Literature evangelists from various districts across the East Visayan Conference gathered for the recently concluded EVC-Wide Literature Evangelist Congress at Padre Burgos Seventh-day Adventist Church in Southern Leyte. The three-day congress served as a meaningful convergence centered on spiritual renewal, fellowship, leadership development, and a strengthened commitment to God’s mission through literature ministry.
Anchored on the congress theme, “Literature for Life, Anchored in Purpose, Empowered to Share, Steadfast in Mission,” and guided by the Publishing Ministries theme for 2026–2030, “Share Light, Sow the Word, Reach the World,” the gathering aimed to inspire and equip literature evangelists to faithfully continue the work of sharing God’s message through Christian literature. The congress brought together literature evangelists, pastors, executive leaders, and departmental directors from across the East Visayan Conference, underscoring the importance of literature ministry in advancing the church’s mission.
During the opening program, Pastor Samuel Salloman, East Visayan Conference president, delivered a message emphasizing faithfulness, a mission focus, and a deep grounding in God’s Word, while engaging in the work of sharing truth and hope through literature.
Throughout the congress, participants engaged in worship services, seminars, testimonies, and skills-training sessions designed to strengthen both spiritual life and ministerial competence. To further promote collaboration and leadership, participants were organized into groups with rotating responsibilities, including leading devotional programs, worship services, and facilitating selected sessions. This structure fostered unity, accountability, teamwork, and servant leadership.
Between lecture sessions, icebreakers, and sharing moments, added depth and personal connection to the program. Selected literature evangelists shared testimonies about their calling, their first encounters with literature ministry, and the convictions that continue to sustain their service despite challenges. These testimonies became one of the highlights of the congress, inspiring fellow participants to remain steadfast in their mission.
The final day of the congress, observed on the Sabbath, featured a series of spiritually enriching programs. The day began with morning worship led by Pastor Ricardo De Asis Jr., health ministries and PARL director for the EVC, who delivered a message titled “Dysregulated Mirror Neurons: Losing Focus to the Biblical Mission.” His presentation reminded participants of the importance of maintaining spiritual focus and avoiding distractions that may hinder the fulfillment of God’s mission.
During the Sabbath School program, participants were inspired by a message from Pastor Toneri Gaa, publishing ministries director for the Adventist Church in East Central Philippines, and a powerful testimony from Mayor Norman Sabdao of San Miguel, who is also a literature evangelist. Their messages highlighted the far-reaching influence of literature ministry in both personal and public life.
Pastor Rey Cabañero, publishing ministries director for the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD), emphasized the value of diligence in God’s work during the Divine Worship. In his sermon, he reminded participants that “the square root of success is diligence, and fervent prayer is its exponent,” underscoring the principle that meaningful success in ministry is achieved through faithful effort and earnest prayer.
In the afternoon, the program continued with an awarding ceremony recognizing the dedication and contributions of literature evangelists. This was followed by a commitment service and moving testimonies that reflected God’s faithfulness and leading in the field. These moments served as a powerful affirmation of the impact of literature ministry and the commitment of those engaged in the work.
In addition to spiritual formation, sports and recreational activities conducted throughout the congress promoted fellowship, physical wellness, and camaraderie. These activities created moments of joy and relaxation while reinforcing teamwork, discipline, and a spirit of healthy engagement.
For the literature evangelists, the EVC-Wide Literature Evangelist Congress 2026 became a season of renewal, encouragement, and recommitment to mission. Participants departed with strengthened faith, renewed purpose, and a deeper resolve to continue sharing God’s Word through literature ministry.
For everyone present, the congress stood as a reminder that literature evangelism remains a vital instrument in spreading hope, faith, and the message of God’s love. Grounded in the Bible, anchored in purpose, empowered to share, and focused on the mission, participants move forward with renewed dedication to serve wherever God calls them, continuing the work of sharing light, sowing the Word, and reaping a harvest of souls for His kingdom.
Richaellaine Serito ⎸ Script Writer ⎸ Move Media Ministry