Empower.
Retired division president trains women for evangelism
WM convention inspires commitment and devotion in women of central Philippines.
Southern Asia-Pacific Ocean Division (SSD)
[Philippines] More than 400 women throughout Central Visayan Conference territory (Masbate, Bohol, Cebu) traveled to Cebu City's Capitol Central Seventh-day Adventist Church, May 17-19, 2018, to attend the eagerly awaited Women’s Ministries convention.
The event was graced by Raquel Arrais, MA, associate director of General Conference Women’s Ministries (GC WM), and Helen Gulfan, director of Southern Asia-Pacific Division Women’s Ministries (SSD WM). Both speakers empowered attendees to be “Like Trees Planted by the River.”
Resource speakers included Pastor Violeto Bocala, retired president of SSD, who encouraged women for outreach and taught them how to play a greater part in witnessing and evangelizing. Glenda Catane, Women’s Ministries director of the Central Philippine Union Conference, reminded us of women’s big role in building great marriages.
Dr. Evelyn Pepito, MD, FPOGS, enhanced women’s awareness on reproductive health. Dr. Sharleen Lim, MD, imparted the importance of Mental Health. Dr. Arn Evange Mendoza, MD, shared expertise on skin care and beauty inside and out.
The convention featured women’s talents in the cultural presentation which displayed the rich and colorful Filipino costume. A religious musical presentation highlighted various choral groups of women singing praise to the giver of every perfect gift!
The final day of the convention was Sabbath and the venue moved to the Crown Regency Hotel for Sabbath services. For this rare occasion and lovely location, participants wore their best long dresses fit for worship.
The host, Fe Pigon, MAEd, Women’s Ministries director of Central Visayan Conference, was overwhelmed with the participants zeal to learn and be empowered through the three-day convention.
Feedback
The following are testimonies from some of the attendees.
“I am so thankful to God that I have the privilege to attend this convention. I really feel blessed and equipped. I learned that God has called us (women) for a greater work. So let’s get involved in doing what God wants us to be,” shared Analiza Marcos, Southern Bohol District delegate.
“I want to thank our facilitators for the messages that we have heard. I learned many things. We need to have the eyes to see the people who are in need, we need to have a compassionate heart to feel the burden of the people who are in need, and we need to have a hand to reach out for them. We need also to be builders of great marriage. I learned that whatever circumstances we face, let’s approach God for He is always willing to help us,” according to Wilma Tejano, a widow from Capitol Center SDA Church.
“I really don’t have regrets in attending this convention. I really feel blessed for the spiritual food that we have heard. The messages that we have heard are so uplifting. I am reminded that we have to stay connected to God no matter how filthy we are in our sight. When we humble ourselves before God, He is faithful to forgive us and bless us according to His power. I am very grateful to the organizers of this convention, to the speakers and to everyone as well,” heartily said one of the delegates.
“No words can express how happy I am that I was able to attend this convention. It is so overwhelming! I feel renewed and rejuvenated by the messages that I have heard. I feel the urge to be fully committed to God and be a blessing to my spouse, my children, to the church as well as to the community,” said one of the delegates from Camotes Island.
“This convention empowers women to be the best of the best, honing them in all areas to be of help in the church and in the community for the glory of God,” said one of the delegates from the Adventist Academy of Cebu.
Contributed by Michelle S. Nogra, MAEd, Women’s Ministries leader of the Adventist Academy Cebu International Church, Bulacao Talisay City, Cebu, Philippines
Published in Mosaic newsletter, Summer 2018
