JANUARY 2016
P H I L I P P I N E S CENTRAL AND EASTERN VISAYAS REGIONAL UNIT
VOLUME 1, ISSUE NO. 4
T
he social Work Society is an established student organization at the Southwestern University in Cebu City. Being elected as its president is a big pleasure at the same time a pressure. It is a pleasure in the sense that I can serve other students, cater to what they need and especially become a witness of God’s astounding actions and of His glory. I have learned a lesson from one of my counselors which I always bring with me: “I am a Christian who happened to be a student, and not a student who happened to be a Christian.” So, it is a joy for me to serve others rather than to be served. Pressure also because I need to deal with the over-all population of Social Work students. I will lead in planning of what we should do to enhance their practices in the field of Social Work, and initiate to strengthen the relationship between each members. The recent activity we did was conducting a Christmas Party for the less fortunate children of the Drop-in Center from Parian. This agency offers temporary shelter for turned-over street children. Organizing this event was so much hassle, time-consuming, energydraining and somehow a struggle. It was tiring and I almost gave up. I was tempted to turn-over the leadership to the vice-president,. Suddenly, a voice whispered to me that this event is not just for the sake of the Society’s listed calendar of activities, nor to extend help to the children, but this is for God alone. I was reflecting and realized that I was using my own strength and I forgot to seek Him first. From that time, I was rectified and I prayed hard and asked God what He wants me to do for this event that would make sense for everyone. It was a reminder for me to just rest on Him, and let His peace rule over Cebu City Area
in this event and in my life. He never fails when it comes for the exaltation of His name and glory. He sent people to give me ideas on what to do. I partnered with Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship in delivering the message of the true meaning of Christmas and why Jesus was born. These children came from the streets where education and Christianity is their least priority. So the message hit two birds at one stone since there were other people like social work students, staffs of Drop-in Center, and visitors who, somehow, also do not know why we truly celebrate Christmas. During the event, I learned that these children are much vulnerable in our community. They can be used by other people in fulfilling their own needs due to their innocence. They lack a strong family – the foundation, that if present, could keep them from dwelling in the streets. These children, found in the streets, have different norms and behaviors. They usually don’t participate. They find it hard to trust people, even us during the event. I realized that one factor why they did not participate well in the activities we have prepared was a result of their past experiences from the people they have encountered, which later on became their abusers. In conclusion, it is our duty, (concerned individuals) to understand more than to judge them, for they have hidden stories in their lives that they hardly can share or tell to people in the community. To God be the glory! — Kimverly Kaye Uymasuy IVCF Chapter President 2nd year, BS Social Work Southwestern University
Graduates Bible Study Schedule Dumaguete Area
Every other Saturday @ Ayala Mall
Every Saturday
Mr. Bernie Oro - 09155393533
7:30 — 9:00 am
Friday Group @ Ayala Mall
Mr. Konrad Villaluz — 09179943643
Mr. Ardy Redeem Macabenta - 09334533381
3:30-5:00pm
Mr. Robert Edward Sampaga - 09205576070
Mr. Marlon Villaluz, 09173146750
IVCF Central and Eastern Visayas
intervasitycev@yahoo.com
TESTIMONIES
IVCF NORSU Bayawan Chapter started last August 12, 2014 when Ate Lala contacted our former president, Fedelyn Pamocino, to share about her plan in building God’s ministry in NORSU Bayawan - St. Catalina Campus. It is an answered prayer for us as children of God of having this kind of ministry which is composed of our brothers and sisters in Christ and which focuses on developing Christian leaders. Even though there are many Christian Organization inside our campus, IVCF is so much different. Before our first meeting, Fedelyn , Ate Lala and I, had a prayer walk inside the Campus. We praise God for our first meeting. It was successful and there were more or less 20 students who attended. On the following week, we completed our set of officers and Fedelyn was appointed as our president. After which, we processed our registration for IVCF Bayawan Chapter so that we will be recognized as one of the registered organizations in NORSU – BSC. IVCF Bayawan Chapter conducted bible studies once a week. The officers had their meeting and bible study every other day. Members of the chapter first joined DLTC 2K14 at Camp Bato Manatad, Sibonga, Cebu with the theme “iManifest” with five participants . Since then, we started to have a vision for our chapter and it gets stronger and better. The officers started to develop activities such as Large Group, Fellowhips, Christmas Party, Outreach Program, and True Love
Waits Workshop. This was made possible with the help of Ate Lala (our staff) , Kuya Rahman and Ate Louie (our GTs) and the IVCF Family who were there for prayer and support. In a group, trials and challenges are always present. I cannot deny the fact that, as a group, we also experience misunderstanding, financial problems, time management issues , and some other conflicts. But despite all of these, we thank God that He helps us to become stronger and it helps us develop our spiritual life and our patience . As of now, IVCF Bayawan Chapter is looking forward for the development of His ministry. It continues to grow and develop not just the ministry alone but also every individual who attend the bible studies. Even if IVCF Bayawan still experiences financial problem, we still praise God for providing our needs for our different activities. Glory to God in the highest for using IVCF to develop and disciple students and Christian leaders for his glory and praises. All glory and honor to Him alone. God bless us all. Janeth Santiago IVCF Chapter President IV- BSED Negros Oriental State University Bayawan Campus
GIFT GIVING IN A BADJAO COMMUNITY
All praises and glory to the Lord Almighty. I thought that the outreach was going to be ordinary, like we were just going to give goods and fellowship with them - that's all, nothing more, nothing less. But I was wrong. Totally wrong. This Badjao Gift-giving opened my eyes to the reality of extreme poverty. Truly the Lord is amazing. Thank you Lord for letting me become part of this wonderful and heartwarming event. You deserve all the honor.—
Even small things can make them happy. It made me realized to appreciate little things and being contented on what I have. Indeed, GOD sees the Heart. It's not about the situation you're in but it's about how you praise GOD with a heart of perseverance whatever situation you're going through. I learned to be more sensitive on the things that surround me, to share the love of GOD and how HE changed me. Having JESUS in our heart is EVERYTHING.—Dannah T. Torayno Third Year BEED University of the Visayas
Merry Lane Togonon Third Year BSED English Cebu Normal University
Praise and Prayer: 1. 2. 3.
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To the reality that God is good and He loves us equally no matter what is our status. He did not select people who are fortunate to be saved but he saved all of us, no exemption rich or poor as long as you receive His gift of salvation. Lord you taught me also how to humble myself before you. How to show humility towards others because we are equally loved by You. This outreach also help me appreciate what I have right now that I should not complain how little I have, instead I should receive it with gratitude and thankful heart like what the Badjao community showed to us. Seeing a smile on their faces puts joy in my heart that money can't buy. It was really a worth remembering experience I ever had with Badjao people and IVCF volunteers as well. It was something an extraordinary feeling that I can't explain through words as a first timer, reaching out a different culture. I thank GOD for giving me an opportunity to fellowship with them that gave me lessons and inspiration to know more of GOD and cravenness to seek His presence. They are so amazing!
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Praise God for the successful Gift Giving activities in Cebu and Leyte areas last December 2015. Praise God for the successful staff conference last January 5-12, 2016. Thank God for His provision in many ways. Pray for Eli as he visits Bohol and Negros Oriental this coming first and second week of February 2016. respectively. Pray for a fruitful and productive time with the students and gradates in the two areas. Praise and thank God for sustaining the regional movement and for the students, graduates, churches and individual donors who have been supporting the movement financially , in prayers and in many ways. Please uphold the staff, students and graduates as we prepare for the different summer camps. Play wisdom, guidance , sensitivity to the Lord as we meet and plan for these camps. Please pray for the students in the four areas who are considering to attend the summer camps. Pray for parental permission and creative ways in raising funds.
UPCOMING EVENTS: February 24 April 5-May 2 May 19-23 May 18-22 June 1-4
True Love Waits Seminar “Dauntless” Kawayan Camp 2016 ISCF Sibol & Discipleship Camp 2016 National GT Conference, Iloilo City Regional Leaders Summit
Financial Update December 2015
November 2015 INCOME General Fund Designated Donations Designated Camps & Conferences Designated Donations Others IV Home Rental TOTAL INCOME
28,452.00 500 2,900.00 46,260.00 6,000.00 84,112.00
EXPENSES Flow Through Funds Payable Camp Subsidies & Expenses Travels & Accommodation Communications Utilities Love Gifts & Honorarium Supplies TOTAL EXPENSES
62,008.00 2,200.00 17,244.05 600 15,593.48 6,000.00 236.75 103,882.28
OVERALL TOTAL
-19,770.28
Cash in Bank Ending November 29,2015
143,792.08
Cash on Hand Ending November 29, 2015
8,845.69
INCOME General Fund Designated Donations Others Bank Interest Facilities TOTAL INCOME
74,222.87 296 110.14 5,535.00 80,164.01
EXPENSES Leyte Fare from Means Flow Through Funds Payable Travels & Accommodation Staff Training & Development Meetings, Networking & Rep. Communications Utilities Love Gifts & Honorarium Supplies Material Production Bank Service Charges TOTAL EXPENSES
4,626.00 20,000.00 9,689.68 1,641.00 292.5 790 15,359.79 2,480.00 3,674.50 290 22.09 58,865.56
OVERALL TOTAL
21,298.45
Cash in Bank Ending December 31, 2015 Cash on Hand Ending December 31, 2015
187,462.30 9, 500.00
For pledges and donations you may deposit it to: Account Name
: IVCF CEVRU
Depository Bank
: BPI Mango Branch
Peso Savings Account No.
: 1023-1874-65
Please notify us of your deposit. You may contact our landline number below. Thank you very much!
P H I L I P P I N E S
CENTRAL AND EASTERN VISAYAS REGIONAL UNIT 80-2 Junquera St., Brgy. Sta. Cruz, Cebu City 6000 Philippines
IVHome Landline Eleazar Canonigo
(032) 253 5875 (0923) 283 -1960