Mega Manila at the Convening General Conference: A Testament to Prayer

Principal and alternate delegates from Mega Manila. Pastor Luther Oconer, Pastor Robert Parcasio, Ramon Carlos, and Vida Mei Rivera (from left to right).

I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have served as Mega Manila’s principal lay delegate and humbled to have been chosen to represent our conference at this historic event, alongside our Conference Superintendent, Pastor Luther Oconer, who served as the principal clergy delegate. Being my first General Conference, I didn’t quite know what to expect. I was excited at the thought of helping shape the future of the Global Methodist Church (GMC), but I was also a little nervous, feeling like a very small fish in a very big pond—full of much bigger and more experienced fish. I didn’t want to let God or Mega Manila down.

This feeling persisted when we broke into our appointed committees, where the decisions made and agreed upon would later be presented to the Conference body. If accepted by the plenary, they would become part of the GMC’s official Book of Doctrines and Discipline. It felt somewhat like being back in college—where there was a mountain of readings to do, and if you didn’t come prepared, you could easily fall behind as discussions moved full steam ahead. Initially, it was overwhelming because I found myself still processing the discussions in my head when, suddenly, it was time to vote. It was a bit intimidating, but I kept reminding myself that God had a purpose for me being there: to learn and to be a voice, ready to speak out when necessary.

With the help of the Holy Spirit and the intercession of others, I not only learned a lot but also grew more confident in speaking up—first in the small groups and later in the plenary. I realized it was okay to ask questions and share my perspective, even if the majority might not agree. I was encouraged by the respectful and humble atmosphere throughout the discussions and debates. Even when someone’s viewpoint was voted down, there was no anger—only a spirit of humble acceptance of the majority’s decision.

I was also thankful for the wisdom and guidance of others from Mega Manila, which proved crucial when it came to voting on key matters. Their presence ensured that I represented the voice of Mega Manila, not just my own. Additionally, it was wonderful to have alternates with us who could experience some sessions and even vote in our place when needed.

“I was amazed at how the Lord orchestrated things so that, even as a relatively small conference, we played significant roles both on stage and behind the scenes. ”

I was amazed at how the Lord orchestrated things so that, even as a relatively small conference, we played significant roles both on stage and behind the scenes. Pastor Joanne Valenzuela was part of the Worship Committee, leading worship almost every day. Pastor Luther delivered a devotional message that inspired nearly every delegate to kneel in worship and prayer. Presiding Elder Pastor Robert Parcasio prayed powerfully one morning. Meanwhile, Pastor David Sablan Jr., Deaconess Phoebe Dayao, and I served as intercessors. I was honored to pray during the International Concert of Prayer at the opening service and again on the day of the elections.

Pastor David and I were also part of the Convening General Conference Prayer Committee, which met online monthly for nine months leading up to the conference. Our task was to intercede and prepare a prayer room that would operate during the event. It was in this prayer room that I met dedicated prayer warriors who tirelessly battled in prayer throughout the conference. I became a firsthand witness to answered prayers, especially during the episcopal elections.

Delegates and guests from Mega Manila and Covenant Philippines with Bishop Scott Jones and Mary Lou Reece shortly after opening worship, September 22, 2024.

“Then, in an extraordinary display of unity and humility, many remaining nominees voluntarily withdrew. It felt like witnessing the parting of the Red Sea. I firmly believe the Lord clearly revealed His will, and the elections were completed in record time. We elected six bishops after just six ballots! This experience reaffirmed the power of corporate prayer and how it can lead to extraordinary outcomes.”

Unknown to many, there were several unexpected challenges on the morning of the elections. These issues had the potential to disrupt the process and cause great division among the episcopal committee to which I belonged. I immediately went to the prayer room and joined the intercessors, specifically asking the Lord to prevent politicking and to clearly reveal His choice for the interim bishops. God answered in a remarkable way. The anticipated heated debate was short and respectful, and the first three bishops were elected much more quickly than expected—just after the first ballot. The fourth and fifth bishops were elected on the second and third ballots, respectively. Then, in an extraordinary display of unity and humility, many remaining nominees voluntarily withdrew. It felt like witnessing the parting of the Red Sea. I firmly believe the Lord clearly revealed His will, and the elections were completed in record time. We elected six bishops after just six ballots! This experience reaffirmed the power of corporate prayer and how it can lead to extraordinary outcomes.

My Takeaway

It was incredible to personally witness the movement of the Holy Spirit from start to finish, especially knowing how challenging it is to organize large conferences like this. I truly believe that one of the foundational reasons the conference was so Spirit-filled and peaceful was the intentional prayers and intercessions offered months before and throughout the event by our churches and intercessors. This is a powerful reminder of the importance of corporate prayer in our lives and churches. Only through consistent and intentional prayer can we grow as God intends and fulfill His purpose for the Global Methodist Church.

We must continue to saturate everything in prayer—avoiding the pitfalls of the past and ensuring that our discussions, debates, and personal opinions are always submitted at the feet of Jesus, allowing Him to have the final word. Amen.

Delegates, volunteers, and guests from the Mega Manila Annual Conference. Photo courtesy of GMC Communications.