The Lord’s Flock Catholic Charismatic Community held this year’s Retreat at the picturesque and scenic CCT Tagaytay Retreat and Training Center located in Kaykulot Road, Tagaytay City, on June 13 and 14, 2026. Sis. Techie Rodriguez (TLF Elder & Founder) and Sis. Mik Rodriguez-Flores (TLF Head Servant) shared their inspiration for this year’s theme: “Rise Up” – experiencing a simple but life-changing transition from being defined by the past to moving forward as a “new creation” toward the horizon that God has prepared for all.
DAY 1 – JUNE 13
Morning Activities
Three hundred eighty (382) sanguine retreatants travelled for about two hours on four buses and private vehicles to the venue. Upon arrival, they registered at Isaiah Hall and enthusiastically took group photos against the picture-perfect landscape.
Bro. Raymund Nobleza, Head Steward of Serve Ministry, impressively moderated the two-day retreat with his wit and energy. He invited everyone to support the “Mission 5000” (Kingdom Works) Project Raffle Fundraiser at P20 each. Additionally, he encouraged retreatants to post their messages to themselves on the wall of “Leave the Weight of Yesterday Behind.” He later called on Bro. Jolo Baclig and Sis. Dennis Flancia to lead the kick-off activity “Rise Up and Warm Up.”
The Bible Enthronement set the solemn tone for the event, followed by a Praise and Worship led by the zestful Bea Baclig and the Psalm Ministry. These enabled the participants to feel God’s powerful presence from the onset.
SESSION 1 – “Mephibosheth” by Sis. Mik Flores
Sis. Mik started the session with a video of Mephibosheth (a Hebrew name for Meribbaal), the crippled son of Jonathan. For the sake of his dear friend Jonathan, King David restored to him all that belonged to his grandfather, King Saul, and invited him to eat at the king’s table (2 Samuel 9). Mik explained that, like Mephibosheth, we all have moments in life when we need to rise from where we have fallen, and not be held back by past hurts or heartbreaks. Instead, we should live by faith, not by fear, because:
- With God, our past does not define us.
- We can be dropped and still be destined for good and for God’s plan.
- Our hiding place could be a meeting place with God.
- God sees through His grace.
- Our past labels do not get the final word; God does.
Mik ended her uplifting talk by assuring everyone that God is gives conventional kindness and loves freely out of covenant.
Thereafter, the retreatants individually found solitude to offload their worries and concerns to find peace in the presence of God using a Scripture Guide. The morning session ended with a hearty lunch at the Martha Hall.
Afternoon Activities
The afternoon session started with a praise and worship led by Dennis Flancia and the Psalm Ministry. Subsequently, a Workshop titled “Leaving the ‘Creases’ Behind” was conducted by Raymund. Each retreatant was given a colored paper to fold several times, flatten, and fold again to form a pelican. This illustrates that everyone can be transformed and can rise like a beautiful pelican with the help of God’s grace and faith.
Session 2 – “Gideon – the Fearful Farmer to Military Hero” by Sis. Techie “Soar” Rodriguez
Soar related that God called Gideon a hesitant, unlikely hero who was sent to rescue the Israelites from seven years of brutal oppression by the Midianites (Judges 6-8). But as Gideon sought God, an angel appeared, called him a mighty warrior, and assured him that God was with him. God’s faith moved him to obey the Lord. Armed with faith and just 300 men instead of 32,000, as advised by God, Gideon defeated a massive enemy army and established a period of peace for Israel. Similarly, Soar assured the retreatants that God uses simple people and weapons to fight the enemy. Soar’s empowering talk ended with a prayer and a question to the retreatants: “What 32,000 questions are you relying on today – your abilities, experience, position, or resources – that God may be asking you to surrender so that you can trust Him fully?”
FREE TIME – (3:15-6:00 PM)
Subsequently, the retreatants were given time to check-in to their respective cabins and were provided with various spiritual and nature-focused options for the afternoon:
- Fun Activities (swimming, table tennis, basketball, etc.); Arts and Crafts; Board Games
- Amazing Grace; Race, Rise Up and Walk (Prayer Walk)
- Workshops
After the tiring, fun activities, everyone eagerly welcomed an early dinner.
SESSION 3 – “Dry Bones, Dead Dreams” by Sis. Techie (Soar) Rodriguez
Session 3 began with a video about Ezequiel’s vision of the dry bones (Ezequiel 37): a powerful biblical metaphor of hope, divine restoration, and spiritual revival. His dream that Israel would be a nation free from exile had died, and all that was left were dry bones. Soar explained that God can revive what seems completely dead; however, He restores everyone first before fulfilling His promise. Moreover, the following steps have to be taken to be revived: accept the reality with faith in God, follow His instructions, and obey His command. Hence, a moment of failure does not define the future.
JERICHO MARCH
To cap the day, the retreatants gathered around the main hall for the Jericho March led by Mik and the Psalm Ministry. Most of the retreatants (those with health issues were excused) joined the very lively and spirit-filled Jericho March (Joshua 6). Everyone marched around the area seven times, dancing and singing songs of praise, and ended with a shout of victory. Tired but joyful, everyone proceeded to their respective cabins to discuss the lessons and share their insights and reflections with their roommates.
DAY 2 – JUNE 14
The day started with a morning exercise at the Garden Area. This was followed by a mass at the Main Hall, celebrated by Rev. Fr. Sonny De Rivera, SVD. Fr. Sonny clarified that before God entrusted the apostles with a mission, He reminded them of His faithfulness. He added that the purpose of the retreat was to help everyone rediscover who they were in God’s eyes. Hence, they had to rise with courage, and with an assurance that Jesus will always be with them through the Holy Spirit.
Subsequently, everyone proceeded to the amphitheater for the group photo. This was followed by another Cabin Time before breakfast.
Before Session 4 started, Kishy Milan and the Psalm Ministry led the praise and worship. Mik and Soar reiterated their appeal to everyone to support the Good Samaritan Ministry fundraising project by buying raffle tickets. The Elders, Mik, and other generous Community leaders and members donated the raffle prizes.
SESSION 4 – “Jacob” by Sis. Mik Flores
Mik talked about the “stinkiest” season in Jacob’s life when his past caught up with him. She explained further that Jacob prepared for a tense reunion with his estranged brother, Esau, as a prelude to Jacob’s famous encounter with God. Fearing the reunion with Esau, he woke in the night to send his family and all his possessions away, preparing to face his impending crisis completely alone (Gen. 32:22). Then, he unexpectedly wrestled with God and held on until he received the blessing he demanded from Him. Because he persevered, he was renamed Israel, meaning “he struggles with God.” Jacob named the place Peniel, meaning “face of God,” because he survived seeing God face- to-face. He walked away with a permanent limp, serving as a physical reminder of his dependence on God. Indeed, with God, we can get past our past.
Mik asked everyone to “Rise Up and Step Boldly” as she led the empowerment prayer and singing of “Who Am I.” Simultaneously, the notes that were previously posted were removed from the “Leave the Weight of Yesterday Behind” wall.
CLOSING EVENTS
In closing, the retreat masters, Soar and Mik, and Tatay Bob were recognized and honored. In turn, Soar gave glory to God for all the inspiration and thanked Mik for her retreat ideas. On the other hand, Mik acknowledged and gave appreciation to the Retreat Team, the retreatants, and those who supported the Good Samaritan Ministry’s Fundraising Project (which raised about P90,000). Lastly, Star Marudo and her raffle team led the raffle draw, which delighted everyone.
Indeed, the retreatants experienced a deeper connection with God, were filled with inner healing and a renewed sense of purpose to be the person God created them to be. Moreover, they were emboldened to “TO RISE UP, TAKE COURAGE AND GO DO IT.”
TO GOD BE THE GLORY!
SCRIBES MINISTRY
Written by: Maro Anyog (Renew Steward)
Edited by: Jo Advincula (Scribes Steward)
Photo Credits: Jona Ramos (Comms) May Barcita and Rene Anyog (TLF East), Thess Sarmiento and Leah Mariano (Scribes)
