February 24 - The South Philippine Union Conference officers headed by its President, Pr Danielo Palomares, and the engineer in charge of the project turned over the newly built Seventh-day Adventist Church under the MCIP program of SPUC or Mega Church Integrated Project in Panabo City to Northern Davao Mission, in ceremonies attended by administrators, directors, district pastors and staff of NDM, DM directors/representatives, and the church members and officers of Panabo Central Church, now the recipient-members of this church.

Pastor Eddie Ratilla, the Church Pastor of Panabo Central SDA Church, welcomed all the visitors coming from SPUC, Davao Mission, and Northern Davao Mission to the event.

This is the third Mega Church Integrated Project being completed in just three years as initiated by SPUC through a One–Peso-a-Day Offering Plan, and the contributions coming from each Mission and Conference, including SPUC as its major contributor. The estimated total cost of the project is Php 13.5M.

In his welcome remarks, Pastor Seth Suan, NDM President, narrated the history of the project saying that this church is a testament of God’s grace considering the many “highs and lows during its construction.” He said, “history will tell how we have grown our faith in Him.” (NDM News)

For his part, Pastor Palomares, SPUC President, reminded those in attendance, using Rev 21:3, 4, that this newly built church which is going to be the new home for the members of the former Panabo Central Church located along National Highway, is a beacon hope and God’s display of His presence in this area where each member is hereby encouraged to see every person residing within the community as a potential for heaven, with the church now rising.

After describing the newly built church in his speech, Sir Chemuel Almocera, SPUC Treasurer, beautifully coined its purpose which is primarily to make it a “missionary” for weary souls.

Engineer Balanay, Project Engineer, explained in part through his representative that they faced a number of challenges related to the pandemic, including rising costs of materials while constructing this church. However, the team takes a lot of pride that it was finally completed in God’s perfect time.

In one of the highlights of the program, Pastor David Bornales, DM Executive Secretary, turned over the door keys to Brother Lloyd Chinedo, NDM Treasurer, during the bequeathal of responsibility.

Believing that it has pleased our heavenly Father in building and equipping this house of worship, Pastor Heshbon Buscato, SPUC Executive Secretary, reverently invoked upon this newly built sanctuary through a special prayer the abiding blessing of the Lord together with the officers and church pastor of this church.

As the service concluded, Brother Eliezer Montefalcon, Panabo Central Church Head Elder, graciously thanked the leaders of SPUC for spearheading this project. “Let us dream now, not for a small church building, but a desire for a much bigger church such as this.” (NDM News)

This newly built mega church is located at Purok 6, Barangay Quezon, Panabo City.