Songs of praise and united prayers, led by the delegates from the Northern Panay Mission, marked the beginning of the second day of the Adventist-laymen’s Services and Industries – Adventist Professional (ASI- Ad Pro) and ASI 30th Anniversary.
These prayers of thanksgiving and supplication for divine guidance on the ASI-Ad Pro’s initiative truly set the spiritual tone for the day.
Pastor Arnel Gabin, vice president of the Southern Asia-Pacific Division for the Integrated Evangelism Lifestyle and Nurturing, Discipleship, and Retention (IEL – NDR) program, delivered the message for the morning devotional.
He offered valuable insights on cultivating grit as an Adventist leader, emphasizing purpose-driven endurance, the importance of leaning on God’s people, and the necessity of learning from setbacks.
He encouraged leaders not to give up, reminding them that the true reward of leadership equates to souls saved, churches awakened, and transformation of the hearts. This fact resonates with Matthew 25:21, where faithfulness in small matters leads to greater responsibility.
Quoting Mother Teresa’s wise statement, “We do not need success; we need faithfulness,” he drew parallels to sincerity in soul-winning.
Ultimately, Gabin said, “Jesus serves as our ultimate model of grit. Hebrews 12:3 encourages us to “Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Just as Jesus led with both grit and grace, we, too, can embody these qualities through His Spirit.
Following the devotional were the breakout sessions featuring Adventist business leaders, ASI-Ad Pro officers, and and SSD ASI officers such as Fiscal Dickie Gongob.
Engr. Denny Sasil shared stories about his eagerness and enthusiasm for “sharing Christ in the market and the workplace,” emphasizing how God turns one’s endeavors into blessings, even the finances.
He encouraged everyone through God’s promise in Acts 1: 8, which says, “But you shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto me…”
“Once you try doing evangelism, you will be wanting more,” Sasil stated, emphasizing how a single evangelistic work can be so humbling and motivating.
On the other hand, Gongob discussed the Rules of Orders of the General Conference. He expounded on the duties of the chairs, delegates, and church members. He also elaborated on what comes next once a quorum is reached, the methods of voting, elections, dealing with motions, and many others.
“We have to understand the methods and processes of our church,” Gongob said, offering to share a copy of his presentation to anyone who likes to have one.
Several other ASi Ad Pro leaders shared motivational stories about elite evangelism, earning from a deeply awed listeners their gasps of admirations.
One church pastor from Ormoc, Pastor Ricardo de Asis shared his journey on how he has successfully invaded elite platforms such as colleges, universities, government, military/polices offices using the frontal facade of mental health advocacy.
The day’s event culminated after the vesper worship which featured Pastor Eliezer “Joer” Barlizo, Jr., the CPUC president, as the speaker. He talked about “Unity in Purpose,” which can be achieved when each one is willing to give their time, talents, and resources in the Lord.
He quoted Colossians 3: 23-25, which says, “Whatever you do, work heartily as for the Lord, and not for men.”
However, unity is not just about dedication to our work; it also involves maintaining peace and harmony with one another.
To highlight this, he quoted Rey Viscaro, who said, “The bravest person is the first to apologize, the strongest is the first to forgive, and the happiest is the first to forget.”
The unity of the ASI- AdPro, he said, is rooted in the deeper purpose; soul-winning.