newsvine
See additional photos and coverage, as well as past issues, at issuu.com/thenewsvine
Published Since 1989
Spring 2016 Aiming for Awareness! International Magazine of REVIVAL CENTER UNITED PENTECOSTAL CHURCH 825 7th Street, Modesto, CA 95354 Business Phone: 209-522-5365
email us at thenewsvine@gmail.com or follow us on issuu.com/thenewsvine EDITOR LEO AGUILERA
ASSOCIATE EDITOR Assist. Ed. Multi-media Business LiaisonS GRAPHIC DESIGN PHOTOGRAPHERS Columnists YOUTH REPORTERS MAILINGS DISTRIBUTIONS
Virginia Aguilera Joshua Aguilera Charlene Wilson Leo & Virginia Aguilera Leo Aguilera, Grover Hunt Gabriel Chavoya, Jim Campbell, Carol Castillo Josh Aguilera Virginia Aguilera Norbert Feliciano
Church staff
PASTOR H. TODD JOHNSON BISHOP RANDY G. KEYES
assistant pastor assistant pastor youth PASTOR resident missionaries church secretary SUNDAY SCHOOL DIRECTOR RC Kingdom Kids K.R.E.W. Kids prayer ministries Word Ministry Choir world missionS ladies ministries (S.H.E.) discipling ministries L.E.A.D. director PURPOSE INSTITUTE OUTREACH connect groups community relations apostolic man ministry BUFF (Men’s 50+) HYPHEN (Young Adults) THRIVE (Young Marrieds) spanish services Nursing Home Ministry Food for Thoughts & Food PantrY
Uday Narayan Dana Le Blanc Jonathan Quinones Uday Narayan, Xenn Seah Charlene Wilson Mary Aguirre John & Amy Rodriguez Kim Johnson Charles Bispo Dana Le Blanc Kellee Hopper, Matt Aguirre Jerry & Andrea Powell Priscilla Gomez Chris Harris Carol Castillo Jerry Powell & Carol Castillo Leonard Alvarez Paul & Jenifer Winter Jeremiah Williams Alex Diaz Herb Jenkins Jeriann Powell Aaron & Shannon Gomez Antonio Gutierrez Joyce Jones Nancy Williams
CHURcH SERVICES SUNDAY - 10:00 A.M. 10:00 A.M. 11:00 A.M. 5.30 P.M. 6:00 P.M. MONDAY - 7:00 P.M. TUESDAY - 7:30 P.M. WEDNESDAY - 7:30 P.M. THURSDAY - 7:30 P.M. Thursday - 7:30 p.m. SATURDAY - 10:00 A.M.
Sunday School-Children - Tuolumne Sunday School - Adults - Sanctuary Morning Service - Sanctuary Prayer in Youth Chapel REVIVAL SERVICE All-Church Prayer Starting Point for New Converts Mid-Week Service, K.R.E.W Pulse (Youth Service) Spanish Service Saturday Morning Outreach
NEWVINE is published quarterly by the United Pentecostal Church of Modesto, Inc., 825 7th St., Modesto, CA 95354-3414. Postage paid at 825 7th St., Modesto, CA 95354-3414. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Newsvine, 825 7th St., Modesto, CA 95354-3414. Any submitted articles to the Newsvine are subject to Pastor’s approval and editing by the Newsvine staff.
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A Word from the Editor THE CONDITIONS OF REVIVAL
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he dictionary definition for the word revival is “an improvement in the condition or strength of something; an instance of something becoming active again.” When our Lord Jesus Christ brings revival to a local assembly, it is His divine intervention of social order that explodes into a creation of new productive evangelism. It begins where insecurity and disorder may have existed. If a church is in this dismal condition, there will be no souls finding salvation at the altar services and no manifestation of the gifts of the Spirit in the assembling of the saints. But when a church is in revival, it is first recognized and welcomed by the pastoral leadership; then the church body becomes actively engaged in soul-winning! The benefits are incredible: visitors and loved-ones are filled with the baptism of the Holy Ghost, especially after anointed preaching; these converts in progress choose to be baptized in water in the wonderful name of Jesus; testimonies of divine healing are reported to and by the saints; the gifts of the Spirit are witnessed by all; and a sense of unity descends on the blessed congregation. If the church is in constant revival, the pastoral staff is being successfully vigilant and safeguarding against normalcy and routine. That is accomplished by the pastor maintaining and recognizing the fivefold ministry mentioned in Ephesians 4:11. The effects of revival is beautifully described in Ephesians 4:16 (NLT): “ He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.” What is not conditional to revival cannot be used as an excuse. They are the following: geographical, revival is not restricted to location -- it can happen anywhere on this planet; economical, revival is not restricted to the wealth of the saints -- even the poorest of congregations can experience a soul-winning harvest; racial, revival is not restricted to a certain few -- it is for every ethnicity, nationality, and race, regardless of education or culture. As editor of our church magazine for over 26 years, I can truly say I have witnessed the phenomenal, continuous revival that has existed under the leadership of our two pastors, Bishop Randy Keyes and Pastor Todd Johnson. There have been miraculous deliverances, healings, financial provisions, supernatural protection, and a long history of continuous conversions into the Apostolic faith. Just recently Brother Vincent Jones had divine protection intervene when a motorist, in a fit of road rage, fired several shots at the vehicle he was driving to church Sunday morning. Brother Jones’ driver-side window was shattered, lacerating his face, but the bullets barely missed his head and neck. After a visit to the emergency room and a police report was made, Brother Jones was in church that Sunday night worshiping his Lord Jesus Christ. In this issue, you will see many articles related to the blessed outcomes of revival. A saint does not make revival, it makes him or her. That saint recognizes revival and its mastery over his or her soul. It affects all who are around that saint, as you will read in our reports and testimonies. Revival becomes a heritage that we must gather up and offer to our children. Maranatha, the Lord cometh! Editors Leo and Virginia Aguilera
DEFENDING OUR APOSTOLIC DOCTRINE By Editor Leo Aguilera and Reporter Jim Campbell
WHY ALL CHRISTIANS SHOULD TITHE As I have been testifying in the past two issues the revelations and enlightenments being taught to me by an Apostolic pastor after my conversion at age 19, tithing was a practice I did not do in my early years as an Apostolic Christian. I convinced myself as a college student I needed every penny for my expenses. During that time I gave frugally into the offering plate. When asked by my pastor if I tithed, I would kind of defiantly say to him I didn’t want my right hand to know what my left hand was doing, and I only gave cash in the offering. My pastor was long-suffering and meekly accepted my answer. But I knew in my heart that I was being cheap with God and lying to myself with the excuse that I was tithing also in my actions in teaching the young people’s class, helping in a Sunday School bus route, and singing in the choir. It wasn’t until I started my teaching career and I transferred my membership to a home mission that I realized how important my financial help was needed. The Holy Ghost strongly convicted me right then and there to start tithing, and for the past 37 years I have remained faithful to this solemn obligation. The following article defends why a Christian must tithe in serving the Lord Jesus Christ. The historical reference about the tabernacle has been well researched by our reporter Jim Campbell. To those readers who feel this is an Old Testament observance and does not apply to New Testament Christians, YOU NEED TO REEVALUATE LIKE I ONCE DID! WHAT DID JESUS SAY ABOUT TITHING? He was quite blunt about it; he said do it! On two occasions - in His early ministry (Luke 11:42) and at the end of His ministry (Matt. 23:23) - He says to the Pharisees: (NLT) “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the more important aspects of the law--justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things.” SHAME on the reader if you think Christ was only speaking to that generation of Pharisees, therefore His words don’t pertain to you. If the church of today followed your way of teaching, then all of Jesus’ words found in the four gospels are not universal, that is, are not for everyone to relate to, or adhere to, or to not take warning that He was talking to you. Is it not written in the first chapter of John, “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God... And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.”? And did not Jesus say in Matt. 24:35, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.”? Whatever Jesus commanded here on earth, whether to His disciples or the Pharisees, became spiritual law for all Christians and is everlasting! If you say certain passages of Christ’s words were only for those present when He spoke, then you are demoting Him to only a Teacher of the Law, a mere Jewish prophet, whose words are subject to pick and choose by you, and whose words are out of date for a Christian like you today. In other words, you believe you have the right to remove some of Jesus’ words from your life. The end of the book of Revelation warns anyone not to add or take away anything from His word without risking eternal life (Rev 22:18,19). Why take the risk of disobeying your Lord? If you are willing to admit Jesus warned us not to commit the sins of the Pharisee, then you also need to admit that what Jesus told the Pharisees to do you should do also: “You should tithe, yes!”
THE OLD TESTAMENT WORDS FULFILLED Jesus said, “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.” All agree that the Mosaic law commanded the Hebrews to tithe. But tithing was practiced before the Law when Abraham tithed to Melchizedek, and Jacob made his solemn promise in Gen. 28:22: “...and all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth onto thee.” If tithing was practiced by the patriarchs before the Law, then why should we question that tithing should be practiced by Christians after the Law? Jesus was quite clear that he did not want to abolish the practice of tithing, but He was very concerned about the attitude we should have when we tithe. He warned the Pharisees and us today to give the tithe with justice, mercy, and faith in our hearts. As Moses commanded, the tithes were the first fruits of the harvest, and if livestock was to be given, there should be no blemish or deformity in the animal. In Deut. 14:25 the Lord commanded the Jews that the tithe of livestock or farm produce could be exchanged into silver or money if the distance was too great to bring to the Tabernacle of Moses or the Temple of Solomon. The tithe had to be the first set aside from income or produce. God deserved the highest quality of the material substance and the proper respect, devotion, and joy from the tither. When the Hebrew people were about to leave Egypt, God told Moses in Exodus 11:2 to tell the people to borrow from their Egyptian neighbor, jewels of gold and jewels of silver. In Exodus 12:35 Israel did according to the word of Moses. The Lord gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so they lent unto them such things as they required, and they spoiled the Egyptians. Psalms 105:37-38 says; “He brought them forth also with silver and gold; and there was not one feeble person among their tribes.” Egypt was glad when they departed: for the fear of them fell on the them. When it came time to build the Tabernacle, God spoke to Moses (Ex. 25:2-7) “To speak to the children of Israel that they bring an offering of everyman that giveth it willingly with his heart... gold, silver and brass...” and the fine cloths for the walls of the Tabernacle. But then we find in Exodus 36:6 Moses said, “let neither man nor woman make anymore work for the offering of the sanctuary.” They had collected enough. Some of the material they used in the construction of the Tabernacle was 2400 pounds of gold (today’s value, $46,080,000), 8400 pounds of silver (today’s value of $2,278,000) and 8400 pounds of brass (today’s value of $14,280). Also used were wood, stones, spices, oils, plus various fabrics of different colors - all of the finest quality of the time. There was no beauty looking at the tabernacle from the outside because of the badger skins, but all this hid the beauty of the gold and fine fabrics on the inside. How much more beautiful are we inside where God’s Spirit dwells if we obey Christ’s command to tithe? So return your tithes to pay the church’s light bills, pay the pastor’s salary, send missionaries around the world to preach the gospel, build Bible colleges worldwide, pay for outreaches to win the lost. When the Egyptians today, who are your secular employers or investment sources, pay you an income, do your part. Don’t shortchange yourself. The blessings of the Old and New Testaments will be yours. PAY YOUR TITHES! “The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” (NLT) Proverbs 11:25
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Banquet Speaker Robert Rodela
Hosts Jeremiah and Nancy Williams
Jack Robinson Senior of the Year
The Hunts Senior Couple of the Year
Banquet Chefs, The Estradas
This year’s senior banquet was again hosted by Jeremiah and Nancy Williams at Modesto Centre Plaza. It was a lovely night with a delicious dinner prepared by Harvey and Rosie Estrada. Our main speaker was Robert Rodela, who praised our seniors and gave a review of how our church came into being. The highlight of the evening is the presentation of awards honoring our seniors. This year’s Senior of the Year was Jack Robinson and our Senior Couple of the Year was Roy and Sandra Hunt. Thank you to all our seniors who have faithfully supported the church throughout the years. It is because of your sacrifice, prayers, and commitment that we are Revival Center. (In our online issue of The Newsvine, we have a letter from Brother Robinson thanking the church for this honor.) more photos on page 16
Christmas Concert and Candlelight Service Candlelight Service
Roy Hunt and Floyd Havner “Imagine a King” was the Mari Tobias theme of this year’s Christmas concert. The choir and ensemble ministered in anointed song, followed by Pastor preaching his Christmas message, It was a blessed time by all. The concert was followed up on Tuesday night with our annual Candlelight Service. It is always a very special time when we light our candles to remember and honor the real Josh Aguilera reason for the season, the Light of the World, Jesus Christ. more photos on page 17
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Choir sings “Go Tell it on the Mountain.”
Danny Gregory and Jason Hayes
Children’s Choir Sings
Ensemble sings “Love Came Down”.
F O R WA R D ! theme for 2016
2015 Watch Night Service
Aaron Gomez puts his hands to the plow to Josh Aguilera leads the church in help illustrate Pastor Johnson’s sermon. worship - “I Believe in You.” evival Center rang in the New Year with singing, rejoicing, and the anointed preaching of Pastor Johnson. Pastor Johnson exhorted as that it was time to put our hands to the plow and work for the kingdom of God. “I want every person in this church this year to win one person to God and personally disciple them,” he said. There will be a strong focus this year on our church’s mission statement: We exist to show the lifechanging power of the gospel to every human being we come into contact with. He went on to emphasize that everything that we do as a church must point to that mission. We need to ask ourselves how will what I am doing benefit someone who needs the gospel. We as a church will grow at the pace of our generosity. “How generous are you? Not just with your financial giving, but are you generous with your time, your talent, with The Johnson family celebrates the your resources? We grow at the pace of our involvement. We need to ask ourselves: Am New Year with Angel Padilla and the I involved? If not, why not? It’s time for all of us to put our hands to the plow and go Castro and Chavoya families. FORWARD in 2016. Pastor Johnson opens up Watch Night service.
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Our New Assistant Pastor Begins Word Ministry
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astor Johnson recently appointed Brother Dana Le Blanc as one of our two Assistant Pastors. In addition to his other duties supporting the pastor, he is kicking off Word Ministry, which focuses on teaching home Bible studies. The goal for this new department is to Dana Le Blanc New Assistant Pastor teach 1,000 Bible studies in one year. Although for years we have had an informal network of home Bible study groups, under Brother Dana the focus will be on teaching the plan of salva-
tion through the use of “The Way,” a five-part study booklet from Praise & Truth Ministries. In addition to our home Bible studies, Brother Dana is also creating a YouTube channel with various ministers of our church teaching the plan of salvation. This ministry is a great complement to our church’s mission statement: We exist to share the life changing power of the Gospel with every individual we come in contact with. If you would like to become a part of this dynamic ministry, please contact Brother Dana for more information. Pictured here is part of the Word Ministry team. Not pictured in the middle is Leo Aguilera who is taking the photo. Ha, ha!
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Why Apostolic Young People Should Pursue by Arti Narayan
Higher Education
(Editor’s Note: For this issue, we interviewed Sister Arti Narayan who has her master’s degree in Education and Supervision from California State University, Stanislaus. Arti was recently promoted to Assistant Principal after 7 years of teaching and 8 years in administration (Learning Director) for Ceres Unified School District. In this article, she shares her strong conviction regarding the importance of higher education for our youth. If, after reading this article, you would like more information on this topic, Mrs. Narayan is available to answer your questions or provide college and career guidance at Klassyrt@yahoo.com.) “Education is the most powerful weapon in which you can change the world.” -Nelson Mandela
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“If you think education is expensive, try ignorance.” -Derek Bok, former Harvard University President
irst and foremost I give thanks to God for helping me become the person that I am today - without Him I am absolutely nothing. I want to give honor to my parents and my spiritual advisors, Bishop and Sister Keyes and Pastor & Sister Johnson, for their leadership, life-example, their love and support throughout my life. They have helped me grow, achieve and prosper in all aspects of my life, and I am forever grateful. At a very young age I knew that I wanted to attend college, attain a successful career and assist others in doing the same. My three main goals in pursuing higher education and in attaining a successful career were so I could live comfortably, travel and see the world and, most important, to enrich the lives of others and bless the kingdom of God. Through my education, career and life decisions, I have been able to achieve all three. There is still so much more that I would like to do, and one of them is to pass my burden and passion to students, parents, and church leadership. Students
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hy college? A degree allows one the access to walk through doors that those without cannot. Without a degree in a profitable career, you will limit yourself to so many opportunities in various aspects: financially, mentally, socioeconomically, and spiritually. Success is not something that falls down from the sky--you
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have to pursue it, be focused, driven and have a growth mind-set. This is a land of great opportunities, and you must take advantage of it. It is not like this everywhere. It is crucial to start thinking about higher level education at an early age. By high school you need to think about what it is that you want in life, map out your goals and the procedures in which you plan to achieve each one. Why? You are investing in your future. Want to increase your chances at success? Without a purpose one goes through life aimlessly. What you do today affects your tomorrow and thereafter. In high school, I recommend yearly meetings with your counselor to create a four-year transition plan from high school to college. Counselors and school administrators are there to provide you with direction and guidance in helping you achieve your dreams. All you need to do is ask and pursue. Continue to work hard in every class, trying to earn the highest grade point average you can. Take higher level classes. Remember AP classes are weighted so if you do get an A, you get 5 points instead of 4, which can help boost your GPA. Challenge yourself! Research careers and college options. Job-shadowing is another way to see what careers may interest you and what the day-to-day on the job activities entail. Set up tours of colleges and universities that you may be interested in. There are private tours available through the outreach departments - all you have to do is call and set up a time. Are your goals realistic? Will the career you are considering generate enough of an income to meet your lifestyle expectations? Will it allow you to be an asset for the kingdom of God? Remember that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to do - but always keep God number one in your life - and you will grow and prosper. “Destiny is not a matter of chance It is a matter of choice It is not a thing to be waited for It is a thing to be achieved.” -William Jennings Bryan Parents
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college-bound mind-set is something that should be cultivated from childhood. It should be an expectation and not spoken of as an option. Be very involved in your child’s education. Monitor their grades, attendance and behavior. If they are struggling academically in a subject, get them a tutor through the school. Ask their teacher what you can do to support your child’s efforts. Students should be in school daily to receive classroom instruction, as it is imperative to their academic success. Your child cannot afford to miss precious instructional time. Junior high and high school years can be a tough time in the lives of individuals. Often times behaviors change in an adverse manner as they struggle to find their identity and deal with intense peer pressures of this world. However, keeping them academically focused can deter them from getting involved in detrimental behaviors. There are resources in schools for academic, behavioral, social and emotional supports for all students. During high school, encourage your child to take more chal-
lenging classes and college prep classes. Discuss possible colleges and plan campus tours. Encourage your child to pursue a professional career. There are so many scholarships and financial aid to assist students through college. Do not allow the financial aspect to be a deterrence. Having a college degree and professional career will help to boost your child’s self esteem and level of confidence. This will also help them to be well-rounded individuals and successful citizens. Do not ever give up on your children! No matter how tough the struggle may get, in all truth, they need parental structure, guidance and support. Church
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ow can having our young people procure a college degree and a professional career benefit the church? Let us ask ourselves how the kingdom of God is supposed to grow and prosper without educated people who are financially, mentally and physically able to support it? It is an avenue for them to become a bigger blessing to the kingdom of God, whether it is with larger tithes and offerings or with greater skills to support or lead ministries. Instead of steering our children away from college, fearful of their being swayed by worldly philosophies, we should encourage them to use their college years to not only to prepare for their future career, but as
Comparison is the Thief of Joy It starts in middle school. On the playground and in the classroom, the merciless measuring stick of comparison wields its first blow. Woe to any child whose nose, ears, height, weight, clothes, hair, speech or a thousand other attributes is perceived by other children as different. It continues in high school, where young people taunt each other about grades, sports, popularity, and gender traits. And if we think the comparison dragon is slain at adulthood, we're just fooling ourselves. Grades and sports are simply traded for jobs, income, social status, houses, cars and spouses. Having children ratchets up a whole new level of comparisonitis: whose child takes first steps, cuts first teeth, is first to be pottytrained, first to read, top in class, best looking, and most talented. Social media adds to the syndrome. People post their successes, highlights, and travels. They're vacationing at the beach, enjoying amazing food, and redecorating their homes. No one posts photos of their kids melting down at Walmart, their family fight, broken dishwasher, bald tires, or past due bills. Growing older only means comparing to see who looks older than you do. We as Christians are not immune. We compare ministries, gifts, talents, church buildings, attendance levels and offering amounts. Even the disciples compared themselves and argued about who was greatest. (Luke 9:4-626, Luke 22:24-30) When we compare the worst of ourselves with the best of
an opportunity to share their faith with professors and classmates. Having a solid education and successful career will prompt our church of tomorrow to be more physically, mentally, and emotionally secure, helping them to become more effective Christians. We often pray for financial miracles, but perhaps that miracle is right before us--our youth. Let’s foster a going-to-college and career developing environment in our churches and communities, as it will strengthen our homes, churches, lives and the well-being of many. Currently I oversee Revival Center’s Greeting Committee; my husband oversees the Sound Department, and we both serve on the Creative Team. It is a great delight to serve and work under the headship of Pastor Johnson and my life-long friend Sister Johnson. They are such an amazing team! God has been so good to us. He has blessed our business American Auto Depot. Through our business and my career, we are able to give back to the work of God in our church, the missions work in India and Fiji and in various other aspects of the church. Being able to contribute financially, with our time and our allegiance makes our lives more meaningful and bestows much happiness. “Living life with a sense of purpose is so fulfilling ~ there is no greater contentment or gratification than serving.”
someone else, it only makes us feel bad about ourselves.... jealous, inferior, insecure, frustrated, and anxious about our worth. At the opposite end, comparisons can lead us to pride, condescension, and self-righteousness. Remember, there will always be someone better than us at any given moment.; and always someone not as good. Scripture says those that measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, are not wise. (II Cor.10:12) The Book of Proverbs tells us the abundant benefits of wisdom: protection, wellbeing, favor with others, strong relationships, stability, and security. That's enough to convince anyone to wise up. Instead of indulging in fruitless comparisons, consider these appropriate frames of reference: 1) How do I compare myself now with myself a year ago? Do I see progress? "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves." 2 Cor. 13:5 2) How does my conduct and attitude compare with the Word of God? "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ." 1 Cor. 11:1 3) What does God think of me? "Fear not, you are of more value than many sparrows." Matt. 10:13 Comparison is an endless merry go round trip to nowhere. Let's stop looking around at others and keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. Contentment, gratefulness, freedom, and peace will flow over our souls. Comparison is the "thief that comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it more abundantly." John 10:10 by Sister Carol Castillo Revival Center Purpose Institute Administrator Communication Liaison
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e came to India to experience sharing the gospel firsthand as our resident missionary and assistant pastor Uday Narayan has done for decades as a global outreach of our church. What Pastor Todd Johnson discovered was a rekindled connection with the works Brother Narayan had established. The vast harvest field brought tears to our pastor’s eyes, according to Brother Narayan, when our pastor also saw the extreme poverty in many places they visited. But the need and hunger for the gospel of Christ is overpowering for a nation whose vast majority of citizens have never heard of the life-changing experience our Lord Jesus Christ . Their journey began with a flight from San Francisco to Dubai and from there to Mumbai. Once Pastor Johnson, Brother Narayan, and Brother Chris Castro entered India, they transversed the sub-continent nation by airplane and van numerous times. When they landed in Mumbai, they were met by Pastor Chacko Thomas, the director of the orphanage Almost Heaven Children’s Home, and overseer of 53 Jesus’ name churches in the area. Brother Thomas had prepared an itinerary for our evangelistic team. They flew down to preach at the Cochin church in southern India, and then flew north to New Delhi where they connected with a flight to Bagdora, the entrance city to the province of Sikum. Here they spent four days preaching afternoons and evenings in key cities and towns bordering the eastern border of the nation of Nepal. From there they flew back to New Delhi to visit Agra and allowed themselves only a few hours of sightseeing to see the Taj Mahal, their only time spent sightseeing during the whole trip. When they returned to Mumbai, Brother Thomas had them preach in three villages near the city of Aurangabad. All this itinerary was accomplished in only 14 exhausting, but exhilarating days! When Pastor Johnson returned home, he had a reinforced message for global evangelism our church was expecting to receive. Let us all pray that our burden for global outreach intensifies in 2016. Thank you, Brother Narayan, for keeping the burden for India ALIVE!
Above, Pastor Johnson, Brother Narayan, and Brother Chris Castro pose before a statue of Mahatma Gandhi, the founder of the modern nation of India. Left, Pastor Johnson treated the orphans at Almost Heaven Children’s Home in Mumbai for their first meal ever from the local McDonalds.
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“Pastor Johnson was a true Christian soldier, preaching everywhere we visited!”- Resident Missionary Uday Narayan
These photos of Indian citizens gathering for an Apostolic Christian service in the province of Sukim show their eagerness to receive the true gospel. Many congregations meet in small buildings like the one pictured below. It is vital that all Apostolic Christians give to missions - the need is overwhelming. The province of Sukim is near the border of Nepal. The elevation is high since the majestic Himalayas begin here. The photo below shows our evangelistic team wearing their jackets to brave the cold posing in front of a pastor’s home surrounded by a forest in northern Sukim.
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Children’s Ministry Expands
Wednesday Night K.R.E.W. KIDS
K.R.E.W. A NEW CHILDREN’S MINISTRY. When the new year began, our pastor’s wife, Sister Kim Johnson, decided to initiate a much needed children’s church for Wednesday night services. After much brain storming, she decided just to do it one Wednesday night. She chose to call Wednesday’s night children’s church, K.R.E.W. an anachronism for Kids Radically Experiencing Worship. Editor Leo Aguilera was there the first night and was impressed how well organized Sister Johnson was with her game plan and materials. Within two services, she had the 40 plus children well behaved and focused. In the above photos, you can see the many creative activities she has implemented. Assisted by several teams of volunteers from the youth and young marrieds, she now has decided to absorb the Sunday morning Kingdom Kids children’s church under her umbrella. She has made John and Amy Rodriguez partners with her children’s ministry. Eventually, Sister Johnson will relinquish her leadership to the team members. The bottom photo shows her bountiful supply of tokens as rewards for good spiritual lessons learned, good participation in worship and singing, good behavior, and good attendance. Pray for this new and vital ministry! more photos on page 20
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Sunday Morning
Kidz Zone Sunday School Join Up
SOME COOL CHANGES. Recently, Sunday School Superintendent Mary Aguirre brought the Sunday School children to the Kidz Zone’s domain for a combined service. The adult leaders did a fantastic job keeping the children focused on great spiritual worship. It is not good-by to Sunday morning’s Kingdom Kids as explained in the opposite page. But this editor still gathered the Rodriguezes with the Sunday morning attendees for a group shot (below).
Sunday Morning
Kingdom Kids Children’s Church
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TEXT BY EDITOR LEO AGUILERA
(more photos on pages 18 & 19)
I was in awe and I felt privileged to be at our annual Western District Men’s Conference hosted by Pastor Sam Emory and the saints of Apostolic Tabernacle UPC of Merced, California, held March 17-19. (Left) Pastor Tim Gaddy of Cabot, Arkansas, was the main night speaker. His sermons made pleas to the men gathered to live a lifestyle that embodied the standards of excellence which gives an Apostolic man that special quality and distinction of a devoted follower of Christ. In the photos below, from left to right, Pastor Emory and section Presbyter John Shivers welcome the men on the first night of service. In the next photo Brother Gaddy uses day speaker Richard Bishop to represent the Adversary we need to push out of our lives. In the bottom right photo, Brother Gaddy asked who was the longest saved in the congregation. Modesto’s Bill Cameron received the Holy Ghost when he was eight years old, 70 years ago! Brother Gaddy walked with him in front of the men honoring a long life dedicated to Jesus Christ. On the next page, the large photo shows the dynamic altar call on Friday night. In smaller photos from left to right, Modesto’s pastor, Todd Johnson, confers with Pastor Emory. The next photo is of Missionary Elder Loew praying for this editor’s guest Steve Tyler, then District Superintendent Mark Morgan preaching on Saturday on an Apostolic man’s priorities. The bottom photo is the dynamic men’s ensemble of the Merced church being directed by Brother Quincy Byrd while Brother Greg Turner performs a solo praising our Lord.
Sunday School - Easter Celebration
Kidz Zone
under the leadership of Sunday School Director Mary Aguirre, celebrated Easter big time with barbecued hot dogs, face painting, balloon popping, and a HUGE egg hunt. A special thank you to all who worked so hard to make this event a success. A special thanks to Sister Esther Ramirez who provided some of these photos. 12 SPRING NEWSVINE 2016
Easter Morning - Risen!
Easter Sunday was a great celebration of the resurrection of our Lord! The building was packed with members and visitors as the choir sang “Risen” with our K.R.E.W. kids and “At the Cross” and “He’s Alive!” Pastor Johnson preached, “It’s Not Too Late for a Come Back” and the altars filled. Praise God that the blood still works! SPRING NEWSVINE 2016 13
Testimony of Faith Deisy Alvarez
(Editor’s Note: Meeting Deisy Alvarez for the first time, you will be impressed by her innocence and sweet demeanor. As she speaks, her face glows with the joy and thankfulness that only a life fully surrendered to God can produce. One is taken aback, however, by her testimony, a story of how she was delivered from a life of drugs, alcohol, and gangs, surely bound for prison or death.) A Troubled Home
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eisy was born in Modesto, California, to Emma and Alberto Alvarez. She was the only girl, the third born of four siblings. Her parents worked hard: her father in agriculture, driving tractor for a nut company; her mother, employed at the same nut company and seasonally at Del Monte cannery. Although her mother tried her best, she was unable to shield her children from a troubled home. “I had a very hard childhood because there was alcohol in our family, and it grieved me that we were not like other homes,” she said. There was a lot of family drama, and sometimes the neighbors would overhear the heated arguments emanating from their home. “It scared me,” she said, “when I saw my loved ones using drugs.” She was troubled by the physical abuse in her family. Deisy learned at an early age to deal with her troubles by turning to prayer. “My mother taught me to pray to the Virgin Mary,’’ remembers Deisy. Although she saw God as one God, she did not pray or praise Him. Instead she prayed to Mary as she was taught not to have direct access to God. Raised as a good Catholic, she learned all her catechism, but did not go to confession on a regular basis. When she got older, she rebelled. “I knew God was there,” she said, “but I lived life very lightly. I only went to church for special services like Christmas and Easter.” Soon Deisy would find herself being pulled into the life of a “chola”. 14 SPRING NEWSVINE 2016
A Troubled Youth By the time Deisy was a freshman at Downey High School, she started smoking marijuana, paid for by her part-time cashiering job. She also was drinking beer and even whiskey. The weekends were filled with partying. When her brothers joined a gang, she was drawn in as well. She admits she looked the part of a home girl or “chola”: Converse shoes, black clothing, heavy make-up, lots of gold jewelry and gelled hair. Deisy was tough and did not hesitate to fight when she sensed she was being disrespected by a member of a rival gang. In fact, she was kicked out of Downey for fighting and had to attend Elliott Continuation School. Even there, she was expelled as she was a discipline problem and had to earn her high school diploma through independent study. Her frightened mother would warn her again and again, “Mija, you must change your life or you will end up dead or in prison.” At that time she gave birth to a beautiful baby girl she named after her mother. Her mother’s words woke her up and encouraged her to go to college to make something of her life for the sake of her daughter. Deisy enrolled in San Joaquin College in Salida to train to become a pharmacy technician. She enjoyed the field as she was very good at math. Although she was still partying on the weekends and was involved in the gang, she was very careful not to commit any crimes. She knew if she were to be arrested, all her training would be for nothing, as a criminal record would prohibit her from becoming a pharmacy tech. She did not know it then, but God was about to step into her life. On the invitation of Mercy, one of her friends, she visited Revival Center a few times when she was 19, but it was so different from the way she was raised. These Apostolic Pentecostals taught not to pray to Mary or the saints. “I would cry in the service because I felt something, but I didn’t come back for months at a time,” she said. Things became serious for Deisy when Mercy’s daughter, Madeline, became demon possessed. Deisy realized the supernatural was real. There was a real devil, so there must be a real God. A Life Possessed Madeline was just a little younger than Deisy, and they were very close, so it was very frightening when this horrible event happened. A man who was involved with gangs recently had been killed. Some members of the gang wanted his spirit to go into Madeline, so
they decided to use her as a medium. They lured her to the graveyard, and while they conjured up his spirit through the use of a Ouija board over his grave, an evil spirit entered her body. The first time Deisy encountered Madeline after this happened, she froze with fear as she entered her room. “I felt darkness, fear,” she said. “I was frozen.” Horrified, she witnessed Madeline crawling around the room, grinding her teeth and cursing. These episodes went on for two months! In fact, she would have attacks about 75% of the day. Eventually, she tried to kill herself by tying a belt around her neck. In her confused state, Madeline insisted she died on the cross for the gang member who had died. Desperate, her mother would bring her to church. She prayed and fasted fervently for her daughter to be delivered. Deisy’s 21st birthday was nearing, and Madeline still had not been delivered from this evil spirit that had been tormenting her day and night. Deisy remembers praying one night. During that prayer she told God that the best gift He could give her on her 21st birthday would be to completely deliver her friend. That night, Deisy went to a club with her friends. “All I could see around me,” she remembers, “were demons and evilness. I never noticed them before.” The powers of darkness were soon to be conquered by the King.
is when she realized she needed to forgive her father. She had not spoken to him in a long time. She picked up the phone and dialed his number. “Dad,” she said with tears in her eyes, “I forgive you for everything you did to us.” As soon as she hung up the phone, she felt a powerful presence in her room. “God, I have been waiting for this for three months, and I am ready now,” she prayed. She lifted up her hands and started praying, and God miraculously filled her with His spirit and she began speaking in other tongues. “It was powerful,” she said. “I spoke in tongues for hours.” She was given a Bible study by Brother Antonio Gutierrez about the futility of idols, referring to Deuteronomy, Chapter 4. That helped her understand that she had been in error in praying to Mary. She carefully compared her Catholic bible to the King James version and realized she had been taught false doctrine. She immediately stopped praying to Mary and turned her eyes to Jesus, the author and finisher of her faith. A Life Victorious
Ever since that day Deisy has surrendered her life to God. Deisy is active in the church’s SpanA Life Delivered ish ministry with Brother Antonio and Madeline’s mother called on Deisy’s birthday. ExSister Gloria Gutiercitement was in her voice. “You need to come see Madrez and is faithful in eline,” she cried. “It looks like she is healed!” When outreach with BrothDeisy walked into the room, she immediately noticed er Leonard Alvarez. a profound difference in her friend. On previous vis- Deisy and her daughter Emma God is also doing a its Madeline’s eyes had been black orbs and evil, but miraculous work in now they were light brown in color. That day, when the lives of her family. Both her father and her brother Madeline had awakened, the spirit had finally left her. Alberto have been baptized, and her mother has been When questioned, Madeline could not remember most coming to church and almost received the Holy Ghost. of what had happened to her during those long tortu- With great conviction Deisy says, “I really believe there ous two months of possession. That night Madeline’s is a living God, and I’ve allowed Him to completely mom brought her to church and Deisy went with them. transform my life!” Madeline got baptized and Deisy watched with joy in her heart as her friend worshipped at the altar. Several Deisy rejoices people came up to Deisy and asked her if she wanted to with her parbe baptized as well. “God will forgive you of all your ents, Emma and sins,” they told her. Without hesitation, Deisy agreed, Alberto Alvarez, anxious for God’s forgiveness. But she did not receive after her father is the baptism of the Holy Ghost right away. God wanted baptized in Jesus’ her to forgive. name. After three months of not receiving the Holy Ghost, Deisy asked herself what was wrong with herself. That SPRING NEWSVINE 2016
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Senior Christmas Banquet What a spread!
The Keyes
Bro. & Sis. Hernandez
The Amadors
The Halls
Proud to be seniors!
Sister Jones
Is it Rudolph?
A Letter of Thanks from Senior of the Year, Brother Jack Robinson
I am thankful for the opportunity that Brother Aguilera gave me to thank the church and everybody who had anything to do with naming Senior of the Year. First of all I would like to thank Bishop Keyes, Pastor Johnson, and Jeremiah and Nancy Williams for they are the real heroes of our church. I would also like to thank my daughter and son, Ruby and Jerry Menchaca, for being there for me. I’ll do my best to live up to this honor, like inviting someone everyday to come to church. I know I’ve missed a few days, but when I leave my home in the morning, I’m thinking about who I could invite today. Without making this too long, I would like to say something to the Sunday School department, if I may, Sister Aguirre and staff. I drove the Sunday School bus for 25 years, but Brother Bispo and Brother Lambert drove it longer than I did. Every Saturday we would visit the kids who rode the bus. Sometimes the mothers would say Susie or Johnny is sick and may not be coming tomorrow and would ask us to come in and pray for them. The next morning when we drove by their house, they would be out in front all better and ready for Sunday School. It happened to me, and I know it happened to Brother Bispo. I used to thank God for healing these kids, but nobody from the church will ever know. Then one day I was reading the Bible, II Corinthins 6:3-9. It was talking about people working for the Lord. In verse 9 it says, “As unknown, and yet well known...” I be16 SPRING NEWSVINE 2016
lieve Jesus spoke to my heart that day and said, “They may not know, but I know.” Back in the 1970’s in a Sunday newspaper, they had an advertisement about some dinner plates they were selling. On each plate was a painting by Norman Rockwell. I like Norman Rockwell because all of his paintings tell a story. In this painting there were 8 or 9 boys playing football in an abandoned football stadium. Where there used to be seats, were now high weeds blowing, like arms of fans waving in every direction. The kids imagined that the blowing weeks were fans cheering them on. At the bottom of the plates it just said, Saturday’s Heroes. I thought about the work of the Lord. We of the Sunday School may never play on Friday or Sunday nights or be up on stage. We are just Saturday’s heroes, but we are heroes just the same. In Hebrews 11, it lists the heroes of faith. By faith the elders obtained a good report, by faith Able offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice, by faith Enoch was translated, by faith Noah built an art, by faith Abraham obeyed and went out not knowing where he went, and by faith Moses refused to be called the son of Pharoah’s daughter. All through the 11th chapter it lists the heroes of faith. At the end of the chapter it just says there were others. Was it because their stories were not good enough, or did the writer run out of room? No, no, no! They were heroes, Saturday heroes, unknown and yet well known.
Christmas Concert, Candlelight Service Mari Tobias sings “Hosanna.”
MaKayla Johnson
Josh Aguilera
Matt Aguirre sings as the choir led by Kellee Hopper sings “Love Came Down.”
Nicole Evans
Roy Hunt and Floyd Havner sing a duet.
hristmas is always a joyous time of the year and at Revival Center, it is time to gather together along with friends and family members, push aside all the chaos of shopping for that perfect gift and attending a myriad of parties, and focus on the real meaning of Christmas--the birth of a Savior. To think He loved us so much, despite of all our imperfections and failings, that He robbed Himself in flesh to present himself as the perfect, sinless lamb. Oh, what a Savior! Hallelujah!
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Pastor Johnson speaks about the Light of the World, Jesus Christ. Church members light their candles to remember Christ’s birth and to celebrate the light He has brought to our lives.
tradition started several years ago is our annual Candlelight Service, held the midweek service night prior to Christmas. The church family gathers together in a solemn reflection of the significance of the holiday. We remember the Light that entered the world. “...I AM THE LIVING GOD, The Light of the world. Whoever follows me shall not walk in darkness but shall find the light of life” (John 8:12 Aramaic Bible in Plain English).
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Men’s Conference Pastor Sam Emory of Apostolic Tabernacle opens up this year’s Western District Men’s Conference.
Pastor Michael Delgado speaks on “A Soul Man.”
Western District Men Arise!
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s you can see from the photos on these two pages, as well as those on Pages 12 and 13, this year’s Western District’s Men’s Conference was a life-changing experience for the men who attended this three-day conference held in March at the beautiful sanctuary of Apostolic Tabernacle in Merced, pastored by Sam Emory. The night speaker was Tim Gaddy who is the Senior Pastor at New Life Church in Cabot, Arkansas. His sermons challenged and inspired those who attended to become the men of God they desire to be. Each of the day speakers, Mark Todd, Richard Bishop, Michael Delgado, and Mark Morgan furthered challenged them with Holy Ghost anointed messages. 18 SPRING NEWSVINE 2016
Pastor Emory encourages all pastors of the Western District to promote next year’s conference to their men. It is vital for the unity and strength of all of our congregations for our men to come together, worship together, and receive a Word of God focused solely on them. Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicket or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither--whatever they do prospers (Psalm 1:1-3 NIV).
Western District Superintendent Mark Morgan preaches on “The Total Man”
Tim Gaddy, Senior Pastor of New Life Church, ministers as the night speaker with such topics as “The Man I Want to Be” and “Let’s All Stand.”
Presbyter John Shivers speaks to the men.
“When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, “I used everything you gave me.” - Erma Bombeck SPRING NEWSVINE 2016
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K.R.E.W. Kids
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astor and Sister Johnson long saw a need for a children’s service on Wednesday nights. When Sister Johnson kicked off K.R.E.W. Kids. it was an immediate success. Geared toward children 5 to 11 years old, it is a time where they learn Bible stories and principles at their own level. Lessons are face-paced with constant checking for understanding by Sister Johnson which keeps kids engaged and participating as they learn about the Bible. K.R.E.W. kid services have allowed parents to be able to focus on the teaching that takes place during the mid-week service, rather than dealing with squirming and restless children. Since its inception, we have seen an increase in attendance on Wednesday’s nights because children are so excited about K.R.E.W., they do not not want to miss. Thank you, Sister Johnson and your team, for having such a burden for our children to be rooted and grounded in the truths of the Bible and Apostolic worship.
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How to Witness to Your Teacher By Editor Virginia Aguilera
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his is my first time to write a column of my own, but as a teacher I feel compelled to write on a topic that is so important to our students, our parents, and to our churches-our Apostolic witness at school. Living a Christian example at school is more than how one dresses or participates in the campus Christian club, it is about character. The kind of character that stands out to the school administrator and classroom teacher. It is about honesty, even when it hurts. It is about trying your hardest on assignments, even though you struggle in solving algebraic equations or writing that argumentative essay. It is about have a positive, respectful attitude, even though you are frustrated with your teacher or staff member. If you want to let your Christianity shine, turn your assignments in on time, completed to the best of your ability. Show up for class on time, prepared, and ready to learn. Pay attention in class even if you are bored silly--you might learn something, if nothing else, self-discipline. Obey all school rules--yes, they
do apply to you, too. Be inclusive of others. You should be the kindest person on campus, including others in your lunch circle, even if they are not your cup of tea. Let your actions show your commitment to your faith so when you extend an invitation to your teachers, they will be so impressed with your character and curious to find out what sets you apart from the other students that they will be more receptive to your invitation. Trust me when I say we have seen many essays from students sharing their faith, but they do not make a positive impact if the students are not doers of the word. Yes, please let the beauty of holiness shine around you on campus, but also allow the Holy Ghost to prompt you to do those things you know are right, even though your flesh does not find them comfortable or convenient to do. “...let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16 NIV).
B.U.F.F. Fellowships at Fuddrucker’s
S.H.E. Celebrates Sister Johnson’s birthday
B.U.F.F. (Building Up Firm Foundations) directed by Herb Jenkins had their recent gathering at Fuddrucker’s Restaurant. Our Assistant Pastor Uday Narayan was the main speaker and shared with the men his recent missionary trip, as well as his burden to reach the lost. B.U.F.F. has proven to be a valuable ministry in uniting our older men in fellowship and service. It is clearly expressed in their mission statement from Psalms 71:18: Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed they strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.
In February, our ladies’ group, S.H.E. (Sisters Helping Each Other) led by Priscilla Gomez, honored Sister Johnson with a surprise birthday party. The youth chapel was packed with young and old, anxious to share their love with our hard-working pastor’s wife. After a potluck meal of delicious sandwiches and salads, there was a time of sharing happy—and funny—memories of Sister Johnson by a few of her close friends and then Sister Keyes presented her daughter with some cherished treasures. Sister Johnson, you are a great lady, and we appreciate all you do for Revival Center! 21 SPRING NEWSVINE 2016
S.H.E. Celebrates
Sister Johnson’s Birthday H E I n February, Sisters elping ach Other (S.H.E.), held a surprise birthday gathering to celebrate, and yes, surprise, Sister Kim Johnson, our well-deserving pastor’s wife. After a potluck of delicious salads and sandwiches, Sister Priscilla Gomez welcomed all the ladies and wished Sister Johnson a Happy Birthday. Sister Sheelah Grant then praised Sister Johnson, Sister Nicole Evans A table full of birthday cards and presents
read a funny and poignant poem she had written honoring our pastor’s wife, and the program ended with Sister Sharon Keyes, our Bishop’s wife, presenting Sister Johnson with several treasured family keepsakes. We all wish you, Sister Johnson, a very Happy Birthday, and may this year bring you many blessings and much joy!
Angela Warren helps Sister Johnson as she blows out her birthday candles.
Yummy desserts!
Sister Johnson reacts in surprise as she realizes this month’s S.H.E. gathering is honoring her on her birthday.
Sister Keyes joyfully presents Sister Johnson with a family heirloom.
Priscilla Gomez
As you can see in these photos below, the youth chapel was packed with ladies anxious to show their appreciation and love to Sister Johnson on her birthday.
