San Miguel District successfully held its “First Quarter Harvest Culmination” at Don Miguel Farm in Manggahan, Brgy. Libtong, San Miguel, Leyte, on March 29, 2025.
Pastor Emmanuel Paul Barcenas, the East Visayan Conference (EVC) director for Integrated Evangelism Lifestyle, Nurturing, Discipleship, and Retention, organized this culmination during another significant gathering — the Adventist Communication Training — held at the same venue.
Under his leadership, alongside Pastor Roland Rodriguez, the district leader of San Miguel, and the collective efforts of the eleven care groups who actively participated in the soul-winning, the harvest yielded 75 individuals for baptism.
These care groups mentioned above engaged in giving Bible studies, showing love and compassion to families and friends, and dedicating themselves to supporting nightly evangelistic efforts in their respective areas despite their busy schedules.
Pastor Apolonio Pastera and Pastor Rodriguez officiated the baptism at the pool in Don Miguel Farm, witnessed by hundreds of church members and leaders who welcomed them as new additions to the Adventist family.
Pastor Barcenas also coordinates the Adventist-Laymen Services and Industries and Adventist Professionals for the EVC. In the afternoon of these events, he also gathered both organizations for a brief meeting to discuss future plans for elite evangelism.
While witnessing the solemnity of the baptism, one of the brethren said, “I feel that Jesus’ return is truly near because people are hungry for truth nowadays.”
“While this is a moment of rejoicing for us, this also serves as a challenge to bring more souls at the feet of Jesus,” Pastor Rodriguez said.
“Let us remain steadfast in our work for the Lord during these final days. Let us intensify our efforts in spreading the Gospel, that we may hasten the return of our Lord,” he added.
Quoting the Great Commission from Matthew 28:19-20, he reminded everyone of God’s call to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Teach them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
By Mara C. Rodriguez, East Visayan Conference