Christ the Lord is risen! Hallelujah! Jesus is Alive! IVCF exists for this cause!

We testify to this fact not only by shouting our praises but also through the testimonies of students and graduates whom we minister to. This issue contains a few of their encouraging accounts.

For one, RG Guillermo shares how he is blessed through his involvement  in the campus ministry. Ging Marbella updates us regarding the affiliaton process undertaken by graduate groups.The IVCF Home s in Cebu and Kabacan are also respectively featured. To add, read and pray for our Graduate Ministries and summer training camps.

As a response to the convincing truth and the blessed hope of ressurection, may we live out our faith in praise of His name.

In Christ,

Erickson Velardo
IVCF National Director

The East Asia Intermediate Staff Training (IST) 2009 was held in Bangkok, Thailand on February 21-27, 2009. With the theme “Keeping Vibrant, Living Legacies”, it had Mr Go Keat Peng and Ms Elsie Calalang as resource persons.

It was a thirst-quenching experience not because we, the participants, have been deprived of a cold drink in staff work, literally and figuratively, but it remarkably accelerated our response to God’s call to serve Him through the student ministry.

Particularly, the Bible readings brought us back to the basics. We were reminded about the centrality of the Word in all of life and ministry, the blessed hope of simply trusting in God, the value of team work, among others.

For 29 years now, the Kabacan IVCF Home hase been a venue of various trainings, Bible studies and regular fellowships. However,it is already dilapidated and certain portions have rot. It has been feared that a typhoon might tear it down.

Because oStudents meeting at IV Home Kabacanf this, the Southern Mindanao Regional Advisory Council (RAC) planned to build a core house with an attic, which could accomodate students who would like to spend a night or two after the regular fellowships. Part of the plan is having a separate room for the staff or GT. Another is an ample function room which could be a session hall for various trainings and seminars. The RAC designated Northenr Cotabato graduates; Engineer Boyet Aquitania, Dr. Pres Enkong and Estrella dela Cruz to supervise the construction.

Since then, Php 156,000.00 have been raised and pieces of lumber and other construction materials have been donated by the alumni. However, the construction per se has not yet started as the said fund and materials cannot still suffice. It is along this line that we are enjoining you to be our partners or benefactors!

We are convinced that investing in a conducive IVCF Home will advance both our equipping or servant leaders and witnessing to students.

I moved to Cebu for the licensure review in (when? Year, please).  I easily located the IVCF Home because, right after our KC in 2001, it served as a luggage repository while we waited for our boat ride back to Cagayan de Oro.  Still fresh in my mind, IVCF Home is along Junquera Street and is near a restaurant and a bakery.

Surely, it has annually sheltered a number of KC or LCDC delegates.  Some, just like us, stay due to a delayed boat or plane ride.  Others may not have bought a ticket yet.  Regardless of the reason, the fellowship of both old and new friends compels us to extend our stay to a day or two.  Hence, it has been a hotel for stranded campers or a transient house for walk-in or visiting IVCF graduates or students.

Brennan leading a Bible study in CEV IV-Home. He is a Grad team member in Cebu.

Further, it has been the host of a number of small and large group meetings, Bible studies, counseling sessions, and execom meetings, and the usual favorite tambayan.  It has been a haven and heaven of so many generations: from the pioneers who witnessed its humble beginnings and the younger ones who now benefit from its rich heritage, a GT who once facilitated a small group to a troubled teen who encountered Christ, a staffworker who spoke in one special event to a fresh college graduate who envisioned herself in cross-cultural missions.

Structurally, the IVCF Home has also started to rot.  Nevertheless, it remains a testimony of God’s grace, goodness, and faithfulness to the movement in the region.

I do not know where will I be in the next few years, but, if by any chance, I will be in Cebu again, I can still find my way back to our IVCF Home along Junquera Street.

On September 3, 2008, the IVCF Board of Trustees encouraged “operational” IVCF graduate groups to officially affiliate to the movement through the National Office.

For one, it is a response to the growth and diversity of IVCF graduates all over the country and overseas.  Further, it is a way to officially recognize Christian graduate, sectoral and/or interest groups/fellowships who intend to be partners in various IVCF student and graduate ministries.  It also aims to benchmark affiliation within IVCF itself.

In particular, the Board’s rationale of the affiliation process is as follows:

• To ensure continuity and unity in the purposes of IVCF Philippines
• To avail of the resources, network, and training programs of IVCF Philippines
• To facilitate working relationships in the pursuit of IVCF’s Vision, Mission and Core Values
• To define the basic protocol of the affiliate’s working relationship with IVCF-Philippines, the latter being the umbrella organization
• To promote mutual encouragement, stimulation, and perspective
• To partner in prayer, resource mobilization, and program development and implementation

At present, Inter Varsity Professional Movement (IVPM) groups in Mindanao (Davao, General Santos, Polomolok, Caraga, Zamboanga, and Bukidnon), Cagayan de Oro, Makati and Ortigas, Bicol (Sorsogon, Legaspi, Iriga, graduates in Manila), Cebu, SVCF Alumni Association-UPLB, Adamson Alumni Group, Common Grounds of Batangas, and ISCF Reaching Hands are firming up their documents respectively.

About 60 people attended the IVCF Southern Mindanao Regional Assembly last February 20-22, 2009 at Camp Alano, Toril, Davao City.  The theme was “Revive Us, O Lord… You are our Hope!”

The speaker, Ms. Reomida Dalipe, espoused Jeremiah 31 and 33 and shared her experiences as a missionary in Nepal.  Further, Engr. Rod Buenconsejo delivered a lecture on stewardship of money.  Meanwhile, Engr. Junjun Hernani talked on the perils of misusing media technology.  Further, Ms. Naome Basilio facilitated a workshop on personhood.

Newly elected members of the Regional Advisory Council (RAC) are Dr. Prescilo Engkong, Ms. Reomida Dalipe, and Engr. Junjun Hernani.  Ms. Grace Alegre was reelected.  RAC members include Mr. Gideon Estrella, Ms. Estrella dela Cruz, Ms. Joy Aspacio, Ms. Cheryl Combatir, and Ms. Linda Narciso.

Thirty students and graduates attended the IVCF-Northern Luzon Regional Unit Regional Assembly with the theme “Love that Abounds” last February 28, 2009 at the University of the Philippines Baguio.

The event was an opportunity to acknowledge ministry partners such as the Baguio and Pangasinan Leaders’ Councils respectively, Graduates Team Volunteers, Regional Advisory Council, among others.

During the assembly, the accomplishment report in school year 2008-2009 and plans for the next year were presented.

The speaker, Mr. Ramon Daen, ISOT Administrator, encouraged both students and graduates to keep on supporting IVCF through prayer, financial support, and being active in evangelism.

Time management and self-discipline are typical struggles of a student. Aside from plain academics, there is another wide range of compelling activities. For me, such range is wider at UP. Students may join an interesting organization, enjoy a movie at the Film Institute, or marvel at masterpieces at Vargas Museum, among others.

Whether one prioritizes academic life or organization life, commitment is imperative. Commitment entails giving of our time, mind, and very self to whatever preoccupies us.

In truth, I am equally committed to my academics and to IVCF. Both deserve my time, mind, and very self not for my merit but, more than anything, for the glory of God.

Before I became a Christian, I viewed academics as unnecessary. I was uncertain of my study habits, which were inconsistent and ineffective. I thought I was diligent–take down notes, review, and trust my capability, work for high grades. However, laziness or complacency was still evident.

When I entered UP, I realized that such study habits will not help and hardwork really matters. Besides, with the gifts God has given me, it is proper to glorify Him by being academically excellent, which is, in fact, a part of my testimony or witness.

Through IVCF, I have known the gospel. A friend, gripped by the gospel of salvation, urged me to join State Varsity Christian Fellowship (SVCF). I was hesitant because I had made a pact to myself not to join any organization. Nearly two years after that, I have no regrets because I am enjoying God’s work not only in my personal life but also in my studies, for which I thank and praise Him.

At present, I am the head of SVCF’s membership committee and chair of the Manila Leaders Council. Both entail me physically and mentally demanding responsibilities!

I have two more semesters in college. I am currently taking two pre-thesis and two major elective courses while undergoing on-job-training at the Asian Theological Seminary. I was apprehensive to write this article head on because I am in a tempestuous storm of writing term papers. However, with this, God reminded me of His hand which is at work in my life. What inspires me to be excellent in my studies is that what I am and what I will be is all because of His grace. With this I am at peace.

Summer Camp and Conferences Schedule

NATIONAL CAMPS

Kawayan Camp 2009
April 10-May 8
Theme: “Milestone: The Journey Continues”
Camp Humayan
Brgy. Busay. Bago City, Negros Occidental
Contact person: Eumir Villamor (09279241390)

Operation Samaria
May 21 June 1
Theme: “Pagtugon”
Aurora Province
Contact person: Rhoda Estrada and Ivan Lawag

National Graduates Team Conference
May 17-23, 2009
Theme: “Joyful Sojourners”
Faith Retreat and Conference Center, Ambulong ,
manuc-manoc, Boracay, Malay Aklan.
Reg Fee: P3,800
Contact persons: (Milli Guarin 0917-8291849 &  Elsie Calalang 0917-8228533)

REGIONAL CAMPS

MM Regional Unit:
ISCF Sibol
April 13-18
Theme: “Clear: No Guilt”
Lord’s Garden
Brgy Looc, Calamba Laguna
Contact person:Joanne Hurtada (09228523356)

ISCF Leadership-Discipleship Camp
May 1-9
Theme: “UnMe”
Lord’s Garden
Brgy Looc, Calamba Laguna
Contact person: Shebel Solmia ((09164559587)

Missions Camp
May 7-10
Theme: “God’s Heartbeat:  Discover,Align, Pursue”
Lord’s Garden
Brgy Looc, Calamba Laguna
Contact person: Frank Narra / Billy Goco /   Jhune Castro

Summer Treks: Part 2 of
Missons Camp
(Palawan, Benguet, Metro Manila)

Summer Camp and Conferences Schedule
Bicol Regional Unit
ISCF Camp April 8-11, 2009
Theme: “Renew”
Iriga City
Contact person:Gerlen Orozo (09095689863)

CEV Regional Unit

Leadership-Evangelistic-Discipleship Camp
Theme: “U-turn: The Only Way”
Camp Bato, Manatad, Sibonga Cebu
May 20-25, 2009
Reg fee: Church: P2,500, ISCF: P2,200
Subsidy needed: P11,000
Target delegates: 35
Contact person:Celgen Aurestila(09168238658)

Western Visayas Regional Unit

ISCF Camp
Theme: “DNA:(Dead Now Alive)
Reborn Identity. –Galatians 2:20”
May 17-23, 2009
Camp Humayan
Reg. fee:
Church: P2,300, Roxas: P1,500, Iloilo & Guimaras:
P1,600, Bacolod: P1,700.
Subsidy Needed: P4,300
Contact Person: Rachel Jentapa(09166395069)

SM Regional Unit

Leadership Camp-Discipleship Camp
May 2-8, 2009
Theme: “Not I…”
Camp Alano, Toril, Davao City
Camp Subsidy: P30,000

Caraga Regional Unit

Joint Graduates and tribute to the Graduates
March 27-29
Theme:  “Fulfilling our destiny”
Montilla Beach House, Manapa, Buenavista,
Agusan del Norte
Reg. fee: P200
Contact person: Edcyl Lopez

Mindanao Student’s Leaders’ Camp and counselors’
Training Camp
May 16-29, 2009
Theme: “Claiming Our Inheritance:
Land of the Reigning Sun”
Bukidnon
Reg Fee: P2,600
Contact person:
Ramon Tecson
(09236509548)

Praise and Prayer

April  2009

Dear IVCF Family & Friends,

“The LORD bless you and keep you;
the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you;
the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.”
Numbers 6:24-26.

This is our prayer for you, our dear faithful prayer partners and generous ministry supporters.  The Lord had been answering our prayers.  We are experiencing God’s goodness.

It is summer time again.  This is our peak time for camps and conferences.  God is using IVCF Philippines to touch the lives of many students and graduates.  Most of the field staff are at KC pre camp.  Those who are in charge of the high school camps are busy with their preparations. It will be another batch of students and graduates to minister to and to equip.  New lives to be transformed and be used for His glory.

We covet your prayers.  Please pray for us:

• For all our camps and conferences. Pray for all the details in preparation, execution and post camp details. Also pray for good health, good weather, traveling mercies and provision.
• Pray for all the staff involved for wisdom and strength.
• Praise the Lord for all the invited speakers, counselors and volunteers. Pray that as they minister, they will also have wonderful experience with God and the delegates .
• For all students and graduates who will attend.  Pray that they will experience the Lord in a fresh way and motivation in living His life all the more.
• Pray for the national summer camps’ and conference’s subsidies. We still need about Php 200,000.00 for KC, GT con and Operation Samaria.  Pray too for provision for our regional summer camps.
• Pray for a meaningful visit with Mr. ung Sheop Shin, the East Asia Regional Secretary. He will join us at the Kawayan Camp on April 17.

I appreciate all your prayers and support.  You have blessed us in so many ways.  Praises be to our God.

Your servant-leader,

Erickson Velardo, National Director