The Bongao Adventist Center in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, buzzed with excitement on February 7-8, 2025, as the NDR-IEL Department of Zamboanga Peninsula Mission hosted a significant promotion for Harvest 2025. This event united Adventist believers from various churches in the Tawi-Tawi District. Brethren from Languyan, Tonggosong, Simunul, and Bongao attended this significant event. The program focused on spiritual growth and service, with the goal of inspiring attendees to actively participate in God’s work by engaging in the essential stages of faith and outreach.
The heart of Harvest 2025 was an exploration of the Five Stages of the Great Harvest: Prepare, Plant, Cultivate, Harvest, and Preserve. These stages, though drawn from agricultural imagery, were deeply tied to the spiritual journey that every believer must undergo. Preparation emphasized the need for spiritual readiness and self-examination, laying the foundation for a fruitful year. Planting encouraged sharing the Gospel and spreading God’s Word in both local communities and wider outreach efforts. Cultivation focused on nurturing one’s own faith and helping others grow spiritually through support, prayer, and encouragement. As the harvest season approached, the Harvest stage invited participants to reap the rewards of their hard work and commitment, witnessing the transformation in the lives of others. Finally, Preservation stressed the importance of discipleship, mentoring, and ensuring that the seeds planted continue to bear fruit for years to come.
The event was further enriched by inspiring messages from two distinguished speakers. Victor Palin, Director of Adventist Education of the Zamboanga Peninsula Mission, shared powerful insights on the role of Adventist education in the spiritual preparation of the youth. He spoke passionately about creating environments where young people can flourish spiritually, intellectually, and socially, preparing them to become leaders in the church and the world. His presentation encouraged the congregation to take seriously their role in guiding the next generation and investing in the future of the church.
Pastor Cart Gladden Aguillon, Communications Director of Zamboanga Peninsula Mission, shared his vision for the global mission, focusing on how media and technology can be leveraged to reach millions with the Gospel message. He challenged everyone to think beyond traditional outreach methods and embrace the opportunities afforded by modern technology, whether through social media, television, or digital platforms. He further encouraged each participant to consider how they could contribute to the mission of the church in the digital age, helping to spread the Word of God far and wide.
As the program drew to a close, attendees were reminded of a timeless principle from Ellen G. White’s writings, particularly her powerful concept of “Christ’s Method Alone.” This method, which focuses on mingling with people, showing sympathy, meeting their needs, and winning their trust, was highlighted as the foundation for true ministry. The message was clear: effective outreach and evangelism begin with relationships built on love, compassion, and genuine care for others. Participants were encouraged to adopt this Christ-centered approach in their own lives, allowing His example to guide them in their interactions with family, friends, and neighbors.
Looking ahead, the Harvest 2025 program has left a lasting impression on all who attended, sparking a renewed sense of purpose and commitment. The teachings and inspiration from the event have ignited a fire within the hearts of believers, motivating them to engage more deeply in God’s work. As the year progresses, the principles of preparation, planting, cultivating, harvesting, and preserving will continue to guide the efforts of those who attended, both individually and collectively. This program has not only inspired attendees to be faithful in their personal walk with Christ but has also equipped them to make a tangible difference in their communities and beyond.
As we move forward into this year, let us keep the lessons from Harvest 2025 close to our hearts. The call to action is clear: prepare ourselves, plant seeds of faith, cultivate spiritual growth, harvest the fruits of our labor, and preserve the work that God has started in our lives and in the lives of others. Christ’s Method Alone remains our ultimate model for outreach and service, and as we follow His example, we can be confident that our labor will not be in vain.
Adventist Mission
Zamboanga Peninsula Mission
