Adventist Leaders Gather to Strengthen Harvest 2025 Efforts
Over 160 Adventist leaders across the Philippines convened at the Adventist Academy Cebu in Bulacao, Talisay, Cebu on January 20-21 for an Empowerment and Consultation Meeting. Their mission? To strengthen and further the Harvest2025, a One-year Evangelism Initiative of the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) this year 2025.
At the heart of Harvest2025 are three clear goals:
– Mobilizing local churches and groups to engage in mission work;
– Leading new individuals to Christ through baptism;
– Establishing strong, self-reliant congregations by following a six-phase evangelism strategy.
These leaders were reminded of the call for Total Membership Involvement (TMI), a movement encouraging every church member to participate actively in evangelism. This call is rooted in Jesus’ words in Matthew 24:14: “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.”
Among the delegates was a team from the Southeastern Philippine Union Mission (SePUM), led by its President, Pastor Danielo Palomares. Accompanying him were Pastor Rene Rosa, Vice President for Evangelism; Pastor Reynald dela Cruz, Ministerial Secretary; Pastor Raul Emnace, Sabbath School and Personal Ministries Director; and Elder Rhoen Shane P. Catolico, who serves as Communication, Media, and PARL Director.
Representatives from each of SePUM’s five missions were also present.
The three-day event provided plenty of opportunities for deep discussion and reflection. Topics like branding and documentation, discipleship, care-group ministries, friendship evangelism, and media ministry were explored through biblical and theological lenses. The leaders were reminded of their unique role in proclaiming the Three Angels’ Messages—a message of hope and urgency that continues to guide the Adventist mission worldwide.
A key highlight of the event was a special focus on digital evangelism. Hope Channel Philippines, the Adventist Church’s official TV network, revealed plans to broadcast a nationwide, simultaneous program designed to spread Harvest 2025’s message across the entire country. This effort is expected to reach millions of viewers, using traditional and digital platforms to create a far-reaching impact.
The importance of such efforts was reaffirmed by words from Adventist Church co-founder Ellen G. White: “Let the watchmen now lift up their voice and give the message which is present truth for this time. Let us show the people where we are in prophetic history.” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 716).
She also wrote: “The work of God in this earth can never be finished until the men and women comprising our church membership rally to the work and unite their effort with those of ministers and church officers.” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, p. 116).
The Apostle Paul shared a similar urgency when he wrote: “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.” (2 Timothy 4:2).
As the world faces growing uncertainty, there’s a renewed call for Adventists to unite. This mission to share the love and hope of Jesus Christ remains as urgent as ever. Each step taken now brings the church closer to the day when Christ will return. Let’s press on with faith, supporting one another, and working tirelessly to bring light to those searching for answers. Together, we can make a lasting impact and lead many to salvation.