“My life before had no purpose,” recalled Pio. Playing video games and scrolling through social media is where his life revolved. Though he grew up attending church with his family, he never truly understood the faith nor took his Christian walk seriously. But a Facebook video warning about hell shifted the course of his faith. He began reading the Bible, praying, and attending Bible studies. Eventually, he accepted Jesus Christ.
Pio’s journey with IVCF started when he joined Sibol Camp back in 2023. He learned it through the Facebook story of an IVCF alumnus. A year later, he attended the Discipleship Leadership Training Camp (DLTC). He just graduated senior high back then. There, he was inspired to lead a Bible study after hearing the campus reports in the Bicol region. Seeing the commitment of his ates and kuyas, Pio desired to be part of a work “where students could know Christ and be part of a healthy Christian community.”
In his freshman year, he started a simple lunch fellowship among his fellow Marine Engineering students. Over time, it gradually grew into a regular Bible study and group study sessions for their academics. Pio started leading Bible studies in their boarding house and inside the campus as well.
But following Christ is costly. Pio faced persecution from others, struggled with living a life of purity, and wrestled with self-doubt. “Serving is sometimes tiring,” Pio shared. He needed to balance his studies and personal responsibilities on top of doing ministry work. Yet in all of these, serving remained fulfilling and joyful. For him, seeing students coming to Jesus, shaped by His Word, and growing in their faith, is the greatest joy in leading.
Recently, IVCF awarded Pio the first-ever Gwen Wong Leadership Award—named in honor of the IVCF Philippines pioneer. His leadership was recognized and he was granted a full scholarship to go to Kawayan Camp 2026.
At KC, he learned that leadership is dependence, not on his competence nor his ability, but on God who faithfully “calIed, equipped, and sent [him] to share Christ with students.” Affirmed by these truths, Pio is ready to carry on the work on the campus. He wants to intentionally lead others to Christ and mentor them to become leaders as well. Because his dream for IVCF is for “more [student] leaders will be trained to extend God’s Kingdom on campuses and wherever the Lord calls them to serve.”
Prayer Points
- Pray for Pio to continue serving Christ with faithfulness, wisdom, and perseverance. Pray also for campus accreditation and the spiritual growth of the Bible study members.
- Pray for the Kawayan Camp 2026 graduates to serve effectively on their campuses and in their communities.
- Pray for God’s wisdom, unity, and abundant provision for the upcoming events: the Annual Corporation Meeting (August 22), the Regional Council Summit (August 22–23), and the Staff Conference (August 24–29).
REGIONAL UPDATES
Northern Luzon: Three student leaders completed the 21-day intensive training at Kawayan Camp from June 23–July 13; the Regional Leadership Summit (RLS) will be held on July 31–August 1.
Metro Manila: Twelve students and graduates participated in KC 2026 training; the IVCF USA Global Urban Trek cohort visited and fellowshipped with students, graduates, and staff on July 23.
Southern Luzon: Three students received leadership development through training at Kawayan Camp.
Bicol: Six student leaders attended Kawayan Camp for leadership training; Jedidah Palero transitioned into a new full-time field staff member on July 1.
Western Visayas: One student leader and one graduate underwent leadership equipping at Kawayan Camp; on July 17, the region hosted the online prayer gathering of IVCF graduates.
Central and Eastern Visayas: Three students and two graduates took part in leadership training at Kawayan Camp; on July 16, the Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) chapter welcomed incoming freshmen and introduced them to the IVCF ministry.
Northern Mindanao: Four students joined the leadership training at Kawayan Camp; high school students from the Corpus Christi Main and Pueblo campus chapters also began meeting regularly for fellowship and Bible study.
Caraga: Seven student leaders from Agusan del Sur and Agusan del Norte graduated from the leadership training at Kawayan Camp; the Regional Assembly is scheduled for August 1.
Southern Mindanao: Eight delegates attended leadership training at Kawayan Camp; on July 3, six small groups in ISCF Kapalong National High School began meeting regularly for fellowship.
