Themed “Stand in the Gap,” the Prayer Network of the Adventist Youth Ministries (AYM) of the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) conducted its first onsite convention after the pandemic on December 7-11, 2022, in 1000 Missionary Movement Headquarters located at Silang, Cavite, Philippines. The first two conventions were held on Zoom in 2020 and 2021.
The convention has the following objectives: (a) To bond the Prayer Network Coordinators and Youth Directors of SSD. (b) To strengthen the Prayer Network of each Union, Conference, and Mission. (c) To provide creative and interactive prayer experiences for all attendees to empower them to stand in the gap for the church and the community (SSD and beyond). (d) To pray for the unreached cities and territories of SSD. (e) To visit and pray for the nearby institutions: 1000MM, AIIAS, SSD, PPH, and AUP. (f) To submit all the AYM plans to the LORD God (g) To give God the glory.
Quoting Ellen G. White’s “Messages to Young People,” Elder Roger Caderma, SSD President, welcomed the delegates. He states, “Amid the perils of these last days, the only safety of the youth lies in ever-increasing watchfulness and prayer. James tells us that “the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective (James 5:16).” He continued, “In the book of Ezekiel, God specially mentioned that faithful man may “stand in the gap.” Who is that person who can stand in the gap? Can I stand in the gap? Yes, you may! Any of us can be that person. We do not have to have amazing leadership qualities, we have to humble ourselves to God, His word, and be willing (Isaiah 58:6-12).”
In his welcome remarks, Dr. Ron Genebago, SSD Youth Servant, emphasized the importance of prayer by quoting Ellen White. He quotes, “If there were more prayer in the councils of those bearing responsibilities, more humbling of the heart before God, we should see abundant evidence of divine leadership, and our work would make rapid progress” (Testimonies for the Church 8:238). Genebago adds, “Thus if we want the work of God to progress rapidly and to see divine leadership in the youth ministry and the church, we need to pray much. We desire to see prayerful leadership in SSD AYM.”
“The Man in the Gap is Jesus. We can intercede for others because Jesus is in the gap for us. When you are tempted and find yourself in a difficult situation and wonder if God is with you, remember who is praying for you. Remember that Christ is our mighty prayer warrior. Have faith and persevere in prayer,” Dr. Abner De los Santos, GC Vice President, emphasized during the convention. He also invites the delegates to pray for others like Jesus.
“The convention was a breath of fresh air after only going through online prayer sessions via zoom. Seeing the people and praying together is a much different experience altogether. The breakout sessions have also proven to be a much-needed blessing. I have come to realize that not only am I called to pray for the lost, the broken, and the sick, but I need to know my Jesus through earnest prayer as well,” Michael Jan C. Fuentes, West Visayan C Prayer Coordinator from CPUC.
Other plenary speakers dealt with other related topics. Pastor Mamerto Guingguing, the SSD Associate Executive Secretary and the Human Resource Management Director shared on “Stand in the Gap like Nehemiah.” Dr. Abner Dizon, the Interfaith Services Director for Muslim and Secular/Post-Modern, focused his plenary on “Stand in the Gap for Unreached Cities.” Pastor Glenn Lagabon, the Associate Pastor of Manila Center Church, led the delegates on the importance of music in prayer and how to turn prayers into music through his lecture on “Stand in the Gap through Music and Prayer.” Dr. Ron Genebago, the SSD Youth Servant, presented on the inner-biblical study of the Roaring Prayer of David and Jesus, “My God, My God, Why Have you forsaken me.” Elder Jacinto Adap, SSD Treasurer, encouraged the youth through Ephaphras’ example of interceding for others. Ephaphras constantly labor fervently for the church members in prayers that they may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God (Colossians 4:12). During the commitment service, Pastor Felixian Felicitas, College of Theology Dean, led the delegates to a study of “Standing in the Gap Until There is no Gap.”
On top of the plenary sessions, the convention also features breakout sessions with the following topics and speakers: (a) How to Pray for Healing by Pastor Edgar Bryan Tolentino, EGW Estates Associate Director; (b) How to Pray for the Depressed and Despondent by Sister Jo Ann Amparo, SSD Adventist Healthcare Director; (c) How to Blend the Scriptures and Prayer by Brother Bing Alabata, Itinerant Evangelist; (d) How to Abide in Jesus Daily through Journaling by Sister Jazel May Diaz, University Chaplain; (e) How to Effectively Pray for the Lost by Pastor Elexiz Mercado, AWR Assistant Manager; (f) How to Overcome Addictions and Live Victoriously by Dr. Jan Cabungcal, Neuroscientist; (g) How to Organize, Grow, and Sustain a Prayer Network by Gen Camato, SSD Prayer Network Coordinator and Ivan Mae Flores, South Philippines Prayer Network Coordinator; and (h) How to Pray for Financial Growth by Davin Bennett, Missionary Pilot.
Some of the delegates shared the blessings of joining the convention. Abby Villones, Negros Occidental Conference Prayer Network Coordinator, shares, “I immensely feel His Spirit, especially during the SSD Prayer Network Convention, and I have two reasons. First, I felt the Spirit when I got to be in a circle of believers unitedly praying, praising, and thanking God in person; something we'd been praying and hoping for. And second, I feel His Spirit through His wisdom as we apply every lesson we learned during breakout sessions and plenaries.
Looking forward to more about Him and opportunities to know more about Him as I continue to stand in the Gap.”
“Attending the Prayers for Healing Breakout Session by Pastor Bryan Tolentino was a blessing to me. I realized I was not alone in my struggles. The convention has encouraged me as someone who is approached by many for counsel as a youth leader. I am reminded to include our leaders in prayer continuously and empathize with them in their most vulnerable condition,” Jasper Yubal Bagdoc, East Visayan Conference Prayer Coordinator, added.
Glenn Mark Paragoso, Central Mindanao Mission Prayer Coordinator, says, “During prayer convention, I'm so blessed I feel God is in our hearts. I didn't expect that I could join, but God is very good to me. He knows that I need him the most. I was also blessed by the breakout sessions that I attended. God is God to me and all of us. Thank you!”
Gen Camato, the SSD Prayer Network Coordinator, has been thankful to God for those who had been instrumental in making the event possible. She chats, “I praise the Lord once again, for He made it possible to transition the prayer convention from a virtual to a face-to-face prayer meeting. I praise God for all those who worked behind the scenes: the SSD Prayer Network staff and media team, youth directors, speakers, parents, and delegates. My only prayer is that the prayer network continues to be a powerhouse of every Adventist Youth Ministries throughout the Southern Asia-Pacific Division. To God be the glory!”
Pastor Ron Genebago, SSD Youth Director