AYUNGON, Negros Oriental — Eighteen individuals were baptized after a successful evangelistic crusade at Barangay Atabay, Ayungon, Negros Oriental.
The weeklong evangelistic meeting, which concluded with baptisms on June 13, 2026, achieved a near-perfect conversion rate among its regular non-denominational attendees.
High Conversion Rate Highlights Event
While the event drew a modest crowd of about 20 regular non-Adventist attendees, the impact was deeper than they had anticipated.
“We are amazed by God’s guidance because almost 100% of the regular attendees were baptized,” District Pastor John Eric Llanera said in a testimony. “Out of 20 regular attendees, 18 were baptized. But the twenty of them stood up during the appeal.”
Edward Nohoy, a local lay leader, shared that the messages led to immediate transformation among those who chose to be baptized.
“The attendees experienced transformation in their lives immediately after hearing the messages,” Nohoy said. “They gained a clearer understanding of sin and God’s love, which covers sin when it is sincerely confessed.”
Collaborative Leadership and Support
Pastor Ildefonso Baquilabat, stewardship director for the Adventist Church in East Central Philippines, served as the main speaker. Moreover, this initiative was part of his scheduled personal crusade itineraries, which have earned him strong support from local church leadership and laypeople.
“I am really surprised at the turnout. Praising the Lord for it,” Pastor Baquilabat said. “Our primary objective was to respond to the gospel call and lead individuals to Christ. The Holy Spirit does the rest.”
Pastor Jimmy Guma, stewardship director for the Negros Oriental-Siquijor Mission; Pastor Llanera; and the district church members and local Bible worker were among those who contributed to the event’s success. In addition, Pastor Chester Clark III from the United States extended financial blessings for this effort, covering its needs from preparation through the end.
Overcoming Challenges
While the crusade ended in celebration, leaders shared that they faced distinct obstacles during the preparation and execution phases. Specifically, coordinators cited the inconsistent lifestyles of several backslidden Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) members in the area as a major challenge, noting that it initially discouraged some community members from attending.
Active local church members addressed this challenge by consistently attending, offering strong support, and fostering an encouraging atmosphere that contributed to the event’s success.
Lyn Lucero ⎸ECPUC Communication Department