On August 15, 2024, 22-year old Catherine de Ocampo (with a degree in Bachelor of Physical Education) and 24-year old Gemma Baway (with a degree in Bachelor of Elementary Education), were appointed as Youth Development Facilitators (YDFs) after responding to the call of the Lord to be part of His ministry in the Philippine Navigators.

Gemma, who replaced Micah Ballon, is now serving at South Cotabato under the Southern Mindanao Division. On the other hand, Cath, who succeeded Sheila Morales, is currently serving at Rizal Technological University (RTU) under Metro Manila Division.

“Trusting God was the most important decision I have made. He never fails to amaze me. God fulfilled His promises. I am always grateful to Him. I am grateful for the life He has given me and for His unconditional love. I am grateful for the strength and the opportunities He gave me to grow spiritually, emotionally, and in other aspects of life. Most of all, I am grateful for the trials He allowed to test my faith and strengthen me.” – Gemma Baway

“I felt like God was telling me through the lyrics of the song Flowers by Samantha Ebert, “So I brought it up in a desperate prayer, Lord, why are you keeping me here? Then He said to me, Child I’m planting seeds I’m a good God and I have a good plan So trust that I’m holding a watering can.” I realized that it is okay to be weak. What we are currently experiencing will become our testimony soon. I know I needed that pain. I felt that God did not forsake me and that I was being helped especially during difficult times. I have experienced this because the Lord is doing something in me. We do not need to know what the purpose is. All you have to do is to trust His plans, and someday you’ll see that flowers grow in the valley” – Cath de Ocampo

 The YDF program is an opportunity for the trainees to grow spiritually, cultivate intimate relationship with the Lord, share the love of Christ with the lost, and help shape their character toward Christlikeness.
 

Support

The YDFs are raising funds for their monthly personal needs and ministry budget. If you are moved to financially support our YDFs, you may send through the following:

1. BPI Savings (Bank of the Philippine Islands)
   • Account Name: Navigator Ministries, Inc.
   • Account number: 3153-2344-76
2. BDO Savings (Banco de Oro)
   • Account Name: Navigator Ministries, Inc.
   • Account number: 4010-0002-63

Kindly send the proof of deposit to: . and kindly indicate the name of the intended recipient.