Here is another success story from the Voice of Youth (VOY) Ignite. This VOY Ignite was participated in by the youth of Central Luzon Conference embracing the I Will Go theme from the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Right after the VOY Ignite evangelistic campaign (please read the previous article) held in the province of Bulacan from December 2020 to May 2021, the church leaders met to build a church for the newly baptized members, and to sustain the ongoing effort started by the young people. Brother Mauro Lopez, a chieftain of the Dumagat tribe who was baptized in one of the campaigns donated a parcel of land, and last Sunday, June 27, 2021, a church building groundbreaking took place. It was witnessed by the residents and church members. Bro Mauro Lopez testifies, “God is great indeed. I thought it would take a longer time to realize a house of worship here in our place. But now I see God’s guiding hands in my tribe the Dumagat people. For sure more people will come to this place to worship our Lord God Almighty.”
The President of Central Luzon Conference Pastor Ephraim Parulan said, “I am so overwhelmed seeing our young people are actively involving themselves and serving as one of the front liners in sharing the word of God, especially in these unprecedented times. Their big effort is hugely appreciated to fulfill the theme, ‘I will go and Plant a Church, Lahat Kasali Walang Saling Pusa.’”
During the said groundbreaking Pastor Gerry Cajobe, Central Luzon Conference Executive Secretary reminded all the attendees especially the newly baptized members, “what you have accomplished this day is another victory since we are laying the foundation of God’s love and salvation through the church building which will soon rise. Every one of us and especially to those who will become members of this church will be tasked also to carry out the mission of the church and that is to call all people to become disciples of Jesus Christ, to proclaim His gospel as embraced in the three angels message and to prepare all people for the soon return of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
A VOY Ignite team member who served as the children’s program coordinator Mary Joyce “Apple” Cruz aptly said, “It was a humbling experience for me to be part of the VOY Team. I’ve experienced how God is being faithful to me and helping me to grow spiritually. I’ve witnessed how blessed I am knowing and living in the truth, and that God wants to use me to share the spiritual gifts He bestowed upon me with others. Now, I see that God is doing His ways of reaching the people in the said place. Soon, a new church will rise where the newly baptized people of Dumagat tribe will continue to learn more of God and spread His message of Hope.”
Testifying on the effectiveness of VOY Ignite Pastor Alfredo Selin, Area 5 Chairman and Youth Adviser said, “To be among with the young people is a life-changing experience, I believe, because when you sincerely disciple and train them, they will achieve the very best of God’s work. Just like what I have personally experienced when I involved myself in VOY Ignite evangelism. And now we can see the fruit of their labors.”
Another VOY Ignite team member Mary Mae Ke-e of Camp Tecson SDA Church who served as the Over-all Coordinator says, “I am delighted about the recent groundbreaking. I could not understand how our mission trip last December could lead to planting a church. Indeed, God has His perfect ways, in His perfect time.
That God is opening tremendous opportunities to reach out to people who are thirsty and hungry for His words despite the challenges due to Covid-19 is truly amazing. Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Luke 10: 2 NIV
Let’s pray that this humble and concerted effort of our care group members, church leaders, and the VOY Ignite team will continue, that the construction of the house of worship will soon be finished, so more young people will participate in this kind of endeavor. All glory to God!
Pastor Geronimo Viernes Jr., Youth Director of Central Luzon Conference