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Representatives from various churches and districts in Cebu, Bohol, and Masbate gathered at the Central Visayan Conference headquarters in Talisay, Cebu, on Nov. 23, 2024, for the Writers' Guild Workshop.

Recognizing the great need for regular writers within the conference to share their local districts' major and minor activities through writing, Pastor Lelord Arranguez, the CVC communication director, organized this workshop to establish writers, recognize and reorganize them properly.

Furthermore, with plans to officially launch Hope Channel Cebu in February 2025, these writers would be instrumental in ensuring the full and expansive program's operation through scriptwriting and news writing.

On the morning of the Sabbath, Marilyn Lucero, the Central Philippine Union Conference news writer, engaged the participants in a lecture about story writing. She discussed the elements of a good story, some writing guidelines, and how to write the flow in ways that would attract readers.

"We need writers to share inspiring stories of hope and transformation. Stories that inspire people on the brink of despair —stories that the world deserves to hear," Lucero said in explaining the roles of writers in this digital era.

By sharing her personal experience and how she dedicated her life to writing for the Lord, she encouraged the participants to give their talents back to God and allow Him to use them for His ministry.

Adventh Joy Montesa-Cabulay, the scriptwriter of Hope Channel Central Philippines, stirred the participants' emotions in a lecture about scriptwriting when she stressed that the wisdom that guided her in writing comes from the Lord.

She emphasized praying for wisdom several times, even before thinking about what to write. Having no previous experience writing scripts before her work at CPUC, her greatest joy and reward was the gift of wisdom that God endowed her with in her writing journey.

"Let's ask God to put the words into our minds and allow Him to write through us. Connect with Him all the time and pray without ceasing."

Mrs. Maricel Mahinay Bojos, the president of the CVC Writers Guild, delivered the Sabbath message to the participants. She drew lessons from the life of the writers in Bible times, such as Habakkuk, who inspired countless believers, particularly his declaration of faith.

She also discussed Moses and how his deficiencies did not prevent him from writing inspiring books. "Moses exemplifies that a writer doesn't have to be perfect to serve God effectively, but what matters most is a heart willing to serve and be used for His glory."

In the afternoon, Cabulay held a scriptwriting workshop, showing the participants the detailed ways of writing scripts for TV programs such as "Hope Dialogue,' and "Let's Pray, Pilipinas."

She explained how to choose topics and songs that complement the chosen theme and the necessary program preparation to prevent program disruptions.

"A scriptwriter's role is not only writing but controlling the program's time frame. She ensures every aspect is ready before a program starts, including the availability of the hosts."

On the other hand, Lucero discussed news writing, the elements that made them impactful, and the guidelines to observe according to the rules of "The Associated Press Stylebook."

In closing, she encouraged the participants to decide, pick up the pen, and start writing for the ministry. She even anticipated that the participants would make more submissions from then on.

In a commitment service, Pastor Arranguez encouraged the delegates to commit their talents to the Lord. He added as an upliftment that there are many stories waiting to be told and shared with the world.

After he committed the attendees to prayer, he announced that the training aimed to equip social media evangelists for the launch of the Hope Channel in Central Visayas on February 11, 2025.

"Whatever you do, including social media posting, you must go as far as possible, but do it for the Lord. Let us prepare ourselves to serve God in this ministry. Whatever you are doing, ask for the Lord's help," Pastor Arranguez said.

Several writers went home inspired to dedicate their talents to the Lord. One of them was Michelle Nogra, assistant principal of the Adventist Academy Cebu, who shared her inclination to start writing for the Lord on social media.

"Is this another ministry for me? I don't know. All I know, I didn't come here by chance."

By Al Jay Mejos, Adventist Hospital-Cebu

The original version of this article is posted on the official page of the Central Visayan Conference of the Seventh-Day Adventists