This most generous God who gives seed to the farmer that becomes bread for your meals is more than extravagant with you. He gives you something you can then give away, which grows into full-formed lives, robust in God, wealthy in every way, so that you can be generous in every way, producing with us great praise to God (2 Cor. 9:10,11 MSG).
AIM Grantees for 2026
Reynaldo M. Carandang
Herlee Faith A. Dolilasa
May Ruth A. Guevarra
Annabel C. Lapada
John Mark*
Matt Barnabas*
Reynaldo Marasigan Carandang
Pastor, Savior-King Commission Church
COMING-TO-FAITH STORY
I was raised in a church-going Protestant family. My first Sunday School teacher was Ms. Deborah Icalla-Ortega, an IVCFer. The difference between being a nominal and a real Christian became clear to me through Ms. Marilyn Smart — an OMF Missionary assigned to pioneer an ISCF chapter (ar. 1960-1970) at Oriental Mindoro High School, Calapan, Oriental Mindoro. But I decided to fully become a Christian and a disciple of Christ one night in bed, after being confronted by the Lord through an illumination of John 5:24, at a Bible study in 1972 at Mindoro College, Calapan, led by Bro. Joe Albaniel — another IVCFer. I surrendered my sins, put my trust in, and received Christ as my Lord and Savior. Since then, and the morning after, I began this long but victorious journey of faith, love, hope, freedom, peace, struggles, challenges, and growth and maturation in Christ.
IVCF INVOLVEMENT
In 1973, during the early Martial Law years, I moved to Manila, enrolling at the Philippine Christian College (Philippine Christian University since 1976) in preparation for the pastoral ministry under the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP).
There (at IVCF-CICF), I began to experience a keen and caring disciple-making under Kawayan Camp (KC), trained servant-leaders and staff workers. Notable was the mothering and fathering ministry of Nanay and Tatay Deocares. The kind of friendship I have had with Bro. Monching Gasilao contributed to my encouragement and confidence-building.
In-depth training reached its peak through the KC in Balayan, Batangas. My most important equipping was on how to have a meaningful quiet time (personal devotion).
After three years of wonderful discipleship experience, I was elected President of CICF in 1977. Kuya Lemuel, Kuya Romy Pizana, and Ate Nanie Conception were our successive staff workers. It became very clear to me that to be a servant-leader requires faith in the face of great sacrifices and sufferings.
Graduating in 1978, I returned to Mindoro to fulfill my commitment to minister with the Mindoro Christian Youth Fellowship and the Mindoro Conference of the UCCP. In 1981, I returned to Manila and accepted an invitation to serve on the IVCF staff. I had two years of college and a year of high school ministries. After a three-year stint, I thought that the Lord was leading me to finish my theological training at the Asian Theological Seminary (ATS). This I did, side by side with the ministry of servant-leading the Fellowship of Evangelical Theological Students (FFETS) at ATS, which we students co-founded with Prof. Lorenzo Bautista and Dr. David Lim. The initial encouragement and coaching from the senior staffworker, Kuya Timothy Bicera, who started the work, was very important to me. The years 1984–1988 (before and after the fall of the Marcos dictatorship) were crucial for the theological and practical partnership of evangelism and social responsibility in the ministry of very conservative Filipino pastors and educators, so we engaged with both theological and socio-political issues in school classes and forums.
MINISTRIES & SUPPORT
I graduated in 1988 — ready to continue my pastoral ministry with our local church in Mindoro. But the Church Council of Del Pilar (UCCP) Church, which preferred my studies at Union Theological Seminary (UTS) rather than at ATS, decided not to accept me as their pastor. So I went back to Manila — at the advice of my father, joining the local church in Mandaluyong City, which was headed by Nanay Luz Deocares — my closest spiritual adviser, who also asked me to teach at PCU and be the adviser of CICF. Soon, I began a ten-year professorial career at PCU — teaching Christian Formation, Christian Ethics, and Philosophy. But not devoid of inner struggles.
As my heart weakened, my struggles almost led to my early departure in 1994, after a near-drowning accident. Praise the Lord for the support of my wife, Nette, and my sister Evelyn, among others. The Lord required 7 years for full recovery. He used some vivid dreams to strengthen and re-align me with Him, His Great Commandment and Great Commission.
Since 1999, our mother church in Mandaluyong has been pioneering the church in the Bicutan area, Taguig, together with Tatay & Nanay, Nette, and other IVCFers from PCU. Since 2005, I have been the pastor of Deo-Jireh Christian Fellowship (DJCF) and, since 2018, of Savior-King Commission Church (SKCC). Indeed, it is essentially a fruit of the labours of IVCF M2 missionaries, before it further grew with G12 Vision.
In January 2026, Nette & I resigned from our pastoral positions at church, having prepared around 10 (male) and 15 (female) servant-leaders to replace us and take over a congregation of about 100 members from about 200 people before the pandemic. Continuing our church involvement, Nette envisions further pursuing equipping women and me in re-developing our discipleship-leadership training program, as well as in helping re-pioneer CICF and planting some other new churches.
On October 19, 2025, together with many other volunteers from different universities, I was officially assigned by Ms. Lanilyn Arlegui and Ms. Emadel Canon as a Graduate Team volunteer for the campus ministry of the IVCF Metro Manila Regional Unit, particularly to PCU-CICF.
Before I decided to accept the invitation for Graduate Team ministry, I had the privilege of attending the National Conference in December 2023. There, I decided to recommit myself to IVCF, even though I had been longing to pioneer another local church among other options.
Most of my (our) love gifts through the ministries connected to my role as an administrative pastor have ended. The Lord willing, I might be reappointed as a professor of Christian Formation and Ethics at PCU in 2026 — hopefully without health problems. I realize this is very strategic. With the support of the IVCF leadership, Balikatan and many other graduates here and there in the US, by the mercy and grace of GOD, we plead, “O LORD, I (we) have heard Thy speech, and was afraid: O LORD, revive Thy work in the midst of the years, In the midst of the years make known. In wrath remember mercy”. — (Habakkuk 3:2)
Glory only to our Lord God Almighty! In Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Herlee Faith A. Dolilasa
Missionary of Every Tribe Philippines
COMING-TO-FAITH STORY
I grew up in a Christian home, with both my parents serving as pastors. They guided me toward a strong foundation of faith and helped me develop a personal relationship with Christ. But it wasn’t until I was 15 that I chose to follow Christ for myself, not because my parents said so, or because I was a Pastor’s kid, but because I realized my great need for a Savior and Friend.
IVCF INVOLVEMENT
I grew up in a small town in Davao de Oro, where opportunities were limited, and there were few good colleges or universities to attend. I prayed for the right school – one that offered the course I wanted and would surround me with a community where I could grow in confidence and deepen my relationship with Christ. God led me to St. Mary’s College of Tagum, where I pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. At that time, my sister was in her final year at the same school and constantly encouraged me to join IVCF. So I joined IVCF partly out of annoyance with her unending pleas.
I met Ate Gretchen, who later became my staff worker and small-group leader. She journeyed with me through my first year of college- a season when I struggled with doubts about my salvation, deep insecurities and fears in life, and the difficult adjustment of living in the city. One of the things I always looked forward to in our small group was the free lunch at Jollibee. It meant I could save one meal and stretch my budget to survive another week in the city.
Then, I slowly grew to love IVCF – the fellowships, the friendships, and the community that shaped me. In 2015, I attended my first DLTC camp, an experience that had a lasting impact on my life. One of my favourite parts was the Mission’s night. We were introduced to unreached people groups and shown how we could take part in God’s work through prayer. They let us choose a prayer card featuring people groups from around the world. I selected the card for the Lingayat tribe of India and prayed for them for at least one minute every day. I never imagined that four years later, God would bring me to India on a mission trip, where I witnessed His salvation, healing, and power at work in that nation.
I was also blessed to join KC 2016 in Cebu City, and it changed my life forever. The once very shy girl became an active student leader who later led many camps, facilitated a small group on my campus, led the IVCF-Tagum City Leaders Council, serving around four campuses, and eventually served as a graduate team volunteer for a short time.
IVCF was not just a fun place where I could meet students from different campuses, find support while away from home, or enjoy free lunch on Thursdays. It became the place where I first discovered that I could be a leader, and that I was already a missionary right where God had placed me. I am called to bring the Good News to the people around me and across the world.
As I help lead another ministry today, I carry with me the lessons I learned through IVCF. And whenever I have the chance, I make time to serve, speak at camps or school events, or join the graduate ministry.
MINISTRIES & SUPPORT
I’ve been with Every Tribe Philippines since 2019, a year after I graduated. It’s a Christian organization that seeks to reach remote tribal villages with the Gospel of Christ by meeting spiritual and practical needs. Our ministry continues to serve through compassion ministry (feeding programs, teaching, and evangelism), community development (programs on farming techniques, water systems, and livelihoods), and church planting (nurturing house-church ministries). The ministry demographic includes the tribal villages in Kapalong, Davao del Norte, the floating villages of Agusan, Davao del Sur, and other tribal communities in Davao de Oro.
Currently, I serve as the primary coordinator, leading outreach efforts to various tribal communities and coordinating both local and international missionaries who wish to serve the Ata Manobo, Lumad, and Mandaya tribes through the organization.
I am also part of the Monkayo Temple of Praise–Child Development Center under Compassion International Philippines, where I volunteer as the Mental Health Focal. In this ministry, I advocate for child protection policy and conduct seminars and mental health training for the children and parents in the program.
For 6 years in this ministry, God provided me with a couple of monthly financial supporters. With their support, I can continue serving the Lord where He has called me. I also receive some allowance for my work at Compassion International. To expand the support I receive monthly, I occasionally bake cookies and pastries to meet my daily needs. God has been faithfully providing, and I continue to put my trust in Him!
Mae Ruth A. Guevara
Pastor to the Filipino diaspora in HK
COMING-TO-FAITH STORY
I was born into a Christian family, where both my parents were pastors, and I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior at the age of 10.
IVCF INVOLVEMENT
I joined SVCF at the University of the Philippines in Los Baños, and remained an active member until I left the university.
MINISTRIES & SUPPORT
My husband and I have been pastoring a Filipino church in Hong Kong for almost 28 years now. In the first 20 years, we served with the International Church. In 2017, we heeded God’s call to start another Filipino church focused on reaching domestic helpers in Hong Kong. One Faith Worship Center International is established with a distinct purpose to minister within the Hong Kong context. Its mission is to provide holistic support—addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) —while remaining inclusive of all. The community aims to be a sanctuary that fosters profound and joyful relationships with the divine, equipping members to become agents of transformative change. The vision is to cultivate a vibrant, mutually supportive community of committed disciples passionate about missional engagement and sharing their faith.
We also have a shelter house, which we call the Refuge House. Church members whose contracts have been unexpectedly terminated by their employers can remain while seeking another employer. We also house non-members whenever there is available space for them. This provides an opportunity to share the gospel with them.
Our financial support primarily comes from the tithes and offerings of church members, as well as occasional individual gifts. No local or foreign organizations support us. My husband and I are full-time workers at the church.
Annabel Corpuz Lapada
Missionary to the Calamian Tagbanwas of Northern Palawan
COMING-TO-FAITH STORY
I don’t have a dramatic conversion story. It was a relational one. I grew up reading the Bible regularly, going to church every Sunday, and attending church services during the week. At home and in the church, we memorize Bible verses, sing spiritual hymns, and pray regularly. But I saw this as a routine, not a lifestyle. Though I have the Bible verses in my head, I have not applied them in my life. In school, I don’t like being friends with people who don’t have a fair complexion, and I don’t want to be friends with people who don’t participate in school activities. Funny! I also found myself telling lies when confronted with embarrassing situations.
I tried hard to behave well at home, especially in my father’s presence. I have a very high regard for him, for he is a godly father. Thus, my world fell apart when my parents separated. In my young mind, I couldn’t understand why God allowed it, knowing that they both feared and served Him. As life went on, I lived with my father’s family, went to church, and memorized Bible verses. His family was also followers of the Lord Jesus.
One day, my father asked how sure I am of my salvation. I assured him that I am sure. He asked me how I knew. I said, “Because you are a Christian and you are my father, you wouldn’t leave me. If you go to heaven, I will also go with you because you love me and I am your daughter.” He was shocked to hear this. He read to me Romans 3:23, which says that all have sinned and fell short of the glory of God. And Romans 6:23, which says that the wages of sin are death. I said that I know that. “But have you believed in Jesus personally and placed your trust in him?” he asked. He then explained John 1:12-13, saying that those who believe in Him are given the right to become children of God, not of the flesh or by the will of man. Then he said that my salvation is something I have to do personally. So I talk to God about my being a sinner needing a Saviour in the Lord Jesus Christ. I repented of my sins, and I am fully persuaded that the Lord heard my prayers and accepted me as His beloved. Praise the Lord!
My life gradually changed. I started to have a passion for people and for their salvation in Christ. As I grow in my faith, I start to witness to people, teach in the Sunday school, and serve in the youth group.
By this time, our church had missionaries serving in various places. When they come back for a home church visit, I would hear their testimonies. They influenced my life. I felt God was calling me to the ministry, but I didn’t know where or how, so I kept myself available to his work at church and outreaches. Many trials, hardships, and difficulties came along the way, but I cling to his promises in John 15:16, Matt. 6:33, John 16:24, Hebrews 4:16, 1 Thess. 5:24, Hebrews 11:6, among others. All glory be to His Name!
IVCF INVOLVEMENT
During my high school days in Moncada, Tarlac, I met some ISCF ladies who were campus missionaries. They ministered to some of my classmates and me. At that time, I was already a Christian, and it was not easy to do campus ministry in a Catholic school in the early 70’s. But God’s Word, wherever it was planted, would surely bring results. Some of my classmates have become believers in Christ and served the Lord.
My ISCF involvement ended when I went to college in Manila. I continue to live for Jesus and have been involved as a Sunday school teacher and later Sunday school supervisor at our local church in Mandaluyong.
In 1973, I met two IVCF staff workers – Auring and Gloria. They influenced my life as a growing Christian. Later on, Gloria and her husband became missionaries in Irian Jaya with the Flying Samaritans. But these two sisters taught me a lot about God’s Word and influenced me to dedicate my life to the Lord by serving among an unreached people group. Ate Glo became one of our principal sponsors when Sonny and I got married.
In 1975, IVCF conducted a summer youth camp where I served as a counselor. God allowed me to minister to several young people. One of them was to pray for a counselee who was being demon-possessed. It was a spiritual warfare. Praise God, that counselee was delivered and got saved at that Camp.
In 1976, I served again as a counselor and ministered to more young people. Many of them continue to walk and live for Jesus. It was also meaningful that by God’s grace, I was chosen as a model counselor that year. It is only by His mercy and grace alone that I was able to do it. Praise the Lord!!!
MINISTRIES & SUPPORT
Sonny and I serve the Lord together as we live among the Calamian Tagbanwas in northern Palawan. They can be found in the islands of Coron, Culion, Busuanga, and Linapacan. We do oral and written Bible translation because this people group is highly oral. Right now, we are reprinting the New Testament because we have run out of copies.
We are also involved in language development to establish the orthography of the Tinagbanwa language. The Komisyon Sa Wikang Filipino recently recognized Tinagbanwa as one of the Philippine languages.
God also entrusted us with training and mentoring of facilitators for Oral Bible Storying-Dialoguing. It is an effective tool for sharing God’s stories and helping believers grow in faith in Christ. We also conduct Scripture engagement for evangelism and discipleship. It is a New Testament church-planting approach that helps address the worldview of the Tinagbanwa.
We have community development work through adult education or functional literacy, which God has used to encourage people to read His Word. With the help of the locals, we developed materials from their stories, songs, poetry, and medical knowledge. Another vital part of this ministry is treating people who are sick, which becomes an avenue for them to see the power of God and no longer depend on witch doctors. This led many to believe in Jesus as their Lord and Saviour.
By God’s grace, we like to see the Tagbanwa local churches continue to be indigenous in their ways – to be self-governing, self-supporting, and self-propagating, doing God’s command in Matthew 28:18-20. The trained OBSD facilitators go to different islands, sharing God’s Word and God’s stories, helping people understand the gospel and believe in Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Saviour, and live consistently for him. The elders now lead the Tagbanwa local churches. After 48 years, we now serve alongside them on the sidelines as mentors.
Ever since God called us to cross-cultural missions, we have experienced His faithfulness as we live by faith. He continues to raise supporters as we serve on a full-time basis. Our time is all for the work God called us to do. The amount we receive monthly is not always the same, but it is always enough to meet our needs. God has been so faithful through the years. He never fails; He is so amazing! And we praise Him for that.
Praise God for the launching of the Tinagbanwa Orthography on October 24-25, 2025. It was attended by key people from the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino, TAP, SILP, LGUs, DepEd, and other Tagbanwa language groups.
Please pray with us for the following –
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- The ongoing process of reprinting 2,000 copies of the Tinagbanwa New Testament, and for it to be ready for dedication by March 31, 2026.
- The Tagbanwa Annual General Bible Conference in Marupu from March 30 to April 3. Pray for the Marupu church as they host, for provisions of their needs, for protection and strength as they prepare, and for unity and wisdom to finish their plan.
- The Tinagbanwa Trilingual Dictionary, which had started but was halted when the local language speaker became ill. Please pray for the language speaker to receive healing from the Lord, and that the Lord will make a way for this project to be completed.
John Mark*
Serving the Southern Samas of Zambasuta
COMING-TO-FAITH STORY
Our family was devout Roman Catholic, and so I have this huge fear of going to hell. So I would always go to church to pay penance for my sins, especially since I had vices. During college, I joined the varsity baseball team. Then our new coach from the FCA—Fellowship of Christian Athletes shared the gospel with me. I was really struck by Jesus’ sacrifice and by the idea that having a relationship with Him would give me access to heaven. So I accepted Jesus Christ, and thus began my journey in life with Him.
IVCF INVOLVEMENT
I was a campus fellowship leader at Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan in Cagayan de Oro City in the late 90’s to early 2000. I was privileged to be trained as a campus fellowship leader at Kawayan Camp 2001 in Guimaras. After graduating from the university, I joined the graduate volunteer team in Cagayan de Oro City for a few years.
MINISTRIES & SUPPORT
We have served among the Southern Sama people groups in Simunul and Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, from 2006 to 2023, and in Cagayan de Oro and Zamboanga City from 2023 to present.
We minister among children and youth groups through sports (baseball, volleyball, and pickleball at grade school and high school levels) and literacy programs. We have discipled young men and women who, when we moved back to the city, became house fellowship leaders in the islands. We now lead church-planting teams who are reaching out to cities, the mountains, and the islands. All by God’s grace.
Our current financial support comes from several individuals, churches, and mission organizations, including my sending organization. I don’t have a part-time job.
Matt Barnabas*
Serving the Iranuns of North Cotabato
COMING-TO-FAITH STORY
In God’s amazing grace, a Christian family adopted me so I could attend school through college. We were 6 children, and I was considered the eldest son. I was treated as a member of the family. My adoptive mother would lead the family’s morning devotion, reading the Bible and praying for the children. Though they showed their love to me, my adoptive parents did not share the gospel of Jesus with me because they were afraid of my Muslim parents.
In our daily devotion, Mama often mentions that we all have sinned against God, thus all of us will go to hell. But Romans 3:23 and John 3:16 said that we have hope because God loved us and gave his Son, Jesus Christ, to save us. God gave us the gift of eternal life in Christ, as Romans 6:23 says. Mama told us to memorize these verses, so I did. But as a Muslim, I did it without understanding.
As the eldest son, I was told to take care of my younger siblings, especially our younger sister. So every time she attends the Sunday school or youth fellowships, I would be there with her. In those meetings, I often heard that only those who follow Jesus Christ will go to heaven. As a Muslim, I was confused, as in our belief, only Muslims will go to heaven.
One night, while pondering the question of who will really go to heaven and hell, I fell asleep. Then I had a dream where I found myself in a community where Muslims and Christians live together. But there was a huge fire in the community. When the fire was almost near our home, my Muslim father told us to get out and take refuge on a hill nearby. On top of the hill, we saw a small chapel. I told my father that we can rest there. He refused because it was a Christian chapel. But because I was very tired, I rested there and looked down at our house. For some reason, only the houses of the Muslims were burning! While the houses of the Christians were not!
The following Sunday, I shared my dream with the pastor. He told me that it was a picture of those who believe and do not believe in Jesus Christ. That those who believe in Jesus will go to heaven and those who do not will be burned in hell. As a Muslim, I wasn’t bothered by his reply, for it was just a dream.
A few months later, my younger sister joined another youth camp. And so I needed to be there, too. While in the camp, some pastors invited me in for a snack. I felt so proud to be invited in by the pastors. Then one of them asked me, “If someone asks you where you want to go after death, what will you say?” I looked at him with a smile and said, “Of course, in heaven.” Another pastor said, “Would you like us to pray for you so you will go to heaven?” “Yes, I like that,” I said. They stood behind me, placed their hands on my head and shoulders, and led me in a prayer of repentance. When I said, “I accept you as my Lord and Savior, and allow you to stay in my heart,” I felt like I was floating in the air, and joy filled my heart.
After our prayer, they asked me, “When you said you accepted Jesus Christ in your heart, where is he now?” I paused, took a deep breath, and said, “He is in my heart now.” Immediately, they embraced me and said, “From now on, you will go to heaven.” There, I began to cry because of an overflowing joy in my heart. This is the first chapter of my journey with Jesus Christ. Glory be to God for his amazing grace!
IVCF INVOLVEMENT
I joined IVCF at Liceo de Cagayan (now Liceo University) in Cagayan de Oro in 1970, where I was discipled by Ate Nancy. A year later, I joined the first Asian Student Missionary Convention in Baguio City. In 1973, I was sent to the discipleship and leadership camp in Sibonga, Cebu, and to the 2nd Asian Student Missionary Convention at UP Los Baños in Laguna.
While serving as a student leader at Liceo, I invited some students to join the campus fellowship. I was so amazed to have discipled 6 of my schoolmates. After I graduated, I joined the graduate fellowships in Cagayan de Oro City for many years. While working at the Department of Education later on, I conducted Bible studies with my co-workers from 1975 to 2002. All glory be to the Lord!
MINISTRIES & SUPPORT
After pastoring for 15 years, God called me to be a full-time missionary to the Iranun, my own people group in North Cotabato. Our current ministries are:
- Children’s ministry – a feeding program to 80-90 children ages 5-12, once every 2 months.
- Youth ministry – regular kitab study for discipleship and an annual youth camp for leadership training.
- Couples and family ministry – regular training for the parents and couples for the enrichment of their marriage and family life.
- Bible translation ministry – translating the Bible into the Iranun language through a team of 3 couples and 6 young people who meet 3 times a week.
- The Fellowship Center ministry – a hub for all ministries.
For a few years now, the Lord has blessed us with two mission organizations that come alongside us, providing training and soul care, and supporting these programs. We live by faith when it comes to meeting our personal needs. Praise God that our children have finished their college education. At the same time, we have also retired from our pastoring and professional jobs and gone full-time into the mission work.
Please pray with us for the spiritual growth of the M background believers (MBBs) God entrusted in our care – 3 couples and 8 youth leaders. We have also scheduled the very first baptism of Iranun believers on January 31, 2026. Pray for a great harvest this year through this first-fruit from the Lord.
Pray for the construction of a multi-purpose building as our own fellowship center, a great blessing from the Lord for this community. Pray for our health and protection, too. May the Holy Spirit guide us in all that we do.