Filipino Branch Sabbath School Mission celebrated its first anniversary on Sept. 5, 2026, in Vancouver, Washington.
Nanette Lane, a benefactor, encouraged the group to meet on her family property. Throughout the year, the group has met most Sabbaths and has enjoyed many social activities together. Fifteen families contributed their talents to various aspects of the anniversary celebration.
Lane remarked about her sister, Dolly Curran, “Dolly is co-planner, chef and close companion; she is truly the engine behind everything.”
The celebration gathering, with about 65 people attending, took place in a decorated backyard with balloons and canopies. Presenters were seen and heard clearly thanks to a stage and a good sound system. The praise team sang heartily as a keyboard player and two guitars accompanied them. The speaker spoke encouragingly about this mission’s development.
A fellowship meal with an abundance of food came next, including tasty Filipino desserts. The program that followed featured the Asidors, a Filipino Christian family who share gospel music, worship songs and inspirational performances. Children from two families played violins and cellos.
Lents Adventist Church sponsors Filipino Branch Sabbath School Mission. Every month, David Kokiong, Lents Church pastor, attends the group's Sabbath afternoon Bible studies. Some years ago, Jerson Caluya, Lents Church member, invited Filipinos to a get-together at Lents Activity Center. Filipinos now lead in worship and music ministry at Lents Church. The Filipino Branch Sabbath School Mission choir, wearing traditional Filipino clothes, performs gospel music at Lents Church.
The group's goal encompasses establishing the first Filipino-American church in Oregon Conference. They do Bible studies and hone skills in music by playing ukuleles and singing to group home clients.
For more information, contact Jerson Caluya at 503-544-5522 or email razmu@yahoo.com. To extend financial support for this effort, use the Adventist Giving app and select Lents Church, line item Filipino Branch Sabbath School Mission.
The Asidor children sing at the anniversary program.
Nanette Lane and Ardina Rabanal lead Filipino Branch Sabbath School Mission.
Jerson Caluya (left) and Joeven Godilano (middle) lead Filipino Branch Sabbath School Mission. David Kokiong, Lents Church pastor, (right) assists in church planting.
Ardina Rabanal, Dolly Curran, Nanette Lane, Noelim Gultiano Amabel and Angelica Cantilang sing for church.
