Twenty-nine individuals accepted Jesus through baptism following a week-long evangelism seminar held in Sitio San Francisco, Tigbao, Milagros, Masbate, from February 16-22, 2025.
The evangelistic seminar, organized by the brethren of Central Masbate Association of Churches (CEMAC) Zone 1, under the pastoral care of Pastor Jeoffrey D. Abing, was conducted by Pastor Fernando Narciso.
Pastor Narciso is the current vice president of Integrated Lifestyle Evangelism/Nurturing, Discipleship, and Retention (IEL/NDR) for the Central Philippine Union Conference.
His nightly messages focused on the importance of a healthy diet and lifestyle and maintaining happy family relationships, in addition to his main topic: sharing the gospel.
One church member from Del Carmen also conducted a children’s class, making the event more lively and inviting. As a result, the nightly attendance increased from 60 to over a hundred until the event’s last night.
The evangelistic effort concluded after a week, despite heavy rainfall that made the ground muddy. An incident involving an angry and resistant local resident also threatened the continuity of the event.
Despite challenges, the evangelism succeeded, which organizers attributed to divine grace and the collaborative efforts of church members.
Pastor Narciso, in a social media post, expressed gratitude to Bro. Benjie Alburo and family for providing means of transportation for the attendees. He also mentioned Bro. Roque Estoy and Sis. Elvira Estoy and another Bible worker, who were commended for their extensive preparation of the new converts.
According to the organizers, many of the newly baptized individuals were previously members of Pentecostal groups. To accommodate these new members who are far from the nearest Adventist Church, the organizers will set up a temporary house of worship for them.
In an interview about how to keep these new believers in church, Pastor Abing shared, “CEMAC Zone 1 members have agreed to assist in the nurturing process by taking turns visiting every Sabbath. This extra effort will complement the lay workers’ training efforts.”