After attending the Discipleship-Leadership Training Camp, I have discovered that the knowledge and values I acquired have greatly influenced my daily life and involvement on campus. Seeking out chances to serve and lead in many capacities is one way I have put the leadership principles into practice.
One specific initiative I took on campus after the camp was establishing a small group within our campus where we can invite our friends, peers, and classmates to join with us to study the Bible and have small group sharing. Through Campus Ministry we can reach out to them and share the Gospel with them and grow one another and also disciple them to grow in their faith to God that may also use their lives to serve our mighty God.
My perspective on discipleship has also changed. I now view discipleship as a lifelong process of learning and development, for both others and myself. I've started being more deliberate about fostering deep connections with peers and other individuals, helping and encouraging them as they grow spiritually and personally. Although I am also the one to lead of this campus ministry, I do not consider myself superior to others, as I also learned from the DLTC, that I am called to serve and not to be serve. I am doing everything I can for the Lord and serving in the utmost humility.
In terms of practical changes in my life post-camp, I've started a daily reflection practice in my personal life to assess whether my choices and behaviours are consistent with my values and goals. I have been able to maintain mindfulness and intentionality in my life and interactions with others because to this practice.
Going forward, improving my interpersonal and communication abilities will be my next step in developing as a leader and disciple. Overall, My perspective and approach to leadership and discipleship have been greatly influenced by the Discipleship-Leadership Training Camp, which has enabled me to make meaningful contributions in both my personal and on campus.
by Rajah De Guzman Medina
DLTC has been one of the most important and life-changing camps for me. As a camper in 2024, I experienced and learned so many things that shaped how I view myself, others, the world, and God today. When I received a message from Kuya Charis inviting me to be part of the executive committee for DLTC 2025, my heart was overjoyed. Of course, I prayed first for God’s guidance before saying yes. From that day on, I eagerly looked forward to the camp.
As a first-time facilitator, I initially felt confused and unsure about my responsibilities—what tasks I needed to do, how to accomplish them, and what things to keep in mind before, during, and after the camp. I hesitated to ask at first, thinking I should already know these things before accepting the role. However, my confusion gradually disappeared when I met with Ate Kristen. She explained the tasks clearly and in detail, which helped me gain confidence in my role.
The most rewarding part of my experience was witnessing how the campers learned and grew during the camp. I, too, learned that discipleship is relational and that I should continue what I’ve been doing—especially embodying kindness and gentleness when discipling others.
I praise God for the success of the camp and the privilege of serving in this role. I realized that my responsibilities, though challenging, played a significant part in ensuring everything ran smoothly. Through this experience, God reminded me that even in secretarial work, I was contributing to His kingdom by creating an environment where others could grow in faith.
by Kristen Pearl Pel-ey Tamiking
Agyaman ken madayaw ti Apo, for the opportunity to be the staff in charge of the recently concluded Discipleship-Leadership Training Camp last January 6-11, 2025. Being new in this role, I felt a mix of emotions—excitement, fear, and hope— especially the task given to me was significant. However, through this experience, I truly felt the essence of community as we worked together with the student leaders to facilitate and manage the camp.
Challenges were inevitable, including possible changes in plans, speaker availability, and the number of campers. Initially, I anticipated stress, but as we conducted online meetings, updates, and discussions during the camp proper and backup plans, I felt more at ease. To prepare, I set aside time for prayer, sought God’s wisdom and patience, and coordinated closely with the student executive committee; I also assisted in administrative tasks, campsite visits, and inventory checks.
One of the biggest challenges was keeping to the scheduled curriculum, as unexpected delays led to overtime and last-minute preparations, which resulted in lack of sleep and cramming in certain activities. I also struggled with unfamiliar responsibilities, particularly in some major planning during the Special Events. However, praising God for the guidance of the graduate team, whose advice helped everything come together smoothly.
I’ve learned that leadership requires active involvement, setting examples, and being open to feedback. Seeing the camp activities flow well despite minor issues made me feel empowered. I was grateful for the open communication among the team and volunteers.
Most of all, I was blessed by the campers’ testimonies, knowing that we achieved some of the camp’s objectives. I hope and pray that they will carry out their commitment in their campuses, churches, and personal lives.
Lastly, I am deeply grateful for the bright and dedicated student leaders from all over Northern Luzon, and I thank God for everyone who supported the camp—through financial support, encouragement, and effort.
TO GOD BE ALL THE GLORY!
Successful Income-Generating Project Praise God for His provision and favor! Over three days, we successfully sold coffee jellies and Milo drinks at the school cafeteria. Beyond the financial gain, this opportunity allowed us to share about SVCF through simple conversations and calendar giveaways.
Small Groups Launched We thank the Lord for the start of our small groups every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, with both morning and afternoon schedules since February. May these gatherings continue to be a source of encouragement and spiritual growth.
First Intercede Friday Praise God for the opportunity to gather in prayer. We held our first Intercede Friday (SVCF prayer meeting) last February 28 for this second semester. Intercede Fridays are scheduled every last Friday of the month.
Upcoming Large Group Event (ESS in April) – Please pray for wisdom, guidance, and discernment as we prepare for this event on Faith and Politics. Pray that God will lead us to the right speakers and that the discussions will be Christ-centered and impactful.
Growth in Fellowship Pray that SVCF will not only grow in number but also in spiritual maturity. May we be faithful witnesses, shining as salt and light on our campus.
Praise God for the ongoing student-initiated meetings at ISU's Echague and Cabagan campuses.
Praise God for the work among our high school students, who are now meeting again within their school, with students leading their peers.
Pray that God would open the door once again at Northeastern College and nearby campuses, and that He will raise up new student leaders there.
Pray for continued love and passion for the small group leaders, that they may continue meeting with their small group members.
Praise God for enabling us in sending 3 student leaders on DLTC 2025. Student leaders were also there serving as part of the working committee.
Praise God for the lives of the student leaders, who, despite their academic challenges, continue to serve in their ministries at both the campus and church specially during their campus event last February - the Campus Bible Day Celebration and PUSO Seminar at Pangasinan State University-Lingayen Campus
Pray that more open doors will be opened for our student leaders inside PSU-LC for them to minister to students and share the Gospel.
Pray for more laborers to be raised by the Lord to partner with us in expanding IVCF ministry to other campuses in Pangasinan.
Praise God for sustaining us in all aspects.
Praise God for the lives of the student leaders, who, despite their academic challenges, continue to serve in their ministries at both the campus and church.
Pray that our passion to seek God and proclaim the gospel in our community may be strengthened even more.
Pray for love and grace for our brothers and sisters in Christ, especially during these conflict times in our country.
IVCF NLRU Regional Director
Isabela Area Staff-in-Charge
Contact Number: 09059036027
Email Address: charis.ian.bautista@ivcfphil.org
IVCF NLRU Finance Staff
Baguio-Benguet Area Field Staff
Contact Number: 09063191882
Email Address: hannah.alvez@ivcfphil.org
Zambales Area Field Staff
Contact Number: 09276313936
Email Address: kristenpearl.tamiking@ivcfphil.org