DM virtually sends-off elementary teachers to a new school year

August 14, 2021 • in News & Events

Davao Mission (DM) Education department, under the leadership of Ms. Marilyn Chipada-Moralde, and her associate, Ms. Cheryl Linao-Hodge coordinated a unique Spiritual “Send-Off” Program for the elementary teachers on August 13 and 14.

The virtual weekend retreat started with Pr. Danny Inato, Associate Publishing director of the Adventist Church in Mindanao (SPUC), with his message of “creating and maintaining the image of Jesus Christ that is to be always seen in us [teachers].”

Meanwhile, tears halted the virtual gathering now and then as teachers shared their experiences and gratefulness amidst the pandemic and how it brought them to stand the test of time, even in a very challenging financial situation.

However, DM treasurer, Mr. Laurence Lamera, emphasized “giving thanks to the Lord at all times,” even in the crisis that we now are experiencing. “He will see everyone through. Just stay faithful to His calling,” he said further.

In his Divine worship message, Pr. Edwin Magdadaro, DM president, made clear and reminded our teachers that “those who are accepted as teachers in our schools are opened a field for labor and cultivation, for the sowing of the seed and for the harvesting of the ripening grain.” (Christian Education 156.1)

He further said, “You are placed and assigned to our schools because you have a task to do! And, we thank you, our teachers, for holding on to the mandate that we shall finish the work that God has assigned us to do!” Then, citing from the story of Tanzanian, John Stephen Akhwari, a 1968 Olympic Marathon legend, who came in the very last during his run–– “My country did not send me 5,000 miles to start the race; they sent me 5,000 miles to FINISH the race!”

Attending this “Spiritual Send-Off” program are teachers from the four schools supervised by the Davao Mission: Davao City SDA Elementary School; Royal Valley SDA Elementary School; Digos SDA Elementary School; and the Adventist Elementary School of Digos City. Joining the program is Dr. Bobby Asis, SPUC Education director; Pr. Lito Magsico, DM Ministerial and Youth director; Ms. Lindy Lou Siban-Magdadaro, DM Children and Family Ministries director; and Mr. Rhoen Catolico, DM Communication/Media director.

This program will commence this afternoon as teachers get ready for the opening of the school year.