10/15/2026
FLAME Mission Retreat 2026: Lakbay Liwanag
With Gratitude for Those Who Walked With Us
As we celebrate our first FLAME Mission Retreat and the launch of the Filipino Lutheran Association for Mission and Evangelism, we give thanks to God for the people, congregations, and ministries who helped bring this beginning to life.
WITH GRATITUDE FOR FLAME’S BEGINNINGS
Special thanks to Rev. Dr. Joshua Hollman of True Light Lutheran Church, who offered the idea that inspired FLAME’s inception and has served as an adviser since its earliest stages. His guidance and encouragement have helped this ministry take shape.
MISSION PARTNERS AND SUPPORTERS
• Rev. Dr. Terry Chan and the Multi Asian Inter-ethnic Network (MAIN): Thank you for your partnership and encouragement, and for Dr. Chan’s leadership and being our 3rd speaker in the retreat and sending our pastors and lay leaders for practical mission and witness.
• The LCMS Office of National Mission: Thank you for ministry resources, encouragement, and support for FLAME’s mission. Special thanks to Rev. Dr.Heath Trampe for his encouragement and video greeting.
• The LCMS All Nations Ministry: Thank you for encouraging FLAME and supporting this first retreat. Special thanks to Rev. Stephen Heimer for his help and continued support since FLAME’s early stages.
• Lutheran Hour Ministries: Thank you for providing evangelism and ministry resources for our pastors and lay leaders. Special thanks to Dr. Chad Lakies, Vice President of Ministry Engagement.
• GOOD NEWS Magazine: Thank you for generously providing multiple issues for each retreat participant. Special thanks to Kathy Schulz and the GOOD NEWS ministry.
• Lutheran Bible Translators: Especially to Kyla Rodriguez Thank you for providing Tagalog and Cebuano resources and helping us explore the future need for Filipino-language Lutheran resources in the United States.
• Lutheran Heritage Foundation: Thank you for your partnership in the Gospel and your work in making Lutheran resources available in the heart language of the people.
• Sean Harlow: Thank you for donating notebooks and pens for our participants and sharing your musical gifts throughout the retreat.
GREETINGS AND PRAYERS
We gratefully acknowledge those who sent their video greetings, prayers, and words of encouragement:
• Rev. Dr. Heath Trampe — LCMS Office of National Mission
• Rev. Mike Lange — President, California–Nevada–Hawaii District, LCMS
• Rev. Dr. Mike Gibson — President, Pacific Southwest District, LCMS
• Bishop/President Dien Ashley Taylor — Atlantic District, LCMS
Your encouragement reminded us that this new beginning is part of a wider fellowship in Christ.
RETREAT HOSTS AND HOSPITALITY
• Shepherd’s Canyon Retreat Center: Thank you for welcoming FLAME, providing generous accommodations and discounts, and making this beautiful, peaceful setting available for our first retreat.
• Tricia Kelm, Paul Golke, and Kristi Golke: Thank you for your hospitality, coordination, encouragement, and help throughout our preparations.
• Benny Albright and the catering staff: Thank you for preparing and serving our meals and caring for our participants throughout the retreat.
GRANT SUPPORT
The 2026 FLAME Mission Retreat is supported in part by a grant from The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod through Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Yonkers, New York. We give thanks for this support, which helps make possible our gathering for fellowship, theological reflection, mission planning, and witness.
THANK YOU FOR WALKING WITH US
To every participant, family member, friend, congregation, and supporter who prayed, encouraged us, shared resources, or supported us from afar: thank you for your partnership in the Gospel.
As FLAME moves forward, we pray that Christ will guide our steps, strengthen our fellowship, and equip us to bear witness to His love in the communities He calls us to serve.
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow!
