The year was 2023. Though it seemed like a lifetime ago, we saw only endless days of uncertainty. That included the IVCF ministry, whose main work is with students, on the campuses, in face-to-face fellowships. With the in-person element gone, IVCF had to adapt if it were to continue reaching out to students.
Enter IVCF’s Digital Ministry. Simply put, it is the online version of IVCF. When the universities closed, the Digital Ministry opened up ways for continued student discipleship. From cafeterias, school grounds, and other tambayans, IVCF staff and students moved to Facebook, Zoom, and Google Meet to continue, or in some cases, start new fellowship groups. Sure, the leaders had to use videos, memes, and presentations to make discussions engaging. Sure, there were more challenges inherent to the digital platform: distraction from other open screens or house members, and poor or at times non-existent internet connection. Even so, students and staff made do with what they had. God’s work continued.
With the leadership of Charlie, the coordinator of the Digital Ministry, pages like Student Kwentalks, Pinoy Christian memes, Believerse, and Inter-Varsithings, became avenues for students to connect online. Also, true to IVCF’s holistic discipleship approach, the Digital Ministry was not just all Bible studies and fellowships. The team scheduled workshops, study sessions, and tutorials to help students on their subjects, and movie nights for fun and fellowships.
One good thing about the online platform was its ability to cross physical boundaries. For example, when the Digital Ministry team offered an English tutorial session, a student from Marawi participated. It became an opportunity for Merla, a student leader from Western Visayas, to connect with that student. This connection continued beyond that single session, and she continued to engage with the student. There was also this student from Bicol who, for some reason, stopped joining IVCF in the campus prior to the pandemic. But because of her involvement in the Digital Ministry, she got reconnected with the fellowship and became an active student leader.
Charlie desires to see an expansion of the Digital Ministry. As fellowships have returned to in-person experiences, the digital platform can be further developed to complement the “traditional” ministry approach. With the development of videos and other digital materials, students need not wait for seasonal camps and training to be equipped. They can just access these materials and avail of vital tools for their individual and ministry growth. But the Digital Ministry is still a long way towards that vision. It needs more help especially now that Charlie is leading Southern Mindanao as its Regional Director. With such a heavy burden, Charlie can only provide online workshops and coaching. But he believes in the great potential of IVCF ministry in the digital landscape. After all, it adds to the fulfillment of IVCF’s vision to see “A Christ-centered community of Filipino students and graduates engaged in extending God’s kingdom worldwide.” And yes, that includes those on the world wide web.
Prayer Points
- Pray for Charlie as he manages the Digital Ministry and serves as Regional Director in Southern Mindanao. Pray for work from home opportunities for his wife, Shaira, and for God’s provision for their family.
- Pray that God’s work through Digital Ministry will continue to reach students even beyond classroom settings.
- Pray for our students, graduates, and staff to use social media platforms as a tool for expanding God’s Kingdom.
Regional Updates
Northern Luzon: Regional Director Charis Bautista has returned from his six-month sabbatical leave; regular chapter fellowships have resumed after the holiday break.
Metro Manila: Thirty-seven (37) campers participated in the Discipleship Leadership Training Camp (DLTC) last December 18-23, 2025; students and staff will gather together for a Night of Prayer on January 29, 2026.
Southern Luzon: The Executive Committee is preparing for DLTC 2026 while preparations for the upcoming Retreat, Evaluation, and Annual Planning (REAP) for staff, Regional Council, and volunteers in February are ongoing.
Bicol: Twenty-nine (29) delegates from different areas joined DLTC on January 5-10, 2026.
Western Visayas: Weekly meetings and campus fellowships of the different chapters have resumed after the Christmas break.
Central and Eastern Visayas: Talibon Polytechnic College in Talibon, Bohol, is now a recognized IVCF chapter in the region; new campus chapters were launched.
Northern Mindanao: Sixteen (16) campers joined the DLTC on January 5–10, 2026, consisting of eleven (11) under the Discipleship Track and five (5) under the Leadership Track.
Caraga: New ministry partners are journeying with the region; preparations are underway for Couple’s fellowship, Scripture Engagement Workshop (SEW), and Spiritual Formation for ISCF students in February.
Southern Mindanao: The region acquired new partners in December 2025 and finances are slowly recovering.
We praise God for this brand-new year and the privilege of continuing our journey alongside Him and you, our faithful partners.
