News

JARO, Leyte – Over 200 women from the San Miguel-Alang-Alang District, part of the East Visayan Conference, gathered for the Women's Emphasis Day Fellowship on June 28-29, 2025. 

The spiritually enriching weekend of activities, held at the Rubas Gymnasium, brought together district members and participants from the Pink Ministries.

The Pink Ministries is another women's organization under the Women's Ministry Department, comprising women aged 18 and above.

District Pastor Roland Rodriguez and his wife, Mara Rodriguez, the Ministerial Spouses Association coordinator, spearheaded the event alongside officers of the district's women's ministries. 

The event, themed "Cravings of the Soul," featured inspiring messages and testimonies from a lineup of distinguished speakers. For most of the women present, the messages they heard resonated deeply with them. 

It discussed how to stand firm and remain resilient in the face of challenges and struggles that come their way.

It also discussed how to remain rooted in God's love and faithfulness to overcome life's trials and obstacles. Through this way, they will emerge as exceptional leaders, equipped and ready to encourage fellow women who are going through life's setbacks. 

These speakers included Nora Rojas, president of women's ministries for the San Miguel District; Evelyn Campbell; and Naresh Barcenas, both certified women leaders.

In the afternoon, the women engaged in community outreach activities, distributing kilos of rice and various goods to residents of Brgy. Rubas. 

These beneficiaries responded positively and gratefully, each of them sharing how touched they were by the women's generosity and kindness.

That evening, the Women's Retreat continued with a Bible-sharing session, during which the powerful testimonies and personal reflections shared by some women moved many participants. 

This activity preceded outdoor team-building activities, such as the Sound Maze, Trust Walk, and The Valuable Thing—all designed to promote deeper spiritual connections and personal growth. 

During the reflection period that followed, many women were brought to tears, feeling God's presence and protection in their lives through these meaningful activities.

On Sunday morning, the women—joined by some men and youth—went on a hike to a beautiful nearby river. Though the journey was physically demanding, they felt God's presence with them every step of the way. Many even shared that the experience reminded them of the Israelites' journey through the Red Sea. 

The highlight of the activity by the riverside was the camp cookery with that one-matchstick challenge activity. They cooked grilled eggs and camp bread using a stick, applying the "one-matchstick challenge," where participants were tasked with building a fire using only a single matchstick to ignite it. 

Success in this challenge heavily relies on effective communication within each group. It tested their fire-building skills, resourcefulness in gathering tinder and kindling, and teamwork. 

The women participated actively, showing unity and enthusiasm throughout the day. Their shared sense of joy and togetherness was strongly felt in the atmosphere, as displayed by endless laughter and highly spirited conversations. 

Campbell shared her reflections at the end of the day, stating, "I left my comfort zone just to renew my personal devotion and commitment to God. It is a beautiful experience to spend time alone with Him, leaving behind your worries and household responsibilities. I'm truly grateful to have joined the Women's Retreat, where I was refreshed—physically, socially, mentally, and spiritually."

By Mara Rodriguez | East Visayan Conference