The joint evangelistic effort by Adventist World Radio's (AWR) Center for Digital Evangelism (CDE) and the Adventist Church in Negros Occidental (NOC) has achieved notable success. Held in Kabankalan, Negros Occidental, Central Philippines, from March 3–9, 2024, the event witnessed over 300 individuals being baptized, marking a significant milestone for the outreach program. Themed "Earth’s Final Countdown," the series focused on instilling the blessed hope found in Jesus amidst the backdrop of Earth’s final history.
Under the leadership of Pastor Jeter Canoy, associate director of AWR-CDE, and with the support of 10 trained digital missionaries representing six countries, the campaign unfolded across five districts of Kabankalan City. These digital missionaries represent the forefront of the Center for Digital Evangelism Campaign at AWR, utilizing social media platforms as their primary tools to disseminate hope and healing to a global audience. Demonstrating a remarkable commitment, these missionaries engaged with audiences across various languages, promptly responding to inquiries and effectively spreading the message of faith.
During this particular campaign, the digital missionaries ventured beyond the virtual realm, participating in personal evangelism initiatives where they had face-to-face interactions with people. Armed with the timeless truths of the Bible, they shared the love of Jesus in a tangible way, forging meaningful connections and offering spiritual guidance to those they encountered.
Pastor Rober Dulay, Director of AWR Asia Pacific, conveyed his confidence in the trajectory of AWR's mission, highlighting a commitment to sustained growth and impact. "We are poised for continued flourishing," Pastor Dulay affirmed. "AWR remains steadfast in its dedication to advancing the mission. Our objective extends beyond mere baptisms; we are equally devoted to nurturing individuals on their spiritual journey."
The success of this campaign highlights the innovative approach of utilizing digital platforms for evangelism, particularly in the midst of challenges posed by the pandemic. Beyond digital outreach, the CDE program now encompasses initiatives such as organizing care groups for Sabbath visitations, aimed at providing ongoing support to church members, and recruiting young people for missionary work to ensure the sustainability and expansion of the program.
Acknowledging the collaborative efforts, NOC extended gratitude towards the Southern Asia Pacific Division (SSD) and Central Philippine Union Conference (CPUC) for their support and active participation in the initiative.
The significant number of baptisms achieved in this campaign underscores the effectiveness of digital evangelism in reaching diverse audiences and spreading the message of faith. As the impact of this successful campaign reverberates, it serves as a testament to the transformative power of collective endeavor towards a common mission of faith.
Stephanie Loriezo, Senior Scriptwriter, Hope Channel-Bacolod
The original article was published on the Central Philippine Union Conference social media page.