With over 300 officially registered delegates from across the conference, with the addition of regular churchgoers and guests, the event kicked off after a warm welcome by Bro. Gethsemane Mahinay, CVC ASI president, and Bro. Jopet Encarnacion, CVC Ad Pro president.
Esteemed speakers also highlighted the event, and they included Fiscal Dickie Gongob, the Southern Asia-Pacific Division ASI Evangelism vice-president; Bro. Jonathan Lamorin, SSD ASI president; Engr. Meljune Orillosa, SSD ASI Project vice-president, and Pastor Heshbon Buscato, SSD Communication director.
Together with them were Pastor Berdandino Maniego, the Central Philippine Union Conference Communication/Public Affairs and Religious Liberties director and ASI coordinator; Mayor Norman Sabdao, the CPUC Ad Pro president; and Pastor Lelord Arranguez, CVC Communication director and ASI-Ad Pro coordinator.
These speakers inspired the hundreds of attendees with their messages of encouragement centering on the theme "Ascend Spiritually Through Integrity in the Marketplace and Workplace." They all emphasized the critical importance of integrity in all business and workplace dealings, stressing that honesty, fairness, and transparency in every interaction are powerful ways to reflect Christ and His teachings.
Fiscal Gongob, in his message, admitted his initial misconception of ASI. He thought ASI was merely a group of like-minded Adventist business professionals who had joined forces to establish businesses that would rival other companies.
"Only to realize that ASI is a group of business people who meant to unite and encourage each other to increase their faith or uplift each other spiritually," Fiscal Gongob said.
He then emphasized his understanding of the spiritual needs of business people, drawing a parallel to the lives of celebrities. Their demanding schedules often leave little room for religious practices like attending church.
"Similarly, business people engrossed in managing large, complex enterprises can easily find themselves spiritually adrift," Fiscal Gongob said.
To address this, he highlighted the importance of a supportive community – a group that can provide spiritual nourishment and inspire them to leverage their resources to advance God's work.
On the other hand, in explaining the areas of evangelism focus between ASI and AD Pro, Mayor Sabdao, in his message, emphasized that ASI focuses on the marketplace. In contrast, the Ad Pro focuses on the workplace. Though these two organizations differ in areas of evangelism focus, they are one in goals and objectives, and that is sharing Christ in their respective fields.
Furthermore, Mayor Sabdao also addressed the concerns of students and workers facing conflicts between their Sabbath observance and the schedules imposed by their schools or companies. He highlighted the relevance of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion and the right to exercise one's faith without discrimination. He emphasized how this legal framework can be utilized to protect the rights of individuals seeking accommodation for their religious practices.
During the hour of worship, Bro. Lamorin delivered a powerful sermon centered on the life of Joseph. He emphasized Joseph's unfaltering integrity in the face of immense adversity – betrayal, enslavement, false accusations, and years of unjust imprisonment. Despite these trials, Joseph remained steadfast in his faith and commitment to God.
Bro. Lamorin drew lessons from Joseph's character and his intimate relationship with God, emphasizing how these enabled him to overcome hardship and ultimately achieve a position of great influence. He urged the congregation to follow Joseph's example, keeping their integrity and deepening their connection with God in going through life's challenges.
In the afternoon, on another plenary session, Engr. Orilosa emphasized that opposition is inevitable when choosing to follow Christ and live according to His principles, whether in the workplace or in ministry. Just as Daniel faced challenges and temptations in a pagan court, modern-day Christians may encounter resistance when striving to integrate their faith into their professional lives. Yet, Daniel's steadfast commitment to God, even in seemingly small matters, ultimately led to his elevation and recognition.
"Daniel's life teaches us that in the workplace and in business, we should maintain integrity and transparency in every business dealing," Engr. Orillosa said. He also added that we should serve with excellence, understanding that our work reflects our faith.
In closing his message, he quoted. Matthew 5: 16. It says, "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good work and glorify the Father in heaven."
The event then closed with a commitment service led by Pastor Heshbon Buscato, SSD Communication director. After his short sermon about the blind man Jesus healed and drawing inspiration from the story, he prayed for the ASI and Ad Pro members, dedicating them to the ministry.
In addition, the organizers have announced that the ASI and Ad Pro will hold a simultaneous division-wide evangelism in May 2025. On top of this, more brethren pledged to support these organizations through their resources and involvement.
Central Visayas Hosts Second Convention for Professionals and Business Class, Emphasizing Integrity
With over 300 officially registered delegates from across the conference, with the addition of regular churchgoers and guests, the event kicked off after a warm welcome by Bro. Gethsemane Mahinay, CVC ASI president, and Bro. Jopet Encarnacion, CVC Ad Pro president. Esteemed speakers also highlighted the event, and they included Fiscal Dickie Gongob, the Southern…
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