CEBU CITY, Philippines – Leaders and members of the East Central Philippine Union Conference (ECPUC), Adventist-laymen’s Services and Industries (ASI), and Adventist Professionals (Ad Pro) recently converged in Cebu City for a historic 1st General Assembly Meeting.
The event commenced on the evening of February 13 with a vesper service at the ECPUC chapel on 112 Gorordo Ave., Kamputhaw, Cebu City. The gathering continued Feb. 14 at the Capitol Seventh-day Adventist Church, where attendees spent the Sabbath in worship and engaged in the formal general assembly.
Refocusing for “Mission Reach 2026”
The primary objective of the meeting was to refocus ASI and AdPro’s collective efforts on Mission Reach 2026. Attendees delved into strategic planning and meticulous organizational restructuring, aiming to empower one another to dedicate their unique professional talents and financial resources to the gospel mission.
Leaders were pleased with the turnout, with nearly 200 participants officially registered. The high attendance and palpable enthusiasm signaled a strong interest and readiness among laypeople and professionals to take a frontline role in the church’s mission.
Leadership and Spiritual Recommitment
Pastor Eliezer “Joer” Barlizo Jr., ECPUC president, challenged participants to uphold leadership accountability and to recommit to their spirituality. In a stirring appeal for “marketplace evangelism,” he emphasized that investing in God’s cause yields eternal dividends far outweighing any earthly treasure.
The keynote sermon was delivered by Pastor Roger Caderma, president of the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD). Drawing from the biblical story of Peter’s miraculous catch, Pastor Caderma illustrated that a professional’s career should be a platform for ministry rather than just a source of income.
“When we move past the ‘shallow water’ of convenience, we bring the gospel into the marketplace to achieve a harvest that far exceeds personal effort,” Pastor Caderma remarked, noting that true ministry often operates beyond human logic.
Success Through Surrender
Jonathan Lamorin, a successful businessman and SSD president-elect for ASI, shared a personal testimony of how his businesses grew exponentially after he fully committed his resources to the Lord and to ASI Ad Pro evangelism. He described professional success as a “tool for divine purpose,” urging members to labor urgently while “it is day” to secure eternal “stocks” through earthly miracles.
New Initiatives: PARL and AMiCUS
The assembly introduced a collaboration with the Public Affairs and Religious Liberty (PARL) department. Atty. Christian Abenir, ECPUC’s director for legal, human resources, and Public Affairs and Religious Liberty, proposed leveraging the AMiCUS (Adventist Ministry to College and University Students) network to strengthen legal protections for students’ Sabbath-keeping rights.
Moreover, a key highlight was attendees’ pledges of time, resources, and services following a call to recommit. Their stepping forward signaled a promising year of collaboration between the church’s professionals and laypeople.
The assembly also elected new officers for both ASI and Ad Pro, all of whom committed to serving the Lord wholeheartedly.
The Sabbath’s event culminated with a commitment service led by Pastor Jomar Compuesto, ECPUC executive secretary. He emphasized that missionary work is the fundamental duty of every believer, not just church leaders. That salvation is not a final destination, but a “starting point” for a life dedicated to sharing the gospel.
“So, brothers and sisters, if you are a new believer, or if you are a church officer, you are included in the command of God to go and preach the gospel of Jesus.”
Lyn Lucero/ ECPUC Communication Department