Tagum City - With an atmosphere brimming with faith and devotion, a remarkable spiritual revival took place in Northern Davao from October 6-21, 2023. Titled "It Is Written: The Hour Has Come," this awe-inspiring event series saw a total of 646 individuals being baptized.

Hosted by the Tagum Central Seventh-Day Adventist Church and held across 11 sites, the gathering served as a crucial link in fostering district unity and triggering a profound spiritual reawakening.

Powerful Sermons at the Pulpit

Pastor Miguel Crespo, President of the New York Conference, graced the Tagum Central event as the main speaker. His spirit-filled sermons, translated by Pastor Rene Rosa, Field Secretary of the South Philippine Union Conference, resonated deeply with the attendees.

Behind-the-Scenes Efforts

Overseeing the coordination of the "It Is Written" team's evangelistic activities was Pastor Ely Magtanong, the U.S. Coordinator. His dedicated efforts ensured the success of the event and its lasting impact.

A Display of Divine Eloquence

At the Cuambogan event, the featured guest speaker was Charlotte Marriott, accompanied by Mrs. Zenaida Necesario, Children's Ministries Director, and Pastor Raymond Cabardo, serving as interpreters. Pastor Carlos Aganio took charge of the church in Santo Tomas Central, while Jennifer Cardoza and the Field Two pastors provided leadership at Kapalong Central Church.

In Mabini, Cindy Torgesen delivered a powerful message, translated by Pastor Vincent Tabelon. The gathering at Pantukan Central drew inspiration from Paul McLean, supported by Pastor Jasper Love Panuncio, Executive Secretary.

Elizabeth Cowan led the meeting in Mawab, with Mrs. Marrieta Nacorda, Women's Ministries Director, serving as her translator. Nabunturan witnessed the dynamic duo of Pastor Julie Esteban, Stewardship Ministries Director, and Pastor Art Kevin Rio taking the stage. Pastor Harlie Ybañez, Adventist Mission Director, led the proceedings in Compostela Center.

Carmen Central featured John Marriott, with a translation provided by Sir Crisolito Cabrera, Education Ministries Director. Lastly, Jim Reynolds conveyed his message to North Davao Colleges, translated by Pastor Vicente Hulguin, Health, and Youth Ministries Director, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.
Through these spiritual gatherings, the people of Northern Davao were touched by powerful messages and experienced a profound transformative renewal.

In Loving Memory of A Legacy

Adding to the legacy of the late Pastor Alex Necesario, former Northern Davao Mission President, the It Is Written team honored his memory by pressing forward with their plans. Despite his untimely passing, Pastor Danielo Palomares, who served as an interim President, and the current President of SPUC, and Pastor Seth Suan, NDM President rallied the mission to continue their immense endeavor. Recognizing the collective effort and placing their trust in divine grace, Pastor Suan expressed gratitude to everyone involved for their dedication and commitment.

During the event, the gathering was graced by the presence of Pastor John Bradshaw, President of “It Is Written”. Although physically absent, he addressed the audience through a heartfelt video message. Pastor Bradshaw commended the relentless efforts of the Northern Davao Mission administration, acknowledging their incredible commitment to advancing God's cause. His words of encouragement inspired all those present, reinforcing the global connections and shared vision of the It Is Written movement.

The impact of the spiritual revival in Northern Davao was not limited to the local community but extended to the worldwide network of individuals who share a passion for spiritual awakening. This event served as a testament to the power of unity, faith, and the belief that transformation can happen on a grand scale.

Refining the Legacy

As the event unfolded, Pastor Ely Magtanong took the opportunity to express his deepest gratitude in the local dialect, saying, "Daghang salamat kaninyo." He emphasized that the purpose of their efforts was to bring glory to God's name. Pastor Magtanong reminded everyone that this was not just the beginning but a journey that would continue until the second coming of Jesus. Their commitment was to nurture the seed of truth in the hearts of the newly baptized members of the church.

The climax of the event took place on October 21 at the bustling Panabo Sports Complex, where a multitude of people gathered. While this day marked a significant milestone, both speakers and organizers stressed that it was merely a stepping stone. The mission would persist, the faith would grow, and the congregation would steadfastly support and mentor the newly baptized individuals. The secretariat revealed that an astonishing total of 3,246 baptisms had been recorded since May, a remarkable testament to the impact of dedicated Bible studies and field preparations.

This extraordinary gathering was a shining example of the strength that comes from collaborative endeavors focused on a shared vision. It demonstrated that a united faith can lead to a widespread spiritual revival, transforming the lives of individuals across Northern Davao. 

Soli Deo Gloria! 

#ItIsWritten #TheHourHasCome #IAMNDM #KinabuhingKristohanon #HopeChannelNDM
#NewYorkConference New York Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
#SouthPhilippinesUnionConference South Philippine Union Conference
#NorthernDavaoMission Northern Davao Mission of Seventh-Day Adventists

Pr EM Vladimir Undalok NDM Communication Director

Pr Roxie Joy Pido