms. 19.6% or 7,267 baptisms come from Southern Mindanao Mission. Western Mindanao Conference gathered in 5,354 souls, North Central Mindanao Conference brought in 4,865, Davao Mission 3,029, Zamboanga Peninsula Mission 2,889, Northern Davao Mission 2,669, and Central Mindanao Mission 2,554. The 12,714 new members who joined in April alone have almost equaled the 14,542 total baptisms of the 1st quarter. The conversion of these souls is the result of the online revival and evangelism activities, and the faithful commitment of the people in the media ministry.
Pastor Roger O. Caderma, union president, expresses his gratitude to all of those who are actively working in every mission and conference. “We praise God and to Him, we bring all the glory and honor, as the outpouring of the Holy Spirit never ceases to guide, inspire, teach and give wisdom to our ministers, to their respective small group leaders, and every working man and woman in the Lord’s vineyard." He added, “It is a delight to know that each member has become a partaker in bringing more souls back to Christ.”
The global pandemic has prompted churches to adapt to the new normal. Rather than surrendering to despair, God’s faithful witnesses come together virtually with their phones, their laptops, and desktops to continue the work of love. The restrictions may have closed the churches down for a while, and the new social distancing rules may have made worship and evangelistic activities difficult, but our Care Groups, church elders, district pastors, mission and conference leaders, and the internet ensured that no health crisis can ever stop God's undershepherds from gathering His sheep back to His fold.
Sheena Jade Ectin, South Philippine Union Conference