𝐂𝐏𝐍𝐂 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐀𝐏𝐍𝐘𝐂 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔: 𝐀 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐭 𝐀𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐉𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐬 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭

TAGAYTAY CITY, Philippines — Answering the call to wholehearted devotion, delegates from Central Philippine Nazarene College (CPNC) joined thousands of Nazarene youth, pastors, and ministry leaders from across the Asia-Pacific Region at the Asia-Pacific Nazarene Youth Conference (APNYC) 2026, held on July 22–26, 2026, at the CCT Tagaytay Retreat Center in Tagaytay City.

Anchored on the theme "Holy Surrender: A Generation Set Apart for Jesus Christ," based on Romans 12:1–2, the five-day gathering became a celebration of worship, discipleship, and spiritual renewal, challenging participants to live lives fully surrendered to God's calling.

Representing CPNC were Officer-in-Charge President Rev. Leo J. Mahanlud, Dean of Student Affairs Rev. Josefin M. Anoos, Student Body Organization (SBO) President Jennybeb Ligo (ABRE IV), Lourice Joy F. Ledesma (ABTH III), Earl Andre Roca (ABTH I), and Human Resource Personnel Ms. Sophia Samson. More than attending as delegates, the CPNC representatives actively served in various capacities throughout the international conference. Rev. Mahanlud served as a member of the SAGES Team, while Rev. Ano-os delivered the morning plenary message on the conference's fourth day, encouraging delegates to pursue a life marked by complete surrender and faithful obedience to Christ.

Meanwhile, Mr. Roca served as the Musical Director of APNYC 2026, leading over four-hundred delegates in worship throughout the conference. Miss Ledesma shared her personal testimony before participants from different countries, recounting her journey from resisting God's call to embracing His purpose in pastoral ministry. Both Miss Ledesma and Mr. Roca also serve as members of the SBO Council and the Central Connect editorial staff, reflecting CPNC's commitment to servant leadership both on campus and beyond.

Adding to the college's presence, CPNC hosted an interactive promotional booth that welcomed delegates from across the Asia-Pacific Region. The exhibit introduced visitors to the college's academic programs, student organizations, and ministry opportunities while providing an avenue for meaningful conversations with the CPNC delegation. Delegates who followed the official Central Philippine Nazarene College Facebook page received souvenir CPNC keychains and refrigerator magnets as tokens of appreciation. Visitors also enjoyed creating personalized rainbow scratch-art cards, making the booth both engaging and memorable. More than a promotional exhibit, the booth fostered fellowship among delegates from different cultures while showcasing CPNC's Christ-centered educational mission.

Throughout the conference, participants immersed themselves in Spirit-filled worship services, biblical preaching, leadership sessions, workshops, cultural presentations, and cross-cultural fellowship. Beyond the scheduled activities, APNYC 2026 became a place where lifelong friendships were formed, faith was strengthened, and ministry callings were renewed.

Among the conference's most memorable moments was Miss Ledesma's testimony before the international gathering. As a third-year Theology student, SBO Council member, and Central Connect writer, she openly shared how God's faithfulness remained constant through seasons of uncertainty, closed doors, and personal struggles until she finally surrendered to His call. Her story reflected the heart of the conference theme, reminding delegates that God's purposes often unfold through perseverance, trust, and obedience.

For the CPNC delegation, the conference became more than an opportunity to participate in a regional gathering. Being entrusted with roles in preaching, worship leadership, testimony sharing, and conference ministry demonstrated not personal accomplishment but God's faithfulness in equipping those He calls to serve.

As the conference concluded, delegates returned to their churches, districts, and communities carrying more than photographs and souvenirs. They brought home renewed faith, deeper convictions, strengthened relationships, and a fresh commitment to serve Christ wherever He leads.

For Central Philippine Nazarene College, APNYC 2026 reaffirmed its mission of developing Christlike leaders who faithfully serve both the Church and society. More importantly, it stood as a living testimony that God continues to raise a generation willing to be truly set apart for Jesus Christ.

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God. This is your true and proper worship."— Romans 12:1 

✍An Article by: ʟᴏᴜʀɪᴄᴇ ᴊᴏʏ ʟᴇᴅᴇꜱᴍᴀ
(ᴡʀɪᴛᴇʀ - ᴄᴇɴᴛʀᴀʟ ᴄᴏɴɴᴇᴄᴛ)