As a strategic response to the World Church’s 'I Will Go' initiative, the Adventist Church in Western Visayas (WVC) organized a two-day orientation and training program for church elders, care groups, and personal ministry leaders on January 19–20, 2024, at the West Visayan Conference headquarters in Iloilo City, Philippines.
The initiative aimed to equip every church in Western Visayas for heightened evangelistic efforts in the upcoming years, propelling the theme 'Evangelism to the Next Level.’
The program began on Friday evening with Pastor Reneboy Ventura, WVC Stewardship Director, emphasizing the importance of active involvement in evangelism through giving. The presentation highlighted the important role that financial stewardship plays in sustaining and advancing evangelistic endeavors, extending beyond personal engagement to include providing resources for the church's outreach programs.
“May God continually bless each one of us, and may His love be upon us,” Pastor Ventura concluded.
On the following day, the Sabbath program opened with a discussion on Global Disciple-Making Evangelism and Care Group Orientation. Pastor Rafael Sualog, WVC Communication Director and IEL-NDR Field Secretary, served as the lecturer, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the mission to spread the good news and delving into evangelism strategies for 2024. He offered excellent insights and practical techniques for effective outreach. “This program will strengthen our initiatives in 2024. Beloved brethren, our church leaders felt the urgency of advancing God’s mission in 2024 and beyond. Let us engage actively in the missionary work. Let us get involved!” he urged everyone.
As the organizer of the event, Pastor Sualog expressed his deep gratitude for the spectacular success of the program, extending his thanks to the delegates, whose enthusiastic participation was instrumental in making the event a success.
On the other hand, Pastor Kerry Estrebilla, WVC president, imparted the powerful vision of WVC: Big Dreams for the Next Level of Evangelism. This captivating vision transcended the ordinary, aiming for a transformative leap in evangelistic efforts across the conference.
“The real function of the church is not to fill the pews but to fill heaven. It's not only about evangelizing and then letting it disappear. Our purpose is to bring people in to experience salvation in Jesus Christ! We need to nurture and take care of them so that they will not be lost. When Jesus comes, they will be there in heaven,” Pastor Estrebilla emphasized.
Among the collective emotions of thankfulness after the orientation and training for evangelism at the West Visayan Conference, Bro. Delfin stood up to convey his profound gratitude for the invaluable experience and knowledge received during the session. Meanwhile, Michael Jan Fuentes, a youth leader, presented a groundbreaking idea to harness and maximize the abilities and talents of everyone in actively participating in the work of evangelism, with a particular emphasis on house-to-house visits, aligning with the church's objective to achieve total member involvement.
The strategic objectives for evangelism in 2024 included releasing a full timeline and encouraging all churches to actively participate in cottage meetings and evangelistic campaigns. This coordinated method aimed to allow widespread and impactful community engagement efforts.
Armed with fresh information and a renewed sense of purpose, about 300 participants left the event ready to embark on a mission to 'Level Up' the spreading of the good news, actively contributing to hastening the Lord's return.
West Visayan Conference with additional reporting by Nadeth Balbuena Quinto
The original version of this story was posted on the Central Philippine Union Conference Facebook Page.