The Women's Ministries Department of the Southwestern Philippine Union Conference (SwPUC) held a Women's Leadership Convention at the SwPUC Garden Church from March 20 to 22, 2025, in Cagayan de Oro. With the theme "Made to Flourish, to Reach, and Go Light Our World," the convention was attended by 160 delegates from within the SwPUC territory. During the opening night, missions and conferences gave cultural presentations featuring dances of dominant ethnic groups from their respective communities. 

On Friday morning, SwPUC Children's Ministries Director Marife Patalinghug spoke about overcoming emotional distance in relationships, addressing issues that can make someone feel disconnected, misunderstood, and isolated. She reminded the audience of God's intention toward relationships. That is, to fill them with love, connection, and understanding.

Other lectures focused on thoughtfulness, gratitude, kindness, peace, hope, and laughter, delivered by Women's Ministries Directors Loeweliey Campanero, Charlene Arellano, Kenneth Baal, Alicia Guting, and Sharon Dulang.

John Kalaw, a senior agrarian reform program officer and government employee, shared insights from Isaiah 60:22, "When the time is right, I will make it happen." He reminded the audience that understanding the current context of the world requires recognizing the great controversy. He also discussed climate change and its impact on agriculture.

SwPUC Women's Ministries Director Shirley Bacus spoke about women empowerment, saying, "When we flourish like palm trees, we derive our strength from God. And I hope that, just like palm trees, we will also grow." She also encouraged the women, saying, "As Christian women, we spread the fragrance of Christ. May we be like palm and cedar trees, as described in Psalm 92:12-15."

After her message, representatives from missions and conferences presented their singing renditions.

Southern-Asia Pacific Division Women's Ministries Director Virgie Baloyo delivered her message during the Divine Worship. She referenced John 15:5 and shared stories of inspiring women who had made meaningful contributions to their communities through teaching and community services around the SSD. She reminded the women leaders that, as believers, "We put our ultimate hope not in this world, but in what is unseen. We trust and wait for God’s return."

She concluded her message: "I would like to encourage our women to be that flourishing touch. Jesus sees, touches, and heals. When we are touched by Jesus, we flourish. Let us abide in Christ, because if we abide, we flourish and we serve."

The event concluded with the giving of certificates and plaques, followed by a video report presented by the missions and conferences. During the commitment service, the women leaders vowed to fulfill their responsibilities as pillars in their respective churches and communities.

By Quin Salarda
SwPUC ComDept