The East and West Mindanao districts of the Church of the Nazarene celebrated a milestone 50th anniversary from 21-23 June 2024 at Mt. Moriah Camp in Malaybalay City, Philippines. The three-day event, Sidlak Mindanao (or Shine Mindanao), brought together Nazarenes across Mindanao to celebrate 50 years of God's faithfulness and provision for the church.

The celebration featured fun-filled activities, including a fair with booths and games for all ages on the first day.

The second day included a community engagement event at the Malaybalay Church of the Nazarene, the first Nazarene church in Mindanao. Participants helped in the wall painting and mural activities. Children participated in face painting and a session in the child-friendly space.

The celebration was graced with powerful plenary messages from honored guests. Regional Compassionate Ministries Coordinator Leody Tan Echavez III's sermon, "We Are Connected," emphasized the importance of being connected as a church. Philippines-Micronesia Field Strategy Coordinator Arnel Piliin highlighted the significance of the core value, "We Are Holiness," and encouraged the participants to live a life of holiness. On the final day, Global NMI President Christine T. Mosuela challenged participants to live a missional life.

The event culminated in a Communion service led by district superintendents Erene Pastor and Dan Balayo. A commissioning service followed, where Piliin anointed and prayed for the district superintendents of East and West Mindanao and the assistant superintendent of West Mindanao. The district superintendents then anointed and prayed for each pastor, and each pastor did the same for all the members present.

Sidlak Mindanao was a heartwarming celebration of God's faithfulness and a call to action for Nazarenes in Mindanao to sidlak for Jesus and inspire the next generation to do the same, spreading the light of Christ to those around them.

--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific Region