The Adventist Church in Western Visayas (WVC), Philippines, conducted a week-long evangelism campaign from July 7–13, 2024, under the theme "Living Hope: Discovering God's Plan for Your Life." The WVC Education Department organized and oversaw the event, which demonstrated the active involvement of church members in the church's mission.
The culmination of the event on July 13, 2024, marked a significant milestone, with 113 individuals embracing faith in Christ. The outcome displays a testament to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit and divine intervention, underscoring the profound impact of unified efforts in spreading the gospel, leaders say.
Stepping beyond their classrooms and comfort zones, educators accustomed to nurturing young minds seized the chance to share the Savior's love firsthand.
The simultaneous evangelism effort spanned two districts in the province of Capiz in central Philippines. Teachers and church leaders devoted their time to spreading the gospel, delivering health lectures, and engaging children with sermons.
Teachers from Western Visayas embarked on a widespread evangelism effort, reaching out to communities across the region. The initiative spanned multiple barangays and districts, with educators visiting both remote and densely populated areas. Despite logistical challenges such as distance from main roads and natural barriers, teachers conducted evening sessions that collectively drew an estimated total of around 1,100 attendees throughout the campaign. The program featured health lectures and engaging sermons aimed at developing spiritual growth and community unity.
Rose Mae Arizala, Education director at the WVC, brought together educators who ventured into various barangays and districts, overcoming logistical challenges to conduct evening sessions attended by an estimated total of around 1,100 community members.
"The support from each church and the brethren was remarkable and truly instrumental in the success of this initiative," said Arizala. She also acknowledged the pivotal role of Rafael Sualog, WVC Integrated Evangelism Lifestyle—Nurture Development Reclamation director, and his team in ensuring the initiative's success.
Kerry Estrebilla, WVC president, expressed his appreciation for the collaborative efforts of teachers, members, and church workers in ensuring the success of the program. "We deeply appreciate the dedication and commitment of our guests from the Adventist churches of Southern Asia-Pacific (SSD), Central Philippines (CPUC), and especially our WVC teachers," Estrebilla emphasized. "A shared vision to support and enhance our neighborhood communities drives our Adventist community. We remain steadfast in our commitment to serve and assist in any way possible," he added.
Ana Liza Facon, CPUC associate Education director, and Lemuel Banday, CPUC Education director, actively participated in the event, passionately sharing the gospel. Dr. Bienvenido Mergal, SSD Education director, served as the keynote presenter, delivering his personal testimony and inspiring teachers with the message of perseverance and faith in God during challenging times.
Motivated by the biblical commission found in Matthew 28:19–20, which commands believers to "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and the Holy Ghost," the week-long evangelistic effort aimed to fulfill this divine mandate.
The original article was published on the Southern Asia-Pacific Division website.