Massive baptisms swept across the Central Philippines from July until the second week of August, with 4,224 individuals accepting Jesus Christ. This surge in faith followed a unified evangelism program organized by the business and working classes.
The Adventist Laymen's Services and Industries (ASI) and Adventist Professionals (Ad Pro) at the Adventist Church in the Central Philippines (CPUC) jointly launched this coordinated initiative with the goal of evangelizing the Adventist faith in places of employment and business.
ASI and Ad Pro are networks of passionate Adventist lay people and professionals committed to actively fulfilling the church's mission of sharing Christ's gospel with the world. Its membership encompasses a diverse range of individuals, from business owners and professionals to supporting ministries, all united in their dedication to spreading the faith.
With the motto "Sharing Christ in the Marketplace and Workplace," their mission is to support the global mission of the Adventist Church.
They envisioned shining their lights for their honesty in business, active involvement in church ministries, and steadfast support for church leadership. Furthermore, they want to immerse themselves in generous provisions for those in need and tirelessly focus on representing Christ in their professional lives.
Responding to this nationwide initiative spearheaded by Mr. Jonathan W. Lamorin, the president-elect of ASI for the Adventist Church in the Southern Asia Pacific region (SSD), CPUC organized 406 sites for simultaneous evangelistic meetings.
This widespread effort, initially scheduled from July 14 to 20, 2024, saw some locations adjust their schedules throughout July and extend into the second week of August to accommodate growing interest.
The East Visayan Conference (EVC) prepared 164 sites, resulting in 673 baptisms, while the Central Visayan Conference (CVC) scheduled 60 sites, reaping 1068 baptisms.
The Negros Occidental Conference (NOC) had 50 sites, garnering 779 baptisms, and the West Visayan Conference had 43 sites, inviting 716.
Additionally, the Negros Occidental-Siquijor Mission had 50 (252 baptisms), the Northwestern Panay Mission had 20 (352 baptisms), the Romblon Mission had 24 (131 baptisms), and the Samar Mission had 14 (253 baptisms).
These baptism counts summed up to 4,224 individuals welcomed into different Adventist churches across the Central Philippines. Moreover, CPUC expects more baptisms in the next few days as some Adventist organizations are still to hold their ASI/AD Pro-sponsored evangelism.
The work of the Holy Spirit through the fervent dedication of working professionals and business leaders deeply moved Pastor Joer Barlizo, Jr., the CPUC president. Their commitment to the mission led to this influx of new believers into the church. Seeing the church's growth through this initiative, Pastor Barlizo exclaimed, "The kingdom of heaven is indeed at hand. And He is even at the door."
In addition, he expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success, from the inspiring keynote speakers and directors, to the dedicated leaders of each mission and conference, and to every district pastor, gospel worker, missionary, and church member.
"I am filled with praise for God as I witness your dedication to His great commission. May we each hear His voice echoing in our hearts, saying, 'This is my beloved child, in whom I am well pleased.’”, Barlizo said.
Pastor Berdandino Maniego, the CPUC ASI and Ad Pro coordinator, shared his joy at the overall evangelism outcome.
"Praise God for the overwhelming turnout of the newly concluded CPUC-wide ASI and Ad Pro simultaneous crusade. Everyone deserves our commendation and heartfelt appreciation for your support and hard work."
Furthermore, Mr. Lamorin, in an interview, said, "I am overwhelmed and amazed by the outcome of our ASI/ADPRO simultaneous crusade, which resulted in over 4,000 baptisms. It is truly a testament to the dedication and the power of Total Member Involvement.”
He said it was inspiring to see how the Holy Spirit can work through such coordinated effort across different levels of leadership, from the union, conferences, and missions to local churches.
The ASI and Ad Pro leaders and members are set for the following considerable plans for more intentional and widespread evangelism. They strive to keep their commitment to working together under the guidance of the Holy Spirit to continue focusing their passion, energy, and resources on activating an army of business owners, professionals, and ministry leaders for the work of God.
Moreover, Mr. Lamorin confirmed another simultaneous evangelism next year and every July thereafter. This initiative has already become one of ASI SSD's yearly evangelism programs in partnership with Ad Pro.
"In this way, the goal becomes more sustainable. The ministry becomes a lifestyle," Mr. Lamorin said.
Central Philippine Union Conference
The original article was published in the Central Philippine Union Confernece Facebook page.