Official Newsletter of the Southern Mindanao Regional Unit of  Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship
IVCF Home, Door 1 Timbal Apartment, 521 Trade School Drive, Obrero, Davao City Tel. No.: (082) 305-0950; Email: ivcfsmru@dv.weblinq.com

SM’s New Staff Representative

Jether G. Yares, a B.S. Psychology graduate (magna cum laude) from the University of Southern Mindanao in Kabacan, has been appointed by the Regional Advisory Council last October 6, 2001 as Staff Representative for IVCF-SM.  His primary task is to visit the different areas once a month to collect donations and to give updates regarding the ministry.

Jether was an active student leader in IVCF-USM, serving as prayer coordinator (1 year), auditor (1 year) and president (1 ½ years) of the chapter.  He attended Kawayan Camp 2K.

Having been involved with IVCF since 1997 had made a deep impact in Jether’s life.  He testifies: “I grew up a Christian, but it was during my involvement with IVCF that my Christian life began to be meaningful and fulfilling.  In this ministry God molded me and changed me from being a bitter man to a forgiving one, from being an insecure person to a joyful one, and from being a rigid individual to a flexible one.  It was also in IVCF that I experienced genuine friendship, biblical neighborhood and responsibility. “

You can contact  Jether at the IV Home-Kabacan (Tel. No. 064-248-2238) and IV Home-Davao (Tel. No. 082-305-0950).  
[top of page]
===============================================

IN THE POTTER'S HAND

A testimony of a Camp Director

I have been praying to God that He might change me, mold me and make me the person that He really wants me to be.  I did not expect that He would answer my prayer by appointing me as camp director of the Leadership-Discipleship Camp 2K1.  I struggled over this matter because I felt I was not worthy for such a big task.  But the Lord made me worthy to do it and confirmed to me that this is His will for me.

As camp director I learned I need to depend fully on God, especially on His grace and wisdom in making decisions.  I thank the Lord because he allowed me to experience how it is to work with Him.  He used the camp to humble me and increase my patience.

On the last day of the camp we had an activity that capped the whole camp experience.  During the whole event I was touched by the campers’ responses.  Many of them cried as they made their commitment to stand and make a difference for Christ. 

The task of directing the camp was not easy but the Lord lighten the load by providing very supportive co-workers: the Staff--ate Nellie, ate Fe, Kuya Rod and Kuya Jasher; the Camp Staff—Darby, Divine, Myrrh; and the counselors—Clavel, Kristin, Jether and Ramel.  I will really treasure the opportunity of working together with them.  I also thank the Lord for giving me such a supportive and loving father, who was with me all the way—from the planning stage up to the end of the camp.  I continue to be grateful for the help of kuya Agustin, kuya Ramil, the GTs as well as countless others whom God used to make the camp a success..

I am so thankful to the Lord for changing me so that my life can glorify Him alone.  The training and discipline I gained from this experience I will carry throughout my life—into my future career and into the time when I will have a family of my own.

As the Lord continues to discipline me, may this verse become more and more real to me:  “Therefore since, we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us (Hebrews 12:1).”  
[top of page]
===============================================

PRAISES & PRAYERS
Davao City

v     We praise the Lord for healing Urian, Rod and Nellie’s son. Marc Derick, Dodong and Fe’s youngest son is now doing well after a series of unfortunate experiences—having a gash on his chin from a fall and having been bitten by a dog.

v     God has been gracious in providing for all our needs and in protecting us during our travels.

v     The younger graduates are meeting regularly every 1^st and 2^nd Tuesday of the month.  We thank the Lord for the initiative of Jun, Jake, Joyce, Juvy, Randy, Ivy and Janet.  Pray that the friendship and fellowship in the Word (and food!) will draw them and other graduates closer to the Lord.

v     Five schools in the city were represented in the recent LC-DC but only one campus (UM) has a recognized IVCF chapter.  Pray the delegates from the other four will take the initiative to begin a fellowship in their campuses.

v     There is a great need for Grad Team members who will spare some of their time to do campus work. Pray that God will raise up volunteers to disciple students.

v     We thank the Lord for three churches (Davao Evangelical Church, Independent Baptist Churdh, and UCCP-Agdao) that are faithfully supporting the ministry of IVCF.

v     Praise the Lord for an opportunity to start an NCF chapter at Brokenshire College of Nursing.  Thank the Lord for Mila Encarnacion’s support (she is teaching there and has been an NCFer) and Mercy, a freshman nursing student (KC 2K) who is taking the initiative for the meetings.

v     There are three high schools in city which have on-going bible studies for students:  DCNHS (15-20 freshmen), DCHS (5-8 freshmen), and UMHS (8 freshmen, 12-15 sophomores).  Pray that all of these students will have a saving knowledge of Jesus.  Pray also for counselors to assist the staff in nurturing them in the Lord.

Tagum City

v      GCF-Tagum regularly meets twice a month. Thank the Lord the commitment of the officers.  Pray for the other graduates that they may also have a growing concern for the ministry.

v      IVCF-UM conducts a bible in a boarding house composed of students from UM.  Pray that many attenders will come to know the Lord and be saved.

v      We envision to have a chapter at USEP-Tagum.  Please pray for Vic Espero, a concerned USEP graduate, as he considers many factors that will work best for this task.

Kapalong

v      Praise the Lord for the unity and zeal in the Lord of the graduates here.  Most of them are doing GT (campus) work as well.  Pray that the Lord will bring a harvest of souls from among the students in Kapalong, both high schoolers and college students  as a result of their efforts and sacrifices.

South Cotabato

v      Praise the Lord for graduates whose burden and support for the ministry continues.  They serve as inspiration and encouragement to other graduates as well as to students.   May the Lord bless them even more and increase their tribe.

v      We thank the Lord for a strong leadership MSU-IVCF.  The chapter conducts 2 evangelistic bible studies and 4 cell groups as well as regular big fellowship meetings in the campus.  Pray that God will sustain their enthusiasm and faith, matching service with growth in character.

v      Mayor Jordan Reyes shares a burden with us for thriving ISCF chapters in Polomolok and the other areas in South Cotabato.  Pray that there will be IVCF graduates and Christian teachers who will commit to become GTs/counselors for this ministry.  Pray with us, too, as we prepare for  a regional Counselors Training Conference.

v      At King’s College-Marbel,  IVCFers hold weekly evangelistic Bible studies, cell group meetings and large group fellowships.  May this chapter create an impact in the campus that will glorify God.

v      Our student leaders at NDU-Marbel needs to be bold, take initiative and be creative in developing their fellowship.  Pray that the Lord may inspire them for these undertakings.

v      A group of nursing students at Sultan Kudarat Educational Institute are meeting for regular Bible studies with Jasher and Kuya Ray. Pray that these students may grow in their faith and vision for the kingdom of God.  Pray also that God will send a graduate lady NCFer who will be a GT to them.

North Cotabato

v      Praise the Lord for 30 students who joined the Freshmen Treat  last Sept. 21.  Pray that there will be student who will take the leadership at Southern Philippines Methodist College.  Thank the Lord for GT Dr. Grace and her supportive husband Engr. Boyet Aquitania.

v      Pray for Ray and Jean Pasiliao as they try to re-start student work in Southern Christian College.  May God encourage them with like-minded partners and willing student contacts.

v      IVCF at USM-Kabacan enjoys a strong leadership and big meeting attendance of 70+.  Pray that  the officers and GTs may have wisdom to handle the  threats to their unity.

v      IV Home- Kabacan is in a really bad state.  Help us pray for means and ways  to put up a new IV Home.

v      Alumni of Cotabato City IVCF had a joyful reunion last Aug. 26.  Pray that God will renew in their hearts the vision for student work in their area.

TESTIMONIES

GCF Regional Conference:
Walking with God in Life’s Common Places
(an ambush interview.  Delegates were asked one question:  What was the impact of the conference to you?)  

I was  touched in the area of walking with God in the workplace.  I was impressed by the importance of maintaining a character of integrity in desiring for promotion and prosperity. -Gilda

The conference helped strengthen my commitment for the work with students. -Roy

I was encouraged by the whole conference.  It gave me an idea what to do after I graduate. -Bambam

I learned to forgive and release the bitterness in my heart. -Matty

It was a n awakening for me—that I need to let go of bitterness and extend forgiveness. -Ana

It helped me articulate my focus.  The life of Joseph made me realize that before God raises you up he may need to bring you down so that he can shake you, so that you will know who you really are and who God is. -Noemi

I was encouraged more to serve God through the student ministry. -Darby

The conference was an opportunity to  “shake off dust from my soul.”  It was also a refocusing. -Jordan

It was rest for me, a spiritual unburdening from the cares of the world. -Bebing

…recovering of perspective from God’s point of view. -Jun

It helped widen my perspective concerning the work of God in relation to my work. -Adon

It encouraged me to know more about God, to bed closer to Him.  At the same time it was nice to be with Christian friends. -Sherwin

…bumigat and burden for the student ministry, challenged.. -Alvin

My vision for the ministry (student) was sharpened.  The conference has widened my horizon with regards to my calling as a teacher.  I gained an eternal perspective. -Alma

God reminded me of the ingredients of the kind of life that pleases Him—excellence, integrity, dignity, prayerfulness, humility.   He gave me a sense of focus in the IVCF ministry.  He restored a burden in me to pass on to the next generation the legacy of fear of God. -Ray

I gained a greater perspective of the role of Christians in the modern world. -Jether

It gave me a wider perspective of my work in a foreign culture.  It impressed me with the strategic role of the Filipino as a cross-cultural missionary. -Faith

The conference was an empowering; it gave me a vision on how to manage the organizations in the church. -Lani

It helped restore the value of my calling as a person; the Lord affirmed me on my personal worth.  I was encouraged to be faithful to Him. -Sammy

It was informative and enriching.  It gave me a wider perspective on my life purpose and work.  The conference gave me more than I expected. -Jake

The conference helped relate biblical perspective to the realities around.  It was a blessing to be in the fellowship. -Rennalyn

…nahabwa ang bitterness.  The Lord is sharpening my focus in my work, ministry and life. -Norma

…redirection of focus especially in the student ministry. -Lily

I saw the impact of God’s will in my life.  I can relate with Joseph…It widens my view of my work. -Joyce

Nakita naming ang kakulangan naming sa isa’t isa.  We realized we were in bondage to many things in our marriage (some secrets) that kept God’s blessings from flowing. -Mercy and Bobong  
[top of page]
===============================================

Hearing God At Christmas

             Christmastime is a joyous occasion most Filipinos look forward to.  It is a season of merrymaking, cantatas, reunions and parties (and gaining weight!).  Oftentimes, though, because of the abundance of noise around and within us we can miss out on a great opportunity for God to impress us anew with the significance of the birth of Jesus for our life and our times.

            The writer of the book of Hebrews tells us “in these last days He has spoken to us by His son (Heb. 1:2).  God spoke and continues to speak through Jesus’ life and works.  The circumstances of his birth, being the inauguration of the ‘last days’, tell us messages similar to those heard by the people who directly participated in that event. 

What they heard on the first Christmas

            Mary rejoiced at God’s favor of bearing His Son because “He has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.  From now on all generations will call me blessed (Luke 1:48).” Instead of fearing the risks involved in her unnatural pregnancy—losing her groom (Joseph) and losing her life (death by stoning for being ‘promiscuous’)—she willingly submitted to God’s will for her.

            Zechariah, after being silenced for a period of time, recognized God’s promised salvation come in Jesus.  “He has come and has redeemed his people.  He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David (Luke 1:68b-69).)”  He realized, too, the significant role that his son, John, would play in preparing the hearts of God’s people for the coming of their King and Savior.

            Simeon, an obscure man who was nearing the end of his days, found the consolation of Israel when he saw the baby Jesus in the temple courts being carried by his parents.  Taking the child in his arms he burst into praise: “For my eyes have seen your salvation…a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel (Luke 2:30a, 31).”

            The Magi from the east hear God through a star.  That star told them that the King of Jews, whom they, too, regard as King, has already been born.  And so, eager to see Him they took that very long journey to Jerusalem, unmindful of the hassles and difficulties along the way.  They gladly offered Him gifts and worshiped Him.  (Herod, unfortunately, only heard a threat to his throne.)

            These people were transformed after they heard God’s voice, not just with their ears, but especially with their hearts.  They were filled with joy, hope, peace and meaning even as they settled back to their normal existence.

We can hear God this Christmas

            Hearing God is not easy in the midst of so much noise and so many demands.  We need to find a place and time of quiet.  But more than that we need to deliberately quiet our hearts before the Lord. 

            Let us keep a listening ear as we read the biblical accounts of the Christmas story, sing nativity hymns and carols, and participate in activities commemorating the birth of Jesus.  Let us be like Mary, who treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart (Luke 2:19).”   May God enrich our Christmas celebrations with fresh encounters of Himself.

            A blessed Christmas to you all!
[top of page]