Castillejos, Zambales, April 30, 2022
Sis Jo Advincula, Steward Baruch
Sis Vera I Tuplano, Steward (Editor)
Highlights of the Catholic Life in the Spirit Seminar
The first face-to-face Catholic Life in the Spirit Seminar after the two-year pandemic was conducted in Castillejos, Zambales last April 30, 2022, to persistently propagate the faith through sharing God’s Word and to institutionalize the Lord’s Flock Chapter in Castillejos, Zambales
A. Arrival of TLF Elders and representatives from Manila
Sis Techie & Bro Bobby Rodriguez (Elders/Founders) together with Bro Froilan Hong (Co-founder and Senior Head Servant) and Bro Allan Almendrala (Send Ministry Head Steward) were warmly welcomed by Bro Jun and Sis Jenny Agozar, Stewards of Castillejos Chapter at the St. Nicholas de Tolentino Parish Church open court. In attendance were 153 seekers who were previously participating in the Meeting Tents & Bible Studies.
B. The Venue and the Seekers. The open court beside the Church filled-up early with guests representing all walks of life – children, singles, parents, and senior citizens. The open court venue also attracted the attention of the vendors and trycicle drivers who listened from the sidelines. There were various distractions: construction noise on one side of the court, campaign rallies passing by with loudspeakers, and the sweltering heat of summer at 35degrees Celsius. Notwithstanding all these, the guests listened attentively to the Teachings throughout the day. They actively participated in the Opening Prayer led by Sis Rose Ann Peralta of San Miguel Chapter and the Praise & Worship led by Bro Carlo Tolentino and the Psalm Ministry from Bamban Chapter.
C. Teachings
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- Sis Techie Rodriguez captured the attention of the participants when she started sharing her lifestory. She narrated to them how God’s love and salvation transformed her life completely, which resonated deeply with the guests. She explained the Charismatic way, which is a spontaneous and personal prayer to the Lord. She also talked about the Basic Truths: there is no salvation if we are separated from Jesus, by accepting Him as our Lord and Savior, we will experience peace and joy despite many trials, and finally, by the power of God’s grace, we are redeemed.
- Sis Judith Almendrala spoke about “New Life” – the great plan of the Lord for all of us. With a new life with the Lord, we will be set free from vices, share the good news of salvation, and find a new family in the Lord’s Flock Community.
- Bro. Bert Gamez taught the guests about the Salvation of souls, Receiving God’s gifts and the power from the Holy Spirit to be able to make changes in our lives.
- Bro Jess Advincula emphasized the importance of “Growing in the Spirit” through Prayer, Studying of the Word of God, Staying in the Community and Serving God and others. He ended with the topic on Transformation – after receiving the Holy Spirit, they are now renewed, “whoever is in Christ is a new creation; the old things have passed away (2 Corinthians 5:17).”
D. Spiritual Baptism: Bro Bert Gamez conducted the “Baptism in the Spirit.” He instructed the guests to close their eyes, raise their hands in supplication and full surrender to the Holy Spirit, to receive Him in their hearts. Indeed, the Baptism rites was emotional and moving as they experienced the presence of the Holy Spirit in different ways – a cool, calming feeling, warmth, and unexpected tears of repentance, forgiveness, and joy.
E. Aftermath of the Baptism. The Moderator, Bro Jonel Buenaventura requested some guests to share their experience during the Baptism:
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- Bro Dionisio Montevirgen Jr. was happy to share his learning on forgiveness: how he will be forgiven for his sins and in turn, to be able to forgive others, and that temptation per se is not a sin, but acting on the temptation constitutes a sin.
- Bro Michael Angelo Gallardo was enlightened about fatherhood: a father’s responsibilities are important and there are many difficulties in raising children.
- Sis Richelle Castillo was deeply touched by the Holy Spirit that she was teary-eyed about being blessed in taking care of her special child.
F. Seekers’ Feedback :
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- Sis. Elena Rodriguez, 68 years old: “Masaya. nakakawala ng problema.” (Fun; Relieves me of problems.)
- Sis. Jenalyn, 21-years old, mother with infant in tow: “Maganda.” (Beautiful.). “Magsumikap ka at gagawin ni Lord lahat.” (Work hard and the Lord will do the rest.)
- Sis. Norbelita, 64 years old: “Maganda” (Beautiful.). “Wag maghangad ng buhay na marangya. Unahin si Lord kaysa mga karangyaan sa buhay.” (Do not yearn for an affluent life. Put God first rather than the luxuries of life.”)
- Sis. Shanel, 13 years old: “Masaya kasi lalo akong napapalapit at naaaral ng tungkol kay God. Masaya ang speakers, di tulad ng worship na malungkot. May sigla bawa’t nagsasalita.” (I felt happy because I grow closer to and learn more about God. The speakers are fun unlike worship which is somber. All the speakers are lively.) “Kung ano yung sa iyo pwede mo ding ibahagi mo sa iba na hindi mo lang kinikimkim.” (Whatever you have, you can share with others rather than keep to yourself.)
G. The Finale of the Seminar was the formal Certification of the Castillejos Zambales Chapter. Sis Jane Boholano, Deputy Head Steward of the SEND Ministry awarded the Certificate of Recognition to Sis Jenny Agozar, and the Lord’s Flock Banner to Bro Jun Agozar. Their aggressive and persistent evangelization efforts bore fruit with the formation of their local Chapter.
H. Small World: The children who came with their parents/guardians had their own full day session of Praise, Pray, Play with Sis Grace Caringal. They learned about “Praying from the Heart” and the songs “Jesus is Beautiful” and “Kawal ni Jesus.” They presented to the whole assembly an entertaining and lively dance number to the song “Pray about Everything.”
I. Next Steps: The CLSS Seminar is only the beginning of their spiritual journey. Following next are the Maturing in the Spirit and Equipping the Saints Seminars in May 2022.
