There is a strong tendency for a new field staff to pack his workload with too many meetings, fellowships, or Bible studies. Eager to take part in the campus ministry that molded him and planted the desire to be a missionary to students, he can be lured into a work cycle that will eventually deplete his strength.
But Caleb, a junior staff from Southern Luzon, learned an important principle early on: intimacy over efficiency. This comes as a constant reminder from kuyas and ates – that “ministry is an outflow of our relationship with the Lord.” He found the value of spirituality defined not by busyness but by being with God, just like Mary who “sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said” (Luke 10:39, NIV). That is why Caleb aims to “take [his] Sabbath, days-off, and other spiritual rhythms seriously.” These are not mere spiritual disciplines or routines. They are his hallowed times with the Lord. “I want to be more intimate with the Lord,” he said, so he can avoid burnout and overwork which can hinder his impact on students.
This mindset formed Caleb’s approach to his work. But this is not to say that he is doing less. With two colleges and a high school chapter to oversee in Mindoro, Caleb has a lot on his hands. However, he makes it a point not to drown in activities. In the midst of the bustle, he finds space to see God at work in transforming the character, perspectives, and lives of the students.
Still into his third year as a staff worker, Caleb knows that he has a lot to learn. He desires to be equipped even more “so that [he] can be effective in journeying with students.” He also prays for “more faithful, committed, and empowered staff workers and graduates who mentor and equip students to face life’s challenges.” Who knows? Some of them might come from those he journeys with – an impact rooted in his own intimacy with God.
PRAYER POINTS
- Pray for Caleb and his fellow junior staff to be intentional in their intimacy with God as they grow in their roles, tasks, and assignments.
- Pray for our field staff serving at Kawayan Camp and our office staff preparing for the Annual Corporation Meeting. Pray for strength and joy in service.
- Pray that the Annual Corporation Meeting in August will be an inspiration and encouragement for everyone who will attend.
- Pray that the East Asia Graduates Conference on August 7-11 hosted by IVCF Philippines will be a rich experience for every participant.
REGIONAL REVIEW
Northern Luzon: Four (4) student-leaders participated in Kawayan Camp 2025 for further leadership training.
Metro Manila: IVCF USA Global Trek Team held a fellowship with Metro Manila students and staff.
Southern Luzon: IVF Korea partnered with SVCF at UP Los Baños for the IFES-EA Student Exploration Encounter Discovery (SEED) Project from July 10-16.
Bicol: Nine (9) delegates from Rinconada, Naga, Sorsogon and Albay joined the intensive leadership training in Kawayan Camp 2025.
Western Visayas: ISCF launched a chapter at Central Philippine University JHS; IVCF PNU Chapter earned the Holistic Excellence Award and Most Performing Organization for SY 2024-2025.
Northern Mindanao: Seven (7) campuses joined the Engaging the Campus Session facilitated by National Director Di Fernandez on July 4.
Central and Eastern Visayas: Sixty-seven (67) campers and forty-five (45) student counselors participated in two separate Discipleship Leadership Training Camps (DLTC).
Caraga: Alumni, students, and staff gathered for the Annual Regional Assembly on July 5.
Southern Mindanao: The region hosted a Financial Literacy Webinar on July 18, attended by students and graduates.
We’ve seen firsthand how God sustains those called to ministry, especially in student work, and we believe He will continue to call people in this great mission. Your prayers and faithful partnership are instrumental in enabling us to witness God’s incredible work, and we’re thrilled to keep doing the work God has entrusted to us with you.
