The Secretariat Evangelism Mission in Dinagat Islands converted over 130 individuals who embraced the Adventist faith. 

The said evangelistic campaign gathered forty-eight office secretaries from the Southwestern Philippine Union Conference and conducted a series of nightly messages, aiming to spread hope and faith to the residents of Dinagat Islands, part of the CARAGA region, from April 17 to 21, 2024. The topics covered included the Sabbath, salvation, the state of the dead, heaven, food, the lake of fire, and baptism. The campaign gathered over 130 souls who accepted Jesus as their Personal Savior.

"The local people are respectful and kind. They're hospitable and listen to and attend to the needs of their guests.," said Vicky Pamonag, a SWPUC office secretary and one of the speakers of the one-week event.  As an office secretary, she added that participating in evangelistic campaigns is a great joy and an opportunity to share God's love with non-believers. "I must get involved in the work of God beyond the confines of an office. It's important to engage in the work of God, as it brings spiritual fulfillment in life."

From the union headquarters located in Cagayan De Oro City, the travel to Dinagat Islands would take at least 11 hours, including a ferry. Dinagat is one of the oldest communities in CARAGA region; its prosperity dates back to pre-colonial times. The island province was the site of the historic Battle of Surigao Strait during the Second World War. In 2011, Dinagat Islands officially became a province, separating from Surigao del Norte. It has a current population of over a hundred thousand people. Since the arrival of Protestants in the 1970s, there has been an increase in Adventist believers in the area.

By Quin Salarda, News Reporter
SWPUC Communication Department