Inspiring Lives: Courage

“I had a popular and significant book one time, and though, my attention is focused to other things, I gave myself a chance to read the book. Whenever I had leisure time, I reminded myself to read the book, and there, within its content, I have fathomed the true meaning why it’s important.”

Ivan Shieldon Llesol was born late at night of October 29, 1983 in Iloilo City. He is a product of a single parenthood. His mother is Revica Morta. Ivan is one of the popular members of the Chruch of Christ or commonly known as the Iglesia ni Cristo, in the Ecclesiastical District of Cebu South.

At his younger years, Ivan was fond of participating in church activities. He gave importance to his responsibilities as a member of the church. He knows how to balance things well, being smart and responsible in his studies and accountable in the church.

Ivan became a junior deacon, and later on, a teacher for the children’s worship service. Moreover, he was one of the officers of the Binhi Organization (an organization that caters to the Christian youth ages 12 to 17) and the junior’s choir, as well.

Later on, he became a part of the leadership group of the KADIWA Organization (an organization that caters to the unmarried Christian youth from ages 18 and up) based within the locale level, and thus, he excelled in those fields and is now a part of the KADIWA Christian Youth officers in the district level.

The Christian Brotherhood International (CBI), a social and religious youth organization that caters to secondary and tertiary school students, which Ivan is also one of the active leaders, appeared moribund at the time when he was absorbed in the organization’s district level. Nevertheless, he became one of the influential people to the current CBI leaders and members.

Together with the other members, they ascend the status of the organization. Hence, CBI is now on a high level -- active and functional. For Ivan, he considered it as one of his achievements because his endeavors were never put into waste.

One of Ivan’s greatest achievements is when he became a part of the number one Information Technology (IT) Company in the Philippines. It is a great privilege to him because many people desire to be a part of it. Unfortunately, he had to give it up when the company retrenched some of its employees due to financial crisis. Even though he’s one of the less fortunate employees who were affected with the company’s problem, he is still proud that at least once in his life he belonged to such high-standards company.

Steadfast and contented as he is, Ivan is glad with what he is now. His courage is so visible in everything he does. He can express himself articulately. Moreover, with the help of God, everybody knows that Ivan is bound to achieve whatever he aims to. Thus, he will continue serving God.