More than 70 individuals publicly declared their faith in Jesus through baptism at the culmination of a weeklong evangelistic series held in Cebu, Philippines, on August 2, 2025.
More than 70 individuals publicly declared their faith in Jesus through baptism at the culmination of a weeklong evangelistic series held in Cebu, Philippines, on August 2, 2025.
Central Philippine Union Conference

Evangelism Series in Cebu Culminates in 'Harvest Celebration'

Thousands Tune In to Evangelistic Series Hosted by Cebu City SDA Church

The Cebu City SDA Church’s week-long evangelistic series, led by Pastor Heshbon Buscato, concluded with 79 baptisms and a packed finale under the Harvest 2025 initiative. The event featured powerful messages, music from PSKW, and drew both local and international attendees.

Lyn Lucero, Hope Channel PhAug 8, 2025, 2:30 AM

Thousands of viewers from around the world tuned in to a week-long evangelistic series hosted and streamed live by the Cebu City Seventh-day Adventist Church in San Nicolas, Cebu City.

The event was led by Pastor Heshbon Buscato, newly elected Youth Director for the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD), who presented nightly messages under the unique theme: “When Life Gives You Tangerines.”

Held from July 27 to August 2, the series was part of a broader evangelistic initiative by the Central Visayan Conference (CVC) and was overseen by Pastor Jomar Compuesto, CVC Field Secretary for Integrated Evangelism Lifestyle—a program focused on nurturing, discipleship, and reclaiming.

The first six nights took place at the Cebu City church, culminating in a grand finale on Sabbath at the Adventist Academy Cebu gymnasium during the 3rd Quarter Care Group Harvest Celebration.

This event was also aligned with “Harvest 2025,” SSD’s year-long intensive evangelism campaign.

The Sabbath finale drew a packed audience from across Metro Cebu. According to Pastor Lelord Arranguez, CVC Communication Director, some families even flew in from overseas to attend the celebration.

During the divine service, Pastor Buscato concluded his series by highlighting the story of Joseph, drawing parallels between Joseph’s life and the metaphor of tangerines. He described Joseph’s journey—from being a favored son, to an enslaved person, and finally a governor who forgave his brothers—as a representation of life’s varied seasons.

“Tangerines, just like life, aren’t always sweet,” Buscato said. “Some are bland, others even sour.”

He emphasized that through life’s challenges—its “tangerines”—people can still achieve their goals and fulfill their dreams. Joseph’s story, marked by both favor and rejection, ultimately fulfilled a higher purpose.

He ended his message with an encouraging reminder:

“When life gives you tangerines, look at how far you have come.”

The series concluded with the baptism of 79 individuals from various churches across Metro Cebu, marking a significant milestone in the region’s evangelistic efforts.

Another highlight was the return of the Panimbaya sa Kabuntagon World (PSKW) team from Cagayan de Oro City, who had also participated in the first-quarter celebration in March. Their presence drew a large crowd, with many attendees expressing gratitude and admiration.

Well known for their popular music medley series on Hope Channel South Philippines, the PSKW team held a special concert after the baptism ceremony. The program featured video testimonies of conversion and deliverance and included a collaborative performance with the ACC Ensemble, an orchestra composed of student musicians from Adventist Academy Cebu.

“Their music is uplifting—the kind of songs that speak directly to the heart,” said Nestro Pilapil, a hemodialysis nurse at Adventist Hospital Cebu. “I’m so happy they’re here again. Their music is something most people can relate to.”

Pilapil added that the songs have touched many lives and are frequently heard in churches, homes, and even public spaces like malls.

One attendee, who asked to remain anonymous, praised the team’s humility:

“Despite their fame, they are so kind, friendly, and approachable. Most of them even remembered me from last time.”

Last year, the PSKW team reached a milestone with over one million viewers on social media, affirming the growing impact of digital evangelism.

This evangelistic series was especially meaningful as it marked Pastor Buscato’s final program as SSD Communication Director. He now steps into his new role as Youth Director, leaving behind a legacy of heartfelt ministry and digital outreach.

The original article was published on the Southern Asia-Pacific Division news site.

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Loreto and Tubajon, two towns in the island province of Dinagat in northeastern Mindanao, Philippines, experienced a spirit of revival as youth directors from the Adventist churches in the Southwestern Philippines region (SWPUC) spearheaded an evangelistic campaign from August 11–16, 2025. The united outreach, supported by youth leaders from youth leaders in the Southern Asia-Pacific region (SSD), SWPUC, and the Northeastern Mindanao regional office (NeMM), culminated in the baptism of 40 individuals who chose to follow Christ.

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