ANTAYAN ISLAND, Cebu — In a display of his deep support for children-led ministries, Pastor Eliezer “Joer” Barlizo Jr., president of the East Central Philippine Union Conference, promptly traveled to Bantayan Island after learning about the children’s crusade and that it would culminate Saturday.
Together with his wife, Jocelyn, and a colleague, he arrived a few hours past midnight to witness the event’s culmination. His sudden late-night arrival highlighted how much he values initiatives that train and mobilize children for mission work.
“He wouldn’t let this children’s event pass without showing his support despite lack of sleep for several years already,” Jocelyn said, affirming how her husband made a prompt decision to see the initiative.
The gathering served as a reminder that children can effectively share the gospel and lead others to Christ when they choose to do so, especially when they dedicate their time and talents to the Lord. During his visit, Pastor Barlizo commended the children’s ministries department for emphasizing the vital role children play in inviting their peers and families to Jesus.
The week-long children’s evangelistic crusade, titled “Small Feet, Big Faith,” ran from Sept. 6 to 12 at the National Housing Authority (NHA) in Kabac, Bantayan, Cebu. Facilitated by the Bantayan Island Cebu District and the children’s ministries department, the crusade drew 18 churches from across the district to support the initiative. Running daily under the theme “Jesus Loves the Little Children,” the nightly meetings averaged 200 children.
“Thank you for facilitating this children’s event, for giving your time to train them, and for recognizing their potential, and most of all, for preparing them as God’s instruments in the future,” Barlizo added, addressing the parents, the church members, and the children’s ministries leaders.
Children’s ministries directors in local churches coordinated the groundwork before the event, conducting regular Bible classes to introduce participants to Jesus prior to the main crusade.
The program featured a lineup of young speakers who delivered specific biblical topics, including Jeremiah G. Bayon-on, who spoke on creation and heaven; Hanj A. Bayon-on, who covered signs; Fel Cyan G. Bayon-on, who shared the gospel; Mark John D. Villaceran, who discussed the law; Jherjun Prince B. Jumola, who presented the Sabbath; and Ashley Shane Zaspa, who spoke on health.
When asked how the children’s leaders organized the kids, Jerry Bayon-on, one of the local church children’s ministriesdirectors, said, “Inviting kids was challenging, but we facilitated it smoothly by sending parents invitation cards.”
However, according to Bayon-on, the leaders faced logistical hurdles during the campaign, including a lack of water supply and no lights in the covered court. Additionally, the team had to pack away all equipment, including lights and wires, into a stockroom every night because the covered court was used during other daytime activities.
Despite these challenges, the crusade yielded three baptisms. The facilitators thanked God and every church leader and member involved, noting that the event would not have been possible without their helping hands.
Acknowledgments and Support Team
The event received strong backing from elders, laymen, Sabbath School teachers, youth, church members, and the district pastor, not just financially, but through their presence and support. They filled the gymnasium alongside the families of the invited children.
“In my years as an Adventist, this is my first time watching a children’s crusade with huge attendance. An adult event can hardly reach a hundred,” a church member said.
Following this event, an evangelistic crusade for both young and old is scheduled to start Sept. 13.
By Lyn Lucero ⎸ East Central Philippine Union Conference Communications