Even while on bed rest during pregnancy, Frensie Balawag shares her reflections with joy, seeing her journey as both deeply personal and part of God’s greater work. She is IVCF Western Visayas’ Inter-Varsity Graduate Representative based in Aklan.
As a college student, Frensie longed for Christian fellowship within her campus. With no IVCF group at the time, her IVCF journey did not start during her student years. Although she found encouragement through evangelism efforts and church camps, she yearned for a Christian community on campus. Years later, she finally encountered IVCF—not as a student, but as a graduate.
In 2023, she officially became IVG Representative for IVCF Western Visayas. Learning about IVCF’s vision and mission rekindled her desire a few years back to walk with fellow believers. At first, she was unsure how to begin ministering to graduates. Yet the example of other alumni encouraged her to step forward in faith.
Her first Graduate Conference became a turning point. She met alumni from different seasons of life and found herself embraced by a family that reflected God’s grace in diverse ways. Alongside the joy, there were challenges—such as reaching out to unfamiliar graduates and learning to navigate across generations. According to her, some responded, some simply just “seen” the message, and some didn’t respond at all but these experiences taught her perseverance and trust in God’s timing.
Through service, Frensie was reminded of her first love–Jesus Christ, bringing her back to how she was when she first met Him, and challenging her to reflect on how she is walking with Him now. Her reflections highlight three important lessons: God uses people wherever they are planted; every season holds surprises; and the unique gifts of each believer enrich the body of Christ when harmonized together.
As a university faculty member, she juggles career responsibilities with ministry work. Conflicts in schedule are inevitable, but she has witnessed how God orchestrates time, people, and opportunities. For her, intentionality—whether through sharing meals, initiating conversations, or offering gratitude—remains one of the most powerful ways to reflect Christ’s love.
For Frensie, student ministry has long-term impact. The values of stewardship, accountability, and bayanihan instilled in students carry over when they become graduates. Alumni, in turn, bring resources, experience, and mentorship to sustain the movement.
In Aklan, the IVCF Graduate Ministry is still in its early stages. Her prayer is that more graduates will embrace their calling, reconnect with fellowship, and help raise up future leaders.
Her story affirms a vital truth: IVCF ministry does not end at graduation—it expands, as graduates continue to enrich the body of Christ and pass the legacy on to the next generation.
Prayer Points
- Pray for Frensie to safely deliver her baby and in the meantime that God will watch over her and the baby, providing health, strength, and provision throughout this season.
- Pray for our graduates, that their faith and influence will continue to shine faithfully and impactfully in their workplaces and communities.
- Pray for our staff, asking God to grant them wisdom, perseverance, and spiritual strength as they serve diligently in ministry.
Regional Updates
Northern Luzon: Partnership with Christ the Savior Church in Cabagan, Isabela was formalized on October 11, 2025, marking an expansion of God’s work in Northern Isabela.
Metro Manila: Thirty-nine (39) students, graduates, and staff joined the MMRU Balik Eskwela and Night of Prayer on September 27 to intercede for the nation and campus chapters; students united in prayer and fellowship during IFES World Student Day on October 16, 2025
Southern Luzon: Kanlungan Christian Fellowship received its first-time accreditation, Kalasag Christian Fellowship’s Freshmen Treat drew over a hundred students, and regular weekly meetings continue in SVCF-UPLB as well as campuses in Batangas, Cavite, Mindoro, and Palawan.
Bicol: The Regional Leadership Summit on September 19-20, attended by thirty-four (34) student leaders, along with retreats, team building, and planning across Bicol areas, united and empowered students for effective campus ministry aligned with IVCF’s strategic priorities.
Western Visayas: As part of the effort to strengthen the ministry’s presence in accredited campus chapters, IVCF at Aklan State University set up a booth featuring Christian merchandise and inspiring literature, distributing colorful bracelets with meaningful symbolism, and offering ‘Scripture Snacks’—short, uplifting Bible verses—to encourage students during exam season.
Northern Mindanao: Staff and students participated in the Mental Health Week celebration from October 7–9, 2025, at Centrio Ayala Mall, where a booth was set up and the gospel was shared through symbolic gospel bracelets.
Central and Eastern Visayas: In response to the impact of the recent earthquakes, a relief operation was conducted on October 6 & 27 2025, in Bogo City, Cebu, distributing sacks of rice, boxes of bottled water, solar lights, and providing debriefing to church members and in the community.
Caraga: Over sixty (60) students from different campuses, backgrounds, and denominations gathered together virtually during the first Student Large Fellowship on October 24, 2025.
Southern Mindanao: Consultation for IVHome building construction in Tagum City was completed, and a core group was formed to lead the project; Partnership with Surge Marketplace, a freelancing agency and course provider, to offer IV volunteers, recommended by region, a free bundle of courses, internships, and client referrals.
