Adventist World Radio (AWR) and the Central Mindanao Mission recently concluded an impactful evangelism campaign in San Fernando and Sitio Natampod, Brgy. Namnam, with an astounding result of 1729 baptisms. The event, which ran from November 26 to December 2, was an extraordinary joint effort between AWR and the Central Mindanao Mission. Held simultaneously at the San Fernando gym and Sitio Natampod, the campaign witnessed a remarkable display of faith and total member involvement.

Key leadership figures from AWR's General Conference, including Dr. Duane Mckey, AWR President, and Mrs. Kathy Mckey, were at the forefront of the successful event. They were joined by other esteemed AWR officers, such as Ms. Came Oatman, AWR GC Vice President, Ambassador Catherine Proffit, Former US Ambassador to Malta and AWR GC Board member, Sue Sinkie, AWR GC Secretary, and Pastor Robert Dulay, AWR GC Special Project Coordinator. Their presence and participation contributed significantly to the event's overall success.

Pr. Roseller Zamora, AWR SSD Coordinator, delivered powerful and inspiring messages during the first five nights of the evangelism campaign at the main venue in San Fernando. The culmination night of the program featured a compelling message from Sister Cami Oatman, which was followed by a thought-provoking sermon by Pastor Duane Mckey on the Sabbath worship. The final night and the Sabbath worship were immensely impactful, leaving a lasting impression on the audience with its stirring messages.

In addition to their participation in San Fernando, Pastor Mckey, and Ms. Cami Oatman engaged with the audience in Sitio Natampod on Friday and Saturday 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 partook 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.” It was a collaborative effort coordinated by Sulads in partnership with AWR, the Central Mindanao Mission, various government agencies, and the 48 and 89 IB, Philippine Army, under the command of Major Noel Jumalon. The summit encompassed not only spiritual growth but also included daily livelihood training conducted by government agencies, with Pr. Jeiel Basi delivers devotional messages to the attendees every morning and evening. 

Central Mindanao Mission administrators, including President Pr. Porferio Lagunday, Executive Secretary Pr. Judyben Cabil, and Treasurer Sir Sealoy Godillano, 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. The entire program was skillfully coordinated by the Communication Department of the Central Mindanao Mission, under the leadership of Pr. Rommel Subigca, with invaluable assistance from the Communication Department of the South Philippine Union Conference.

The designated official translator for our culminating event, which featured two foreign speakers, was Pr. Rene Rosa, the 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 journey, 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.

By Roxie Pido
SPUC ComDept.