Youth Directors’ Evangelism in Southwestern Philippines Leads to 40 Baptisms in Remote Island

Youth directors from the Adventist churches in the southwestern Philippines region (SWPUC) spearheaded an evangelistic campaign August 11–16, in Loreto and Tubajon, two towns in the island province of Dinagat in northeastern Mindanao. The united outreach, supported by youth leaders in the Southern Asia-Pacific region, SWPUC, and the northeastern Mindanao regional office (NeMM), culminated in the baptism of 40 people who chose to follow Christ.

The Dinagat Mission Field

The Northeastern Mindanao Mission, which includes the Dinagat Islands, reported 36,513 Seventh-day Adventist members as of June 30, 2024. In addition to Dinagat, the mission covers Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Norte, serving a population of more than 1.3 million.

Reaching the Dinagat Islands poses distinct challenges for the church. The province’s geographic isolation makes consistent communication and the distribution of resources difficult, while its underdeveloped infrastructure limits transportation and restricts the movement of missionaries. The religious landscape is also diverse, with long-standing traditions and beliefs that require a respectful and thoughtful approach. Adding to this complexity is the cultural variety of the people, whose unique practices and values call for tailored methods of outreach.

Stories of Transformation

Despite these challenges, church members and youth leaders joined forces to prepare venues, conduct Bible studies, and support nightly preaching. Their efforts bore fruit, as individuals embraced the gospel.

“I never thought the messages I heard this week would touch my heart so deeply. Now I want to follow Jesus for the rest of my life,” shared a newly baptized member from Barangay (a small territorial and administrative district) Roxas. Another from Barangay Panamaon testified, “The warmth and kindness of the church family made me realize that God’s love is real and present. This is the beginning of my new journey with Christ.”

The evangelistic series unfolded simultaneously in five venues across Loreto and Tubajon, with nightly meetings. Guiding and coordinating the overall effort were leaders from the Southern Asia-Pacific Division, the Southwestern Philippine Union Conference, and the Northeastern Mindanao Mission, together with the district pastor of the area. Their united leadership provided direction and encouragement to the teams and volunteers who prepared the venues and conducted Bible studies throughout the week.

A Movement of Unity

In his closing message, Junifer Colegado, SWPUC Youth Ministries director, emphasized the importance of collective mission. “These baptisms are a testimony of what can happen when God’s people unite under one purpose. This is more than an event—it is a movement of transformed lives,” he said.

The initiative also marked one of the first evangelistic efforts of the SSD Youth Department in its current term, signaling a renewed commitment to empower youth leaders and mobilize mission efforts across the region.

Organizers expressed gratitude for the prayers and support of church members and leaders and requested continued intercession for the spiritual growth of the new believers.

The original version of this article was posted on the Northeastern Mindanao Mission Facebook page.