Evangelism Series ends with 208 new members

May 7, 2018 • in News & Events

Simultaneous evangelism series conducted in the different venues in Davao region has culminated with more than 200 people accepting Jesus Christ through baptism on April 28.

These events started April 22 through 28 with the initiative of the different departments/institutions of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Davao region and the world church headquarters, the General Conference, to share the hope in Christ to people. Recipients of the initiative were Sto. Tomas in Davao del Norte, Digos City and Matanao in Davao del Sur.

The evangelistic series in Sto. Tomas was supported by the Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries of the Seventh-day Adventist General Conference. Dr. Mario Ceballos, director of Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries of the worldwide Adventist Church spearheaded the nightly gospel lectures while the health lecture was given by Dr. Shelvan Arunan who worked at Adventist Chaplaincy Institute.

Before the series started, heavy preparations were made according to Pr. Roque Madridondo, distict pastor of the Sto. Tomas District. “We put so much effort in this event. Prior to this, we conducted a series of small evangelism seminars in different places of Sto. Tomas, to include serenading and home visitations.”

Speaking from the venue after baptism, Dr. Arunan said that his appointment here in the Philippines, particularly in Sto. Tomas was a one-of-a-kind experience. He never thought that the number of baptism would be as many as this. “Together with Dr. Mario Ceballos, we come here every year and organize this event because the people are inspired to hear words of hope. We are deeply inspired also by the leaders and pastors here because they are hardworking. We have the same attitude. That is, our passion in evangelism is inspired by the people who hear the message and became changed as they face the continuing challenges happening in our world today,” he said.

In Digos City, Davao del Sur, the “Love that Binds,” seminar for family and relationships was conducted by Pastor Wendell M. Serrano, former president of the South Philippine Union Conference, was attended by hundreds of couples. During his nightly presentation, he emphasized the importance of Jesus in every family. He also gave some advice to the couples in strengthening a relationship between husband and wife, and it resulted to baptism of 42 individuals.

Mrs. Marife Patalinghug, who organized the evangelistic meeting at Bangkal, Matan-ao, Davao del Sur, was grateful for the success of the event. She challenged the newly-baptized member to continue their faith despite trials in life. [Vecente Macalua]