“As I spent time learning about God’s heart for the lost and the least, my heart changed and started leaning towards God’s calling.”
Cejay’s heart beats for his family. When he was a student, he studied hard to finish his education degree. And nobody could fault his noble desire. To be able to give back his parents’ hard work wasn’t out of obligation but out of gratitude and a sense of admirable duty.
But God had a different calling. It was during his Kawayan Camp (KC) experience that “the Lord impressed His work on the campus.” That is why the last day of KC was memorable for him – “it was the day I said yes to God and His work.”
Cejay is now a full-time church staff member. But not only that, he heeded God’s call to campus work. He has been an IVCF volunteer since 2019. He works among the students at Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology and other nearby schools. “I have learned that missionary life is truly difficult, to the point of going to campus empty-handed and even with an empty stomach,” he said. “There are needs in the family that I cannot provide for, and there are concerns that I cannot address.” In fact, his family is going through tough times with their beloved mother confined at the hospital for some time now.
But it is through these challenging situations that God teaches him some valuable lessons. One is that God wasn’t wrong when He called Cejay to His work. Another is that He knows his dire situation, so he can fully trust His sovereignty. But “the most important lesson I have learned is that there is no better way for me to serve God than by working on the campus. This is the best place for me to exalt Him, as He has called and placed me here.”
[During his student days, Cejay Basilan served as an ISCF head in his chapter, IVCF Spartan Christian Fellowship (Naga City), as well as the area Leaders’ Council president. He is a Kawayan Camp 2018 graduate.]
PRAYER POINTS
Pray for Cejay and all the volunteers of IVCF in Bicol Regional Unit and the other regional units. Pray that they remain steadfast to the Lord and in His calling. Pray that they will be able to inspire the students to create witnessing communities on their campuses and beyond.
Pray for the IVCF movement. Now on our 70th year, pray that continue to be light and truth bearers to the campuses, churches, communities, and the marketplace.
Pray for the next three years as IVCF launches its Strategic Plan with the theme, “Return, Rebuild, Rejoice.” Pray that as we return to in-person campus fellowships and rebuild chapters, we will also rejoice in what God will do in and through our staff, students, and graduates.
IVCF Movement in the Regions | AUGUST 2023
In Northern Luzon, the SVCF Baguio Chapter held a First Day Pray, interceding for the UP Community and lifting up to God their prayer requests for the university.
In Metro Manila, the Growling Tigers Christian Fellowship held “The Growling Start,” a sem-starter fellowship that invited students from UST and nearby universities.
In Southern Luzon, the Silangan Christian Fellowship (Oriental Mindoro) and Care Club (Occidental Mindoro) held Local Leadership Summits, attended by high school and college students, and graduate volunteers.
In Bicol, IVCF-CSPC (Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges) prepared a welcome party for freshmen using the “Evangelugaw” concept: evangelizing the students while sharing a bowl of hot lugaw.
In Central and Eastern Visayas, 30 high school students attended the Sibol Camp in Negros Oriental, with the theme “Hinigugma.”
In Western Visayas, IVCF-ECF in partnership with MEANS has successfully conducted the Read To Grow Training Year 2 at Cabalawan Baptist Church, Sagay City.
In Northern Mindanao, students, graduates, and staff attended the two-day Regional Leadership Summit with the theme, “Return, Rebuild, Rejoice.”
In Caraga, 39 college students joined the Discipleship and Leadership Training Camp (DLTC) with the theme, “Andam, Maalam” (Prepared and Wise).
In Southern Mindanao, the regional unit hosted the return of the in-person Kawayan Camp, IVCF Philippines’ premiere leadership training camp, with the theme, “Nonconformist.”
