March 31, 2025 – Samar, Philippines – Samar Mission celebrated the first wave of Harvest 2025, an intensive evangelism initiative by the Southern Asia-Pacific Division, resulting in 334 baptisms following weeks of gospel preaching and health education.
These initial simultaneous baptisms, which reaped 334 baptisms, took place on March 22 and March 29, 2025. However, a higher count is anticipated due to another baptism round scheduled for this Saturday.
District-wide Highlights
In Calbayog City, a total of 122 individuals were baptized, accepting Christ as their Savior. This district organized 12 venues, with 35 gospel speakers and 19 health lecturers leading the various programs.
Among the distinguished speakers was Pastor John Stellian, an international evangelist, accompanied and supported by the members of the Capitol Center Seventh-Day Adventist Church from Cebu. He delivered impactful messages that moved many hearts, contributing greatly to the success of the mission.
Meanwhile, Balicuatro District recorded 63 baptisms across six venues, with nine gospel speakers and 11 health lecturers sharing God’s word. Among those baptized, six individuals were part of the district’s jail ministry, highlighting the power of the gospel in reaching people from all walks of life, including those in correctional facilities.
In San Juanico District, 46 baptisms took place in 5 venues, showing the success of the outreach in that area.
Other significant results include 30 baptisms in Catbalogan District, 18 in Daram District, and 19 in Catarman District, all reflecting the impact of the gospel and health initiatives.
Holistic Evangelism Approach
This campaign not only focused on preaching but also included health education, with medical professionals and health advocates sharing important lessons on living a healthy life. A total of 99 health lecturers taught about wellness, lifestyle changes, and disease prevention.
Districts such as Salcedo and Northwestern Association of Islands (NORWESA) benefited greatly, with 10 and 7 lecturers, respectively, helping their communities.
For church members and leaders, the combination of spiritual and health programs has proved to be very effective in changing lives.
Harvest Celebration Across Samar Mission Territory
The 1st Care Group Harvest Celebration was the highlight of this evangelistic initiative, bringing together church members to praise God for the abundant spiritual blessings.
Church leaders encouraged the new members to stay strong in their faith by joining Bible studies, church fellowship, and ministries. Plans were also announced for future evangelism efforts to continue reaching more people with the gospel.
The celebration not only served as a time of rejoicing but also as a renewal of commitment for church leaders and members to press forward in their mission.
The event underscored the importance of faithful discipleship, encouraging everyone to continue sharing the gospel and bringing more souls to Christ.
Church Leaders’ Reflections
Church leaders were thankful and encouraged by the campaign’s success.
“People are looking for both spiritual guidance and health education. We praise God for the many lives changed through this program,” said a local pastor.
For the Samar Mission leaders and constituents, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the dedication of gospel speakers, alongside health lecturers, church members, and volunteers made this initiative successful. Their hard work and faithfulness helped bring more people to Jesus.
Looking Ahead
The Adventist Church in the region will continue its mission by holding Bible studies, organizing small groups, and serving the community to help the new members grow in faith.
With God’s help and the continued commitment of church members, they are hopeful that future evangelistic efforts will bring even more souls to Christ.