GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Philippines — More than 200 delegates from across the Southeastern Philippine Union Mission (SEPUM) gathered at Venue 88 Hotel for the Adventist-laymen’s Services and Industries (ASI) Convention 2026, carrying the theme, “Faith at Work: United in Mission, Discipleship on Purpose.” The three-day gathering highlighted the vital role of Seventh-day Adventist lay members in advancing God’s mission through their professions, businesses, and daily influence in the marketplace.
Organized by the Adventist-laymen’s Services and Industries (ASI) led by Pastor Raul Emnace, Sabbath School/ Personal Ministries/ ASI Director of SePUM and mission counterparts, the convention served as a platform for spiritual renewal, professional development, mission partnership, networking, and discipleship. ASI exists to encourage and equip Adventist professionals, entrepreneurs, and workers to use their talents, resources, and spheres of influence to share Christ and support the proclamation of the gospel. The event reflected its enduring motto of “Sharing Christ in the Marketplace,” emphasizing that every workplace can become a mission field.
The convention opened on October 29 with the launching of the trade fair, fellowship activities, networking opportunities, and a ceremonial ribbon-cutting led by ASI officers, guests, and speakers. Delegates were welcomed by key ASI leaders, including Dr. Arnulfo Lantaya, ASI-SEPUM vice president for evangelism, Bro. Herbert Tamoni, vice president for projects, and Bro. Rommel Jon M. Nebres, president-elect.
The fellowship and gala night celebrated the diversity of ASI ministries across the union through music, testimonies, and the parade of delegates from Southeastern Caraga Mission, Northern Davao Mission, Davao Mission, South Central Mindanao Mission, and Southern Mindanao Mission. Atty. Edsel S. Deris-Lim, ASI-SEPUM president, formally declared the opening of the convention and challenged participants to remain faithful witnesses for Christ in their respective fields.
Throughout the convention, delegates were enriched by presentations addressing both spiritual and practical dimensions of ministry and professional life. Highlights included messages by Elder Laurence Lamera, SePUM Treasurer, on “Standing on the Ground of Faith,” Dr. Elvin Tecson and Dr. Diana Javier-Tecson on “Divine Formula for a Completed Work,” Atty. Deris-Lim on “Women’s Rights,” Bro. Edward Montemayor Ferrer on “From Production to Proclamation,” Sis Dollyn Mae Castelo on “Your Business Is God’s, Your Legacy Is Yours,” and Hon. Chalmer Gevieso on “Avoiding Landmines in Employee Discipline.”
The spiritual emphasis of the convention was equally strong. Messages such as “The Sabbath Rest: The Spiritual Liberty and Restoration” by Pastor Emnace, “The Golden Circle of Mission” by Pastor Nildo Mamac, “More Than What We Give” by Engr. Denney Sasil, and “Various Expressions of Faith at Work” by Pastor Danielo Palomares, president of the SePUM, reminded delegates that authentic faith must be demonstrated through service, stewardship, and mission engagement.
The gathering underscored ASI’s commitment to mobilizing lay members as active partners in gospel work. Its objectives were evident throughout the program: strengthening faith, developing Christ-centered leadership, fostering mission-driven businesses, encouraging ethical professional practices, and equipping members to become effective witnesses in their workplaces and communities.
Scripture reminds believers of this calling: “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men,” (Colossians 3:23). Likewise, Jesus declared, “Ye are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14), challenging every Christian professional, businessmen or workers to reflect His character wherever they serve.
The convention’s impact extended beyond lectures and worship services. Delegates returned to their home missions inspired to integrate faith into their daily work, strengthen their personal ministries, support church initiatives, and use their professions as channels for evangelism. Through fellowship, training, worship, and collaboration, participants renewed their commitment to become faithful witnesses in the marketplace and effective partners in fulfilling the gospel commission.
The event also echoed the counsel of Ellen G. White, who wrote: "This world is the field of man's labor. His preparation for the future world depends upon the way he discharges his duties in this world." Testimonies, vol. 4.
She further emphasized that “It requires more grace, more stern discipline of character, to work for God in the capacity of mechanic, merchant, lawyer, or farmer, carrying the precepts of Christianity into the ordinary business of life, than to labor as an acknowledged missionary in the open field. It requires a strong spiritual nerve to bring religion into the workshop and the business office, sanctifying the details of everyday life, and ordering every transaction according to the standard of God’s word. But this is what the Lord requires.” Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 278, 279.
These inspired words resonated throughout the convention as participants were reminded that ministry is not confined to the pulpit but is carried into offices, schools, hospitals, courtrooms, businesses, and communities.
As the convention concluded with mission reports, commitment services, and a call to action, delegates united in reaffirming their dedication to Christ’s mission. With hearts renewed and vision strengthened, the more than 200 participants left encouraged to live out the convention theme, demonstrating that faith truly belongs at work and that every profession can become a powerful instrument for discipleship and gospel proclamation.
“Work while it is day,” the convention theme song reminded delegates, echoing Christ’s appeal in John 9:4. Inspired by worship, fellowship, and mission-focused learning, attendees departed with a renewed sense of purpose to share Christ in the marketplace and help hasten His soon return.
“Religion and business are not two separate things; they are one. Bible religion is to be interwoven with all we do or say. Divine and human agencies are to combine in temporal as well as in spiritual achievements.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 349, 350.
Photo Credits:HOPE Channel Southern Mindanao
