“He Will Baptize You with the Holy Spirit and Fire” (Matthew 3:11).
THE ARRIVAL and FELLOWSHIP
The much-awaited East Coast Spirit Empowerment Seminar (SES) 2026 became a beautiful testimony of answered prayer, renewed fellowship, and the transforming work of the Holy Spirit. Added to this event, was the birthday celebration of Sis. Techie and Bro. Bobby Rodriguez (Elders-Founders of the Lord’s Flock Charismatic Community/TLF).
On September 4, 2026, our dear Elder, Sis. Techie (Soar), together with Sis. Judith Almendrala, Steward for International Outreach, arrived at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. After many years, Soar’s return to Maryland/Virginia was a long-awaited blessing for the East Coast TLF Brothers and Sisters. They were warmly welcomed by Maryland/Virginia Chapter Stewards Justin Pacquing, Flor Valdez, and Angie Impat, with coordinators Remy Ambrosio and Joel Impat, and members Cecile and Ed Lauchengco.
The evening was filled with fellowship with photographs, dinner, laughter, and meaningful conversations. Soar also fondly recalled the resort as the place where she had previously met former U.S. President Barack Obama. Their room at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center was thoughtfully prepared with fresh fruit and a personalized welcome note—an expression of the love and appreciation of the East Coast community.
EAST COAST SES
Early Saturday morning, workers from different chapters arrived to prepare for the seminar. Leaders and members from New Jersey, together with Sis. Krishy, International Head Steward, and Bro. Charlie Ordoñez, Sower Ministry Steward from Manila, joined the preparations. Over a simple Filipino breakfast of pandesal and coffee, everyone shared fellowship and anticipation. Before registration, the East Coast leaders gathered for an Empowerment Prayer led by Bro. Charlie, entrusting the seminar and all the seekers to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Registration opened at 8:00 a.m. with the Sacrament of Reconciliation graciously administered by Father Ryan, Pastor of St. Philip the Apostle Church. At 9:00 a.m., the seminar officially began with joyful praise and worship led by Bro. Justin, together with the Virginia and New Jersey Psalm Ministries, while Sis. Flor was the assigned moderator. At approximately 9:45 a.m., Soar shared her message on New Life: knowing God and developing a personal relationship with Him. Drawing from Jeremiah 1:5, she reminded the seekers that God knows each of us personally and calls us into a deeper relationship with Him. One of her key questions was: “How well do you know God?”
Through her testimony, Soar shared her journey of faith and salvation and emphasized the importance of receiving God’s gift and walking with the Holy Spirit. Through a simple demonstration involving Bro. Charlie and another seeker, she illustrated what it means to walk with the Holy Spirit and the difference it makes in our lives. Her message prepared everyone for the most anticipated part of the seminar: the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. As the prayer began, the atmosphere became deeply prayerful and reverent. Seekers opened their hearts in surrender, with some experiencing warmth or coolness, while others lifted their hands or were moved to tears. The room became a place of prayer, surrender, healing, and encounter.
A total of seventy-seven (77) attendees participated in the seminar, with forty-eight (48) seekers receiving the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, As the prayer concluded, many faces reflected joy, peace, and renewed hope. Brothers and Sisters embraced one another, rejoicing in what God had done. “He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire” (Matthew 3:11). The seminar concluded with the celebration of the Anticipated Mass, giving everyone an opportunity to thank God and place the fruits of the gathering into His hands.
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION of SOAR and TATAY BOB
Following the SES, the community gathered at St. Philip the Apostle for a surprise 80th and 82nd birthday celebration honoring Soar and Tatay Bob, respectively. The three (3) participating chapters prepared a joyful pink-themed celebration, complete with a dance presentation, birthday cake, and gifts for Soar and Tatay Bob. Soar joyfully joined the line dancing, creating a memorable moment for everyone. More than a birthday celebration, it was an expression of the community’s love, gratitude, and appreciation for the faithful service and sacrifices of our Elders. Even after a full day of ministry and celebration, Soar continued to pray with the brothers and sisters, share testimonies, and speak about the history and journey of The Lord’s Flock and how the Heritage was built. Before the evening ended, she prayed over everyone, leaving hearts filled with gratitude and joy.
FELLOWSHIP BREAKFAST/DEPARTURE
On the third day, Soar’s East Coast visit concluded with a fellowship breakfast attended by leaders and members of the New Jersey and Maryland/Virginia Chapters at Hickory Restaurant. Soar shared more about the history and journey of The Lord’s Flock, including its development within the Catholic Fraternity, its transparochial identity, and its connection with CHARIS (Catholic Charismatic Renewal International Service, an organization established by the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life to unify and coordinate the Catholic Charismatic Renewal worldwide). She left the leaders with a simple but powerful reminder: “Continue to shepherd the members of your chapters with love and care.” Her words reminded every leader of the sacred responsibility to walk with those entrusted to them and to serve with love, humility, and compassion. At approximately 11:00 a.m., Soar departed for the airport. Although her visit had come to an end, the grace and memories of those three (3) days remained in the hearts of everyone who gathered.
The East Coast Spirit Empowerment Seminar 2026 was more than an event; it was a testimony of God’s faithfulness and an answer to a long-standing prayer. It strengthened fellowship, renewed relationships, and opened hearts to the transforming presence of the Holy Spirit. May the East Coast chapters continue to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit, carrying the grace, wisdom, love, and renewed strength received during this blessed gathering.
To God be all the glory!
SCRIBES MINISTRY
Written by: Sis Krishy Gayatao (International Head Steward)
Edited by: Sis Vera I. Tuplano (Scribes Consultant)
