Adventist Churches in Central Philippines recently concluded a weeklong simultaneous evangelism campaign resulting in a remarkable 1,721 baptisms on June 3, 2023. During this campaign, individuals made the life-changing decision to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.
The Adventist Laymen's Services and Industries (ASI), a respected organization dedicated to spreading the Adventist message, orchestrated the evangelism initiatives across Central Philippines. The campaign aimed to engage the local community and share the hope and salvation found in Christ.
Mr. Bernie Maniego, communication director and ASI coordinator in Central Philippines, expressed his heartfelt appreciation to all the leaders from the Southern Asia-Pacific region (SSD), the Central Philippine Union Conference (CPUC), all the conferences and missions, and local churches. He especially acknowledged the instrumental roles played by ASI coordinators and chapter officers in making this evangelistic initiative a resounding success.
"The dedication, commitment, and tireless efforts we have invested during the ASI mega-evangelistic series have touched the lives of countless individuals and led them to embrace the Adventist faith. To God be the glory for this remarkable achievement, and we praise Him for His abundant blessings!" Mr. Maniego shared.
Working in collaboration with various Adventist churches, the ASI initiative implemented a comprehensive approach to evangelism in Central Philippines. The weeklong campaign encompassed a diverse array of activities, including both physical and virtual preaching sessions broadcasted live via GSAT Channel 37, Hope Channel Central and South Philippines, and other substations. Alongside the impactful sermons, participants actively took part in prayer meetings, Bible studies, health seminars, health expos, and community service projects. This multifaceted strategy aimed to address the spiritual, physical, and social needs of the local community, creating an all-encompassing environment of faith, education, and service.
Engr. Conrado Avila, CPUC ASI president, expressed gratitude to God for the wonderful opportunity to conduct this historic mega-evangelistic campaign. According to him, it marked the first time that all conferences and missions had simultaneously engaged in such an endeavor.
"Enthusiasm remains high as the ASI-CPUC meeting concluded, and plans are already underway for a second season next year, by God's grace. This undertaking will rely on the cooperation of our beloved administrators and the dedication of our dear chapter officers and members, who will engage in thorough preparations. Despite the challenges, there was a shared belief that, with God's help, it would be possible to carry out another successful campaign in the following year," Engr. Avila said.
Moreover, Mr. Jonathan Lamorin, SSD ASI vice president for special projects, extended his heartfelt gratitude and congratulations to everyone. He expressed that their unwavering dedication, prayers, financial support, and active involvement greatly contributed to the event's remarkable success. He acknowledged everyone’s invaluable contributions of time, ideas, and resources, which played a vital role in reaching out to hundreds and thousands of individuals and witnessing their spiritual conversion. Hence, he concluded, "May God continually bless us all."
The success of the evangelism explosion was further exemplified by the inspiring stories of individuals who chose to embrace the Adventist faith. One such story was that of Virginia Cernias, a 79-year-old from Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental. Through her spiritual journey, she discovered the significance of worshiping on the Sabbath, recognizing that Jesus died on Friday and rested on Saturday. She was grateful for the opportunity to be baptized.
Reflecting on her past, Lola Virginia regretted the time she spent following misguided teachings, attending services on Sundays instead of Saturdays, and disregarding dietary restrictions. After three years away from church, she fervently prayed for guidance. One day at the market, she had an encounter with a pastor, which proved to be a divine intervention. The pastor's teachings from the Bible deeply impacted her, strengthening her resolve to embrace change.
With overflowing joy, Lola Virginia wholeheartedly accepted Jesus as her personal Savior and humbly asked the Lord to create a clean heart within her and renew her spirit through His grace and mercy. She cried, "Thank you, Lord! Hallelujah, amen."
As the Adventist Laymen's Services and Industries celebrated the success of the evangelism explosion and the second quarter harvest celebration in Central Philippines, they recognized the importance of ongoing support and nurturing for the newly baptized individuals. Care groups wholeheartedly committed to guiding and mentoring these individuals, helping them grow in the knowledge of Christ, and providing unwavering support on their spiritual journey.
Furthermore, ASI remained resolutely dedicated to exemplifying the mission of the Adventist Church. Driven by their passion to spread the message of hope, love, and salvation to every corner of the world, they exclaimed, "We are chosen for mission. We will go!"
Nadeth Quinto, CPUC Communication Department