Global Anointing Day and Pentecost Day
Lord’s Flock Community
By: Sis. Jo Advincula
Pentecost Sunday, an important event among Christians, commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles. In fact, it is considered to be the birthday of the church. The Lord’s Flock (TLF) Community Elders & Leaders aptly chose this Sunday, 23rd of May, 2021 to be its Global Anointing Day, to seek the Holy Spirit’s anointing for all the members to continue to serve the Lord faithfully.
Bro Derick Santiago (Steward, LF International) and Sis Grace Caringal (Steward, Small World) who started the celebration on a high note, warmly welcomed the local and international chapters (members) through zoom. Everyone was excited to virtually join the Psalm Ministry in praising God, singing the LF Anthem, and reiterating the LF Core Values. A spirit-filled video presentation by the Dulaang TUPA and KOROS was shown to reminisce the previous celebrations at the Heritage Center before the pandemic. Indeed, here in the Philippines, the entire Community, and the US, Canada, Europe, Hong Kong, UAE, Africa, eagerly looked forward to the updates and the anointing rites.
Moreover, Bro. Raymund Nobleza, Head Servant of EQUIP Ministry, highlighted the key updates for January through April on behalf of the Ministries: ‘
- TLF has expanded its GLOBAL reach. The pandemic has not stopped God’s work, and with virtual technology, active membership across the 201 Small Groups reached 2,071 (68% of the total membership).
- EVANGELIZE Ministry has been aggressive with its various initiatives: SYFOF Hangout, Lenten Recollection and After Work, all of which were highly attended.
- PASTOR Ministry lived up to its mission, scheduling activities for each of the Small Groups:
3.1 The Married Group discussed relevant topics such as “Married but Not Best Friends”, “Unhealthy Marriage”, “Enemies of the Family”, and “Prayer That Moves Mountains”.
3.2 The Singles Group focused on “Singleness is not Loneliness”, “Christ is our Role Model” and “Living the Single Life.”
3.3 The New Gen engaged on topics such as “I am Just a Youth”, “Fight or Flight.”
3.4 The Small World partied via zoom on “God’s Language of Love”, “Be There” and “Magnet”
- EQUIP Ministry hosted numerous training programs, namely Oral Communications, SG Orientation, and SGL Coach Training, Facilitators Training, H.E.LP., and Google It! More than 500 members participated in these programs. Several training programs are lined up for this year: Training On-Demand, Google Walk-through for Seniors, Leadership Training, Personality Profiling, and Mental Health, Passing On the Ministry Way and Ministering to Gen Z.
- SERVE Ministry reported the new developments and globalization of each ministry
5.1 Heralds Ministry has gone borderless, with local and international speakers being assigned to speak across all chapters.
5.2 Holiness has established an Intercessory group in Dubai Chapter; this will be followed soon by the Hong Kong Chapter
5.3 Psalm and Koros Ministries have been joined by local and international chapter members.
5.4 St. Luke’s Ministry engaged the members with two “Health is Wealth” topics that help enhance both physical and spiritual well-being.
- Special Events Ministry hosted the 35th LF Anniversary, Global Retreat, and Mother’s Day Honoring.
- SEND Ministry shared the good news about the increasing number of E-life groups (17 to 24), Meeting Tents (from 6 to 31), and Brethren membership.
- SCRIBES Ministry announced that 85 Grow and GA/Praise & Worship Digests have been published to date on the website; all Teachings have English and Filipino versions. A 3rd Writing Workshop will be conducted in June through August of this year.
- Comms Group reported the good news on the growth of the LF Facebook and Instagram followers and YouTube subscribers; moreover, viewership of Grow and Praise and Worship is trending up. The highly awaited launch of the new LF website is coming soon; a live demo was shown by Bro Raymund as a teaser for everyone to check out.
In addition, Bro Froilan Hong, Co-founder and Senior Head Servant, provided updates on the Community’s financials, with blessings pouring in to help finance the community operations and the expansion of the Heritage Center.
On the other hand, Tatay Bobby Rodriguez reiterated the importance of anointing, to be endowed with the power of God to perform mighty deeds. Without the anointing of the Holy Spirit, the burdens become and feel heavy.
Finally, Sis Techie “Soar” Rodriguez led the Anointing Rites, with the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, the Renewal of Baptismal Vows, and the Pentecost prayer. Her exhortation emphasized Pope Francis’ call to wake up the sleeping giants as God deserves excellence; there is no set limit to missionary work for God’s service.
As the ceremony ended, everybody was reminded that empowerment by the Holy Spirit should be used for the service of the Lord. The Mission Song touched the hearts of all the attendees and was a fitting closing for a spirit-filled day.
To God be the Glory!
