Bulacao, Talisay City, CEBU – Dec. 3, 2025 — The Central Visayan Conference (CVC) formally opened its 8th Constituency Meeting on Dec. 3, 2025, at the Adventist Academy Cebu, gathering church leaders, pastors, educators, staff, literature evangelists, and delegates from across the conference territory for a sacred mission of leadership selection for the next quinquennium.
With the theme “Integrated in Mission,” the gathering called every member to be united in faith, grounded in the Bible, and focused on Christ-centered service.
Ruby Myrrh Ortega, AAC principal, and Pastor Charles Nogra, CVC president, warmly welcomed around 500 delegates. These delegates carry the sacred duty of electing God-appointed leaders for the next five years of CVC leadership.
The highlight of the opening was the keynote message by Pastor Eliezer T. Barlizo, Jr., newly elected president of the East Central Philippine Union Conference. He challenged leaders to be servant-leaders, humble, available, forgiving, and guided by a heart that sees as God sees.
He also emphasized the characteristics of church leaders whom Jesus is looking for, referring to the text in the Bible found in 1 Peter 5: 5, which says, “Ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elders, and be ye clothed with humility for God resisted the proud and giveth grace to the humble.”
He also quoted a certain Rey Viscarro, stating that the bravest person is the first to apologize; the strongest, first to forgive; and the happiest, the first to forget.
He added that while the world looks for skills, Jesus looks for servants; and while the world looks for abilities, Jesus looks for availability. “God doesn’t look at resumes, but at the heart.”
The opening ceremony concluded with an inspiring message for the delegates as they prepare to elect leaders whom God will empower to move the CVC forward.
Additionally, this year’s session holds special significance as CVC celebrates its 60th anniversary, marking six decades of mission, ministry, and God’s guidance in Central Visayas.
Rubelyn Gaa, AAC Senior High School Faculty
The original version of this article is published on the official social media site of the Central Visayan Conference.