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Nearly 300 Adventist leaders throughout the central Philippines heed the call to reach the cities. 

To understand God’s method, acquire the necessary tools, and embrace an appropriate attitude to carry out the mission to the cities, the office of the Nurture, Discipleship & Reclamation - Integrated Evangelism Lifestyle (NDR-IEL) of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in central Philippines (CPUC) spearheaded the three-day trainers' training at Central Philippine Adventist College (CPAC) in Negros Occidental, Philippines on January 26-28, 2023. 

Speakers were Pastor Robin D. Willison, World Church Adventist Mission consultant, along with his wife, Mrs. Zenaida D. Willison, International Development consultant; Pastor Arnel P. Gabin, director for NDR-IEL of the Southern Asia-Pacific region (SSD), together with his wife, Dr. Irelyn C. Gabin, SSD associate director for NDR-IEL; Pastor Abner P. Dizon, SSD Interfaith Services director for Muslim & Secular/Postmodern; Pastor Eliezer T. Barlizo, Jr., president of the Adventist church in central Philippines (CPUC); Pastor Calev B. Maquirang, CPUC executive secretary; and Pastor Renito C. Inapan, CPUC treasurer.

In an interview with Pastor Gabin, he voiced the importance of equipping pastors and church leaders to mobilize everyone in reaching the people in the urban areas in their respective territories. 

“We are living in the last part of the earth's history. We need to reach all the people in the cities and the higher strata of our society," Pastor Gabin said. "I hope and pray that this initiative will reach many people this year. It's time to go and reach the urban areas!" he urged.

On the other hand, Pastor Barlizo encouraged all the workers, fellow church leaders, and members to be united as they do God's work. 

“We should emphasize this thrust to the cities. We should invite all our members to participate because God wants us to help prepare many people for His soon return," he shared.

Meanwhile, Pastor Lowell L. Quinto, CPUC NDR-IEL field secretary, and the overall program coordinator, glorified God for His blessings and guidance in making the event successful and for the well-represented delegation of the district pastors, directors, and administrators. He also thanked the different committees and institutions involved for their commendable service, especially to the CPUC and SSD administration for the financial support.

"May this initiative draw us closer to one another and, most of all, to our Almighty God that when He comes in the clouds of heaven, all of us will be rewarded and reap the fruit of our labors. May God bless us all as we evangelize the unentered territories throughout the central Philippines. Maranatha, let us get involved!" Pastor Quinto said.

Moreover, Gary L. Carna, one of the district pastors in Romblon, praised God for the privilege of hearing timely messages from His messengers on how to improve and be motivated in doing the ministry until His second coming.

"Indeed, we should share the message of hope with all people, especially in the cities. There is no such great solution, no better approach to this kind of people, but only Christ's method alone: to mingle with them, show sympathy, secure their needs, and share with them the word of God. I am happy and excited to apply this in my assigned district. So, help me, God," he conveyed.

On Saturday afternoon, all the registered delegates across the central Philippines participated in the group activity to make an action plan on how to carry out the work of the Lord in the cities. 

Enlightened through the different presentations themed "It's Time: The Urgency of Urban Mission," Ellen G. White also reminded everyone of the call for speedy work. In her Medical Ministry book, p. 300, par. 4, she wrote, "The message that I am bidden to bear to our people at this time is, work the cities without delay, for [the] time is short. The Lord has kept this work before us for the last twenty years or more. A little has been done in a few places, but much more might be done. I am carrying a burden day and night because so little is being accomplished to warn the inhabitants of our great population centers of the judgments that will fall upon the transgressors of God's law." Letter 168, 1909.]

Furthermore, a commitment program culminated the three-day training to plead for the Holy Spirit's guidance and empowerment as they dedicate their lives to reach as many souls as possible for the Lord. 

Nadeth Quinto, CPUC Communication Department