MANDAUE CITY — A decade-long music ministry born out of a local youth care group has paved the way for the official recognition of a new Adventist congregation in Bakilid.
The group, originally formed in August 2016 as “G-First” (God First), recently marked its 10th anniversary with a special program at its church in Bakilid.
The singing care group ministry originally drew its members from two mother churches in Mandaue City: the Mandaue City Center Seventh-day Adventist Church (commonly known as Umapad SDA Church) and the Mandaue City Central SDA Church (widely known as Maguikay SDA Church).
As the group grew, members decided to form a separate congregation. They began holding weekday and Sabbath services in a chemical solutions company facility in Bakilid, owned by Efren and Ruby Acero, who are also recognized as the group’s parents and organizers.
What started as a small gathering focused on music evangelism eventually evolved into a dedicated ministry now known as ‘The Servants.’
When asked how they invite new members and whether they require certain qualifications, Acero said, “Of course not. Anyone who is willing to sing can join. We are not after voice quality, but willingness to serve as music evangelists.”
Over the past ten years, the group has engaged in various community initiatives, including feeding programs, clean-up and tree-planting drives, vacation Bible schools, and jail evangelism alongside its core singing ministry.
The anniversary celebration featured special performances by local guest groups, including The Deacons, The Archael, the Pelecio Family, Harmonic Emblem, Arkapella, and a Maloloy-on couple.
Reflecting on the milestone during the afternoon session, Ruby Acero noted the group’s journey through challenges and spiritual growth.
“Ten years ago, it started as a simple commitment to the Lord, and I never expected it to come this far,” Acero said, adding that the anniversary sets the foundation for future outreach efforts.
The growth of the ministry and its expanding membership ultimately drove the establishment of the new congregation in Mandaue City.
Church leaders are currently working through the transition of the newly recognized company toward the ultimate goal of becoming a fully organized Seventh-day Adventist Church within the Central Cebu District.
A member from another Adventist church in Mandaue expressed her appreciation, saying, “I’m really praising God for them. The group is very supportive of any evangelism activities or any program the district holds. They send their children, their women, their men—everyone, whenever there is a district-wide event.”
By Hazel Jade Orio ⎸ The Servants