UCCP HARAN CENTER HOLDS GROUND BREAKING CEREMONY FOR THE NEW DORMITORY BUILDING

By: Ms. Beryl Grace C. Avila

UCCP HARAN Center officially broke ground on its new three-story dormitory at a ceremony on November 28, 2016. The facilities incorporate the rooms for students in which Pastors’ kids are the priority and rooms for the indigenous people/Lumad, and to the people who needs HARAN (Home, Altar, Reflection & Renewal, Action and Nurture.)

Since 1990’s UCCP HARAN has long been a sanctuary of peace for the least, the lost and the last. It was known through the UCCP mission statement and declaration that all church’s entities be considered as sanctuary and the home for the needy and down trodden and for that, UCCP HARAN manifested its faith through concrete actions by sheltering and caring the indigenous people. The historic Salugpongan Hall was the first evacuation site of our Lumad brothers and sisters who evacuated because of vast militarization in their communities. In addition, a mango tree was planted by the Lumads during that time, grew huge, and became a centennial tree. However, despite the historical value of the mango tree (it was recently uprooted for it will affect the building construction), Salugpongan Hall and the statue was being demolished for the project development area is situated on the same ground.

That was last February 24, 2016 when the two dormitories of UCCP HARAN were burned down due to arson. It is for this reason that UCCP HARAN Center through the National Office expressed its need of rebuilding the students’ dormitories to the United Evangelical Mission and was promptly responded optimistically by UEM through the approval of the proposal entitled “Rebuilding of Student Dormitories at UCCP Haran Mission House in Davao”.

Ms. Beryl Grace C. Avila, UCCP HARAN Center Manager gave the purpose of the ceremony while Bishop Reuel Norman O. Marigza, UCCP General Secretary together with Bishop Hamuel G. Tequis, UCCP SEMJA Assigned Bishop graced the event as they took lead the laying of the cornerstone. After which, the HARAN Center Manager, Lumad Leaders, UCCP Pastors, the Project Engineer also did their share through pouring a shovelful of cement on where the capsule that contains plans, ground breaking liturgy, and other pertinent documents was placed. Bishop Marigza in his inspirational message reiterated the core and essence of the new dormitory to be built; that may students become aware on the value of community and church’s lifeworks and latter organize and mobilize them to take part in actualizing the church’s mission. The gathering was attended by UCCP Pastors, Lumad Leaders, SEMJA Staff, HARAN Staff and the Engineering Project Team.

UCCP HARAN Center confers its unfathomable thanks to the Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer who is the source of all the blessings that the center receives. The UCCP HARAN Center would also like to acknowledge the UCCP National Office, One Management Board and United Evangelical Mission for their endless help; may it be moral, spiritual and monetary support. May this new dormitory be built on a stone wherein the foundation is strong and firm. Despite the tragic incident and chaotic learning experiences of the institution, UCCP HARAN rises from the ashes and saw a ray of hope in continuing its programs and services as it carries the “home away from home” tagline.  A new beginning awaits UCCP HARAN Center! To God be the glory!

For more information, please click on the link: UCCP Haran Ground Breaking

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