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s we come to the end of 2017, we can see how our God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, has kept our congregation in His perfect will, giving us the blessed assurance time and time again that our church’s pastor and leadership team are right on target. The Newsvine staff has been honored to report with honesty to our faithful readers the great progress we have made in outreach, and our dynamic services, and special events. Out testimonies of faith have served to encourage and inspire permanence and solidity in the Christian walk. Editors Leo and Virginia Aguilera and the Newsvine staff, along with Adam, Joshua and Jeannette pray all our faithful readers have a richly blessed and healthy coming year. MARANATHA, the Lord cometh!
THE newsvine “Aiming for Awareness!” Fall/Winter 2017 REVIVAL CENTER UNITED PENTECOSTAL CHURCH 825 7th Street, Modesto, CA 95354 Business Phone: 209-522-5365
email us at thenewsvine@gmail.com
Google us at thenewsvine or follow us on issuu.com/thenewsvine EDITOR LEO AGUILERA
ASSOCIATE EDITOR Assist. Ed. Multi-media Business LiaisonS GRAPHIC DESIGN PHOTOGRAPHERS
ColumnistS YOUTH REPORTER MAILINGS DISTRIBUTION
Virginia Aguilera Joshua Aguilera Charlene Wilson Leo & Virginia Aguilera Leo Aguilera, Grover Hunt Gabriel Chavoya, Isaac Pena Jim Campbell, Carol Castillo Josh Aguilera Virginia Aguilera Norbert Feliciano
CHURcH SERVICES SUNDAY - 9:30 A.M. 9:45 A.M. 10:30 A.M. 12:15 P>M> 2:00 A.M. 5.30 P.M. 6:00 P.M. MONDAY - 7:00 P.M. WEDNESDAY - 7:00 P.M. THURSDAY - 7:30 P.M. Thursday - 7:30 p.m. SATURDAY - 10:00 A.M.
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Sunday School-Children - Tuolumne Sunday School - Adults - Sanctuary Morning Service - Sanctuary Growth Track Spanish Service Prayer in Youth Chapel REVIVAL SERVICE All-Church Prayer Mid-Week Service, K.R.E.W Pulse (Youth Service) Spanish Service Saturday Morning Outreach
FALL/WINTER NEWSVINE 2017
Church staff
PASTOR H. TODD JOHNSON BISHOP RANDY G. KEYES
assistant pastor assistant pastor youth PASTOR resident missionaries church secretary SUNDAY SCHOOL DIRECTOR K.R.E.W. Kids prayer ministries GROWTH TRACK Choir world missionS ladies ministries (S.H.E.) New Member Life Group L.E.A.D. director PURPOSE INSTITUTE OUTREACH Life groups community relations apostolic man ministry BUFF (Men’s 50+) HYPHEN (Young Adults) THRIVE (Young Marrieds) spanish services Nursing Home Ministry BIBLE QUIZZING devout men’s fellowship
Uday Narayan Dana Le Blanc Jonathan Quinones Uday Narayan, Xenn Seah Charlene Wilson Mary Aguirre Kim Johnson Charles Bispo Dana Le Blanc Kellee Hopper, Matt Aguirre Jerry & Andrea Powell Priscilla Gomez Chris Harris, Carol Castillo Carol Castillo Jerry Powell & Carol Castillo Leonard Alvarez Jonathan Quinones Jeremiah Williams Alex Diaz Herb Jenkins Jeriann Powell Aaron & Shannon Gomez Antonio Gutierrez Joyce Jones Sujay Diaz Andrew Amador
THE NEWSVINE 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.
WHY ALL BELIEVERS MUST ATTEND CHURCH REGULARLY!
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YOU INSULT GOD IF YOU DON’T!
ou say you believe in Jesus. You say you pray to Him all the time for help and guidance. You say you read your Bible, and then you say, “I don’t need to attend church. I can be saved at the end of my life without having a pastor over me - without having to go to church all the time!” You have just spurned God’s bride, the apple of his eye, the institution Jesus said He loves as much as you love your own spouse: “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her.” Eph. 5:25. The Bible declares over and over throughout the scriptures that the church is the bride of Christ, the only institution on earth as a whole body which is preparing for His return: “That He might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” Eph. 5:27. “Let us rejoice and exult and give Him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure - for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.” Rev 19:7-8. If you are a believer, why would you want to stay away from what God our Saviour loves more than any other entity on earth? Why would you refuse to be a part of the body of Christ? “Christ is the head of the church, His body, and is Himself its Saviour!” Eph. 5:23. Would not any man or woman be insulted if they saw their individual spouse ignored, avoided, mocked and ridiculed? How does God feel when His bride is treated the same way by you? Unfortunately, you have ranked yourself with the atheist, the agnostic, the Muslim, the Hindu, and the Buddhist who refuse to associate themselves with the church of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To refuse His church is to refuse Christ, which these non-believers frankly and even proudly admit.
FALLING INTO SATAN’S ANCIENT TRAP! Paul said to the Corinthian church: “For I feel a divine jealousy for you, since I betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ. But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be LED ASTRAY from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.” II Cor. 11:2-3, ESV. Paul is speaking to the congregation in Corinth as the church body. Historically, these were Christians who assembled weekly to have services with preaching, and the members organized evangelism and charity works to reach the city of Corinth. But there are believers today who feel that once they experience a born again conversion, they permanently are in the church of Jesus, feeling they do not have to continue being part of the assembly of Christians. The Bible sternly warns believers in Hebrews 10:24-25: “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: NOT FORSAKING THE ASSEMBLING
OF OURSELVES TOGETHER, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” KJV For those of you who refuse to attend church regularly by developing a mind set that church attendance is unnecessary, or annoyed that it means giving up Sunday events like ball games, casino trips, recreation, relaxing in front of the TV, or creating the excuse that you have to work, can you honestly admit to yourself if this is pleasing to Almighty God or pleasing to a deceiving Satan? Jesus warned in Matt. 6:24: “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Ask yourself how much you love your church-free Sundays, and so, honestly, who are you really serving? Remember, Satan is constantly trying to influence your thoughts to lead you astray.
PROTECTION FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY Finally, your soul and those of your loved ones need the preaching of God’s word on a regular basis. Jesus said in John 8:47: “Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.” Wow! That is a scary warning from our Savior. Paul also is very direct when he instructs Timothy who pastored the church in Ephesus to deal with his members this way: “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and WANDER OFF into myths.” II Tim. 4:2-4, ESV. You and your family need to hear the word of God on a regular basis, not from a detached TV evangelist, not from your own sermons you tell yourself, and certainly not from a sports newscaster. That can leave you and your family unprotected to every whim and doctrine out there in the world. You need to sit in person on a pew and hear the preaching of God’s Word, worshipping your Savior Jesus Christ with other saints in the body of Christ, as Jesus told Peter: “Upon this Rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Matt. 16:18, KJV. Assemble yourself in a congregation exactly how the first generation Apostolic Christians did: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, TEACHING AND ADMONISHING one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Col. 3:16, ESV Don’t think you can work out your own salvation alone. Don’t deprive your children from Sunday School. Go to church with other believers, protect yourself and your family by hearing the word of God preached and taught on a regular basis, and above all, please your God and Savior, Jesus Christ. AMEN!
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SPECIAL FOCUS on outreach
A DRAMA OF SHEER IMPACT! Betrayed! Chaos ensues as soldiers shoot church members who have refused to denouce their faith.
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he Concealed Cross. The church underground, fighting for its existence in a hostile world determined to hunt down and destroy its members. A bleak picture, but a very real one in many parts of our world today. Brother Josh Aguilera wrote and directed this frightening drama which alluded to the life of the Apostle Paul prior to his conversion, and MaKayla Johnson reminded the church of our brothers and sisters who sings. face these real dangers everyday across our globe. Noah Wells played the part of John, a young preacher, sent to a distant city to replace the minister of an underground church who had been arrested by government officials. Upon joining this determined congregation, John’s first sermon was interrupted after an informer revealed their location. John was cap- A soldier readies to pounce on the tured and tortured, but in the end refused to renounce unsuspecting his Savior. His last words before being dragged out underground church. to face his doom were the words of the song, “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus.” In the end his pursuer, confused by Noah’s determination to live for Christ, even if it would cost his life, kneels with his arms outstretched. Would the persecutor now become A suspicious merchant watches Noah’s friends the evangelist? 4
shop, eager to turn in Christians for a reward.
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Will you be able to stand?
Noah is introduced to underground church. Paying the ultimate price...
As the drama came to an end, Student Pastor Jon Quinones, made an invitation to come to the front to pray. The altar was filled with visitors along with young people anxious to renew their commitment to follow Jesus. No turning back...no turning back! It was a powerful ending to our annual youth week. Will God inspire Josh to write a sequel? We’ll have to wait until next year’s youth week to find out. In the meantime, may our commitment to follow Jesus burn brightly in our hearts!
Josh Aguilera sings “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” during the altar call.
Growth Track
GREATER COMMITMENT, STRONGER INVOLVEMENT
Growth Track graduates, along with teachers Dana, Ruben, and Barb, proudly hold their certificates.
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First group of Growth Track graduates pose with teachers and Pastor Johnson.
re you desiring a greater commitment in your Christian walk and would like to become more involved in the work of God? Then consider participating in Growth Track. This ministry is facilitated by teachers Assistant Pastor Dana Le Blanc, Brother Ruben Dominguez, and Sister Barb Seah and focuses on connecting new members with our church. It consists of four weeks of instruction of church doctrine and history and other important topics. On the left are photos of our first graduating Growth Track classes. Beginning in February, Growth Track will expand to three-month classes. Previous graduates as well as new members are encouraged to participate. Let’s all get on track for a greater commitment and involvement in God’s kingdom in the coming year. Maranatha! Jesus is coming!
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DID YOU KNOW?
The
by Jim Campbell
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t is important to notice the different methods which Satan used in causing man to fall, for Jesus tells us in Matt 10:16, "Be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves." If we are as wise as Satan, we will understand the methods he uses to ensnare the souls of men, and understand his cunning, and we will be better able to overcome him. The first method Satan used was to throw a doubt in Eve's mind as to the truth of God's warning by asking the question, “Hath God said? “In 1 John 2:16 it says, “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the father...” When Eve saw that the fruit was good for food, she was tempted through the lust of the flesh. When she saw that it was pleasant to the eyes, she was tempted through the lust of the eyes. When she pondered about it being "desired to make one wise," she was tempted through the pride of life. Satan's method was especially treacherous in that he presented part truth and part falsehood. When he acknowledged they would know good and evil, he told the truth; but when he said,"Ye shall not surely die," he told the first lie recorded in the Bible. Most false doctrines in the earth today have enough truth mixed in them to deceive, but enough lie to keep their followers out of the inheritance God planned
of Man FALL
for them. Half a truth and half a lie is more treacherous than a whole lie, for it carries with it a more powerful deception. Satan told Eve she would know good, but did not tell her that she would find herself without power to perform it. He told her that she would know the evil, but did not explain that she would not have power to resist it. When Satan tempts, it is also his aim to blind the eyes of his victim to the sorrows that are sure to follow. For the first time Adam and Eve realize their nakedness and flee for cover. We find in Gen. 3:7 that they had sewed themselves fig leaves to cover their nakedness. However, this covering is rejected, as no covering made by man will ever be able to satisfy God. The Adam nature attempts to cover up sin, rather than to confess and forsake it. God reveals His mercy toward fallen mankind by giving them a promise of a redeemer, before He mentions to them the consequences of their sin. In Genesis 3:21 we find that the Lord made coats of skins and clothed Adam and Eve. God made a covering of His own, but how was it done? In order to clothe them with skins, an animal had to be slain, its the blood shed, and its life lost to prefigure the real lamb, the seed of the woman, who was to shed His blood for the sins of the world. As the innocent animal died to clothe Adam and Eve, so Jesus, who knew no sin, died, in order to clothe guilty sinners with a robe of righteousness, an acceptable covering of His Spirit.
GOLD Miner "But He knows the way I take; When He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold." Job 23:10
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uick, what mine is as deep as 10 Empire State Buildings and has 236 miles of tunnels longer than the New York subway? Hint: the top seven deepest mines in the world are all gold mines, and all are in South Africa. Although prospectors are known to pan for gold dust in riverbeds, most gold is locked deep within the Earth's crust. It can be mined only at enormous expense with heavy equipment or blasted with explosives. Many tons of dirt are laboriously processed to extract just one tiny ounce of gold. Because it's rare and only comes through great effort, that tiny ounce is very highly valued. God places the same high value on our spiritual character. The Old Testament tabernacle wasn't much to look at on the outside, but inside the table for the shewbread was covered in gold. Dishes, spoons and bowls were pure gold. The candlesticks, tongs, and snuff dishesall made of gold. In the New Testament, we ourselves are the tabernacle where His Spirit abides. When God looks inside us, He's looking for the elements of gold: a heart that's stable, easily molded into His likeness, and untarnished by the world. A spiritual character as pure and fine as gold doesn't come easy - gold must be extracted, purified, cleaned and refined. Before the purification process can even happen, God begins mining operations.
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His Spirit diligently searches out the deep rocky matrix of our hearts. He sees the hidden potential that we don't even see ourselves. If we fail to submit to the mining process and close our hearts to Him, we miss the opportunities for refining our character, growing our faith, and finding our purpose. Go before God and submit yourself so that He can extract the potential He knows you contain. He sees those nuggets buried among all our dirt. He looks beyond our fault and sees what we can be. Oh, and give yourself a gold star if you answered Mponeng, the deepest gold mine in the world.
One More Grad We celebrate with Shania Denney Silva who graduated last June from Davis High School in Modesto. Her future plans are to attend Modesto Junior College and eventually study to be an elementary school teacher.
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n the year of 2008, Sister Pushba approached Sister Joyce Jones during Missions Conference and asked if she would be available to do Bible studies at her place of employment. When Sister Jones met with the Activities Director of Valley Comfort Assisted Living & Dementia/Alzheimer’s Residence, she was told they would like her to have a one-hour church service on Saturdays. Sister Jones agreed and with God’s direction, held the first service on January 17, 2009. She has been ministering every Saturday at 10:00 a.m. ever since. God has touched many souls with whom they have come in contact: residents, employees, and family members of residents, several of which have attended services at our church. One resident who had previously attended our church many decades ago under the pastorship of Brother Rhode, was renewed in the Holy Ghost after attending a couple services at Valley Comfort. Shortly afterward she went on to be the with the Lord. There was once an employee there whose father was a resident. She gave Sister Jones a letter thanking Revival Center for this ministry. Her father who had never attended church out-
side of going to a funeral or a wedding and who had been very bitter and unloving to his family, had a life-changing encounter with Jesus. She wrote, “That first day that you came, you said you wanted to pray for each of the residents that were willing to allow you to do so. One of the caregivers bent down to ask my dad if he would allow you to pray for him and he said yes. I stood across the room watching as three of you surrounded him, holding him, praying for him. This was such a sight to see. He never allowed anyone to do that for him before. After you were all done, I remember him saying, ‘Please come back again.’ The tears welled up in my eyes. I was so happy to see that he let you in, let you touch him with your praise of God.” She went on to write, “Each weekend that I was there with my dad, I stood back and saw the joy on his face as he joined in on these Saturday mornings. My mother started coming too. I kept telling her how dad responded to all of you, and she came to see for herself. She also sat in the corner and cried when she heard him sing and shout out ‘hallelujah!’ Along with holding weekly services, Sister Jones has been asked to sing at the funerals of some of the residents by their family members. Out of all the people who first started with Sister Jones at Valley Comfort, Sister Lena Brisco is the only one who has remained these nine years, playing the piano and singing. Five years ago Sister Donna Beard joined the forces, and several months ago Sister Wanda Henry joined in. On the Saturdays that Sister Brisco is not here to play the piano, one of the resident’s sons, Brother Doug, who was taught to play the piano by Bill Gaither, will sit in and play for them as Sister Jones and her team sing. He has been a blessing. God has a plan and purpose these Saturday morning services at Valley Comfort, and the half has not yet been unfolded! “Thank you for all you have done for my father. You made a difference in his life, and you helped him to find that happiness in the end.” - a patient’s daughter
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FW R I D A Y
Bishop Keyes prays with Brother Hood.
Brother David McGovern, pastor of Angeles Church in Glendale, CA, preaches, “I Must Die in This Land!”
hat a powerful Stewardship Missions Conference this year! From the first night, the spirit of God flowed through the congregation in mighty waves. On Friday night we heard from the first of our missionaries, Brother Shyam Narayan from Fiji and Brother Gary Sones from Fresno. Brother Shyam spoke of his gratefulness to Bishop Keyes for sending Resident Missionary Uday Narayan to Fiji many years ago to bring them the truth of the life changing power of Jesus Christ. Today he and his family have been baptized in Jesus’ name and are living for God. He is now a
pastor in Fiji and has donated land for a church to be built. Our main speaker Friday night was Reverend David McGovern (pictured top right) who preached on “I Must Die in This Land.” His burden was evident as he spoke of the sacrifices that have been made to bring the gospel to others. “I must die in this land so somebody in my city might have a place where broken people can feel God’s spirit...I am content to pour out my life.” (Pictured below Pastor Johnson leads the church in prayer for our missionaries. Above left: Bishop Keyes prays with Brother Dannie Hood).
Pastor Johnson leads the church in prayer for our missionaries.
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Charles Emanuel
Joey Rios
S A T U R D A Y
Phillip Walmer
Gary Sones
Dwayne Abernathy
Shawn Turner
Dean De Ascentis
John Petersen
Shyam Narayan
Special guests: Pastor Sam Emory of Apostolic Tabernacle in Merced, CA, and Western District Superintendent Mark Morgan.
Brother Elias Limones Pastor, The Pentecostals of the Bay Area Saturday Night Main Speaker “Higher Ground”
A grateful Shyam Naryam thanks God for sending the gospel to Fiji.
Brother Shyam Narayan embraces Bishop Keyes.
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Brother Limones praises Bishop Keyes for his burden for missions.
aturday night we heard from missionaries Shawn Turner, Dwayne Abernathy, and Philip Walmer. After the Spanish choir sang “What a Beautiful Name It is,” Brother Elias Limones (above) spoke on “Higher Ground.” He encouraged the congregation to connect ourselves with holy, faith people who believe God’s promises. “How will we get to higher ground? On our knees praying with our hands raised.”
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S U N D A Y MORNING Elizabeth Rios
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Gema Emanuel
Amy De Ascentis
Linda Abernathy
Linda Turner
Sister Lori Hood, our main Sunday morning speaker.
unday morning of Missions Conference is always a very moving service as we hear from the missionary wives. First up was Amy De Ascentis. She spoke of her miraculous healing from a tumor and how in faith she believed God would give her children, even though the doctors told her it was impossible. The doctors were astounded when she had not one, but two children. As each missionary spoke, our hearts were touched by their burden and commitment to the work of God. Our final speaker Sunday morning was Sister Lori Hood, wife of Brother Dannie Hood who pastors Landmark Tabernacle in Denver, Colorado. She told how God miraculously enabled them to pay off “Is there anything too hard for the Lord?” their church in five years’ time. “Little is so much, when God is in it.”
Missionary Children Await Special Offering
The children of our missionaries eagerly await a special offering just for them. Moments later money started floating down from the ceiling as the congregation brought up an offering for them. God bless these children who labor with their parents.
RC Choir Ministers
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ur music department led by Kellee Hopper and Matt Aguirre spent many weeks preparing for these special services. Pictured right, Josh Aguilera sings lead on the medley of “Made a Way” and “Do It Again.” The choir’s anointed singing each night helped to prepare the congregation for the powerful preaching of God’s word.
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S U N D A Y NIGHT
Brother Hood, pastor of Landmark Tabernacle preaches “End Time Signs of Dominion Power.”
unday night was the culmination of three days of spirited worship, inspired singing, heart-felt testimonies, and Holy Ghost anointed preaching. By the time Brother Dannie Hood strode to the pulpit, the church was on its tiptoes, anxious to hear from the Lord. Brother Hood’s title was “End Time Signs of Dominion Power.” He explained that the church must be fruitful, it must multiply, it must replenish, and it must subdue. “We must exceed what the former generation did. We are not supposed to go out with a whimper. We are going out with a shout! With the conclusion of the preaching, it was time for sacrificial giving and celebration. The altar filled with givers and then praisers as we laid our offerings before the Lord of the Harvest.
Sacrificial Giving for God’s Kingdom
Bringing sacrificial offerings and pledge cards, the congregation gathers at the altar. Bottom from left, Arti and Prenesh Narayan, Charlie and Joyce Bispo, and Bishop and Sister Keyes and Pastor and Sister Johnson lay their offerings on the altar.
Leading in giving are our Pastor and Bishop and family.
Prenesh and Arti Narayan
Charlie and Joyce Bispo
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Men’s Retreat in the Mountains
Alex Diaz gives his testimony,
Praying for one another. Pastor Johnson sets priorities for a man’s Christian walk.
Organizer Andrew Amador
Pastor Jose Diaz of New Life Worship Center, of Tulare, CA, Is the Special Speaker!
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hat great fellowship our men from Revival Center enjoyed up in the Mother Lode of the Sierras. Aside from hiking, fishing, basketball, and good food, the real emphasis was on spiritual renewal. Organized by Devout Men Ministries Director Andrew Amador, the men were also joined by Pastor Todd Johnson. Friday night, we heard from Pastor José Diaz of Tulare, California, who inspired us with the topic, “The Last Giant.” That night’s service ended with Devout Men Director Andrew
Pastor Diaz and his son Elijah
Leo Aguilera joins in on a game of basketball.
Amador having all of the men who attended make a covenant with one another to always be there for each other for spiritual support and to totally surrender themselves to our Lord Jesus Christ. The retreat ended Saturday morning with Brother Alex Diaz, giving us an inspiring and detailed testimony of his healing after a catastrophic car wreck. It truly is a miracle! We hope more men will attend next year with the Tulare church.
MEN OF GOD PREACH AND VISIT!
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vangelist Dillon Morgan (Left photo and below) has preached several times this fall at our church with full anointing, delivering dynamic messages. He is the son of Brother and Sister Jeff and Sandra Morgan from Arkansas. Below, right, Pastor Johnson welcomed Master Sergeant and Asia Military Minister Fonzell Marsh Jr. on a recent visit to our Sunday evening service.
Evangelist Dillon Morgan preaches! 12 FALL/WINTER NEWSVINE 2017
Pastor Johnson with Asia Military Minister, Fonzell Marsh Jr.
Photos by Wedding Photographer Scott Shoemake and Editor Leo Aguilera
Our Pastor’s
Daughter Weds
These 3 photos are by ScottAndrewStudio
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he grounds and a huge white barn in the countryside just outside of Pismo Beach, California, were transformed into the beautiful wedding location for Mehgan Johnson, the oldest daughter of our Pastor Todd and Sister Kim Johnson. Sister Mehgan married Brother Taylor Fairbanks, son of Brother Greg and Sister Tonya Fairbanks, from Louisiana on a sunny afternoon in November. Witnessed by family, close friends and our church leaders, the setting was a big “WOW”, many times heard from the guests. The occasion may have appeared traditional at first, but as the ceremony proceeded, the genuine love and occasional humor from the family ministers who performed the nuptials made everyone relax and rejoice for the young couple. When it came time for the reception, the barn doors were opened, revealing a stunning display of decorations in the immense space, all created by Details by Kim, Sister Johnson’s agency for decorating and/or planning special occasions. The place settings shimmered and gleamed, waiting for the food to be served, when suddenly it was announced that all guests were to go out the barn to the food trucks for the delicious entrees and ice cream desserts. Talking about an avant-garde touch and a great leveler for all the guests, this was definitely a cutting edge experience. But as the mother of the bride said, “that’s Mehgan!” What a savoir faire that was fun and unique! Two weeks later, back in Modesto, the entire church celebrated with the blessed couple at a second reception held at the Doubletree Hotel. The couple will make their home in Louisiana and congregate with Pastor Nathan Thorton of Living Way Apostolic Church in West Monroe. May our Lord Jesus Christ richly bless the new Brother and Sister Fairbanks, and from all of us at Revival Center: “We’re gonna’ miss you Mehgan. All our love for both of you!”
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The Missionary Journeys of Brother Uday Narayan Part II
INDIA
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THE NEWSVINE OPENS A DOOR
t all started with a Newsvine magazine back in March, 1993. Fijian brethren had given a Trinitarian pastor, Reverend G. Satyam of South Central India, our church magazine with the testimony of our Resident Missionary Uday Narayan. Upon reading the testimony, Reverend Satyam, who, at the time, oversaw 17 churches with approximately 1200 members, had read Brother Narayan’s testimony and that of Brother Kumar from Fiji and was anxious to meet Brother Narayan. At first, Brother Narayan was hesitant because he had never been to India before and knew there would be a communication problem as there are 14 major languages spoken in India as well as more than 1,000 minor languages and dialects. India is also the 7th largest country in area in the world and the second largest in population. It is dangerous to travel in India because poverty has created a high crime rate due to the desperate plight of the people. Brother Narayan and Pastor Keyes prayed that God would make a way. Brother Narayan came into contact with Brother Raj Kumar from the Turlock church and discovered he was planning to take a trip to India with his mother. The area they were going was very close to where Brother Narayan was asked to visit by Brother Satyam. This was no mere coincidence. Brother Narayan was very excited for now he had traveling companions who knew the area and spoke the dialect. Praise God! The Lord knew Brother Narayan’s concerns, and He made a way.
MET BY AN ANGEL!
On January 29, 1994, Brother Uday Narayan, after flying from San Francisco to Hong Kong then onto Singapore, arrived in Madras, India. The trip took 36 hours! A very exhausted Brother Narayan and his traveling companions were the last ones off the packed airplane. He estimates there were 400 people on board the jumbo jet. They were immediately met by a young man who said, “I’ll carry your bags for you.” Brother Narayan had been warned not to trust anyone. But, because he was so tired, he did not care and agreed. As Brother Narayan stepped from the plane, his first sight of India was that of thousands of people sleeping in the streets. Just beyond the cyclone fences and barriers, he could see everywhere there were little shelters made of cardboard and coconut tree leaves. Some of the huts were covered with clear plastic. The “houses” were so small that a person could not stand up in them. There, the people would cook their meals and sleep. It greatly saddened Brother Narayan’s heart when he realized that many of the children were born on the streets and
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would die on the streets, never having decent clothes or a place to live. The stench in the hot air was strong as these people had no sanitary facilities. Brother Narayan followed the young man who carried his luggage to the immigration office in the airport. He groaned to himself when he saw three lines with 100 to 200 weary travelers in each line. After 36 hours, he was anxious to rest. The young man said, “I will take you through. Give me your passport and your immigration form.” Again, Brother Narayan hesitated, not wanting to give his passport to a stranger. But he was so exhausted, he handed over his passport. He was surprised when the young man took them all the way to the front. They were only 10 yards away from the immigration office. The young man took the passport and gave it to the immigration officer who inquired who they were. The young man said something, the officer glanced quickly at Brother Narayan, and then stamped the passport. This surprised Brother Narayan as this is very rare. Immigration usually talks with the person first, asking them questions. As Brother Narayan and his traveling companions left the immigration area, the people standing in line stared at them, wondering who they were. They then had to go to customs to pick up their baggage. They had brought eight large pieces of luggage. Brother Narayan’s friend had filled his suitcases with cameras, watches, telephones, and gold to sell to help defray the expenses of the trip. When they were on the plane, they received a flyer stating if they brought in over about $200 worth of goods, they would have to pay a duty. They had prayed before landing that God would see them through, that the customs agents would not open their bags. If they were caught with these items, they would have to pay an expensive duty. They carried their heavy suitcases to the customs office. Everyone’s luggage who went through the line was opened and checked. Brother Narayan was nervous as the relationship between India and the United States was not good at the time, so it would take a miracle if their bags were not checked. When they finally arrived in front of the customs officer, he did not open the luggage, but instead told them to go on through. Brother Narayan was grateful to the young man who helped them though the airport. After he was tipped, he seemed to disappear, and if he was not an angel, Brother Narayan really feels that he was sent from God to do all the talking for them. This was one of the first miracles for them in India...but not the last. From the airport, they went to a motel that a friend of Raj Kumar had ready for them. They rested and the next day Brother Narayan met with the UPC District Presbyter to discuss the reasons why he came. At 4:00 p.m., he left in the train to take
a one hour journey to Guntar. It was a long ride which even seemed longer because it was hot and there was no air conditioning. The train was packed with a massive number of people.
AT LAST!
Upon arriving in Guntar, Brother Narayan had sent a telegram to G. Satyam. When Brother Narayan disembarked from the train, he was greeted by Pastor Satyam and members of his congregation. They placed leis of flowers over his head AN ENCOUNTER WITH TWO DOCTORS and embraced him. For Pastor Satyam, Brother Narayan was When Brother Narayan arrived in Guntar, he was received an answer to his prayers. He came with another man to interby Raj Kumar’s family at the train station. The station was pret for them. They made plans for a crusade. They decided filled with thousands of people who lived there. The smell to hold two 2-day crusades in two different places. They made was overwhelming because of the poor sanitary conditions. flyers and rented everything they would need - tents, chairs, One of the people who met them was a doctor who was an sound systems, etc. They asked the UPC in India to provide acquaintance of Raj Kumar. He put Brother Narayan’s lug- an interpreter, but all of their interpreters were busy. Brother gage in his very nice van and invited Brother Narayan to stay Narayan was approached by a man who interprets for many in his house. This doctor was a very rich man who owned the of the various ministers who come to India, but Brother Nahospital where he practiced. It was the best of the medical- rayan did not want to use him because he was not a Christian. surgical hospitals in the area. This man was well known in the It seemed all the doors had closed. The next day the crusade city. Brother Narayan thanks God for this doctor. He treated would begin and there was no interpreter. That night Brother Narayan asked the people to pray and told them that God Brother Narayan very well, “like royalty.” The next day, Brother Narayan was awakened by the shouts would provide someone to interpret for them. He went to bed of people selling vegetables in the streets and the sounds very disappointed. At 1:00 a.m., he was awakened by a sharp knock at his door. of people praying in the nearby mosque. The doctor drove Brother Narayan to see his hospital. When they arrived, they There stood a man who was a Jesus’ name preacher. Brother were met by a young female doctor who wanted a ride to go Matthew Cherian who just moved his family to our chuch had to church. She mentioned that she had barely started going contacted this man and told him that Brother Narayan would to church. They talked for a short time, and Brother Narayan be in India on this date. God had sent this man on just the right asked to talk to her after she returned, since he could discern day as he became Brother Narayan’s preaching interpreter for the four days of the crusade. Brother Narayan was very gratethat she had a hungry heart. That afternoon, Brother Narayan went to see the lady doctor. ful to Brother Matthew for writing to his man. “It seems from She had a very touching testimony. People have to pay a very the very first day that God had ordained everything. He had high price to be a Christian in India. He discussed doctrine already appointed people to work with me every step of the and gave her a complete Bible study on oneness and Jesus’ say. God had people ready for the work to be done.” Now name baptism. On Sunday morning, she came and wanted to Brother Narayan was ready to preach to Brother Satyam and be baptized, but circumstances prevented her. Brother Naray- his congregations the true Gospel! an prayed that God would make a way for her to be baptized as well. -TO BE CONTINUED IN OUR SPRING ISSUE-
Brother Uday Narayan visiting a village in India.
Brother Narayan being greeted by Reverend Satyam. FALL/WINTER NEWSVINE 2017 15
Christmas Events
Revival Center Reaches Out
Second Harvest Food Distribution
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evival Center hosted a Second Harvest food truck food distribution prior to Thanksgiving and Christmas for families in the area. Bags of fresh food items were handed out to more than 400 families. Thank you, Brother Matt Aguirre, for coordinating this event at our church for Second Harvest Food Bank, and to all who were involved. If you would like to assist during the next food distribution at Revival Center, please contact Brother Matt.
Also if you would like to make a donation, volunteer your time or if you need assistance, you may contact Second Harvest at localfoodbank.org.
“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me. Matthew 25:35 (ESV)
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Toy Giveaway Led by Sidewalk Ministries
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idewalk Ministries brought smiles to over 60 children at Butler’s Camp this Christmas with their first annual toy drive. Coordinated and organized devotedly by Outreach Director Leonard Alvarez, the kids were all excited and cheered as they saw the outreach team arrive with presents for all of them! The children and their parents were very thankful and amazed to have received such blessings from everyone who donated at Revival Center. Through outreach, six souls from this trailer park have been baptized in the name of Jesus and have received the Holy Ghost. May God do a mighty work at Butler’s Camp! God bless Sidewalk Ministries!
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Revival Center Celebrates
The Thrill of Hope - Christmas Concert
Redemption’s Story
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can only imagine the thrill of hope that the shepherds felt when they looked upon the face of their longawaited Messiah. It’s the same joy that people feel when they embrace their Savior for the first time at the altar with hands raised, tears streaming, and praise flowing. Thank you, music department, for bringing to us that same joy, the joy of redemption.
MaKayla Johnson and newly married Mehgan Fairbanks surprise their parents with a duet of “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.”
The Ensembles sings “Joy to the World.”
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Joyce Jones, Kiah Williams, and Nicole Evans sing an old Christmas favorite.
The Christmas Season!
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
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Jesus Christ, the Light of the World
n Christmas Eve, the church gathered for our annual candlelight service. Pastor Johnson’s sermon was titled, “Arise and Shine!” His text was James 1:17, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” He reminded us that all the good things in our lives are from God, and we need to always be thankful. After the preaching, all lit candles symbolizing Christ’s light in the world. Let His light shine brightly! FALL/WINTER NEWSVINE 2017 19
More Christmas Celebrations
Senior Banquet
Who Said Seniors Are Too Old to Have Fun?
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ried and True Ministries, led by Paul and Jenifer Winter, were joined by Jeremiah and Nancy Williams in hosting this year’s senior banquet at the church. Starting with a mouth-watering potluck ranging from Black-eyes Peas to fried chicken, there was something for everyone--and the desserts! A highlight of the eve20 FALL/WINTER NEWSVINE 2017
ning was the white elephant gift exchange. It was great fun to watch everyone’s faces as they opened their gift only to find a tape measurer or watch as a carefully hidden prized gift was stolen. Oh dear! A huge thanks to the Winters and Williams! Can’t wait to do it again!
At Revival Center
Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest
Ugly Sweaters and Hot Apple Cider Who would have ever guessed that ugly sweaters and apple cider go together for a great time of fellowship? FALL/WINTER NEWSVINE 2017 21
The Newsvine
REVIVAL CENTER
United Pentecostal Church of Modesto 825 7th street Modesto, CA 95354
LIFE GROUP FOCUS NEW MEMBER LIFE GROUP
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t’s easy to get lost in a large church. It’s amazingly easy to actually feel alone even when you are surrounded by pews of fellow Christians. In order to make stronger connections with our current members and to help those who are new to our church feel a part of our church family, Pastor Johnson and Student Pastor Jon Quinones have initiated Life Groups. These are smaller groups within the church which link members together with others in our congregation with similar interests such as community service, Bible studies, baking, and even motorcycling. In this issue we are focusing on the New Member Life Group led by Sister Carol Castillo and Brother Chris Harris. After church on Sunday nights, the New Member Life Group sponsors a Visitor Hospitality in which Sister Barb Seah and Assistant Pastor Dana Le
Blanc also assist. Visitors are encouraged to meet in the youth chapel for light refreshments and a time of fellowship. “Our goal,” says Sister Castillo, “is to provide a welcoming environment for visitors to enjoy refreshments and get acquainted with the freedom to ask questions about the church. In December, Newsvine editors Leo and Virginia Aguilera joined Sister Barbara Seah at one of those meet and greets. (Photos from left) Sister Virginia and Sister Seah enjoy some donuts with Donna, Sheila and Bobby, and Evadina; Nola hugs Bella, her great niece; and Sister Seah fellowships with Cynthia and little Liliana. If you are not part of a Life Group, join us at the next kick off and get involved. We need and want you!