A WORD FROM THE EDITOR
Paz de Cristo,
To all Apostolic readers of the Apostolic Herald, the official gazette of the Apostolic Assembly, we present the August edition of our magazine in preparation for our 2024 General Convention.
In this hour, we see an outpouring of the Spirit of God in every corner of the world, and the signs of a Spiritual awakening surround us. Just as the day of Pentecost, unity has enveloped our Assembly, and hearts are hungry to see a move and demonstration of the Holy Spirit.
In this edition of the Apostolic Herald, we will explore the great reports of many who this awakening has impacted. Hearts are being healed, and a spirit of servanthood is surging through all who are filled with this fire.
There is a Spiritual awakening that is happening all around us, and what a joy to witness God pouring out His spirit “And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began to speak in tongues and to prophesy.” (Acts 19:6). Join us on this mission to build the Church through the power of the Holy Spirit!
Joyfully in Christ,
Bishop Armando Tamez Secretary of Christian Education
SIGNS OF A SPIRITUAL AWAKENING IN THE APOSTOLIC ASSEMBLY
By Bishop Sam Rojas, Secretary of Social Assistance
On the night of November 26, 2022, our Bishop President Felipe Salazar launched the vision of the Apostolic Assembly as he preached his first presidential message. I could not help but sense a shift in the spirit as we began a new administration. The very next morning he called for a meeting of the newly elected board members and the first item on the agenda was the mission and vision of the church. In every general board meeting since, we start our meetings with ways in how we can communicate the mission and vision of the church to our Bishops, Pastors, ministers, deacons, and all of God’s people. The focus of this administration from the start has been evangelism and discipleship. We have also created a system of accountability where every pastor reports monthly the number of baptisms, holy spirit baptisms and life groups in his local church.
President Salazar has named this system the “Growth Track” in other words, we are tracking the growth of the church as we continue to see our local churches produce baptisms in Jesus’ name, the infilling of the holy Ghost in our new believers and the multiplication of cell groups! As we move forward with the mission and vision of the church, we will add 2 more elements to the vision: Healthy Pastors and Strong churches. At the upcoming general convention, our president and the
pastoral conference speakers will elaborate in more detail regarding these 2 additional elements of the vision. In the next section, I would like to submit to the church 3 signs that indicate a spiritual awakening in the Apostolic Assembly! Of course, this is not an exhaustive list, however this is what we have been experiencing as we visit our districts, regions, and local churches.
THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE CHURCH
There is no greater indicator of spiritual revival than a church full of the Holy Ghost! This is the foundation of all Apostolic churches. We see the early church and its leaders full of the Holy Ghost, in full practice of the Gifts of the Spirit, the performing of miracles, baptisms in Jesus’ name, preaching the word with boldness, living the fruit of the spirit and united in purpose. We see this important factor in Acts 4 as Peter and John answer the Sanhedrin council:
Acts 4:7-13
7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, “By what power or by what name have you done this?” 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders of Israel: 9 If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well, 10 let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. 11 This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ 12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
13 Now when they saw the
boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.
To be “filled with the Holy Ghost” is the Greek term pletho which means to be filled with the holy spirit for supernatural power for ministry. In other words, the Apostolic Assembly has made a significant shift to focus every activity we organize, life groups, local church services, conferences, and seminars and all our administration and make them full of the Holy Spirit! As we see the postmodern culture of the church move forward in the implementation of new technologies, organizational structures, production teams, social media presence all over the world and other important advances we have seen in the church, the foundation is and will always be the power of the Holy Spirit in the church!
BIBLICAL VISION
The Apostolic Assembly has promoted a “biblical vision” over the last 17 years. Known as the “Strategy of Jesus” by our pastors and leaders, this vision has led to the exponential growth of those churches that have embraced the vision. As a leader who grew up in this organization, I have never seen a time of more excitement and laser focus for growth and
spiritual hunger than I see now. A clear sign of revival is the unwavering focus on the purpose of the church and its mission. This is not a program, new idea, organizational corporate mandate, or company policy. It is the heart of God in the book of Acts. It is the model the primitive church used, and it worked!
Acts 2:41-43, 46-47
41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.
46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
Acts 4:4
4 However, many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.
This particular sign of spiritual awakening in the Apostolic Assembly is a return to the biblical model of Acts 2 and 4. One message preached saved 3,000 people, then the miracle of the lame man caused another 5000 people to believe! One church (Chandler, AZ Pastor Noel Villegas) had 78 baptisms in 2023! Others are experiencing the biblical model alive again in their local church. Our men, women and youth have embraced the vision by starting life (cell) groups that have invigorated their local church.
HEALTHY PASTORS
A major sign of spiritual awakening in a church is the overall health of its leadership. This is especially true of the lead pastor of a local church congregation. We need pastors that are secure in their leadership and gifts that empower others to exercise their God
given abilities on a weekly basis. The pastor must be healthy in his spirit, mind, and body. As we travel to different cities and speak to our Bishops and Pastors, we see that the conversations are about growth, revival, and an overall excitement among our people in general.
More and more pastors have embraced the biblical vision of the Apostolic Assembly. They see the need to build meaningful relationships with one another as well as to learn from others that have had success in the vision. They have a teachable spirit that allows them to grow and experience success. The model we see in the bible is how Paul was able to develop several ministerial bonds with his colleagues throughout his ministry. Every pastor needs at least 3 solid relationships in his life which include a mentor, a good friend and an apprentice. Here are the 3 realtionships:
Gamaliel
Acts 22:3
3 “I am indeed a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, taught according to the strictness of our fathers’ law, and was zealous toward God as you all are today.
Gamaliel was Paul’s mentor and sat under him for 14 years as he learned how to become a servant of God. He taught Paul the law and his zeal for God.
Barnabas
Acts 9:27
27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road…
Barnabas was known as the son of consolation. He was the one leader that believed in Saul before anyone else did and confirmed his calling with the disciples.
“There is no greater indicator of spiritual revival than a church full of the Holy Ghost! This is the foundation of all Apostolic Churches.”
Timothy
1 Timothy 1:1-2
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the commandment of God our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope, 2 To Timothy, a true son in the faith:
Paul’s relationship with Timothy was like a spiritual father and a son. He ultimately wrote 2 letters known as the (Pastoral Epistles) where he instructs Timothy on various leadership principles of doctrine, care and love for the church. The healthy pastor has these 3
relationships as part of his weekly experience. As the Apostolic Assembly experiences exponential growth, these three factors and others will be the key for the success of our church. We need the fire of the Holy Ghost burning deep in the heart of every Apostolic believer, we need to embrace the biblical vision that God has given the church from the beginning and create a culture of healthy pastoral leadership that leads the church into the greatest growth we have ever experienced! I do believe we are in the middle of a powerful spiritual awakening! Embrace it!
THE LIGHT WITHIN… THE BLESSING OF VOLUNTEERING
In the heart of a small, bustling town stood small Apostolic Church, an old stone building with stained-glass windows that caught the sun’s rays and cast vibrant patterns on the worn wooden pews. Every Sunday, the congregation gathered to worship, but it was during the week that the true spirit of the Apostolic Church came alive.
Maria Garcia, a retired schoolteacher with a kind face and an unyielding spirit, had been volunteering at the church for nearly two decades. Her days were filled with organizing charity drives, preparing meals for the homeless, and coordinating events that brought the community together. To many, Maria was the soul of the church, and her work was driven not by financial gain but by a deep-seated belief in the power of giving and living for the Lord Jesus.
One crisp autumn morning, as the leaves swirled in the breeze outside, a young man named Carlos entered the old Apostolic Church. He had recently moved to town, and his life was in disarray. His mother’s passing and a string of failed job prospects had left him feeling
disconnected and lost. He sought solace and a sense of purpose in the old church.
Carlos watched Maria as she worked tirelessly to prepare for the annual Thanksgiving dinner. She was a whirlwind of energy, sorting donations, arranging tables, and chatting with volunteers who came and went. There was a grace and enthusiasm in her work that intrigued him.
“Can I help with anything?” Carlos asked, his voice a mixture of uncertainty and hope. Maria looked up, her eyes warm and welcoming. “Of course, dear. We can always use an extra pair of hands. How about helping with the sorting the can goods?”
As the days passed, Carlos found himself more involved in the church’s activities. He learned about the history of the Apostolic church, the traditions that had been carried out for generations, and the people who had come to rely on the church’s charity. Maria’s dedication was contagious, and Carlos began to feel a sense of belonging he hadn’t experienced in years.
One evening, as Carlos and Maria were setting up for a community outreach event, he finally asked, “Why do you do all this? Isn’t it exhausting? Don’t you ever get tired of it?”
Maria paused, her hands resting on a box of supplies. She looked at Carlos with a gentle smile. “You know, Carlos, it’s not about what I get in return. It’s about the joy of seeing others happy and knowing that you’ve made a difference, however small it may be. When I see someone smile because of a meal we’ve prepared or feel hope because of a kind word, it fills my heart in a way money never could.” Carlos thought about her words as he continued to work alongside Maria. He began to understand the true meaning of volunteering— not as a task or a duty, but as a way of connecting with others and enriching their lives.
The Thanksgiving dinner was a resounding success, with families and individuals from all walks of life coming together to share a meal and stories. Carlos saw firsthand the impact of Maria’s work and the deep sense of community it fostered. He realized that the true blessing of volunteering was the fulfillment and joy it brought to both the giver and the receiver.
As winter approached and the festive season enveloped the town, Carlos found himself not just a participant but a passionate advocate for the church’s mission. Maria had shown him that the value of volunteering went beyond financial compensation; it was about making a difference and spreading light in the world.
And so, in the heart of Apostolic Church, Carlos discovered a new purpose. The light of giving and the warmth of community illuminated his path, and he embraced it with open arms, ready to pass on the blessing he had received.
Volunteering in a church setting can offer a range of blessings and opportunities for personal growth, community impact, and spiritual enrichment. Volunteering typically involves offering time and skills without financial compensation. Here’s how volunteering in a church can be particularly meaningful:
1. SPIRITUAL GROWTH:
Volunteering in a church often involves participating in activities and programs that align with spiritual beliefs and values. This can deepen one’s faith, provide a sense of purpose, and help individuals grow in their spiritual journey. 1 John 3:18 “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
2. BUILDING COMMUNITY:
Church volunteering fosters a strong sense of community. It connects individuals with others who share their faith and values, creating a supportive network and enhancing social bonds within the congregation. 1 Peter 4:10 “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
3. SERVICE TO OTHERS:
Church volunteers often engage in activities that directly serve those in need, such as organizing food drives, visiting the sick, or supporting local outreach programs. This service can be profoundly fulfilling and aligns with many religious teachings about helping others. 1 Thessalonians 5:15 “Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.”
4. PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT:
Volunteering at church can develop various personal skills, such as leadership, organization, and communication. Roles such as teaching Sunday school, coordinating events, or leading prayer groups can provide valuable experience and growth. Acts 20:35 “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
5. CREATING A POSITIVE ENVIRONMENT:
Church volunteers help create a welcoming and nurturing environment for worship and fellowship. This can involve tasks like setting up for services, managing church communications, or decorating for special events, all of which contribute to a positive atmosphere for the congregation. Colossians 3:23-24 “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.
6. SHARED FAITH AND MISSION:
Volunteering in a church provides opportunities to work together towards common goals and missions. This shared sense of purpose can be deeply rewarding and help strengthen one’s commitment to their faith and the church’s mission. Luke 12:33-34 “Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
7. LEARNING AND REFLECTION:
Being involved in church activities can offer numerous learning opportunities. Volunteers might engage in Bible studies, attend workshops, or participate in discussions that enrich their understanding of their faith. Galatians 6:10 “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”
8. ENCOURAGING OTHERS:
By volunteering, individuals can inspire others to get involved and contribute. This can lead to a culture of service within the church community and encourage more active participation in church life. Titus 3:8 “This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.”
9. EXPERIENCING JOY AND FULFILLMENT:
Many find joy and satisfaction in serving others and contributing to the church’s mission. The act of giving can bring a deep sense of fulfillment and happiness. Matthew 23:11 “The greatest among you will be your servant.
10. LEAVING A LEGACY:
Long-term involvement in church volunteering can help shape the future of the church and its programs. Volunteers often contribute to the development and sustainability of initiatives that have lasting impacts on the community. Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Overall, volunteering in a church setting can be a powerful way to integrate faith with action, build meaningful relationships, and contribute positively to both individual lives and the broader community.
“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
1 John 3:18
WASH THE i R WOUNDS
By Jacob Rodriguez
When reading the account of the jailer’s conversion in Acts chapter 16, we find a small but profound detail that offers hope for a hurting heart, a wounded church, or a bitter soul. Verse 33 reads, “And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized.”
Paul and Silas suffered the lashings of a prison ward who knew no better than to punish the woeful souls under his command. Whipping troublemakers was just another day on the job. His ears were deaf to their moans. His heart was numb to their humanity. Their guilt or innocence was of no interest to him. His top priority was keeping the prisoners where they belonged. Thus, when the prison doors miraculously swung open on that fateful night and a massive jailbreak was imminent, he reached for his sword to end his life before anyone else could.
But a loud voice echoed through the corridor: “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.” The voice was Paul’s. But the message was God’s.
He heard and believed the gospel. And then... the whipper became the washer when he, “washed their stripes.”
Could the mark of real change not only be the waters of baptism, but the water in the sponge that washes the wounds of those you’ve hurt?
Friend, have you ever taken time to wash their wounds? “But I haven’t wounded anybody,” you say. Are you sure?
The one thing we are most capable of doing is hurting the very people that God sent to love us. And the hardest words for Christians to say are not “Praise God” or “God Bless,” but “Forgive me.”
Unwashed wounds will get infected, and they will fester. There are a lot of festering wounds in the body of Christ. So, allow me to offer to the following advice: before we wash one another’s feet (serve the body), we ought to wash one another’s wounds (heal the body).
Washing wounds is a lost practice. But if we are to heal and grow, we should soak our sponges and release forgiveness.
This story of transformation highlights the profound impact of repentance and reconciliation. The jailer’s act of washing Paul and Silas’s wounds symbolizes a deeper spiritual cleansing and a move towards restoration. It’s a reminder that true change involves addressing the pain we have caused, not just seeking forgiveness but actively working to heal those we’ve hurt. And if you’re in Paul’s place of hurt or offense, you can’t hide your wound if you hope to heal. There are some wounds in life that only others can wash.
Consider your relationships. Have there been moments where your actions, words, or even neglect have caused someone pain? It’s easy to overlook the damage we may have inflicted, especially when it wasn’t intentional. Yet, the call to wash the wounds is a call to acknowledge, address, and heal.
Imagine the power in a church community where members actively seek to mend broken relationships, where forgiveness is freely given and received, and where the focus is on collective healing. This kind of environment fosters unity, growth, and a deeper sense of belonging.
Reflect on your own heart. Are there wounds you’ve inflicted on others that need tending? Are there festering hurts within you that require the healing touch of reconciliation? The act of washing wounds can be as simple as a heartfelt apology, a genuine conversation, or an act of
Healing begins with a single act of compassion, a willingness to humble oneself and serve others, just as the jailer did that night.
kindness to those we’ve wronged. And again, you might be delaying your healing as the wounded because you won’t allow people to get close enough to wash your sores.
The jailer’s story is a testament to the transformative power of the gospel. It moves us from being indifferent to the pain of others to being active participants in their healing. It’s a call to be more Christ-like in our interactions, to embody His love and compassion in tangible ways. There are times when you may have to clean wounds that were caused by another person.
As you meditate on this story, ask God to reveal any wounds that need washing, whether inflicted by you, on you, or on another. Healing begins with a single act of compassion, a willingness to humble oneself and serve others, just as the jailer did that night.
Let us take up our sponges and wash the wounds, bringing healing and restoration to the hurting.
LOVE & DUTY
“Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.”
1 Peter 4:8 NLT
When it comes to marriage, there are two things that war against each other…and that is Love & Duty! Many marriages get caught up on the scriptures in Ephesians 5:22-28 that say, “Husband love your wife and wife submit to your husband” and they ask the rhetorical question, “what came first, the chicken or the egg?” The truth is that God expects us to love one another and in doing so, love dissolves the duty of obedience into an act of love.
And what is love? “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” I Corinthians 13:4-7 NKJV
These days, society believes that the duties of marriage should exist only while love exists. People everywhere are searching for the perfect love, but we know that perfect love can only be found in Christ! Each of us were created with the need to love and be loved and the further they get from God, the least satisfied they will become. We know that God commands us to love one another and that a biblical marriage is not based solely upon our emotions, but upon the word of God that exhorts us to love one another … until death do us part. So whether we’re ‘feeling it’ or not, God expects us to love one another and to fulfill our marital duty.
As romantic as love is, the reality of maintaining a loving relationship in marriage is a mutual effort. Neither party is exempt from giving, working and committing their best effort to the marriage. And although most of us would want to please our spouse, sometimes what we need is a generous dose of understanding!
“Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.” I Peter 3:7 NKJV Having an understanding spouse is a blessing and is essential for a healthy and a happy marriage! The Lord commands husbands to ‘dwell with understanding?’ And in Psalms 139 we are reminded that God knows us in-
timately, because He is our Creator! We are perfectly and wonderfully made and in His infinite wisdom God knew that it would take a wise and understanding husband to lead and guide his wife to a deeper and more fulfilling marriage! He personally and carefully created her with all of her emotions, nuances, and hormones! He organized the seasons of her life, and He placed a nurturing spirit within her! The Lord created her to complete her husband and to be a help for him. And while the Lord created the temperament or the nature of a man to be strong and powerful, He also placed within him the ability to have an understanding heart. Recognizing our uniqueness gives us insight to the needs of our spouse and when we meet each others needs, the Lord blesses our marriage with a satisfying joy that keeps us bound together in love!
Hard days come to every marriage! Throughout the different seasons of life, we will face the challenge of change and change means work! As we face the changes within our own self and of our maturing marriage and family, we will need to pivot and adjust to meet the ever present challenges they bring. Most importantly, we must work arduously not to allow
ourselves to disconnect. The most important relationship after God, is your marriage. When our marriage is healthy and strong, our children will be blessed! Strong marriages build strong families and strong families build strong churches!
Apathy is a state of emotional detachment where you feel uninterested, aloof, or indifferent towards your spouse.
Obviously the enemy is working overtime to produce an apathetic attitude towards our spouse, as this is what drives a destructive wedge into marriages today. Folks these days are so into their feels and they allow their emotions to lead them into destructive patterns and choices that hurt the marriage. Today’s marriages are struggling against the persistent onslaught of worldly philosophies and the lies of the enemy! But we must never surrender nor give any room to these passing emotions that want to build a nest in our hearts and minds. It behooves us to maintain a relationship that is built on a godly foundation of mutual respect, good communication, understanding and selfless love!
Because the level of marital apathy is on the rise, the level of our spiritual awareness must also rise. We will see this as a consequence of unwise, unguarded, and unreliable information that is available at the touch of a screen. Technology and social media has attempted to infiltrate Good folks with great marriages. And although everyone suffers from some amount of apathy in their marriage from time to time, being in tune spiritually will alert you when the level of spiritual wickedness in high places has increased. Should unusual or persistent apathy rise up in your relationship, it must be identified quickly and the strong man must be bound! (Mark 3:27) Remember, the thief only steals what is unguarded and uncared for!
“No one can enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man. And then he will plunder his house.” Mark 3:27 NKJV
From the Garden to this present day, and until Jesus returns, there will always be the need to contend with the enemy. From the very beginning, Satan has worked hard to destroy what God has brought together! We may not win every day, but every day we must fight to win! God has given us His Word and has filled us with the Holy Spirit which means we have the wisdom and the power to overcome! Your marriage was designed to be blessed, not tolerated! “Let your fountain be blessed, And rejoice with the wife of your youth.” Proverbs 5:18 NKJV
Rejoice means to feel great joy and delight! It is clear that God intends for us to enjoy and delight in our marriage!
As we reflect on our original question, “is love a duty?” For us the answer is a resounding yes! God commands that we love and obey and within the bonds of marriage, His Word instructs us to submit and love! If we rely on our
emotions we will suffer the hardship of duty, but when we follow God’s plan for marriage, we will enjoy the blessings of a rich and satisfying life! And this love will save us! His love makes hard things easy! God is faithful!
“And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.” 2 John 1:6 KJV
Establishing Christian Academies within the Apostolic Assembly: A PATH TO FAITH & EXCELLENCE
MISSION STATEMENT
Our mission is the establishment and flourishing of Christian schools throughout our beloved Apostolic Assembly. By providing essential resources, comprehensive guidance, and unwavering support, we aim to empower churches to create educational environments where faith and learning are seamlessly integrated, nurturing the spiritual, intellectual, and moral development of every student.
VISION
Our vision is to partner with pastors to establish Christian Academies within local churches. These schools will serve as beacons of faithbased education, instilling Christian teachings, godly values, and core principles. Through this collaborative effort, we aspire to develop strong families, vibrant churches, and resilient communities anchored in faith and academic excellence.
THE IMPORTANCE OF HAVING A CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
Christian academies offer a holistic approach to education, blending academic excellence with spiritual growth. This comprehensive educational model ensures that students not only acquire knowledge and skills but also develop a deep understanding of their faith. By fostering intellectual, emotional, and spiritual development, Christian academies prepare students to navigate life’s challenges with integrity, purpose, and resilience. This holistic approach is vital in shaping well-rounded individuals who are equipped to contribute positively to society and live fulfilling lives.
STRONG MORAL FOUNDATION
In today’s rapidly changing world, where ethical standards are often questioned, Christian academies play a crucial role in providing a stable moral foundation. Rooted in biblical principles, these schools teach students to discern right from wrong and to act with integrity in all areas of life. The emphasis on moral education helps students develop a strong sense of character and ethical responsibility. This moral grounding is essential for producing individuals who are not only successful in their personal and professional lives but also committed to making ethical decisions and contributing positively to their communities.
COMMUNITY BUILDING
Christian academies create a strong sense of community among students, parents, teachers, and the wider church congregation. This sense of belonging fosters mutual support, accountability, and shared commitment to the educational and spiritual development of the next generation. By involving the entire community in the educational process, Christian academies promote unity, cooperation, and a collective sense of purpose. This communal approach strengthens the bonds within the church and the broader community, creating a supportive network that enhances the overall educational experience and fosters a sense of belonging and security.
FAITH INTEGRATION
Integrating faith into every aspect of education helps students see the relevance of their beliefs in everyday life. Christian academies offer a curriculum that aligns with Christian values, helping students understand and apply their faith across various academic disciplines.
This integration reinforces the importance of a Christ-centered worldview and helps students see the interconnectedness of their faith with their studies, relationships, and future careers. By viewing their education through the lens of faith, students are better prepared to navigate the complexities of the world with a strong sense of purpose and direction.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Christian academies are dedicated to developing future leaders who are grounded in their faith. By providing opportunities for spiritual growth, leadership training, and community service, these schools prepare students to lead with compassion, wisdom, and a servant’s heart. Christian academies instill in students the qualities of humility, integrity, and a commitment to serving others, which are essential for effective leadership. Graduates are equipped to influence and transform their communities and the world for Christ, bringing about positive change and advancing the Kingdom of God through their leadership and service.
ENCOURAGING PASTORS TO PRIORITIZE CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Pastors play a pivotal role in establishing Christian academies. Their leadership, vision, and dedication to faith-based education are critical in bringing this mission to fruition. Here are key reasons why pastors should prioritize the establishment of Christian academies within their congregations:
1. Spiritual Nurturing:
Christian academies provide a nurturing environment where students can grow in their faith. Pastors, as spiritual leaders, have the opportunity to oversee and guide this process, ensuring that the teachings of Christ are at the heart of the educational experience.
2. Academic Excellence:
By integrating rigorous academic standards with Christian values, pastors can ensure that
students receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for future success. This combination fosters a love for learning and a commitment to excellence in all areas of life.
3. Moral and Ethical Development:
In a world where moral and ethical standards are often compromised, Christian academies offer a foundation built on biblical principles. Pastors can reinforce these values through their involvement in the school’s curriculum and activities, helping to shape students into morally responsible individuals.
4. Community Engagement:
Establishing a Christian academy within a church fosters a stronger sense of community. It brings together students, parents, and church members in a shared mission of education and faith development. Pastors can play a crucial role in fostering this sense of unity and purpose.
5. Leadership Cultivation:
Christian academies are fertile ground for developing future leaders. Pastors can mentor students, providing guidance and opportunities for them to practice leadership within the school and the church. This investment in leadership development will yield benefits for the church and the broader community.
6. Long-term Impact:
The establishment of Christian academies ensures a lasting legacy of faith-based education. Pastors can take pride in knowing that their efforts have contributed to the spiritual and intellectual growth of future generations, creating a foundation for strong families and communities rooted in Christian values.
The importance of having a Christian academy cannot be overstated. These institutions play a critical role in shaping the minds and hearts of the next generation, preparing them to navigate the complexities of the modern world with faith, wisdom, and integrity. By providing a holistic education, instilling strong moral values, fostering a sense of community,
integrating faith into every aspect of learning, and developing future leaders, Christian academies make a profound and lasting impact on students, families, churches, and communities. They are a beacon of hope and a testament to the transformative power of a Christ-centered education.
Pastors, as the shepherds of their congregations, are uniquely positioned to lead this charge. By prioritizing the establishment of Christian academies, they can ensure that the next generation is equipped with the knowledge, values, and faith needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Together, we can build a future where faith and learning are seamlessly integrated, creating a legacy of academic excellence and spiritual growth that will endure for generations to come.
By Rev. Aaron Barbosa
Blessings & Paz de Cristo to all who take a moment to read this article. Thank you for your kind attention! By the grace of God, I have been a musician, active in the service of the Lord for about 35 years! These have been some of the most special and meaningful moments of my life & I am so grateful for this wonderful opportunity that the Lord has afforded me. If I could zoom in on something to share with you today, I would share with you my journey from being a Musician to becoming a Minstrel. I became a musician in regular rotation at my Grandfather Bishop Oscar Barbosa’s Church in Baldwin Park Ca when I was around 8 years old. I can still remember Aaron Marron putting me on his lap and playing the “Kick Drum Parts” of the coritos because my feet would not reach the floor!
As I reflect further, my uncle, the Late Rev Adam Moses Barbosa would take me with him and my uncle Saul Barbosa to Guitar Center in between Sunday School and Night Services and buy me a pair of Dave Weckl Sticks! I would sit in the wings waiting for the opportunity to play IN THE SERVICE. After my much practicing & waiting, finally one day it happened…My uncle Saul Barbosa, who was the music director with Danny Laguna told Aaron Marron to give me my shot! It was amazing & quite hard to describe the feeling of operating in my divine purpose at such a young age! I’m so thankful for mentors.
If I’m allowed to be thankful and think critically at the same time, I don’t remember really being taught that much about ministry. I WAS TAUGHT to play excellently and to give God my very best. I realized one day that I was in a spiritual deficit. My dad told me, “you’re not just going to be a musician, you are going to be a music minister!”. Speaking freely, I thought to myself, “what in the world is that!?”. My dad quickly educated me. He said, you are not going to be hanging out outside of service, skipping the sermons & acting prideful. You are most definitely not going to be stingy with what God has given you, I want you to share with others what you freely receive from the Lord so you can get more! My father’s spiritual mentorship (because he’s not an accomplished musician) continued on. He told me as I approached the end of high school that if I wanted to be treated with the respect of a minister that I would need to ACT LIKE A MINISTER! Let me tell you, at that time, that was FAR from what I wanted to be like. I’ll spare you the details of how some of us used to act. Suffice it to say, not very Christian
like. And now my dad wanted me to comport myself as a minister! He promised me God was going to use me and eventually sent me to every spiritual music event he could send me too so that I could learn how to be a minister.
Fast forward to College & I was at CLC in the Fall of 2000. Sis Albertson, who was an amazing youth mom that hosted us for Bible Study, gave me a preaching tape by Bishop Sam Emory with a message entitled “Bring Me A Minstrel”. WOW talk about a revolution! It was like he built upon the foundation that my Parents had set for me, but now he was speaking in a language that musicians could understand because he was also a musician turned minister!
Here is an excerpt of my notes from that sermon…
II Kings 3:15 KJV
15 But now bring me a minstrel. And it came to pass, when the minstrel played, that the hand of the Lord came upon him.
Take Aways:
• I’m challenging you to go from being a musician to a minstrel, someone that operates under the power of the Holy Spirit.
• You may start as a musician, but if you have a PRAYER LIFE, you will begin to cross over into being a minstrel.
• I need to be consecrated: Anointing is what God does, consecration is what I need to do
• Consecrated=I can’t do what everyone else does, I’m set apart as a minstrel What Do Minstrels Do?
1. Minstrels can shift atmospheres
2. Minstrels are in tune with God (anointed)
3. Minstrels are prophetic through their instruments (ushering in a spirit of prophecy)
This sermon was a catalyst in my ministry & I have discovered that training minstrels is actually a part of my calling! It’s amazing how the Lord will weave a tapestry of purpose into your life out of an act as simple as sharing a good sermon cassette. My prayer is that God will raise thousands of minstrels worldwide and that no church should ever lack in their music department for Minstrels. Do it Lord, by your mighty power, in Jesus Name!
Mental and Physical Health
by Pastor Jorge Zamora MSN, RN
As believers, we do our best to show others that we are ok. After all, we are supposed to be salt and light to a world that is falling apart. So, week after week we put on the mask of being “blessed and highly favored.” Yet the truth is, even strong people struggle. Elijah, one the greatest prophets whose exploits include calling fire down from heaven and destroying 450 prophets of the false god Baal, hears the threat made to him by queen Jezebel. This threat had enough ferocity to make him fear, literally run for his life, and fall into a state of depression.
Yes, I said the “D” word. Though I do not have the license to clinically diagnose Elijah, I do have the ability to assess the signs and symptoms that he was displaying. Call it what you will. You could say that he was having a “moment” or that he was simply going through a “rough patch.” However, as many do when faced with overwhelming adversity, Elijah withdraws and separates himself from his servant so he
can be alone in the wilderness.
Social isolation in moments of weakness can lead to the feeling of falling into a bottomless pit of despair. Often times this can be a tell-tale sign that someone is struggling. This should raise concerns to those who consider themselves friends. The importance of fellowship cannot be overstated here. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 admonishes that two are better than one so that there is always someone available to help the other should they fall.
Elijah hit “rock bottom” to the point where he felt alone and wished he were dead. As this feeling of distress coursed through his body, he lays down under a tree and falls asleep. Unfortunately, in our service to others, we often neglect our own needs. In ministry, we constantly give until there is nothing left in the mental well-being bank to withdraw from to suit our own immediate needs. We willingly
pour into others despite our own mental and physical wells being depleted.
A lack of mental well-being is not always a spiritual or psychological battle. When Elijah falls asleep under a tree, an angel touches him and tells him to get up and eat on two separate occasions. The solution to Elijah’s plight was not a spiritual touch to rekindle or reignite a spiritual flame. The solution came in the form of rest and nutrition. It is impossible to be firing on all spiritual cylinders at all times and not get mentally and physically exhausted at some point.
On the opposite spectrum, there are times where our lack of attention to our mental and physical wellness impedes a spiritual move of God. I grew up being told that I needed to pursue a healthy spiritual life. We were admonished to pray, read our bibles, go to church, and serve. We were told and even given scriptures such as 1 Timothy 4:8 that “Bodily exercise profited little.” We became so spiritually fit that resisting the devil became easier than opposing our own self-destructive lifestyles.
Mental and physical health are not subjects that are readily preached from a pulpit. They’re not popular sermon subjects and yet we do speak about living “balanced” lives. Nevertheless, eating healthy and exercising to help maintain mental agility are difficult when you are always on the go. A friend of mine once told me, “My body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, I’m just giving Him more room to move.” As funny as this statement is, many have sadly adopted this lifestyle and have cast precaution and selfcontrol into the wind at their own detriment.
I know that God can use anyone at any time. However, imagine what God could do if we did not impose mental and physical limitations on His command to go and make disciples. Just as “today” is the day of salvation. “Today”, can also be the start of a new you both mentally and physically. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness, it’s a demonstration of resolve and strength. Get help, so you can keep fighting the “good fight of faith” and in turn continue to help those that are depending on you.
Apostolic Homeschool Network
by Maria Fernanda Zuniga Apostolic Homeschool Coordinator
Praise the Lord! My name is Maria Fernanda Zuniga, Apostolic Homeschool Coordinator under the Christian Education Department and leadership of Bishop Tamez.
In the midst of a wave of liberal agendas sweeping through legislation, our children are being exposed to ideologies in direct conflict with our Apostolic values. In response, many parents are seeking alternatives to the conventional school system, turning to homeschooling as a means of safeguarding their children’s spiritual and moral upbringing. Yet, navigating this journey can be daunting, with many options and uncertainties.
It is in this crucial moment that the Christian Education Department extends its hand, offering a haven within our Apostolic community for homeschooling families. Here, we provide not only resources and workshops but also a community of shared values and faith.
God is stirring the hearts of mothers, instilling them with the faith and courage of Jochebed, Hannah, and Mary, empowering them to shield their children from the snares of the world and creating within them a steadfastness in our faith and values. He is raising a generation of courageous young men and women—modern-
day Daniels, Davids, Uriahs, Josiahs, Esthers, Ruths, and Deborahs,—who were created for such a time as this.
If God is with us, who can be against us? Together, we will raise a generation that upholds our Apostolic heritage and impacts this world so disproportionate to their abilities that only God can take the credit.
Please visit our website to access resources, upcoming workshops, and more information:
www.apostoliceducation.com
Do Not Hinder Them
“Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” - Matthew 19:14 ESV
In this pivotal hour for parents, our foremost duty is to ensure nothing impedes our children from encountering Jesus Christ. In today’s world, children face growing crises at increasingly tender ages. How can we eliminate obstacles and guide them to Jesus? Homeschooling emerges as a solution, offering a genuinely Christ-centered education within a nurturing and secure environment.
As a mother who has homeschooled five children — three currently under my guidance, with two having earned college degrees — I can confidently attest to its efficacy. Unlike the one-size-fits-all approach of mainstream education, which often overlooks individual, God-given talents, homeschooling empowers vibrant thinking and cultivates independent learning. Contrary to claims of superiority, mainstream education fails in crucial areas such as safety, morals, and literacy. It is fraught with anti-Christian ideologies, identity crises, bullying, and the erosion of basic values.
Increasingly, even non-Christian families are turning to homeschooling at unprecedented rates [1]. We too should consider this path to safeguard our children’s faith in Christ, echoing the wisdom: “He who walks with wise men
will be wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm” (Proverbs 13:20). The statistics are sobering, with 50 to 80 percent of Christian students abandoning their faith during college [2]. Early and dedicated spiritual training is our safeguard against leaving them vulnerable and unprepared.
We find assurance in Scripture that God grants wisdom and knowledge: “For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding” (Proverbs 2:6-7). Our children’s ability to prosper is secure in Him: “But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth” (Deuteronomy 8:18).
Homeschooling stands proven as a safe, Christ-centered approach, tailored to each child’s unique needs in an unhindered learning environment. Whether you consider starting homeschooling now or in the upcoming school year, know that support and resources are available to accommodate every family’s dynamics. Explore more about homeschooling through the Apostolic Homeschooling Network at https://apostoliceducation.com/ apostolic-homeschool-network/.
Beautiful On Purpose
by Frist Lady Dina Barbosa
”I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.“
The Apostolic woman is extraordinary! God created women on purpose and for a purpose. Every feminine attribute and ability, strength and weakness was purposefully placed within our being by a loving God! Contrary to what society believes and practices, we believe and embrace the Word of God at face value. There are no grey areas, no mistakes and there is no gender confusion. From the very beginning, the Lord had a purpose for our femininity. His plan for our life far exceeds any plan that the enemy has attempted to inflict upon women.
In times like these, it is not only necessary but it is urgent that we continue to build bridges between women of all ages. In a society where the world has proposed to remove the God given rights of parents to become the primary influence, educator and guardians of our children, we Apostolic women must rise up, speak up and show up! We must be proactive to meet this God given mandate. It is our privilege and it is our responsibility! ”The
older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things— that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.“
From our mother’s womb, we were individually created, gifted and assigned. Although we are unique, the underlying principles of integrity, wisdom, resourcefulness, nurture and holiness remain foundational in the life of a virtuous woman. These godly traits must become a lifestyle that is tangible. How we carry ourselves as women of God becomes the baton of faith that is passed from our generation to the next.
I was privileged to be raised in a pastor’s home, but the early years of our lives were far from perfect. Most people knew my mother, First Lady Rosie Hernandez for the lovely First Lady
and women’s leader that she was. But that is not how her life began. She wasn’t raised in an Apostolic church but was from a devout Catholic family who disowned her once she was saved. My mother came from a broken home, divided into two separate families, who lived as they pleased. Needless to say, she was lost in sin when she married my father. My dad on the other hand had an apostolic background but had been running from the Lord since he was twelve years old. The early years of my parent’s marriage were tumultuous and we suffered much! But my father had a praying mother! Grandma Frances had Leukemia but that didn’t stop her from praying and being faithful. My mother testifies that it was Grandma Frances’ testimony that brought her to the Lord. She was a woman of prayer whose home was warm and inviting. She also testified that as a newly converted woman, struggling with an unsaved husband, the ‘dorcas’ of ‘El Siloe’ in East Los Angeles, California, were such godly examples that she desired to become just like they were. They discipled her until she became strong in her faith. To the glory of God and through the testimony of my godly mother and grandmother, my father finally surrendered his life to the Lord. They pastored and ministered
for over 45 years and lived to see all of their children serving the Lord. God’s promises are unfailing!
From generation to generation, from biblical times to the end of times, we recognize and honor the purpose of a woman, as God created her to be … she is a masterpiece! Her femininity, coupled with her holiness provides a vessel that God will use to exceed our expectations! The testimony of my life is tethered to the generations before me. Had it not been for their persistent obedience to the mandate and purpose over their lives, I along with so many other Apostolic women would not have had the privilege to serve and raise our families in Christ! It is clear to see that when a woman fulfills her God assigned purpose, the generations that she is tethered to will not only be saved, but will also receive the blessings of a faithful God. “Therefore know that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments; “
SOCIAL ASSISTANCE NEWS & UPDATE
DSA COMMITTEE
The department of Social Assistance would like to introduce our new website and media platforms. As we continue to expand our ministries and create new programs to bless our pastors and their families as well as our orphanages and widows, the website will communicate what Social Assistance has been able to do throughout the United States and abroad. For the website, you can go to: apostolicdsa.com and our instagram account @ apostolicdsa. You can also connect to our facebook page at: Department of Social Assistance. We thank Pastor Martin Calderon Jr. and our media team for coordinating this important ministry.
AC NAVA
In the coming months, we will be launching a national campaign to increase the monthly AC Nava contribution from all our churches and ministries. We encourage those pastors and churches that have not signed up to contribute, to do so as soon as possible. We are requesting that each church would contribute $100.00 each month to this beautiful foundation. As you all know this foundation has helped hundreds of our people over the years in providing general financial assistance in times of great need or crisis. Recently, we were able to help the church in Ruidoso, New Mexico after a devastating fire that ravaged the area. Over 1,400 homes were destroyed and 13 of our Apostolic families were displaced. Special thanks to Bishop Matthew Garcia (New Mexico District) for facilitating this offering to our brethren in the area.
www.apostolicdsa.com/social-assitence
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Our scholarship program continues to bless students throughout the country and abroad. We thank Pastor Ismael and Sarahi Montoya for their outstanding efforts in coordinating this important program each year. We will be launching the application process on August 15, 2024. You can go to our website and fill out the application. Scholarship winners will be announced on November 29, 2024 at the General Convention in Anaheim, CA.
THE BRIDGE COUNSELING PROGRAM
Under the direction of Dr. Joel Dominguez, we
continue to help our Pastors and families receive personal counseling services. This ministry has been a tremendous blessing to those that have embraced it and have received the assistance they need. We want to encourage any pastor that may feel overwhelmed by the weight of the responsibility of his family, church, or leadership to please seek help. All pastors experience personal challenges including temptations, stress, mental and spiritual attacks and so many other areas. The department of Social Assistance has created this confidential ministry to help create a healthy process for our pastors to receive counsel and help as needed. For more information, please visit our website.
EMBRACING HOPE
Embracing Hope continues to thrive under the direction of Sis. Belinda Escobedo and her team: Sis. Cynthia Guzman, Sis. Dee Correa and Sis. Josefa Haro. Special thanks to my wife Edna Rojas for serving as this ministry’s counselor for the past 2 years. We thank every district bishop for promoting and supporting this important ministry throughout the Apostolic Assembly. Every day, someone that has a terminal illness, receives a blanket that has been anointed by the ministry as a symbol of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and his ability to heal all manner of diseases. We continue to see miracles of healing all over the country! To God be the glory!
EMMAUS MINISTRY
If you have recently lost a loved one and are going through the process of grief, this ministry is for you. Under the direction of Pastor Alex Santos, you will be guided through the steps of the grieving process, and you will also receive resources that will help you navigate
this season of your life. We understand that everyone grieves differently and that the process may take longer for others, so we are sensitive to each individual case. Our focus is to communicate that you are not alone, that someone is praying for you and is available should you need help. For more information, please see our website.
CHRISTIAN BRIGADES
It is with great pleasure to inform you through this message, about the successful mission to Romania by Christian Brigades and our missionary church, under the direction of Missionary Pietro and Abbey Silano. We want to take the time to appreciate you for all the prayers and support towards Christian Brigades. Our recent team to Romania experienced a great move of God, assisted hundreds of families with humanitarian and medical aid, and we have seen the fruits of our labor with baptisms in water and souls being filled with the Holy Spirit. Our team, of 40 Apostolic volunteers, experienced 8 days of fulfilling the mission of the church in Bucharest. We are very grateful for the support of our President Felipe Salazar, the General Board, and the continued partnership between the Department of Social Assistance and Christian Brigades. We want to share a summary video of the work that was accomplished. https://youtu.be/JcLXRgHk7JQ
We also invite you to apply for our upcoming mission trip to Colombia — January 7-14, 2025.
Apply Today
www.christianbrigades.org/application
IN LOVING MEMORY
Below is the list of our brethren that have gone to be with the Lord and now rest of their labor in 2023-2024. We honor the lives of these men and women, who faithfully served and finished their race well. May God strengthen every family during this difficult time. Our sincere condolences to all the families and churches affected by the loss of these great leaders.
IN LOVING MEMORY
Pastor Andres Cruz, Portland, Oregon (December 20, 2023)
Elvira Ortiz Aguilera, Socorro, TX (February 7, 2024)
Bishop Ramon Flores, Quintana Roo, Mexico (April 5, 2024)
Elder Joe Garcia Parker, AZ (March 28, 2024)
Pastor Inocencio Rodriguez Clovis, CA (March 13, 2024)
Bishop’s wife
Rebecca Hernandez Oceanside, CA (March 9, 2024)
Bishop’s wife Sis. Anita Calderon Turlock, CA (June 1, 2024)
Assistant Pastor Dan Rodriguez Baldwin Park, CA (May 25, 2024)
Pastor’s wife Sis. Esther Maffey Santa Ana, CA (June 7, 2024)
Retired Pastor Daniel Bustos New Mexico (July 12, 2024)
Respectfully,
Bishop Samuel Rojas Secretary of Social Assistance Apostolic Assembly
REGIONAL ELDERS MEETING & EVANGELISTS CONGRESS
Praise the Lord! I thank God for this opportunity to present a report of our activities in National Missions in the first months of this current year. At the beginning of this year, we had the privilege of having our Regional Elders meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada on January 26-27. The Regional Elders, along with their wives and secretaries, were able to meet and have a time of empowerment.
Based on the 2024 theme: “Build the church: Holy Spirit” Matthew 16:18, we presented the Mission Statement: “The department of National Missions is committed to bringing the gospel to the states, where there is no presence of the Apostolic Assembly in the United States. Also, in supervising the Regions and establishing new works, through the vision of The Strategy of Jesus.” Thus, we were able to formulate a work plan in each region with the goals of building the church in each region of the United States and opening new works.
We also had the opportunity to have our first Evangelist congress. Our Evangelists Congress was held in Las Vegas, Nevada, on April 12 and 13 of this year. We had 100 in attendance. It is a privilege to have such a special team of speakers and collaborators. The event was coordinated by Elder Jonathan Quezada, Minister Christian Gonzalez, and Pastor Jose Almaraz. The speakers were: Bishop Francisco Quezada, National Evangelist Domingo Gracia, Regional Elder, Jonathan Quezada, Regional Elder Juan Carlos Orona, Pastor Jose Almaraz,
National Evangelist Ben Carrillo and National Evangelist Victor Muñoz.
The conferences given were the following:
• The Ministry of the Evangelist: Calling and character.
• Reaching “Jerusalem”.
• The Evangelist filled with the Holy Spirit.
• How to be effective in prison ministry.
• Requirements to be a National and District Evangelist.
• Spiritual gifts.
We were able to culminate the congress with a miracle service, where the Lord greatly used Evangelist Victor Muñoz in healing and miracles. We saw the hand of God move in a mighty way.
We anticipate what God has for the National Missions department in the remaining months of this year, in expanding the Kingdom of God and Building his church. Equipping workers through our School of Planters this coming September 26-28 in Fontana, Ca. In doing this, the plan in place is to send 3 laborers to states where there is no Apostolic presence.
The time is now, to Build the church, beginning in Jerusalem…
Sincerely
Bishop Francisco Quezada Secretary of National Missions
WOMENS TALK
A MODEST Heart
How many of you have been scrolling through your social media and come across someone who is documenting their return to homesteading? Or maybe you know a few hermanos or co-workers that are attempting to grow their own food, or raise their own chicken ...or, my personal favorite, they’re making their own bread! Have you seen this mass push towards a return to “simpler times” where you knew what was in your food? People are getting tired of the toxins that are being slipped into their foods and so to preserve the integrity of their family’s health, they’ve cut out the middle man and decided to go to the source! This is exactly what’s happening in the world of fashion today. They’ve run out of ideas and skin and are now making modesty into a fashion statement.
Over the years we have allowed our society AKA the world to contaminate and control our fashion supply. They are the source of our inspiration, the influencers of our apparel and the dictators of what is acceptable in the church. It is as ridiculous to think that big, godless, money-driven entities are determining what is holy and what is not all in the name of modern fashion.
Over the course of time women have associated their clothing as a symbol of status, personal expression and as a reflection of their culture. We can go back to Bible days and dig deep into what each garment meant, but let’s go back just 24 years shall we?
From 2000-2010 if you’re not saved, everything is pierced, frosted, cropped, ripped, or lowrise. Or it’s a tracksuit! If you are saved/in church, it’s glittery, belted, cargo and/or floor length. Or it’s a suit! So long as it was “praise proof”! We were just coming out of the era of floral, shapeless dresses where sunflowers abounded! For most of the Lady Boomers on down - this is where style and modesty really started to take a turn. I would venture to say that there was still a clear line of modesty in the church. There were those who looked the part, and those who didn’t. Now, stay with me here…I will explain a little more of what I mean later. But the truth was, if your hair & hemlines were long enough, you tended to get tossed into the modest category and we used to automatically associate modesty with holiness regardless of what your heart looked like!
Christine Perez
So now, we are full circle where modesty is back in fashion…and yet, our beautiful Apostolic women have never struggled more with modesty than we are right now. You may ask, why does it matter so much what you wear when your heart is really what matters? Well, I’ll tell you - because Proverbs 4:23 says “Above all else, guard your heart for everything you do flows from it.” Imagine living in a town that has one central well that gives the most crisp and refreshing water! What if you start dumping trash into it? What if you start emptying your used, dirty water into there? You would contaminate the well and everyone who draws from there will be sick. Depending on what is in there, the results can even be fatal. Now imagine that the well is your heart, and the people and things in your life draw from your well. What type of water does your well give?
Matthew 12:24 says, “...Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” Whatever is in your heart will overflow into your daily life. So, it is safe to say that your heart is quite literally on display by the words you speak and the actions you take. To be sure, the contents of your closet do not ALWAYS determine the contents of your heart. You can be the most modest-looking woman, but have the most immodest heart and mouth! Simply put, modesty without conviction of the heart, is simply a fashion statement. Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will ishis good, pleasing and perfect will.” (NIV)
If we peel back the fabric, and peel back the layers of the heart we will see that at the core of an immodest heart is someone who has not submitted themselves completely to the Lord. There is an anointing that comes with a submitted and modest heart. I have seen men and women who are not of our organization and who don’t look like us move with great anointing. Why is this? Is the anointing in their clothing? Is the anointing in their words? No - the anointing is the result of a submitted heart. A heart that is under authority.
A person that has submitted themselves to their authority, and to the Lord is a person that has an anointing that pours out into the rest of their life and ministry. A Modest Heart cannot be fabricated, or replicated without first submitting yourself totally to Jesus and to the authority He placed over you. Hebrews 13:17 says, “Obey your spiritual leaders and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them a reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit.”
So, for the Apostolic Woman of today seeking a breakthrough in her ministry, or in her relationships - try on a modest heart. It always fits, it’s perfect for every occasion, and it looks great on you!
URSHAN GRADUATE SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY
RESTORING BIBLICAL FLUENCY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT IN CHRISTENDOM: MORE DATA
IS
NEEDED FOR A BALANCED VIEW
SUBMITTED TO DR. CHRIS PARIS IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF BI501
OLD TESTAMENT FOUNDATIONS
| BY
JOSEPH M. VILLAREAL, NOVEMBER 4, 2024
In his urgent and thought-provoking book The Old Testament is Dying, Brent A. Strawn poses the crucial question, “Is the Old Testament Dying?” His work is not just a scholarly endeavor but a call to immediate and decisive action for all Christians.1. At first glance, it appears Strawn takes on an ageold issue through a fresh pair of eyes. His approach is thoughtful and transformative, offering a new perspective on the problem of Old Testament (OT) negligence in American Christianity. He reframes the issue as a patient’s ailment and uses a linguistic analogy to analyze it as a dying language. He argues that the data shows the OT is increasingly neglected and reveals the lack of the OT’s use in sermons, lesson plans, and songs, resulting in diluted concepts and teachings that create severe
theological and spiritual consequences.2. However, not everyone agrees that this timely book details how the OT shows signs of decay, demise, and looming death and offers ways to revitalize its use in American churches. This paper will argue that the Old Testament as a language is more actively employed in sermons, teachings, and songs in contemporary Apostolic–Pentecostal communities and that Strawn worked on a topic with minimal data. Strawn’s data was underdeveloped and did not include Apostolic or Pentecostal statistics. He did not explore how other Apostolic–Pentecostal organizations view and utilize the Old Testament. He did not include practical examples of successful Old Testament engagement in contemporary Apostolic–Pentecostal communities.
Several scholars have argued against Strawn’s thesis and suggested that innovative technologies and approaches for evolving interpretation and application emerge as traditional OT engagement declines. For example, Clinton J. Moyer’s response, “On Maladies Canonical, Christian, and Human: Response to Brent A. Strawn,” suggests it (the OT) is not necessarily dying but transforming and adapting. The implication is that the OT is “not vanishing but is being reinterpreted and integrated into modern Christianity in new and meaningful ways.”3. Benjamin Sommer’s critique suggests that “the OT in certain theological and academic circles is still vibrant.”4. These counterarguments highlight the ongoing debate on whether the OT is alive and well.
Strawn cites US Religious Knowledge Surveys, which show that Christians have become increasingly unfamiliar with essential OT
stories, themes, and teachings.5. He states, “The survey provides a baseline because no similar survey had ever been conducted.”6 Proceeding forward as if no other data is required, he says, “The authors of the study are thus spot-on when they write that, despite the claim of deep religiosity among US citizens, the poll reveals that large numbers (emphasis added) of Americans are uninformed about tenets, practices, history, and leading figures of faith traditions— including their own.”7. To illustrate his point while teaching biblical poetry in Atlanta, Strawn asked if anyone in the audience knew the OT reference when Christ said, “My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me (Matthew 27:46)?”8 The OT reference in Psalm 22:1 (KJV) eluded the congregants showing that the audience in that particular church had abandoned the OT. Much like a cultural shift can lead to the abandonment of a language, this shift is not necessarily evidence of the significant effects on the Christian faith that his data supports. One data point only provides a single observation and does not represent a broader trend or pattern. In scientific research, you need robust data and multiple data points to establish a fact. Julie Bang says,
The law of large numbers applies to probability and statistics. It states that a sample size gets closer to the average of the whole population as it grows because the sample is more representative of the population as it becomes larger. It doesn’t guarantee that a sample that doesn’t reflect the true population will be balanced by a subsequent sample. The law of large numbers indicates that a larger sample will represent a population mean. The central tendency theorem states a bigger sample will represent a population’s distribution.9
1. Brent A. Strawn, The Old Testament Is Dying: A Diagnosis and Recommended Treatment (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2017), 5.
2. The Old Testament Is Dying, 59
3. Clinton J. Moyer, “On Maladies Canonical, Christian, and Human: A Response to Brent A. Strawn,” RBL Ã2018 Soc. Biblic. Lit.73/2: 36-47 (2018): 36–47
4. Benjamin Sommer, “Review of Brent Strawn, The Old Testament Is Dying,” Book Review, Society of Biblical Literature, February 2018
5.The Old Testament Is Dying, 21, 23, 25, 31, 33–34. 6. The Old Testament Is Dying, 20. 7.The Old Testament Is Dying, 24 8.The Old Testament Is Dying, 4
9. The Investopedia Team, “Law of Large Numbers: What It Is, How It’s Used, Examples,” Informational, INVESTOPEDIA, 18 June 2024.
Abdishakur Hassan says, “Statistical analysis is a technique we use to find patterns in data and make inferences about those patterns to describe variability in the results of a data set or an experiment. In its simplest form, the statistical analysis answers the questions about Quantification—how big/small/tall/wide is it?”10 There are two types of statistical data. One is called descriptive statistical analysis, and the other is inferential statistical analysis. Descriptive statistical analysis identifies the data quality by summarizing extensive data sets into single measures. Inferential statistical analysis contrasts with differential statistical analysis, which allows you to draw conclusions from simple data sets and make predictions regarding the population using statistical tests. Statistical analysis is used to determine patterns in the data and make observations about the pattern to describe variability in the results of a data set or experiment. According to Robert Schlesinger, “When the clock strikes midnight and we move from 2013 into 2014, the United States population will have reached a new record of more than 317 million people, according to US Census Bureau estimates.”11 Veera Korhonen, a Research expert covering United States data for society, states there were approximately 247 million Christians in the United States in 2013. “This number reflects the significant presence of Christianity in the country, which has been a major religion since the early colonial period.”12 Strawn uses a compilation of 3,412 Americans, and this polled group answered 50% of the thirty-two religious questions correctly. This
means the pollsters asked 109,184 religious questions from only 0.00001076% of the certified population by the Census Bureau. That number increases to 0.00001383% when measured against the values reported by Veera Korhonen. Strawn’s so-called “large number” is minimal and cannot represent the entire Christian population.
Accordingly, no fixed number is classified as a large number. More prominent data points could include dozens, hundreds, or thousands. The more data you possess, the more dependable the results. The Law of Numbers (LLN) suggests that as the number of trials or data points increases, the average of the results is closer to the expected value. Strawn should have obtained more data from multiple denominational groups, particularly the Apostolic–Pentecostals, before concluding the Hebrew Bible is missing for the next generation. Strawn needed a more robust data set. Inferential statistical analysis requires that inferences be made and tested. Strawn made inferences from the surveys, but no tests were performed.
The data below is compiled from three books by reputable Apostolic–Pentecostal authors and one songbook published through an Apostolic resource. The method is a simple count of scriptural references used by the writers. Regardless of how it appears in its written form, it is counted as one (1). Ex. Heb 1:1, Hebrews 1:1, Hebrews 1:1-10, v1, v.1-10
10. Abdishakur Hassan, “What Is Statistical Analysis?,” Online Community for Start-ups, Built-In, 22 December 2022
11. Robert Schlesinger, “The 2014 U.S. and World Populations,” News Media, The US News, 31 December 2013.
12. Veera Korhonen, “Christianity in the US - Statistics & Facts,” Statista is a global data and business intelligence platform, Statista, 3 July 2024.
The data suggests that Apostolic–Pentecostal communities use twenty-nine percent of OT scriptural references in their published literature. If “Book2” is excluded as an outlier since eighty-five percent of the NT texts are exclusively attributed to the subject “The Apostolic Church in the Twenty-First Century,” then the data sets suggest that Apostolic–Pentecostal communities actively make use of OT scriptures in thirty-six percent of their published materials. They also publish an Apostolic Study Bible13 and have a dedicated Old Testament Foundations class in their academic program at Urshan University in St. Louis, Mo. This data further suggests that the OT is not neglected and reveals that the OT is considerably utilized in sermons, lesson plans, and songs within the Apostolic movements.
This paper argues Strawn’s data was underdeveloped and represents an unbalanced view of the contemporary Christian use of
BIBLIOGRAPHY
the OT. As a baseline, the minimal compiled data explores how Apostolic–Pentecostal organizations view and utilize the Old Testament. The Apostolic–Pentecostal publications cited offer practical examples of successful Old Testament engagement in contemporary Apostolic–Pentecostal communities. Further suggesting that Strawn relied on his familiarity with linguistic and literary analysis and intentionally avoided seeking a more robust data set that would have provided significantly differing results. However, the data he refers to has shown the OT is losing significance among certain contemporary Christians and that Happiologists are subjugating God for their financial gain using a creolized language. It is still enough to raise a red flag. It would be wise to learn from the inspired message in his book. If you are experiencing The Old Testament Dying, the Hebrew Bible contains A Diagnosis and Recommended Treatment.
• Bernard, David K. The Apostolic Church in the Twenty-First Century. Hazelwood, MO: Word Aflame Press, 2014.
• Understanding God’s Word: An Apostolic Approach to Interpreting the Bible. Hazelwood, MO: Word Aflame Press, 2010.
• Contributors, Wikipedia. “Marcion of Sinope.” Wikipedia. Marcion of Sinope, 27 August 2024. Hassan, Abdishakur. “What Is Statistical Analysis?” Online Community for Start-ups. Built-In, 22 December 2022.
• Korhonen, Veera. “Christianity in the US - Statistics & Facts.” Statista is a global data and business intelligence platform. Statista, 3 July 2024.
• Moyer, Clinton J. “On Maladies Canonical, Christian, and Human: A Response to Brent A. Strawn.” RBL Ã2018 Soc. Biblic. Lit. 73/2: 36-47 (2018): 36–47.
• Pearse, Roger. “Adversus Marcionem (Against Marcion).” Historical. The Tertullian Project, 11 December 1999.
• Schlesinger, Robert. “The 2014 US and World Populations.” News Media. The USNews, 31 December 2013.
• Sommer, Benjamin. “Review of Brent Strawn, The Old Testament Is Dying.” Book Review. Society of Biblical Literature, February 2018.
• Strawn, Brent A. The Old Testament Is Dying: A Diagnosis and Recommended Treatment. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2017.
• Tamez, Armando, Bishop, ed. 52 Lessons for Cell Groups. Fontana. CA: Apostolic Assembly of the Faith in Christ Jesus, 2023.
• The Investopedia Team. “Law of Large Numbers: What It Is, How It’s Used, Examples.” Informational. INVESTOPEDIA, 18 June 2024.
• Villareal, Joseph, ed. Hosanna in the Highest. San Jose, CA: Apostolic Faith Temple, 1993. Apostolic Study Bible: King James Version. Second edition. Hazelwood, Missouri: Word Aflame Press, 2014.
13. Apostolic Study Bible: King James Version, Second edition. (Hazelwood, Missouri: Word Aflame Press, 2014).
