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Twenty-six missionaries from the 65th batch of the 1000 Missionary Movement (1000MM), commissioned to serve the Lord on the fields of the headquarters of the Central Philippine Union Conference, arrived at its headquarters in Cebu City.

These young adults represent a key part of the CPUC's commitment to global outreach. Out of 107 missionary volunteers from nine different countries commissioned in this batch, 26 have been specifically deployed to serve various mission fields within the CPUC territory after completing their intensive training.

The arrival of these new missionaries on September 22, 2025, coincided with a significant event: the presence of the General Conference (GC) Survey Commission Team. The GC team was on site to evaluate the CPUC's readiness for a planned bifurcation (division). This timing led to a memorable corporate morning worship, where the missionaries, the GC team, and the CPUC officers and staff joined together.

Elder Elbert Kuhn, the newly elected GC associate secretary, was the devotional speaker whose message was a powerful welcome. Drawing on his own history—which began as a humble missionary—Elder Kuhn expressed deep gratitude for those now preparing to spread the message of Jesus Christ worldwide. For him, going into a mission field is finding God's purpose in life.

He shared an encouraging and challenging thought with the assembled group, emphasizing the fulfillment found in service: "The happiest moments of your life are when you live God's dream."

He acknowledged the demanding nature of a missionary's life but assured these young missionaries that it is through these very struggles that they will truly experience joy and a profound sense of purpose.

"How come you have joy when you go sometimes on a suicidal mission? How come sometimes you have joy when you sleep in a non-comfortable bed? How come sometimes you have joy when the food is not the one you like? How come you have joy if you go to a place where you are not welcome? How come you return filled with joy? Do you wonder about that? That's what I said at the beginning: the mission is God's medicine for His children," Elder Kuhn added.

Just hours after the inspiring worship service, the missionaries were immediately put to work, heading to the municipality of Ginatilan in the southern part of Cebu. Their first task is to prepare the groundwork for an upcoming evangelistic meeting. Following this crucial assignment, they will then be sent to their permanent mission fields to serve until the end of their one-year term.

The CPUC, a strong supporter of the 1000MM, had successfully sent 29 volunteers for this batch's training and assessment at the main 1000MM Campus in Silang, Cavite. In return, 26 out of the 107 commissioned volunteers were sent back to serve the CPUC's "vineyards," focusing especially on previously unentered areas.

The 1000 Missionary Movement is an organization under the Seventh-day Adventist Church. It is dedicated to training, deploying, and supporting young adults as one-year missionaries, with a specific focus on reaching underserved regions globally. While its primary campus is located in the Philippines, the movement operates with branches in several other countries.

Marilyn Lucero / CPUC Communication Department