Spring in San Francisco felt like winter for Sis. Techie Rodriguez (The Lord’s Flock Elder-Founder) and her Mission Team when they arrived on June 8, 2023. However, the endearing welcome of The Lord’s Flock (TLF) Daly Chapter Steward and members enveloped them with warmth and overwhelming joy. Sis. Divine Fernandez (Steward), Sis. Marivic Totanes and Bro.Alex Loyola welcomed Sis. Techie, Bro. Froilan Hong (Co-founder), Sis. Judith Almendrala (Steward of Pastor Ministry) and Bro. Jess Advincula (Steward of Send Ministry) at the San Francisco Airport and treated them to lunch while catching up with each other. The members have been longing for Sis. Techie’s arrival after missing her pastoral visits for the past four years due to the pandemic. Specifically, they were eager to renew their loving fellowship with her and to hear the word of God face-to-face – an experience that they should not truly miss.
The following day, June 9th, the Mission Team went on a City Tour of San Francisco, which Sis Techie last visited back in the 80’s. The Daly City leaders/members Divine, Mai, Carmela, and Chit were led by Sis Judith in performing the Rekindle Chant in the famous Pier 39. The day ended with a sumptuous dinner treat by Jocelyn Deuna (Daly City Steward) and a leaders meeting.
On June 10th, Sis Techie conducted the highlight of the visit, the Spirit Empowerment Seminar (SES) at the St. Andrew’s Church. Milan Cornejo welcomed everyone and moderated the seminar. Sis Techie delivered the SES to 27 adults (n=17 members & 10 seekers). She explained The Four Basic Truths based on the Bible: (1) God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life; (2) All have sinned and are separated from God ;(3) Jesus is the only way to salvation; and (4) You must accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.
Simultaneously, the Youth Empowerment Seminar was organized by Maireen Garcia (Daly City Chapter Steward) and Derick Santiago (Sacramento Chapter Steward) in another function room. The youth teachings and activities were facilitated by the Santiago siblings, David and Danielle to the 13 youths (n=6 members & 7 seekers).
After a filling lunch, all the seminar participants performed the energizing and uplifting Rekindle Chant. This was followed by praise and worship led by the Psalm Ministry.
Finally, Sis. Techie expounded on the Transforming Power of the Holy Spirit, and culminated the Seminar with the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. In supplication and with eyes closed, everyone sang the meaningful songs “Come, Holy Spirit” and “I love you, Lord” as the seekers asked for forgiveness and surrendered their lives to Jesus. Lastly, the children approached their parents to ask for forgiveness and affirm their love for them. Some seekers shared their experience of feeling warmth on their heads and a sense of embrace, while others could not stop crying which were manifestations of the Holy Spirit. After much emotion and tears, the group ended on a high note to the song “Jesus is alive!”
In closing, Sis. Techie urged everybody to remember and celebrate this day as their spiritual birthday and to always aspire to be like Jesus.
To God be the Glory!
Written by: Sis Jo Advincula
Edited by: Sis Vera Tuplano
