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Negros Occidental Conference joined the Adventist World Radio and Adventist Internet Network Conference held at the headquarters of the West Visayan Conference in Ledesma St, Iloilo City Proper, Iloilo City, Iloilo, on August 22 - 24, 2024.

The event, themed "Wired For Mission," was the first AWR and AIN Conference facilitated by the Central Philippine Union Conference. Pastor Berdandino Maniego, the CPUC Communication/Public Affairs and Religious Liberties/Adventist-Laymen's Services and Industries director, and the communication department teams from the four participating missions and conferences organized the program.

Moreover, the training gathered more than 150 delegates from Northwestern Panay Mission, Romblon Mission, West Visayan Conference, and Negros Occidental Conference.

In a live interview, Pastor Maniego shared, "We are bringing the Global Adventist Internet Network concept because it is hard for them (the GAIN organizers) to go to each mission because the field is so extensive."

Pastor Maniego revealed that the event was a part of the CPUC Communication Department's vision to bring the Global Adventist Internet Network concept to the union level.

"And we are so blessed that the three-day conference was very productive and significant because we have guests from the SSD and other union counterparts to share their talents and expertise," he continued.

The guest speakers that Pastor Maniego referred to were Pastor Heshbon Buscato, the SSD communication director; Mr. Anthony David Stanyer, SSD Communication and Media Studio director; and Pastor Bong Fiedacan, Hope Channel Philippines president.

Other speakers include Pastor Elexiz Mercado, director of the AWR Center for Digital Evangelism; Ivetta Inaray, creative content and video manager of AWR Asia-Pacific; Pastor Rhoen Catolico, communication director of Southeastern Philippine Union Mission; and Mr. Johnster Calibod, manager of Hope Channel South Philippines.

For the participants, this media conference provided extensive learning opportunities. It featured the role of media ministry in fulfilling the mission, including AWR perspective.

Plenary session speakers covered media perspective, journalism principles, use of AI tools, advanced technology advantages, social media evangelism, and digital evangelism.

Furthermore, during breakout sessions, delegates could choose what sessions best serve their interests or where to learn or gain more enlightenment. Topic options were TV hosting, radio broadcasting, audio sweetening, video editing, videography, news writing, and scriptwriting.

The NOC news team interviewed featured speakers and ministers whose words of encouragement could inspire them as they continue their ministry after the conference.

One of those resource persons was Pastor Fiedacan, who emphasized the significance of digital evangelism. "If the people, members of the church, or the youth will see the importance of having a relationship with Christ, they will not just give their time in the media ministry, but they will give their time for the mission."

Another was Mr. Stanyer, who shared, "Being the expert knows all the mistakes." With this, he explained that the attitude for the mission is more important than the skills in the mission.

On the other hand, Pastor Lemmuel Lauron, Hope Channel Central Philippines station manager, motivated them further, emphasizing that talent and skill alone are insufficient for effective ministry.

"The most effective way for individuals to engage in ministry is through their willingness and availability to be used for God's glory," Pastor Lauron said.

Additionally, Pastor Eliezer 'Joer' Barlizo, CPUC president, who also inspired the congregation during Sabbath worship, left them some words to go by. "God wants you in your office to electrify a good influence," he said. "God called you for a purpose."

With more than 30 delegates from the NOC, each shared insights and lessons from the training, emphasizing how it contributed to their knowledge and skills in their respective areas of expertise.

By Miss Stephanie V. Loriezo, Head Writer, Hope Channel Bacolod