COME, LET US EXALT HIS NAME TOGETHER
At the end of school year 2016, MEANS sponsored 11 student leaders from three different regions in the Philippines: Northern Mindanao, West Visayas and Central Visayas to attend the month long leadership and discipleship training camp of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship of the Philippines from April 9 to May 9. Called Kawayan Camp, it is likened to a boot camp where students learned obedience to God’s word, to one another and to the staff. They also learned Scripture engagement and listened to expository messages from different speakers. Missions Night was one event that became a challenge and eye opener to many of those who attended. THANK YOU MEANS donors for your partnership. Below are stories shared by attendees we sponsored to Kawayan Camp 2016.
Geralyn Mahilum from the Philippine National University Chapter in West Visayas. shared:
God provided for my needs – I came to Kawayan Camp with a little amount of money and some products to sell to raise funds for my camp fees. Many people helped me through their prayers and fund raising. Before coming, I asked myself, “I am only 17 years old. I am too young to be a leader and I don’t know how to be an effective leader.” But God reminded me through our theme verse in Jeremiah 1:5-8 that I can lead despite my age. He will help me.
From Fear to Faith – Through KC my doubt became trust and my fear became faith. Kawayan Camp equipped me in all areas of my life through bible study sessions and spiritual disciplines (time alone with God, scripture studies, victory over sin, personhood, expositions and teachings on the Book of Genesis and many more). I realized how important it is for me to read, study and understand the Word of God and to share it with those who do not know about His Word. I also came to know how many still need to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ and that the world is in a totally bad shape because of the presence and power of evil.
Community Involvement – When we visited a prison jail in one of our community immersion events, I have learned to respect those who are incarcerated, as human beings. I learned how to eat and laugh with them. I heard stories from children who are also in jail and I realized how powerful God is. Some said that when they get out of jail, they will not repeat the sins that they have committed but will follow God. It showed me that God is powerful and can transform lives.
God’s Revelation at Kawayan Camp – One thing is clear to me now, God sent me to be equipped and became His soldier and prepared me to fight for the expansion of God’s Kingdom. As a response, I will continue to lead a bible study group in our campus, start one with my family and continue to join with IVCF when there is a Care for Creation events like tree planting. I will also spend time serving God after graduation from college.
THANK YOU SO MUCH MEANS for supporting me and Kawayan Camp 2016. You have been a blessing to me. I praised God for your lives. I am hoping and praying that you can help more students like me who want to be God’s servant leader. I am praying for your health and I take this opportunity to thank you. God bless you all. Mahal na mahal ko po kayong lahat! (I love you all very much)!
A prayer:
“Lord, I will be a leader of our pioneering campus. I will start a prayer meeting or small group in my campus this coming semester. I will develop a stronger relationship with two of our chapter members, pray with them about our vision for the campus and I will share the gospel to my classmates. As I leave Kawayan Camp and go back to the “real world,” please help me, Holy Spirit to truly take my learnings with me, for I can’t do it without your help. Help me study your Word more. Help me in my leadership role in campus. Help me to be faithful. Help me to be dauntless.”
A Word of Thanks to MEANS – I am very grateful to God for the opportunity to attend Kawayan Camp and also to MEANS for the support. God bless you. – Liane Angeli Rabuya, University of San Carlos, Cebu, BS Electronics and Communication Engineering, First Year 
A Promise:
“Lord, I commit to you my life by leading bible study in my campus, by mentoring someone and by giving financial support for the future Kawayan Camps. I will make sure to manage my time in studies, time with family and church and involvement with IVCF. I will also pray for missionaries and those who do not yet know you as their Saviour and Lord. I will continue to grow as a Christian and I will help in the expansion of your Kingdom. –
Jessyl Orlanes, Mindanao University of Science and Technology, Northern Mindanao, Philippines
A Response:
“I commit to serve you in my campus chapter and to serve you as an ISCF counselor at the school where I graduated from high school. I will be more responsible as a member of Cagayan Leaders Council. I will help my IV staff in preparing campus reports. I will voluntarily and regularly clean the IVCF office. I will serve you through serving my local church, my family, and my local IVCF chapter – that your Kingdom may expand and grow.” – Francis Ann Magallanes, Liceo de Cagayan University, Northern Min
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