A Blessed Day, FAP Family!
Wow. We're still catching our breath from the incredible move of God during our recent Former Adventists Philippines Conference held at D' Dream Private Resort, Tagaytay. And honestly? Our hearts are full. Overflowing. We just have to pause and say: To God be all the glory!
First of all, we give our deepest thanks to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, whose presence and power made this event not just possible—but unforgettable. Every moment, every message, every meal shared, every testimony heard—it all pointed back to His goodness and grace.
Thank You, FAP Family!
A massive shoutout to everyone who took part. Your presence, prayers, and participation made this gathering more than just a conference—it became a spiritual family reunion for all of us journeying “from shadows to substance.”
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To our generous sponsors—you’ve sown into something eternal.
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To our Women's Ministry team—ate Cynthia Dollente, Dra. Joan Sembrano, and sis Ligaya Tagacay—your loving labor in preparing our meals didn’t go unnoticed. You didn’t just serve food; you served us with joy, and we are beyond grateful.
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To the Balberan Family and Sabaupan family and Complete in Jesus/New Covenant Christian Fellowship leadership—thank you for your faithfulness and your support from day one.
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Special thanks to Pastor Zaldie’s family for managing and serving us such delicious meals with care and excellence.
And let’s not forget the unsung heroes who shared their vehicles for transport, Pastor Zaldie Ybanez, Pastor Ellery Sembrano, Engr. Darwin Tagacay —your ride became someone’s road to revival!
Special Guests, Special Blessings
This year’s conference was made even more special by the presence of our dear ministry partners and guest pastors, who not only inspired us with their words but affirmed their commitment to the mission of FAP.
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Bishop Ray Eramis and Pastor Sally Eramis of Christian Cathedral Church, Plaridel, Bulacan shared deep wisdom, grace, and a genuine commitment to stand with Former Adventists Philippines. Their message on the importance of discipleship and freedom in Christ hit us right where it matters—our call to multiply, not just gather.
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Pastor Christian Levin Advincula, lead pastor of Missions Bible Church, gave us a beautiful reminder of our evangelical heritage by sharing a short but enlightening history of the Free Will Baptist Church in the Philippines. His heart for missions and Gospel-centered theology was truly aligned with our vision.
Their presence wasn’t just a blessing—it was confirmation. The work of FAP is not in isolation. God is connecting us with the broader Body of Christ, and partnerships like these are proof that we’re just getting started. Several attendees gave positive feedback, saying this year felt like “a real merging of movements”—where different streams of faith came together to pour into one cause: seeing SDAs set free by the Gospel of Grace.
The Messages that Marked Us
We were challenged, encouraged, and refocused by the messages brought by our dear pastors:
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Ptr. Leonardo Balberan preached the main theme sermon: “From Shadows to Substance: Freedom in Christ.” We were reminded that we are no longer under the Old Covenant shadows but walking in the freedom and fullness of Christ. It hit hard, but in a good way—because we need to keep breaking free from every hint of legalism that still clings to us.
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Ptr. David Sabaupan's devotional on “Escaping Legalism: Signs of a Gospel-Centered Life” gave us that day a reality check. Our identity isn’t in performance, but in Christ. That’s what fuels a life that bears real Gospel fruit.
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And Ptr. Ronald Obidos’ session on “Mission and Vision of Former Adventists Philippines: Our Identity, Purpose, and Strategy” gave us clarity on who we are, where we’re headed, and how we’re moving forward. Purpose fuels passion, and we left that place recharged and re-committed.
Baptisms & Ordinations – The Movement Grows!
Praise God for the three souls who followed Christ in baptism—a beautiful sign that the Gospel is bearing fruit among us! Heaven rejoices, and so do we.
Also, join us in congratulating our newly ordained pastors: Ptr. Romeo Ramoran and Ptr. Ellery Sembrano. The fields are ripe, and with these new laborers, the harvest in Mindanao and Tarlac is about to explode! Let’s keep lifting them up in prayer as they carry the torch forward.
Rekindled, Recharged, Ready
More than an event, this conference was a divine reset button for many of us. We came tired, confused, even dry—but we left renewed, realigned, and refreshed.
We were reminded of 2 Corinthians 3:17:
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
That freedom is not just a feeling—it’s a lifestyle. It’s a journey. And it's exactly what Former Adventists Philippines is all about: helping people walk out of the shadow of legalism and into the bright, liberating light of the Gospel.
As we move forward, may we not forget the fire God has ignited in our hearts. Let’s continue walking in freedom, loving in truth, and serving in grace.
Until Next Time...
Let’s keep praying, meeting, growing, and sharing this journey together. We can’t wait to see you at the next conference, the next Bible study, the next soul-won moment. And until then, let’s keep living out our faith—not by law, but by love.
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