Women’s Ministries of the Central Visayan Conference (CVC) conducted a successful simultaneous evangelistic initiative from July 18 to 23, 2026, spanning multiple sites across Central Visayas.
Guided by the theme “Strengthening Family: Stronger Together, Happy Forever,” the campaign was held in Eastern Camotes, Western Camotes, Bantayan Island, Eastern Bohol, Eastern Masbate, Central Masbate Zones 1 and 2, Southern Masbate, Western Cebu South, and Northern Masbate.
Each site celebrated new baptisms, with Western Cebu South recording the highest at 33. Central Masbate Zone 1 followed with 29, while other sites such as Bantayan Island, Western Camotes, and Northern Masbate also reported multiple baptisms, highlighting the campaign’s broad impact.
Jacob C. Cocosa, one of the newly baptized, shared, “From the seminar, I learned that Jesus is my Savior and that He lovingly invites me to come to Him. I made the decision to accept Him as my personal Savior because I am His child. I owe everything to Him, for He gave His life to save me.”
The event featured all-female health and gospel speakers, reflecting the mission of the Women’s Ministries to empower women in discipleship and church leadership. The program included health lectures followed by family and gospel messages, aiming to nurture stronger family relationships through faith and practical life lessons.
“I found the seminar enriching and uplifting. Although I am still single, the practical family tips gave me valuable insights and prepared me for the future. I now have a clearer picture of how I want to build my own family someday—by choosing a husband who loves Jesus above all else,” Dazel Rose G. Lapid, one of the attendees, said.
Michelle Nogra, women and children’s ministries director for the CVC, recognized the support of men who assisted as sound technicians, drivers, and logistics staff, ensuring the smooth operation of the nightly events. “They make our events easier for us. We couldn’t have made it without their support,” she said.
Nogra led family seminars in both Western and Eastern Camotes Districts, serving as the main speaker for three consecutive nights at each site. She opened one seminar and concluded the other, ensuring continuity and depth in the program’s message.
Barangay officials, including the barangay captain, attended the events. In recognition of their support, they received Cebuano devotional books and plaques of appreciation at the culmination of the program.
The campaign in Western Camotes began with a tree-planting activity in Montealegre, San Francisco, Camotes Island, where 100 trees were planted, reflecting the group’s commitment to both spiritual and environmental growth.
Annaliza Almacin, president of the Western Camotes District Association and facilitator of the tree planting, shared during the closing program, “Couples and families were blessed and have learned to adjust and apply what they have learned to make their relationship better and stronger.”
The campaign concluded across all participating churches with a message underscoring worship as the foundation for strong families, extending wishes of peace, joy, and unity to every home for the Sabbath.
Nelson L. Florentino, 63, who was baptized during the campaign, expressed his gratitude, saying, “I am already old, and I thank the Adventists for visiting us once again and reminding me that it is never too late to welcome Jesus into my life. He loved me first, and now I love Him with all my heart.”
y Lyn Lucero | East Central Philippine Union Conference Communications