Behind every growing church and vibrant congregation is a pastor who prays, serves, and leads with unwavering faith. On October 20, 2026, the Southern Mindanao Mission (SMM) family paused to say a heartfelt ‘thank you’ during a special Pastorsโ Appreciation Ceremony at the JMW Wong Multipurpose Hall a powerful day marked by tears of gratitude, meaningful honors, and a sacred rededication to God’s calling. The gathering brought together church administrators, departmental workers, and institutional staff to voice collective gratitude for the leaders who daily shepherd local congregations and shepherd Godโs flock across the region.
The event served as both a celebration of past service and a solemn rededication to future ministry. A central highlight of the program was the covenant commitment ceremony, during which pastors symbolically reaffirmed their calling by signing a large open Bible. This tangible act represented their ongoing pledge to lead with humility, unwavering faith, and single-minded devotion to the church’s mission. Delivering the keynote address, Elder Aldrin Heramil, SMM Treasurer, emphasized the sacred value of selfless service and reminded workers of the enduring purpose behind their spiritual labor.
As part of the recognition proceedings, every SMM pastor was formally acknowledged for their specific years of active service. Tokens of appreciation and gifts were presented to honor their continuing contributions to the mission field. The smooth execution of the program reflected broad collaboration across the entire SMM organization including teachers, accounting personnel, secretariat staff, Hope Channel Southern Mindanao teams, and departmental directors who worked together to make the day meaningful for the honorees.
The ceremony concluded on a note of warmth, unity, and spiritual renewal. By celebrating the sacrifices of its pastoral workforce, the Southern Mindanao Mission reaffirmed its commitment to supporting its leaders, leaving attendees inspired to continue serving their communities with renewed strength and trust in Godโs guidance.
Photos by Hope Channel Southern Mindanao | Serene Shekinah D. Boncavil
