UBAY, Bohol — Nearly 100 church leaders from across Bohol committed to leading evangelistic crusades this year during the provincial evangelism orientation and retreat held March 20–21 at Camp Karis in Ubay, Bohol.
The Boholwide Church Leaders Evangelism Orientation and Retreat concluded with 96 officers pledging to conduct public evangelistic events in 2026. Of these, 19 leaders committed to personally lead their own evangelistic seminars.
The event, facilitated by Pastor Berdandino Maniego, president of the Central Visayan Conference (CVC), and his team of directors, served as a strategic summit for departmental training and annual evangelism planning.
Participants benefited from presentations by departmental directors, which highlighted strategic approaches and key initiatives to strengthen each ministry area.
In an interview, Pastor Leonesito Alburo, district pastor of Western Bohol District, shared his thoughts on the orientation’s impact. “Through the event, we understood the full direction of this year’s evangelism and how it is done.”
Pastor Alburo noted that leaders developed detailed plans for each department and clarified their roles in implementation. In the afternoon, church leaders met by department for targeted training and administrative orientation.
“It was not just a retreat, but training for each department leader on how to mobilize their respective departments, how it could function well, and how they could contribute to the bigger plans for unified evangelism.”
Pastor Eliezer “Joer” Barlizo Jr., first president of the East Central Philippine Union Conference (ECPUC), attended to provide ministerial guidance and encouragement to the provincial delegation.
He commended their dedication to evangelism and positive response to the orientation program. “The collective engagement and enthusiasm of all attendees reflected their desire for growth and effective service,” he said.
A key development was the formal organization of Bohol’s Elders and Deacons League. Elder Cirilo Lamorin Jr. was elected as the league’s first president to coordinate the new outreach initiatives.
The gathering concluded with a commitment service, during which Pastor Barlizo emphasized the importance of faithfully accepting the Great Commission. “Let us always remember that we accept the mission, we are working for the Lord and not for men.”
Barlizo further explained that when we fully understand who we are working for, we wouldn’t be disheartened by the enemy’s promptings to discourage and hinder the work. He also stressed the need for humility, because only through wholehearted submission can a leader receive the wisdom necessary to fulfill his responsibilities.
Leaders from both ECPUC and CVC remained until Sunday to participate in the Global Youth Day celebration, facilitated by Pastor Harold Hallasgo, CVC’s youth director, and organized by the Bohol Adventist Youth Province-wide Association.
Church leaders described the two-day convention as a milestone for the province, highlighting a renewed commitment to the church’s mission through collaborative ministry.
Pastor Edgar Bojos, CVC’s communication director, shared his thoughts on the event, saying, “Indeed, this gathering stands as a remarkable expression of unity, purpose, and faith, bringing glory and honor to God.”