LA VICTORIA, Carmen, Bohol – The Ministerial Spouses’ Association of Bohol visited La Victoria Seventh-day Adventist Church on July 18, joining the Central West District Women’s Ministries. The visit took place during a rainy Sabbath morning, but didn’t stop the spouses’ community outreach to vulnerable groups in the afternoon.
Pastor Abimael S. Lazarte, district pastor of Central West Bohol District, hosted the event, which brought together ministerial spouses led by Lita C. Burato, president of MSA Bohol, and Leslie B. Jale, president of the Central West District Women’s Ministries. The two groups worked together to support the local church through fellowship and outreach.
Emma Jabutay, vice religious leader of MSA Bohol, gave a lecture on children’s discipline during the Sabbath School program. She said digital technology affects children’s development and should be guided by parents to support growth.
Among the visit’s highlights was the distribution of ‘bundles of joy’ that the spouses initiated for indigent families, widows, and senior citizens of the La Victoria community, including Charisa Dusaran, Heldelita Ogsid, Gabino Bautista, and Cresilda Rasonado. Recipients also received words of encouragement and prayers.
Burato also presented a practical lecture on financial budgeting, encouraging families to practice wise stewardship, avoid unnecessary debt, and trust God’s faithful provision. Reflecting on the outreach, she shared, “I am truly grateful for the opportunity to share a lecture on financial budgeting. Seeing the smiles on the faces of those who received the bundles of joy reminded us that it is indeed more blessed to give than to receive.”
Leonila H. Pagatpat delivered the worship message, saying church visitation helps strengthen unity among members. She encouraged families to nurture their children in faith.
Franz Blessy Paceño Andrade, a new MSA member, shared her experience as a pastor’s wife. She said she once thought pastors were financially secure, but later learned about the challenges of ministry. She said church members often helped her family with food and other needs, and that serving with her husband is a privilege.
“I remembered receiving different varieties of rice—white, red, and black—each reminding her that God never forsakes those who faithfully labor in His vineyard. Serving alongside her husband,” Andrade shared, has become one of the greatest privileges and blessings of her life.
The event ended with ministerial spouses expressing gratitude and commitment. Diana T. Taraya said the Sabbath at La Victoria Church was meaningful. Jean Rodelas Lazarte, an event host, thanked God for the preparations and said she was glad to help distribute the bundles of joy.
“Every act of service, no matter how small, becomes an offering of worship when done with love. May the seeds planted during the fellowship continue to bear fruit in every life touched,” Lazarte added.
Pastor Lazarte praised the unity and leadership of the ministerial spouses. He said the messages, songs, and outreach encouraged the congregation to continue serving.
The MSA Bohol visitation at La Victoria Church concluded with ministerial spouses planning to continue their ministry in the future.
“We look forward to continuing this meaningful ministry in the years ahead, bringing hope, encouragement, and Christ’s love to every church and community we visit,” one pastor’s wife remarked, verbalizing the impact the event brought to ministerial spouses.
By Reachly Liston Alcanzare | North Eastern Bohol District