Over 400 individuals embraced Jesus Christ in baptism during the division-wide congress at Mountain View College (MVC), Valencia City, Bukidnon, in the Philippines. The weeklong event, held from June 10–15, 2024, carried the theme "Jesus is Coming, Get Involved!"
Over 30,000 delegates from 11 regional offices across the Southern Asia-Pacific region gathered at Mountain View College to equip leaders and church members, particularly those from Sabbath School, Personal Ministries, Integrated Evangelistic Lifestyle, and Children’s departments. Their efforts culminated in a joyous celebration as numerous souls were baptized that Saturday afternoon in the college's swimming pool.
Elvin Salarda, the Southwestern Philippine Union Conference (SPUC) ministerial secretary and chairman of the baptism, said in a live interview, “My heart is overwhelmed with joy to see these precious souls. We are praying that these souls will continue to serve Him until Jesus comes.”
"These individuals received care from various ministries within the Church," Salarda explained. Our brothers' efforts through the Care Group ministry, with help from laypeople and district pastors in public outreach, made these initiatives possible. Our goal is to equip and empower them to become disciples who make disciples for Jesus Christ,” Salarda added.
During a live interview on the region's Facebook page, Andrew, one of the church's newly baptized members, shared that it took him three years to make the decision to be baptized. “I worked as a seafarer. I was hesitant to accept the truth, but the experience I had at this congress helped me finally accept the truth alongside my son. I am very happy to be part of God’s family,” Andrew said.
He credited his baptism to the dedication and commitment of church members in his area who tirelessly reached out and shared Bible truths with him.
Forty ordained pastors conducted the baptisms, with Salarda offering a prayer before each person was immersed in water."
The original article was published on the Southern Asia-Pacific Division website.
