The Lord’s Flock Catholic Charismatic Community UAE Chapter held a thanksgiving party at the Hyatt Place in Dubai on 9 September 2023 to celebrate its 10th founding Anniversary in the United Arab Emirates. Aptly titled “10 Glorious Years: The Best is Yet to Come,” the UAE Chapter members were filled with gratitude as they reminisced about their early years, and felt hopeful that the Lord will continue to bless them with many more surprises in the next decade.
Opening Ceremonies
The emcees, Sis. Grace Malinao and Bro. Kieth Walter Ayuso, welcomed the one hundred fifty (150) attendees, consisting of TLF members and guests who were donned in their elegant blue and silver outfits, showcasing their personality and style on the runway and on the photo booth. They were in awe as well of the photo wall which displayed various photos of the Community activities that was prepared by the Special Events Ministry. Bro. Kieth Walter Ayuso led the opening prayer to start of the celebration and to give thanks for the dinner feast.
Bro Pat Inong Jr., one of the TLF UAE stewards, gave the opening remarks whereby he motivated everyone to focus on the vision and mission of the Community to ensure more blissful years to come.
The celebration was made special by the esteemed presence of the Elder-Founder and Vision Holder, Sis. Techie “Soar” Rodriguez, Co-founder Architect Bro. Froilan Hong, Bro. Mel Capistrano, and Sis Lea Tapispisan (TLF Main Pastor Head Steward). There were also distinguished guests from other UAE communities such as Sis. Emolyn Bucsit and Sis. Evan Diano from FILCOM (Filipino Community) of St. Mary’s Church and St. Francis Church, respectively. All the UAE Chapters made their presence felt as the Ras Al Khaimah, Jebel Ali, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai members were called and acknowledged.
Bro. Froilan led the toasting ceremony while Sis. Techie “Soar” Rodriguez shared an inspiring message during the cake-cutting ceremony. She encouraged everyone to celebrate the decade of persistent prayers and countless blessings.
The night was filled with meaningful recollections from the video messages and greetings from former TLF members who have moved to the USA, Canada, and Australia. They testified on how TLF transformed their lives through the years. Likewise, TLF Execom, local and international Chapters from the global family extended their cheerful greetings to the UAE on their 10th Year Glorious Journey.
Honoring and Special Awards
A lovely honoring was dedicated to Sis. Techie, with the small world and pre-teens collectively singing “Thanks To You” as they handed her flowers and personalized cards. Sis. Techie took her time to generously extend her appreciation to her “Partners in Mission” and the leaders of the TLF UAE Chapter with a very special gift.
Equally important, the TLF community also prepared a special token of appreciation for Soar and Bro. Froilan for their selfless commitment in the service of the TLF mission.
The TLF UAE Stewards were also given special recognition for their steadfast dedication in planting the seed of evangelization and expanding the membership of the community.
Furthermore, to give honor to TLF members who showed their enduring dedication and service throughout the decade, the “First Fruit” award was given to: Sis. Estella Molod, Sis. Haydee Gimenez, Sis. Mryna Pagaran, and Sis Krishna Gayatao-Ong (who is now based in the New Jersey Chapter and appointed Assistant Head Steward of the EVANGELIZE Ministry and a Steward of SEND Ministry – International).
Entertainment and Games
An original song “Together” was sang by LiveSync Meeting Tent members, to bear witness to the unbeatable force that holds the TLF UAE Community, ‘because as The Lord’s Flock, we are better together.’ The song is an original composition of Sis. Janice Destajo (Coordinator of Special Events Ministry) while the music was arranged by Bro. Josh Vincent Mortel.
The excitement continued as the show-stopping fashion show started. The guests and members sashayed elegantly on the runway. Everyone cheered as the “Mr. and Ms. Glorious Journey” awards were presented to the dashing Bro. Ryan Navaja and the gorgeous Sis. Helen Genon. The awards for “Best Dressed of the Night” were also announced.
Subsequently, interesting TLF trivia games delighted the audience and thrilling raffle prizes (a 55′ Smart TV, portable speaker, watches, sports shoes, smartphone, and a whole lot more) were given away to the blessed winners.
The evening’s energy level reached its peak with the much-anticipated TLF Dance Medley! This was divided into three (3) parts to allowed everyone to perform their jaw-dropping dance moves in sync with their cheers and props.
- The ‘Dance Revolution’ consisted of the big hits from the 50’s to the present. This was performed by the Serve Ministry: Group 1 – Intercessory, Silver and Gold, Host and General Services; Group 2 – Koros; Group 3 – Psalm Ministry, Group 4 – Good Samaritan; and Group 5 – Special Events and Media.
- The Pastor Ministry, consisting of members of the New Generation, Singles, and Married Couples, entertained the crowd with their swings and turns to ‘Retro Dance Hits’.
- The “Dance Finale” showcased the talents of the TLF UAE Stewards and the Abu Dhabi Chapter as they danced to the “Forever Young” medley and invited everyone to join in and dance the night away.
Thanksgiving Finale
In closing, Sis Dhes Inong, Pastor Head Steward for SEND International, delivered the closing remarks and reminded all that with persistent prayers, the best is indeed yet to come for the TLF UAE Chapter. On the other hand, Sis. Grace Malinao solemnly sealed the evening with a closing prayer.
Congratulations to the UAE Chapter for their outstanding 10th Year Anniversary and prayers, best wishes for the further expansion of God’s kingdom!
To God be the Glory!
Written by: Bro. Kieth Walter Ayuso (TLF UAE)
Edited by: Sis Jo Advincula (Scribes Ministry)
