About four hundred Adventist teachers, missionaries and publishing workers came and joined the three-day ATPAC-IEL National Convention on December 9-11, 2016 at Avana Bangkok Hotel in Bangna.
With the theme “Reach Everyone, Live the Mission”, this year’s convention marked a greater success more than the first annual convention held last year. ATPAC stands for Adventist Teachers & Publishing Access Club, the very first official Adventist teachers and publishing workers’ organization in Thailand. Meanwhile, IEL stands for Integrated Evangelism Lifestyle.
ATPAC convention is a brainchild of Pastor Demetrio “Jun” Taotao, the Publishing Director of Thailand Adventist Mission (TAM) together with many other Filipino educators and church leaders in Thailand.
The convention which started on Friday evening attracted hundreds of participants from different parts of Thailand. Most of the attendees were Filipinos who work as teachers in different parts of the kingdom. They came from Phuket, Hatyai, Ubon Ratchathani, Trat, Chantaburi, Saraburi, Sisakit, Rayong, Pattaya, Nonthaburi, Bangkok and other provinces.
Guest speakers include Pastor Ven Bermudez, Publishing Ministries Director from Southern Asia Pacific Division, the headquarters of Seventh-day Adventist Church in Southern Asia (SSD); Pastor Francis Lajanim from Southeast Asia Union Mission (SAUM) based in Singapore; Pastor Niratisai Aipan, President of TAM; and Pastor Samart Wongnapapaaisarn, a director from TAM.
Lectures on education, healthy living and lifestyle, integrated evangelism lifestyle, preparing and cooking vegan foods and writing were presented. Mr. Paulo & Mrs. Valeria Sitta , a couple from Brazil talked about healthy lifestyle for children. Dr. Roland & Mrs. Grace Dela Paz gave a series of health lectures and free consultations. And PinoyThaiyo co-founder Mr. Jezreel Llanera gave a short lecture on writing.
One of the highlights of the health lecture was given by Dr. Thomas Lodi, a renowned American oncologist who is now based in Thailand. He talked about ”How to stop making cancer”.
On Saturday, more attendees and guests came to join the seminar and worship. The number is tripled from what’s initially expected of about 150 participants.
Health expo, cooking demonstration, health presentation for kids, book show and health consultation were held on Sunday. This year’s convention was organized by officers from central Thailand led by Mr. Jun Denis, ATPAC Central Region president.
Election of ATPAC National Executive Committee followed on Sunday afternoon. Mr. Jared Revilla from Rayong has been elected president.