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As part of the 150th-anniversary celebration of sending missionaries, which the Seventh-day Adventist Church is commemorating worldwide this year, the Adventist Church in the North Philippine (NPUC) organized a community outreach. During this event, they distributed gift bags and food packs to 150 children, ages 3–10, from the neighboring Barangay 30 in Pasay City. Parents accompanying their children also received blessings during the event. 

The outreach included a short program where Pastor Jose Zabat, Jr., the NPUC Executive Secretary, shared a few words to explain the reason behind the celebration. He recounted that 150 years ago, the Adventist Church sent its first missionary to a foreign land, and since then, countless missionaries have reached various corners and places around the world to share God’s love with all people, regardless of who they are. These individuals left the comforts of their homes not only so others could come to know Jesus but also to offer tangible help and support to them.

Adding to the program, Josie-Felda Calera, NPUC Children’s Ministries Director, engaged the children with the story of Zacchaeus, reinforcing the idea that Jesus was the ultimate missionary, who left heaven and came to this world to seek and save the lost. 

To rekindle the missionary spirit in the hearts of NPUC workers, the gift packages distributed during the event were contributions from the employees themselves, given from their own resources. While they may not have traveled to distant lands, they stepped out of their comfort zones to share the blessings they received from God. In addition to the gift distribution, they also took to the nearby streets, handing out books to spread the message of Jesus’ love to the community.  

Despite less-than-ideal weather, joy and excitement lit up the children’s faces. One mother expressed her gratitude, saying how thankful she was that the Adventist Church took the time not just to bring joy through gifts but also to teach the young ones about God’s love.
Barangay Captain Francis Belarmino shared his appreciation, saying they felt blessed that their barangay was chosen for this event. He expressed his gratitude for the small surprise given to the youth.

This outreach was made possible through the partnership of Adventist Medical Center Manila (AMCM) and Manila Adventist College (MAC), which have adopted Barangay 30 as part of their ongoing community effort. Each week, they continue to offer services to children, adults, and senior citizens in the area.

For the NPUC family, this event sparked a desire to revive their regular community outreach programs, which had been on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It served as a reminder of the enduring missionary spirit that continues to inspire and propel the Adventist Church’s work today.

Melo Anadem Adap-Ong, NPUC Communication Department

The original article was published in the North Philippine Union Conference website.