The highly anticipated moment had finally arrived: the East Coast Facing 2024 was held on March 16 -17, 2024 in New Jersey. This was the pinnacle of Elder-Founder Sis. Techie “Soar’s” Mission as she shared the thrust of The Lord’s Flock (TLF) Community for 2024 and appointed the new stewards and leaders for the year. All the Chapters from the East Coast – New Jersey, Brooklyn, and Virginia gathered at the Our Lady of Victories, Basement Church, Jersey City, and were all excited to be inspired by Soar’s teaching and to be ignited in their faith.
The moderators, Liza and Mel of Brooklyn Chapter extended a heartfelt welcome to everyone. The New Jersey Psalm Ministry led the congregation with two uplifting songs, followed by an opening prayer. The Lord’s Flock’s esteemed Elder, Bro. Bobby “Tatay Bob” Rodriguez gave the Welcome Remarks via video recording.
The Parade of Banners before Soar was led by the two ExeCom Representatives: Nenette Catbagan, Head Steward of Serve Ministry, and Krishy Ong, Assistant Head Steward of Evangelize Ministry, along with the Stewards of the NJ Chapter, and the Coordinators of the Brooklyn and Virginia Chapters.
Appreciation of 2023 Leaders
Soar acknowledged the leaders and workers who dedicated themselves and remained faithful to the Lord throughout the year. The Chapter leaders from Brooklyn, New Jersey, and Virginia received their certificates of appreciation from Soar. On the other hand, the New Jersey Chapter was awarded an Appreciation Award for their generous support towards the completion of the Heritage. Conversely, each Chapter gave honor and appreciation to Soar for her selfless dedication and caring for the flock. Moreover, she was lovingly showered with gifts and tokens. 
Part of their honoring was a presentation by each chapter which delighted Soar. The Virginia Chapter and New Jersey Chapter energetically performed dance numbers. Not to be outdone, the Brooklyn Chapter presented an interpretative dance.
Community Updates
Soar moved on to highlighting God’s miraculous interventions and blessings as she shared the Annual Report, showcasing the financial status of the community and the update on the Heritage construction which had the blessing of the Ministry floors last December 2023.
The program continued with a video presentation entitled “Look What the Lord Has Done.” The video was awe-inspiring, as it showcased the numerous projects that were accomplished in 2023 and the continual growth of The Lord’s Flock global family. Truly, God’s greatness knows no bounds.
Facing 2024 and a Medical Emergency
The program’s highlight commenced with Soar’s unveiling of the theme “IGNITE 2024.” However, as Soar began her teaching at around 5 pm EST, she started to experience shortness of breath. While she persisted in continuing with her teaching, the nurses from Brooklyn and New Jersey Chapters respectfully asked her to pause so they could check her vital signs which became alarming as her blood pressure rose to 150/80 and her body temperature was at 100.4F. Soar contacted her cardiologist, Dr. Marie Regala in Manila, who advised her to rest and not to continue with her topic. After some time, Soar’s vitals returned to normal, prompting joyous praise among everyone. Soar was sent to the hospital for further tests and indeed God was with the community as testified by the members (full report in a separate article).
The Facing Continues….
The second day of Facing resumed at Chandelier in Bayonne, New Jersey, on March 17 at 1:30 PM. Everyone was eager to see Soar back to health and they were eager to listen to her teachings.
The activity started with joyful singing to the Lord and an opening prayer. A sumptuous buffet was enjoyed by all and they mingled with the different chapters. The participants then engaged in fun games such as Complete the Bible Verse, Guess the Bible Verse, and Pinoy Henyo – Bible Edition. Laughter filled the room as everyone in the community participated in these games.
Back in business, Soar resumed her topic, elucidating on the themes given to her by the Lord every year: REFRAME, INNOVATE, PACESETTING, REKINDLE, and finally, IGNITE for 2024. She emphasized that the flame must be kept burning and the Community’s passion and fervor for service must always be ablaze! She also discussed the important tasks for the E-P-E-S-S ministries (Evangelize, Pastor, Equip-Serve, and Send).
The program continued at Our Lady of Victories, Basement Church, where the new leaders were appointed, consecrated, and charged with leading their respective chapters. The leaders wholeheartedly accepted their responsibilities and committed to caring for the flock entrusted to them. They sang the Servant Song, reminding each other that they are God’s servants and servants of each other. The appointed stewards of the New Jersey Chapter were Nenette Catbagan, Allen Catbagan, Vee Subol, Avelino Del Pena, and Krishy Ong, while the Brooklyn Chapter’s were Agnes Ligamind-Mindanao and Ethel Tan.
Soar then called a small meeting to address community concerns, clarifying all issues and igniting excitement for the Chapter’s growth.
Surprise Spiritual Birthday Celebration
The community prepared a surprise birthday greeting for Soar’s 44th Spiritual Birthday (March 22nd). However, they were the ones surprised when Soar walked through the door unexpectedly! Enthusiastically, they greeted her with a resounding “HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SOAR!”
The day concluded with a dinner at Applebee’s, Jersey City, where Angel from Queens, NY joined the US Mission and NJ Team. Despite the joy and love shared, a sense of longing prevailed knowing Soar would soon depart for California and then to the Philippines. Nevertheless, the East Coast family acknowledged the spirit-filled presence throughout the four days of Soar’s Mission. Everyone took comfort in God’s unwavering blessing and protection over the community.
To God be the Glory!!
Scribes Ministry
Written by: Krishy Gayatao-Ong
(New Jersey Chapter Steward)
