At the height of the global health crisis where activities and programs of churches are severely limited, the South Philippine Union Conference (SPUC) still welcomes new members within the second quarter of 2021.

SPUC, the Adventist Mindanao headquarters that oversees 6 missions and 2 conferences as regional offices, has now baptized a total of 37,061 souls for 2021. North Eastern Mindanao Mission topped the list with roughly 22.75% or 8,434 baptisms. Southern Mindanao Mission came next gaining 19.6% (7,267), followed by Western Mindanao Conference (5,354), North Central Mindanao Conference (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 the month of April alone have almost equaled the 14,632 total record of the 1st quarter. These souls are the fruitful result of the online revival and evangelism and the efforts of the people behind the media ministry.

Pastor Roger O. Caderma, union president, expresses his gratitude to all of those who are actively working in every mission and conferences. He said, “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 to 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 drastic change. It may have closed the churches down for a while, and the new social distancing rules may have made it more difficult for worshippers to gather for worship and evangelism, but our Care Groups (CGs), elders, district pastors, missions and conferences leaders, and the internet have ensured that no health crisis can ever stop God’s under-shepherds to gather His lost flock. Rather than surrendering to despair, people have come together from their phones, their laptops, and desktops to continue the work of love. 
To God be all the glory!

Sheena Jade Ectin