A profound sense of purpose filled the ACMC Building at the Southern Mindanao Mission headquarters as it hosted the Vibrant Life Seminar from April 12 to 25, 2026. Designed around the compelling theme, โLearn to Live Longer,โ the two-week program served as a vital bridge between health education and spiritual growth. By bringing together a diverse group of medical professionals, spiritual leaders, and local residents, the event created a unique environment where the pursuit of longevity was treated as a holistic journey involving the body, mind, and soul.
The seminar was anchored by the moving presentations of Pastor Violeto Bocala, D.Min. Throughout his sessions, Pastor Bocala explored the deep connection between faith and physical health. He challenged attendees to see wellness not merely as the absence of disease but as a proactive lifestyle rooted in spiritual principles. His messages emphasized that living a longer, more fulfilling life is often the natural result of maintaining a balanced existence where spiritual peace and physical discipline work in harmony.
To provide practical foundations for these spiritual goals, a team of distinguished health experts shared their clinical insights. Dr. Rodman Jay Garcia, Dr. Jissylle Clamor, Dr. Stephen Mortera, Dr. Raikka Fernandez, and Dr. Thelma Egarle, alongside dedicated nurses Marivic Garcesa and Judite Cream Rosales, led a comprehensive series of lectures. These sessions covered critical modern health challenges, including diabetes management, hypertension, stress reduction, and dental hygiene. The curriculum also addressed the risks of smoking and alcohol while offering specialized advice on nutrition and pediatric care, ensuring that participants of all ages left with actionable strategies for disease prevention.
The event reached its emotional and spiritual peak during a massive baptismal ceremony. This “spiritual harvest” saw hundreds of individuals choose to be baptized, symbolizing a total commitment to the life-changing principles discussed during the two-week period. These baptisms served as a powerful reminder that true transformation often begins with a personal decision to pursue a renewed life in Christ, supported by a healthy physical vessel.
By organizing this seminar, the Southern Mindanao Mission has reaffirmed its dedication to health ministry as a core pillar of its community service. The collaboration between the medical and faith sectors proved that when expertise and empathy meet, the impact on a community is profound. As participants return to their homes, they carry with them not just new knowledge but also a renewed motivation to foster healthier, more vibrant lives for themselves and their neighbors.
Serene Shekinah D. Boncavil | Photos by Hope Channel Southern Mindanao
