Apostle Desoloc and Bishop Deniega invited their serving Brothers and the Youth to a retreat in a Resort near Ozamiz City. The participants came as far as Zamboanga and travelled more than 10 hours. But it was a joyful yet also contemplating weekend for all. The District Apostle addressed the gathering on Saturday afternoon with the quote from Psalm 100:2

“Serve the Lord with gladness” We serve the Lord, the Church and our neighbor with joy. We serve with joy:  Our greatest joy does not come from our successes, but our salvation (cf. Lk 10: 20). Our own salvation fills us with joy and inspires us to serve. Our joy and strength depends on the importance that we attach to the salvation that Jesus offers us.  We are delighted to share in the sufferings of Christ, to soon rejoice in His glory (cf. 1 Pet 4: 13). The suffering that we endure at times in serving, Jesus suffered them before us. Suffering today for and with Him, we have the assurance to gain the victory with Him. Christ’s victory is our joy!  Jesus spoke of the joy that reigned in heaven because of the repentance of one sinner (cf. Lk 15: 10). Let us rejoice to have brothers and sisters with us who remain faithful against all odds!

An evening filled with music and presentations also drama did not come short, but also the questions and various topics were  not be missing.

The Sunday sermon was an elaboration on interaction between ministry and congregation, Romans 1:11-12.

Faith through fellowship with Apostolate. We shall comfort each other through worship, praise, example, prayer and forgiveness. The Apostolate gives, the congregation receives and gives back. Faith is thereby proven in love and established.