Responding to the call of Pastor Ted Wilson, president of the General Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, the Canduman Seventh-day Adventist Church joined the global 10-day prayer initiative themed “But When You Pray.”
The church officers, headed by Ranel Hijapon, the church’s head elder and president of the Central Cebu District Association of Churches, organized the prayer event themed “But When You Pray.”
The 10 days of prayer took place from Jan. 8 to 17, 2025, and was streamed live on Facebook and YouTube. It captivated consistent online audiences, evidenced by hundreds tuning in at night.
The event also featured college students of Central Philippines Adventist College, an Adventist institution located in Murcia Negros Occidental, as guest speakers.
“I believe that hearing the perspectives of young minds provides a fresh and insightful understanding of the topic. Through their unique viewpoints, we experience their creative approaches and deepen the discussion,” Hijapon said.
The nightly topics captivated the viewers as they emphasized prayer’s depth, power, and significance in daily life. Each night provided practical insights on when and how to pray, inspiring a deeper connection with God and fostering a greater appreciation for the role of prayer in all circumstances.
Furthermore, the discussions encouraged reflection, personal growth, and a renewed commitment to a prayerful life, leaving a lasting impact on everyone involved.
The program’s impact grew as several individuals and viewers felt compelled to submit their prayer requests during the intercessory prayer. For the church, this action reflected people’s trust and faith in the power of collective prayer.
In response, the church members compassionately lifted these requests to God, interceding on behalf of others with sincerity and hope. These exchanges created a profound connection between the participants, the viewers, and God, emphasizing prayer’s unifying and transformative nature.
This decisive moment united everyone in a unified act of faith as they prayed fervently for the needs of individuals, the community, and the world. The sincerity and passion of the church members created an atmosphere of hope and spiritual connection, emphasizing the vital role of intercession in demonstrating love and compassion through prayer.
“It was a truly inspiring and uplifting conclusion to the program,” a church member said during the culmination.
Moreover, Jean Jomuad, Canduman Church treasurer, shared her testimony about how God answered her prayer in a moment of uncertainty. She recounted how she earnestly prayed for complete healing and favorable results of her diagnostic tests. The answer came with the release of the ultrasound results, confirming the outcome she prayed and hoped for.
Jomuad’s story deeply moved the viewers. It was a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness and ability to provide peace and answers in His perfect time. It inspired many to trust God even in their most anxious moments.
During the culmination, Hijapon expressed all members who supported the program, acknowledging their efforts sincerely.
He thanked them for their dedication, prayers, and hard work, which made the program successful. His words were filled with appreciation for the unity and commitment displayed by everyone involved, emphasizing that their collective contributions brought glory to God and touched the hearts of many.
During the sundown worship on that Sabbath afternoon, Hijapon officially closed the program with a prayer asking God to continue His guidance and zeal in ministry until his return.
By Babelyn Vios
The original version of this article is posted on the official Facebook page of Canduman Seventh-Day Adventist Church.