“In every business transaction, in every business plan, let every follower of Christ see that it is an opportunity to represent Him.” – Ellen G. White
The Adventist Laymen’s Services & Industries (ASI) of the Southeastern Caraga Mission (SCM) brought together over 800 members for an inspiring convention on October 26, 2024, in Patinay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur. With the theme, “Engage, Involve, for Jesus’ Mission in this End Time,” this gathering highlighted ASI’s commitment to empowering Seventh-day Adventists to be active witnesses for Christ in their professional and personal lives.
A Meeting of Empowering Voices and Mission-driven Hearts ASI leaders from the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD), encompassing the Philippines, attended the gathering. President of SSD ASI, Brother Jonathan Lamorin; Engr. Both Fiscal Dickie Gongob, SSD ASI Vice President for Evangelism, and MJ Orillosa, SSD ASI Vice President for Projects, urged attendees to view their everyday work as a platform for witnessing by sharing words of encouragement and hope. Their insights emphasized the notion that every encounter at work might serve as a chance to “share Christ in the workplace and economy.”
As ASI President for the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD), Brother Lamorin empowers ASI members to see Christ’s light reflected in every encounter by steering the organization with a goal of purposeful outreach in every area of work, centered on using professional networks and daily routines as channels for witnessing, an idea that touched an emotional chord with the diverse group of attendees, which included entrepreneurs, educators, healthcare professionals, and business executives.
“To truly engage in Jesus’ mission, we must look beyond traditional boundaries,” Lamorin said. He spoke passionately about how the marketplace and workplace may be used to help others, improve communities, and show people a life that is centered on Christ.
The convention was a time not only for inspiration but also for commitment, as members resolved to raise funds to support upcoming evangelistic seminars across all SCM districts. This collective goal is set to amplify outreach and introduce more people to the hope found in Jesus.
With the help of ASI coordinator and Executive Secretary of Southeastern Caraga Mission, Pastor Jerry Taguno, the event’s focus was on ASI’s mission: empowering its members to be “centers of influence.” Participants, who represented 42 districts, shared a common vision for the Adventist mission and participated in fellowship that strengthened camaraderie. ASI members acknowledged that their time, talents, and treasures are entrusted by God, and they are stewards responsible for advancing the gospel.
As Ellen G. White once said, “Each worker stands in his place, saying, Here am I; send me, use me, direct me” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, p. 30). Indeed, ASI members took this message to heart, pledging to be hands and feet of Jesus in all areas of their lives. During the ASI convention in Patinay, SCM members became more committed. With the conviction that their careers and resources may significantly impact the lives of others, each participant exited with a stronger desire to “engage and be involved” fully in Jesus’ mission.
With a shared commitment to make Christ known in both small acts of kindness and bold acts of faith, they returned to their districts prepared to be unwavering lights in a world in need. Remembering the words of Paul, “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58), ASI members go forward embodying the spirit of the convention’s theme—Engage, Involve, for Jesus’ Mission in this End Time. They are resolved to create ripples of hope that will transform lives, inspire belief, and bring glory to God in this focal moment in history.
