Ten Days, One Heart: Beginning the Year on Knees

Lapinigan, San Francisco Agusan del Sur— The Southeastern Caraga Mission (SCM) chose to start the new year not with movement, but with purpose; not with activity, but with alignment. Because the new year brings new plans, new goals, and more responsibilities, the workers commence with consecration. Prior to the deployment of workers and the formation of ministry schedules, the mission intentionally reverted back to the fundamental element of all Christian service: PRAYER.

Starting on January 5, 2026, SCM joined the global Seventh-day Adventist Church in observing the 10 Days of Prayer. This was the first spiritual step of the year that everyone took together. This holy project was both a break and a time to get ready. It was a time to seek God’s presence, direction, and power before starting the work ahead.

The main focus of the 10 Days of Prayer was not just getting together but also renewal: rebirth of the heart, revival of the spirit, and restoration of communication with God. The presentation gently reminded both leaders and members that being close to Christ is what makes them effective in their mission. This is important because ministry can quickly become task-driven.

Ellen G. White’s advice strongly supports this truth: “We acknowledge that we need the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.” But we can only do this if we pray by ourselves and together… Things will be great for God’s people and in their lives. And the world will feel the effects as the Holy Spirit comes to give His people strength and tools. (Prayer 3.5).

Churches, families, and care groups met every night in their respective meeting places, some in churches and others in homes. These were places where people might come together and pray in humility and dependence. Leaders knelt next to members, workers prayed with their families, and everyone put their problems at the foot of the cross. 

The 10 Days of Prayer were more than just a spiritual practice; they were a way to be ready for the mission field. It underlined an important principle: before the heart can be busy, it must be given up; before the feet can be dispatched, the spirit must be restored. People were reminded that the Holy Spirit must help with God’s work, as humans can’t do it alone.

The program culminated in a solemn vesper worship highlighted by a Holy Communion service, reverently led by the leaders of the Southeastern Caraga Mission. As the sun set and hearts were stilled, the service became a sacred moment of reflection, cleansing, and recommitment. The last service wasn’t an end; it was a holy summons for everyone to move forward, cleansed, united, and recommitted to Christ and His purpose. More than a closing ceremony, the communion stood as a spiritual seal, and as Southeastern Caraga Mission enters another year of service, the message of the 10 Days of Prayer is still strong: revival must come before results, prayer must come before preparation, and communion with God must always be at the center of all ministry. 

It asks every worker, leader, and member to keep the spirit of these ten days alive in the months to come.
When God’s people start the year by giving themselves over and praying together, the mission doesn’t just move forward; it moves ahead with the help, strength, and blessing of heaven.