Dr. Samuel Wang, the Interfaith Services director of the Southern Asia-Pacific Division from China, led a transformative week-long evangelistic campaign titled ‘Discover Ancient Wisdom.’ The campaign brought together seekers and believers, drawing on the rich heritage of biblical truths and practical insights to connect the message of Jesus with the lives of participants. Each session focused on uncovering spiritual principles rooted in the Scriptures, inviting attendees to embrace the timeless wisdom of God’s Word.
The campaign concluded with the decision of 16 individuals to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior, sealing their commitment through baptism. This joyful occasion not only marked a personal transformation for these new believers but also served as a reminder of the church’s ongoing mission to share the gospel of hope, love, and redemption with all people, particularly to various people groups within the 10/40 window.
Held in Cebu City, Philippines, from September 29 to October 4, 2024, the event drew a full house with over 200 attendees. Among the participants were 70 to 90 registered non-Adventist guests, including individuals from the local Chinese community, highlighting the event’s broad appeal and outreach potential.
The evangelistic series, though primarily designed for the Chinese community, welcomed attendees from diverse backgrounds. With the Chinese community in the Philippines estimated to be between 1.35 million and 1.5 million, this initiative by the Chinese-Filipino Seventh-day Adventist Church aimed to connect with a significant segment of the population that has historically contributed to the country’s development.
By focusing on health, legal issues, and spiritual growth, the series sought to address the unique needs of the Chinese community, while also opening the doors for others to learn about the gospel. This aligns with the Adventist Church’s broader mission to reach out to various people groups, including Buddhists, and offer them the opportunity to experience a new life in Jesus. The strong support from local churches and the Adventist Church in Central Visayas (CVC) further underscored the church’s commitment to making the message of hope accessible to all, regardless of cultural or religious background.
Dr. Samuel Wang, the author of ‘God and the Ancient Chinese,’ inspired the attendees with nightly discussions focusing on ancient Chinese cultures, history, traditions, and practices. From these presentations of ancient wisdom, he then led the listeners to the knowledge of the Chinese Dao, who is Jesus himself.
The event also featured several other speakers who shared invaluable knowledge within their areas of expertise. Among them was Glenda Catane, a retired Children and Family Ministries director of the Adventist church in Central Philippines.
Over the course of two sessions with her, she offered guidance on improving family relationships, empowering women, and strengthening the bond between husbands and wives. She stressed the importance of prioritizing time and attention for our families, highlighting that these are the true keys to happiness, far surpassing the value of any material wealth.
Adventist laymen from various fields shared valuable insights on health, family relationships, and upholding the law in the community. The series featured timely discussions on hypertension, covering its causes, symptoms, and prevention through healthy lifestyle choices. Mental health was also addressed, with a focus on the importance of coping mechanisms and the value of openly expressing emotions, all viewed through a biblical lens.
The legal segment provided updates on Philippine tax laws, emphasizing the balance between fulfilling civic duties—such as paying taxes—and maintaining a strong spiritual connection with God. The discussion included an overview of the "Ease of Paying Taxes Act," which simplifies tax payment processes, including online options.
Another key presentation, "Food as Medicine," highlighted the importance of proper nutrition in preventing disease and promoting overall well-being. Practical meal planning tips were shared, along with encouragement to rely on faith to overcome challenges, such as unhealthy appetites, with Philippians 4:13 serving as a reminder of God’s strength in all things.
Pastor Kim B. Felias, the Chinese-Filipino SDA Church pastor, extended his appreciation to all who contributed to the event, from the planning stages and the month-long prayer marathon to its successful culmination.
He stated, "I believe that prayer is the strategy; we sought God's power and intervention through marathon prayer 24/7 in 30 days, with the participation of members of the Chinese-Filipino community and some brethren coming from nearby churches in Metro Cebu before the "Discover Ancient Wisdom" evangelistic effort."
The ‘Discover Ancient Wisdom’ campaign underscores the importance of Christ-centered evangelism in reaching diverse communities, including those from various cultural and religious backgrounds, with the love and truth of Jesus. It exemplifies how, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, evangelism can break barriers, lead to life-changing decisions, and inspire continued growth in faith for both new and existing members of the Adventist Church.
CPUC Communication Department
The original article was published in the Central Philippine Union Conference website.