As we reflect on the significant progress we have made in advancing our mission throughout the Southwestern Philippines Union Conference over the past five years, it is important to look back at the year 2025 and see how God has guided us. This year is particularly noteworthy as we celebrate the arrival of our harvest season of evangelism—a time to embrace the blessings we have received and to inspire hope and faith within our territory.
Year-End Narrative Report
The year under review was marked by dynamic collaboration and unwavering commitment across all departments, each contributing a distinct yet harmonious flavor to the church’s mission.
The Sabbath School and Personal Ministries, together with the Ministerial Department, provided a firm and beautiful foundation for our mission. Sabbath School classes were transformed into active Care Groups, strengthening fellowship and discipleship within the church. The ongoing enhancement programs for Sabbath School teachers and superintendents, delivered through media platforms, continued to equip leaders with skills for effective teaching and engagement.
The Harvest 2025 Initiative continued to empower the church and inspire lay participation, with strong support from ASI (Adventist-Laymen’s Services and Industries).
Adding a vital spice to this mission was the Stewardship Department, which emphasized faithfulness and gratitude as core ingredients of discipleship. Through faithful tithe giving, the promotion of the Combined Offering Plan, and systematic giving campaigns nationwide, the church preserved and multiplied God’s resources, acknowledging that everything belongs to Him and that He is the true Source of our mission.
The Youth, 1000 Missionary Movement, and Education Departments added aroma, vibrance, and vigor to the ministry. Through initiatives such as Voice of Youth, Friendship Camps, and Kids for Jesus, young people were energized and empowered to serve. Our Education Department refined the school curriculum to align with the Matatag Curriculum, integrating excellence with faith. The Kids for Jesus evangelistic program provided students with a weeklong spiritual experience that transformed lives beyond classroom walls.
The Children’s, Women’s, and Adventist Possibility Ministries added sweetness to the ministry — the warmth of compassion and the spirit of family.
Under Women’s Ministries, programs such as Comprehensive Bible Study Training and Leadership Certification strengthened women leaders and led families to Christ.
Children’s Ministries conducted meaningful programs, including Pastor’s Kids Evangelism and My Journey with God – Kids Edition, planting seeds of faith in young hearts.
The Adventist Possibility Ministries inspired many through their online and local church evangelism efforts, where individuals with physical challenges and vulnerabilities became powerful witnesses to the mission work. In a groundbreaking event, some physically challenged members of the church were given a platform at Hope Channel to preach during one of its nightly series.
The Spirit of Prophecy and Publishing Ministries preserved the recipe of faith, guiding the church to remain faithful to biblical principles. Publishing Ministries continued to fuel the mission by conducting prayer meetings, nurturing literature evangelists, and spreading hope through printed and digital materials.
Binding all these efforts together was Communication, the “sauce” that connected every flavor. Through Hope Channel South Philippines’ various programs, millions were reached with messages of faith and hope. The department also provided training and guidance on responsible social media use, empowering leaders and members to communicate our identity and stories with excellence.
The PARL Department is actively offering lectures on religious liberty and other important issues related to the rights of Adventist students and workers studying and working outside the denomination. We have also visited government offices to offer prayers and invite them to watch Hope Channel. Additionally, the PARL Department is preparing to release a comprehensive booklet to help our church members navigate various legal processes, such as land titling, adoption, and donation, and to provide templates for letters of excuse for missed classes, exams, or events. This booklet will be authored by select Adventist lawyers in the Philippines, all of whom have extensive litigation experience.
The Spirit of Prophecy (SOP) Office is promoting spiritual growth through key initiatives, including the SOP Symposium and Certification for pastors, publishing ministry leaders, and school principals. Local seminars in churches, academies, colleges, and hospitals aim to deepen understanding of the Spirit of Prophecy.
From October 13 to 25, SOP and Adventist Heritage Celebrations will take place in schools and hospitals, featuring activities such as devotional meetings, quizzes, storytelling, and art projects, culminating in special Sabbath services. Additionally, the EGWhite Study Center at MVC has been recognized by the General Conference EGWhite Estate and is acquiring EGWhite literature. The center’s director teaches part-time at MVC School of Theology, highlighting the significance of EGW writings and SDA history.
Finally, the Health and Adventist Mission Departments created programs that nourish both body and soul. Through medical missions, health certification trainings, and community outreach initiatives, thousands were blessed with healing, wholeness, and hope in Christ.
Together, these ministries have shown that when every department contributes its unique ingredient — faith, compassion, dedication, and excellence — the mission of the church becomes a well-seasoned dish that truly satisfies the spiritual hunger of the world.
Financial Contributions: Tithes and Offerings
SwPUC’s financial commitment, demonstrated through tithes and offerings, highlights our unity and dedication to God’s work. Over the past year, contributions varied month to month, showcasing our faithfulness and community spirit.
The above data presented represents the percentage of tithes collected over several months, reflecting the commitment and generosity of individuals within SwPUC. Each month shows a different percentage for various categories, indicating how contributions have fluctuated over time. In January, there was a significant range in percentages, with one category reaching 32%. As the months progressed, the contributions displayed varied patterns. For instance, February saw a modest decrease in some categories, while March saw a resurgence in giving, demonstrating the community’s responsiveness and dedication to supporting one another.
As we moved into May and June, some stabilization occurred, suggesting a sustained commitment from supporters. By July, the upward trend in certain areas offered a glimpse of optimism. These fluctuations not only represent the numbers but also tell a story of resilience, unity, and the power of collective effort. They remind us that even during challenging times, the spirit of generosity can shine through, uplifting those in need and fostering a sense of community. Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a difference, creating a ripple effect of positivity and support. Together, we can inspire one another and contribute to a brighter future for all.
Combined Offering Plan
Our church’s recent giving trends, as illustrated in the table above, paint a positive picture of growth and resilience. From January to May, we experienced considerable progress. In May, our total offerings peaked at 30%, indicating a strong willingness to contribute and a growing confidence in our mission.
One type of contribution has proven to be a steady source of support, consistently ranging between 20% and 28%. This reliability is crucial for maintaining our community programs. Although another type of contribution experienced some fluctuations, overall support from our community remains strong, especially during challenging times.
Engagement has been high across the board, reflecting our members’ commitment to causes they care about. This diverse support truly showcases the vibrant spirit within our community.
As we look ahead, this data inspires us about what we can achieve together. There are many growth opportunities. By inviting more people to get involved and focusing on specific community needs, we can strengthen our connections. Recognizing and celebrating contributions will also encourage others to participate.
Our church’s giving is thriving. This trend indicates our firm commitment to our shared vision and willingness to invest in our future. We will continue to embrace generosity and work together to enhance our mission. We’re excited to see how our contributions will grow in the coming months.
Baptism and Membership Growth
Evangelism brought the transforming “fire” that ignited hearts across the territory. Through the Harvest 2025 Evangelistic Meetings and the Caravan for Mission, thousands accepted the faith and joined the family of God, rekindling the spirit of soul-winning among our members.
Our collaboration experienced remarkable growth, as evidenced by our increasing baptism numbers, which highlight the dedication and hard work of our ministry and initiatives, particularly CARAVAN 2025 and Harvest 2025. As of September 2025, we joyfully celebrate 21,721 baptisms, a testament to the transformative impact of our collective outreach efforts.
The enthusiasm and commitment shown by our church members, care groups, and other ministries have played a significant role in this success. Individuals have stepped forward to embrace their faith, reflecting a deepening spiritual journey and a strong desire to connect with their communities through acts of service and evangelism. The vibrant energy and dedication of our members have created an environment ripe for spiritual growth, where each baptism signifies not just a number, but a life transformed and a community enriched.
These extraordinary figures serve as an inspiring reminder of what can be achieved when we work together with purpose and passion. They highlight the power of faith to change lives and encourage us to continue our mission of spreading hope and love. As we look ahead, let us remain steadfast in our efforts, nurturing the seeds of faith that have been sown, and striving to reach even greater heights in our shared journey of faith and service. Together, we are making a profound difference and touching countless lives through our collective outreach and evangelism efforts.
Our dedicated teams have been actively engaged in ministry, resulting in significant community support and mission fulfillment. This commitment is reflected in the growth of our Sabbath School classes to seven thousand four hundred forty-eight, along with an increase in Care Groups to three thousand two hundred thirty-three. These developments signify our intention to nurture relationships and strengthen community ties.
Looking Ahead
As we move forward, we are excited to continue building on what the Lord has done to SwPUC. Our commitment to unity, faith, and service will guide us as we further our mission in the Southwestern Philippine Union Conference. Together, we will embrace the opportunities that lie ahead, inspired by the abundance of blessings we have received and by the continued support and dedication to our mission.
