“My heart swells with praise and thanksgiving," said Pastor Eliezer T. Barlizo Jr., the president of the Central Philippine Union Conference (CPUC), after confirming the final report of 3,231 baptized individuals across Central Philippines. The turnout was the outcome of the collaborative efforts of Adventist World Radio (AWR), CPUC-wide simultaneous evangelistic meetings, and care group harvest celebrations in the month of March 2024.

The unified evangelism aimed to respond to the call for the church to unite in widespread evangelistic endeavors. Hence, administrators, directors, and office staff in various organizations and institutions in the Central Philippines collaborate in the joint evangelistic efforts of the AWR Center for Digital Evangelism. Thus, everyone mentioned held a simultaneous health and gospel seminar in different areas of their designated places.

Compared to the previous report posted on the CPUC official page on March 31, 2024, the number of baptized individuals increased to a whopping 3,231 individuals. This numerical change from 2,323 souls to 3,231 was due to the onset of late baptisms and delayed evangelistic meetings in a few places under CPUC.

When asked about the goal of this unified event, Pastor Barlizo also responded by saying, “It is to create a closer relationship among members of the church, as well as to encourage total member involvement.”

Pastor Fernando Narciso, the director of IEL/NDR, also gave his insight when asked for advice to share with the ministering church by saying, “We have nothing more important to do than to save souls for God’s kingdom. Therefore, spend and be spent in this work for the rest of our lives.”

With the immense success of the simultaneous campaign, Pastor Barlizo extends his gratitude once more. “I highly appreciate everyone’s effort to make this happen, from the program coordinators to the leaders and administrators, especially the AWR, and to all who involved themselves in this ministry. Thank you so much.”

This original article was published on the Southern Asia-Pacific Division website.