It has been a practice of the Lord’s Flock Catholic Charismatic Community (TLF) to seek God’s guidance and direction in all its planned and unplanned activities. Despite the short notice, Sis. Techie “Soar” Rodriguez, Elder-Founder of the LF Community, obeyed the message she received from the Lord to go to Cebu to minister to the Cebu Chapter instead of attending the Federation of Asian Bishops Conference and the Alpha Conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia as earlier planned. The mission team that accompanied Soar was composed of Bro. Froilan Hong (Co-Founder); Ministry Head Stewards Allan Almendrala (SEND) and Judith Almendrala (SERVE); Stewards Dinah Alcantara (Special Events), Rene Anyog (SEND-Provincial Chapters), Maro Anyog (Equip-Renew) and Jess Advincula (Sower) and Jenny Rose Mirasol. Over the three-day Mission, Soar and the Mission team conducted a Fellowship with the chapter leaders and members, a Retreat, Facing 2024, and a Spirit Empowerment Seminar.
June 21st, Friday: Mission Team Arrival and Fellowship
Soar and the first group of the mission team arrived in Cebu after lunch. They were excitedly met by Eric Alcantara (LF Cebu Chapter Steward) and some leaders who accompanied them to their hotel. Soar had prepared her teaching for the afternoon session but the Lord had other plans. Instead, she asked Judith to conduct training on the latest praise and worship songs and dances which delighted everyone. The second-floor lobby of the Parklane Hotel was filled with fun and laughter that afternoon.
June 22nd Saturday: Retreat and Facing 2024 (St. Mark’s Hotel)
Retreat (9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)
The day started with a Praise and Worship led by the very talented Psalm Ministry of the LF Cebu Chapter. The spirit-filled praise and worship set the mood as everyone was ready to welcome God’s message for 2024.
Daryl Virtudez, the moderator for the Retreat, introduced Bro. Froi for the opening remarks. He explained the meaning and essence of a retreat, and the house rules to remind all the members to be in ‘retreat’ mode – focused on prayer and meditation, communicating with God through prayers and songs, fasting, and being sensitive to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Subsequently, a video presentation on “Ignite” was shown to introduce the theme for 2024.
As the highlight of the Retreat, “Soar” presented “IGNITE 2024” in her first teaching. The fire must keep burning in the altar and should not go out (John 1: 35-51). It only takes a spark to bring others to Jesus; the same spark that ignited John, the Baptist, and the apostles, Andrew and Philip, must be with all the leaders and members to keep the passion and service to the Lord always alive.
After the teachings, small group discussions were held over a simple lunch. The participants shared their insights about the topics discussed earlier, particularly how God has touched them and what they did about it.
To start the afternoon session, Judith flashed the lyrics of the “Ignite Song” on screen and demonstrated the choreography for the song. The “Ignite” dance made everyone alert to listen to the next topic of the Retreat.
Soar discussed her next topic “Overcoming Fear of Commitment.” As followers of Jesus, He wants a total commitment to proclaim the kingdom of God, and the actions should not be delayed. Therefore, when making a vow to God, the desire to serve should be coupled with the right reasons, and the priorities should be those of Jesus.
Before the Retreat ended, the leaders and members were given time to pray, meditate, and write their “Commitment Letters” for 2024; these were placed in a basket before the altar.
Facing 2024 (4:30 -6:30 p.m.)
The next part of the Saturday activity was the much-awaited “Facing 2024” with Maro as the moderator.
The activity started with the awarding of Certificates of Appreciation to the 2023 Chapter steward, leaders, and coordinators by Soar and Bro. Froi. Conversely, as Steward of the LF Cebu Chapter, Eric led the honoring for Soar with a simple offering from the Chapter and expressed their deep appreciation for her dedication and care for them and the whole LF Community. Bro. Froi and the mission team were presented with tokens of appreciation as well.
The honoring was followed by a video presentation of “Look what the Lord has done in 2023” which left those present in awe since they did not have the opportunity to be present in the events presented in the video.
Subsequently, Bro. Froi presented the Community’s Annual Report emphasizing what the Lord had done for the Global TLF Family in 2023, as well as the completion and inauguration of the Heritage Center Ministry Floor.
As the highlight of Facing 2024, Soar discussed the 2024 theme: “IGNITE.” Although the theme “Ignite” was conveyed to the Community at the start of 2024, Soar explained further the vision the Lord had given the Elders for 2024.
The consecration rites for the 2024 leaders immediately took place. The Chapter Stewards who were appointed were Eric Alcantara and Ruel Yu together with other leaders and coordinators. They were individually anointed with oil and they signed their consecration letters. While holding a lighted candle, the newly consecrated stewards, leaders, and coordinators recited their vows and the Prayer of Consecration. The rites ended with the singing of the “Servant Song” with everyone holding a lighted candle as they internalized the lyrics of the song.
Truly, the Cebu Mission was a testament to God’s amazing power. The Mission was an astounding success as the Holy Spirit’s guidance and divine assistance was evident throughout the four days.
To God be the Glory!
Scribes Ministry
Written by: Maro Anyog
(Equip Ministry)
