The digital evangelism initiative of the South Philippine Union Conference pulled off another milestone as baptism reached an unprecedented record of 28,784 since the online campaign started in October. Live mass baptisms from all over the territory of SPUC was aired by Hope Channel South Philippines on November 20, 2021 after the Sabbath worship. This online evangelism initiative, dubbed ‘My Journey With God 2.0,’ is a sequel to last year’s evangelism thrust which also garnered more than twenty thousand in baptism in the fourth quarter of 2020.
“At this speed and passion by which evangelism is done in SPUC, virtually everyone in the island of Mindanao has heard the gospel. I tell you Jesus Christ’s coming will be very soon,” Ambassador Bienvenido Tejano observed. The island of Mindanao which covers the entire territory of SPUC has a ratio of one Seventh-day Adventist for every 37 people as reported by Pastor Roger Caderma, SPUC President. “At the beginning of the year, we were hoping that by God's grace SPUC will reach 700,000 in membership by end of the year,” Pastor Roger added with optimism. As of third quarter this year, SPUC has a membership of 678,681. With the addition of 28,784, SPUC has a total merbership of 707,465. "This has exceeded our expectation, a testament to God's power, we're expecting for more precious souls to be added as we have not yet entered the month of December," explains Pastor Dan Palomares, Executive Secretary of SPUC.
Pastor Ted Wilson, President of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, graced the online platform with powerful messages from the Bible about God’s True Church, the Second Coming, and Baptism, the last three nights of the online evangelism campaign. He delivered a compelling message about our home in heaven during the Sabbath worship. “It’s just a thrill to be part of this great evangelism activity in the Philippines,” says Pastor Ted during Saturday night’s dinner at the residence of Ambassador Bienvenido Tejano, after coming back to Manila from Cagayan de Oro City.
My Journey With God is a 40-day online evangelism initiative which was aired simultaneously to all media platforms of the South Philippine Union Conference. This was crosslinked and shared by all social media platforms from all conferences and missions. Church members were also united in sharing this initiative in their own private social media accounts. This is a testament to the unity of the church in participating the Total Member Involvement initiative. “Even during the pandemic, baptisms are happening,” says Pastor Ted Wilson. He pointed out that the presentation was even made available in sign language to accommodate some people who have special needs.
Mamerto M. Guingguing II, SSD Communications