Over 60 Literature Evangelists assembled at the Malaysia Union Mission Headquarters in Seremban from 9 to 12 August for a Union-Wide Literature Evangelist Congress. It was a remarkable gathering that brought together passionate individuals from the Peninsular Malaysia Mission, Sarawak Mission, and Sabah Mission, united by a common purpose – the spread of literature that inspires and uplifts.
The congress theme, “We are Messengers, It’s Our Time! We Will Go,” set the tone for the event, emphasizing the significant role literature evangelists play in disseminating spiritual and inspirational literature. Among the leaders present were Pr. Almir Marroni, Director of Publishing Ministries at the General Conference and from the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD); Pr. Ray Cabanero, Director, Publishing Ministries, Pr. Edgar Bryan Tolentino, Director, Ellen White Research Center/SOP, Pr. Felixian Tolentino Felicitas, Director, Mission Refocus, Dr. Lalaine Alfanoso, Director, Health Ministries, SSD, Pr. Ferdinand Esico, Director, Publishing Ministries, CPUC, and retired Pr. Francis Lajanim, Former Director, Publishing Ministries, Southeast Asia Union Mission. The attendees came from various parts of Malaysia, creating a diverse and vibrant gathering of like-minded individuals.
The event featured a series of inspiring talks and workshops led by speakers in the field of literature evangelism. These sessions covered a wide range of topics, from LEs as Missionaries to the LEs as Secret Agents of the Church. The messages shared recounted the effects on the spiritual impact of sharing literature. Attendees had the opportunity to enhance their skills, gain fresh insights, and connect with fellow literature evangelists who shared their enthusiasm for the mission.
One of the highlights of the congress was when the literature evangelists shared their personal experiences and success stories. These heartfelt accounts demonstrated the profound impact of literature distribution on people’s lives and faith journeys. In his sharing, Pr. Brian said, “We go where our church pastors may not be able to go.”
Additionally, during the congress, Home Health Education Service (HHES), the Union book provider, presented new books for circulation. Amongst the projects that caught the attention of the attendees were the translation projects. The attendees were excited to learn that books were translated into local languages as the different language groups will now be reached. There was also a book dedication service for The Great Controversy book by E.G. White. Attendees left feeling empowered and ensured they were now equipped to spread the message to unchartered territories effectively.
As the congress ended, individuals were awarded for the top sales in value, and other individuals were acknowledged for their long service. Mrs. Kun Suharsi Kahesti from Sarawak Mission was acknowledged for serving as an LE for 49 years.
Prior to the congress was a 2-day training session, Literature Ministry Seminary LMS Training Session, Career 1 Course that took place on the 7th and 8th of August. The training session was beyond the informative sessions. The trainings were practical and fostered a sense of community and camaraderie. The attendees were geared up for the congress. In conclusion, the gathering of the Literature Evangelists not only provided the LEs with the skills they needed to thrive but also forged new friendships and strengthened existing ones. The LEs left with a renewed sense of purpose and dedication to their calling. It was indeed an enriching and spiritually uplifting event celebrating the vital work of literature evangelists. It served as a reminder of the profound impact literature can have on individuals’ lives and communities, inspiring attendees to continue as ‘Messengers’ in their respective regions and beyond. This congress was a testament to the enduring power of literature as a medium for sharing hope, faith, and inspiration.
Reported by Cherlyn Sikin
2, November 2023, Tuesday.