The South Philippines recently celebrated the Care Group Festival on December 8–9, 2023, resulting in an incredible 6,673 baptisms as the event came to a close on Saturday. Held simultaneously at various locations across Mindanao, the festival featured uplifting messages from different groups assigned to visit leaders on missions or conferences. These leaders, hailing from the Southern Asia Pacific Division, the Southeastern Philippine Union Mission, and the Southwestern Philippine Union Conference (SWPUC), emphasized the vital role of care groups in spiritual development and the importance of God's work in the world.
At the Garden Church in SWPUC Compound, SSD Treasurer Pastor Jacinth Adap delivered a powerful message promoting an intimate relationship with God as a means of effective witnessing. He also highlighted the benefits of daily engagement with God's Word, underscoring the blessings of understanding and embodying the message and life of Jesus.
The festival was broadcast on different missions' Facebook pages, with church members sharing testimonials about the positive impact of the care group ministry on evangelism, conversion, and spirituality. These testimonials highlighted the instrumental role of care groups in advancing the divine message, as well as the significance of discipleship and nurturing the Adventist community.
The event culminated in the afternoon with a remarkable number of baptisms, demonstrating the profound impact of the care group ministry.
Quin Salarda, SPUC Communication Department
The original version of this story was posted on the South Philippine Union Conference website.