Melba Maggay
I became a Christian in 1969 while studying at UP, influenced by friends like Kalayaan Perez-Concepcion. After a lecture at Vinzons Hall, I spent time with her, hearing her talk about dedicating her life to Jesus, which I didn’t fully understand. I found it surprising that she was still in school and questioned the idea of her being in a nunnery instead. Her dedication impressed me, especially knowing that the SVCF community was praying for me all summer. My faith in Jesus provided a sense of purpose and helped me strive for a better society, shaping my thoughts and guiding my long-term calling.
My involvement with IVCF Philippines includes serving on the Executive Committee of SVCF in my junior and senior years, focusing on publications and evangelistic Bible studies. From 1974 to 1977, I worked as part-time staff, establishing and discipling campus groups in several universities. In the early ’80s, I learned about a financial crisis facing IVCF, which deeply unsettled me, as it was my spiritual home. I spoke about this with friends in the US., leading to the formation of the Balikatan group in the East Coast. It was I who named the group, seeing this as a kind of solidarity with the movement at home, where I served on the IVCF Board in the ’90s to help with creative fundraising and campus work. I’m now back on the IVCFP Board.
For 46 years, I’ve been a key part of the Institute for Studies in Asian Church and Culture, engaging cultures to root the Gospel in Asia for societal transformation. We advocate through social media and publish articles for both secular and faith-based audiences.
Nominated by Angie Bessenbacher
Marlon Batoon Roldan
I joined UP-SVCF in Diliman from 1971 to 1975 and attended KC’73, directed by Manong Jon Parreño, while working alongside Bert and Josie Quimba. From 1975 to 1981, I was involved with the Mangyan Community Development, partnering with overseas missionary organizations and collaborating with Ruben and Cornelio Orteza. I served with ISACC from 1982 to 1985, studied at the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity in 1985, and completed a Master of Divinity at the Asian Theological Seminary.
I was ordained and served as the Administrative Pastor at The Citadel Church, as well as the Pastor for Congregational Ministries at the Church of the Risen Lord. In 1995, I returned to missionary work with the Asia Evangelistic Fellowship and worked with OMF Serve Philippines from 2001 until my retirement in 2014. During that time, I served as a Pastoral Care Provider for missionaries in restricted nations and led urban poor house church multiplication. I also served as an Elder at Greenhills Christian Fellowship from 2011 to 2023 and am currently on sabbatical leave since 2024.
Nominated by Lilette Cruz-Porter
Annabelle De Borja
A shattered childhood, marked by rejection and a lack of belonging, describes my life before meeting the Lord. As the youngest of three children, my parents separated when I was 9. This difficult family history led me to doubt the existence of God and focus on achieving success independently. However, God revealed Himself by addressing my need for education. I was eager to change my life through higher education, but circumstances were challenging. I sought God, challenging Him for a miracle to enable my studies, and He responded by offering me choices between the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) scholarships. This guidance brought me to a university where I deepened my faith and became a follower of Christ in 1995 during a Christian leadership camp with Intervarsity Christian Fellowship (IVCF). I served as Evangelism Ministry Coordinator for IVCF from 1996 to 1998 and was part of other ministries and events until 2015.
My current ministry includes a Business as Mission (BAM) initiative at a cafe in Qinghai Tibetan Plateau which focuses on job opportunities, English corner activities, studying the Word of God, and supporting local Christian organizations. Since 2021, I have been teaching English at Gansu Minzu Normal University. Here, I teach Basic English and International English Language Testing System (IELTS), attend weekly community prayer time with likeminded colleagues, and build relationships with students and local friends while subtly sharing my faith.
Nominated by Lina Hervas-Blair
Ronald C. Aguila
I became a Christian in my second year of college after being influenced by several people. The first significant moment was when I received an evangelistic tract while living at my boarding house in Guinobatan, Albay, I read it and felt moved to pray for salvation. Soon after, my roommate invited me to a Bible study which deepened my understanding of my faith.
After becoming a Christian, I met Angela “Ging-ging” Marvella and JR Dejucos, the leaders of Mayon Christian Fellowship at Bicol University. They sought help to start a chapter at the College of Agriculture and Forestry, where I studied. I volunteered and became the president of the IVCF chapter. After graduating, I moved to Cebu and served as a Grad-Team member at the Cebu Institute of Technology for two years and participated in the Graduates Fellowship. My involvement with IVCF was crucial for my spiritual growth and pastoral skills.
In 2008, I left my job at UNIVET to serve full-time as a pastor at Shekinah Evangelical Fellowship, a church my wife helped start. We initiated a new church planting effort in Cawayan, Dalaguete, and planned to create a tutorial center to connect with local families. However, we faced challenges from the Department of Education, which required us to obtain a teaching permit. My wife and I took leadership roles in the school, and during the COVID-19 lockdown, I became the pastor of the Dalaguete church. While the church services were online initially, I later managed both the Dalaguete church and the city church, driving between them for meetings and services.
Nominated by: Bernie Oro
Norman Roque Llerena,
I grew up in a Christian family, primarily attending St. John United Methodist Church. From a young age, I participated in church services and junior fellowship activities. At fourteen, in 1980, Pastor Roger Neri visited our home and invited us to attend Sta Teresita Evangelical Church. I went to a Youth Camp in Baguio City in April 1980, where I accepted the Lord Jesus Christ on April 15. Since then, my relationship with Him has deepened, and I have volunteered to teach the Bible and participate in various ministries while completing my high school education.
After graduating from high school in 1982, I enrolled at Mapua Institute of Technology to study Electrical Engineering. During a break, a student invited me to a cell group Bible study, which introduced me to IVCF. I became an active member, participating in evangelism and discipleship. After leaving Mapua, I transferred to TIP Manila to continue my studies while remaining involved with IVCF and its activities.
Currently, I serve as a pastor at People on the Move Christian Church (POMCC) while working in Qatar. I can only physically attend during my one-month vacations but stay connected through social media. I also help pastor a local church in Qatar, BCICM, where I engage in preaching and evangelism alongside my job as an Electrical Engineer.
In Qatar, everyone must have a working visa, and part-time work is not allowed. Pastors often support the church financially by contributing from their salaries.
Nominated by Lina Hervas-Blair
William “Willy” B. Girao
I trusted the Lord Jesus through reading the Bible when I was eight years old, in grade school (Grade III), reading through my Ilonggo Bible from Genesis to Revelation. My DVBS teacher helped me pray the prayer of trust in Jesus and I made a public confession of my faith at a convocation at the Philippine Central University when I was in my first year of high school.
attended KC in 1959. I was a student leader at IVCF in Iloilo City until I completed my BS in Agriculture degree in 1962 and joined the staff that same year. I worked with IVCF for 17 years in various roles; such as directing Kawayan camps in the Visayas, serving as a Graduate Secretary, a Promo Secretary and the General Secretary for IVCF Philippines from 1979-1980.
I am retired after 17 years as Pastor of DCBC (Diliman Campus Bible Church) and 14 years with other ministries; including OMF Literature, Febias College, Asian Theological Seminary, and University Church of CPU. I currently provide counseling and write in between my church activities.
Nominated by: Efren Echipare