ALLEN, Northern Samar — A weeklong evangelistic initiative aimed at strengthening family bonds and promoting community values culminated in the baptism of 28 individuals,
The event, titled “Moral Recovery for a Happy Family Seminar,” ran from July 19 to 25 and was held at a covered court in Brgy. Calarayan. It carried the theme, “A Strong Family is Built on Moral Values and Unconditional Love.”
Church leaders said the choice of the venue was due to its proximity to an existing congregation, a strategy aimed at increasing member retention and maximizing discipleship opportunities.
Local church leaders designed the program to help family members become more responsible, exhibit a loving and happy home atmosphere, and prepare households for spiritual growth. Moreover, the initiative targeted church expansion and discipleship.
Before the actual evangelistic event, leaders conducted friendship evangelism through sports events, including basketball and volleyball.
When the evangelistic effort started, the daily program included youth games in the mornings, children’s stories and crafts before sunset, practical home health care lectures led by local women leaders, and main evening presentations. It drew a consistent number of over a hundred attendees.
Pastor Godofredo Romanillos Jr., Sabbath School/Personal Ministries and communication director for the East Central Philippine Union Conference, served as the main lecturer. His lectures covered a seven-part series, tackling family foundations, conflict resolution, harmony, household finance, and moral recovery.
The initiative concluded with the baptism of 28 new individuals, who inspired church members to further engage in evangelism and to organize another evangelistic initiative in nearby areas.
During the baptism, a church member exclaimed, “Kini ka adlaw sa kalipay ug pagpasalamat, kay ilang gipili ang bag-ong kinabuhi uban Kaniya. Padayon sa paglakaw diha sa kahayag sa Ginoo!” (This is a day of joy and thanksgiving, as they have chosen a new life with Him. Continue to walk in the light of the Lord!)
In an interview, Pastor Romanillos shared how grateful he was to God for the event’s favorable outcome and the church members’ support.
When asked about his plan for the next evangelism, he said, “I continue learning the trade of men fishing because education should be eternal.”
By Lyn Lucero ⎸ East Central Philippine Union Conference Communications