The Lord’s Flock Catholic Charismatic Community held its Annual Retreat for Leaders at the Heritage Center on January 13-14, 2024. The Retreat followed shortly after “Facing2024” which was the appointment of the leaders, coordinators and workers for 2024. The focus for 2024 was revealed by Elder-Founder, Vision-Holder, Sis. Techie (Soar) Rodriguez: to ignite the zeal and fervor for the Lord and the works that He has for the Community. “IGNITE2024” is a progression from the “REKINDLE 2023” to ensure everyone must continue to fan the flame for evangelization and service.
Dinky Florentino (Execom and Board of Trustees) superbly moderated the two-day retreat with his wit and charm. The Bible Enthronement prepared by the Holiness Ministry set the solemn tone for the meeting; this was led by Allan Almendrala, Madz Sopungco (Head Stewards of SEND and SERVE Ministries, respectively). Praise and Worship followed, led by Daphne Tapia and the Psalm Ministry.
An ice-breaker game “Pass the Message” was led by siblings Jolo and Regine Baclig and energized the 200+ leaders who came all the way from the various chapters in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. While the game was hilarious, they shared an insight that it demonstrated the point that everyone must focus all five senses to ensure that the Lord’s message which will be cascaded by the Elders will be truly absorbed accurately and in its totality.
The illustrious Bro. Froilan Hong (Co-Founder) explained the house rules to ensure that all the leaders are indeed in ‘retreat’ mode – focused on prayer and meditation, communicating with God through prayers and songs, and sensitive to the guidance of the Holy Spirit for the year ahead.
Tatay Bobby Rodriguez (Elder-Founder), a man of few words but a man of action gave the welcome remarks. He cited Genesis 50:20 “… God meant it for the good of the greater survival of many…” to explain that while the pandemic was indeed harmful, there were also many positive outcomes: people went back to God, families bonded while on lockdown at home, and the LF Community became a global family.
Subsequently, an audio visual presentation” was shown to share a summary of the International Retreat that was held in Las Vegas last November 4-5, 2023, where the theme “Ignite24” was first revealed.
Bro. Dinky had a unique introduction for Sis Techie “Soar” Rodriguez. He sought the help of leaders to best describe her: anointed leader, spirit-filled and indefatigable servant of God, with a forgiving heart, with un-matched sacrifices for the Lord.
Soar started by thanking everyone for an outstanding attendance (95%) and obedience to the Lord. She then said a prayer with the song “Come Holy Spirit.”
She delivered three teachings on the first day of the Retreat:
- “Ignite” – it only takes a spark to bring people to Jesus and the fire must be kept burning (Leviticus 6:13)
- “Church on Fire or a Dead Church”
- “Overcoming Your Fear of Commitment”
Workshops followed each of the teachings to discuss their implications.
Lastly, the first day ended with the introduction of the “IGNITE” Chant by the energetic Kent Galido (Steward of Communications Ministry).
January 14, 2024
On the second day, a “You’ve Got Talent” segment entertained the participants as the various groups performed a variety of singing, dancing and skits that creatively illustrated the theme “Ignite.”
Soar shared two more teachings:
- Holy Spirit, Set Us on Fire
- Visioneering
(Summaries of these Teachings can be found on the LF Website).
In the afternoon, the Execom led the Community in an honoring and appreciation to the Elders.
This was followed by the Anointing of Leaders and their submission of Commitment Letters in front of the Blessed Sacrament.
Finally, the second day was capped by the “Jericho March,” a prayer walk based on Joshua 6. This was led by the enthusiastic Raymund Nobleza (Psalm Ministry Steward). All the leaders went around the Sanctuary seven times, praying and singing songs of praise.
TO GOD BE THE GLORY!
Scribes Ministry
Written by: Jo Advincula
