News

Twenty-seven individuals were baptized in Barangay Astorga, Daram, Samar, after participating in a series of nightly seminars that focused on health, the importance of healthy family relationships, biblical emphases, and other lectures that promote moral recovery.

The evangelistic effort commenced on March 16, 2025, with Pastor Fernando Narciso, the vice-president for the Integrated Lifesyle Evangelism/Nurturing, Discipleship, and Retention unit of the Central Philippine Union Conference, as the speaker.

More than a hundred people attended the nightly meetings, which began with an hour for children, followed by a health lecture, and concluding with the gospel message.

With the full support of the church leaders and members across the Daram area and the leadership of District Pastor Paulino Acuin Jr., the Moral Recovery Program culminated on March 22, 2025, with the decision of 27 individuals to accept Jesus through baptism.

Before the event, Brother Jerry Timon and Brother Domingo helped prepare the ground, opening the hearts of the residents to the gospel message.

In a social media post, Pastor Narciso shared the challenges they faced, particularly from a group known as "hikap," which consists of quack doctors, as well as various other sects operating in the area.

These groups posed threats to the completion of the evangelistic meetings. However, instead of deterring the residents from attending the event or refusing Bible studies, there was a strong expression of faith, cooperation, and unity. Notably, a church leader and her family attended the event, along with some of the "hikaps."

In addition, this event received significant support from the Samar Mission administration, for which Pastor Narciso was thankful for.

In the same social media post, Pastor Narciso particularly thanked the administrators, Pastor Antonio Gobi, Pastor Daniel Taripe, and Mr. Jessie Sumalpong, for their prayers and support.

He also mentioned how Pastor Jonathan Intanto's visit inspired enthusiasm among the attendees, reinforcing a commitment to engage in God's work.

Additional acknowledgments were made for the efforts of the brethren who generously supported both before and during the event.

Daram churches celebrated their successes from the week's event and aimed for more gospel-related events to increase their involvement in the ministry.

Reflecting on the success of the event, Pastor Acuin said, "I am thankful to God for His providence and protection; to Pastor Fernando Narciso for delivering the powerful message; and lastly, to our team and the members of this evangelistic seminar for their full support of the work of God."