Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, or the Mormons, are celebrating the 50th anniversary of their existence in the Philippines.
The celebration, spearheaded by the Dumaguete and Tanjay Districts, which covers all the Mormon branches in Negros Oriental.
They trace their Philippine founding to May 28, 1961, when Elder Gordon B. Hinckley “opened the Philippines for the preaching of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ”.
Eight years later, on Nov. 18, 1969, Augusto A. Lim, counselor of the Philippines Manila Mission, accompanied by two American missionaries, arrived in Dumaguete City to open the area for missionary work.
Their first Sunday service in Negros Oriental was at the residence of Mr. Leon P. Lim at Amigo Subdivision, Piapi, Dumaguete City, with nine people in attendance. Beverly Lim-Salayog became the first convert in Negros Oriental. One year later, there were 32 members.
In a press conference last Thursday, Engr. Fred Lantaca, president of the Dumaguete District covering half of Negros Oriental, said they now have 4000 members in the province.
He said they pride themselves in the unity that exists not only within the families of their members but also between members and non-members.
Asked about the Mormons’ stand on the Reproductive Health Bill, one of the controversial laws pending in Congress, Pres. Freddie Salayog, counselor of the Cebu-Philippines Mission, said birth control is not encouraged unless there are medical or genetic problems among couples.
“Husband and wife are admonished to bear children because there are ‘spirit children’ who want to come down to have a body of flesh and bone,” he explained.
Emma Maputi , an officer in the Church’s Dumaguete branch, said a big family is desirable because they believe that families can be together forever. “We work from the inside-out. We make our home a bit of heaven here on earth.” (Alex Pal)