“Just Jesus”: AIU’s Festival of Faith 2026 Emphasizes a Christ-Centered Picture of God

“FOF helped me change my way of thinking about God—from someone fierce to someone loving.”

Asia-Pacific International University concluded its annual Festival of Faith (FOF) for the second semester of the 2025–2026 academic year with a renewed emphasis on Christ-centered faith and spiritual reflection. Held from January 19–24, 2026, the week-long event brought together students, faculty, and staff under the theme “Just Jesus,” with Dan Smith, a Seventh-day Adventist pastor from the United States, serving as the main speaker.

From the opening service on Monday, the messages consistently directed attention back to Jesus—not as a distant religious symbol, but as a personal and present Savior who understands human doubt, fear, and struggle. Through Scripture, storytelling, and creative elements such as drama, Pr. Dan Smith helped us see Jesus in ways that felt honest and real.

Some messages challenged how we see God—especially the idea that He is always angry or waiting to punish us. Others reminded us that God’s commands are not meant to take life away, but to protect what matters most. And more than once, we were reminded that no matter how far we feel we’ve gone, we can always come back.

By the time Sabbath arrived, the message was clear: God is not harsh or distant. He is near. He is good all the time. And He is always calling us home. One student reflected, “FOF helped me change my way of thinking about God—from someone fierce to someone loving.”

Worship was also a huge part of the experience. Led by an international praise team (Sergio Leiva and Marco Villacura from Chile, Khen Cain from the Philippines, Pr. Jun Dinero and his daughter Twinks from Bangkok Adventist Hospital, and Georgia Baguio and Melody Tumalun, students from Asia-Pacific International University), the worship sessions felt alive, sincere, and welcoming.

“The music made the atmosphere alive and meaningful,” one student shared. “It helped me feel more focused and connected to God.”

For worship leader Marco Villacura, the songs were about the heart behind the worship. “It’s about how you connect with God,” Marco remarked, “what matters is not singing for your own glory, but for God’s glory.”

“God is not harsh and demanding, but good and loving all the time.” — Pr. Dan Smith

Throughout the week, students reported moments of peace, conviction, encouragement, and renewal. While some felt challenged to reflect more deeply on their faith, others found comfort and healing. Many described the Festival of Faith as a reminder of why they first chose to follow God.

“I was struggling to find my way back to God,” one student shared, “but the music, message, and fellowship helped bring me back and reminded me why I gave my life to God.” Another added, “It reminded me that we don’t have to be afraid. God is always beside us.”

Reflecting on the week, Pr. Dan Smith shared:

“[The students] seem to be positive to the picture of God that we shared—that God is not harsh and demanding and vindictive, but a God who is good, and loving all the time… It affirms what I believe that Jesus changes people and makes them kind and wonderful.”

As students returned to classes and daily routines, the message of “Just Jesus” continued beyond the week itself. The Festival of Faith did not close with a program, but with an ongoing call to live out a faith that is grounded, compassionate, and centered on Christ.

By Dal Za Kap