The East Visayan Conference (EVC) of the Adventist Church successfully held its inaugural all-department congress at the East Visayan Adventist Academy (EVAA) in San Sotero, Tambis, Javier, Abuyog, Leyte.
The event, themed “Called to Be Faithful,” marked a historic milestone for the conference, uniting thousands of delegates from all 28 church districts across Leyte, Southern Leyte, and Biliran from April 27 to May 3, 2025.
Despite intermittent rain and a heavy downpour on Friday evening, the week-long event proceeded with unwavering enthusiasm and spiritual fervor. Pastor Jessie Garzon described the gathering as a “historic and Spirit-filled” moment in the life of the church.
The congress featured early morning worship sessions, daily devotionals, and departmental lectures addressing key aspects of Christian living, including discipleship, leadership, stewardship, health, family worship, and women in ministry.
Guest speakers from the Central Philippine Union Conference (CPUC) and the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) inspired attendees with messages emphasizing faithfulness and spiritual integrity.
Afternoons were vibrant with sports and recreational activities, promoting health and teamwork while fostering joyful fellowship among believers. Nightly musical presentations deeply touched the congregation, as the harmonious voices of various choirs filled the air with uplifting songs that seemed to echo the melodies of heavenly angels, leaving hearts stirred and spirits richly blessed.
A highlight of the congress was the ordination of two ministerial interns—Pastor Fernandez of the Isabel-Merida District and Pastor Wales of the Ormoc Area. The solemn service, held on May 2 in the EVAA gymnasium, was attended by church leaders, fellow pastors, family members, and congregants from across the region.
CPUC President Pastor Joer Barlizo officiated the ceremony and reminded the audience that ordination is a divine calling, not merely a church tradition. “Pastors,” he stated, “must be prayerful, teachable, and available.”
The congress culminated in a grand Sabbath worship on May 3, attended by over 3,000 people in the newly constructed EVAA gymnasium.
Pastor Segundino Asoy, SSD’s Sabbath School and Personal Ministries Director, delivered a powerful sermon based on 1 Timothy 1:12–13, 17, emphasizing God’s mercy and calling despite human unworthiness. His message resonated deeply with the congregation, sparking renewed spiritual commitment.
The visit of Pastor Asoy also brought tangible blessings. A fundraising effort during the event raised over one million pesos, significantly advancing the completion of the academy’s gymnasium.
In the afternoon of the Sabbath, the East Visayan Conference Youth Council conducted an investiture program, honoring newly trained Master Guides and donning the pastors. The evening concluded with a vibrant social night and communal prayer, as delegates expressed their joy and longing to reunite at next year’s congress, which has already been approved.
Pastor Jes Lucero said that from the heartfelt worship and insightful seminars to a sacred ordination and joyful fellowship on the Sabbath, the First EVC All-Department Congress was a blissful, faith-affirming experience for all who attended—truly a testament to what it means to be “Called to Be Faithful.”
Leah Salloman/ Adventist Academy Cebu Faculty