Adventist World Radio (AWR) and the Central Mindanao Mission recently concluded an impactful evangelism campaign in San Fernando and Sitio Natampod, Brgy. Namnam, Philippines, with an astounding result of 1,729 baptisms. The event, which ran from November 26 through December 2, 2023, was an extraordinary joint effort between the two organizations. Held simultaneously at two different venues, the campaign witnessed a remarkable display of faith and total member involvement.

Key leadership figures from AWR and the General Conference, including Dr. Duane McKey, AWR president, and his wife, Kathy, were at the forefront of the successful event. Other esteemed AWR officers who joined them include: Cami Oetman, AWR vice president; Catherine Proffit, a former U.S. ambassador to Malta and a member of the AWR Board; Sue Sinkie, AWR secretary; and Pastor Robert Dulay, AWR Special Project coordinator. Their presence and participation contributed significantly to the event's overall success.

Pastor Roseller Zamora, AWR coordinator for the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD), delivered powerful, inspiring messages during the first five nights of the evangelism campaign at the main venue in San Fernando. Oetman delivered a powerful message during the program's final night, and Dr. McKey then delivered a thought-provoking sermon for the Sabbath worship service. The final night and Sabbath service were immensely impactful, leaving a lasting impression on the audience with their stirring messages.

In addition to their participation in San Fernando, Dr. McKey and Oetman engaged with the audience in Sitio Natampod on Friday and Sabbath mornings, respectively. Their involvement was instrumental in connecting with the local community, fostering spiritual growth and contributing to the overall success of the campaign. Furthermore, they actively participated in the morning baptism ceremony, where a significant number of the newly baptized individuals were formerly associated with rebel groups.

The event in Sitio Natampod was particularly noteworthy, as it was named the “Peace Development Summit.” SULADS coordinated it in collaboration with AWR, the Central Mindanao Mission, various governmental organizations, and the 48th and 89th infantry battalions of the Philippine Army, under the direction of Major Noel Jumalon. Pastor Jeiel Basi delivered devotional messages to the attendees every morning and evening during the summit, which included not only spiritual growth but also daily livelihood training provided by government organizations.

Central Mindanao Mission administrators, including Pastor Porferio Lagunday (president), Pastor Judyben Cabil (executive secretary), and Sealoy Godillano (treasurer), expressed their collective joy at witnessing the record number of baptisms and the full engagement of members and pastors. Pastor Lagunday led a team of pastors and lay volunteers in erecting a large dome tent in Natampod to accommodate the sizable crowd in attendance. Under the direction of Pastor Rommel Subigca, the Communication Department of the Central Mindanao Mission expertly coordinated the entire event with the help of the South Philippine Union Conference's Communication Department.

The designated official translator for the culminating event, which featured two foreign speakers, was Pastor Rene Rosa, director of SPUC NDR/IEL.

The deep-seated significance of the evangelism campaign in San Fernando and Sitio Natampod is profound. It symbolizes a beacon of hope and renewal for the local community, uniting people in faith and fostering a spirit of reconciliation. The presence of former rebels among the newly baptized individuals highlights the transformative power of faith and serves as a testament to the event's broader impact on promoting peace and reconciliation in the region.

Moreover, the collaboration and united efforts of religious organizations, government agencies, and community leaders showcased the potency of collective action in effecting positive change. The event's success demonstrates the potential for meaningful transformation when diverse voices and organizations come together with a shared vision for a better future.

As the newly baptized individuals embark on their spiritual journeys, the enduring impact of the event will continue to resonate throughout the region. The unity and collaboration demonstrated in this endeavor serve as an inspiration for the broader community to embrace the transformative power of faith and collective action. A lasting legacy of faith, hope, and unity has been established, setting the stage for ongoing positive change and spiritual growth.

The original version of this story was posted on the Southern Asia-Pacific Division website.