End of School Year 2024–2025
Dear friends and ministry partners,
As the school year comes to a close, I want to thank you for being part of the journey. Whether through your giving, your prayers, or your encouragement—you’ve walked with us, and that means a lot. This update is my way of sharing what the Lord has done, and how you’ve played a role in that.
It was refreshing to meet face to face with my fellow staff, Hannah and Kristen, for rest, evaluation, and planning. Here are some of my reflections from the retreat:
Discipleship is relationship. To reach others is to be in communion with them—first with Jesus, then with others.
Scripture the Lord impressed:
1 Corinthians 12:27–31 (MSG)
“You are Christ’s body—that’s who you are! You must never forget this... But now I want to lay out a far better way for you.”
Personal Action Points:
Walk more intentionally with students and graduates—meet them where they are.
Be faithful to Scripture in both private and public life.
Spend more time in prayer and supplication for those I minister to.
Ministry on the Campuses
This year, by God’s grace, we were able to minister in 11 campuses across Northern Luzon, with a total of 155 students reached.
Not everyone stayed. Some joined us for a while, then disappeared. It made me wonder—did they really hear and understand the Gospel? Honestly, that’s hard for me. But even in that, God showed His kindness. He never let the year end without blessing the work of our hands.
ISCF Ministry in Santiago City
One of the stories that lifted my heart this year is from Raymond, a student leader who started out unsure about his faith and ended up leading others. I’ve seen God grow him in courage and conviction.
"I had doubts... What if I lead and I’m not living right? But the Lord worked in me, and gave me the desire to lead—and the grace to live it out." – Raymond
👉 Click here to read Raymond’s full story
These are the kinds of stories that remind us—our labor in the Lord is never in vain.
Starting July 1, I’ll be on sabbatical until December 31. It’s a mandatory rest season for IVCF staff. I had planned to take up further studies, but we had a change of plans—Grace and I are expecting our first baby! 🙌
So instead of studying, I’ll use this time to:
Be with Grace and prepare for our baby (God-willing).
Read, finish a Study Bible, and do some preaching/training in the area.
Work on improving our social media channel to reach more people online.
It’s not going to be a full-time schedule, so I’ll have space to rest, read, and just enjoy this new season as a husband and soon-to-be tatay.
Before my sabbatical, I still have two important things coming up:
May 27–30 – Final session and graduation with A3 Philippines in Quezon City. It’s been two great years of learning and growth. The Lord provided for every fare and registration fee—thank You, Lord! Grace will join me for this last trip. She’s now safe to travel by bus, and we’ll pick one with wide seats.
June 16–21 – Our National Staff Conference in QC. Grace won’t be with me because school has started, but Lusie, one of our volunteers from ISUE 2023, will come along. Please pray for provision for our fees and travel expenses. I’m praying she’ll say yes to becoming full-time staff.
I’m excited (and a little nervous) for the sabbatical, but I don’t think I can fully stay away from ministry. Some of the high schoolers still hang out at our apartment for bonding and Bible study—hard to say no to that!
Thank you so much for walking with me this past school year. Your partnership is a blessing I don’t take for granted.
“To the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord,
be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.”
— Jude 25 ESV
In the building of God's Kingdom,
Charis Ian Bautista
Staff, IVCF Philippines
Phone
+639059036027
charis.ian.bautista@ivcfphil.org
Messenger https://m.me/cianjbautista