IDC 2026 Nurtures 11 Uplift Plus Scholars’ Discipleship Journeys

Last January 29 to 31, 2026, 11 of our Uplift Plus scholars were blessed as they attended the Intentional Discipleship Conference (IDC) 2026 which was held at the CCF Center. This conference served as a milestone in their journey as they grow into being committed, competent, and Christlike servant-leaders.

Moreover, this conference helped them embrace the essence of practicing brokenness in their walk with God, which can support their holistic development as they belong to the next generation of disciple makers.

In the three days of the conference, they eagerly listened to the plenary sessions held by Rev. Edmund Chan, Rev. Paul Jeyachandran, Ptr. Abe Huber, and Dr. Peter Tan-chi. Days after this conference, the scholars wrote their own reflections about this significant event, expressing their own insights and experiences that can inspire others to grow in their discipleship journeys.

Uplift Plus Scholars’ Reflections

Renjiro Shawn Bagaporo, a first year AB Communication student at Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, was delighted to listen to great godly leaders during the conference.

One of Renjiro’s greatest learnings all throughout the plenaries and workshops is about God’s heart to use His people into greater heights and platforms.

“But before He does it, most of the time He shakes the foundation of our faith and allow brokenness to cover our hearts. That in the darkest, deepest, loneliest, wilderness of our lives, God works His great purpose in us, shattering our self-dependence and self-reliance, and shaping our attitude towards Him and His kingdom,” Renjiro wrote.

Renjiro added that we, just like pots, can rest in the Potter’s hand and be at peace, knowing that Jesus is enough for us, His grace is sufficient for us, and we are strong in Him through our weakness. Reflecting on what Ptr. Abe Huber said during the conference, he desires to surround himself with the people who will help him grow and point him towards God’s mission and purpose.

Chenie Cornel, a fourth year business administration (major in Human Resource Management) student at Polytechnic University of the Philippines - Manila, was able to attend IDC for the first time. For her, this experience served as a sacred moment that marked her heart, as she was hungry to learn, be restored, and encounter God in a deeper way.

“Over the course of three days, I realized that brokenness is not something to fear or hide from, but a sacred place where true leadership, true healing, and true faith begin,” Chenie wrote.

She shared that the third day concluded the conference with a deep call to worship through brokenness. One truth that struck with her was that brokenness itself is an act of worship.

Chenie thanked God for the UPLIFT Cares community, and for the people whom He used as vessels to make this experience possible.

“Looking back, this three-day conference was not just about learning, it was about transformation. God met me in my hunger, confronted my pride, healed places of brokenness, and reminded me that leadership, faith, and service all begin with surrender. I leave IDC not feeling complete, but more dependent on God, more aware of my need for Him, and more willing to let Him work through my brokenness,” Chenie wrote.

Mary Grace Guy-Ab, a second year management accounting major from Polytechnic University of the Philippines - Manila, vividly felt her emotions about this conference.

“We have different definitions of brokenness, but for me it was about a season where God removed something or someone that was precious to my heart but a necessary painful experience so I will cling more to and be dependent on Him,” Mary Grace wrote.

The first day, when Rev. Edmund Chan delivered his message, bringing realization that brokenness leads people to the most honest prayers. “Through brokenness, our hearts and our outlook on life were revealed,” Mary Grace wrote.

Among her learnings on the second day of the conference was about Rev. Paul Jeyachandran’s message about the story of Bathsheba. Mary Grace encountered a reminder that sometimes, people go through painful seasons because of the sin of others. She discovered that brokenness is an inevitable process, for it is where God shapes people and they truly see His grace at work.

“I learned that healing begins when we reveal our secrets in light as this invites God’s grace and intervention of those people around us,” she said. On the third day, Mary Grace embraced the message that brokenness brings transformation.

Mary Grace expressed her gratitude to all the speakers, sponsors, CCF staff and volunteers, her discipleship group leader, and her fellow scholar friends for making the three days of the conference very joyful and meaningful for her.

This three-day conference has indeed inspired the scholars to impact the world through sharing Jesus in their schools, homes, and communities. May they step into a brighter chapter in their discipleship journeys, reflecting further God’s love, grace, and compassion as future servant-leaders! We would like to thank all our sponsors for supporting them in their walk with Him.

To support an Uplift Plus scholar, you may send us a message on our social media accounts or kindly send us an email at sponsorship@upliftcares.com