[Photo courtesy of SSD Communication Department]
Philippines | Edward Rodriguez, SSD Communication Department

After being in lockdown for more than two years, the Publishing Ministries Department of the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD), in partnership with the Philippine Publishing House (PPH), purposed to organize its 12th National Convention of Literature Evangelists. With the theme “I Am A Messenger! I Will Go!,” literature evangelists from all across the Philippine archipelago relive the very reason for their calling: to share the blessed hope and be God’s end-time messengers through literature.

Distinguished guests from the Adventist World Church and the Southern Asia-Pacific Division graced the event in support of the literature evangelist's gathering. Present during the convention was Almir Marroni, Publishing Director of the General Conference; Howard Faigao, former Publishing Director of the General Conference; Rey Cabanero, Publishing Director of the Southern Asia-Pacific Division Regional headquarters; and Vivencio Bermudez, former Publishing Director of the Southern Asia-Pacific Division.

In his devotional message, Samuel Saw, president of the Southern-Asia Pacific Division, underscored that the publishing work is very crucial in our church’s early beginnings. Elder Saw added that “the publishing work will also play a huge role in completing earth’s final history.” 

In his devotional message, Elder Saw Samuel, president of the Southern-Asia Pacific Division, underscored that the publishing work is very crucial in our church’s early beginnings. Elder Samuel added that “the publishing work will also play a huge role in completing earth’s final history.” 

“Thank you for what you are doing to share the three angels’ message. You are an invaluable asset to God’s Advent movement, and you are part of the mobilizing forces of Christ’s second coming,” Samuel added.

Samuel emphasized that there is power in the printed page. As the Holy Spirit blesses each page of every published book, it will prepare the hearts of its readers and introduce life and principle founded in Jesus.

“This dying world needs the everlasting love of Jesus. An important message awaits delivery—relaying the intensity of God’s love and promise of eternity in heaven through salvation in Jesus Christ,” Samuel said. 

Elder Saw Samuel, Southern Asia-Pacific Division president, opens the 12th Literature Evangelist Convention through a devotional message on being a messenger of Christ at the Iloilo Convention Center, Iloilo City, Philippines, on May 19, 2022. [Photo courtesy of SSD Communication Department]

Elder Saw Samuel, Southern Asia-Pacific Division president, opens the 12th Literature Evangelist Convention through a devotional message on being a messenger of Christ at the Iloilo Convention Center, Iloilo City, Philippines, on May 19, 2022. [Photo courtesy of SSD Communication Department]

A Holistic Approach to Literature Evangelism

Several guests from the General Conference, the Southern Asia-Pacific Division, and the Philippine’s three unions graced this long-awaited convention. Part of the convention opening is the parade of delegates and the grand welcome organized by the host conference from the West Visayan region.

After the devotional service, seasoned guests in the field of various departmental ministries shared their expertise in creating more opportunities for the publishing ministry.

Dr. Ma. Rizaline Alfanoso, director of Health for the Southern Asia-Pacific Division, reiterated a valuable point on mental health. After being on lockdown for over two years, the World Health Organization reports that the pandemic triggered a 25-percent increase in anxiety and depression prevalence worldwide. Alfanoso reminded the delegates that mental health is just as important as our physical health is. 

According to studies, one in four adults experiences at least one diagnosable mental health problem in any given year. 

“The Adventist Church is entrusted with the blessed health message. This is an opportunity to be a blessing to others and utilize these important reminders to minister to our respective families about the importance of our mental condition,” Alfanoso said. 

Virginia Baloyo, Adventist Families Ministry director, shared valuable points on family relationships and how vital it is that we share this information with the world. Broken marriages and families are continuously proliferating day by day. God’s message of hope lifts the spirit and encourages the soul that hope can still be found in Jesus despite the most challenging situations.

“Our human capacity is incapable of resolving our battles, whether it be a broken marriage, losing someone, unemployment, or even terminal illnesses. Our only way to resolve these struggles is through the faith we entrust in Jesus,” Baloyo said. “It is only through Him that our hope will live and create an influence, not only in us but also through us.” 

Dr. Orathai Chureson, Adventist Children’s Ministry director, talked about God’s genuine call to be utilized in any given skill or responsibility we receive from Him. Like Moses, as he surrendered his life to God’s leading and purpose, God’s name was glorified in Moses’s actions. 

Chureson shared that we may not be comfortable in certain situations in our lives where we are called to serve or minister. Still, as we depend on and surrender our lives to God’s leading, we may soon realize and see the bigger picture of where He would want to lead us.

Chureson quoted a line from the Spirit of Prophecy: “Devote your mind to spiritual things. Keep your mind from dwelling upon yourself. Cultivate a contented, cheerful spirit. You talk too much about unimportant things. You gain no spiritual strength from this. If the strength spent in talking were devoted to prayer, you would receive spiritual strength and would make melody in your heart to God” (White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2, p. 434).

Dr. Daryl Gay Tanamal, associate treasurer for the Southern Asia-Pacific Division, completed the series of devotional talks for the morning program. Dr. Tanamal reminded delegates of persistence, dedication, good habits, and positivity. 

Tanamal shared four points in the form of an acronym: RISE. It refers to having a renewed spirit every day—a spirit-filled attitude that transmits a positive outlook towards others. RISE stands for “Read and Reflect,” “Invest,” “Share,” and “Engage.”

Read and reflect on God's Word daily as our primary source of strength and inspiration. Tanamal stressed that our primary responsibility as followers of Christ is not service but our relationship with Him. Invest in learning your message. Before we get the chance to share God's message with others, we must experience God's Word first so people may understand how it feels to be immersed in His message. After spending time with God in prayer and His Word and experiencing His presence, our goal is to share that message with the world and engage ourselves with people, that they may know, learn, taste, and see that the Lord is good.

In closing, Tanamal shared a verse in the Bible: “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously” (2 Corinthians 9:6, NIV).

The afternoon program showcased reports, unique talents, and performances rendered by different unions.

This article was originally published on the Southern Asia-Pacific Division’s news site

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