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Central Philippine Union Conference concluded its 'Week of Prayer' with a special Sabbath program at its headquarters on Jan. 11, 2024.

Attended by the families of CPUC officers and staff, the Sabbath School worship commenced with songs of praise, followed by a special program reflecting the most challenging times in our lives and highlighting the fruits of the Spirit.

Leah Salloman, a faculty member teaching Research 1 at Adventist Academy Cebu in Bulacao, Talisay City, Cebu, led this special presentation themed "Trusting God in Times Like These." Alongside her were CPUC children, primarily from their secondary and college years, leading the reflection moments by elaborating on the significance of the fruits of the Spirit.

All attendees actively participated as they joined groups corresponding to the "paper hearts" they received containing fruits of the Spirit. They made special prayers, followed by musical renditions from the youth and an activity symbolizing cooperation, harmony, and unity in prayer.

The guest speaker for the event was Pastor Sellu, a Ph.D. candidate in Religion specializing in the Old Testament and World Mission at the Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies in Silang, Cavite. Pastor Sellu comes from Sierra Leone, West Africa, and has been delivering inspiring messages from God throughout the Week of Prayer aimed at spiritual renewal for the entire CPUC family.

Additionally, CPUC seeks spiritual guidance for the year ahead, hoping all planned activities align with the Master's will.

Pastor Sellu elaborated on the superscription of Psalms 34: 8 in a sermon during divine worship. The verse says, "Oh taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him." 

He explained why the Bible uses the word "taste" among the other senses. He said that "taste and see" is a call to active engagement with God. It's not just about intellectual knowledge or passive belief, but about a personal encounter. Just as we taste food to know its flavor, we need to experience God to know His goodness. This involves prayer, reading the Bible, worshiping, and actively seeking Him.

"The Lord is good," declares God's inherent nature. "Good" encompasses His love, kindness, mercy, faithfulness, and all His perfect attributes, while "blessed" implies happiness, favor, and a life filled with spiritual richness and contentment.

Meanwhile, "trusteth in Him" means a deep reliance and confidence in God's character, promises, and provision, even in difficult times. It's surrendering our will to His and believing that He knows what's best for us. To expound this, he cited King David's fears when He fled for his life. Further into the story, after seeking and crying out to the Lord, the Lord heard him and delivered him out of all his troubles.

Similarly, according to Pastor Sellu and the Bible, God's children can also experience His goodness, love, and faithfulness. He keeps encouraging everyone to seek Him with all their hearts. He is calling to let them experience His goodness and trust in Him completely because He never fails.

The divine worship concluded with a communion service, symbolizing solemn remembrance of Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross, forgiveness, spiritual renewal, service, and humility. It brings believers closer to Christ, to each other, and to the hope of His return.

In closing remarks, Pastor James B. Rubrico, the CPUC Ministerial Association secretary and Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries/Adventist Mission director, said, "It is during the communion service that we are fully forgiven."

Marilyn Lucero, Communication Department