The campus of Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology (ASSCAT) in the south Philippines became a hub of spiritual renewal as more than 200 students gathered each evening for a Public Campus Ministries (PCM) evangelistic series held September 1 to 6, 2025. The weeklong meetings came to life through the dedication of more than 50 Adventist students who warmly invited their classmates and friends to attend.
Many of the attendees came from apartments and boarding houses around the town of Bunawan, showing faithfulness as they returned each evening to listen, learn, and experience fellowship. “I never thought a simple invitation from a friend would lead me to discover this much about God,” shared Angel Mae Romano, a senior university student who joined the church through baptism, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to encounter Christ in a deeper way.
Pastor Heshbon Buscato, youth director of the Adventist Church in the Southern Asia-Pacific region (SSD), served as the main speaker for the series. His messages, centered on hope, discipleship, and God’s plan for young people, left a lasting impact on the audience. Supporting the initiative were Pastor Jeeke Concha, district pastor; Pastor Minuro Efren Estrada, youth director of the Southeastern Caraga Mission (SCM); and Pastor Nelo Seda Jr., youth director of the Southeastern Philippine region (SEPUM). “To see young people leading, inviting, and now making decisions for Christ—it gives me hope for the future of our church,” Estrada said. “They don’t have to wait for the perfect time to disciple someone. Even as students, they can already bring souls to Jesus.”
Strengthening the nightly programs were the MAS AMiCUS students, who took charge of registration, facilitated activities, and served packed meals to participants. Their dedication and teamwork made every meeting organized and welcoming. “Serving in this evangelism taught me that young people can truly make an impact when they work together for God,” shared Grace Tabanao, a MAS AMiCUS leader, highlighting the joy of being part of campus ministry in action.
The MAS AMiCUS, Movement of Adventist Students – Adventist Ministry for College University Students, is a ministry of the Seventh-day Adventist Church dedicated to nurturing faith and fellowship among students enrolled in public colleges and universities. Many Adventist young people pursue their education in secular institutions, and MAS AMiCUS provides them with a spiritual family where they can grow in discipleship, develop leadership skills, and engage in mission. In the Philippines, the Public Campus Ministries through the local organization, MAS-AMiCUS, helping students strengthen their Adventist identity while actively sharing Christ on campus. Through this ministry, students are empowered not only to excel academically but also to live out their faith and witness among their peers.
The culmination on Saturday, September 6, brought inspiration to 24 students deciding for baptism. PCM students, officers, and Master Guides personally assisted the candidates as they filled out baptism questionnaires, surrounding them with encouragement and prayer. The moment symbolized more than decisions made; it revealed a generation ready to embrace their faith.
This evangelistic activity also comes as a direct support to SSD’s Harvest 2025 initiative, emphasizing the vital role of young people in advancing the gospel across campuses and communities. The ASSCAT PCM evangelism stands as a strong testimony of how young people, passionate in mission, can reach other young people with the gospel. With every testimony of faith, service, and transformation, the event showed that God is working mightily through Adventist students who dare to live out their calling.
The original article is published in the Southeastern Caraga Mission website.