The Samar Mission Youth and Master Guide Convention, themed “Rebuild the Altar,” gathered over a hundred Senior Youth Leaders and Master Guides at Tatay Dadoy’s Resort in Mondragon, Northern Samar, for a transformative four-day event.
The convention aimed to renew the youth’s spiritual commitment, equip them with practical skills, and deepen their church involvement.
The opening day set the tone for an intense program with tent-pitching, fellowship, and an official parade of SYLs and Master Guides. The evening ceremony included pledges, prayers, and messages on the role of youth in the church, emphasizing their importance in upholding and promoting the values of faith, service, and leadership.
The activities on the first two days included leadership sessions and hands-on practical training. Pastor Jesriel Majaras conducted a lecture on “Effective Youth Leadership,” providing strategies for guiding and inspiring peers. Next to him was Pastor Roel Mistakes, discussing “Youth Evangelism and Outreach,” encouraging youth to share their faith actively.
In elaborating on the significance of involving young children in church activities, Mrs. Grace Intanto, the Samar Mission’s Family and Children’s Ministries/Ministerial Spouses Association director, delved into the topic “The Adventurer Club: Engaging Kids in Church Ministries.”
Furthermore, Pastor Von John Sanchez, the youth ministries/AMiCUS/NSO director of the Central Philippine Union Conference, clarified the difference between SYL and Master Guide Club” by detailing the unique roles of each in supporting church ministries. At the same time, Pastor Remegio Riso Jr. taught them the techniques for organized, easier, and more effective Scripture study.
Participants also attended practical breakout sessions covering essential skills for Master Guides. MG Genesis Celian Adrigado conducted sessions on “Land Navigation” and “Basic Map Reading,” equipping participants with critical orienteering skills for outdoor activities.
On the other hand, Pastor Antonio C. Gobi Jr., the president of the Samar Mission, focused on leadership by empowering leaders to establish and sustain successful clubs within their communities.
The Sabbath was a special day for all the participants. SYL and Master Guide donned their uniforms, and during the Sabbath School program, they learned about safety measures and responsible behavior.
Emphasizing safety guidelines, Atty. Nikki Gabiane-Baylon, in her topic “Child Protection and Safety,” stressed the importance of creating safe environments for church programs, urging leaders to prioritize the well-being of young participants.
With those topics about leadership, safety guidelines, and more, Master Guide Joy May Gobi added a lesson about digital hygiene. It’s about mindfulness of online behavior and the practice of responsible digital interactions.
During the hour of worship, Pastor Sanchez delivered the sermon. He then talked about the intertwined experiences of joy and pain in ministry. Drawing lessons from the life of Apostle Paul, he shared that while joy brings inspiration, pain strengthens and builds resilience.
Master Guide Genesis Celian Adrigado, a former nurse turned policeman, was one of the resource speakers who inspired the participants through his life story. He shared personal testimonies of honoring the Sabbath despite the rigorous demands of police training.
He emphasized how God honored his commitment through these experiences, a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness to those who persevere.
Another event highlight was Pastor Alberto Garzon’s Spirit of Prophecy quiz, which was based on Ellen G. White’s book Messages to the Young People. The quiz measured the participants’ knowledge of the book’s teachings and challenged them to read and study well.
The top two winners, Junvic Biantes and Ivy Gae Lopez earned the honor of representing Samar Mission at the CPUC-level quiz in Cebu on Nov. 8-10, 2024.
The Sabbath day concluded with a Master Guide investiture and SYL commissioning ceremony, marking a momentous occasion for the delegates. Newly invested Master Guides and commissioned SYLs took vows to uphold the values of their faith and service, symbolizing their commitment to God and the church.
On Saturday evening, the participants had fun during the cultural presentations, which continued into the night of social gatherings. They bonded, relaxed, and enjoyed the fellowship of one another after those intense days of spiritual activities.
The training continued on Sunday, the final day of the convention. The participants attended specialized breakout sessions designed to further equip them in their roles.
In a separate session, the SYLs attended leadership sessions to prepare for their roles in the church. They were encouraged to recognize their potential influence on the future of their local ministries and taught practical techniques for effectively sharing the gospel or conducting Bible studies.
Another group was also taught how to make a sermon, giving attendees the tools to craft meaningful and impactful messages for their congregations.
Meanwhile, master guides in another group engaged in hands-on sessions that reinforced essential skills for their roles. They learned first aid skills, including bandaging and tourniquet application, which are critical in emergencies and community service.
They also mastered marching and drilling since it promoted discipline and coordination. In addition, they did a knot-tying review to reinforce this foundational skill for outdoor activities and camping.
Organizing the convention was not without its challenges. Nevertheless, despite financial limitations, including the challenge of feeding delegates with limited registration fees (set at P300 to ensure affordability), the convention was a success, according to Jeanielit Demit, a Samar Mission youth officer.
Another challenge was encouraging the youth to attend the convention. “At first, there was little interest in attending, but, praise God, we managed to inspire some to join and even take part in the SYL commissioning,” Demit added.
Pastor Gobi described the convention as a resounding success. Reflecting on the event, he shared, “This convention was an incredible gathering to rebuild the broken altars of our young people. To truly restore our relationship with God, we must return to the altar, pleading for forgiveness and making Jesus the center of our lives. We witnessed inspiring messages, impactful worship, and meaningful fellowship that challenged and encouraged everyone to live boldly for Christ.”
He expressed gratitude to the organizers, volunteers, speakers, and each young person who attended, stating that their dedication and prayers made this event a memorable experience that will surely bear fruit in our community.
For many participants, like Rinalyn Jabonete from Eastern Samar, the convention was a life-changing experience. Jabonete, who celebrated her 33rd birthday during the event, shared her joy and gratitude, saying, “In my entire 15 years as a Seventh-day Adventist, this was the first time I attended such a convention.”
As the youth departed, they carried with them renewed faith, practical skills, and a deeper dedication to serving their communities. The convention’s impact was evident in the enthusiasm and commitment displayed by the young leaders. They returned home inspired to “rebuild the altar” in their own spheres of influence.
By Rhea Noreen Mae C. Sumalpong, Communication Department