This year’s prevailing quarantine restrictions never hindered the zealous women of the Central Mindanao Mission of Seventh-day Adventists (CMM) in sharing God’s love to others. Headed by Mrs. Marife M. Patalinghug, the women’s department organized three seminars and two community outreach programs in the second quarter of 2021. 

The department facilitated the Revelation of Hope Seminar at Hotel Valencia on May 16-21 to reach out to the elite people in the society. They invited the Sabbath School Director of South Philippine Union Conference himself, Pastor Segundino Asoy, to be their keynote speaker in proclaiming God’s message. The women from Cluster 4, comprising Valencia 1, 2, and 3; Lilingayon; and Lurugan Districts facilitated the event. The seminar became an instrument in calling 15 precious souls to a new relationship with Jesus as they accepted Him as their savior.

In a joint effort with the CMM administrators and directors under the leadership of Pastor Jerry Patalinghug, and Longvine Hope Studio, they conducted a 21-day series entitled “In Times Like These, We Need to Turn to God (Igsuon Ko, O, Balik Na)”, with topics from the Last Day Events. It was successfully aired last June 6-26 online and via radio broadcast. 

Moreover, the Voice of Prophecy series, “Tingog sa Propesiya” has begun with more than 1,000 student participants. This program airs every Saturday and Sunday at 1:30-2:30 in the afternoon starting June 6 and ending on August 29 of this year. This has been backed by the Ministerial Spouses Association and women leaders from the different clusters of CMM. 
Inspired by God’s special calling for women to advance His work, they organized a community pantry called, “Gasa sa Dios, Grasya sa Dios”, to provide raw food and other goods to people in need when the COVID-19 crisis began to shut down areas under Bukidnon province. The pantry opens daily in its first few days, then decreasing to twice a week, and eventually as needed, at present, due to the availability of supplies.  

Lastly, as part of their thanksgiving celebration for the life of their leader, Mrs. Patalinghug, the department collaborated with the CMM family and  ACS (Adventist Community Service) to share God’s love and blessings to the most needy people in Sitio Natampod, San Fernando, Valencia City through a feeding and gift-giving program. With the overwhelming support of the generous philanthropists, they were able to distribute grocery items and slippers, conduct free clinic, and supply some materials for shelter, such as (8) eight pieces of galvanized iron with (1) one kilo umbrella nails and (1) one plain sheet to 30 recipients among the indigent people.

Evidently, in spite of the challenges that the pandemic has brought to the world, God provides means for His people to continue the mission of sharing His love to others. Without neglecting the need to take precautions in interacting with other people during this time of crisis, the women of CMM dedicated themselves in the service of the Lord while lifting all the glory to His name! 

BY Aubrey Virtudes & Marife Patalinghug