Pastor Eliezer ‘Joer’ Barlizo Jr., president of the Central Philippine Union Conference, recently concluded a highly engaging digital evangelism series. It attracted over five thousand viewers every night from Facebook and YouTube alone and culminated in the baptism of 280 individuals.
The event, which ran from October 27 to November 2, 2024, had consistently gained high viewership and lively online engagement since the first night. The warm acceptance from viewers remained consistent throughout the series despite its date coinciding with Halloween, which drew many travelers away from the city.
The program, streamed live on Hope Channel Central Philippines via the Facebook page, YouTube Channel, and Global Satellite (GSAT) Channel 37, was also crossposted by Hope Channel Philippines and all Hope Channel networks under CPUC.
Moreover, several radio stations across the Central Philippines, including Adventist World Radio broadcasting networks, also aired the nightly series.
In addition, several churches shared the virtual event through their official Facebook pages, while thousands of viewers shared it every night through their personal social media sites. The number of viewers on the sites mentioned above, including the viewers of those shares and crossposts, made up 5, 000 or more online viewers every night.
Furthermore, students across CPUC academies actively participated, gathering in their worship halls for group viewings of the series, thanks to the encouragement of their principals and the leadership of Lemuel Banday, Ph.D., CPUC education director.
This digital evangelism, which gathered 280 new believers at Jesus’ feet, was part of the Care Group Harvest Celebration for the last quarter of 2024. The baptisms took place at their respective missions and conferences during the culmination on November 2, 2024.
During the nightly series, Pastor Barlizo discussed topics focusing on the theme “Jesus Saves.” He elaborated on the factors straining family relationships while eventually leading the viewers to the saving grace of Jesus Christ, the source of true happiness.
Pastor Barlizo also addressed the signs of His second coming, encouraging the listeners to be ready for His return by obeying His commandments, including the observance of His Holy Day. While waiting, he warned the audience to be alert and not be deceived by those who claim to be the “Christ.” He also told them the reward of those who stand firm until the end.
On his message during the Sabbath, he encouraged everyone to partake in the mission. He appealed to their hearts by saying, “My brothers and sisters in Christ, I hope and pray that when Jesus comes, we will hear Him say He is happy that we have accomplished His mission.”
Among the 280 individuals baptized on the culminating Sabbath was Zymon Guiller de Asis, the son of Pastor Ricardo de Asis Jr., a district pastor in Leyte. He was one of those students who gathered at the chapel of East Visayan Adventist Academy in Javier, Leyte, to listen to Pastor Barlizo’s nightly series.
When, at that solemn moment, Pastor Barlizo appealed to the audience for a decision to follow Jesus, young Zymon called his father and asked him to baptize him.
The young man was indeed baptized by his own father, who also shared his overwhelming emotions through a social media post.
“There is no room left for the overflowing joy,” Pastor de Asis said. Among the photos he shared was one of him praying for his son before he dipped him into the water.
In a private interview, Pastor de Asis admitted shedding tears while bringing his own child back to the altar. He was somewhere far away that week, conducting a seminar. Not affording to lose this special moment, he went home to do the honor of baptizing his son.
“Thanks to Pastor Barlizo’s crusade and nightly appeal. I could lose everything, but not this very moment of baptizing my son,” Pastor de Asis shared.
Pastor Barlizo, while reflecting and thanking God for the success of the digital series God had granted him, expressed his deep appreciation for the support of CPUC administrators, directors, and staff.
He also commended the leadership of Pastor Lemmuel Lauron, Hope Channel Central Philippines manager, and Pastor Jenboy Luston, HCCP production head and AWR Central Philippines coordinator.
Long before the event’s onset, Pastor Lemmuel Lauron and the HCCP staff had already planned out the program’s strategic management, ensuring there would be no unnecessary pauses and interruptions. Alongside Engineer Clyde Carpena, CPUC IT specialist/developer, he also facilitated digital and technological preparations.
On the other hand, Pastor Luston mobilized CPUC digital missionaries. During this evangelistic effort, these missionaries, comprising 500 volunteers, played considerable roles in communicating with the viewers. They responded to social media messages, addressed requests, and prayed with them. They would be part of the post-event evangelism by continuing the communication and nurturing process.
Pastor Barlizo expressed gratitude to all communication directors for encouraging participation and support. He also thanked the education directors and principals for letting the children listen to him and the district pastors for ensuring church members shared his program online.
The ‘Bettermen Singers,’ who prepared the viewers’ hearts for the gospel message by singing the theme song every night, and those other singers who graced the event, also gained his appreciation.
This digital evangelism proved to be a success to most, inspiring immediate discussions for future online outreach initiatives. The strategies and collaborative efforts that fueled this success will serve as a blueprint for subsequent programs.
Organizers will also conduct a thorough review to identify any areas for improvement and ensure even greater effectiveness in future endeavors.