News

One of the East Visayan Conference clusters successfully held its "First Quarter Harvest Culmination 2025" on April 12, 2025, at Don Miguel Farm in Manggahan, Brgy. Libtong, San Miguel, Leyte.

This meaningful event was under the leadership of Pastor Emmanuel Paul Barcenas, director of the Integrated Evangelism Lifestyle/Nurturing, Discipleship, and Retention for the East Visayan Conference (EVC).

Five districts actively participated in the culmination: the San Miguel District, led by Pastor Roland Rodriguez; the Burauen District, led by Pastor Jonbye Romanillos; the Carigara-Capoocan District, led by Pastor John Carillo; the Metro Tacloban District, led by Pastor Dione Cientos; and the Tacloban Adventist Center, led by Pastor Carl Glen Morta.

During the Divine Worship service, the congregation was greatly blessed by the insightful and spirit-filled message delivered by Canadian Panjaitan, Ph.D., an associate education director for the Southern Asia Pacific Division, and the special guest speaker from Indonesia.

Dr. Canadian emphasized the life of Enoch, a biblical figure noted for his remarkable faith and closeness to his Creator. He stressed the significance of his "walk with God" for 300 years. This deep relationship allowed him to experience direct communion with the Divine, and ultimately, Enoch was taken by God, sparing him from death.

Drawing lessons from Enoch's life, he encouraged the congregation to follow in his footsteps and walk humbly and faithfully with God daily while waiting for His soon return.

On the other hand, this event marked a crowning moment for the many care groups who have tirelessly shared the message of God's love and compassion. Despite their busy schedules, these dedicated groups conducted Bible studies, ministered to families and friends, and actively supported nightly evangelistic efforts in their respective areas.

Their efforts bore abundant fruit, with 205 precious souls accepting Christ through baptism.

The baptism ceremony, officiated by the ministers above, took place in the pool at Don Miguel Farm, San Miguel. It was a joyful and moving moment, witnessed by hundreds of church members and leaders who warmly welcomed the new members into the Adventist family.

While witnessing the solemnity of the baptism, one of the Bible workers, Danny Albaciete, expressed his joy, saying, "I am truly grateful for the outcome of the Cluster Harvest 2025, as many souls have accepted Christ through baptism."

He encouraged the brethren to remain steadfast in nurturing the newly baptized members through continued Bible studies. He emphasized the importance of helping them grow stronger in their faith so that they will remain committed to their walk with Christ and stay rooted in the church, regardless of any trials.

Quoting from the Bible, Matthew 24:13, "But the one who endures to the end will be saved." Trying to expound the context, he continued, "This verse emphasizes the importance of perseverance in one's faith, suggesting that those who remain steadfast until the end will receive salvation.

By Mara C. Rodriguez, East Visayan Conference