Wednesday, 09 December 2009 10:32 Last Updated on Wednesday, 09 December 2009 11:31 Written by Pastor Rafael Sualog

Eager to respond to God's love, 15 decided to be baptized during the "Happy Life Seminar" conducted by Pastor Calev Maquirang, WVC's health and communication director, in Ochando, New Washington, Aklan, last November 23-29. And over 70 others signified their desire to receive further Bible studies in their homes.

New Washington, the birthplace of the late Manila Archbishop Jaime L. Cardinal Sin, becomes known for its appealing beach resorts, where families--even sweethearts--go to over the weekend for some recreation. (Going there from Kalibo, the capital town of the province of Aklan, it will take 20 minutes or so by a motorcycle).  No white sand covers its seashores, but its calmness makes it so inviting to those needing a respite from life's consuming routines. The Sampaguita Garden, a thai-inspired resort and the prominent attraction in the place, gets many visits every day.

A few kilometers from New Washington, Barangay Ochando agreed that a "Happy Life Seminar" be conducted in the place.  The barangay officials believed this will benefit the constituents in the barangay. So, night after night for the entire week, the gymnasium becomes full of people, eager to know more of the ways to having a happier, brighter life in Jesus.

Pastor Maquirang eloquently gave gospel presentations in the native tongue, akeanon, and the people became thankful that they heared the truth in their own dialect. "Nagapasaeamat gid'a ako nga naintiendihan ko ro mga bagay parti sa matuod nga malipayon nga kabuhi--do kabuhi nga may pagkilaea it kamatuoran kay Jesu-Cristo (I'm so thankful that I understood the life of true happiness--the life of knowing the truth in Jesus Christ)," Lita Macasa, on behalf of the others, said as her response to the seminar. (With her husband and children, she gave her life to Jesus in baptism at the culmination of the seminar).

All in all, 15, including tha Macasa family, decided to be baptized as a result of the seminar and concerted endeavors of the brethren in the place, particulary through Antonio Roque, the lay pastor sponsored by Norma Barruga, the donor of New Washington church and at present residing in the US. More than 70 others, both young and old, said their desire to be visited in their homes for further Bible studies.  They even said that they long for a seminar like this one to be conducted again in the place next year.  

The seminar ended with a social fellowship. Young people, and even old ones, came to the meeting place to enjoy--many even participated.  Adventist youth from as far as our churches in Makato, Numancia (Bajo), and Kalibo also came.  The marching, where one needs to pair with another, thrilled everyone that the gymnasium can no longer contain all who would like to join. Games got the participation of many and excited the rapturous enjoyment of all.