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After being in lockdown for more than two years, the Publishing Ministries Department of the Southern Asia-Pacific Division(SSD), in partnership with the Philippine Publishing House(PPH), purposed to organize its 12th National Convention of Literature Evangelists. With the theme, “I Am A Messenger, I Will Go!” literature evangelists from all across the Philippine archipelago relive the very reason for their calling: to share the blessed hope and be God’s end-time messenger through literature.

Distinguished guests from the Adventist World Church and the Southern Asia-Pacific Division graced the event in support of the literature evangelist's gathering. Present during the convention are Pastor Almir Marroni, Publishing Director of the General Conference; Pastor Howard Faigao, former Publishing Director of the General Conference; Pastor Rey Cabanero, Publishing Director of the Southern Asia-Pacific Division Regional headquarters; and Pastor Vivencio Bermudez, former Publishing Director of the Southern Asia-Pacific Division.

 In his devotional message, Elder Samuel Saw, president of the Southern-Asia Pacific Division, underscored that the publishing work is very crucial in our church’s early beginnings. Elder Saw added that “the publishing work will also play a huge role in completing earth’s final history.” 

“Thank you for what you are doing to share the three angel’s message. You are an invaluable asset to God’s Advent movement, and you are part of the mobilizing forces of Christ’s second coming,” Samuel added.

Samuel emphasized that there is power in the printed page. As the Holy Spirit blesses each page of every published book, it will prepare the hearts of its readers and introduce life and principle founded in Jesus.

“This dying world needs the everlasting love of Jesus. An important message awaits delivery - relaying the intensity of God’s love and promise of eternity in heaven through salvation in Jesus Christ,” Samuel said. 

A Holistic Approach to Literature Evangelism
Several guests from the General Conference, the Southern Asia-Pacific Division, and the Philippine’s three Union graced this long-awaited convention. Part of the convention opening is the parade of delegates and the grand welcome organized by the host conference from the West Visayan region.

After the devotional service, seasoned guests in the field of various departmental ministries shared their expertise on creating more opportunities for the Publishing ministry.

Dr. Ma. Rizaline Alfanoso, director of Health for the Southern Asia-Pacific Division, reiterated a valuable point on Mental health. After being on lockdown for over two years, the World Health Organization reports that the pandemic triggered a 25% increase in anxiety and depression prevalence worldwide. Alfanoso reminded the delegates that mental health is just as important as our physical health. 

According to studies, one in four adults experiences at least one diagnosable mental health problem in any given year. 

“The Adventist Church is entrusted with the blessed health message. This is an opportunity to be a blessing to others and utilize these important reminders to minister to our respective families about the importance of our mental condition,” Alfanoso said. 

Adventist Families Ministry Director, Virginia Baloyo, shared valuable points on family relationships and how vital is it that we share this information with the world. Broken marriages and families are continuously growing day by day. God’s message of hope lifts the spirit and encourages the soul that hope can still be found in Jesus despite the most challenging situations.

“Our human capacity is incapable of resolving our battles, whether it be a broken marriage, losing someone, unemployment, or even terminal illnesses, our only way to resolve these struggles is through the faith we entrust in Jesus,” Baloyo said. “It is only through Him that our hope will live and create an influence not only in us but also through us,” Baloyo added. 

Adventist Children’s Ministry Director, Dr. Orathai Chureson talked about God’s genuine call to be utilized in any given skill or responsibility we receive from God. Like Moses, as he surrendered his life to God’s leading and purpose, God’s name was glorified in Moses’s actions. 

Chureson shared that we may not be convenient and comfortable in certain situations in our life where we are called to serve or to minister. Still, as we depend and surrender our lives to God’s leading, we may soon realize and see the bigger picture of where the Lord would want to lead us.

Chureson quoted a line from the Spirit of Prophecy saying, “Devote your mind to spiritual things. Keep your mind from dwelling upon yourself. Cultivate a contented, cheerful spirit. You talk too much about unimportant things. You gain no spiritual strength from this. If this strength spent in talking were devoted to prayer, you would receive spiritual strength and make melody in your heart to God.”

Dr. Daryl Gay Tanamal, Associate Treasurer for the Southern Asia-Pacific Division, completes the series of devotional talks for the morning program. Dr. Tanamal reminded delegates of persistence, dedication, good habit, and positivity. 

Tanamal shared four points in the form of an acronym spelled as RISE. Rise refers to having a renewed spirit every day, a spirit-filled attitude that transmits a positive outlook towards others. RISE stands for READ and REFLECT, INVEST, SHARE, and ENGAGE.

Read and reflect on God's word daily as our primary source of strength and inspiration. She stressed that our primary responsibility as followers of Christ is not service but our relationship with Jesus. Invest in learning your message. Before we get the chance to share God's message with others, we must experience God's word first so that people may understand how it feels to be immersed in His message. After spending time with God in prayer and His words, after experiencing His presence, our goal is to share that message to the world and engage ourselves with people that they may know, learn, taste, and see that the Lord is good.

In closing, Tanamal shared a verse in the Bible found in 2 Corinthians 9:6, “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”

The afternoon program showcased reports, unique talents, and performances rendered by different unions. 

Edward Rodriguez, SSD Communication Department