A reflection by Reachly Liston Alcanzare during the province-wide Women’s Ministries Leadership Certification Pinning-Graduation Ceremony on July 4, 2026.
The Lord has never overlooked the role of women in His ministry. Throughout Scripture, many women were called, entrusted with responsibility, and given the privilege of participating in His redemptive work.
On the blessed Sabbath of July 4, 2026, this timeless biblical truth came alive as 679 women from across Bohol filled the Inabanga Gymnasium to celebrate their graduation from the Women’s Ministries Leadership Certification 2026.
The occasion was both solemn and overflowing with joy, marking more than the end of a leadership program. It was a shared promise to live out the ministry of Jesus Christ through faithful and lifelong service.
The province of Bohol was honored by the presence of guest speakers, headed by Michelle S. Nogra, the children’s and women’s ministries director for the Central Visayan Conference. She also serves as its coordinator for the Ministerial Spouses Association.
Other speakers included Fe Pigon, former women’s ministries director for the Central Philippine Union Conference (before it was ecclesiastically bifurcated into two unions); and Melodie Mae Inapan, children and women’s ministries director for the East Central Philippine Union Conference and its MSA coordinator.
The speakers were joined by Pastor Renato Inapan, ECPUC treasurer, whose presence and encouragement made the occasion even more meaningful.
Expressing her sincere appreciation, Nogra shared: “The Bohol Province Women’s Ministries Leadership Certification Graduation was truly overwhelming! It gathered not only a huge crowd but also celebrated the milestone of 679 beautiful, empowered, and mission-ready women of the church. Both the young and the old answered the call, ‘I will go!’
Nogra also acknowledged the long journey behind this achievement, thanking the former CVC directors, the MSAs for their diligent organization, and the leadership of the Bohol Federation SDA Association of Churches (BOFESDAAC), headed by Jennifer Lamorin, for their commitment.
Words of Inspiration and Wisdom
Throughout the program, guest speakers challenged every woman to answer God’s call with humility.
Melodie Mae Inapan reminded the graduates that leadership begins with a surrendered heart; that when women choose to grow in Christ, they become powerful instruments in His hands. “To our graduates, let this be the beginning of even greater service. Keep learning, keep growing, and keep shining for Christ. May the Lord use your gifts to bless others, strengthen His church, and lead many to Him. Congratulations, and may He continue to empower you for His purpose and His glory.”
Pigon emphasized the power of unity, quoting Ecclesiastes 4:9–12 to remind the women that “two are better than one” and that ministry is a collaborative effort toward the kingdom of heaven.
Jennifer R. Lamorin spoke on the essence of servant leadership, noting, “Leadership is not about being in the spotlight but about serving people, helping them grow, and inspiring them to use their God-given gifts.”
Messages from the Women’s Ministries’ Officers
Another touching moment came during the testimony of Carol C. Lamorin, who reflected on her years as a former president of women’s ministries. She candidly discussed the challenges of balancing ministry with family life. She testified that through every difficulty, God remained her strength and refuge, and she rejoiced to see the ministry flourishing in the province today.
Indeed, many responded to God’s call with the declaration, ‘I Will Go.’
Elma Mendez Bodiongan, vice president for the social affairs of BOFESDAAC women’s ministries and president of the Northeastern Bohol District, also shared: “Seeing so many women united in God’s service was truly overwhelming. It filled our hearts with such joy to realize that if we are this happy serving Him today, how much more glorious it will be when our Savior finally returns and says, ‘Job well done, my child!’ “
Furthermore, Juliet Cartagenas, women’s ministries coordinator of Tagbilaran Church and home and family coordinator of Southwestern Bohol District, shared: “As I walked down the aisle to receive the pin and accept the certificate, I felt a profound impact. I realized that God has called, equipped and sent me. This graduation is not the end of the tasks given by God, but the beginning of more responsibilities that have transformed my perspective and confidence to serve.”
These messages above deeply inspired both the leaders and the graduates. Among them was Michelle L. Tero, children’s ministries coordinator of Manga Church in the Southwestern District and vice president of the children’s ministries’ social affairs.
She said, “I commit to serve others with humility, to lead other women closer to God, and to apply the knowledge I have learned in order to grow as a leader. Most importantly, I commit to honor God in everything I do.”
Responses to the Mission Call
Tears flowed freely as hearts responded to God’s call. The sight of women rededicating their lives to Christ was truly beautiful, each one pledging to serve faithfully in their families, churches, communities, and wherever God leads.
Though the graduation ceremony came to an end, the work of ministry continues until our Savior, the heavenly Bridegroom, comes to claim His Bride. With renewed dedication and hearts surrendered to Christ, the women of Bohol move forward with one united declaration: “We will go.”