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SAN MIGUEL, Leyte – As part of its care group evangelism initiatives, San Miguel–Alang-Alang District conducted a series of evangelism seminars that culminated in the baptism of 16 individuals on April 11, 2026.

The care groups organized satellite evangelistic seminars at four locations in the San Miguel-Alang-Alang District from March 29 to April 4. These included Brgy. Cambahanon in Alang-Alang, and Brgy. Impo and Sitio Bugnon in Brgy. Santol. 

Pastor Roland Rodriguez, the district pastor, and three other church elders were the gospel speakers each evening, sharing messages of hope and salvation.

Following the satellite meetings, Pastor Ricardo De Asis Jr., EVC health director and PARL coordinator, conducted a mental health and spiritual resilience seminar from April 5 to 11 with the theme, “Hope for Today’s Families.”

The seminar aimed to equip families with emotional and spiritual tools to face life's challenges while serving as positive influences in their communities. By emphasizing resilience, participants were encouraged to maintain a hopeful mindset and emotional stability during crises, responding to difficulties with a blend of faith and practical wisdom. 

These sessions also highlighted the importance of promoting interpersonal harmony through patience and compassion, both within the household and the broader social sphere. 

The presentations also called for building homes grounded in biblical principles, reminding parents to be role models and guide the next generation toward a faith-driven future.

Ultimately, this series of evangelism initiatives culminated on April 11, with 16 of the approximately 300 attendees deciding to accept Jesus and be baptized. Together with the church members across the district, the baptism candidates spent the Sabbath at San Miguel Seventh-day Adventist Church in HFL Farm and Resort in Manggahan, San Miguel.

During the Divine Worship service, Pastor De Asis’ message inspired the attendees. He elaborated Colossians 3:2: “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

This verse emphasized the importance of maintaining a heavenly perspective, reminding the congregation to find joy in anticipating Christ’s soon return.

In his reflection, Pastor De Asis stressed the importance of addressing real-life challenges in practical ways. He noted that while many attribute human struggles to last-day prophecies, there is a need to respond actively with Christ-like care and compassion toward those who are hurting, discouraged, or neglected.

In the afternoon, the church held a thanksgiving program for the success of the evangelism, and afterward, held the baptismal ceremony at HFL Farm and Resort in Manggahan, San Miguel. Pastors De Asis and Rodriguez officiated the baptism of the 16 candidates.

Rodriguez described the evangelistic effort as both exhausting and deeply fulfilling. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to witness individuals accept Christ through baptism. 

“With deep gratitude for God’s leading in the success of our evangelistic series, I would also like to thank Pastor De Asis for dedicating time to serve as the seminar’s resource speaker despite a busy schedule.”

He also acknowledged the dedication of the three care groups under the Santol Seventh-day Adventist Church, whose sacrifices, sleepless nights, and tireless efforts contributed to the program's success.

Among the newly baptized members, Ben Dela Peña shared that accepting Jesus Christ was a life-changing decision. Although his family members are Adventists, he had taken a different path. “But I’m glad that God led me back. After attending the seminars and hearing God’s Word, God has convicted me to be baptized without any second thought.”

Another of those baptized was Leziel Concepcion Gam. She also shared her testimony, stating that she responded to the call to join the Seventh-day Adventist Church with the desire to inspire and be a role model for her family. 

“Being the only one in the faith at home, may the Lord use me to lead my family to know Jesus soon.”

As the events concluded, the care groups of San Miguel-Alang-Alang District set another plan to share Jesus, especially in unentered areas.

By Mara C. Rodriguez, MSA, East Visayan Conference