Earth’s Final Countdown Ushers 412 to the Master’s Feet
Adventist World Radio (AWR), the radio ministry arm of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, along with its Center for Digital Evangelism (CDE), organized simultaneous evangelistic meetings in 11 locations within Agusan del Sur of Southeastern Caraga Mission (SeCM) from May 19 to 24. During these meetings, 412 individuals chose to accept Jesus as their personal Savior and participated in a series of baptismal rites.
Pastor Jan Elexis Mercado, AWR-CDE Director, had a challenging upbringing. He was a former basketball varsity player but suffered a shoulder injury before he converted to the Adventist faith in 2004. Since then, he has become a compelling public speaker and a digital media influencer through his social media ministry, Tree-Points.
During his worship message, he presented the 3 S’s. We need to SUFFER but can sustain every hardship because we know Christ. We may be able to STAND because we will no longer be ashamed of the good news of the Lord. The third S stands for SACRIFICE for Jesus because the faithful God is the One to whom we offer our time, treasure, and talents.
He volunteered as a Bible teacher without pay for one year and sought a theology scholarship opportunity for the Adventist University of the Philippines. The Lord granted his school fees, apartment, books, transportation, and food from many generous sources. Matthew 19:26 promises, “With God, all things are possible!” After graduation, he only had a year of pre-internship and was ordained at age 25. He has traveled to many countries to share the doctrines of God as pillars of the Adventist church.
The AWR-CDE missionaries began their mission in Agusan del Sur. Sister Elizabeth Mills from the USA delivered a series of sermons at Forest Hills Academy in Makiangkang, Bayugan City. Brother Alex Lima from Brazil served as God’s mouthpiece at San Jose SDA Church, Purok 3, San Jose, Prosperidad. Memory Salazar from Mindoro expounded on the fundamental beliefs at Sibagat Central SDA Church, Purok 8, Poblacion, Sibagat.
The Bayugan City Central SDA Church at Purok 7, Bidcor, Poblacion, hosted Sister Iris Angelica Alvez from Thailand, a spirit-driven speaker sent by God. Meanwhile, the youngest Sister, Ayme Villasis from Ecuador, shared God’s messages vibrantly at Purok 1, Talisay, Calaitan, Bayugan City.
Bro. Ritesh Pradhan from India was inspired by sermons at Dakutan Adventist Church in Esperanza. Similarly, Sis Sheyla Yanez from Ecuador felt the Spirit move in her youth at Gihon Adventist Church in Esperanza. Bro. Skhuselo Kumbi from South Africa boldly shared God’s love and doctrines at Mt. Carmel Church, Purok 3, Mt. Carmel Bayugan City.
Brother Thiago Silva from Brazil delivered a powerful message at Mt. Olive Church in Bayugan City. During the same event, a group of people were baptized after hearing the messages from Sister Iris Angelica Alvez from Thailand. Meanwhile, Sister Rhea Lynne Herradura from the USA preached at Golan Heights in Bayugan City. Pastor Jeter Canoy from Bacolod, who serves as the Assistant Director for AWR-CDE, also preached at Purok 8, Narra Avenue, Taglatawan, Bayugan City, leading many to be baptized.
The media ministry in this new mission territory is experiencing significant growth, thanks to the efforts of Pastor Jezreel Diamante Mercader, the SeCM Education and Communication Director. Through various programs aired over the airwaves and the collaborative work of care group members, evangelists, lay workers, and ministers in the 42 districts of the mission field, many hearts and minds have been opened to the message.
During the presentation, Bro. Rhoen Shane Peralta Catolico, Communication Director of Southeastern Philippine Union Mission (SePUM), emphasized the importance of getting involved in the media ministry. He used the analogy of an Open Door, as illustrated in 1 Corinthians 16:9, to convey this message. He shared the inspiring story of Emma Blas, a house helper who used to regularly listen to AWR HopeRadio. Despite not being an Adventist at the time, Emma faithfully brought her offerings for the media ministry. As a result, she received a Bible and eventually chose to be baptized. Emma’s story, along with many others, demonstrates the powerful impact of sharing God’s love through the airwaves.
During the commitment service, Pastor Jemsly Lantaya, SeCM President, expressed gratitude to everyone for their faith and prayers and their closeness to God. The story of the healing of the paralytic in Mark 2 illustrates our concern for others, similar to the empathy shown by the four men who carried the paralytic to Jesus. Through cooperation, they “opened the roof to lower down the mat” because there was no more room left outside the door. Their commitment led to Jesus’ forgiveness and healing.
Thessalonians Singers, Golan Quartet, Heaven Bound, The Blessed Souls of Men, Mercader Siblings, The Young Messengers, G & A Starry Voices, Dela Cruz Brothers, Distinct Voices, Sis Sweet Melody Mercader, and Brod provided music during the entire program, and the musical extravaganza. Ronnie Yuson.
Youth power is indeed overwhelming these days with the direction of the Holy Spirit. God-inspired writer Ellen G. White wrote: God calls for youthful vigor, zeal, and courage. He has chosen the youth to aid in the advancement of His cause. . . . Young men and women are invited to give God the strength of their youth, that . . . they may bring glory to Him and salvation to their fellow men.” The Review and Herald, April 15, 1915. (SePUM Communication/Photo Credits: Zeus Montejo of AWR-CDE & DFV Callo)
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