Love rekindled and wounds healed between a couple who had been separated for years during a week-long “Happy Family and Bible Seminar” organized by the Tubungan Seventh-day Adventist Church in Iloilo, as part of its anniversary celebration. The couple, Robert and Marilyn Talabon, were among the attendees, and their reconciliation embodied the message emphasized during the seminar: reconciliation, spiritual renewal, and happiness within the home.
The reconciliation started when Rodolfo stepped forward in faith and invited Marilyn to attend the week-long revival. Through prayer and the gentle working of the Holy Spirit, Marilyn accepted the invitation and attended the seminar, which featured Bible studies, worship services, and testimonies.
On the culmination day, the couple stood reunited—not only as husband and wife, but also as one in faith—as Marilyn joyfully committed her life to Christ through baptism. Nine other individuals, along with Marilyn, publicly accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior.
Another highlight of the anniversary celebration was the special recognition given to church sponsors and ministry partners who played key roles in the congregation’s growth and development. Reflecting on the event, one of the church leaders said, “The celebration was a milestone of both faith and community restoration.”
Guiding the entire revival and culmination program was Pastor Noli Abrise, West Visayan Conference ministerial secretary, who also served as the resource speaker. Through scripture and practical Christian living, Pastor Abrise spoke about compassion, faith, family, and wholehearted surrender to Christ.
“Strong families are built upon the Word of God, and that true joy is found in abiding daily in Jesus, in whom ‘we live, and move, and have our being’ as emphasized in Acts 17:28,” Abrise reminded the listeners.
Adding depth and historical significance to the celebration was the presence of the Faith Works Ministry, whose long-standing partnership has been instrumental in the life of the Tubungan SDA Church. The ministry, represented by Merlin Parsons, its vice-president, together with his companions, underscored the power of faith-inspired generosity and long-term mission, demonstrating how God uses willing hearts to sustain His work across generations.
Several individuals from the Faith Works Ministry were recognized, including Norman and Lenore Duncan, who sponsored the construction of the Tubungan SDA Church. Their generosity laid a physical and spiritual foundation for a place where countless prayers have been offered and lives transformed.
Also honored were Cesar and Edith Lacanaria, the lay couple assigned by the Faith Works Ministry to pioneer the groundwork in Tubungan. Through their tireless efforts, missionary spirit, and steadfast faith, they helped establish the early work and eventually led the way toward the building of the church—living examples of those who “have not labored in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58).
As the program drew to a close, hearts overflowed with gratitude—for God’s abiding presence, for faithful leaders and partners, and for the unmistakable movement of the Holy Spirit throughout the revival and anniversary celebration. What transpired was more than a commemorative gathering; it was a divine reminder that the church is alive, advancing, and empowered by grace.
The December 20, 2025, celebration by the Tubungan Church will long be remembered not simply as an anniversary but as a milestone of renewal. Families were restored, and hearts were claimed for Christ. Moreover, truth stood firm and unshaken: when faith works through love, lives are transformed—and God alone receives the glory.
Geric Von De La Cruz ⎸ Head Writer ⎸ West Visayan Conference
The original version of the article is published on the official Facebook page of the Faith Works Ministry.