Reported by Ma. Angela Marbella, IVCF Alumni Relations staff.

IVPM Mindanao Conference
Date: Oct. 30-Nov. 2, 2009
Venue: Mt. Moriah, Bukidnon

About 60 graduates plus 6 kids in tow from all over Mindanao came together for the annual IVPM Mindanao Conference. Under the directorship of Mr. Jether Reyes and with several young graduates earnestly helping out with the logistics, the conference was a refreshing avenue for touching base and strengthening ties with and amongst the graduates of Mindanao.

There were 2 key speakers: Ptr. Ed De Guzman as Expositor and Kuya Herman Moldez for Mentoring. Ptr. Ed’s expositions revolved around God’s covenant, the promise and blessing for obedience, nation-building, and he also shared about the presidency of Bro. Ed Villanueva of Bangon Pilipinas.

Kuya Herman’s content and design for his mentoring sessions (2) gave ample space for meaningful small group sharing leading to prayer times. This is what was most significant for me in terms of the content of the conference program. This gave us time to hear each other’s stories and know what each one is presently going through, to encourage one another, and pray for each other. The connection was far from superficial. I am thankful for those times.

Dear IVCF Family,

Greetings in Christ Jesus our Lord!

Our God is faithful.  He who started the good work in us and in IVCF continues to carry it out towards its completion.  We started the new school year full of hope to be able to improve on last school years progress.   However, many interruptions came: typhoons after typhoons, sicknesses and deaths of IVCF people, sudden staff movements, many unmet needs, and new challenges in our movement.  In spite of all these happenings, God moves in and through us.  So let us choose to rejoice in God.  For He is still with us, guiding us, and sustaining our people and our programs.

In this ministry update I present to you good news about our 5 Flagship Programs.  We are still doing our work and getting good results.  I invite you to read this short report for a few minutes and think about the lives of students that God is transforming through our work in IVCF.  Students are hearing the gospel, responding in faith, growing in discipleship, prepared to be missionaries, learning to be leaders, and nurturing our movement.  Our IVCF graduates continue to contribute to the movement in many ways.  Give praise to God for His mighty acts in our midst.

I. Evangelism Program

PNU Freshmen Treat (WVRU)

Rejoice with us that 2,445 students heard the gospel through our Evangelism Program during the First Quarter of the school year 2009-2010.  We recorded 507 of those students became Christians.

We shared the gospel through Evangelistic Bible Study or Discussion Groups.  During the first quarter we had 96 EBS groups with 810 students who studied the gospel to discover Jesus Christ.

Because we want our IVCF students to be active in sharing the gospel we had 14 Evangelistic Training Events attended by 257 participants.  Our Regional Directors reported that we have recruited 808 new IVCF student members.

“Praise the Lord for the success of the joint Freshmen Treat and 5th Anniversary of the IVCF-ASSCAT Campus Beacons chapter last June 30, 2009.  The total attendance is 129.  There were 64 freshmen students and 17 of them became Christians that night.”
By Edcyl Lopez, CARGA Regional Unit staff

II. Discipleship Program

Cell Group GTKY (BRU)

We have 4 discipleship activities: Cell Group (CG) Meetings, Large Group Meetings  (LGM), Prayer Meetings (PM) and Discipleship Training Events.  There were 169 Cogs formed during the first quarter.  1,009 students attended it.

We also had 53 LGMs in our campus chapters, attended by 1,544 students.  For the first 3 months of the school year we had 50 prayer meetings in the campus, attended by 160 students.  And we had 22 Discipleship Training Events, attended by 273 students.

III. Missions

Friday Bible Study (NLRU)

We had 5 missions events, attended by 83 students.  There is one IVCF group reaching out to International Students and 3 groups reaching out to M students, both are in Southern Mindanao.

In CARAGA, we are reaching out to tribal students from the Manobo, Banwaon, and Higaonon. In Northern Luzon, we had an Inter-Campus Missions Awareness event and a Night of Prayer where students prayed for Unreached People Groups.

Our Missions Team, composed of 9 members who are young graduates and students, now led by Yvette Romero, had 3 major events for the first quarter of the school year.

“What we want to see Missions awareness and mobilization in every chapter and church through the formation of Prayer, Mobilizing, Welcomers, Senders, and Goers Groups, Churches receive first-hand experience of cross-cultural missions work, Increased number of students and graduates involved in world Christian discipleship, and Students and graduates ushered to specific roles in world missions.”
By IVCF Missions Team

IV. Leadership

Leadership Summit (MMRU)

This school year we have 399 student leaders, 333 of those are IVCF-trained.  We had 36 Leadership Training Events, attended by 180 students during the first quarter of this school year.
In Metro Manila, we had a Leadership Summit dubbed ‘Special Force: Gear Up!’ last June 12, participated by 19 student-leaders from 12 campus chapters.  Seven (7) Graduate Team (GT) volunteers also joined this summit.

The participants of the Leadership Summit had a time of creative engagement through a structured learning activity, planning, interaction, retreat, and prayer.  They were also challenged to put their dependence on God, our commander in chief.  It was such a blessed sight to see the members of God’s special army in the student world crying out to Him in prayer.
By Mutya Febre,
Metro Manila Regional Unit staff

V. Nurturing the Movement

Graduate Team Meeting (CRU)

Our Regional Directors initially reported that during the first quarter of this school year we have a total of 41 Advisers, 20 ISCF Counselors, 79 Graduate Team volunteers, and 19 church partners.

Because IVCF places great importance in strengthening our movement and the people who faithfully supports our ministries, we have appointed Ms. Elsie Calalang as our Graduates Ministry Resources staff.  Ate Elsie is assigned to take care of our Graduates Ministry, by providing pastoral care and training to our graduates.  She had started to do this important task by since July 1 by being available as teacher, trainor and mentor to graduates in Metro Manila and in Mindanao.

“It is very encouraging and inspiring to know that our labor in the student ministry is not in vain. In my recent trip to Southern Mindanao, I met one of our former students in Iligan when I served as a GT in Northern Mindanao in the late 70’s. Belen Econan Bautista is now serving as house parent with her husband Pastor Larry at the orphanage in Mount Moriah, Malaybalay, Bukidnon. And the person who donated the piece of land where the orphanage is built was donated by one of our former students in Iligan also, Mrs. Grace Javier Ayala. In fact she and her husband built the Mt. Moriah Campsite, which IVCFers in Mindanao are now using for free.”
By Elsie Calalang, Graduates Ministry Resources staff

There are still other reports to share with you.  But this will be all for now.  In a few days I will share more stories to encourage you, such as our recent leadership and discipleship camps during the semestral break.  To end this ministry update, let us give glory to God.

“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works,
which God prepared in advance for us to do.” – Ephesians 2:10

In Christ,

Erickson M. Velardo
National Director
IVCF Philippines

Download: First Ministry Update [First Ministry Update- School Year 2009-2010]

Looking back at the past three months, I would summarize my staff life experiences using three Ts – Training, Trying, and Teaching.

Training

I had a dose of brain-bursting and bone wrenching training for the new staff on August 20-22 (Well, my brain didn’t burst and my bones weren’t wrenched – thank God for that!). It was an information upload, taking in as much as my mind could handle. It was a training that deserved an ample time of processing and reflection for an output. It has been an encouraging and uplifting experience, learning from  my fellow staff’s stories in their respective areas. The traumatic bus ride to the IVCF Building prompted me to utter a vow: never to take those roller-coaster-on-the-road buses. Whew! After our training, we had the privilege to visit churches as part of our exposure. One such visit amazed me;  it was my first experience of such a large congregation – more than five hundred attendees, but it was just one of the five Sunday services. Whoa!

Trying

This is one of a new staff’s adventure: trying or experimenting. Learning to entrust to God the plans I laid and to trust Him for the fruit He’s promised is a wonderful experience. I’ve learned through this that some of the things we did when I was a student leader didn’t work anymore now that I am a staff, and so I had to experiment on other ways. Other things, like the daily prayer meetings and discipleship Bible studies that were effective had to be launched out again as “experiments”, since different students would respond differently to an activity. I’m glad of that the students embraced these activities, because they’ve learned the importance and relevance to their Christian lives.

Teaching

I had the privilege to teach and serve as first-time staff during our Leadership and Discipleship Camp (LCDC) on October 21-27 2009. it was good to be back to LCDC after four years, and more so, it was good to be back at Camp Bato. It was a great experience, knowing that I am ten years older than our youngest camper. Ten years! Well, I’m glad I was still able to relate with them. I was assigned to teach the “Basic Christian Discipline”, the “IVCF Basis of Faith”, and the “How to Study the Bible using Swedish Method”. Even though the camp was physically exhausting, I was able to rest. All in all, LCDC 2k9 was a gift I was willing to receive.

With these experiences, I urge you to join with me in thanksgiving and prayer. Let us praise God for:

His creativity in reminding me of His faithfulness,
His provision all throughout the quarter, for the area’s needs as well as for our camper’s registration fee during the LCDC,
His guidance and wisdom for me, and for the student leaders, and
For the new GTs who committed to help in the ministry

With faith and anticipation for His answers, please join me in coming to God in prayer…

That we will continue to look up to and trust God in His work in the ministry,
That we , the students and GTs will be driven with passion, courage  and commitment in serving God, and
That we will have opportunities to share the gospel.

All for the glory of Him,
Kenny

My God is sovereign, He knows what He is doing, and He is in control.
Training, Trying and Teaching

KINI si KENNY
November 2009
by Kenny D. Ebo

Staff Intern, IVCF Dumaguete

Dear praying friends,
I envision a thriving chapter in each college and university here in Dumaguete City, making an impact to the students and creating an imprint to the campuses, all for the glory of GOD.

Last Nov.11, 2009, ISCFers of University of Saint Anthony, Iriga trooped to IV Home to watch Taghoy sa Dilim – an anti-drug film produced by Heinz Fuzzle.

The film strengthened their resolve to live a drug-free life. Also, the students were encouraged to invite their friends to attend more of our character building activities.

At IV Home Iriga City

ISCF students from University of Saint Anthony

Dear IVCF Praying Friends,

We rejoice for all the wonderful things that God has done for IVCF last month.  Praise God for the training camps that were held during the semester break.  Again, God used these events to disciple our students and equip them to be His servant-leaders.  Celebrate God’s goodness with us as you use these prayer guides during your prayer times.

Camp Bato, Sibonga, Cebu

Please continue to pray for us, IVCF staffworkers, as we go back to campus work. The second semester starts this week.   May God guide us again in continuing to implement our flagship programs. Also, we all need to do double duty as we prepare for our National Conference.  Please pray that God would provide for our needed subsidy of one million pesos to help hasten the preparations.  Pray for IVCFers to register now.  May there be many who will join us during this significant IVCF national gathering.  Help us encourage others to participate and build up IVCF again so we can continue to serve God better in the new horizon.

God bless you all.

in Christ,

Erickson M. Velardo
National Director
Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship, Philippines

Northern Luzon Regional Unit

Praise and Prayer:

1. Praise for the commando evangelism held last October 15 at the University of Baguio. Two students who heard the Gospel attended our sem-ender fellowship. Pray that we will be passionate in evangelism and discipleship.
2. Praise God for this new semester. Pray for excitement among the students. Pray for the preparations of our sem-starter / Praise and Prayer Night on November 13.
3. Pray for the different campus chapters as the second semester starts. Pray for the contacts, students and student leaders. Pray for spiritual growth, and involvement. Pray for the student leaders as they plan and prepare for the second semester.
4. Pray for the preparation for the IV Day scheduled (tentative) on November 30.
5. Some partners from the Scripture Union will be coming to Baguio on November 26 to 29. They will speak in a youth fellowship on November 27 at 6 pm in partnership with IVCF-NLRU and Midcity Church.

Central and Eastern Visayas Regional Unit

1. Praise the LORD for the successful LCDC 2009. We thank HIM for the campers, speakers, staff and counselors and the visitors as well whom He sent to be part of this year’s camp. We thank HIM as well for providing all our needs and for sustaining and giving us strength throughout the camp.
2. Praise GOD as well for the generous LCDC 2009 donors. They’re such a blessing to us all. We are indeed grateful to the LORD for having them.
3. Praise GOD for our new LCD. We’ve been praying for an LCD owned by the region and the LORD has answered us. Days before the LCDC’09 we were able to purchase the new LCD. We thank the LORD for the people whom HE used to give for the LCD project.
4. Please pray for the CEV students and graduates who are considering attending the NC’09. Pray for their preparation. Pray for financial provision and more creative ways to raise funds.
5. Please pray for the Regional Advisory Council meeting this coming November 28, 2009. Pray for safety and protection as the area representatives will travel to Cebu for the said meeting. Pray too for wisdom and financial provision.

Western Visayas Regional Unit

1. Praise God for the first semester that was finished. Praise Him for the student leaders who sacrificed their time, efforts and even money to help in the ministry here in Western Visayas.
2. Praise God also for the recently concluded Discipleship Leadership Training Camp.  Praise God for the 43 delegates, 20 counselors & 6 staffs who witnessed God’s transforming work in the lives of students and even graduates in the camp.
3. Pray for the IV Day celebrations in the 3 areas   (Negros, Iloilo & Roxas) of the region.  Pray for students and grads that will help the staff in planning, organizing and finalizing these events.  May it will be a day of highlighting God’s hand at work in the movement and of his faithfulness through the years.
4. Pray that as the 2nd semester begins, our students will have a common time to have fellowship and continue the work started last semester.  Pray also for God’s enabling power to help them live a life that is worthy of God’s calling.  May they be faithful and true to the promises and vows they made during the camp.
5. Pray for the staff planning, evaluation and retreat.  May it be a time for the staff to be refreshed and grasp fresh vision from the Lord as we continue the work for this school year.  Pray too, for creativity, relevance and innovation in doing the work amongst students.  The West Vi staff will also join with CEVRU Staff in a Financial Foundation Seminar this Nov 9-11.

Bicol Regional Unit

1. Praise God for the successful Leadership and Discipleship Camp last October 26 to 31 2009 at Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Pamukid, San Fernando, Cam. Sur. It was flooded with 69 campers, with  five church delegates and with 25 camp staff and counselors.
2. Praise God for His provisions to our delegates and for our camp subsidy.
3. Praise God for His protection during our camp.  Typhoon “ Santi ” was signal 3 when it passedby Camarines Sur. We had our Missions Night with the storm.  Praise God for its success.
4. Please continue to pray for our students and graduates for their financial preparation for the National Conference 2009.
5. Please pray for our activities this November  to December which are the following Camp Evaluation and Acoustic Night for NC fundraising project of our students, this November.  We will be having   IV Day and Christmas Party on December  12.

Metro Manila Regional Unit

1. Praise God for the recent Leadership Camp – Discipleship Camp (LCDC) 2009. Sixty nine lives were transformed with the Rabbis’ love and challenged to live that love into action. We thank God for our donors, friends and partners who not only prayed with us but also supported us financially. The camp ended with a little surplus. It was a grace-filled adventure with its new program. We had one whole day set for community involvement in the typhoon-ravaged Marikina and overwhelming-poverty in Payatas. This CI was in partnership with Compassion International and Payatas Gospel Community Church. In this camp, we faced last minute changes every day, but those had made God’s grace more evident to the camp exec, counselors and staff. Indeed, to Him be all glory and praise. (Ryan Gil Guillermo, LCDC 2009 Camp Director)
2. We also praise God for a grace and love filled 1st semester. The ‘penta’-months can be characterised with vibrant and teachable GTs, generous donors and vigorous staff team.  We thank the Lord for Mutya Febre who had led the region with humility and wisdom for almost two years.  We bless her with love, joy, peace and abundance as she continues to serve God in another ministry.
3. Please pray with us as we enter into another leadership transition. Pray for a downy alteration as we face the second semester with a very lean staff. Pray that these times would be a ‘kairos’ moment for our students, graduates, partners and volunteers to take part in our ministry here in the region.

Download:

Praise and Prayer November 2009 [PDF version]