Church members across the West Visayan Conference (WVC) gathered at the Lapaz Seventh-Day Adventist Church for the Harvest 2025 orientation and seminar facilitated by Pastor Rafael Sualog, WVC Integrated Evangelism Lifestyle/Nurturing Discipleship Retention coordinator.
The day of worship and learning brought together Adventists to be equipped for the upcoming year’s evangelistic activities.
Pastor Arnel Gabin, the Southern Asia-Pacific Division IEL-NDR vice-president, graced the event with his presence, offering valuable insights into the conference’s overarching theme: Harvest 2025.
This year-long initiative highlights a strategic timeline for evangelism that extends through the remaining months of 2024 and spans all of 2025, with a strong focus on Total Membership Involvement (TMI).
This concept, emphasized by SSD, encourages every church member—from the youngest to the eldest—to engage in evangelistic efforts. TMI is not just a program but a movement to mobilize and empower the entire church body for mission.
Pastor Gabin, in his keynote presentation, articulated the ambitious goal of Harvest 2025, stating: “To engage all Adventists within the SSD territory in sharing the gospel and contributing to the global mission of making disciples for Christ.” He further reminded the participants that the responsibility of spreading the gospel rests on every believer, calling for renewed commitment and a united effort.
Following his presentation, Pastor Kerry Estrebilla, WVC president, outlined both the opportunities and challenges that WVC faces in terms of evangelism within its territory. His message resonated with the participants, encouraging them to see these challenges as stepping stones to greater involvement in mission work.
The seminar also featured an inspiring worship message from Pastor Gabin, who urged the congregation: “If you want Jesus to come very soon, get involved in His work.” His words served as a powerful reminder of the urgency and importance of participating in God’s mission.
The day concluded with a Sending Off for Mission, as the attendees, representing different territories of WVC, were commissioned to go forth and actively participate in the great harvest.
As the church reflected on this day of spiritual preparation and inspiration, we are reminded that we each have a role in fulfilling the Great Commission.
Matthew 28:19-20 calls us to “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” This divine mandate continues to guide us, ensuring that through God’s strength, we can make an eternal impact.
Harvest 2025 is not just a vision for tomorrow but a call to action today, urging every Adventist to rise and be an active participant in God’s mission.
By Catherine Princetia Bernal, WVC Communication Department
The original version of this article is posted on the official Facebook page of the West Visayan Conference.