Dubai, May 19-23, 2022
Writer: Rem Sagarino, Baruch Ministry, TLF Dubai
The Lords Flock Dubai (TLF Dubai) was delighted to welcome their Elder-Founder Techie Rodriguez (Sor), together with Bro. Froilan Hong, Sis. Grace Lomarda, Sis. Gina Baet Ng, and Sis. Joji Cristi-Cruz. It is the 1st International Pastoral Mission of our Elder-Founder since the Covid pandemic started. This 5-day mission was a good break for all the members of TLF Dubai as they finally met Sor and the rest of the team face-to-face, rather than simply seeing/interacting with them via Zoom. Her visit aimed to assess the overall community’s spiritual health, their continued passion for living the Christian faith, and the bond among members of the community.
All were in high spirits when they finally met at the airport. Moreover, the TLF Dubai welcoming party treated the guests to a sumptuous dinner at Nando’s Restaurant in Dubai Festival City.
May 21, Friday – Elders’ initial meeting with the TLF Members
The first meeting was held in the Coral and Pearl Hall and attended by 80 members. All TLF members were excited to see the guests, and the anticipation of Sor’s message to the TLF members was relatively high. In her talk, Sor reminded the members that “life on earth is no accident, and that God is a divine architect” who has prepared a blueprint for everyone. Like the relationship between an architect and a contractor, everyone must follow God’s divine plan, the blueprint that He designed. Moreover, Sor reminded that we as Christians must focus our lives on Jesus Christ and that no amount of money, success, or treasures could replace that. After the talk, the program ended with a prayer to God, reaffirming His divine plan. A simple dinner with the Elders ensued, and everyone enjoyed the first face-to-face meeting.
May 22, Saturday – Fellowship Celebration for the month of May
The second meeting was the Month of May fellowship for the Birthday, Wedding, and Mother’s Day celebrants. The event was attended by almost 120 members, composed of families and close friends. The program started with “getting to know one another” (particularly the new invites), through a welcome song, games and an enjoyable dinner.
After dinner, Sor delivered her spiritual message to the participants. It was about obedience to God despite the difficulty of understanding beyond one’s capacity. Sor spoke about the Blessed Mother Mary’s “yes” to God’s plan, and the call to her motherhood, a participation in fulfilling Jesus Christ’s mission. Another topic Sor mentioned was the importance of the Catholic Family. She reminded that “Fathers” should be the priests of their families; they must lead the prayer life inside their homes. Parents must introduce Jesus Christ to their children and keep them disciplined out of love. Lastly, she reminded everyone to consider Jesus Christ as the center of the family; each family decision must have a blessing from God.
The next part of the program was the honoring for the month of May Birthday and Wedding Celebrants, as well as honoring the mothers in the Mother’s Day Celebration
Lastly, we also hosted a simple honoring for Soar highlighted by the presentation of the Small World and the New Generation.
May 23, Sunday – Bonding with the Core Team
For the last meeting with the TLF Dubai core team, Sor and the core members celebrated a thanksgiving party at a yacht in Dubai Marina. Each of the ministries extended their appreciation to Sor and Bro. Froi for their support of the TLF Dubai. After the thanksgiving party, lunch was served at Cabana Restaurant, the Address Dubai Mall.
May 24, Monday – Wrapping up & Going Back to Manila
After a fulfilling mission, our Elder-Founder Sis. Techie Rodriguez, Bro Froilan Hong, and the rest of the team visited Carrefour to buy pasalubong for TLF Manila. Moreover, the TLF Dubai core team extended their warm Dubai hospitality to their working partners in Manila by sending small gifts. With their final blessing and goodbye at the airport, Sor and her team left for Manila.
TO GOD BE THE GLORY!
