Ascend Beyond

DIRECTORS & EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

JOSEPH RODRIGUEZ, CHAIRMAN

ANDY PROVENCIO, VICE CHAIRMAN

EDDIE CAMPA, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

MARTIN AMADOR, SECRETARY

GIL AGUILAR, TREASURER

JORGE MONTES, DIRECTOR

LEOBARDO MAFFEY, DIRECTOR

SUZANNE VALENCIA, DIRECTOR

YVONNE VASQUEZ, DIRECTOR

GEORGE LOPEZ, DIRECTOR

LOAN COMMITTEE

ANDY PROVENCIO

JESSE VALDEZ

EMMANUEL VASQUEZ

MARIO PLASCENCIA

ADRIAN DIAZ

FINANCE COMMITTEE

GIL AGUILAR

SUZANNE VALENCIA

ISAI BAEZA

COMPLIANCE COMMITTEE

JORGE MONTES

YVONNE VASQUEZ

ERICKA JUÁREZ

STAFF

ABRAHAM MAFFEY, ACCOUNTANT

ESTEBAN ROBLEDO, LOAN OFFICER

EVA RODRIGUEZ, ASSIST. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

MICHELLE E. GONZALEZ, FINANCIAL ANALYST

ELIZABETH ORELLANA-CAUDILLO, EDITOR

TIMOTHY RODRIGUEZ, IT TECH

DOMINIC MOSCHETTI, CREATIVE DIRECTOR

ASCENT

BY PASTOR EDDIE CAMPA, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Allow me to share a little secret about myself. When I was five years old, I climbed a fifty-foot silo used to store cement powder. My dad worked as an industrial mechanic for a cement company, so I often visited him at work after business hours. Upon reaching the top of the silo, reality hit me. Despite my excitement for the climb, I was unprepared for the moment emotionally and psychologically. I became paralyzed with fear, struggling with acrophobia—an intense fear of heights. It took my dad an hour to get me down as I tightly clung to the industrial ladder with perspiring hands. He had to peel my fingers off the rungs and slowly carry me until we reached the pavement. Eventually, thank God, I overcame this childhood phobia.

However, the focus of this editorial isn’t on the fear of heights but rather on the importance of reaching new heights in life. To achieve your goals and realize your vision, you must be willing to confront realities. At some point in our lives, we must climb the ladder of success, whether it’s in our personal or professional endeavors. In ministry, we ascend to new levels of growth— spiritually, numerically, and financially. This journey isn’t always easy, requiring hard work and determination. There may be apprehensions, struggles, and obstacles along the way, but we must all ascend, knowing it comes with a cost.

Let’s reflect on what Jesus said in Luke 14:28-30 in the New King James Version:

“For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has [enough] to finish [it]-- “lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see [it] begin to mock him.”

Before building our metaphorical towers—achieving our goals and realizing our potential—we need to count the cost. Every aspect of growth, whether spiritual, numerical, or financial, comes with a cost. Whether it’s a spiritual investment, the development of disciples, or the contribution of time and financial resources, there’s always a price to pay. To build the church and grow numerically, we must count the cost now to avoid falling short of our dreams.

“To build the church and grow numerically, we must count the cost now to avoid falling short of our dreams.”

Apostolic Mutual exists to assist churches with their financial planning. Over the past five years, we have provided over $5,000,000 in loans with competitive interest rates to help churches purchase new buildings, refinance existing loans, and improve their facilities—all to make houses of worship safe, attractive, and ready for growth. Additionally, we have helped several churches, pastors, and church members open deposit accounts, allowing their funds to grow for future projects. As of this year, we have received over $4,000,000 in deposits to expand the Kingdom.

As Apostolic Assembly churches aspire to ascend to new heights, Apostolic Mutual is a valuable resource, providing:

• Loan Consultation

• Financing for approved loan applications

• Investment Opportunities

• Retirement Options

As somebody once said, “A year from now, you may wish you had started today.” Therefore, I urge you not to let another year go by. There is work to be done, goals to be reached, and people to be saved. Let’s count the cost, prepare for the realities, and begin to ascend to new heights as people of God. Are you ready?

TO VIEW BACK ISSUES OF THE AM QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER

ASCENDING TO THE NEXT LEVEL!

BY: EVA RODRIGUEZ

On October 24, 2023, Apostolic Mutual proudly inaugurated our new offices situated within the premises of the Apostolic Assembly headquarters. This milestone marked a significant progression for us as we outgrew our previous location, compelled by the remarkable expansion of our team. With great anticipation, we step into this new season, brimming with enthusiasm to continue our mission of aiding in the spiritual and financial growth of the church.

At Apostolic Mutual, we are dedicated to providing invaluable assistance with church loans and personal investments. Our competitive church loan rate stands at 4.9%, ensuring that congregations have access to the financial resources necessary for their development. Additionally, our Certificates of Deposit offer flexible terms ranging from 6 months to 5 years, with interest rates ranging from 1.50% to 2.50%.

Looking ahead, we are committed to broadening our services to meet the evolving needs of our community. We aspire to introduce credit cards with low interest rates, further enhancing our ability to support the financial endeavors of churches, pastors, and members of the Apostolic Assembly.

Central to our ethos is the desire to partner with churches in expanding the Kingdom of God. Our vision extends beyond mere financial transactions; we aspire to become a pivotal financial solution for churches, pastors, and members of the Apostolic Assembly, offering comprehensive support in financing, investing, and retirement planning.

The mission of the Apostolic Mutual Loan Fund is intricately woven with the mission of the Apostolic Assembly churches—to spread the gospel and foster spiritual growth. As such, our purpose is deeply rooted in supporting these churches in their mission endeavors, ensuring that they have the necessary financial backing to fulfill their divine calling.

We extend a warm invitation to all those in the vicinity to visit our new offices. Our dedicated and knowledgeable staff stands ready to serve you, providing expert guidance and assistance tailored to your specific needs. At Apostolic Mutual, we are not just financial service providers; we are partners in the journey of building a stronger, more prosperous church community.

“...we are committed to broadening our services to meet the evolving needs of our community.”

DILA CONFERENCE 2023

BY: ELIZABETH CAUDILLO

Apostolic Mutual Representatives, alongside Representatives from the Real Estate department of the Apostolic Assembly, had the privilege of attending this year’s DILA conference. DILA, a conference tailored for denominational investors and loan administrators, offers a valuable platform for equipping and connecting various organizations with resources to optimize their non-profit entities. This year’s conference proved to be no exception, as it pushed attendees to think beyond their current paradigms and strive for new heights. Moreover, it emphasized the importance of becoming effective stewards of the funds entrusted to our entities by investors.

Our three Apostolic Mutual representatives, Sister Eva Rodriguez, Brother Esteban Robledo, and Sister Elizabeth Caudillo, each participated in different workshops aimed at enriching our practices at Apostolic Mutual. Throughout these sessions, a

recurring question challenged us: “What is the plan?” Indeed, having a clear goal with a defined mission and vision is the cornerstone of effective strategic planning. Conversely, the absence of a plan invariably leads to failure. We were also encouraged to embody leadership qualities that inspire and guide our teams toward success. By conducting well-planned meetings where leadership and guidance prevail, we foster a sense of unity among all participants.

The significance of having a concrete plan was underscored, drawing upon the biblical verse, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” Similarly, we were reminded of our responsibility to serve pastors, brethren, and the people of God who place their trust in our department. Establishing a clear vision and plan for the allocation of funds, coupled with strategic planning for the future, lays the groundwork for a robust system to serve our investors effectively.

Moreover, a dedicated session centered on the quality of service we provide to our investors and loan applicants. Our conduct and treatment of investors directly reflect upon the integrity of our fund. Consequently, we brainstormed ways to express appreciation and recognition to those who have invested in Apostolic Mutual. This initiative, which we eagerly pledged to implement upon our return, was formally acknowledged at our annual end-of-the-year Apostolic Mutual Luncheon. While we strive for excellence in serving our pastors, we are equally appreciative of investors who share our mission.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

IS YOUR EMERGENCY FUND SUFFICIENT?

Experts recommend keeping enough money in your emergency fund to cover at least three to six months’ worth of living expenses. This may vary based on a few factors, including:

• Your lifestyle

• The cost of living in your area

• Your income and the long-term security of your job

• The job market for your line of work

• Whether or not you have affordable health insurance

So, if you spend roughly $4,000 each month on essential living costs, your emergency fund should have at least $12,000 to $24,000 in it.

SHOULD I BE SAVING FOR RETIREMENT IF I HAVE CREDIT CARD DEBT?

You might think knocking out debt should always be your top priority, but saving for retirement is a matter of time — and you can’t regain any that you lose. Start putting money away now for life after work, even if that means beginning very, very small.

Opening a traditional or Roth IRA is the easiest way to get in the retirement savings game. You should also participate in any 401(k) matching plan offered by your employer. This is essentially free money, and who doesn’t need more of that?

Once you get your retirement savings up and running, shift your focus to paying off your credit card debt. Soon, you’ll be debt-free and well on your way to financial freedom in your golden years.

IF YOU HAVE CHILDREN, HOW WILL YOU HELP FUND THEIR EDUCATION?

As much as you may want to save for your children’s future, don’t neglect yours in the process. Our advice? Get your retirement account started today and contribute to it regularly. Then, decide if and how much you’ll contribute to your child’s post-secondary education. If you do plan to pay for some or all of their college, begin setting aside money and making other financial preparations as soon as you decide. Popular options include:

• ESA can be used for college and TK-12 educational expenses. Income and age limitations apply.

• Starting a 529 Plan when your child is young.

• Taking out a student loan.

• Tapping into your Roth IRA.

• Researching and applying for scholarships.

NEW AM TEAM MEMBER TIMOTHY RODRIGUEZ

IT TECHNICIAN

Timothy Rodriguez is a dedicated individual with a passion for technology and a commitment to serving others. Currently pursuing a degree in computer science, Timothy is immersed in expanding his knowledge and expertise in the dynamic field of technology. Alongside his academic pursuits, he is a devout student at the Bible College of the Apostolic Faith in Jesus Christ, deepening his spiritual understanding and connection.

Currently, Timothy serves as an IT technician for Apostolic Mutual, where he applies his technical skills to ensure smooth operations within the organization. Additionally, he manages online portals and provides social media assistance, contributing to Apostolic Mutual’s digital presence and outreach efforts. Outside of work and studies, Timothy is an active member of the Fellowship of Covina of ELA District, engaging in community outreach and fellowship activities. With a diverse skill set and a genuine desire to make a positive impact, Timothy Rodriguez embodies dedication, innovation, and service in both his personal and professional life. We are excited to have him part of our Apostolic Mutual Team!

DILA CONFERENCE 2023...CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

Lastly, an impactful session focused on the principle of stewardship. We were reminded of the trust placed in our hands when someone invests or seeks a loan, drawing parallels to the biblical parable of the talents. Indeed, we are entrusted with resources to bless churches, as stated in Matthew 25:40. As ambassadors, we are called not only to steward these resources wisely but also to develop others in their stewardship journey. Moving forward, we aspire to coach pastors in stewardship development and enhance their church financial planning skills.

In conclusion, DILA 2023 propelled us to ascend to new heights and approach challenges with innovative thinking. With our church demographics evolving and expanding, we are compelled to explore new ways to serve better and connect with members of our organization. Indeed, it is time for us to ascend.