SMO Holds National
Youth Conference 2010
The dry summer heat and the regular daily
brownouts at Buenos Aires Mountain
Resort did not dampen the spirit of the
conferees as they hear one biblical
preaching after another. By God’s grace,
the SMO National Youth Conference (SMO-
NYC) held in Bacolod on April 6-10, 2010
was a success if measured by the quality
of messages preached and the impact it
gave in the lives of student leaders, pastors,
and missionaries.
Focusing on the theme – “Declaration: I am
a Christian” – the nightly messages were
preached by main speakers, Xerwin
Ceballos, SMO Board Chair, Dennis Cortes,
a practicing lawyer, Ruben Supan, a
medical doctor, and Jun Oguilla, an
associate pastor and theology teacher. The
title of their messages were: The “Person”
in our Declaration, The Principles in our
Declaration, The Purpose in our
Declaration, and The Passion in our
Declaration, respectively. A call for
consecration and dedication was made on
the last night.
The morning sessions were divided into
two: A mini-lecture and workshop on
Spiritual Disciplines shared by Mr. Ceballos
and a lecture and open forum on Christian
Worldview given by invited speakers.
Mr. Ceballos gave a light lecture with his
personal testimonies on Spiritual
q proven in our lives.
PDF processed with CutePDF evaluation edition www.CutePDF.com
From the Director:
Our Christian Declaration
We have adopted “Declaration: I am a Christian” as our ministry theme this school year. Fresh
from the successful SMO National Youth Conference in Bacolod last April 6-10, which carried a
similar theme, the reasons for adopting this theme are significant.
First, the Declaration identifies us with Christ and our Commitment to Him. It speaks about
our relationship and identity with Jesus Christ, who is our Master and Lord. We are His followers,
and we are called “CHRIST-IANS”. We belong to Christ, and we are His. He owned us twice,
first in Creation, and then in Redemption by paying the penalty of our sins. We could have been
condemned to death in hell for eternity, but He graciously extended to us His love by giving His
life for a sacrifice so that we will be free. Hence, as our Master, He deserved our faithfulness
and loyalty. This statement gives us a glimpse of who Jesus is, who we are, and how this reality
affects our individual lives. As Christians, we must not be ashamed to be Jesus’ followers. In
fact, we must be proud of it because of what Jesus did to secure our salvation and our union in
Him.
Second, this Declaration involves our Conviction in Christ. Although Christians may claim to
be devoted in his identity as Christ’s follower, it is yet to be tested because this relationship and
commitment also entails countless responsibilities. The price of following Christ is very costly.
He said, “If any one follows me, he must deny himself, take up his cross and follow me,” (Matthew
16:24). This would mean a denial of one’s comfort, wealth, ambition, desire, will, human
relationships, and even one’s life for the cause of his Master and the advancement of His
Kingdom. It means giving up anything should the Master demands and asks for it. It includes
our complete surrender and obedience. We must be willing to take these responsibilities and
be decided to stand firm to these convictions, no matter what the costs maybe. It is what Paul
declares, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain,” (Philippians 1:21).
Third, this Declaration inspires our Consolation in Christ. “I am a CHRISTIAN” expresses
great rejoicing. Yes, the cost of following Christ maybe too high, but following Him is very
rewarding and fulfilling. It gives us complete joy, peace which surpasses understanding, and
lasting contentment in life as what Paul had experienced throughout his ministry (Philippians
4:4-13). To be in Christ, is to enjoy the riches of His grace, not only in this life, but for eternity.
Oh, what great commitment it is to be Christ’s followers. What strong conviction we must have
to fulfill that commitment. And yet, through all these, what an ultimate consolation, privilege,
and rejoicing that we have as Christians to be serving the King of kings, and the Lord of lords.
What a great declaration to proclaim - “I AM A CHRISTIAN.” May this declaration be true and be
t SMO Holds National Youth Conference 2010
Journaling and Using Bible Reading in
Personal Devotions. Each of his lectures
was followed by conferees spending time
to do related assignments. Prayer groups
were formed to share ministry-related prayer
request, this was also a time for conferees
to get to know each other better.
In-depth lectures and discussions followed
during a series on Christian Worldview.
Different popular worldviews such as
secularism, humanism, naturalism,
materialism, relativism, and pragmatism
were compared to the Christian Worldview.
Lecturers were Atty. Cortes, Pastor Joseph
Samuel, and Dr. Ruben Supan, MD.
Separate sessions for students and pastors/
missionaries were held in the afternoon. For
students, preaching messages on Holiness
and Personal Purity were given by Pastor
Aeron Caldeo, one of the SMO Bible Training
Institute (SMO-BTI) lecturers, and Pastor
Oguilla. The students also heard messages
on “Doing Youth Ministry” by Pastor Elmer
Genol, SMO Bacolod Coordinator,
“Discipleship” by Pastor Rodney Necesito,
SMO Metro Manila Worker, and “Evangelism”
by Pastor Reuel Ben Seijo, a BTI lecturer.
The pastors and missionaries listened to
preaching on “Doing God’s Ministry” by Pastor
Renato del Mundo, SMO National Director,
“Doing God’s Ministry in God’s Way” by Pastor
Necesito, and “Doing God’s Ministry in God’s
Way for God’s Glory” by Mr. Ceballos.
Young professionals and alumni had a special
two-part session with Pastor Samuel and
Aeron Caldeo on the topics “The Christian in
the Workplace” and “The Christian Young
Professional and his Role in Christian
Ministries”.
Ministry-partner Afterglow Ministries
prepared a 9-song musical presentation
entitled “Indescribable” on the last night of
the conference.
The SMO-NYC 2010 so far is the most
regionally represented conference to date
with delegates coming from the provinces
of Cagayan, Mountain Province, Benguet,
Bicol, Rizal, Palawan and Metro Manila in
the Luzon area; Iloilo and Negros Occidental
in the Visayas area; and, Misamis
Occidental, South Cotabato, and Sultan
Kudarat in the Mindanao area. There were
a total of 160 delegates.
Making the Move Testimonies of a Change Life in Jesus

My name is Marco Aguda of
Cagayan Valley. For the past 19
years, I have been living with my
mother and grandparents. I never
experience what it was like to have
a father in our home. Could my life
been better and with a sense of
direction if my father could have
been around? Maybe.
My spirituality was largely influenced
by my mother. I journeyed with her
in search for “truth”. From being a
Roman Catholic to Methodist to Baptist, “truth” seemed elusive. Religion
by itself did not save me from my worsening spiritual condition brought
about me being hooked on vices.
One day I attended a youth fellowship of First Pilgrims Baptist Church
where I listened to the Bible being preached in a different way. Days
after, I started questioning the belief I grew up in. Pastor Pedro (Bats)
Batalla was diligent enough to spend time with me, helping me answer
my questions and teaching me the Word of God. I began to understand
the meaning of John 3:16, how Jesus Christ (God incarnate) shed His
blood on the cross as a final and complete payment of my sins. Salvation
is free, it’s God’s grace, and receiving this gift has given me a strong
assurance about my eternal destiny and my relationship with God
through Jesus Christ.

Upon my high school graduation, I requested my mother to invite to

our home Pastor Joseph Samuel, a missionary who has been
frequenting our schools for Bible studies. During his school visits, I
developed an admiration and respect for him because of his love for
God and his dedication in Christian service.

Pastor Samuel heeded our invitation. The first thing he talked about
focused on the subject on salvation. He taught to us clearly the Gospel.
I was convicted by it and soon enough prayed and surrendered my life
to Jesus Christ.

I and my mother became regular attendees of Pastor Samuel’s church.

In the process of knowing more about God, the enemy provided a
counterpart. I was lured back to my worldly ways. As a consequence, I
made wrong judgments in choosing my career. Time and money has
been wasted because of moving from one college course to another.
Before dropping out from my second course, I have been involved in
the campus ministry of SMO. It was during this time that an invitation
for me to attend the National Youth Conference in Bacolod was
extended.

Sitting and listening throughout the conference, I know that God is

leading me somewhere. The recurring theme in all the messages was
to make a bold declaration of the Christian faith. This has spiritually
impacted me and I praise God for His moving.

In the course of the conference, I met Andro Paul Semaña, an incoming

sophomore student of SMO Bible Training Institute. He shared to me
about God’s will in his life to be in the institute and about the training
he got from the school. I pondered and prayed whether for me to study
at BTI would be a good thing or not. When I returned to our hometown,
this has been my prayer request. I sought counsel from my mother,
Pastor Samuel, and godly men about the decision I am going to make.
Today, I am on my second month as a freshman student of BTI. Each
day here, God is teaching me a lesson and is shaping my character
towards Christ-likeness. I pray that I could endure, persevere, and
always seek God’s guidance as I move on to a new chapter in my life.
I never dreamed to be a pastor someday, but who knows, God’s thoughts
and ways are higher than my ways. I just keep thanking Him each day
for His sustaining grace.
My name is Sheryl Quillopas of Bicol Province. I used to be an active
member of Iglesia ni Kristo (INK), a religion founded by a local minister
which refutes the deity of Jesus Christ. I and my family were made to
be believe that salvation can only be found by being an INK member.
SMO Prepares for World Congress
The 18th World Congress of the International Council of Christian Churches
(ICCC) will be held on October 11-15, 2010 at the Philippine Columbian
Association in Manila and on October 12-14, 2010 at the Bacolod Pavilion
in Bacolod City. Together with the World Congress, the 17 th General
Assembly of the Far East Council of Christian Churches (FECCC) will also
be held during the Congress. With the theme Be Thou Faithful unto Death,
the international gathering hopes to gather Christians in various
denomination but of like-minded faith to this important event.
Pastor Renato del Mundo, SMO National Director, is one of the members
of the organizing committee. For its part, SMO will work hand-in-hand with
other local churches and Christian organizations in making sure that the
international gathering will be a success. SMO is part of the ICCC and has
participated in previous congresses. Last May, 2009, SMO worked with
other churches and groups in putting up the Philippine Council of Christian
Churches Conference in Bacolod City.
SMO Sponsors Inter-Church Fellowship
“One Gospel. One Team.”
The new SMO Fellowship Hall is packed with 250 youths and guests
during an inter-church fellowship dubbed as “One Gospel. One Team.”
held on July 4, 2010. Local churches sent their youths in support for
SMO’s effort of encouraging students to be active in campus ministry in
their respective schools. The students are frontliners in introducing the
Gospel to their schoolmates; SMO sees the importance of mobilizing
them in evangelization and discipleship in campuses.

The event which also turned out to be an afternoon of music gathered

talents from several churches and groups. Among those who offered
songs were Afterglow Ministries, His Voice Singing Ministry, Young
Singing Pastors, and Karrel Gallenero, a voice student of Moody Bible
Institute.

Pastor Renato del Mundo gave the day’s challenge while Pastor Renato
Bravo and Pastor Aeron Caldeo led prayers for the students.

In a related development, Negros Occidental High School (NOHS), one

of the biggest public schools in the province, once again opened its
doors to SMO as school Principal Mario S. Amaca approved the ministry’s
request to conduct Bible studies in the said school. In addition, the school
also accredited SMO as an official club for students. For many years,
NOHS students has always been ministered to by SMO youth workers;
this brought about many of them committing their lives to Jesus and
have become responsible individuals in their community. The current
advisers of SMO Club in the school are Merlin Aguienia, Corazon Mesaya,
and Lourdes Catalan.

New Fellowship Hall Opens

The SMO Youth Center in Bacolod which houses the National and
Bacolod offices and the Bible Training Institute had new building
improvements. The once makeshift hall made of wood and native
materials and could conveniently gather 60 people was torn down last
summer to give way for the construction of the new Fellowship Hall that
could seat 150 people. The new hall which was completed last June,
has a higher ceiling, wider space, and is made of solid materials.

In addition, a repainting job was done for the roof and external part of
the house. The canteen was also renovated and a small makeshift hut
was built to serve as an eatery place for students who come to the Youth
Center for lunch. The canteen staff prepares food and sell it at an
affordable price to students, the ministry’s other way of reaching out to
students. The facility is also used for small group Bible studies and
fellowship. SMO is renting the property of the Salas family for almost
five years now with a renewable two-year contract.

In the meantime, SMO continues to pray and scout for an ideal land
property in the Negros Occidental province where the ministry could
relocate the National Office and Bible Training Center, and at the same
time use the land for income generating projects like organic farming
and develop a Christian youth camp and conference site to service not
only the ministry but other churches and Christian organizations as well.
 look what God is doing across the country
METRO MANILA AREA
Five Metro Manila churches praticipated in the
SMO Inter-Church Youth Rally on July 18,
2010, held at Community Life Ministries in
Cainta, Rizal. Pastor Luis Faller, pastor of CLM
opened their facilities to 150 youths who
joined. Pastor Renato del Mundo invited the
youths to be actively involved in campus
ministry, while Pastor Renato Bravo gave the
message.
CAGAYAN VALLEY
Pastor Jeffrey Olivar is doing evangelism and
discipleship training to students of Cagayan
State University. Plans to also start a ministry
for out-of-school youths is underway.
MOUNTAIN PROVINCE
An SMO work in Baguio City opens soon with
the able partnership of Pastor Bong Ocampo.
National Director, Pastor Renato del Mundo
met with Pastor Ocampo this month and to
finalized the team-up.
The mayor of Lepanto has officially mandated
the giving of religious instructions in schools.
This is a welcome development for SMO and
we praise God for this.
NEGROS OCCIDENTAL
SMO Bacolod Coordinator Pastor Elmer
Genol is now ably assisted in Bible studies
by Pastor Reuel Ben Seijo in the college level
and Pastor Reno Sayon in the high school
level. Praise God for the schools that have
allowed us to conduct Bible studies to their
students again, particularly, that of Negros
Occidental High School (NOHS), which for
years have closed its doors for SMO to enter.
The new school principal Mario Amaca have
welcomed SMO again, this time as an official
school club.
200 high school students attend regular Bible
studies in the towns of Isabela and Moises
Padilla under the supervision of Pastor
Romeo Salomon and Pastor Dennis
Castellano. Bible studies are also held in La
Carlota City and Hinobaan town through
Pastor Nap Cajeda and Pastor Villasis
Buenaflor, respectively.
Bible study sessions are now open at Dona
Montserrat Lopez Memorial High School in
Silay City. Ministry partner, Pastor Aeron
Caldeo of Calvary Baptist Church
spearheads the work in the said school.
Praise God for newly baptized Bacolod
SMO’ers, Jhun Paul Alacre, Marian Nicavera,
Joam Mir Pianera, Daniel Therb Alvarado,
and Ma. Cris Canete. They were baptized last
May, 2010 and are now members of
Lifespring Fundamental Baptist Church.
GEN. SANTOS CITY
Four students were baptized last May, 2010
by Pastor Ener Gamolo, SMO Worker and
pastor of Fundamental Baptist Church. Praise
God for the active partnership of Christian
teachers Soldierly Barieses and Jocelyn
Esparagoza to the SMO work in their schools.
Bible studies have also started in two more
additional schools, Fatima Elementary
School and Buayan National High School.
Pastor Jonathan Sungcal have volunteered
to assist Pastor Gamolo in the Bible studies
there.
And a total of 12 schools are being visited
regularly by Pastor Elmer Polo and Pastor
Bienvenido Flores for Bible studies. A number
of youths are being trained to be Christian
leaders in their respective schools.
PALAWAN
Pastor Ludivino Cabildo’s church partners
with SMO Bible Training Institute in
welcoming 3rd year BTI student Saskia
Antiquenio as intern this year. She, along with
former BTI student Michael John Agno (who
now takes up a college course, are together
in doing Bible studies in two schools in
Salvacion town.
OZAMIZ CITY
Pastor Joemarie Peduhan and Ramir
Mendoza, two of SMO’s student leaders in
Bacolod during their school days, have
teamed up in pastoring Ozamiz Bethel Baptist
Church. Their church, which is near
schools,have led them to use the facility as
a Youth Center. Every once-a-week, students
from two universities and two high schools
visit the center for fellowship, Bible studies,
and watch Christian films. SMO Bible
Training Institute intern, Ryan Montero, joins
the work in Ozamiz for training.
Please pray God’s healing and provision to
Pastor Peduhan’s two-month old baby,
Hanniel Grace, who is diagnosed to have a
congenital heart condition.
SULTAN KUDARAT
Pastor Samuel Salomon have been suffering
from kidney problem. He has undergone two
operations years ago for kidney stone
removal, but recently he has experienced
persistent pain which caused him to get
sleepless nights. His doctor advised him to
undergo a costly shockwave treatment for his
kidney. Praise God that there are concerned
Christians abroad who will be extending their
help to Pastor Salomon through Christian Aid
Mission. Please pray for God’s healing.
ILOILO CITY
Pastor George Totica is doing follow-up Bible
studies to 50 young people in his area with
some of them taking formal theological
training in a a Bible institute there. Praise God
for spiritual growth among members of his
church and a new place for construction of
their new church facility. Praise God too for
ongoing Bible studies in schools there.
4 Graduates at SMO Institute
The 6th Commencement Exercises of SMO Bible Training Institute
(SMO-BTI) was held on March 29, 2010 at SMO Youth Center in Bacolod
City. Four students graduated in a four-year Bachelor of Theology in
Church and Youth Ministry course and four others in a three-year Youth
Worker’s Certificate course.

Those who graduated in Church and Youth Ministry were Raffy dela
Pena, Jay Pee Erespe, Nocel Pateno, and Regie Tibulan. All graduates
are currently working as volunteer staff of SMO in Bacolod with two of
them already working in churches.

For the Youth Worker’s Certificate, those who graduated were Michael
John Agno, Michael Jade Asplico, Jeric Otordos, and Jake Quinosa.
Otordos and Quinosa have decided to pursue a Bachelor degree this
school year.

SMO Board Chair Xerwin Ceballos gave the message.

SMO-BTI was established with the purpose of training young men and
women to be actively involved in campus ministry. The school is also a
training ground for future youth workers of SMO or of other local
churches.

Here are brief testimonies of the graduates:

My four years at SMO-BTI were filled with several trials on my intellectual

Personally, I am happy and blessed to be a part of SMO-BTI. My four-
year training in the Institution taught me a lot especially in the area of
time discipline, when it comes to my personal study habits, devotion,
prayer, preaching, and message preparation. I have learned a lot in
handling big and small group bible studies, doing campus work, and
developing my leadership skills. Praise God for using our teachers
who patiently taught and show us the truth both in their words and in
their lives. At present, I am serving the Lord as one of the SMO staff,
and at the same time, ministering at a small Church in Cadiz, Negros
Occidental. As a young Pastor, I draw my strength and wisdom from
the Lord, as I apply the principles I have learned from the school in
administering and caring for God’s people. - Jay Pee Erespe
and physical capabilities, spiritual discipline, and inter-relational
struggle. I praise and thank God that through all these tests, God had
proven Himself Faithful who sustained me by giving me wisdom and
strength to overcome every challenge I encountered through those
difficult years. And now, as I completed my four-year training, I gave
God all the glory for choosing me to be one of His servant. I am at
present serving the Lord through SMO and as the Pastor for the
Children’s Ministry to my home Church at Lifespring Fundamental
Baptist Church. - Raffy dela Pena
To God be the glory for the fruitful years I spent at SMO-BTI. As I looked
back, there was no regret that I spent my four year training in this
Institution. It was here that I understand better about God, His plan,
purpose, and working in the lives of His people. It was also through
this institution that I learned the value of being trained for godliness,
which had prepared and equipped me for the work and ministry of the
Lord. Right after my graduation last march 2010, I committed myself to
serving God as minister at a Christian Church in Pulupandan, Negros
Occidental, and as one of the Staff of SMO. - Regie Tibulan

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