A thriving church is one where the wisdom of age and the passion of youth walk hand in hand. On October 24, 2026, the Seventh-day Adventist community across Lebak and Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat, showcased this timeless balance through a heartfelt Sabbath celebration that simultaneously honored long-serving senior members and ignited the energy of the rising generation.
The day began early at 8:00 a.m. with a special Sabbath School program titled โHonoring the Patriarch.โ Conceptualized and led by District Pastor Levi S. Rizaldo, the initiative was dedicated to recognizing and celebrating church members aged 70 and above for their decades of steadfast faith, leadership, and invaluable contributions to the local church family.
During the service, senior members were presented with flowers, gifts, and touching messages of appreciation from family and fellow believers. Beyond the tokens, the tribute ensured that the congregationโs elders felt deeply cherished, remembered, and integrated into the heart of the church body, serving as a reminder that a life lived in service to God leaves a legacy that inspires for generations.
Simultaneously, the regionโs young people gathered for the first-ever Sectoral Youth Fellowship in Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat. Designed to foster spiritual growth and community, the fellowship gave Adventist youth a vibrant space to build lasting friendships, lift each other up in prayer, and recommit their talents to advancing the churchโs mission.
Together, these twin events highlighted the rich harmony of a multi-generational church family. By bridging the gap between elder wisdom and youth enthusiasm, the Adventist community in Lebak and Kalamansig continues to cultivate an environment where every member regardless of age finds a purposeful place to grow, serve, and share Godโs love.
Photos by Hope Channel Southern Mindanao | Serene Shekinah D. Boncavil
