The 2nd Constituency Meetings of the Southern Luzon Philippine Union Mission (SLPUM) officially opened tonight, gathering more than 140 church leaders and lay delegates from across the territory. The evening program set a spiritual and mission-focused tone for the days ahead as it highlighted this year’s theme: “Integrated for Mission – Grounded in the Bible and Focused on the Mission.”

Pastor Francis Amer, Stewardship Director of the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD), delivered the keynote message. He emphasized that the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church cannot move forward in silos. “Integrated means working together—one team, one movement—toward one purpose: to make Jesus known,” he said. He reminded delegates that every ministry, every spiritual gift, and every member has a role in advancing the gospel.

Pastor Amer also underscored that mission must always be Bible-based, or it loses its power and direction. At the same time, he pointed out that simply feeding on the Word without actually engaging in mission leads to a faith that grows inward but does not reach outward. “The Bible doesn’t just inform us—it sends us,” he reminded the delegates.

“As God has sent us, we have an obligation to the One who sent us,” he added, calling the church to faithfully fulfill its purpose in the communities it serves. Finally, he urged leaders to embody the good news in their words, attitudes, and daily lives—becoming living testimonies of Christ’s character.

He closed with a prayer: “Lord, give me the courage to step out of my comfort zone in whatever ways You are calling me to serve.