Thirty-five missionaries from the 67th batch of the 1000 Missionary Movement arrived at the East Central Philippine Union Conference (ECPUC) headquarters on Sept. 8 to begin their mission assignments.
Before arriving in Cebu, the group underwent rigorous training at the 1000 Missionary Movement headquarters in Balubad, Silang, Cavite, from July 19 to Sept. 5. They were among the 121 trainees from the Philippines, Germany, South Korea, and other countries under the Southern Asia-Pacific Division.
While ECPUC originally sent 38 missionaries for the training, the 1000 Missionary Movement assigned 35 of the 121 to be dispersed across ECPUC territory. Following their commissioning ceremony on September 5, 35 of these trained volunteers were officially deployed to serve the mission fields under the ECPUC.
A Warm Welcome and Spiritual Charge
On Sept. 10, the missionaries attended the ECPUC morning devotional and met with union leaders and staff.
Pastor Lemmuel Lauron, the union’s 1000 Missionary Movement coordinator, formally presented them to the union leaders for a courtesy call, where they received a warm reception and spiritual encouragement for the journey ahead.
During the program, Pastor Eliezer “Joer” Barlizo Jr., ECPUC president, emphasized the sacred weight of their calling. His message anchored the young volunteers in faith as they prepare to disperse into various communities to spread the Gospel, uplift local churches, and lead outreach initiatives.
“Being a former director of the 1000 Missionary Movement for nine years, I understand everything — your struggles, dedication, and that beautiful feeling of committing your life and service for the Lord,” Barlizo said.
Also during the devotional, missionary Marvin Coronel stood up and shared his story, telling the listeners what prompted him to join the movement despite his dark past:
“I believe God can use me to bring the Gospel of Salvation to those who are lost, just as I once was.”
Coronel’s testimony struck a chord with the room. While each of the missionaries carries a unique story and personal reason for joining the movement, they are ultimately united by a singular desire to let God use them for His work.
Initial Group Outreach and Final Deployment
Marking their first official missional engagement as a collective unit, the missionaries were sent to Olango Island in Lapu-Lapu City on Sept. 10 to conduct initial group fieldwork in two barangays.
After this initial assignment, the missionaries will be deployed to their long-term posts on Sept. 27.
The 18 missionary assignments are distributed across seven provinces, with the highest concentration in Leyte, which has seven assignments in San Miguel, Carigara, Mahaplag, Isabel, Baybay, Kananga and Capoocan.
Cebu follows with four placements in Carnaza Island (Daanbantayan), Hinablan (Badian) and Happy Valley (San Fernando).
Bohol receives three assignments in Danao, Trinidad and Pitogo, while Northern Samar welcomes two pairs in Catarman and Mapanas. Other assignments are designated for Negros Oriental (Guihulngan), Masbate (Banacud, Milagros) and Biliran.
By Lyn Lucero ⎸ East Central Philippine Union Conference Communications