By: Krishy Gayatao-Ong
The Lord’s Flock Catholic Charismatic Community held its very first Global Hybrid Spirit Empowerment Seminar (SES) last Dec 11-12,2021 at the Heritage Center, Quezon City. The hybrid seminar, a blend of actual (live) and virtual (Zoom) platform covered a greater number of local & international participants who have been seeking to experience a life changing encounter with the Lord.
In retrospect, The Lords Flock (TLF) had consistently held SES seminars prior to the pandemic. The hybrid SES aimed at participants who were eager to experience the empowering presence of the Lord, a life changing and a transformed (new) life in Christ. Indeed, everyone (Elders, leaders and members) in the community was excited for this hybrid SES, the first after 2 years.
Sis Krishy Ong, Head Steward of Evangelize Ministry and Bro Raymund Nobleza warmly welcomed the online and in person participants who were united in the opening prayer followed by the beginnings/history of TLF.
Initially, Sis Techie “SOAR” Rodriguez, Elder-Founder, Vision Holder of TLF Community discussed The Four Basic Truth(s) through the story of the prodigal Son, whose father’s unconditional love welcomed his return after years of wanton and depraved life, an analogy of God’s encompassing love for everyone. Similarly, Soar shared her unhappy married life with her Bro. Husband/ Tatay Bob” Rodriguez, but God miraculously restored their broken relationship (1 John 4:10).
The Four Basic Truths
1st Basic Truth: God’s amazing love is beyond measure. His plan is wonderful and the life that God wants is a life full of abundance (Jer.29:11).
2nd Basic Truth: Everyone sinned and separated themselves from God (Romans 3:23).
3rd Basic Truth: God sent His Son Jesus who is the Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14:6).
4th Basic Truth: Everyone should receive Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Moreover, Bro Dinky Florentino, one of the council of advisers of the TLF Community narrated how God restored his almost broken marriage rooted in his selfish emotions and lust; however, his life was transformed after finding God’s truth.
Day Two of the seminar highlighted the Baptism in the Spirit which reminded the participants to accept God in their lives and to ably walk in the Spirit (Amos 3:3).
The culminating event was the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, an empowering experience, which would endow them with the gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12:7) to equip them to serve Him through His Church, to become witnesses of God’s love and to grow mature in Christ (Eph. 4:11-13).
During the baptism, the presence of the Holy Spirit moved amazingly in the entire ceremony, a convincing proof that God was not bound by distance nor time. Eventually, participants shared their remarkable experiences with the Holy Spirit.
After the baptism, Bro. Bobby “Tatay Bob” Rodriguez,” Elder- Founder of TLF, brother-husband of Soar exhorted his transformation and new life in Christ (2 Cor 5:17), a departure from his once sinful life (2 Cor. 3:18). He exceedingly appreciated his successful triple bypass operation, a manifestation of God’s miracle in his life. In addition, his rendition of “In His Time” with his wife “Sor” is a reminder that God can always make beautiful things in His time.
Furthermore, Soar reminded everyone about the journey to grow the relationship with God to become His witnesses. She compared life to a wheel with Jesus being the center and could only be moved through prayers – a constant communication with Him. She also stressed the value of studying Bible (the word of God). the significance of membership in a spiritual community, and devoted service for God.
Finally, the newly baptized Christians were asked to join the breakout rooms to narrate their short sharing on how they received the Holy Spirit.
This concludes the 2-day Spirit Empowerment Seminar. The founders, leaders, members and guests were inspired and in awe on how God moved during this event and everyone was truly blessed. Indeed, in Him nothing is impossible.
To God be the Glory!
