DUMAGUETE CITY — The Adventist Church in Central Dumaguete hosted a special Sabbath fellowship on [October 3] to promote inclusivity and raise awareness about Adventist Possibility Ministries (APM).
The gathering aimed to engage church members and leaders across the Negros Oriental-Siquijor Mission, encouraging them to actively participate in ministry for individuals with diverse needs.
The program began with a vespers service, where Pastor Nijel Galve, NSM education director and APM coordinator, delivered the keynote address.
Galve outlined ministry opportunities across the seven demographic groups the initiative serves, with a specific focus on outreach for the visually impaired.
“When we look past what a person cannot do and focus on their God-given potential, ministry becomes about unlocking possibilities rather than managing boundaries,” Galve said, inspiring the church to see every individual as capable of meaningful contribution and offering hope for inclusive service.
Moreover, during the Divine Hour of Worship, Ana Liza Facon, education director and APM coordinator for the East Central Philippine Union Conference (ECPUC), delivered the sermon.
She spoke about Christ-like service and community inclusion, linking them to empathy, dignity, and active integration into the community.
Expanding on this theme, she touched on the principle of “Ministry to the Least,” reminding the congregation that serving marginalized individuals—including those society often overlooks or underestimates—means ministering to Christ Himself.
She advocated changing the acronym PWD to “Persons With Different Abilities” (PWDA), emphasizing that every individual possesses unique capabilities for church involvement.
In the afternoon, Jared Campos, a SULADS missionary, led an interactive workshop on practical sign language, introducing the congregation to the essentials of communicating with the deaf community.
Using demonstrations and real-life examples from his mission field experience, Campos guided attendees through basic sign vocabulary and foundational grammar.
He emphasized that learning to sign is more than acquiring a new skill—it is a vital bridge to building friendships, creating true fellowship, and actively sharing the love of Jesus with a community too often isolated.
Adding his voice to the day’s call for inclusive action, Pastor Eliezer “Joer” Barlizo Jr., the first president of the East Central Philippine Union Conference (ECPUC), shared a message for a broader administrative vision for the initiative.
“Adventist Possibility Ministries is not an optional program; it is the center of true gospel commission,” Pastor Barlizo stated, challenging leaders and members alike. “When we open our church doors, our hearts, and our ministries to every believer regardless of their physical condition, we fulfill Christ’s mandate to leave no one behind.”
In conclusion, Pastor Ely Abejero, NSM president, gave a commitment message centered on Total Member Involvement (TMI). He urged the entire church to incorporate APM initiatives into their regular activities, emphasizing that this outreach is a shared responsibility for everyone in the congregation.
Pastor Fermin Olila ⎸ Negros Oriental-Siquijor Mission