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In response to the Total Member Involvement Initiative (TMI) of the Adventist World Church,  the Adventist Church in the Southwestern Philippines (SwPUC) mobilized its secretariat team to spearhead an evangelistic campaign in the Dinagat Islands, leading to the baptism of over 130 individuals to the Adventist faith. From April 17 to 21, 2024, forty-eight office secretaries from SwPUC conducted an evangelistic initiative in the Dinagat Islands, part of the CARAGA region, sharing messages of hope and faith with the local residents. 

While secretaries in Adventist organizations are recognized for their expertise and professionalism in ensuring seamless operations, this initiative highlighted their commitment to sharing the gospel through public evangelism. This development demonstrates the effectiveness of Total Member Involvement (TMI) and underscores the importance of everyone's participation in sharing the gospel through various strategies and locations. 

"The local people are respectful and kind. They're hospitable and attentive to the needs of their guests," said Vicky Pamonag, a SWPUC office secretary and one of the speakers at the week-long event. She added that participating in evangelistic campaigns brings her great joy and provides an opportunity to share God's love with non-believers. "I must get involved in God's work beyond the confines of an office. Engaging in this work brings spiritual fulfillment to my life." 

The nightly messages during the campaign covered a range of essential topics introducing Bible truths, including the Sabbath, salvation, the state of the dead, heaven, dietary principles, and baptism. Each topic was thoughtfully presented to address the spiritual needs and curiosities of the attendees. 

The success of the mission is evident in the number of individuals who chose to accept Jesus as their Personal Savior, totaling over 130 new members who have embraced the Adventist faith. This conversion is not only a testament to the power of the message shared but also to the commitment and passion of the office secretaries who participated in the campaign. 

The Southwestern Philippine Union Conference's initiative in organizing such an impactful event highlights the effectiveness of collaborative efforts in evangelism. The dedication of the secretaries, combined with the receptiveness of the Dinagat Islands' residents, has resulted in a significant spiritual harvest, creating a stronger Adventist community in the region. 

From the union headquarters located in Cagayan de Oro City, travel to the Dinagat Islands would take at least 11 hours, including a ferry. Dinagat is one of the oldest communities in CARAGA region; its prosperity dates back to pre-colonial times. The island province was the site of the historic Battle of Surigao Strait during the Second World War. In 2011, Dinagat Islands officially became a province, separating from Surigao del Norte. It has a current population of over a hundred thousand people. Since the arrival of Protestants in the 1970s, there has been an increase in Adventist believers in the area.

Quin Salarda, SWPUC Communication Department

       The original article was published on the Southwestern Philippines Union Conference website.