With various programs and initiatives organized by the Adventist Church worldwide, unwavering support from the church organization and different facets of society is necessary to assure the effectiveness and influence it creates towards the community.
On various occasions, the Adventist Church and the government officials of Mindoro, Philippines, partnered in numerous endeavors that helped reinforce church advocacies and programs regarding spirituality, health, family, and living a life with hope.
“The work of the Lord is a collaborative effort. We cannot do it by ourselves. The Lord allowed us to meet people with the same passion, same heart for the Lord’s work to make sure His work will be done,” said Dr. Saw Samuel, president of the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD). “We are thankful to every soldier, policeman, nurse, doctor, public servant—all of you played a crucial role in becoming God’s avenue of love in this place.”
The island of Mindoro, with both of its government offices from the Oriental and Occidental provinces, has been very involved in extending its support in the implementation of church programs all across the island. With the church’s holistic approach in bringing God’s message of hope to the people, the church organized a variety of programs from medical missions, family enrichment seminars, stewardship meetings, evangelistic campaigns, and social gatherings.
“With all sincerity, I am thankful to the Adventist Church. I still have a lot of things to do today, but I am going home with a blessed heart. Paul reminded us to be thankful in the name of Jesus Christ so that we can have one heart of gratitude,” said Humerlito “Bonz” Dolor, incumbent governor of the Oriental Mindoro province. “I am sure that tonight, our hearts are filled with a love that comes from the Lord. We thank the Lord for His agape love, that we can share it with others and with everyone who works side by side with the Lord.”
In December 2021, the Adventist Church and the government partnered in reaching out to the minority groups and rebels deeply situated in the mountainous areas of the island. Adventist World Radio, the official radio broadcasting network of the Adventist Church, spearheaded this initiative that resulted in minority groups and rebels surrendering and accepting Jesus in baptism.
Through fervent prayers and consistent coordination, the island-wide evangelistic meeting was organized to reach out to the unreached and resulted in a valuable collaboration between the church and the government of Mindoro.
This article was originally published on the Southern Asia-Pacific Division’s news site