The Feast of Tabernacles in Mindanao was successfully held in a new Feast site at Hotel de Susana, Valencia City, Bukidnon, Philippines. The theme was: “Bringing many Sons and Daughters to Glory” (Hebrews 2:10). Attended by a congregation of 238 strong at peak attendance, the entire Feast was a true reflection of the Millennium.

The Feast began on the eve of Oct. 9 with a warm welcome dinner and singing hymns to God. The rest of the days followed a consistent schedule, in which morning worship services started at 10 a.m. and were followed by a buffet lunch served by the hotel.

Whole-day services were held on first day of the Feast and the evening was a time for the brethren from different congregations to get to know one another through fun-filled games.

The second day’s service was dedicated to the young and the once-young. The afternoon was occupied by the children’s and youth day activities and the seniors’ socials simultaneously. An evening Bible study was held for the youth.

The third day was highlighted by a very productive women’s enrichment meeting in which all girls and ladies 13 and above got to enjoy a free bazaar and beauty services while being entertained by games, songs and dance numbers. A more serious conversation and talks among women were continued on the afternoon of the following day. Meanwhile, the men enjoyed a social gathering on that evening with some grilled steak, soup and drinks.

The fourth day was dedicated to the young adults of the Church. They enjoyed a short two-hour, off-trail hike to a waterfall in Cedar Campground, Impasug-Ong, Impalutao, Bukidnon. In the evening, a marriage and parenting forum was attended by couples and parents.

The fifth day was family day with an afternoon filled with fun games for all ages. We gave certificates to all students of the Virtual Sabbath Bible School for school year 2021-2022. The day featured a buffet of native Filipino delicacies and fruits as well as a fruitful young adults’ forum in the evening.

The sixth day featured a Sabbath afternoon Bible study in addition to the national webcast given by the senior pastor for the Philippines, David Dobson, which was joined by all three sites in the Philippines (Baguio City, Leyte and Bukidnon) and Sabah, Malaysia. In the evening, the brethren enjoyed a hybrid variety show of pre-recorded and live presentations. Some members donated ice cream and pizza, which everyone got to enjoy and share.

On the afternoon of the seventh day of the Feast, some brethren went to the Nasuli Spring Resort. We were also blessed with the addition of one member to God’s family; as Shela Mae Valdez-Abrigana, who committed herself to God through baptism. An appreciation dinner for the servant leaders capped the night while the rest of the brethren enjoyed a sumptuous meal at the hall.

The Eighth Day had a meaningful service filled with messages and special music which pictured the meaning of that day. An unexpected death of a faithful widow, Cecilia Gargar (86 years old), at the dawn of the Eighth Day around 3 a.m., shocked the brethren. But we were all comforted by God’s message of hope and resurrection.

Overall, the Feast was full of rejoicing, strengthened hope and wonderful memories, which are a foretaste of the coming Kingdom of God.