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The long-awaited Women's Ministries Leadership Certification Level I in Masbate City kicked off with more than a hundred delegates from different churches under the Northeastern Masbate Association of Churches. 

Held at Masbate City Central Church of the Seventh-Day Adventists in Brgy. Ibingay, Masbate City from Nov. 15-16, 2024, the event featured Mrs. Fe Pigon, Central Philippine Union Conference Women's Ministries director; Mrs. Starley B. Gutierrez, Central Visayan Conference Women's Ministries director; and Marilyn Lucero, CPUC news writer, as guest speakers.

This leadership certification seminar empowered women to recognize their self-worth and equipped them with the knowledge and skills necessary to become leaders in their churches and communities. It inspired and motivated them to actively participate in the ministry, not merely as supporters of men's programs but as confident leaders and facilitators in their own right.

The seminar commenced with a vesper service, during which Mrs. Pigon provided a historical overview of Women's Ministries, tracing their origins back centuries. Her presentation highlighted the recognition of women's immense potential, even in ancient societies where their statuses were often marginalized. She mentioned inspiring historical figures whose courage and leadership paved the way for the active and expansive women's ministries we see worldwide today.

Further defining women's roles in the past, Mrs. Guttierez also discussed the condition of women in Bible times. She brought the delegates and the rest of the worshippers back to the Old Testament era, where societal norms often restricted women's roles and minimized their contributions.
Despite these constraints, she highlighted courageous women who defied expectations and achieved remarkable feats of leadership. Their bravery inspired generations of women to come.

On Sabbath Day, the program continued with the guest speakers taking turns elaborating on topics specified in the first level of the Women's Ministries Leadership Certification Program. Various women's singing groups in their pink motif also graced the event with their music renditions between lectures.

Recognizing the need for women to write letters in this digital era, Lucero reviewed the rules of letter writing, emphasizing the importance of conforming to letter-writing standards. She also introduced the use of AI tools to make their tasks easier.

Mrs. Gutierrez also stressed in her discussion that women should recognize their worth and rights. By exploring biblical examples and Jesus's interactions with women, she can affirm the women of their God-given value and dignity. She also encouraged women to challenge cultural messages that diminish their worth, recognize their unique strengths, and build self-esteem through healthy boundaries, self-care, and supportive relationships.

Ultimately, she guided women to discover their calling, step into leadership roles, and make positive impacts in their communities and the world.

During the divine service, Mrs. Pigon elaborated on effective leadership. She emphasized servant leadership, explored various leadership styles, and identified essential qualities like integrity and communication. She equips women with practical communication, team building, and decision-making skills while addressing challenges like self-doubt and fear of failure. By emphasizing the spiritual foundation and promoting servant leadership, she empowered women to lead confidently and effectively.

In the afternoon, the participants and the rest of the worshippers learned more from the speakers. Lucero discussed topics such as problem-solving, conflict management, and decision-making. She encouraged women to recognize and define the problem promptly and seek God before taking action.

She also drew parallels from Moses's life, in which he underwent extensive preparation and training in God's ways before being called to lead the Israelites. Just as Moses's connection with God shaped his leadership, women are encouraged to prioritize their spiritual growth and relationship with Jesus, allowing it to inform and guide their leadership journey.

Mrs. Gutierrez further elaborated on this topic by teaching the women how to do Bible studies. She encouraged the women to experience joy and a sense of fulfillment after conducting Bible studies. The secret to achieving this is to pray and invite the Holy Spirit before opening a Bible.

The event culminated in a commitment service during which Mrs. Pigon delivered another message centering on goal-setting, visioning, and committing oneself to God's service. It was an emotional experience for most women as they were moved into tears during the dedicatory prayer.

In addition to this accomplishment, a family of four decided to accept Jesus through baptism in the afternoon. Pastor Robert Gedaro, the Northeastern Masbate District pastor, conducted the ceremony at the church's baptistry, witnessed by the women who were empowered and committed to helping in the nurturing of these new members of the family.

Mrs. Marilyn Gedaro, Pastor Gedaro's wife, expressed her excitement about the women's impression of the seminar. "The women are now excited for the next level. Praying that we can have the schedule soon."

Marilou Aplaca, one of the women who attended the seminar, commented on another attendee's social media site. "Praise God, next level 2 na naman, Ma'am. Ka ganda san mga topics," she wrote. (Praise God for the beautiful topics. Let's have the Level 2, Ma'am.)

The Women's Ministries Leadership Certification Level 1 seminar concluded with a palpable sense of excitement and anticipation. It ignited a passion for leadership, making them eager for further spiritual and personal development at a Level 2 Leadership Certification seminar.