Called to Great Exploits: Leyte and Samar District Apostolic Visitation

Great Exploits of Faith in the Midst of Adversity

Great Exploits of Faith are vividly seen in the lives of believers in Samar and Leyte, regions long known for enduring some of the fiercest storms in the Philippines. Often called the “island of a thousand typhoons,” Samar, together with Leyte, lies along the path of destructive weather systems that strike the country year after year, making the region highly vulnerable to natural disasters.

For many families in Leyte and Samar, survival has become an annual act of courage. With every flood, typhoon, and storm surge, not only are homes and livelihoods tested but faith itself.

Yet amid constant adversity, the brethren continue to stand firm, making their resilience a living testimony of Great Exploits of Faith. Their steadfastness made the first-ever Apostolic Visitation of the PMCC (4th Watch) Leyte and Samar District even more historic and meaningful.

A Spirit-Filled Assembly Celebrating Great Exploits of Faith

The Leyte Academic Center in Palo, Leyte overflowed with praise, worship, and spiritual zeal as brethren from across the region gathered for the first-ever Apostolic Visitation on May 10, 2026.

The success of the visitation was anchored through the steadfast leadership of Leyte District Coordinator and head pastor of PMCC (4th Watch) Antipolo Locale, Pastor Loreto Cabantog and his wife, Pastor Emie Cabantog, alongside Samar District Coordinator and head pastor of PMCC (4th Watch) Malate Locale, Presbyter Jim Bigalbal and his wife, Presbyter Mel Bigalbal.

Great Exploits of Faith Through Worship and Unity

The gathering commenced with grace and enthusiasm as Sister Jamie Mendel guided the congregation throughout the program. The Leyte and Samar Praise and Worship Team ushered the audience into a reverent atmosphere filled with worship and thanksgiving.

Pastor Vernard Medina, head pastor of PMCC (4th Watch) Catbalogan Locale, led the opening prayer, calling upon the Lord’s blessing over the gathering. This was followed by the reading of the Holy Scriptures by Pastor Nickolaie Jamito, head pastor of PMCC (4th Watch) Carigara Locale, grounding the congregation in the living Word of God.

Pastor Dhang Tillo, head pastor of PMCC (4th Watch) Tacloban Locale, then extended a heartfelt welcome to the brethren who traveled from different islands and provinces to take part in the apostolic occasion.

The spirit of worship deepened through song and dance presentations by Sister Marichu, Brother Bhal, and Sister Chloei Sagaysay, followed by the Leyte and Samar District Choir.

Presbyter Jim Bigalbal then delivered the message of giving, emphasizing that God appoints a faithful steward to oversee His Church and nurture His people according to His divine will.

Pastor Loreto Cabantog introduced the keynote speaker, preparing the hearts of the brethren for the most anticipated moment of the visitation the preaching of the Word of God delivered by the Chief Executive Minister, Apostle Jonathan Ferriol.

Apostle Jonathan Ignites Great Exploits of Faith in Leyte and Samar

Centered on the timely theme, “Great Exploits of Faith,” the preaching drew inspiration from Daniel 11:32:

“But the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.”

With passion and apostolic authority, Apostle Jonathan Ferriol expounded on the deeper meaning of “exploits” as acts of spiritual heroism.

He reflected on the rich history of Leyte and Samar, where people endured immense suffering, oppression, torture, and imprisonment under the Japanese Imperial forces during World War II. Yet despite fear and devastation, many courageous Leyteños and Samareños rose in resistance.

By recalling this history, Apostle Jonathan emphasized that just as their forefathers displayed courage in times of war, believers today are called to become spiritual heroes steadfast in faith and ready to accomplish Great Exploits of Faith for the glory of God in these last days.

“Tayo ay nabubuhay sa henerasyong ito na kailangan ng mga bayani. Tayo ba’y magpapakabayani sa pananampalataya? Hanapin hindi ang maliliit na bagay kundi ang mga dakilang gawa,” he emphasized.

He warned against passive faith, saying that a “consumer mentality” has no place in the life of a believer. Instead, Christians are called to live as a “chosen generation” (1 Peter 2:9). As God’s “amplifiers,” their lives should visibly express Christ and draw others toward faith.

“God did not call us to a life of being insignificant. No. We know our God. At ang ating pagkakilala sa Diyos ay dapat magkaroon sa atin ng napakalakas na impluwensiya.”

Living Out Great Exploits of Faith in the Last Days

Throughout the preaching, the atmosphere inside the venue became charged with conviction and inspiration. Every declaration of the Word stirred hearts, strengthened faith, and rekindled commitment among attendees from various locales in Leyte and Samar.

For many brethren, the message served as both encouragement and challenge encouragement to remain steadfast despite trials, and a challenge to continue becoming instruments of God’s mighty works in their communities and ministries.

Ultimately, Apostle Jonathan’s message was a call to embody Christ daily: to do good, to shine visibly, and to actively reconcile the world back to God. In the end, the life believers live and the works they carry out in faith become their testimony a reflection of the divine purpose they were created to fulfill.

The brethren in Leyte and Samar continue to exemplify Great Exploits of Faith, proving that even amid adversity, God can raise a generation of spiritual heroes for His glory.

Dayawon ang Ginoo!