Wednesday, October 13, 2010 several small groups coming from different districts of Northeastern Mindanao Mission flocked to the campus of (NEMA) Northeastern Mindanao Academy together with their candidates of baptism as the result of their ministry. The opening of the Festival was officially declared by NeMM President Solomon V. Mongaya after his keynote message that evening.
The special guests who graced the occasion were Elder Albert C.Gulfan Jr.,(SSD) Southern- Asia Pacific Division President with his wife Mrs. Helen B.Gulfan., Elder Wendell M. Serrano . (SPUC) South Philippine Union Conference President with his wife Mrs. Esther D. Serrano, Pastor Ephraim O. Paquibo, SPUC Sabbath School Director with his wife Dr. Lilia M. Paquibo and Pastor Jerry Patalinghug, SPUC Youth Director.
Everyday there is always a morning worship, mid-day and evening devotionals with mission Directors as speakers. Pastor EO Paquibo gave a very substantial message on Thursday evening. Elder WM Serrano gave a soul-searching message during Vesper meeting creating a desire for everyone to be God’s letters for others to know more about Jesus. And Elder AC Gulfan Jr. gave a very inspiring message awakening the interest of everyone to involve in small group ministry to experience the power of the Pentecost.
During the affair, the candidates for baptisms were given special seats in front for them to concentrate in listening to to the doctrinal review conducted by the NeMM Sabbath School Director, Pr. Jerson P.Arellano.
Packaged to the Small Group Festival were other important activities . First was the HOPE IMPACT tract distribution on the morning of October 14. On the evening another activity was the VOP Graduation after the evening devotional given by Pr. Ephraim O. Paquibo. The whole afternoon of Friday was spent on Family Life Lecture presented by the SSD Family Life Director Mrs. Helen B. Gulfan. An Investiture Program for Master Guides was done in the afternoon of the Sabbath at 1:00-3:00 P.M.with Elder AC Gulfan Jr as speaker. Then at 3:00 P.M. was the Mass Baptism of the actual count of 766 precious souls baptized in a big NEMA baptistery that can accommodate 30 persons at a time.
The number of baptism could have reached more than what has been counted if all Pastors were allowed to bring all their candidates to the venue. Since it would cost a lot of money for the fare and food expenses the executive committee approved to let those far flung districts have their own baptism in their districts with Pastors from the office to come and baptize them. At this point of time several souls are waiting to be baptized in their territory.
Thanks to be to God for the wonderful result of Small Group Ministry at NeMM. Hopefully many souls would be brought to God’s Kingdom through their dedication and involvement in this worthwhile endeavor. May God bless them .
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