CADIZ CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL—Despite facing a major challenge from Typhoon Opong and initial resistance from nearby residents, an evangelistic campaign titled “Family: A Journey of Togetherness” successfully concluded in Barangay Banquerohan, Cadiz City, Negros Occidental, resulting in the baptism of 145 individuals.
The event, which ran over several nights, saw a steady attendance of 120 people nightly, including members of other Protestant Churches and other denominations. It focused on family enrichment and Biblical exposition, aiming to strengthen family bonds through biblical principles.
The nightly programs featured inspiring messages delivered by Pastor Fernando Narciso, vice-president of the Central Philippine Union Conference for the Integrated Evangelism Lifestyle-Nurturing, Discipleship, and Reclaiming (IEL-NDR), and Pastor Neildren Gulfan, field secretary of the Negros Occidental Conference.
In addition to the spiritual focus, the campaign included practical health education lectures and children’s classes.
The culmination of the campaign was a mass baptism, with 67 souls baptized at the main venue and an additional 78 from five other venues led by the Negros Occidental Advent Herald workers.
The campaign’s success showed the power of massive teamwork. Gospel Outreach (GO) workers and SEND workers, two other lay workers, and NOAH workers handled extensive groundwork and preparation. These same individuals assisted during the event and would continue to stay for the nurturing process.
“I’m so thankful to the Lord for the success of this evangelistic meeting. He inspired every one of you to help and support the initiative from the beginning,” Pastor Narciso said. “I’m also thankful to the CPUC and NOC administration, to the district leaders who assisted us, to lay workers and missionaries, and all district church leaders and members.”