26/05/2026
Reverence filled the Dumaguete 1st Ward Conference as Sister Quisha Torres sang the prelude hymn, peacefully setting the tone for a day centered on faith, growth, and discipleship in Jesus Christ.
Throughout the conference, leaders taught about trusting the Savior through trials, developing spiritual strength, and moving forward with courage and faith.
Bishop Q**m opened his message comparing life to the growth of a bamboo. He explained that although bamboo appears not to grow for a long time, its roots are quietly growing deep underground first.
Likewise, spiritual growth often happens in unseen ways through simple acts of obedience, prayer, reverence, humility, faithfulness, and doing what is right even when unnoticed.
Using principles from civil engineering, Bishop Q**m reminded members that while people often admire the visible structure of a building, the true strength comes from the foundation beneath it.
βNo structure rises high without what is unseen,β he shared.
He encouraged members to trust that Heavenly Father is shaping them even during hardship, teaching that growth takes time and strong spiritual roots are built little by little.
During the rest hymn, the Dumaguete 1st Ward choir sang βI Will Walk with Jesus,β a heartfelt reminder of the Saviorβs constant presence through every season of life. President Credo later commended the choir, noting that many of its members also faithfully serve in the stake choir.
Stake President Jose Ray Credo spoke from Joshua 1:1β9 and testified of the Lordβs promise: βI will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.β
President Credo shared that when he was called as stake president, he also felt inadequate, but learned that the Lord does not require perfect people, only willing ones.
βHe wasnβt called because he was perfect,β President Credo said. βHe was called because he was willing.β
He reminded members that courage does not mean having no fear, but choosing to move forward despite fear and uncertainty.
President Credo also shared a personal experience about following a prompting to stop by a mechanic shop, which later protected his safety. Through this experience, he testified of the importance of acting immediately on spiritual promptings.
Members were encouraged to remain grounded in prayer, scripture study, and obedience, especially in a world that often values convenience over discipleship.
During Sunday School facilitated by President Alit, discussions on John 15, members reflected on what it means to βabideβ in Christ to follow Him, obey Him, love Him, and remain faithful through lifeβs challenges.
Leaders also emphasized Area priorities centered on:
β’ Coming unto Christ
β’ Strengthening temple and covenant living
β’ Supporting the rising generation
Members were encouraged to help others attend sacrament meeting through ministering, referrals, and simple invitations to Church activities and family home evenings.
President Miko Alit also emphasized the importance of reverence during sacrament meeting and warmly welcoming members and visitors.
As discussions turned toward temple worship and missionary work, leaders reminded members of the blessings that come from living worthy of a temple recommend and preparing the rising generation for future service.
President Credo encouraged parents to prepare their children for missionary service, especially young men, while President Alit reminded members that βit takes a whole ward to raise a full-time missionary.β
By the end of the conference, members were reminded that even when growth feels slow or unseen, the Savior continues to strengthen faithful disciples.
Like the bamboo roots described earlier in the meeting, testimonies grow quietly beneath the surface before they rise stronger than before.
via Lujana Herrenauw | Communications
