“Get up, for it is your duty to tell us how to proceed in setting things straight. We are behind you, so be strong and take action” (Ezra 10:4).
The Lord’s Flock Catholic Charismatic Community held its International Retreat 2026 from September 18 to 20 at Forest Home in Forest Falls, San Bernardino, California. Centered on the powerful theme “Rise Up!”, the retreat gathered one hundred forty-five (145) participants from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom Chapters for three days of prayer, fellowship, learning, healing, and spiritual renewal.
Surrounded by the beauty and tranquility of the mountains, retreatants were invited to release the burdens of the past and move forward courageously with God. The retreat was more than a call to listen to His Word—it was an invitation to rise, be strong, and put faith into action.
“Soar” Techie Rodriguez (Elder-Founder/Vision Holder) and Sis. Mik Flores (Head Servant) led the annual retreat, assisted by Tatay Bob Rodriguez (Elder-Founder) and Sis. Judith Almedrala (International Outreach Steward). Throughout the three-day gathering, participants encountered God both personally and as one community. Praise and worship lifted hearts to the Lord, while solitude and personal prayer provided quiet moments to listen to His voice. During cabin time, participants shared reflections and personal experiences inspired by the talks and activities, strengthening one another through faith and fellowship.
There was a celebration of the Holy Eucharist, a Jericho March, a prayer walk, discussions/workshops for spiritual upliftment. Additionally, the participants enjoyed their choice of leisure activities – arts and crafts, an amazing race, basic self-defense, diamond coaster making, and flower making. Moreover, they engaged in a meaningful activity about releasing the lasting “creases” of the past. There was also time for laughter and friendship through football, air hockey, table tennis, pool, ziplining, the giant swing, and other recreational activities. These joyful moments reminded everyone that the Christian community is also about celebrating the gift of being one family in Christ.
Restored to Our Place at the King’s Table
The first talk was delivered by Sis. Mik Flores who reflected on the story of Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 4:4; 9:1–13). Mephibosheth experienced brokenness, loss, fear, and isolation. Yet King David remembered him, restored what had been taken from him, and welcomed him to eat at the king’s table. His story reminded retreatants that wounds and past experiences do not define their identity or determine their future. Like Mephibosheth, we are invited to rise from places of fear and shame and rediscover who we are as beloved children of God who have a place at the table of the King.
To rise up means to accept God’s mercy, allow Him to restore us, and trust that even after seasons of brokenness, He can give us a new beginning.
Called Back to Life
In the second teaching, Sis. Techie “Soar” Rodriguez shared the powerful message of the valley of dry bones (Ezekiel 37). At times, struggles, suffering, disappointments, and mistakes can make certain areas of our lives feel like a valley of dry bones—lifeless and without hope. Yet when Ezekiel proclaimed the Word of God, the bones came together, and God breathed His Spirit into them, restoring them to life.
This message challenged participants to recognize that spiritual maturity requires letting go of pride, selfish ambition, and complete dependence on ourselves. We must allow the Holy Spirit to breathe new life into the places within us that have become dry or weary. Through Him, we receive renewal, restored faith, and the courage to rise again.
Moving Forward in Faith
In the third session, Sis. Techie reflected on the story of Gideon, the mighty warrior (Judges 6). His journey reminded participants that the mission God entrusted to us often extends beyond our human strength. Gideon felt weak and uncertain. He questioned his calling and asked God for a sign. Yet God patiently reassured him, strengthened him, and prepared him to act. With only 300 men, Gideon learned that victory does not depend on numbers or human power, but on obedience and trust in God. The trumpets proclaimed their faith and presence, the broken jars revealed the light hidden within them, and the torches shone through the darkness as they moved forward in obedience.
Gideon’s story calls us to rise above fear, trust God with the mission He has given us, and believe that even a small group of committed disciples can become instruments of extraordinary change.
Transformed Through Our Struggles
Sis. Mik delivered the fourth teaching which was a reflection on Jacob’s mysterious encounter and struggle with God (Genesis 32:22–31). Jacob refused to let go until he received a blessing, revealing his deep desire for God to fulfill His promises despite the trials and delays he had endured. Thereafter, Jacob received a new name—Israel—and emerged with a transformed identity and direction. He walked away differently, carrying both the mark of his struggle and the blessing that came through it.
Like Jacob, we are called to rise from our encounters with God transformed. Our struggles can become sacred places of growth and renewal. Sometimes, rising up means allowing God to change us so profoundly that we will never walk the same way again.
Sent into God’s Vineyard
A special highlight of the retreat was the celebration of the Holy Eucharist with Fr. Rafael Partida, Episcopal Vicar for the Riverside Region of the Diocese of San Bernardino.
Reflecting on Matthew 20:1–16, the parable of the workers in the vineyard, Fr. Rafael reminded participants that we seek God because He first sought us. God meets us wherever we are and continually invites us into His vineyard. Our mission flows from the knowledge that God loves us unconditionally. In response to that love, we are called to go forth, labor for His Kingdom, live for Christ, and put His Word into practice in our daily lives.
Rising Up in Service
Sis. Techie and Sis. Mik also encouraged everyone to support the Community’s Mission 5K Kingdom Works, an outreach initiative serving people in need. Fundraising tickets gave supporters opportunities to win prizes, including cash, gadgets, movie-night packages, Starbucks and Target gift cards, hotel stays, and a trip to Cancun.
This initiative served as another reminder that rising up is not only about personal renewal; it also means allowing God to use our lives in service to His people.
A Call to Rise
As the retreat drew to a close, its message became both a personal challenge and a shared mission for us: to exchange the weight of yesterday for purposeful forward movement, leave Forest Home renewed, and keep our eyes fixed on the future God has prepared for us.
The retreat may have ended, but the call continues—to rise from brokenness, rise above fear, rise with renewed faith, and rise in service to God and others. Rise Up! Take Courage! Go and Do It!
To God be the glory!
SCRIBES MINISTRY
Written by: Jimmy Esplanada and Monina Letargo (Stewards, Los Angeles Chapter)
Edited by: Dr. Ma. Vera Tuplano (Scribes Consultant)
