Thirty-eight individuals were baptized in the Central Cebu District during the culmination of a nightly seminar conducted by Pastor Eliezer “Joer” Barlizo Jr., at Banilad Multipurpose Gymnasium in Banilad, Cebu City. Thirty-two came from CCDAC, and the other six were from other districts in Metro Cebu.
The seminar emphasized the importance of family, healthy relationships, and biblical teachings that promote moral recovery.
Officially opened on Oct. 4, 2025, the event featured Pastor Carlito P. Quidet, the recently elected communication director of the Southern Asia Pacific Division, and Pastor Eliezer “Joer” Barlizo Jr., president of the Central Philippine Union Conference, as the nightly speakers.
The event began with a medical mission on Sept. 28, 2025, providing free services to over 100 participants, sponsored by the Central Cebu District Women’s Ministries Department.
The five-day crusade took place from Sept. 29 to Oct. 4, 2025, and was streamed live on Facebook and YouTube. It captivated consistent online audiences, evidenced by thousands tuning in at night.
During the week, Tomy Auguis, Banilad Seventh-Day Adventist Church elder, coordinated hourly prayer sessions with the “prayer ambassadors” for families from each congregation until the crusade concluded.
With the full support of church leaders and members across the CCDAC district, and under the leadership of District Pastor Jemwin Colegado, the Moral Recovery Program culminated on Oct. 4, 2025, with 38 individuals accepting Jesus through baptism.
Before the event, Bro. Tomy Auguis and Bro. Felix Jabla helped prepare the ground, opening the hearts of the residents to the gospel message.
The nightly sessions engaged both in-person attendees and online viewers, highlighting ways for families to restore hope amid contemporary challenges and to deepen their relationship with God, the ultimate source of trust and protection from calamities.
Barlizo cited Romans 14:8: “If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.”
The event also featured nightly raffles, with prizes including two kilos of rice and a motorcycle as a grand prize. “This is in recognition of your diligence in attending every night, despite the calamities and challenges we face,” said Ranel Hijapon, CCDAC president.
Furthermore, the discussions inspired families and young individuals to respond to God’s calling, encouraging them to get involved in sharing the gospel, starting within their own families.
During the culmination, Hijapon expressed sincere gratitude to all members who supported the program, acknowledging their efforts.
“We acknowledged the efforts of those who generously supported the event both before and during it.”
CCDAC celebrated their successes from the week’s event and aimed for more gospel-related events to increase their involvement in the ministry.
Reflecting on the success of the event, Barlizo said, “I am thankful to God for his providence and protection despite the earthquake we experienced, and lastly, to the team and the members of this district for their full support of the work of God.”
Babelyn Vios / Central Cebu District Association of Churches