Sis Monina Letargo
July 23, 2022
Did I hear it right? They called it “radical love”? Tell me, who wouldn’t be in awe with something that is over-the-top and overwhelming love? Hence, the theme of this year’s SYFOF is about Radical Love. The annual conference is now on its’ 10th year since the Lord inspired the Elder-Founder of the community, Sis Techie Rodriguez (Soar), to gather the youth in worship. Truly, these events which have persisted intensely ministered to thousands of youths, particularly in the US. By God’s grace, this group of young men and women would fire the flame of faith among the youth seeking “radical love” in this part of world. This year, the Singles and Youth Faith on Fire (SYFOF)of The Lord’s Flock Catholic Charismatic (TLFCC)Community in the US joyfully celebrated this momentous event in California.
Initially, these young TLF members from West & East Coasts eagerly attended the Second International SYFOF conference sponsored by Sacramento Chapter, on July 23, 2022, at the St. Joseph’s Parish, Elk Grove. Approximately 130 singles and youth participants & other TLF workers participated in the conference. The TLF International Youth Psalm Ministry, through the Holy Spirit’s anointing, ably led the praise and worship songs: Wake and Hindsight (Hillsong), With You (Elevation Worship) and Reckless Love (Cory Asbury). Moreover, Sis. Janette Dequito and Bro. Jimmy Esplanada, Los Angeles Chapter, facilitated the conference. Three TLF youth members powerfully shared their testimony of God’s radical love. First, Bro. Gabby Nartea (Bakersfield) who grew up in a Catholic household had not understood the true meaning of faith. Amidst his stressful college life, he met Gillian who led him to a Filipino Catholic Small group which nourished his faith in God. Later, he transitioned into a small group leader with bouts of unworthiness, but it dawned on him that God’s love pervaded amidst feelings of weaknesses and iniquities. He further pointed out the youth’s responsibility to evangelize and to put the gospel into action (2 Timothy1:8). He emphasized that it is one’s choice to extend God’s love to others. Similarly, Bro. Jimmy EspIanada, from Los Angeles, shared an insightful testimony about God as his divine architect who designed everything in his life (Jer. 1:5). He was bullied as a child, but God transformed his life after attending the Catholic Life in the Spirit Seminar. He testified how God blessed his education, career, spiritual and material needs when he trusted Him and claimed His promises. Furthermore, he encouraged the singles and youth to seek and serve the Lord within the community (1 Timothy 4:12).
In addition, Sis Danielle Santiago from Sacramento Chapter suffered from fears of being judged by her friends, family and relatives because of her faith. She experienced peer-pressure along with feelings of guilt, stress, low self-image, and sadness. From 2015 up to the onset of 2020, her relationship with her cousins started to fade because of her fears. But during those years, her relationship with the Lord grew stronger as she would go on mission trips every summer to the Philippines, would serve in the Church, and would take part in retreat leadership activities and clubs during her high school years. When COVID hit in 2020, Danielle had time to reflect on God’s love through her family, relatives & friends. Surprisingly, her relationship with her cousins was rekindled because she unhesitatingly opened-up about her faith without any disapproval (2 Tim. 2:15). After the spirit-filled testimonies of Bro. Gabby, Bro. Jimmy, and Sis. Danielle, a lyrical dance interpretation, “Run to the Father” was performed by Sis. Janicel Valera. This was followed by Sis Techie (Soar) Rodriguez, one of the Elder Founders of TLF who delivered the keynote speech (teachings) via Zoom. She spoke about God’s radical love which is to go out of one’s way to reach out to someone in an extraordinary manner. It is the love of the father in the “parable of
the prodigal son “who demanded his share of inheritance and lived a life of destitution, but he decided to go back to his father’s house to be one of the servants (Luke 15:11-32).
Like the heart of the father in the parable, Soar explained that we did not earn God’s love for He gave it to us freely; “if we are his children, then we are heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ” (Rom. 8:17) So, the father seeing his son from a distance, ran to embrace him. The father asked the servants to get the finest robe, put on his ring, and to prepare a banquet to celebrate his son’s return. Also, Soar described the three types of love. First, Filia is the love for a friend, Second, Eros is romantic love. Third, Agape is incomparable, unconditional, and immeasurable love. Truly, God’s love is unconditional because He loves his children despite their sinfulness. Similarly, God has demonstrated his great love for us while we were still sinners, since Christ died for us” (Rom.5:8). She further encouraged the youth to open their hearts and continue their journey to the Father: “to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right
to be His children” (Jn. 1:12).
A breakout discussion by groups ensued where each participant had the chance to share their thoughts about the talks they just heard. Finally, the heart of the SYFOF beat from the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament — the real presence of the body and divinity of our Lord Jesus. Here, the crowd bowed themselves to honor, worship and love the presence of the Son of God in the Holy Eucharist.
To God be the Glory!
Edited by: Sis Vera I. Tuplano
