Former administrators, alumni, and past participants in the 1000 Missionary Movement (1000MM) recently joined the celebration of the movement’s 30th anniversary on its campus in Silang, Cavite, Philippines. 

“It marks 30 years of God’s providence and guidance to the 1000 Missionary Movement in sending missionaries worldwide to proclaim God’s blessed hope and soon return,” leaders of the organization and institution said.

The 1000MM continues to train young men and women who dedicate a year of their lives to the gospel work. They are sent to least-reached areas worldwide where God’s message has not been heard yet, leaders explained.

Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) and Northern Asia-Pacific Division (NSD) leaders attended the event, remembering the blessings of the pioneering days and how the Lord has led the organization to where it is now. Reminiscing how the movement started, leaders from the two Asian church regions acknowledged 1000MM pioneers for establishing this empowering program and preparing young people to be a part of God’s end-time ministry.

SSD president Roger Caderma opened the event by sharing valuable reminders about missionary work and how the movement inspired thousands of young people to take up the gospel commission. He spoke of how God’s Word spread vastly in various countries through young missionaries who were bold and fearless to do the mission.

“We all share the responsibility of accomplishing God’s mission,” Caderma said. “Through faith, we submit to God’s leading and guidance and see how the Lord will use us mightily in the mission field. [That is why,] wherever you are assigned, whatever responsibility you have, the Lord has a purpose in your life,” he added.

Part of this celebration included the homecoming of the 57th batch of 1000MM workers at the end of their period of service. Due to the lockdowns caused by the pandemic in the past two years, missionaries from other countries were temporarily halted due to travel restrictions. The 57th cohort represents missionaries coming entirely from the Philippines.

Former NSD president Si Young Kim addressed the homecoming group of missionaries. He recalled his time when he was the director of the 1000MM from 1995 to 2000. “Every moment in the mission field is an opportunity to see God working in different miracles,” Kim said. “There are many challenges you face in the mission field, but God will always be there with you while you are serving, because there is joy in the mission field.”

Newly elected General Conference associate secretary Saw Samuel was present at the gathering as the keynote speaker. In his message, Samuel acknowledged God’s guidance for the 1000MM and how the Lord has led missionaries to be a beacon of hope in places where they are called to serve.

“The Lord has guided us in the past, He will be our strength at present, and He will sustain us for the future,” Samuel said.

NSD president Yohan Kim delivered his share of fond memories from his time as a director in the 1000MM from 2000 to 2006. Kim challenged the 57th cohort to keep the Holy Spirit close to their hearts as they venture into different ministries where God would like to have them flourish.

Baptism and Commemoration

After finishing their one year in mission with the 1000MM, the 57th batch reported that the group was able to build churches and organize evangelistic meetings throughout the program. Their prayers and hard work resulted in the baptism of more than 300 people. On the afternoon of the anniversary program, 75 candidates affirmed their decision to accept Jesus.

The celebration included the inauguration of a commemorative rock. It was a reminder of God’s strength and refuge for the movement since the day it was established and how the Lord remained steadfast for His missionaries in the past and present, and will in the years to come, leaders said.

The commemorative rock has an engraving of Mark 16:15 from the Bible, which reads, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” It encourages 1000MM pioneers and campus visitors about the high calling of preaching the gospel to everyone around the world.

About 1000MM

The idea of establishing a missionary outreach institution can be traced back to 1991 with a program developed with the involvement of former NSD president Jairyong Lee. After a successful presentation and deliberation, the proposed project was approved by the then Asia-Pacific Division (formerly Far Eastern Division).

In 1992, the first batch of young people arrived for training. Two months later, a property was secured for the 1000MM campus in Balubad, Silang, Cavite. The following year, the first batch of missionaries was commissioned. This marked the beginning of the 1000MM batches of missionaries sent for mission to different parts of the world.

At present, the 1000MM has 11,383 missionaries representing 64 nations, reaching out to 47 global mission fields. 

“After thirty years of existence, the 1000MM remains resolute in its commitment to bringing the message to remote places around the world,” leaders said. “It stays true to its belief that ‘once a missionary, always a missionary.’ ”

The original version of this story was posted on the Southern Asia-Pacific Division news site.