As the end of 2009 draws near, I would like to thank each one of you for continuing to support prayerfully and financially the ministry of Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship in the Philippines (IVCF-Philippines). As most of you know, Balikatan was founded primarily to support IVCF-Philippines, and I’m thankful to God for your sustained support in the last 26 years. In spite of the global economic woes in 2009 and its financial impact on each one of you and your families, you chose to give. May God bless you and your respective households abundantly.

As we look forward to God’s direction for Balikatan in 2010 and the years to come, I would like you to pray for the Balikatan Executive Board as it prepares for its face-to-face meetings from February 19 to 21, 2010. (Throughout the year, the Balikatan Board discusses important issues that impact both Balikatan and IVCF-Philippines through emails and, occasionally, through conference calls. Other than during the annual Balikatan conference in July, it is only in February that the Balikatan Board meets face-to-face.) Please pray that relevant issues will be identified, discussed adequately, and resolved in a timely manner. Please feel free to contact any of the Balikatan Board members if you have issues or matters of concern that you would like us to consider for discussion in our upcoming meetings.

On behalf of the Balikatan Board
Landy Ancheta
President