North Island Cebu District celebrated the official recognition of Moriah Company, a new branch of the Tarsis Church, on March 15, 2025. This recognition marked the establishment of the sixth church in the North Island Cebu District, under the leadership of Pastor Rolando B. Alcanzare.
The Moriah Company, located in Tabunok, Hagdan, Cebu, was established to address the increasing need for a local church. Prior to its formation, families in the area would meet for midweek, vesper, and Sabbath fellowships due to the distance from the main church.
The urgent need for a church arose during an evangelistic event at Lagub Church in 2014. The effort, conducted by a foreign missionary, took place under the leadership of Pastor Rogelio Z. Edoloverio.
With the support of subsequent district leaders, including Pastor Jomar Compuesto, currently the field secretary of the Integrated Evangelism Lifestyle and Nurturing, Discipleship, and Retention for the Central Visayan Conference, and Pastor Armando Andrade, the community successfully acquired land and built the church.
In addition, the members of Tarsis Seventh-Day Adventist Church and other nearby churches shared financial contributions to complete the church’s construction.
During the formal organization of the Moriah Company, Pastor Seth Esmeralda emphasized the importance of healthy family units in nurturing new churches. He encouraged the newly appointed officers and members to grow in faith. He also highlighted the importance of sharing the gospel with the neighboring communities for the church’s growth.
Pastor Seth Esmeralda serves as the ministerial secretary and the chaplaincy, legal, and Adventist Mission director for the Central Visayan Conference.
The Moriah Company has 51 official members, including four leaders, two clerks, two treasurers, two Sabbath School superintendents, two deacons, and four youth leaders.
The leaders present during the official recognition encouraged the congregation to unite, aiming it to eventually become a fully recognized church.
Mae Osabel, a member of Moriah Company, expressed her happiness at the company’s official establishment. “Never did anyone think that a Moriah Company would grow in this place,” she said. “All we have is so much love and support for each other. We are more than just a church; we are like a family.”
With prayer and support, the Moriah Company embraces the challenge to grow both spiritually and in numbers while preparing for the expected return of Jesus Christ.
Reachly L. Alcanzare, North Island Cebu District