Dr. Jan Harry Cabungcal, a neuroscientist and assistant to Adventist World Radio for Global Evangelism, partnered with Pastor Ricardo De Asis, a church pastor in East Visayan Conference, in urban ministries, focusing on the Ormoc City's elites.
The urban evangelism, which took place on November 25-30, 2024, had two daily sessions. The first session, from 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., was held at Ormoc City Hall with the city government workers at 300 people per batch. The second was at Ormoc City Seventh-Day Adventist Church from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Personnel from the Philippine Army, Coast Guard District Eastern Visayas, Bureau of Fire Protection, and officers from the Maritime Police and local police office attended these evening sessions.
This event, featuring Dr. Cabungcal, marked the fourth iteration of Pastor De Asis' elite ministry initiative, themed "City Outreach: The Call of Duty." The series has previously hosted Pastor Heshbon Buscato, the communication director of the Southern Asia-Pacific Division, as the guest speaker for Season 3 from May 26 to June 1, 2024.
Since this urban evangelism started on May 14-20, 2023, Pastor De Asis has reached the hearts of the government's elite figures and personnel of government agencies and institutions through mental health advocacy.
He understood the need for regular mental health classes for government leaders because of the high-pressure environment they work in, which can contribute to stress, anxiety, and burnout. Prioritizing mental well-being improves decision-making, contributing to better leadership and public service.
Furthermore, when leaders openly discuss mental health, it sets a positive example for society, encouraging others to prioritize their own well-being. By understanding mental health challenges, leaders are more likely to advocate for supportive policies and resources.
"Offering these lectures is an ethical responsibility for government institutions, demonstrating a commitment to the well-being of their employees," Pastor De Asis said.
One of the highlights of this 4th season of city evangelism was that Pastor Cabungcal, alongside Pastor De Asis, was able to discuss mental health matters with Ormoc City Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez and husband Rep. Richard Gomez, a house representative of Leyte's 4th district, and Filipino actor. The gathering concluded with a dedicatory prayer offered by the ministers for these leaders of Ormoc City.
Another highlight was the decision of a nurse and a police officer to accept Jesus through baptism. The Holy Spirit convicted many hearts during the appeal, and thus, more baptisms are expected in the coming days.
When asked about future plans, Pastor De Asis said he would work on this advocacy in a new dimension and elevated approaches, focusing on target audiences. He also said he would continue inviting mental health experts to serve the city better from other perspectives.
Pastor De Asis earned the title of life coach and mental health advocate to PNP, BFP, PA, PCG, and the Department of Health. Aside from conducting regular mental health classes with these heroes in uniform, he also regularly meets with various Local Government Units, students, and faculty in some colleges and secondary schools.
A related article was posted on the official Facebook page of the Coast Guard District Eastern Visayas.
Neuroscientist, Pastor Team Up for Mental Health Outreach in Ormoc City
Dr. Jan Harry Cabungcal, a neuroscientist and assistant to Adventist World Radio for Global Evangelism, partnered with Pastor Ricardo De Asis, a church pastor in East Visayan Conference, in urban ministries, focusing on the Ormoc City’s elites. The urban evangelism, which took place on November 25-30, 2024, had two daily sessions. The first session, from…
Read More35 New Master Guides to “Shine” Light of Service in Cebu City
The Capitol Center Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Cebu City recently conducted its inaugural church-based Master Guide Investiture Ceremony on Nov. 30, 2024. Thirty-five individuals with diverse professions were invested in the service after a year of intensive training under the Master Guide Program. This first batch of Master Guides, dubbed “Sidlak” (“Shine” in Cebuano), marks…
Read MoreEvangelistic Series in Cebu City Reset 6 Hearts
Cebu City Seventh Day Adventist Church, in partnership with Adventist Hospital—Cebu, recently concluded a week-long evangelistic effort from Nov. 10-16, 2024. It led six individuals to accept Jesus through baptism on the culmination day. The event, themed “Heart Reset: Journey of Transformation,” was inspired by Psalm 51:10, which says, “Create in me a clean heart,…
Read MoreCPAC Week of Prayer Yields 18 Baptisms
Dr. Kenroy Campbell, a doctor of philosophy and pastor from Jamaica, led the Central Philippine Adventist College students and faculty on a spiritual journey with his sermon series, “Who Am I that God Cares?” The series took place daily from Nov. 18 to -23, 2024, offering attendees a week of profound reflection and inspiration. Dr.…
Read MoreCPUC Invests in Financial Stewardship with SunPlus Workshop
The SunPlus team from the Southern Asia-Pacific Division conducted a SunPlus Workshop for the accounting personnel of the missions and conferences under the Central Philippine Union Conference. The workshop took place from Nov. 27 to 29, 2024, at the CPUC headquarters in Gorordo Ave., Cebu City, and was attended by accounting staff from all the…
Read MoreYoung Adventurers Explore New Heights At Bacolod Kids’ Camp
Adventist Elementary School- Bacolod held its Adventurer Day Camp on Nov. 20-22, 2024, at Negros Occidental Conference Evangelism Center, Taculing, Bacolod City. This event brought together more than a hundred adventurers eager to participate, grow, and explore new learning heights. It also included teachers who played essential roles in cultivating these kids to become the…
Read MoreCentral Visayas Writers’ Guild Reorganized During Writing Workshop
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…
Read MoreYouth Symposium Empowers Bacolod Students Against Drug Use
Negros Occidental Conference Health Department, in partnership with City Anti-Drug Abuse Council, held its Youth Anti-Drug Symposium at Negros Occidental Conference Evangelism Center on November 21, 2024. Pastor Jophone Galanza, the NOC president, kicked off the activity with a welcome address, welcoming the hundreds of students present and encouraging them to be part of the…
Read MorePastor’s Urban Ministries Reach Ormoc’s Elites
Pastor Ricardo De Asis, the district pastor of East Visayan Conference, conducted another mental health session with college students at Ormoc City Institute of Technology in Brgy. Cogon, Ormoc City. The event, held on November 20, 2024, accommodated a class of students eager to learn more about mental health. Strongly supported by the school administrators…
Read MoreSouthern Asia-Pacific Division Leaders Spearhead Evangelistic Series in Central Philippines
Over 540 individuals were baptized in various locations across the Central Philippines during simultaneous evangelistic meetings on Nov. 17 – 23, 2024. Representatives from the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD), alongside their Central Philippine Union Conference counterparts, conducted these coordinated efforts. These simultaneous events mobilized church members, leaders, district pastors, directors, and administrators on all organizational…
Read More