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Church elders, deacons, and deaconesses from the Negros Occidental Conference gathered on Feb. 15, 2025, at the Negros Occidental Conference Evangelism Center to learn more about managing their sacred responsibilities within the church and towards fellow members.

This "Called to Serve" convention, facilitated by Pastor Keven Cañal, the ministerial secretary of NOC, attracted over a thousand registered delegates. It also featured retired administrators of the NOC and the Central Philippine Union Conference as guest speakers.

Facilitated at the start of the year, this gathering aimed to review and reemphasize the church elders, deacons, and deaconesses' sacred responsibilities. At the same time, it prepares them for their participation in this year's Harvest 2025 initiative.

Harvest 2025 is a one-year intensive and comprehensive evangelism strategy launched by the Southern Asia-Pacific Division. It strongly emphasizes Total Membership Involvement (TMI) and calls for every member to actively participate in making disciples.

Pastor Jemuel Toledanes, former CPUC ministerial secretary, emphasized TMI's significance. He explained that evangelism and outreach are not just the responsibility of pastors or church leaders, but a shared mission for every believer.

He further stated that TMI encourages members to use their gifts, talents, and resources to share the gospel, nurture new believers, and contribute to the church's growth. Moreover, it is an approach that aims to mobilize the entire church to engage in personal and public evangelism, ultimately fulfilling the Great Commission.

Pastor Ebenezer Orquesta, retired NOC executive secretary, delved into Biblical virtues in church leadership. The solemnity and the thoughts of the message helped the worshippers illuminate their greater task as leaders for a greater mission.

Furthermore, Pastor Luisito Tomado, a retired NOC president, discussed the perspectives of the Seventh-Day Adventists. On the other hand, Pastor Simeon Rodrigo, a retired pastor, emphasized the important conditions of receiving the latter rain.

"We should pray as earnestly for the descent of the Holy Spirit as the disciples prayed on the day of the Pentecost," he stated during his message during the hour of worship.

Pastor James Rubrico, CPUC ministerial secretary and Adventist Mission/Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries director, spoke during the afternoon program. "We are giving responsibility to outreach and enrich," was one of the many insights the delegates learned from him.

In closing the event during the commitment service, Pastor Jophone Galanza, NOC president, challenged each attendee to witness and personally experience the transformative power of God and cultivate within themselves the very character of Christ.

Stephanie Loriezo, Head Writer/Negros Occidental Conference

The original version of this article is published on the official Facebook page of the Negros Occidental Conference.