“I went through a phase where I struggled with an identity crisis, unsure of who I really was or what my purpose in life was.”
Waking up every day with a nagging feeling of purposelessness in her heart, Jessa wandered through a dull season of her life. She felt lost and lonely. Intense anger and frustration so consumed her that she hated herself. She began questioning her identity, beliefs, and passion. But Jesus, as faithful as He is, became Jessa’s gamechanger and shifted her mundane life to an extraordinary one.
In her quest for peace, Jessa encountered IVCF through an invitation to join a small group. “I was in my darkest phase in my life at that time, so I decided to attend,” she recalled. Her first fellowship with IVCFers drew her in due to their warmth and sense of community. She felt solace from her messy inner world. As she continued to attend regular fellowships and small group meetings, Jessa began to hear the gospel and learn more about Jesus. The growing curiosity and enthusiasm within her led to her full surrender to Christ, accepting Jesus as her Savior and Lord. Jessa began to sense the transformation of her life, subtly at first. She started reading her Bible and praying. Slowly, she saw observable changes in her relationship not only with Jesus but also with her family.
As her faith grew, so did her heart’s desire to share Jesus with her classmates and friends. She started inviting them to fellowships and Bible studies. Eventually, she led her own small group. Jessa’s first SG leading was still vivid to her—how she had to repeatedly study her topic so she could share it well and how anxious she was while sharing. Despite all these, she felt incredibly blessed and fulfilled with her experience. “It truly warmed my heart to be in a space where I could hear, share, and connect with different people,” Jessa said. Now, Jessa is a senior tourism student at Eastern Samar State University-Main while serving as the vice president in their chapter.
God encountered Jessa through IVCF, providing a haven for her where she could find her support system. As she remembers her dark past, Jessa now understands that God used her pain to pull her closer to Him. From a total wanderer, Jessa now can say that, “He filled my heart with a sense of purpose and satisfaction.” True enough, there’s no lost God can’t find, no weary soul He can’t console, and no fate He can’t change ’cause He’s the ultimate gamechanger.
PRAYER POINTS
- Pray for Jessa’s graduation. Pray for wisdom, discernment, and readiness as she navigates the future after her graduation.
- Pray for all the other graduating seniors. Pray that as they transition to the next stage, they will continue to be missional in whichever place they go to.
- Pray for our field staff. Pray that they will continue to train leaders like Jessa so IVCF’s engagement in the universities will create an impact on the students.
REGIONAL REVIEW
Northern Luzon: The academic year ended with semester-end fellowships in different chapters.
Metro Manila: Thirty-six (36) high schoolers attended the three-day Sibol Camp.
Southern Luzon: IVCF students and graduates from Palawan recently connected with graduates from other regions during the CAMACOP General Assembly in Puerto Princesa.
Bicol: Staff and student leaders conducted an evaluation for S.Y. 2024-2025 and a strategic planning for S.Y. 2025-2026.
Western Visayas: Aklan Area facilitated a retreat for graduating students at ASU-Banga Campus; Capiz Area wrapped up the chapter meetings by holding a Kick Off Fellowship at FCU.
Central and Eastern Visayas: Twenty one (21) campers accepted Christ during the Sibol Camp in Bohol.
Northern Mindanao: The region welcomed a new field staff and is preparing for the Regional Assembly scheduled on June 28.
Caraga: Students ended the academic year with chapter celebrations, a regional leaders’ retreat, and a tribute to graduates.
Southern Mindanao: High school campers attended the evangelistic Sibol Camp.
We experienced God’s continuous work among the students in different campus chapters nationwide. Your partnership in prayers and support is a great encouragement to us. Now the new ministry starts. We are excited to continue partnering with you.
