Growing up in a religious family, Bless—a Grade 10 student from Northern Mindanao—knew about God but never truly knew Him personally. In her younger years, she attended church simply because her family did, and she memorized Bible verses as a school requirement. She had religion, but not a personal encounter with Jesus—until high school.
In her first year of high school, Bless heard the gospel in a more personal way when her uncle brought her to a church. It was during this time that she accepted Christ as her Lord and personal Savior. Although most of her family came from a different church background, they supported her: “They let me explore my faith in the Lord on my own terms and encouraged me,” she shared. This support helped her grow in her faith journey.
Bless began reading her Bible regularly, attending Bible studies, and joining fellowships—one of which was the Inter-School Christian Fellowship (ISCF, the high school ministry of IVCF), named Young Disciples Club in her school.
For the first time, she became part of a small community where she “felt comfortable sharing laughter and conversation” with staff and fellow students. Previously, she was often unmotivated to join social gatherings—partly due to a physical illness—but after knowing Jesus, she felt “more motivated to be happy with [her] family and friends.” This joy overflowed into her classroom, where she invited classmates to fellowships and regularly led group prayers and worship sessions.
As she continues to grow spiritually, Bless is learning to understand Jesus’ grace and the depth of His sacrifice. After attending Sibol Camp 2024, she realized that Jesus’ death grants her forgiveness, and in response, He deserves her love and wholehearted devotion. “Even if my relationship with the Lord isn’t perfect,” she said, “I believe that I don’t need to be my best self to face Jesus.” Bless now follows Jesus because she encounters Him personally. What she has is a relationship with Jesus—not just religion.
PRAYER POINTS
- Pray that Bless will continue to encounter Jesus personally and grow in her faith.
- Pray that the student ministry will continue to grow, leading students to Christ, being nurtured in their faith through discipleship, and becoming faithful witnesses in the campuses.
- Pray for our field staff and students conducting the Regional Leadership Summits (RLS) in the different regions—for wisdom and sustenance.
Regional Review
Northern Luzon: Chapters in Pangasinan, Isabela, and Baguio recently welcomed freshmen through Freshmen Treat activities.
Metro Manila: Thirty-two (32) students, seven (7) fresh graduates, and four (4) staff and volunteers attended the Regional Leadership Summit (RLS), rediscovering their purpose in God and being equipped for campus ministry.
Southern Luzon: Five (5) students from SVCF UP-Los Baños and one (1) staff member went to Korea (August 3–11, 2025) for exposure, learning exchange, and relationship-building with IVF Korea through the SEED Project of IFES-East Asia.
Bicol: IVCF Sorsogon hosted a Regional Graduates’ Fellowship, welcoming one staff in the Sorsogon area and sending off one staff to Southern Luzon.
Western Visayas: Capiz, Aklan, and Iloilo held Area Assemblies, bringing students and graduates together to celebrate God’s work through campus reports and regional updates.
Northern Mindanao: The region is preparing for the Regional Leadership Summit (RLS) on September 19–21, with twenty-five (25) students and four (4) volunteers expected to participate.
Central and Eastern Visayas: Eighty-four (84) participants from Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental, Leyte, Biliran, and Eastern Samar attended the Regional Leadership Summit (August 21–23), committing to advance God’s kingdom in their chapters.
Caraga: Three (3) new associate graduate volunteers were welcomed; kick-off fellowships were successfully launched; area visits are ongoing.
Southern Mindanao: The Regional Leadership Summit (RLS) concluded last August 23–25, followed by a meaningful Staff Planning and Retreat held August 25–27.
Together, we celebrate God’s incredible work in raising up a new generation of Jesus followers, and we are excited to continue this mission entrusted to us, alongside you.
