30/03/2022
BERSAMIN PASTORS’ HARVEST YIELDS 7
Health Ministries collaboration in the medical mission served many
In every mission program conducted, the element and guidelines within its bound is very essential in the success of the Church’s Evangelism thrust. Along with it is the Health Message, which is similarly important, for it is an opening wedge in entering fresh territory.
Bersamin is a wide village in Alcala Pangasinan. The population data in 2015 indicates that there are 3,000 residents in the 827 families residing therein. Nevertheless, in 2022, a sure great increase in number of locals is to be passed-on with the Evangelism and Health messages.
On February 16-26, Bersamin has been a part of the NLM-wide Pastors’ Harvest Online and On-site Evangelism. Pastor Ismael Cabason, mission president was the main speaker.
The Evangelism Team conducted a house-to-house visitation to the interests and its neighboring households who requested for a visit as well, sang uplifting songs, and prayed for. In the afternoon, VBX or Vacation Bible Experience for the children in the neighborhood who enjoyed creating crafts and learned Bible lessons.
Health lectures open the evening programs. Dr. Ria Angelica Parayno and Renalyn Quimoyog a practicing physician and a missionary nurse respectively presented the prevailing illnesses; the prevention and treatment procedures that made the listeners attentive for, “it’s wonderful to know about the illness natural remedies readily available,” an ardent listener narrated.
The district leadership of Eastern Pangasinan B conducted a Medical Mission on February 23, with the participation of Northern Luzon Mission-Health Ministries Department, and medical practitioner-members of Alcala Church – Dr. Ria Angelica Parayno and Dr. Florence Donis. Given free for the patients are health consultation and assessment, eye check-up and distribution of reading glasses and medicine. Bringing with them medicine supplements, Northern Luzon Adventist Hospital (NLAH) medical staff also joined the said rally taking vitals and giving health lectures regarding the HEALTHY ME Program while the people are in queue. The Medical Mission served a total of 167 patients.
Among the patients, is a couple who also attend the nightly meetings. Thankful and happy, Jun Cabanilla said, “I have been a person long enough, but it is my first time to hear messages like these regarding the Lord. The Adventists just present without mentioning other religion. Also, this medical mission brings help to my co-barangays who are sick and seeking medical relief.” His wife Lily added, “The early morning visit and serenade is what we look forward. We are thankful with the prayers offered for my children who are not with us. The messages about God are calming and the health lectures are relieving. It makes our heavy days lighter.”
As a part of the over-all baptism of 477 persons in the entire mission, 7 people decided to accept Jesus Christ in Bersamin on February 26 mass baptism. Continuing Bible studies of the interest will surely yield more conversion. Meanwhile, a nurture and discipleship program at a progressive pace for the new congregation on regular worship and Sabbath services.
The objective of the Health Ministries Department of NLM is to serve everyone through teaching right knowledge and information for healthy living. The goal is to make a person achieve holistic wellness while living a dynamic domestic, social, and spiritual life, rendering a happy service for the Lord while waiting for His soon return. - RJ Mendoza
