Third Ministry Update

Dear IVCF Family and Friends,

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I am excited to present to you our Third Ministry Update in 3 parts.  First, “see” God’s faithful work in the lives of our people captured through these moving pictures.  Then, be inspired as you “listen” to the voices of people who experienced God’s presence and grace as you read their testimonies.  Finally, “count” our blessing of growth reflected in our statistical reports.  Praise the Lord for His mighty works in IVCF Philippines.

Your servant-leader in Christ,

Erickson M. Velardo
National Director

I. Third Ministry Update in Pictures

This is the first part of the Third Ministry Update in “living colors” with various pictures that paint a thousand words.  Witness what God has done in the lives of students and graduates through the ministry of IVCF Philippines.  These visualize our activities and programs.  After all, our aim is to disciple students and graduates for Christ in all areas of life and equip them to serve their campuses, churches, and communities.

II. Third Ministry Update in Words

Personal testimonies have powerfully proclaimed God’s work through IVCF Philippines. Hence, I share with you the second part of our Third Ministry Update in words. I enjoin you to read these stories which will move you to praise God. Feel the joy of our people testifying how God has worked in their lives. Likewise, remember how you felt this way before. Thank God for manifesting His presence and power in the lives of both our people and ministry.

High School Student

Isagani II R. Caasi is a first year student in Davao City National High School. He describes his memories in ISCVF meetings as awesome. He said he learned not only about the Lord Jesus Christ but also about himself. He looks forward to our meetings next school year. (Jenny Tecson, IVCF-SMRU)

College Student

I did not only live aimlessly. I also hated life–myself, my family, those around me. I also hated God for giving me life.

My journey with God started in 2005. I was then a freshie at Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology (ASSCAT) and I neither have motivation nor ambition. Besides, I felt alone, unloved, unwanted, uncared for and unhappy. A former high school classmate persistently invited me to their IVCF meetings in campus, but I also presistently refused. After a few months, I succumed to the invitation.

Initially, I was a misnomer. I laughed at them. They seemed fools in their singing and dancing. Eventually, I came to know the Lord, learned about His love, and had my questions gradually answered. Thus, I always looked forward to the Tuesday and Thursday IVCF meetings. My longing for God intensified as I consistently attended the Bible studies.

Glenda Rivas, 4th year BSIT student, ASSCAT

In LCDC 2006, I learned that I am called to proclaim the Good News, so I eventually joined an evangelical church, where I now serve. In 2007, I also joined Kawayan Camp, which I consider a breakthrough in my Christian life as it increased my passion for the Lord.

IVCF has remarkably influenced me. It has not only trained but also nurtured me to be a servant-leader. These have all helped me as the internal vice president of the IVCF chapter in our campus.

I also thank God for allowing me to witness His works in IVCF. One of these is seeing students who are transformed by the Lord.

Please pray with and for me. I plan to have a month-long vacation and retreat with my family. I will also be looking for a job so that I can support the ministry. I want to serve Him in all aspects of my life so that His will be done in me.

To Him be all the glory!!!

Graduate Volunteer

Imee “Kim” Gregorio, GT Member at Pamantasan ng Lunsod ng Maynila

God intervenes in each meeting I have with first year students. One particular occasion was when we had a topic on family. I thought it is boring. Besides, because I was new to them, I thought that they would find it awkward to discuss something personal.

For that meeting, I prepared incomplete statements (completion guides) which they had to fill in. These all had to do with family issues. Initially, it was an ordinary meeting seasoned with laughing and murmuring.

However, Arvy’s turn made it so memorable. He was then an invitee and one who seems a bully. He always laughs and teases his classmates. I can no longer remember what he wrote in the completion guide. As he spoke, I knew that God had been speaking and revealing Himself to him head on. Apparently, the rest shared their struggles with me. After all, that is what Small Groups are for—a venue of enabling and encouraging each other.

Since then, Arvy, has faithfully attended our weekly meetings. Initially, I did not expect him to be that eager and serious. I realized that our small group is God’s and He chooses those who constitute it.

What makes Arvy hooked up to our small group? It is not because of the games, songs, friendship, sharing, laughter and tears but because of God Himself.

III. Third Ministry Update in Numbers

The following graphical data show the involvement of our students, graduates, individuals and partners in our five flagship programs: evangelism, discipleship, mission, leadership and nurturing the movement.  These quantitative data all the more affirms that He is indeed at work in this ministry.  His name be praised!

Statistical Reports by Flagship Programs

EVANGELISM

IVCF staff, graduates and students shared the gospel together in and out of the campuses.  We had different evangelistic events: campus-wide programs, classroom evangelism, concerts, film showing, leading retreats and recollection, Christmas party, seminars, large group meetings, evangelistic Bible studies, and personal evangelism.  Praise God for those you became Christians, and eventually joined our campus chapters.  There were also training events to equip our members in sharing the gospel.

DISCIPLESHIP

Discipleship in IVCF happened during training camps, large group meetings, prayer meetings, cell group activities and even informal times with students. Venues for discipleship also vary: in the classrooms, canteens, campus grounds, IV-Home, and campsites.

MISSION

Our Mission events ranges from praying for missionaries, connecting with other missions organizations, mission outreaches, feeding and relief programs for children, reaching out to M students, medical mission preparation, performing arts programs, and teaching missions topics.

LEADERSHIP

IVCF continued our leadership development program through Bible studies, student leaders retreats, mentoring the leaders’ council, and mentoring sessions.

NURTURING THE MOVEMENT

Praise God for blessing IVCF with volunteers, partners and donor.  These people are doing wonderful works for God and IVCF Philippines.