Cagayan De Oro City, PHILIPPINES – The Southwestern Philippine Union Conference hosted two major gatherings of publishing leaders and literature evangelists, affirming their role in advancing the mission of the church through literature ministry.

The Publishing cademy Summit was held August 28–30, 2025, followed by the Literature Evangelists (LE) Congress on September 1–2, 2025. Both events were organized by the Publishing Ministries Department under the leadership of Pastor Rey Cabañero, Publishing Director of the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) in coordination with Pr. Elmer Abesta - the Publishing Director of the Southwestern Philippine Union Conference.

The Publishing Academy Summit brought together Publishing Directors and Area Publishing Ministries Leaders (APMLs) from various missions and conferences to receive updates on current leadership trends and renew their dedication to the mission. The succeeding LE Congress gathered credentialed and licensed literature evangelists, providing both spiritual nurture and practical training.

The gatherings were enriched by the presence of former SSD Publishing Director Pastor Ven Bermudez and his wife, former Publishing Director Pastor Floranty Ty and his wife, former Philippine Publishing House treasurer Sir Atemio Jimenez and his wife, and Pastor Onie Flores, former LMS Director of SWPUC. These veteran leaders shared their experience and insights, strengthening the resolve of today’s workers.

Through sermons, lectures, and skill-building sessions, participants were reminded of the spiritual foundation of their work and equipped with renewed passion for service. According to organizers, the congress succeeded in spiritualizing, inspiring, and energizing literature evangelists, preparing them to return to their territories with enthusiasm.

The event concluded with a solemn call to mission, as participants reaffirmed their commitment under the worldwide church theme: “I Will Go.”

By Meljoie Pepito
NEMM Communication/ Publishing Director