Same vision. New Experiences.

These two phrases capture the essence of this year's Leadership Training Conference. For many years, we held LTC every December, but this time, we returned  to our October schedule. It was a step of faith with  two fewer months for preparation, a leap into the unfamiliar, and a challenge to trust God for a swift inflow of registrants. But when God's plan is involved, He always shows up– And He did, faithfully. What we initially thought was a risk turned out to be an invitation for God to move. This year, we were grateful to have 183 delegates and 35 teachers/facilitators join us—the highest combined participation we’ve seen so far. The shift in schedule did not hinder participation but rather opened doors for more people to be involved  in what God is  doing.

A key factor in this success was the dedication of  student leaders, alumni, and staff – around 50 volunteers in total – who faithfully served  both on stage and behind the scenes. This partnership reflects how Cru Eastern Visayas nurtures and raises a spiritual generation of laborers committed to investing in God's mission from one generation to the next.

Held on October 30–November 1, 2025, at Oceanview Hotel, Tolosa, Leyte, the conference carried the theme "Flourish: Rooted to Lead, Called for Eternal Impact." The three–day conference was full of God–moments that met delegates and even facilitators in different seasons and circumstances. Many shared that LTC became a spiritual landmark that helped them rediscover their purpose, rekindle their relationship with God, and renew their commitment to the Great Commission. They were reminded that while being fruitful is the goal, being deeply rooted is our responsibility.

Moved by personal conviction and inward revelation, five delegates publicly declared their faith in Jesus through water baptism. Additionally, 172 people were reached with  the Gospel, and 92 prayed to receive Christ during the Witnessing Blitz. Half of the delegates conducted face–to–face evangelism, while the other half did so  online. What a victory!

It's amazing how the empowerment imparted to the delegates resonated far beyond the conference walls. Many delegates began sharing the Gospel with their families, classmates, and friends right after the event. Students in campuses like UP Tacloban took intentional steps to share Jesus by conducting a three–day evangelism campaign, and it was inspiring to see their boldness– even reaching out to schoolmates they didn’t know—including a Muslim.

Building on this momentum, campuses and church movements collaborated  to craft clear action plans to sustain growth through evangelism, discipleship, and leadership development. As part of these efforts, campuses launched Flourish Sessions where different campuses meet on a particular day to conduct follow–up sessions for students reached during their evangelism activities, as well as other Student LinC members.

This year's LTC carried the same vision of sharing Christ, making disciples, and empowering  leaders in the faith. We ran with the same old vision, yet experienced new things.

Anchored in  the theme "Flourish," the conference reminded  us that being rooted begins with simply abiding. Just as a seed rests beneath  the ground, we too are called  to trust the hands that hold us. And trust grows  as we know God deeply and  we come to know ourselves too.

When believers are secure in their identity and authority as children of God, they will truly flourish. And that is what we continue to believe for Cru Eastern Visayas.

Writer:

Kamilah Gracia Ortiz
Alumna Volunteer, UP Tacloban