On the day of the opening of the HOPE CHANNEL PHILIPPINES Launching last July 29,2011 the administration took the chance to invite the brethren who will attend the launching to join the thanksgiving ceremony of the new renovated building of NeMM headquarters. The function hall of the building was fully packed with brethren and visitors from different parts of the CARAGA regional territory.
Elder Edwin C. Gulfan, the Executive Secretary of SPUC gave the message on that significant occasion for the thanksgiving ceremony. He said something that amazed everyone that 1 particular place in Northeastern Mindanao Mission is the cradle of the ministry of the 3 important presidents, Elder Rudy Yap, Elder Solomon V. Mongaya, and himself. It is in Barobo where they were ordained as ministers.
He further said that our mission is the nest of offshoots. Supposed to be its membership will be drained. But this mission grew BIG just like donating blood , we grow strong and healthy.
Through the faithfulness of its members throughout the mission field, Northeastern Mindanao Mission is one of the missions that helped South Philippine Union Mission excel in financial status.
Now NeMM is one of those Missions who had successfully renovated its building just like Davao mission, and Southern Mindanao Mission.
At the end of the blessing each one proceeded to the dining hall at the cafeteria where snacks were served to everyone. (Nilda E. Caberte)
NEMM Office Building’s Blessing and Thanksgiving Ceremony
Free Clinic: Loreto District
Northeastern Mindanao Mission of the Seventh-day Adventists were so greatful for the Department of Health, Caraga Region who sponsored medicines during Free-Clinic in Mambaos, Loreto Agusan del Sur. It’s a four-hour trip from Butuan City. Aside from these medicines their doctors rendered their services also. It was Ptr. German B. Ramos, the district pastor who requested these medicines and was very grateful to them for responding positively.
The Medical Team was headed by Ptr. Nimrod Saramosing, the Health Director of Northeastern Mindanao Mission with: Dr. Glen Tiangha, Dr. Ma. Flordelis M. Llesis and Dr. Laura Idulsa, rendered medical services for consultation and tooth extraction. The Barangay Health Workers headed by Ma’am Jonoras were behind in facilitating the patients. There were more than 200 people who received medical assistance. It’s a tiresome travel due to the distance and rough road but we were compensated of the abundant food prepared by the brethren. Thanks to all the brethren who have helped a lot.
NEMM-Youth Ministries Department Spearheaded Summer Youth Camp 2011
The Youth Ministries Department of Northeastern Mindanao Mission under the directorship of Pastor Max Dante B. Obbus conducted a mission-wide summer youth camp on May 8-14, 2011 at Mt. Olive Laymen’s Academy, Mt. Olive, Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur with the theme “Alone With God.”
On the opening night, Pastor Henry Sucuaje, District Pastor of Olive District gave an inspirational message. Barangay Captain Romel Montecalvo of Barangay Olive welcomed all the staff, delegates, and parents on behalf of the local government. Pastor Solomon V. Mongaya, NEMM president, delivered a very timely and uplifting message during the Divine Worship. Sir Romel Subigca, school principal of Northeastern Mindanao Academy, offered the commitment message and prayer during the closing program.
The said event aimed to develop future church leaders through different Pathfindering activities and programs. The participants were divided into different categories from the Adventurer Club, Pathfinder Club, Master Guide, Pathfinder Leadership Award (PLA), and Advanced Pathfinder Leadership Award (APLA). Furthermore, various classes and honors were conducted in the morning to cater the need of the campers for their passport completion.
Around 200 youth from Caraga Region participated in this program. These young people underwent rigid training and various activities all throughout the week. On the first day, they did “getting-to-know-you” games and activities; and on the following day, they had camp skills and drills. In the middle of the week, the participants enjoyed nature’s beauty when they had a track and trail. They went hiking, spelunking and waterfalls exploring. On Thursday (May 12), the attendees had an obstacle race. The last day was spent doing a community service around the school and the neighborhood. Aside from physical and social enrichments, the campers were spiritually strengthened and revived through morning worship and devotionals, meditation and counselor’s time, and evening devotionals. At night, there were different presentations by district such as songs and yells, unique talent, group singing – religious, musical instrument playing, and religious drama.
Regardless of the unexpected untoward incidents, the administrative officers, camp staff, parents and participants felt physically, socially and spiritually rejuvenated and blessed. Everybody believed that we were not alone, because God was with us.
Youth Life Program
Photo: Ian Alfer Baal
The Youth Department of Northeastern Mindanao Mission is actively doing a yearly activity initiating a program that helps the young people become better equipped using their abilities, talents and skills for the leadership in the church.
Last April 10-16, 2011 the Youth Department of NeMM headed by Ptr. Max Dante B. Obbus, Youth Director conducted a Mission-wide youth program in Bayugan Comprehensive High School, Bayugan City which called “YOUTH LIFE”. A balanced program instituted to meet the needs of the youth’s physical, mental, spiritual, emotional and social development.
The Youth Life program featured different categories such as:
- A.Y Programming - Printed programs were introduced intended for AY only good for 2-3 years. Young people will just follow and select the activities so that the AY programs become lively and attractive to young people.
- Youth Evangelism – Youths were trained in the mechanism on how to win souls for Christ. If all our youth involve themselves in evangelism, many souls will be brought unto God’s kingdom.
- Youth Literature Evangelism – Some of the youth grouped themselves to participate in evangelism through printed pages. They were trained why and how to spread the “Good News” of the Lord through literature.
- Medical Training- Youths were given several steps and procedures on rescue operation.
- Sports; a) Basketball, b) Volleyball men, c) Volleyball women – The liveliest portion on the part of the young people is the sports like different ball games. Every player enjoyed very much as well as the spectators.
- Week of Prayer – The whole duration of the week’s program is a Week of Prayer. Pr. Solomon V. Mongaya, the NeMM president, is the speaker during morning and evening devotionals to help them spiritually developed.
- Nightly Presentation – Every district’s delegates were given a chance and privilege to show their talents every night which gave a lively and colorful attraction to the affair.
- Lecturers: The lecturers were Cirilo S. Ba-al, Treasurer, Pr. Bernabe C. Caballero, Jr., Executive Secretary, Pr. Bernabe M. Dahunan, Bayugan District Pastor, Jacinto R. Martinez, Area Publishing Ministries Supervisor, Surigao City. Pr. Jerry T. Taguno, Barobo District Pastor, Pr. Ralph A de Domingo, Cabadbaran District Pastor, Pr. Nimrod V. Saramosing, Health Director, Samson H. Andrade, Publishing Director, Mrs. Leonor P. Mongaya, Womens/Children and FLM Director and Pr. Heshbon Buscato, the SPUC Youth Director.
The youth took advantage of the activities and were divided into groups to attend different stations. Almost every district participated on the program. More than 2,000 young people participated the activity and during Sabbath services the attendance was doubled.
Praise the Lord for all the youth who have attended on this kind of activities for now they have the means to improve their skills and abilities in the leadership and winning souls for Christ as they go back to their own churches.
A Church Stands in the Island of Siargao
Siargao SDA Church
Siargao is an island which is one of the tourists spots in the Philippines, It is a part of NeMM territory where we can find the Cloud 9 International Surfing Area, the Blue Lagoon near the Philippine Deep where the yearly International Fishing competition is regularly held, the beautiful sceneries of the Sohuton Cave, the attractive beaches of the place like Naked Island. All these attractions ignites peoples interests to visit the places.
Such wonderful sceneries motivated our SPUC leaders who are lovers of Nature. Mr. Levi Baliton, SPUC treasurer together with Pastor Nelson Paulo held an evangelistic Crusade. Mr. Baliton gave a nightly lectures on Family Life and Pr. Paulo conducted the Gospel lecture. It was in General Luna Gymnasium last June 2008 with a vision to build a church for new members and tourists who come and visit Siargao.
The dream indeed became materialized after having a total of 52 precious souls baptized after the crusade. The church was built and it was inaugurated and blessed on February 12, 2011. Those who graced the occasion of course were Pr Paulo and Mr. Baliton together with Retired SPUC President Pr. Wendell Serrano and Assistant Treasurer Chemuel Almocera. From Northeastern Mindanao Mission were Pr. Solomon V. Mongaya, the President, Mr. Cirilo S. Ba-al, the Treasurer, Architect Ryan Bautista who designed the church building.
On that special event the officers made another commitment for next year to have a District crusade in that island. This would really incur a big budget but behind all these will be more blessings when many souls will learn of God’s love and be brought unto His feet.
A Dream to Operate Radio AM Station in Butuan City
Northeastern Mindanao Mission (NeMM) located in Baan, Butuan City , Philippines has envisioned to have a better way to reach out people through a modern trend of communicating the gospel through radio AM Station.
This dream has been conceptualized by the administrators, directors, and pastors few years before until the challenge was so great when we see in these last days people in all parts of the region needing the everlasting message but hard to reach them. Other religious groups attained success in doing it. “ If they were able to make it, why can’t we?” This is what most of us believe with the help of God.
Radio program is one of the better ways in reaching out people with the good news of the love of God and the message of Hope of the second coming of Jesus Christ even to the remotest part of the region..
At this time we are in great need of an installation of studio and transmitter equipments for AM radio Broadcast station of which at present the church has no sufficient fund. We are very positive with Faith and Hope that God would use many benevolent people to support this project.
We are given a price quotation by many suppliers but only one has given us a lower price and it is SUNNYBROOKE 2 Electronic Supply ( the supplier of Broadcast Equipments and accessories, (accredited by NTC) at Suite 501, The One Executive Building, 5 West Avenue, Quezon City with Email add.ntinonas(at)yahoo.com. The total cost of the equipments is P 4,596,500.00
The immanency of the return of Jesus Christ necessitates the church using every resource possible to invite everyone to prepare for Christ return. In view of this we are soliciting our church members worldwide to pray and support our project. As a church we appreciate the positive contribution from each church member and even from those people in different parts of the world who has the LOVE to support media ministry through a Radio AM Station in Northeastern Mindanao Mission, Butuan City , Philippines for the realization of this dream to reach diverse people in our territory.
To donate for the Radio AM Station Project please contact the Communication Director or the Treasurer of Northeastern Mindanao Mission.
Thanks, and God Bless.
Relief Assistance to Caraga Flood Victims
Pastor J. Arellano, NeMM ACS Coordinator helps the distribution
Northeastern Mindanao Mission which covers the whole region of CARAGA experienced a continuous heavy rain in the early part of January 2011 which resulted to a big flood that damaged agricultural products, livestocks, houses and families.
Pastor Jerson P. Arellano, Mission ACS Coordinator and Pastor Ruel G. Arrogante, NeMM ADRA Coordinator immediately responded upon getting the confirmed reports of Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) about the number of Municipalities and Barangays that were under water. There were 18 persons declared dead, 2 were injured, and 1 missing.
There were 112 Barangays affected in Agusan del Sur, 90 in Agusan del Norte, 84 in Surigao del Norte, and 77 in Surigao del Sur. Affected families in all these barangays totaled to 77,977.
In partnership with ADRA Philippines, Northeastern Mindanao Mission was able to serve 3,200 families of the foodstuffs bought and packed for the flood victims with a total of P 354, 412.00.
After the distribution on January7-10, 2011, the heavy rain again affected another part of the region on February 6, 2011 which is worst than the previous calamity which never happened many years before. Some houses were carried away by the flood particularly in Barangay Moriah, Agusan del Sur. Good that nobody was hurt except having a loss of their properties.
In Butuan Suburbs, 200 families were affected. The water subsided after 3 days. Claver/ Bad-as have 100
Pastor S. Mongaya, NeMM President helps the distribution
families, Colorado, Jabonga- 250 families, Mainit-250 families and Tandag- 200 families. The relief assistance to these 1000 families on the second batch distribution was shouldered alone by the Mission ACS.
Through this humanitarian endeavor the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Regional Director Mercedita P. Jabagat acknowledge our ADRA Philippines based in Butuan City by giving it a Plaque of Recognition for being the Most Supportive Partner in the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management .It was given last February 17, 2011 during the DSWD 60th year Anniversary Celebration at Almont Hotel’s Inland resort, J.C. Aquino Avenue, Butuan City Philippines.
Samaritan’s Purse
Distribution of Samaritan's Purse
Northeastern Mindanao Mission was privileged to receive lots of big Balikbayan boxes containing gifts placed in shoe boxes called Samaritan’s Purse from the ADRA (Adventist Development Relief Agency). These gifts are intended for children who are less fortunate who never experienced to buy toys and other things for themselves.
Thirty-two districts received one hundred shoe boxes each which they distributed to the children.
The church in Emenvil of Buenavista District participated Samaritan’s Purse distribution last February 27, 2011. The members grabbed the opportunity of getting the box through the ADRA with the coordination of NeMM ADRA Coordinator Pr. Ruel G. Arrogante and Philippine ADRA Administrative Officer, Mrs. Adelaida Ortillano.
The Church Officers through the leadership of Pr. Jose Conrado Hermoso, the district pastor, stressed that the box should be given to the less fortunate children.
There were 100 children received the Samaritan Purse. After the distribution they were all served with finger foods.
It was indeed a timely program since the church hold a Happy Healthy Lifestyle seminar, a week after the distribution, conducted by Pr. Jose Conrado Hermoso, the district pastor. The recipients of the Samaritan’s Purse attended the nightly presentations for three weeks with free snacks.
As a result 5 precious souls were baptized.
Praise the Lord for the goodness extended to Emenvil Church.
IP’s in Coro Received Christmas Gifts
The Mamanwa Tribe is the group of ( IP’s) Indigenous People living in a sitio of Coro, a place which is about 5 kilometers from the municipality of Jabonga, Agusan del Norte.
Last December 2010, a group from Northeastern Mindanao Mission made a surprise visit to the place with their vehicle loaded with Christmas gifts packed in colored cellophanes for individual family. The group was headed by President Pastor Solomon V. Mongaya . With him are some directors Mrs. Leonor Mongaya, the Family Life Director, the ACS coordinator Pastor Jerson Arellano with his wife Merlyn, the Gospel outreach Missionaries Mr.& Mrs. Perfecto Tecson , Mrs. Elizabeth Medina, sister of the president and some brethren from Jabonga. This Mamanwa tribe has just been visited by the missionaries prior to the gift distribution. They were very much welcomed by the tribe there while staying in their place for quite a time. So to support the program of the missionaries , our Mission ACS coordinator Pr. Arellano proposed to the president of the gift-giving which he thought can make the tribe feel the love of Christ through this humanitarian endeavor. The support was taken from the remaining budget of the Adventist community Services (ACS) Fund for 2010 with the additional budget coming from the Mission Treasury. Two hundred eighty-five families (285) were the lucky recipients of the Christmas gifts.The Mamanwas really were very much thankful for the blessings they never have expected in their whole life. All of them rejoiced expressing their gratitude in addition to their glad and joyful heart. They said that the Seventh- Day Adventists Church was the first religious group to have given gifts to them on Christmas which they really appreciated very much..At this time, we hope that we can fulfill our mission to have the Everlasting Gospel be penetrated to the indigenous people throughout the Caraga Region.
Our missionaries there are very enthusiastic to be able to build up an indigenous seventh-day Adventist Church in that territory for they were able to acquire a lot from the municipal government for this sacred purpose. It needs our fervent prayer .
May God bless these people and our brethren there.
Butuan City Mayor Welcomes NeMM Officers and Staff’s Courtesy Call
Pastor S.V. Mongaya and Mayor Amante
January 3, is the first day of duty to all public and private employees for the year 2011. NeMM officers, directors and staff were previleged to see Mayor Ferdinand Amante, the City Mayor of Butuan through City Councilor Ryan Culima who fascilitated our visit to offer a song and an intercessory prayer for his leadership this year and until the end of his term. .
It was raining cats and dogs that day. People are getting busy and alert and cautious due to the heavy downpour that might affect their residences. Despite of the busy schedule of the mayor to attend to the needs of his constituents he still welcomes us with a great smile who acknowledged our presence with warm greetings by expressing his gratitude to the Seventh-Day Adventists who had helped him so much in his career especially for the city’s moral recovery program.
Our group presented a short program. Ian T. Ba-al played his saxophone. Then a duet of Pastor Ruel Arrogante and Joseph Vicente followed. Then 3 prayers were offered by Pr. Arrogante, Pr. Bernabe Caballero Jr., and culminated by Ptr. Solomon V. Mongaya.
In the midst of us we observed that the Mayor is really a lover of music as he intently listened to the song and even the
saxophone solo. Most of all he thanked the prayers offered for him and for his workers in the city hall.
We went back to the NeMM office after we were served with snacks in the mayor’s office. But as we travel back therewas still heavy rain where most of the barangays in the city were flooded. But we hope that the mayor has all the strength he needs over these great challenges ahead after having been blessed by our visit and of course the wisdom and the strength that never fails that only comes from God.
