February 20, 2022
By: Sis. Jo Advincula (Scribes Ministry)
“Facing 2022” marks the second time that the Lord’s Flock (LF) Community gathered together as one Global family to eagerly listen to our Elder-Founders, Sis Techie (Soar) Rodriguez and Tatay Bobby Rodriguez, lay out the Lord’s plans/marching orders for the year and to welcome the new set of leaders. Tatay Bob set the optimistic tone for the event with his inspiring Opening Remarks, “Coming out of the pandemic years, people of God who are anchored in the Word triumph over death. The Lord has brought communication technology to keep our flock connected. We are ready to face what is to come. We pray that God gives us the heart and mindset to be excited on what is to be.”
The event moderators, Bro Dinky Florentino (EXECOM) and Sis Jane Boholano (SEND Ministry Steward), enthusiastically welcomed the 500+ LF community members to “Facing 2022.” Members from all over the world – Philippines, Hong Kong, Africa, Europe, USA, Canada, and UAE joined our leaders & members who were present at the Heritage Center in a hybrid set-up using zoom technology.
The program started with the LF Anthem Core Values. This was followed by joyful singing led by the Psalm Ministry, and the Opening Prayer by Bro. Dinky.
2021 INNOVATE in Review
Before moving forward with the 2022 plans, the Community reviewed the past year, starting with an honoring of the 2021 leaders and outstanding workers:
- The Leaders, looking elegant in their Sunday best, were escorted in a processional by the Koros Ministry as they went up on stage to receive Certificates of Appreciation from Soar and Tatay Bob. They were led by Head Servant Bro. Froilan Hong, Head of Advisers Sis. Grace Lomarda, and the Head Servants of the 5-fold Ministries. Those who were not physically present were
highlighted on the zoom screen. - Special Awards were given to members who went above and beyond in their service to the Lord:
- Outstanding Servant of the Year: Martin Duran (LF Main) and Nenette Catbagan (LF International – New Jersey)
- Faithful Servant: Necy Tejada
- Generosity Awards: Marlyn Santos, Joey & Joy Molina, the UAE Chapter and Hall of Fame – Hong Kong Chapter
- Outstanding Small Group Leaders: Joy Valde, Lolit Fuentabella, Nico Moleta
- The Community also lovingly honored our Elder-Founders with Certificates of Appreciation: Tatay Bob for being the father and pillar, and Soar for being the spiritual mother and visionary who is tireless in sharing her viral faith.
- A touching memoriam was presented to remember the departed members who were much loved over the years: Father Val Darunday, Bro. Edmund Baclig, Bro. Ferdie Gernale and Bro Adven Casono.
Subsequently, Bro Froilan Hong presented the INNOVATE Annual Report which highlighted the year’s challenges as well as the accomplishments with the Lord’s blessings and the Holy Spirit’s inspiration:
- Digital transformation enabled the community to overcome geographical boundaries and establish new ways of interaction through virtual tools.
- Chapters have expanded with growing membership in many places, locally and globally.
- Multiple events which traditionally have been held in Manila, became global events, introducing international members to local members and vice versa. In particular, “Singles Youth Faith on Fire (SYFOF)” held an unprecedented simultaneous concert “Unstoppable” in the Philippines and in California. Other events were the Spiritual Empowerment Seminar, Global In-Gatherings,Family Conference, Hi-tech Christmas Party etc.
- Social media platforms were key in expanding the reach of evangelization and spiritual feeding: “Grow” and “Praise & Worship” increased viewership and engagement through LF Facebook and Youtube channels.
- The Community has also reached out to external institutions, to wit: a partnership with the “Tulay ng Kabataan” (a French Mission group with over 500 youth members), a Recognition Award from Caritas Manila, Membership in the Federation of National Youth and in the Federation of Asian Bishops.
- The Heritage construction is underway after many obstacles due to the pandemic; currently, the work is on-going on the roofdeck which will house the Executive offices, the Meditation Chapel amidst a sprawling garden. Funds are coming in from various members and sources. A new fund-raising drive will be launched to finance the completion of the higher levels.
- Lastly, Bro Froi presented the financial report for both local and international. Through the grace of God, the incoming funds have kept in-step with the expenses.
Bro Froi ended his report by giving thanks to the Lord, Psalm 136 “Praise the Lord, who is so good; God’s love endures forever.”
PACESETTING 2022
Sis Techie Rodriguez shared the much-awaited Theme and God’s mission order for 2022! After 2020’s “REFRAME” and 2021’s “INNOVATE”, 2022 will be the year for “PACESETTING!” As Soar expounded, “set the pace and do as I do, now!” “See I am doing something new! Now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” (Isaiah 43:19). Everyone has the potential to do great things for God. But, too often, people restrict themselves or become so comfortable that they fail to jump higher. However, God gives each one the ability to discover the future and to grow His kingdom. He equips the Community for growth. The challenge for each one is to reflect on the following:
- Do you love God enough to share the Gospel and to bring more souls to Him?
- What is your potential? What can you do that you have not done yet?
- Who can you be that you have not been?
PACESETTERS have visions and dreams, and can inspire others to be hungry for the Word of God. Are YOU ready to be PACESETTER?
To set the stage for PACESETTING 2022, breakthrough initiatives are being undertaken, to name some initial ones :
- Sheep Management System – Sis Chay Arevalo presented the new online system that will help the community be digitally connected, have access to information in real time, and track community and individual progress in the fulfillment of God’s mission
- The Office of the Elders will be restructured and expanded to fast track new initiatives and support the Ministries. The new Executive Board to be headed by Bro Froi and Sis Grace Lomarda, will consist of the Council of Advisers, External Affairs, Council of Consultants, Communications and Technical.
- An exciting LF Channel will be launched to amplify evangelization programs and reach more people.
To make all these happen in 2022, the new head stewards and deputy leaders were announced and consecrated by Monsignor Jesus Bandojo, Tatay Bob and Soar.
- EVANGELIZE: Grace Pancho and Joey Molina
- PASTOR: Lea Tapispisan, Dhes Inong and Marlyn Santos
- SERVE: Rose Baclig, Madz Sopungco and Nenette Catbagan
- EQUIP: Raymund Nobleza and Mark David
- SEND: Allan Almendrala and Derick Santiago
Interspersed during the program were the beautiful performances of Francine Manhid (New Jersey Chapter), Danica Dantes (Philippines), the Koros 1990s Ensemble and the UAE dance troupe. They were wildly applauded by the appreciative audience.
In closing, Bro Froi praised the Lord for a spirit-filled day. He prayed for the grace to accomplish the tasks ahead and more importantly to be in cadence with the pace of our Elder-Founders in seeking a million souls.
To God be the Glory!
