Churches, care groups, and SLPUM workers join hands in disciple-making initiative emphasizing Total Member Involvement and Care Group Evangelism

The first wave of MISSION Reach 2026 resulted in 915 baptisms as churches, care groups, and members across the Southern Luzon Philippine Union Mission (SLPUM) territory united in a coordinated disciple-making initiative from April 25 to May 2, 2026.

A total of 232 churches and 385 care groups participated in the evangelistic effort, establishing 253 harvest sites across Southern Luzon. Local church elders, care group leaders, and lay members served as speakers, while district pastors provided guidance and supervision throughout the campaign.

Adapted from the Southern Asia-Pacific Division’s REACH 2026 initiative, the program emphasizes Total Member Involvement (TMI) through Care Group Evangelism and coordinated outreach efforts throughout the year. More than a series of public evangelistic meetings, the initiative seeks to engage every believer in the mission of making disciples—from preparing hearts and sharing biblical truths to nurturing and mentoring new believers.

From the Backend to the Frontlines of Mission

One distinctive feature of the initiative was the active involvement of the Union office workforce. Employees from various departments joined local churches in visitation, Bible studies, community outreach, and evangelistic meetings, reinforcing the conviction that mission belongs to every believer, not only to pastors and church leaders.

SLPUM leaders intentionally encouraged office workers to participate in frontline ministry and experience both the joys and challenges of mission work firsthand. As Pastor Gerardo Cajobe, SLPUM President, often says, “I don’t mind the additional expense if it means our workers can gain firsthand experience in doing the mission.”

For many employees, the experience provided a deeper appreciation for personal ministry and the sacrifices often made by local church workers and volunteers.

Assigned to remote areas in El Nido, Palawan, Marci Eliseo described the long hours of travel between sites as one of the campaign’s greatest challenges. Yet the opportunity to visit members in distant communities made every journey worthwhile.

“Seeing and visiting members who are rarely reached, especially by union workers, made every journey worthwhile,” Eliseo shared. “Some members may be quietly waiting for someone to pray with them, listen to them, and remind them that they are remembered and valued.”

The experience underscored the importance of personal visitation, encouragement, and fellowship in strengthening the faith of members in remote communities.

From “Next Time” to “Now”

Among the SLPUM workers who participated in the first wave of MISSION Reach 2026 was *Phoebe, one of the administrative assistants at the Union office. (*Name changed upon request to protect privacy.)

Phoebe admitted that she initially hesitated to join the evangelistic team because of the intense summer heat. Yet stepping outside her comfort zone became one of the most meaningful experiences of her ministry.

During the campaign, she spent time visiting homes, building friendships, and sharing God’s Word with members and guests in the community. Among those she met was *Isabel, a mother of three who had long been connected with the Adventist Church. Though she regularly participated in Bible studies and often hosted care group meetings in her home, she repeatedly postponed baptism, often saying, “Next time.”

When the SLPUM team arrived in the area, Isabel was going through a particularly difficult season in her life. Phoebe connected with her not merely through Bible studies but through their shared experiences as mothers. Rather than beginning with doctrinal discussions, she spoke openly about the joys, challenges, and realities of motherhood. Sensing Isabel’s burden, Phoebe offered a listening ear, a hand of friendship, and a message of hope.

As they became more acquainted, Phoebe eventually asked whether she would be baptized that coming Sabbath. Isabel gently declined, explaining that she wanted to wait until her daughter was also ready to make the commitment.

On Sabbath morning, Isabel remained outside the church while the worship service was underway, hesitant to enter. Concerned for her and her daughter, Phoebe asked a pastor to invite them inside.

As she prayed for a way to reach her friend, dark clouds gathered overhead. Moments later, a sudden downpour sent everyone rushing for shelter—including Isabel and her daughter.

But another challenge soon emerged. Just before the second service, a power outage left the church without electricity. Scheduled to preach that morning, Phoebe worried that her voice would not carry throughout the church.

Quietly, she prayed, “Lord, I cannot shout, but I desperately want to inspire Isabel. Please, help me.”

As Phoebe stood to deliver the message, the electricity suddenly returned. With the sound system restored, she preached and made an appeal for individuals to surrender their lives fully to Christ.

“Today is the day; do not wait for tomorrow,” she urged.

The message spoke directly to Isabel’s heart.

After the service, Isabel approached Phoebe with tears in her eyes. She shared that she and her daughter had decided to be baptized together.

Reflecting on the experience, Phoebe said, “Stepping out of my comfort zone proved to be entirely worth it. It led two precious souls straight to the feet of Jesus. God can use anyone.”

Her experience became a powerful illustration of one of Mission REACH 2026’s central themes—that mission is not reserved for pastors, directors, or church officers. Through the Holy Spirit, God can use ordinary believers who are willing to answer His call.

Faith in Action Across Southern Luzon

Stories of faith, sacrifice, and commitment emerged from various sites throughout the territory.

In one community, a man who had been attending a care group for six months offered his own property as the venue for the evangelistic meetings. Though not yet baptized, he faithfully attended the nightly programs and supported the outreach effort by allowing a tent to be erected in his yard for the meetings.

Elsewhere, ministry became a family affair as parents, children, and relatives served together in visitation, preaching, and community outreach. Workers were encouraged to see young elders and youth speakers actively participating in leadership roles during the meetings.

Workers also encountered individuals whose spiritual journeys had taken unexpected turns. During one visitation, a team met a former Adventist member who had joined another faith community after becoming discouraged in her Christian experience. The visit provided an opportunity to listen, rebuild relationships, and extend Christ’s love through friendship and understanding.

Such encounters reinforced the importance of intentional discipleship and member care, a key emphasis of REACH 2026 as the church seeks not only to baptize new believers but also to nurture them in their walk with Christ.

Despite challenges that included local fiestas, heavy rains, flooding, difficult travel conditions, and personal hardships, members remained committed to sharing the gospel. In one instance, a volunteer speaker continued participating in the meetings even while grieving the loss of a family member, choosing to share the hope of Christ alongside her family during a difficult season.

Workers also observed that many of the strongest responses came from remote communities. In many locations, women formed a significant portion of the attendees, highlighting their important role in the life and mission of the church.

The Mission Continues

REACH 2026 continues throughout the year as part of SLPUM’s broader vision of cultivating a disciple-making culture across Southern Luzon.

The initiative aims to engage all 1,068 churches and companies in coordinated Care Group harvest efforts. Organizers also seek to establish self-governing churches in every district and town while retaining 95 percent of newly baptized believers through intentional discipleship and mentoring.

Church leaders believe that the first wave of REACH 2026 demonstrated what can happen when churches, care groups, families, and ordinary members unite in mission. As the initiative moves forward, they hope to see even more believers embrace their role as co-laborers with God in fulfilling Christ’s commission to make disciples of all nations.

For many who participated in the first wave, the lesson was clear: God has a place for everyone in His mission. Each person has a role to play in His vineyard. When ordinary people are willing to answer His call, God can accomplish wonderful things through them.

*Names have been changed at the request of the individuals involved to protect their privacy.