General Santos Third Ward Saints

20/07/2026

🏛️ A Sacred Day at the Philippines Davao Temple 🏛️

What a blessed day it was as members of our Third Ward gathered together at the Philippines Davao Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to serve in the House of the Lord! ✨

Almost 300+ ordinances were performed on this trip:
🕊️ Over 200 souls were baptized and confirmed through Baptisms for the Dead
🕊️ Sacred Endowments were received
🕊️ Initiatories were performed
🕊️ Families were bound together through Sealings

Each ordinance represents a soul on the other side of the veil now able to move forward in God's plan — made possible because our brothers and sisters chose to give their time in service.

"Our need to be in the temple on a regular basis has never been greater... I promise you that the Lord will bring the miracles He knows you need as you make sacrifices to serve and worship in His temples." — President Russell M. Nelson

And as the Lord declared through the Prophet Malachi:

"Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers..." — Malachi 4:5–6

We are so grateful for every Third Ward Saint who participated in this sacred cause — those who prepared names, those who served as proxies, and those who supported this effort with prayers and fasting. Truly, "we without them cannot be made perfect, neither can they without us be made perfect" (D&C 128:18).

Until the next temple trip — let's keep pressing forward in this great work! 💙

20/06/2026

Bringing Relief and Building Hope through Priesthood in Action

Following the devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck the SarGen area, two homes belonging to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Purok Tinago, Barangay San Isidro, General Santos City were severely damaged. As a result, the families of Anthony and Julie Pepito and Sister Emerenciana Banagado were left without safe shelter and had to temporarily live outside their homes.

In response to this, members of the Third Ward, General Santos Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, immediately organized relief efforts through the Priesthood Quorums, with the invaluable support of the Relief Society. Beginning June 13, 2026 and continuing every Saturday through June 20, 2026, ward members worked together to repair the damaged houses and provide much-needed assistance to the affected families.

This effort also became a community service project, with full-time missionaries assigned to the Third Ward from the Philippines General Santos Mission joining hands with ward missionary members in bringing relief and restoring hope.

The Bishopric of the General Santos Third Ward expresses its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who generously shared their time, talents, and resources. Their selfless service exemplifies the Savior Jesus Christ's ministry of love and compassion.

01/06/2026

Sisters in Service: Third Ward Sunday School Presidency

In a joyful spirit of unity and anticipation, the Third Ward welcomes the organization of its Sunday School Presidency, now composed entirely of sisters called to serve in teaching and strengthening gospel learning.

This also reflects a meaningful development in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where under recent direction from the First Presidency, women may now be called to serve as ward Sunday School presidents. This allows Sunday School presidencies to be composed entirely of either sisters or brethren, depending on the inspiration of local leaders and the needs of the ward.

As members look forward to this change being fully felt in the ward, there is a shared sense of excitement, not just because of the new structure, but because of the spirit, insight, and warmth that sisters bring to gospel teaching. And yes, the ward might also notice (with a smile) that Sunday School just got a little more beautiful too. 😄✨

Third Ward Sunday School Presidency

• Sister Ruby Baliwas – President
• Sister Chiradee Tibungcog – 1st Counselor
• Sister Philin Ravanera – 2nd Counselor
• Sister Myrtyle Kish Javellana – Secretary

A Sacred Calling to Teach

Sunday School remains a place where hearts are softened, understanding deepens, and testimonies of Jesus Christ are strengthened. This presidency will help guide that experience through faith, preparation, and reliance on the Spirit.

President Russell M. Nelson has taught:

“The Lord loves effort, because effort brings rewards that can’t come without it.”

This presidency exemplifies that effort, sisters willing to serve, teach, and lift others through gospel learning.

The scriptures also remind us of the sacred role of teaching in the Lord’s Church:

“And again, the elders, priests and teachers of this church shall teach the principles of my gospel…” — Doctrine and Covenants 42:12

“And if ye have not faith, hope, and charity, ye can do nothing.” — Moroni 7:33

Looking Forward with Faith and Joy

There is anticipation in the ward for what this change will bring: more inspired lessons, stronger participation, and a deeper spirit of unity in gospel learning. More importantly, there is confidence that the Lord directs His Church and qualifies those He calls.

As we sustain Sister Ruby Baliwas, Sister Chiradee Tibungcog, Sister Philin Ravanera, and Sister Myrtyle Kish Javellana, we look forward with hope and faith to the blessings that will come through their service.

With faith in Jesus Christ, this presidency moves forward with unity, joy, and purpose, helping every learner come unto Him, one lesson at a time. And perhaps, with a little extra charm and beauty along the way. 😉✨

04/04/2026

✨ Gensan Third Ward One Day Mission: Come & See! ✨

What a day to remember! 💛

From youth to young single adults, from leaders to members, all hands united as we came together for our One Day Mission here in Gensan Third Ward. And yes, this meaningful experience happened on Sabado de Gloria… dili ni ordinary day at all. This was a day full of purpose, faith, and a little bit of holy boldness. 😄

Our morning started with a powerful workshop alongside our amazing missionaries, learning not just how to share the gospel, but why it matters. Because every soul? Priceless in the sight of God. 💫“Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God.” (Doctrine and Covenants 18:10)

We were reminded that missionary work in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints is not just an assignment… it’s a divine invitation to love, to serve, and to help others Come and See. 👀✨

Of course, dili pud mawala ang pagkaon 🍽️ because let’s be honest… spiritually filled na gani ta, dapat physically filled pud! 😄 Lunch was served with love, giving us the energy to actually walk the talk.

And walk the talk we did. 🚶‍♂️🚶‍♀️

Armed with faith and a bit of nervous excitement, we went out to invite both members and our non member friends to our special Easter Sacrament Meeting this Sunday morning. 🌅

Grabe ka heartwarming seeing our youth step up, maski kulba, go gihapon! Courage unlocked. 🔓💥

As taught by Russell M. Nelson:
“Now is the time for you and for me to prepare for the Second Coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”

Just like the prophets of old, we strive to be bold in sharing the truth that we know. Because missionary work is truly paramount in moving the gospel of Jesus Christ forward.

So to everyone we met and invited
Come and See. Come and Feel. Come Unto Christ. 🤍 And eventually… walk with Him.

26/01/2026

1. THE ANNOUNCEMENT: "The 180-Second Witness" 📢 GenSan 3rd Ward Vlog Challenge

Gusto naming marinig ang kwento mo! We are inviting everyone to record a 1–3 minute (max 180 seconds) video sharing your testimony of the Gospel truths that brought you into the light.

The Theme: Restoration & Conversion ✨

The Mission: Share the specific principle or message taught by the missionaries that touched your heart.

The Goal: To strengthen our Ward and provide real-life teaching tools for our Missionaries to share with investigators.

2. THE INSTRUCTIONS (Ready, Set, Record!) 🤳
Paano maging "Vlogger for a Cause"? Follow these simple steps:

Lighting is Key: Face a window para "fresh" tingnan. Humanap ng tahimik na spot para clear ang boses.

Keep it Real: You have 180 seconds! I-share kung paano binago ng Spirit ang buhay mo through the lessons taught by the missionaries.

Portrait Mode: Record vertically (Portrait) para swak sa phone screens and social media teaching.

The Send-off: I-send ang video sa ating Ward Mission Leader via Messenger.

3. THE RATIONALE (Why your witness matters) ✨
Bakit kailangang i-record at i-share?

Answer a Prayer: Your 180-second witness could be the exact answer an investigator is praying for right now.

The Spirit’s Power: Sabi sa Alma 5:46, ang katotohanan ay ipinaalam sa atin sa pamamagitan ng Espiritu. Kapag nag-share ka, the Spirit will testify to those watching.

Support the Mission: Your video helps the Sister Missionaries show that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is alive and changing lives right here in GenSan 3rd Ward!

12/01/2026

✨ Sharing the Light: A Christmas Tradition of Giving ✨ 12/24/2025

“Let us never forget that we are disciples and followers of Jesus Christ, the living Son of the living God. To truly honor His coming into the world, we must do as He did and reach out in compassion and mercy to our fellowmen. This we can do daily, by word and deed. Let this become our Christmas tradition, no matter where we are, to be a little kinder, more forgiving, less judging, more grateful and more generous in sharing our abundance with those in need.” — Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

A Different Kind of Caroling

This year, the General Santos Third Ward continued a special tradition that is close to our hearts. Instead of the usual caroling members and missionaries went out to give. There is a unique joy that comes from singing hymns of praise and seeing the smiles on the faces of here we ask for “pamasko,” of the families we visit. It wasn't just about the music; it was about sharing the love of our Savior.

❤️ Acts of Abundance and Gratitude

We want to extend our deepest gratitude to Sister Maevelyn Pascuzzo. Through her kind heart and generous donation, we were able to deliver: Warm Noche Buena meals (lovingly cooked and prepared). Generous grocery packs for the families to enjoy.

Because of this kindness, we felt the true spirit of the season. As we walked through our community alongside our dedicated missionaries, we were reminded that we can all be a small part of that Light which shinest brighter—the Light of the World, Jesus Christ.

🌟 Our Christmas Prayer
May we all continue to be a little kinder and more generous, not just in December, but every single day.

04/01/2026

Starting the Year Right, Together 🤍 Fasting as a Ward

What a powerful and beautiful way to begin the year. The Third Ward of the General Santos Stake chose to start the new year by fasting together as one ward, then breaking the fast as families by bringing food and sharing a meal together after Sunday services.

There was something deeply sacred in that simple act. Empty stomachs during the fast, full hearts after. Prayers offered together, then food shared together. Fasting reminded us that while food nourishes the body, faith strengthens the soul, and fellowship makes the blessings even sweeter. (Also, let’s be honest, the food tastes extra good after fasting. 😄)

We were reminded of this powerful truth:

“What if there were a way to overcome our habits, addictions, and burdens? What if there were a way to gain sufficient confidence in the Lord that you could call down the powers of heaven? What if there were principles you could teach your loved ones that, if applied, would allow them to overcome personal weaknesses and draw closer to God? As we properly understand and live the law of the fast, these desired blessings can be ours.”— Shane M. Bowen

Fasting is more than skipping meals. It is choosing humility over pride, faith over fear, and trust over doubt. It is inviting heaven into our homes, our families, and our struggles.

If there is a New Year’s resolution worth keeping, this is it.

To grow stronger in faith.
To rely more fully on the Lord.
To teach our families that real strength comes from God.

What a blessing to begin the year united, nourished, and renewed. May this spirit of fasting, faith, and fellowship carry us forward all year long.

United We Fast, United We Last.

30/12/2025

A Beautiful Way to End the Year: Baptism of Sister Emelita and Brother Mark Bryan

What a sacred and joyful way to end the year for the GenSan Third Ward Saints. Today, we witnessed the beautiful baptisms of Sister Emelita and Brother Mark Bryan, an 8-year-old child of God, a tender reminder that the Savior invites every soul, young and old, to come unto Him.

The Spirit was deeply felt as Sister Krissa shared her heartfelt testimony of her journey toward membership. She testified of how obedience and repentance brought real change into her life and how choosing to follow Christ transformed her heart. Sister Jen reminded us that through baptism we become a "new creature" in Christ, and emphasized the importance of the Holy Ghost as our guide as we continue on the covenant path and grow as disciples of Jesus Christ.

We are grateful for the loving members of the ward who came to witness and support this sacred beginning. It was truly a spirit-filled day, a day of renewal, faith, and "newness in Christ".

The scriptures teach: "Repent, and be baptized every one of you… and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”— Acts 2:38

And the Savior declared: “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”— John 3:5

President Russell M. Nelson taught: “Baptism is not the end. It is the beginning of a lifelong journey of discipleship.”

We rejoice with Sister Emelita, a beloved Relief Society sister, and Brother Mark Bryan as they take this sacred step of faith. May they continue to feel the love of the Savior and the guiding influence of the Holy Ghost as they move forward in their covenant journey.

18/12/2025