For several years, The Lord’s Flock Catholic Charismatic Community’s annual retreats have always been held at the TLF Heritage. However, the TLF decided to conduct the 2025 Philippines Retreat at the lush greenery Shercon Resort and Ecology Park located in Mataas na Kahoy, Batangas, on October 18 and 19, 2025. Sis. Techie M. Rodriguez, TLF Elder & Founder, and Sis. Mik Rodriguez-Flores, Head Servant, shared their inspiration for this year’s retreat theme: “From Broken to Restored.” Truly, the retreat had been an awesome experience for in brokenness there is restoration from God.
Day 1 – October 18
Two hundred ninety-seven (297) excited and hopeful retreatants travelled for two and a half hours on four buses and private vehicles to the venue. They arrived at the venue on time for registration and light snacks with overflowing brewed coffee. Bro. Raymund Nobleza (Pastoral Head Steward) impressively moderated the two-day retreat with his wit and energy. The Bible Enthronement set the solemn tone for the event, followed by a Praise and Worship led by the zestful Bro. Justin Paquing and the Psalm Ministry. These enabled the participants to feel God’s powerful presence from the onset of the retreat. Subsequently, an audiovisual presentation was shown to share a summary of past Retreats (local and international).
SESSION 1 – “Beauty in Brokenness” by Sis. Techie Rodriguez
Sis. Techie Rodriguez reminded everyone that God uses anyone like the prominent broken people in the Bible (Abraham, Noah, Moses, Peter and Paul among others) whom God had used for His glory (Ps. 51:17). She explained further that God does not see our devalued brokenness because He can always restore and make us whole again provided that “we die to ourselves.” After the talk, the retreatants went on solitude to reflect and meditate about the topic and Scripture Guide, followed by Cabin Time with roommates to discuss the lessons and to share their insights and reflections.
FREE TIME – (2:00-5:00 p.m.)
After the delectable and substantial lunch, retreatants were given the option to participate in any of the spiritual and nature-focused activities, as follows:
- Recreational (swimming, zip line, wall climbing, etc.)
- Arts and Crafts (board and card games)
- Prayer Walk
- Amazing Grace Race
- Workshops:
- 3-4 p.m.: “Aging Gracefully” by Sis. Techie Rodriguez
To age gracefully, we must study the Word of God to strengthen our relationship with Him; keep on loving, living, and serving God and others; learn to pass all anxieties; let go of unnecessary pressures; and be healthy to enjoy life to the fullest.
- 4-5 p.m.: “Taking Care of Ourselves and Our Souls” by Sis. Mik Flores
Four practical ways to care for ourselves are by setting healthy: boundaries, physical and spiritual rhythms or limits, a sustainable pace, and choices.
SESSION 2 – “God will Restore” by Sis. Mik Rodriguez Flores
A fifteen-minute praise and worship was again conducted before the start of Session 2. Sis. Mik explained that restoration is the heart of God for His people. He has the power to restore what was lost (2 Kings 8:5-6). It is not about what one can do, but about God who can do everything. There are two things to learn about how God restores: He will do it again, and God’s timing is perfect. God restores beyond what we can hope for. We only need to wait for the appointed time.
SESSION 3 – “Wounded Healer” by Sis. Mik Rodriguez Flores
Session 3 started after a sumptuous and heavy dinner. Sis. Mik assured everyone that there is hope in our brokenness, and hope begins when we are still wounded. Jesus travelled and healed the sick. He was moved with compassion because they were confused and helpless like sheep without a shepherd (Mt. 9:37-38). We are the agency that God wants to use, and we are called the “Wounded Healer.” Our experiences that caused our brokenness can help wounded people (2 Cor. 1:3). Although we are broken, we are useful to God. The world needs those who have tasted the grace of God. “Our story is not over until it is good.”
BY THE CAMPFIRE
Despite the unpredictable weather, retreatants gathered around the bonfire to praise and worship, led by Sis. Mik and the Psalm Ministry. After which, a cross where the brokenness cards were hung was prayed over. Except for those with health issues, a majority of the retreatants joined the very lively and spirit-filled Jericho March (Joshua 6). Everyone marched around the area seven times, dancing and singing songs of praise, which ended with a shout of victory. The activity ended abruptly when it started to rain, so everyone proceeded with their respective Cabin Time.
Day 2 – October 19
After another big breakfast, the second day of the Retreat started with a praise and worship led by Ronald Tapia and the Psalm Ministry. Afterward, Sis. Mik and Soar appealed to everyone to support the fundraising project of the Good Samaritan Ministry by buying the Ps. 20 raffle tickets with ten raffle prizes donated by the Elders, Sis. Mik, and generous Community members.
Subsequently, Bro. Raymund presented a recap of the first day’s activities.
SESSION 4 – “Thrice Broken, Thrice Restored” by Sis. Techie Rodriguez
Soar concentrated on the life story of Simon Peter and what we can learn from it. Simon vowed to follow Jesus as an apostle, but he betrayed Him three times. Jesus’ unconditional love restored, recommissioned, and realigned Simon to be Peter, the Rock. After Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him, He commissioned him to feed His lambs, tend, and feed His sheep. True love for Jesus is expressed through obedience, following Him without distractions, and endurance when tested.
CLOSING EVENTS
- Leaders and members were anointed.
- Commitment forms were distributed to be submitted on or before November 15.
- Forms were given to solicit feedback about the retreat.
- Retreat Masters were recognized: Soar, Sis Mik, and Tatay Bob.
- Froi prayed over Sis Mik, who was scheduled to leave for the US on Tuesday, Oct. 21.
- Soar honored God for the inspiration. She thanked Sis. Mik for the unique retreat ideas.
- Mik thanked the Retreat Team, the retreatants, and those who supported the fundraising project of the Good Samaritan Ministry, which raised a total of about P120,000.
- Star Marudo led the Raffle Draw which delighted ten (10) winners; the prizes consisted of cash, home and travel showcases, and the major prizes – a Samsung tablet, a Drone, and a Nespresso machine.
In closing, Fr. Jose Eduardo A. Mayo (OFM Capuchin) celebrated the Holy Mass, and blessed all the retreatants.
After the two-day Retreat, the retreatants experienced a deeper connection with God and themselves, leaving with a renewed sense of purpose, peace, and inner healing. Indeed, regardless of how broken we are, we have hope in God, the Master Restorer.
TO GOD BE THE GLORY!
SCRIBES MINISTRY
Written by: Maro Anyog (Renew Steward)
Edited by: Vera Tuplano (Scribes Steward)
Photo Credits: Jona Ramos (Comms)
