Central Philippines – May 24, 2025 – The Central Philippine Union Conference (CPUC) witnessed the triumphant culmination of its week-long evangelistic initiative on Saturday, as over a thousand individuals across 262 sites in the Central Philippines embarked on a new spiritual journey through simultaneous baptisms.
These simultaneous baptisms were streamed live by the Hope Channel Central Philippines and crossposted by all missions and conferences.
Pastor Berdandino Maniego, CPUC communication director and ASI/Ad Pro coordinator, alongside Engr. Conrado Avila, CPUC ASI President, hosted the online reporting, bringing together updates from the various baptismal sites.
The initial count of over a thousand individuals welcomed into the Adventist faith was based on reports from those who were able to communicate online or by phone during the simultaneous baptisms. However, some areas, such as the Samar Mission, struggled to connect due to poor internet signals.
The actual number of baptisms will be reported soon as all the data will be collected. Additionally, some evangelistic meetings are still ongoing, while others are scheduled for the end of May and first week of June.
This display of faith marks a powerful conclusion to the “Sharing Christ in the Marketplace and Workplace” initiative, spearheaded by the Adventist-laymen’s Services and Industries (ASI) and Adventist Professionals (Ad Pro).
The week-long series of meetings, which began on May 18, reached its anticipated peak on Saturday, with several entrepreneurs, professionals, and government officials making a public commitment to their beliefs.
From the cities to remote communities, the strategic focus on both the “elites and the working class” bore significant fruit, demonstrating the widespread impact of the integrated faith approach championed by ASI and Ad Pro.
“Praise God for the overwhelming turnout of the newly concluded CPUC-wide ASI and Ad Pro simultaneous crusade,” Maniego exclaimed. His fervent call for united prayer and fasting for an “abundant harvest of precious souls” is answered as scenes of baptismal ceremonies unfolded across CPUC territory.
This deep spiritual harvest displays the unique synergy between ASI and Ad Pro. ASI, dedicated to empowering Adventist business owners and laypersons to integrate faith into their vocations, provided the foundational support and vision.
Ad Pro, comprising Adventists in diverse professional fields—doctors, lawyers, educators, and more—leveraged their specialized knowledge, networks, and integrity to reach communities and demonstrate Christian values in action. Their collective influence proved instrumental in drawing individuals from various walks of life to this significant moment of decision.
The success of these multi-site baptisms reflects the collaborative dedication of numerous volunteers, speakers, local church members, and leaders, all guided by their missions and conference administrators and officers who invested their hearts into the evangelistic meetings.
The “Sharing Christ in the Marketplace and Workplace” theme resonated deeply, showing how faith can be lived outauthentically in every sphere of life.
As the echoes of joy and singing from today’s baptisms reverberate across the Central Philippines, Pastor Eliezer “Joer” Barlizo, CPUC president, expressed gratitude and appreciation to all members and leaders who involved themselves in the initiative.
“Praising God for the wonderful harvests and the cooperation of everyone. May this amazing and humbling outcome be just the beginning,” he said. He mentioned several names in his expression of overwhelming gratitude and thanksgiving.