Ipadayag – NMRU – November 2011
This year’s Leadership Camp-Discipleship Camp, with the theme “Greatest Gain” held in Mt. Moriah Camp, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon was directed towards helping students redefine sucess. It aimed on shifting their focus to what really matters: the high priviledge of knowing Jesus Christ. The camp was attended by 12 campus delegates and 22 counselors. The delegates came from Zamboanga, Iligan, Cagayan de Oro, and Bukidnon. The sessions, workshops, special events and the rest of the camp activities taught valuable lessons not only to the campers but also to the camp staff and counselors.
Northern Mindanao Leadership Discipleship Camp
The expositions on the book of Philippians were timely. The session on Stewardship reminded everyone of what it meant to be good stewards of the things entrusted by the Master. It also made everyone reflect on how they were investing their lives. The Evangelism session gave a fresh understanding of sharing the Gospel and introduced a radical approach to practical evangelism. The session on Mentoring talked about the practical methods in mentoring and the importance of duplicating one’s self. Celebrating one’s uniqueness and honoring God in romantic relationships was imparted during the Banquet Night and the Mission’s Night was spent on praying for missionaries and the people unreached by the gospel especially the Muslims.
The Bible Study Workshop was facilitated by the staffworkers and the counselors who were Kawayan Camp graduates. Everyone, even the counselors, studied using the OIA method and led Bible Studies. The Bible Study Workshop taught everyone what it meant to love the Lord with all their minds and sparked in them a love for God’s Word.
Hearing God speak through His word and seeing the beautiful campsite while spending their Quiet Time was special every morning. Even the most mundane tasks of cleaning and washing the dishes were enjoyable when done for the Lord.
What transpired within the 5-day camp cannot be described with mere words. God has indeed worked and accomplished the purpose for which He ordained the camp to achieve.
The challenge to continually pursue a knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ in the midst of a success-pursuing world is great. To count EVERYTHING, even the good things, as trash and “dog-dung” is a difficult truth the Christian student should learn and apply. But the high privilege of knowing Christ Jesus sweetness of “embracing Christ and be embraced by Him” is indeed the greatest gain.
The camp curriculum was condensed to 4 full days and 2 half days due to conflicting schedules of participating colleges and universities in NM. But this did not become a hindrance for our 12 campers and 22 counselors to be touched and be moved by God’s power, grace, and wisdom!
The three expositions on the whole book of Philippians ignited everyone to joyfully continue the race, encouraging each other in Christ, until the finish line. After the expositions, everyone was confident that He who began a good work in him will complete it until the day of Christ Jesus. We were reminded to thankfully continue working out the Christ-like attitude that God has called us to have.
The Stewardship Session empowered us to thank God for who we are and for what He has given to us. It reminded us that we don’t own anything in this world. Everything is owned by God, which is why we ought to give back to God the glory in everything we do. As students, we were encouraged to invest our time, treasure, and talent for eternity. We were also told to weigh priorities in God’s perspective.
In mentoring, we were grouped by pairs and we were able to experience firsthand what it was like to be a mentor and a mentee. This showed us how important it is to have a mentor and to be a mentor to someone especially to those who are new in Christ. In evangelism, we were practically challenged to share the gospel in our context using familiar methods with our personal touch. Our lives should be the Bible that our friends can read. Basically, this year’s LCDC had its own ups and downs, but we praise the Lord for being so much greater than anything we encountered in this camp. His character and being touched hearts, renewed minds and transformed lives. To God be the glory !
SWITZERLIZ PACLE, Bukidnon State University
SWITZERLIZ PACLE
“Thank You, Lord, because I am one of those whom you chose to join this camp. It’s a blessing, Father, that I am here now and learned a lot about You, God. Now, Father, I really love to study Your Word so much.
As I go out from this camp and face the real battle, the real world, Father, I know You will always be with me. As I continue serving You, Lord, don’t leave me. It’s great being with You. I want to spread Your Gospel, Lord God. Make me Your servant. Whatever Your will, Father, let it be done. You are my Owner, Lord. I am Your child, Father. And I am thankful for that. Thank You, Lord. Thank You so much.
As I leave this place, Father, I will walk with a difference in my life carrying the things I learned here. I will not forget it, Father. I am so happy. My coming here with all the struggles along the way is all worth it.
One thing’s clear to me now is that Jesus saved me. He transformed me into a new one. My old self is gone. I am renewed and I will serve Him according to His will!”
ANNABELLE PABLE, Dr. Aurelio Mendoza Memorial College, IPil, Zamboanga, Sibugay
ANNABELLE PABLE
I’m thankful to God that He sent me here for this LCDC. Through this training, my mind and my heart are renewed. I’m so blessed by the Lord through the speakers He sent me with the practical and timely topics.
During the Mission’s Night, I’ve seen in the film about Islam that Haik is very devoted to God. Even though he knew that he could be killed, he still continued preaching the Gospel. God is telling me that I should not worry about everything for He is there and He will not forsake me. He is my Provider, Healer, Miraculous and Loving God. He told me to really preach the Gospel and He will be with me. The Holy Spirit will lead me.
I’m transformed now. God transformed my perceptions; He erased my bad thoughts. He strengthened my faith in Him. I want to fish people.
One thing’s clear to me now. I have to really follow Him and to seek Him first before anything else. I will put into action in the real world the things I realized here. Even how busy school is, the campus ministry will not be stopped. I believe in His promises.
RIZLE JOY RETEQUIZ, MSU-IIT, Iligan City
RIZLE JOY RETEQUIZ
“To my One and Only God, Hallelujah to You, Oh God!
Thank You so much, my God for being so faithful in my life. Truly, God, You are the reason why I am what I am right now. You are the God who loves me no matter who I am!
Thank You, Lord, that we are free to worship You here. I’m struck. You’ve made me realized that I should give importance to my salvation and to all the things You have given me. Without You in our lives, all things are nothing. It is only in You that we will find everything, Lord God. Even if I can buy the things I want, it’s nothing compared to knowing You, Lord!
Thank You so much, Lord, that You have brought me this far, that You have showed me how wonderful it is to live in this world with You. With all I am, I give You thanks for everything. Without You, I will not be able to see that there are greater things worth pursuing than what I have dreamt of in life.”
NERAH SAMPUTON, Xavier University- CDO
NERAH SAMPUTON
Indeed, God is so great! I praise and thank the Lord for everything He has done in my life. Nothing is accidental especially when I attended this camp.
I will never regret that I chose to prioritize this camp because I have learned so many things about Christ. I praise Him because He has given me and the campers the opportunity to session lead. I thank Him for the things I’ve learned in every session. I was reminded to dig deeper into the Word of God. I’ve seen how important the word of God is, it is sweeter than honey!
I thank Him for the opportunity to pray for unreached Muslim brothers and sisters. We are very blessed to have the freedom to worship and pray and read the Bible yet we neglect its importance. I thank God for encouraging me to surrender the things I have especially the things that hinder me to come to Him. I thank Him for the opportunity to have a Bible Study Workshop. I am really glad that I know how to study and make my own BS guide.
I thank God for all the things He has taught me from the start of this camp until its end. For the Final Challenge, where I surrendered my life especially my time to God, I thank Him. I am challenged and encouraged to lead and stand up in my campus. I’m giving God all the glory and honor!
JONAHLIZA VILLAFLOR
JONAH
One morning, at the tranquil scene outside the house where I usually have my time with God, I felt lost. Uncertainty tried to cover me but it didn’t succeed. God reminded me through His words in Psalm 62 that God alone is my only hope, my rock and my salvation, therefore I shall not be shaken. I failed many times, but His strength enables me to be strong and hopeful in everything that I do and I desire. This is a “tula” (poem) of my heart.
Hanap ng Aking Puso
Pag-ibig ko ay hindi sapat,
Pagtitiwala ko’y hindi ganap.
Ang lakas ko’y nauubos,
Puso ko’y napapagod nang lubos.
Sinabi kong ipagkatiwala ko lahat Sa’yo,
Ngunit Ikaw ay binigo.
Ginawa pa rin ang sariling gusto,
Di pa rin nakamtan ang hinahanap ng puso.
O, Panginoon ako’y patawarin,
Salamat at ako’y mahal Mo pa rin.
Sa pag-ibig Mo ako’y Iyong pinuno,
Tunay ngang Ikaw ang hinahanap ng aking puso.
Dakilang Diyos,pag-ibig Mo ang pinakasapat,
Katapatan Mo ay lubos na ganap.
Panginoon, wala Kang katulad sa lahat,
Tunay nga Hesus, Ikaw ang aking hinahanap.
CELGEN AURESTILA
CELGEN
My first month in Cagayan de Oro was full of uncertainties. First, because there was no staff house yet. I was so restless and anxious as to where to settle down. Secondly, there’s no regional office. I didn’t know how to go about my job. And thirdly, the region is still unstable in so many areas. There must be issues that I should be ready to deal with. True enough, I was right. However, despite all these realities, it didn’t change my expectant heart. I am still confident that I am here because of God’s purpose.
On my way to CDO, I shared about ‘staff house’ to my prayer partner in Bohol. She was interested to help. She even volunteered to help and paid for the initial deposit. After a month we already found an ideal staff house and signed the contract. Praise be to our God! We just moved in this month. That amazed me so much. Indeed when God has called me, he also called others to stand behind.
I am also blessed as to how God has led our graduates in CDO to renovate our student center. So that when we pursued it, He too granted us a favour. Six graduates contributed for our funding. And a contractor was also provided, giving us a special price. By faith we can now proceed to convert one room of our student centre to be our regional office. Isn’t that amazing? These things are just a foretaste of God’s great work. It’s just the beginning. That makes my heart hopeful even more. God turned my anxieties to excitement.
Yes, there are still a lot of things to be done. I have an important mission to do. Yet the Lord rebuked me one time. I am not here because of a job that has to be done. I am here because of His love. Please pray that as I continue to serve God in his ministry here, I will grow more in Christlikeness and love him more & more. Please pray that the Lord will be glorified through our lives and ministry in IVCF NMRU!
CHEMBY SAMODAL
I came to know Christ in 2003, when Mrs. Vilbar, my high school teacher, led a pioneering ISCF Bible study group in our campus. My relationship with Jesus Christ grew deeper when I became a college student and joined Bible studies at Bukidnon State College, led by Mrs. Lilibeth Kuizon. I found joy and peace in knowing Christ. Before I knew it, I was already leading small groups in campus and reaching out for more outside of the campus.
After graduating from college, I moved to Cagayan de Oro and worked at Asian College of Science and Technology. By God’s grace, I was promoted to Department Head. During my tenure in ACSAT, the Lord led me to a group of students and used me to lead them into a growing knowledge of Jesus Christ through Bible studies. Even when I wasn’t already connected with the school, we continued to meet and grow together.
I ventured into business after leaving ACSAT and, now, I am currently employed at Cagayan de Oro College – PHINMA.
I am confident that it is not an accident that I am, again, connected to an educational institution. I believe the Lord wants me to be an instrument in reaching out to students through my profession.
IVCF and my Christian friends helped me to step up and encouraged me to look forward to what God has promised and that His promises will come to pass.
I once was lost and now I’m found. He has searched for me and now, here I am, responding to His call through His love, strength and grace. And without Him, I can do nothing. The Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues to all generations (Psalm 100:5).
All glory and honor belongs to God Almighty!
Praise God for He has been with us!
He’s been in our IVCF day/ Regional Assembly preparation. This will be on Nov. 30, 2011 at Word of Life (Seaside Bible Camp), Barra, Opol, Misamis Oriental. Praise the Lord for those who officially signed up as members of NMRU. This is in preparation for our coming Regional Advisory Council election. Continue to pray for the on-going membership process and nomination of our RAC. Pray that God will appoint committed RAC members for NMRU. Pray for each committee for this event and many will be able to come and celebrate with us!
Praise God for our Leadership/Discipleship Camp (LC/DC) last Oct. 24-29, 2011. We thank the Lord for the 12 campers and 22 counselors who were trained and discipled through this camp. We were blessed by the desire and passion of our 5 students from Ipil, Zamboanga in joining the camp. We were also blessed by the teachings and transforming work of God in the lives of our campers and counsellors.
Praise God for the commitment of our graduate team in Iligan, Cagayan de Oro and Bukidnon. We thank God for their support in prayers, efforts and finances. Let us continue to uphold them in prayers as they do their respective assignments. May the Lord give them wisdom, passion, guidance and material blessings for their family. May they too will serve as salt and light in their work places.
Praise the Lord for He granted the recognition of our ISCF ministry in MOGCHS here in Cagayan de Oro. We thank the Lord for the students who committed to attend our regular large group activity. Pray for more ISCF counselors who can help us in our meetings in campus. Pray too for our adviser.
Please pray for our campus-chapters:
- Xavier University (Cagayan), that the Executive committee will responsibly and cheerfully serve the Lord and each member will reach-out more students this semester.
- Liceo University and Capitol University (Cagayan), that we can network student contacts and teachers to re-pioneer student work in these 2 chapters.
- Mindanao State University (Iligan) that the student leaders would continue to be active even without the presence of a staff worker and that they can transfer to a new IV home.
- Bukidnon State University (BSU), that the new Christians will be nurtured and discipled and that new leaders will become more committed and faithful in reaching out students in the campus.
- Misamis Oriental General Comprehensive High School (Cagayan), that the students will be discipled through our large and small group activities.
- Corpus Christi High School (Cagayan), that our new officers of Young Disciples (YD) club will develop a closer relationship with the Lord Jesus and grow in their Christian life, guidance and provision for the upcoming YD Retreat on Nov. 25-27, 2011 at Word of Life Camp at Opol, Misamis Oriental.
“For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever and his faithfulness to all generations.”
We already transferred in the new staff house last Nov. 2! We thank Him for giving us new appliances and kitchen utensils. We praise Him for using people who helped us to transfer all our things from the pastoral house. We are also thankful for we have one family (the care taker) who are also staying with us in the compound. Let’s continue to trust God with our monthly rental (P8, 000. 00/per month). Pray too for another 2 dwellers. May this house serve its purpose.
We rejoice in the Lord for how He provided for the renovation of the Student Center, Cagayan. Yehey! We already have a newly-renovated student centre now! Indeed, the Lord met our needs in the right time. Continue to pray for funds for office tables, additional chairs, and other materials and equipment needed. Pray that this place will be maximized for evangelism and discipleship purposes among student and graduates. Let’s pray for Ira Pauline Gabot, together with our GTs who will help us manage the Center with the XU- EXEC.
We praise the Lord for our donors from the region and outside. Please continue to pray for a regular donation toward our operational needs. May the Lord bless our grads and students’ hearts to be able to give regularly. Pray that we can recover from our deficit (P 6,361.24) financial update as of end of October.
Upcoming Activities:
Regional Events:
Christmas Party
- CDO - December 10, 2011
- Iligan - TBA
- Bukidnon - TBA
Campus Chapters Regular Large Group Meetings:
- Xavier University (Panagdait, Friday 7-9 @ IVCF CDO Student Centre)
- Corpus Christi School (Young Disciples (YD) Tuesday Fellowship, 5-6 p.m. @ YD Room)
- Misamis Occidental General Comprehensive High School (ISCF meeting, Friday 2:30 to 3:30 @ Third year (Mathew) classroom)
- Bukidnon State University (Wed. 7 pm @ WIN centre)
- Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (Mentoring Sessions, Tuesday 12-1 pm @ Ceramics Engineering Lab, COE )
Other Announcements
We need the following for our newly renovated student center and regional office in CDO!
- Office equipments: table, chairs and desktop computer and aircon.
- Resources for our library: Christian books (Bible dictionaries, Bible, Commentaries & Magazines, CD’S or DVD’) and newspaper stand.
- White Board, bulletin boards, LCD projector and screen, Sinage, plastic chairs & tables, carpet &pillows for our prayer corner.
***Second hand will do..Thank you for your support!
Congratulations to Our LET Board Passers!
- Rose Bendula
- Regina Camensare
- Kathleen Christine Vedra
- Christel Jane Badal
Congratulations to Our New Licensed Chemist!
- Hannah Grace Hebra
