First anniversary is often celebrated with a blast. But Hope Radio-Toledo celebrated it with baptism. Forty-two precious souls were baptized Saturday, August 22, 2020, during the first anniversary celebration in Toledo City, Cebu, the Philippines.
Joy Carmel Juarez, a registered nurse of Toledo district hospital, was one of the forty-two precious souls baptized that day. She has been a frequent listener of Hope Radio-Toledo. The soothing music brought back memories of the gospel that her long-time Adventist friend shared while working in Saudi Arabia. She requested her mother for a Bible study from an Adventist pastor. Joy’s mother, Chona Cañabano Juarez, Ed. D, who holds a high position in Toledo City as a public school district supervisor, division of Toledo City, Region VII, could only remember a Seventh-day Adventist church in Luray where her mother used to attend. They visited the church which happened to be the site of the radio station as well. They were welcomed by the lay pastor assigned to the radio station. After series of Bible Studies, mother and daughter made the decision to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior through baptism.
Rachel Bacaron Canadallia, an optometrist, first heard about the Adventist’s message through Amazing Facts and became acquainted with the Bible. One Sabbath morning she decided to visit a local Seventh-day church in Lutopan, where she was warmly welcomed by the brethren. She was then introduced into the local Hope radio station. Eventually, she accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior through baptism against the wish of her husband. But seeing her firm resolved, the husband could only bring her children and accompany Rachel to the site to witness his wife’s baptism.
Hope Radio-Toledo started its broadcast last year after many years of setbacks. But praise God the gospel is now on air and has blessed the city and the surrounding municipalities. The celebration was attended by Bernie Maniego and Lelord Aranguez, Communication leaders of Central Philippine Union and Central Visayan Conference. Elder Daniel Trazo, president of Central Visayan Conference, gave the homily during the celebration. Portable FM radios were distributed to the community during the celebration.
Toledo City is a chartered city located in the western coast of the island of Cebu in Central Philippines.
Mamerto Guingguing II, SSD Communication Director