Global Anointing Day
By: Sis. Jo Advincula (Scribes Ministry)
Global Anointing Sunday is a much-awaited event among Lord’s Flock (LF) Members. This is the day when all the leaders and members of the community are renewed by the Spirit of the Lord. LF Elder-Founder, Sis. Techie Rodriguez, led the Anointing Rites to 1,500+ virtual attendees from local and international chapters. She explained that rubbing with oil is used as a symbol of anointing (1Sam 10:1). The anointing puts a shield of righteousness against spiritual warfare. Thus, the spirit becomes more sensitive to the message of the Lord (1 Sam 3:11-15). The anointed is transformed in mind, speech, and action (Gal 2:21), and eager to partner with Jesus in His mission. Sis. Techie exhorted all community workers to follow the Lord’s guidance (Psalm 32:9) and spend time in His presence daily to receive the anointing that gives power over satan.
How do you check that your “oil” or anointing remains always fresh?
- Are your services becoming “cold?” Have you stopped serving? The anointing may have been severed. Imitate the example of the Lord – always pray, communicate with the Father, and walk in the Spirit (Hosea 4:6).
- Are you back to being stubborn and walking in the “flesh?” You need to be re-connected to Jesus.
- Do people see peace, patience, faithfulness in you? Or, are you back to worrying, being anxious? Is your anointing beginning to evaporate?
- What have you done with what you have? Jesus looks at this before He gives you more.
- Do you associate with anointed people and frequently listen to them (Sirach 6, Acts 4:30)?
The Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament capped the Anointing Rites.
Another integral segment of Anointing Day was the progress report on how the Lord has blessed the community and how the various works have been accomplished. This was moderated by Bro Allen Catbagan and Sis Janette Dequito of LF International. Updates from the five-fold ministries, the Heritage construction, and the community’s financial status was presented. Indeed, much has been achieved despite the continuing pandemic as LF members tirelessly found ways to continue the mission of evangelization through virtual technology. To name a few highlights,
EVANGELIZE Ministry reported a significant increase in audience of the Grow Series on Wednesdays and Praise and Worship on Saturdays – an average of 642 viewers, up +15% relative to the 1st The LF social media page reached 1.9 million people from Jan – Aug 2021, or a jump of 46% vs last year. The recently concluded Singles and Youth Faith on Fire Conference, which shifted from live concerts to online last Aug 29th, was a tremendous success; it reached up to 63, 000 people and elicited engagement (likes, comments, shares) among 1,443 netizens. LF International simultaneously held a live SYFOF conference in California at the St. Joseph Catholic Church; members from other states traveled to Los Angeles and evangelized to over 300 people.
- PASTOR Ministry continued various programs for each of the Small Groups to ensure all are nurtured with Foundation Topics and with fellowship discussions via zoom. Moreover, there were 220 new or reconnected members from 1st to 2nd
- EQUIP Ministry conducted 10 training sessions for the first half of 2021, which were participated by 796 members. In particular, a Global Bible Certificate Course, “A Light To My Path” is being taught by Brother Andrew Oribiana (Loyola School of Theology) monthly. More training is planned for the second half of the year.
- SERVE Ministry hosted the Global Anointing and Pentecost Sunday, a Global Concert of Prayer and special events – Elders’ Birthday & Father’s Day. Further, the Good Samaritan Ministry held a Community Pantry together with Father Joseph Matitu at the St. Jude Thaddeus Quasi Parish and offered bags of food items to 250 residents.
- SEND Ministry shared the continuing expansion of Meeting Tents (Bible Studies in offices) from 6 in January to 36 as of August using the zoom/google technology. The LF 32 Chapters and 22 local & international E-life Groups connect virtually on a regular basis to discuss the word of God. ). The Brethren formed different groups with Members’ business associates. SEND International’s 25 Chapters have become truly integrated with Global LF and have been blessed with being able to have both virtual and in-person activities, such as Praise & Worship and the Live SYFOF “Unstoppable” Conference in California.
- SCRIBES Ministry provided an update on the publications of teachings and the 3rd Writing Workshop which was conducted by Sis. Dr. Vera Tuplano. Module 1 was concluded in July 2021, and was attended by 24 members; 9 of them have successfully written Digests and/or News Articles as part of their apprenticeship, and these have been published on the LF Website. Module 2 on Genre in Writing will be conducted from Oct-Dec 2021.
Bro Froilan Hong shared the progress on the Heritage construction, which is proceeding at a good pace despite the constraints posed by the lockdowns.
He also reported that financial blessings continue to pour down on the LF Community, particularly funding for the Heritage construction, Missions, Administrative operating expenses, Comms productions, and support for the Dioceses/Parishes. Sis Techie reminded the flock to be thankful to God for His generosity and to ask Him for the grace to open up their hands and give back to Him at least a tenth of their blessings (1 Cor 4:7, 2 Cor 9, Mal 3:10). Much work still has to be supported to spread God’s Word and to help others.
For the finale, the community fervently sang the Mission Song, a fitting recap that love for the Lord is the spring from which service overflows.
To God be the Glory!
