On August 03, 2024, the Harvest Class members gathered at the 5th Floor Pastoral Area of The Lord’s Flock (TLF) Catholic Charismatic Heritage Center for another Foundation Topic. Harvest 1,2 and 3 focused on “Tithes, Excellence, and Membership” the last three (3) of the Ten Core Values of the Community. On the other hand Harvest 4 concentrated on Core Values 1 and 2, “Love and Commitment.” The Foundation Topics aim to provide the members with spiritual food to continuously grow in their newfound life and faith in Jesus Christ.
The gathering started with the communal praying of the Holy Rosary, followed by praise and worship.
Harvest 1,2,3: Core Values#8,9 and 10 – TITHES, EXCELLENCE AND MEMBERSHIP
Core Value 8: TITHES
Raymund Nobleza (Steward, Psalm Ministry) clearly explained “Tithing” as giving 10% of whatever one receives; it is an important part of faith to show obedience and trust in God over their finances.
With conviction, Raymund shared his tithing story to encourage the class to make tithing part of their “way of life.” Like him, they will get to experience the outpouring of God’s blessings without measure (Malachi 3:10).
Core Value 9: EXCELLENCE
Furthermore, Raymund explained that every Christian must be aware that their every action, every deed, and every utterance will reflect on God, the Father (Colossians 3:23). They can do so by thinking, speaking, and acting like Christ and by doing everything from the heart (“do it right and best”).
Raymund shared that he strives for excellence through continuous training and by taking the lessons to heart. “So be perfect as our Father in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:48).
Core Value 10: MEMBERSHIP
Subsequently, on the last core value, “Membership,” Raymund started with the statement “Mold my body to value my membership within the body of Christ in the Lord’s Flock and my response to exercise God-given gifts for the edification of the body.” He emphasized –
- that they have been set apart and called to be part of the body of Christ.
- that they are “saved to serve” and to use their gifts to build up the body.
- that they should bloom where they were planted, i.e. in The Lord’s Flock.
To set realistic expectations, Raymond enlightened the class about some hard truths about a “Christian Community.”
- They do not get to choose who God will call and set apart.
- There is no such thing as a perfect community.
- A Christian community is identified by the way they love one another.
He concluded that the key to a blessed Community is UNITY. Therefore, everyone is enjoined to keep and fight for the shared vision and mission.
A blessed Community is described in Psalm 133:1-3 “How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony…Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon… And there the LORD has pronounced His blessing, even life everlasting.”
After the teachings, the members were grouped to share their insights and difficulties in practicing the 3 core values, over a refreshing snack of ice cream.
With the conclusion of the Ten Core Values of the Community, the Harvest 1,2,3 class members affirmed their commitments to grow in love of God by obedience and worship.
Harvest 4: Core Values #1 and 2 – LOVE AND COMMITMENT
In a separate room, Allan Almendrala (Head Steward, Send Ministry) passionately explained the values of LOVE and COMMITMENT to the Harvest 4 Class to deepen their personal relationship with God.
Core Value 1: LOVE GOD
He pointed out that loving God means they must put God above everything else: give their hearts, souls, minds, and strength in obeying His commandments.
Core Value 2: COMMITMENT
On the 2nd Core Value, “Commitment,” Allan emphasized that God commands everyone to love their neighbors as themselves (Matthew 22:39); as they experience and taste God’s love in their lives, the love and grace should overflow to others. He added that God commands everyone to go out and win souls for Christ everywhere (Matthew 28:19).
After the talk, the class members exchanged views on how to deal with “lukewarmness” in their love for God. They concluded that encouragement from one another would be a great help.
Truly, the Harvest Program is successfully helping the class to grow steadily in their renewed life in Christ.
To God be the Glory
SCRIBES Ministry
Written by: Chay Arevalo
(Information Technology Steward)
