TALISAY CITY, CEBU — The two-day seminar “Shards of Hope,” featuring Nicola English as the resource speaker and hosted by the women’s ministries of the Central Visayan Conference, concluded successfully over the weekend.
The event was held Sept. 11-12 at two venues in Talisay City: Adventist Academy-Cebu International Church for the opening night and the CVC Worship Hall on the Sabbath. Leaders said it aimed to provide emotional and spiritual support for grief, especially for women.
English, a doctor of ministry, is a certified Grief Recovery Method specialist who has participated in ministry initiatives in more than 30 countries. Her passion centers on grief ministry, Christian education, practical theology, mission, and servant leadership.
In a social media post, Michelle Nogra, women and children’s ministries director for the CVC, said, “God doesn’t look at our brokenness, nor does our past define us. Instead, He can take our broken pieces and create something beautiful. Even in our brokenness, we can still bring healing, comfort, hope, and inspiration to others who are hurting and in need. This is why we initiated Shards of Hope.”
Event Schedule and Highlights
The opening night at AACIC featured a message delivered by English titled “Silent Sorrows: Understanding Perinatal Loss for Men and Women”. The topic centered on providing emotional, psychological, and spiritual support for individuals and couples who have experienced pregnancy loss or infant death.
Before diving deeper into her discussion, English shared a personal experience regarding perinatal loss. “When you ask why I talk about perinatal loss, I talk about it from the standpoint that God is the one who gives us comfort so that we can comfort others,” she said.
The Sabbath School program at the CVC Worship Hall the next day featured guest speakers who spoke about their experiences with grief. Speakers included Melanie Alburo, Winelyn Molano, Judith Bagolboc, Cherry Lou Rubiato and Karla Bianca Aganan.
Drawing from their painful experiences, they shared how they found victory after surrendering their grief to Jesus.
During the divine worship, English presented a message titled “Worshipping while wounded: Finding God in the Midst of Grief.” She addressed the reality that religious individuals experience sorrow, trauma and heartbreak, and that feeling wounded does not mean a lack of faith.
Furthermore, English drew from the biblical story of Naomi and Ruth to illustrate how God works through human suffering and grief. Highlighting how the narrative begins in Bethlehem—meaning “house of bread”—which was struck by famine and death, English stressed how Elimelek and his family were forced to move to Moab, where Naomi eventually lost her husband and sons.
English acknowledged that Naomi’s grief and bitterness were entirely real and valid, showing that deep sorrow can make life feel empty, though English emphasized that suffering does not mean God has abandoned people.
She also explained that loyalty and kindness were ways God cared for Naomi’s family. Ruth’s faithfulness to Naomi and Boaz’s help brought the family out of loneliness and sadness and gave them hope again.
English ended by sharing that Obed, Ruth and Boaz’s son, became part of King David’s family. She told the congregation that hard times do not last forever. Even when life feels empty, hope and healing can come through faithful friendships, everyday choices, and simple kindness during grief.
She then asked the women who were going through difficult situations and prayed for them.
The afternoon session brought an open, interactive discussion where attendees posed questions and shared personal thoughts, and English responded with gentle guidance and insight.
“Attending this seminar made me realize I don’t have to carry my grief in silence anymore; hearing others talk so openly about their pain gave me a deep sense of comfort and acceptance that I am not overacting,” an attendee said.
Another attendee shared how she was moved by a realization from the message about worshiping while wounded. “It reminded me that it’s okay to hurt, and it restored my faith that God is still working in my life even during the darkest seasons.”
The seminar concluded with a commitment ceremony on Sabbath afternoon, highlighting a message from Pastor Isaias Guisando, CVC education and Adventist Possibility Ministries director.
Pastor Rogelio Edolovero, CVC music and family ministries director, then led a dedication prayer for the attendees, offering special support for those enduring difficult times.
Beyond the event’s success, Nogra also announced that the overwhelming response to the seminar inspired a brand-new initiative. She shared that she hadn’t expected this program to open the door to something even greater—a new ministry we now call the Ministry of Presence.
“Designed to support individuals going through grief and sorrow, the Ministry of Presence goes beyond traditional prayer. It focuses on standing alongside those who are hurting, offering steady companionship and reassurance to help them find their footing and realize they do not have to carry their burdens alone,” Nogra explained.
Overall, the participants said the event successfully delivered spiritual guidance, emotional healing, and community fellowship centered on resilience and faith.
By L Jaie Lucero ⎸ Student ⎸ Adventist Academy Cebu