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More than 3000 Adventists from northern Iloilo flocked to Carles, Iloilo, Philippines, on April 2-8, 2023, inspired with a goal to revitalize and strengthen family members through holistic program designs for all delegates..

Over 64 churches and small businesses from the six districts of the Northern Iloilo Federation of Seventh-day Adventist Churches (NIFESDAC) participated in the event's various activities under the theme "Family for Eternity, We Will Go." The federation's highlights included a coastal clean-up drive, and the groundbreaking ceremony for the soon-to-be-built Adventist Church in Carles, Iloilo, and the baptism of more than 20 people on Saturday afternoon.

Northern Iloilo Federation president Abner Rubrico expressed gratitude to his fellow officers and all district pastors for their unwavering support. "The main reason for having this event is to reconnect with one another after ten years of not doing so. I'm pleased that 80-90% of the church members accepted the invitation," he explained.

In an interview, some of the attendees shared their heartfelt gratitude for the worthwhile experiences they had during the weeklong spiritual festivities and activities.

One of the attendees explained how each family matters and expressed her excitement to witness families reunite once again as the second coming of Christ draws nigh. "Satan is working tirelessly, and he's trying to destroy families," she reflected. "But no matter what happens, let us keep holding on to the Lord, our mighty fortress, and become victorious through His guidance. She added.

Chiepen Vidal, an attendee from one of the districts in Iloilo, stated that her youngest daughter exclaimed that it was her best week ever because everyone was praying, playing, and singing. "Let us do everything we can to ensure that all of us remain faithful so that when the Lord comes, we will be together and everyone will be victorious," Vidal said.

Mr. Edward Sy, the sound owner and operator from Carles, Iloilo, expressed his thoughts on the various presentations shared by the speakers. He also expressed his desire to learn and hear more from God. “It’s my first time to attend an Adventist gathering,” Sy said.

Despite the inclement weather on Thursday and Saturday, Northern Iloilo Federation treasurer Mr. Jessie Sausa emphasized how the event renewed and revitalized each family member's life. "This is our first encounter with brethren who do not rush home... It is encouraging to witness the brethren's overwhelming support even during consecutive Adventist programs, Sausa stated.

Pastor Elmer Pagunsan, a retired minister from the central Philippines, was one of the invited speakers who emphasized that this end-of-the-world experience should bring everyone closer to the Lord. "The theme of this federation is very timely because it involves the husband, father, wife, mother, and family members to be living witnesses for the Lord's coming," he explained.

Pastor Eliezer "Joer" T. Barlizo, Jr., president of the Adventist Church in the Central Philippines (CPUC), on the other hand, praised everyone for their enthusiasm. He encouraged everyone to continue praying for the federation's leadership, and that everyone will be more zealous, especially in their participation in soul-winning and church evangelism. "I hope and pray that when the Lord comes, we will all be with our dear God, celebrating in heaven with the angels and all our dear brothers and sisters from northern Iloilo," Pastor Barlizo said.

Each family responded, "Our family for eternity, we will go!" in response to God's call for Christian families to get involved and work wisely and perseveringly for the Master.

Nadeth Quinto, Central Philippines Communication Department