Dr. Samuel Wang, the Interfaith Services director of the Southern Asia-Pacific Division from China, conducted a week-long evangelistic campaign themed ‘Discover Ancient Wisdom.’ It culminated in the baptism of 16 new believers who accepted Jesus through baptism.
Held at Casino Espanol de Cebu in Cebu City from Sept. 29 to October 4, 2024, the event accommodated a jampacked function hall equivalent to over 200 attendees. Among them were 70-90 registered non-Adventist guests, including Chinese.
The event, designed primarily for the Chinese community, though not limited to them, was facilitated and sponsored by the Chinese-Filipino Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Gorordo Ave., Cebu City. It also received immense support from the Central Visayan Conference of the Seventh-Day Adventists and several other churches, including Capitol SDA Church, Cebu City SDA Church, and Adventist Hospital-Cebu.
Dr. Wang, also the author of ‘God and the Ancient Chinese,’ inspired the attendees with nightly discussions focusing on ancient Chinese cultures, history, traditions, and practices. From these presentations of ancient wisdom, he then led the listeners to the knowledge of the Chinese Dao, who is Jesus himself.
The event also featured several other speakers who shared invaluable knowledge within their areas of expertise. Among them was Mrs. Glenda Catane, a retired Children and Family Ministries director of the Central Philippine Union Conference.
Over the course of two sessions with her, she offered valuable guidance on improving family relationships, empowering women, and strengthening the bond between husbands and wives. She stressed the importance of prioritizing time and attention for our families, highlighting that these are the true keys to happiness, far surpassing the value of any material wealth.
Dr. Alyanna Reyes, a physician specializing in occupational medicine, shed light on the issue of hypertension, exploring its underlying causes, signs, and symptoms. She also provided practical advice on preventing high blood pressure, encouraging individuals to prioritize a healthy lifestyle.
Moreover, Kyrie Danzon Trazo, a registered nurse, addressed the important topic of mental health. While mental health encompasses a broad range of issues, he focused on the significance of effective coping mechanisms and the ability to express emotions openly to others.
On the legal aspect, Rosell M. Quiño-Abenir, a revenue officer at a law firm in Cebu, discussed recent Philippine tax updates. She began her message by referencing a passage from the Bible, specifically Matthew 17:17-21. In these verses, the Pharisees question Jesus about the payment of taxes to Caesar. The implication is that we should fulfill our civic duties, including paying taxes, while also maintaining our spiritual connection with God.
Further into her discussion, she informed the listeners about the recent Republic Act 11976, the “Ease of Paying Taxes Act.” It is a Philippine law that aims to simplify and streamline the tax payment process for taxpayers. Signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on Feb. 14, 2020, it states that, among other provisions, a taxpayer can already pay their taxes online.
Another speaker who shared insights from her field of expertise was Dr. April Dawn Lucero, a physician specializing in Lifestyle Medicine. She presented “Food as Medicine,” emphasizing that food is the cornerstone of health and disease prevention.
In addition to her advice, she offered practical tips on meal planning to support a healthy lifestyle. Recognizing the potential obstacles of appetite, she closed her message by encouraging everyone to draw strength from their faith in Jesus.
“If it’s your appetite that is killing you slowly, God can do it. As Philippians 4:13 reminds us, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” Dr. Lucero said.
Pastor Kim B. Felias, the Chinese-Filipino SDA Church pastor, extended his appreciation to all who contributed to the event, from the planning stages and the month-long prayer marathon to its successful culmination.
He said, “I believe that prayer is the strategy; we sought God’s power and intervention through marathon prayer 24/7 in 30 days participated by the members of the Chinese-Filipino community and some brethren coming from neighboring churches in Metro Cebu before the ‘Discover Ancient Wisdom’ evangelistic effort.
According to Melode Mason in her book ‘Daring to Ask for More,’ “Sky is not the limit to who our God is or what He can do.”
The book of Isaiah 55:8 supported this, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”