An Adventist Leader in Asia Celebrates Family’s Decision for Christ

For Roger Caderma, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Southern Asia-Pacific (SSD), one of the most meaningful moments in ministry came not from leading a major church gathering but from witnessing a member of his own family publicly commit his life to Jesus Christ.

On October 17, shortly after attending the General Conference Annual Council, Caderma traveled straight to Magyaya, San Remigio, Antique, in the central Philippines, to baptize his younger brother, Armando.

Armando’s decision followed his participation in an evangelistic series led by Kerry Estrebilla, SSD associate secretary. Through the meetings, continued prayers, and consistent spiritual guidance, Armando deepened his understanding of the Bible and eventually decided to accept Jesus Christ through baptism.

The baptism took place at the Adventist Evangelism and Community Center, a center of influence established by the Adventist Church in the Southern Asia-Pacific to support outreach and community engagement in the area.

The occasion carried special significance for Caderma, whose younger brother, Armando, was among the first group of individuals baptized in the center’s newly constructed baptismal pool. Also baptized were construction workers involved in developing the facility, marking a significant milestone for the Caderma family and highlighting the center’s emerging role in reaching people with the gospel, including those who helped build it.

While Caderma’s responsibilities involve overseeing the Adventist Church’s mission across 11 countries in the Southern Asia-Pacific region, the occasion reflected a more personal dimension of evangelism—sharing the hope of Jesus Christ with those closest to home.

Armando’s journey also highlighted the importance of sustained spiritual nurture beyond evangelistic meetings. His decision reflected the combined influence of biblical instruction, prayer, and personal encouragement, demonstrating how evangelism and discipleship work together in helping individuals develop a personal relationship with Christ.

The Adventist Church’s mission, rooted in the gospel commission and the three angels’ messages of Revelation 14, calls believers to share the everlasting gospel with every nation, tribe, language, and people. That responsibility extends beyond geographical boundaries to include families, friends, and local communities.

The occasion also reflected the purpose of the Adventist Evangelism and Community Center in Magyaya, where the church seeks to create opportunities for people to connect with the Adventist community, encounter biblical teachings and grow in faith.

As the Adventist Church across Southern Asia-Pacific prepares for its united evangelistic initiative, OneVoice27, under the public theme All Things New, the baptism offers a reminder that mission is both global and personal.

The initiative seeks to mobilize church members, institutions, and ministries to share the hope of Jesus Christ while strengthening connections between communities and local congregations.

For Caderma, baptizing his younger brother was more than a personal milestone. It was a reminder that the mission of sharing Christ’s love does not begin only in distant communities or large evangelistic gatherings. It can begin within one’s own family, where prayers, patience, and faithful witness can help lead someone closer to Jesus.

Sometimes, one of the most meaningful moments in ministry is seeing someone close to one’s heart make a personal decision to follow Christ.

The original version of this story was posted on the Southern Asia-Pacific Division news site.