The Women’s Ministries Leadership Certification Graduation 2024 drew a massive number of church attendees to the Negros Occidental Conference Evangelism Center in Taculing, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental.
The inaugural Leadership Certification Graduation empowered 1056 women from 40 NOC districts, recognizing their completion of the four-level Leadership Certification Course and equipping them for leadership roles.
This event, themed ‘Chosen for Mission to Reach and Go Light Our World,’ featured the presence of Mrs. Virginia P. Baloyo, the Women’s Ministries director for the Southern Asia-Pacific Division, and Mrs. Fe Pigon, the Women’s Ministries director for the Central Philippine Union Conference.
Mostly dressed in gradient hues within the purple family, the women’s motif shone everywhere, whether they were the program participants, members of the multiple singing groups, or with the crowd. Shades of lilac, purple, and violet painted the gymnasium, setting the celebration day apart from the usual Sabbath days.
The special Sabbath program opened with a series of prayers and went through renditions of music from various singing groups and empowering messages for women.
In her message for the women, Mrs. Pigon elaborated on the theme ‘Chosen for Mission to Reach and Light our World.’ She enumerated the roles that women could be proud to accept, including their support in evangelistic activities.
“Being chosen holds significance personal, social, and cultural importance,” Mrs. Pigon said. “Women own worth and values, not to mention the skills and talents they possess.”
To the women who still lack confidence, she urged them to take the first bold step. “Don’t refuse to learn. Take certification training to provide formal recognition of your skills, which helps build self-confidence.”
Furthermore, Mrs. Baloyo, in her message during the divine service, emphasized that women are chosen for mission and have passion for the lost. In these aspects, women reflect the life of Jesus, who was first chosen and had a passion for the lost himself.
Mrs. Baloyo pointed out that women, being chosen, can be powerful missionaries. It is because women are caring and possess the natural traits to nurture. To further stress what great things women can be, she shared a quote by Brigham Young, an American religious leader.
It says, “Educate a man, and you educate a man. Educate a woman, and you educate a generation.”
The graduates expressed gratitude for being able to complete the four certification levels. Through these seminars, they have developed leadership skills and a deeper understanding of their God-given gifts, equipping them to serve others effectively, particularly in ministry.
Mrs. Meagan Galanza, NOC Women’s Ministries director, expressed her gratitude to the speakers, NOC administration, women’s federation officers, and all NOC women for their support. She attributed the program’s success to God’s love and providence.
In closing, Mrs. Galanza shared her joy and exclaimed, “We are finally able to have our graduation ceremony and Women’s Ministries Leadership Certification. To God be the glory!”
By Stephanie V. Loriezo, Hope Channel Bacolod
The original version of this article was posted on the official page of the Negros Occidental Conference.