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The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Samar celebrated a historic milestone with the inauguration of the new Samar Mission headquarters in Catarman, Northern Samar, on Nov. 15, 2025.

This new administrative unit serves as a beacon of faith and service, dedicated to promoting evangelism, education, health, and outreach throughout the island of Samar.

With the theme "A Building of Faith, A Beacon for Mission, Built Through Challenges, Standing for Christ," the event brought together leaders, pastors, members, and donors in a spirit of gratitude and dedication.

Started with a lively motorcade through the streets of Catarman, vehicles decorated with banners and flags carried leaders, pastors, and members, announcing the inauguration to the wider community.

The program began with worship, highlighted by the congregation's singing of "The Church Has One Foundation", and a solemn prayer of dedication.

The ceremonial ribbon-cutting and unveiling of the mission plaque marked the official opening, followed by applause and prayers dedicating the building as a lighthouse of truth and compassion.

Spiritual leaders guided the celebration. Pastor Roger O. Caderma, president of the Southern Asia-Pacific Division, shared God's Word with conviction, declaring, "This mission is a testimony that God's work continues to grow. The Samar Mission will be a center of light, guiding souls to Christ and serving communities with compassion."

Pastor Eliezer T. Barliso Jr., president of the Central Philippine Union Conference, added, "The establishment of this mission is not just about structure; it is about people who will work in God's mission. Together, we must carry the gospel to every people, every family, and every heart in Samar."

The program also featured awards and recognition for pastors and ministers, honoring their valuable efforts in nurturing congregations and laying the foundation for the Samar Mission. Certificates and tokens of appreciation were presented as symbols of gratitude for their dedication and sacrifice.

A special moment of thanksgiving was the recognition of the Abayon Family, Former Cong.Atty. Harlin C. Abayon and his wife, Former Cong. Daryl Grace Abayon as the donor of the Samar Mission building. Their generosity was celebrated as a testament of faith and commitment to God's work.

Music filled the day with inspiration, as the congregation sang the "Samar Mission Hymn" composed by Pastor Antonio C. Gobi, Jr., president of Samar Mission.

The event concluded with joyful fellowship, where members, leaders, and guests shared in thanksgiving, celebrating faith, family, and the future of the Samar Mission.

For the entire Adventist Church, the inauguration of the Samar Mission is more than an event; it's a testament to God's faithfulness and a promise of greater things to come. With its theme, "A Building of Faith, A Beacon for Mission, Built Through Challenges, Standing for Christ," the mission now stands as a guiding declaration for its work in Samar and beyond.

The Samar Mission inauguration marks the start of a new chapter in the Seventh-day Adventist work in Eastern Visayas, dedicated to discipleship, service, and transformation.

By Bart Billy Delima Acutim

The original version of this article is posted on the official Facebook page of the Samar Mission of the Seventh-Day Adventists.