August 29, 2021
By: Kent Galido
The world may have stopped because of the pandemic, but nothing and no one can stop experiencing the unstoppable love of God. The Singles and Youth Faith on Fire (SYFOF) Conference Unstoppable went online and was shown live in Sacramento, California on August 29, 2021. It was the first time to broadcast SYFOF with a hybrid set-up. The live shouts of praises, dances of the people inside the Araneta Coliseum for the past conferences turned to virtual engagements. The event proved that SYFOF is unstoppable, despite the prevailing pandemic.
Regardless of the intermittent internet connection, no one can hinder (virtually and physically) the conference in spreading God’s unstoppable love. The conference, a youth and singles collaboration, was cross posted on 73 Facebook pages and was able to reach 67, 712 people with 26,111 engagements. Singles and Youth from different organizations and dioceses ecstatically rendered praise and worship songs: 500 Years of Christianity music video, Alive by Hillsong, Unstoppable Love by Jesus Culture, and Aaron Sopunco’s (one of the guitarists of the Psalm Ministry) composition “Unstoppable.”
Moreover, Fr. Jade Licuanan, Commissioner of the Archdiocese on Youth, in his welcome remarks, encouraged everyone to be unstoppable in continuing the mission and purpose of the Catholic faith. He urged the singles and youth to take active steps in spreading the word of God despite the ubiquitous pandemic. Indeed, everyone should be unstoppable!
Next, Bro. Bobby Rodriguez, one of the Founding Elders of the Lord’s Flock warmly welcomed the virtual and physical audiences with his account of the Church’s 500 years of being unstoppable. He declared that the day’s celebration was about the giftedness of the youth. “For with God, we are unstoppable!” as he ended his speech/exhortation.
In addition, Most Rev. Honesto F. Ongtioco, D.D., Bishop of Cubao, delivered his powerful Christian message. He emphasized the need to be connected to God and with one another to bring meaning to one’s life amidst local and global health crisis. He urged everyone to be united in prayers and be grateful for God’s everyday blessings. He ended his talk with a fiery message that no one can stop the love of God from burning in one’s heart.
Further, Nuggets, bite sized personal testimonies of youth leaders showcased Justin Pacquing, registered nurse; David Santiago, guitarist; Joseph Lucero, ministry coordinator; and Bea Baclig, worship leader. Each of them experienced God’s unstoppable love, mercy and miracles which strengthened their faith in Him.
Indeed, the youth of today are gifted to give! Everyone is unstoppable! God is unstoppable.
To God be the Glory!
