Rekindle the Flame

May 3-4, 2008
Sagrada Familia Retreat Centre
Orangeville, Ontario

Blessings once again to one and all!!!
Truly the Lord never fails and is forever true to His promise.

"And remember I will be with you always, to the end of the age.”

What a fitting statement from the Lord through the Gospel of Matthew that was preached to us last Sunday. Another manifestation of His love for us that out of the busy schedule of the Youth Core, who are preoccupied with their exams, part time jobs and YIC preparation, the Youth Core group, with God’s grace and strength, had once again risen to the occasion.

31 Youths were at the weekend Getaway in which a few were from senior Mark 10.

In spite of the gloomy day and cool temperature, it was a spirit and fun-filled weekend overflowing with scriptural messages relayed and delivered in the form of various activities and games. Reflective moment was the highlight of the weekend when they all commune with God on their own inside the building during the heavy pouring rain. Their discipline and cooperation was so noteworthy that they all happily lined up to wash their own dishes after every meal.

Most if not all of the participants truly reflected the theme of the weekend.  The fire of the Spirit indeed was rekindled in the hearts of these young people.  They ended the weekend praising and worshipping God like no other. Everybody was given the chance to share their experiences during their stay. Sunday came and it was hard for everyone to say goodbye.  As one participant said, “There should be more like this.”

We are so grateful to the Manalo sisters who were instrumental in providing their place to be our venue. To the untiring titos and titas – overseeing the youths on the weekend, prepared food, set up, clean up, marshal/security, to those who dropped by to help out, to the generous donors and to those who remembered us in their prayers, please accept our deepest appreciation.

Praise and thank God for all our Youth Core who did the hard labor in preparing and implementing their activities.

To God be the glory now and forevermore!

Rene & Ditas Dimen
(BLD Toronto Youth Coordinators)
June & Emily Quindoy
Froilan & Charito Piamonte
Charlie & Jo Gonzales

Click here for Youth Getaway 2008 Photos

Youth Getaway Attendees:  

Andrew Rejano
Ruth Dimen
Richard Dimen
Alex Piamonte
Ivan Piamonte
Hart Artes
Oliver Mercado
Jacinta Pudjowargono
Kirsten Saguil
Catherine Sanchez
David Dimen
Arvic Canaria
Khyle Fernandez
Genevieve Pudjowargono
Nicole Tolentino
Feliz Prollamante
Marylou Malicdem
Gino Guillermo
Nina Guillermo
Ralph Cabusas
Arvin Gutierrez
Alex Memita
Joy Mariano
Jeffrey Buado
Stephen Nano
Abbey Kitane
JC Yulo
Nadine Valdez
Norman Valdez

What the YOUTHs have to say about the GETAWAY:

”A well needed break from reality. The name describes it all, 'getaway' we should have more 'getaway' retreats more often.”
– Joy Mariano

”This weekend really accomplished the 'rekindling the flame' theme. The retreat was able to let me rebuild my relationship with God in a wa yI never thought possible.” 
– Kirsten Saguil

”This weekend was amazing. I got closer to people I never thought i would. It was filled with lots of fun and games. It was nice.”
– Stephana Pudjowargono

”This weekend was an amazing experience. It is something that I'll never forget.”
– Nina Guillermo

“This weekend was different from what I thought it would be. I had a lot of fun ' cause it was full of energy & activities.”
– Feliz Prollamante

”This weekend was one of my best weekends. I missed my basketball game for this and I don't regret it.  This weekend was perfect.”
– Oliver Mercado

”This weekend has had a big effect on me, I have experienced. The feelings that felt, but I didn’t experience them at BLD before. “
– Jacinta Pudjowargono

It was a great weekend and more than I bargained for. I liked how it was more relaxed and not forced. I enjoyed the talks and most of all the FOOD!” – Stephen Nano

”This weekend restored my flames and it also helped to forget about my burden. This weekend also helped me reunite with God.”
– Genevieve Pudjowargono

”This weekend was very spiritually fulfilling. It was nice to see younger people more involved and excited about helping our ministry.”
– Abbey Kitane

”This weekend was a fun way to get closer to God and to 'rekindle the flame' in us. Once you stepped foot in the place, you could already anticipate the energy that would be produced.”
– Alex Piamonte

”This weekend was fun, energetic, and worshipful. Also this brought people closer together.”
– Kyle Fernandez

”This weekend was fun and inspiring to me. It was calm and also energetic. I would love to come again.”
– Catherine Sanchez

“This weekend was fun and energetic. it was really relaxing and calm.”
– David Dimen

”This weekend helped me rebuild the relationship I have had and always will have. This weekend I was able to get my SPIRITUAL HIGH back! AWESHUMLY AWESHUM!”
– Marylou Malicdem

”A spirit-filled retreat that regenerated my fire of love for the Lord; a creative and personal approach to rekindle the flame of my spirit.”
– Ruth Dimen

”I think this getaway was really fun. I like it when we connected as one at the end during the praise jam. I liked it when we gathered around the candles because it really set me free and be with God.”
– Hart Artes

”This weekend was really fun. It was fun because this is probably the second time I’ve gone somewhere with the youth ministry. Ill never forget this weekend.”
– Nicole Tolentino

”Good getaway, Good food, Good activities, Good company, Good place.”
– Arvin Gutierrez

”Activities were very fun and exciting. Food, people and at atmosphere were amazing.”
– Raph Cabusas

“The weekend overall went really well, and it was good to see everyone getting involved and having fun.  It was a nice little getaway from the rest of the world, and time well spent with the Lord and the youth ministry.”
– Norman Valdez

”I believe that the weekend went extremely well. Nice to see new and old faces.  Hope to see everyone come back more often.”
– Richard Dimen

”My flame has been rekindled because I knew everyone's Heart was in the same place. I really GOT AWAY from everything because everyone shares God's love with one another.”
– Gino Guillermo

”The Getaway was a very relaxing weekend that was successful in gathering the spirit of the youth Together!”
– JC Yulo

“This weekend truly touched me. It was fun and a perfect experience.”
– Frances Prollamante

”Getaway, getaway, Oh how I miss thee getaway.  From the willow trees to the birds and the bees.  From the hearts on our backs, sleeping on the floor in our sleeping sacks.  Oh getaway! Lego!” – Nadine Valdez