Promising to be a transformative experience for delegates, the preparations for the highly anticipated Division-Wide Sabbath School, Personal Ministries, Children's Ministries, and NDR-IEL Congress in the Southern Asia-Pacific region are in full swing at Mountain View College in Valencia City, Bukidnon. Offering profound insights into Sabbath School and stewardship principles, this event is set to take place from June 10 to 15, 2024.
The Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) of the Seventh Day Adventist Church organized this upcoming congress, which carries the theme "Jesus is Coming: Get Involved." With a primary focus on spiritual growth, community engagement, and developing deeper connections with faith, this division-wide gathering is expected to draw thousands of participants from across the region.
Organizers anticipate the arrival of over 30,000 delegates from both local and international areas across the division. While logistics and accommodation remain key concerns, organizers and host organizations have dedicated significant effort to ensuring a suitable venue and comfortable arrangements for all attendees.
![Delegates of the division wide congress are starting to arrive, some coming from a three-day land trip to take part in this spiritual gathering. [Photo courtesy of Carmen Sarmiento]](https://images.hopesoftware.org/resize/L3c6MTkyMCxxOjc1L2hvcGUtaW1hZ2VzLzY1ZThlYzkxZDk5ODhiMTkwNzY5MmYxOC96eVMxNzI4Mjg2NTU1NjgwLnBuZw/w:1920,q:75/hope-images/65e8ec91d9988b1907692f18/zyS1728286555680.png)
Pastor Porferio Lagunday Jr., the president of the Adventist Church in Central Mindanao (CMM), provided insight into the meticulous planning going on at Mountain View College in a recent video that Hope Channel in Bukidnon released.
According to Pastor Lagunday Jr., the venue has been carefully arranged to accommodate the influx of delegates . To ensure a comfortable and conducive environment for the whole duration of the congress, a staggering 245 domes have been erected, each capable of housing up to 80 individuals. Furthermore, Pastor Lagunday Jr. highlighted the infrastructural enhancements made to the venue, including the construction of new roads and exits, facilitating smoother traffic flow and accessibility for all attendees.
![Tent domes line up, ready to accommodate thousands of delegates to join the six-day division-wide congress of the Sabbath School, Children's Ministries, and IEL at Mountain View College in Valencia, Bukidnon. [Aerial shot courtesy of Joas Soliva, Adventist Media Caraga]](https://images.hopesoftware.org/resize/L3c6MTkyMCxxOjc1L2hvcGUtaW1hZ2VzLzY1ZThlYzkxZDk5ODhiMTkwNzY5MmYxOC9Ga2kxNzI4Mjg2NjUxMjA2LnBuZw/w:1920,q:75/hope-images/65e8ec91d9988b1907692f18/Fki1728286651206.png)
Pastor Segundino Asoy, the Sabbath School Director for the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD), expressed his excitement as the upcoming congress approaches. "Since the pandemic, thousands of people within and beyond our division have eagerly anticipated this congress," said Asoy. "Now that the moment is upon us, we thank God for guiding us to this day. This event promises to be a meaningful opportunity for learning, fellowship, and the proclamation of the church's mission.”
![Organizers and delegates make final touches to prepare their tents and make sure it will last during the congress. [Photo courtesy of Emil Carlo Gripo, Adventist Media Caraga]](https://images.hopesoftware.org/resize/L3c6MTkyMCxxOjc1L2hvcGUtaW1hZ2VzLzY1ZThlYzkxZDk5ODhiMTkwNzY5MmYxOC9UZE0xNzI4Mjg2Njg2MzY3LmpwZw/w:1920,q:75/hope-images/65e8ec91d9988b1907692f18/TdM1728286686367.jpg)
In a video released by Mas Media, Pastor Segundino Asoy, the Sabbath School and Personal Ministry Director for the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD), expressed his encouragement to everyone as the upcoming congress approaches. He also emphasized the inclusion of sports like basketball and tennis and encouraged everyone to attend because they have prepared a series of breakout sessions, lectures, and other programs.
As the momentum for the impending Southern Asia-Pacific Division Congress intensifies, expectations soar for the spiritually enriching experience awaiting participants. With a lineup of esteemed speakers set to deliver keynote addresses, attendees can look forward to deepening their understanding of Sabbath School teachings and forging lasting connections with fellow believers.
Charles Leo Perolino, MAS Media South Philippines