THE NEWSVINE “Every page an altar to His works!”
SUMMER 2022 REVIVAL CHURCH UNITED PENTECOSTAL CHURCH
What’s in a Name? Our Church Undergoes a Name Change
825 7th Street, Modesto, CA 95354 Business Phone: 209-522-5365
email us at thenewsvine@gmail.com google us at: the newsvine or follow us on: issuu.com/thenewsvine EDITORS ASST EDITOR MULTIMEDIA BUSINESS LIAISON CHURCH LIAISON GRAPHIC DESIGN PHOTOGRAPHERS CREATIVE TEAM COLUMNISTS YOUTH REPORTER MAILINGS DISTRIBUTION
LEO AGUILERA VIRGINIA AGUILERA
Tim Warren Charlene Wilson Lindsay Castro Leo & Virginia Aguilera Leo Aguilera, Gabriel Chavoya & Creative Team Tim Warren, Joshua Aguilera, Autumn Amador, Alexis Diaz, Jocelyn Powell Carol Castillo Alexis Diaz Virginia Aguilera Norbert Feliciano
CHURCH STAFF PASTOR H. TODD JOHNSON BISHOP RANDY G. KEYES
ADMINISTRATIVE PASTOR - JONATHAN QUINONES YOUTH PASTOR - JOSHUA AGUILERA
PULPIT STAFF MINISTERS Dana Le’Blanc Uday Narayan CHURCH SECRETARY RESIDENT MISSIONARIES K.R.E.W. KID’S MINISTRY PRAYER MINISTRIES MUSIC MINISTRY WORLD MISSIONS LIGHTING, GRAPHIC ARTS WORLD MISSIONS LIFE GROUPS PUBLIC RELATIONS APOSTOLIC MAN MINISTRY B.U.F.F.(MEN 50+) HYPHEN (YOUNG ADULTS) THRIVE (YOUNG MARRIEDS) SPANISH SERVICES NURSING HOME MINISTRY BIBLE QUIZZING GROWTH TRACK
Jerry Powell Jonathan Quinones Jeremiah Williams Charlene Wilson Uday Narayan, Xenn Seah Sujay Diaz, Mary Aguirre Charles & Joyce Bispo Kellee Hopper, Matt Aguirre Nancy Holston, Tim Montes Jerry & Andrea Powell MaKayla Johnson Jerry & Andrea Powell Jonathan Quinones Jeremiah Williams Alex Diaz Herb Jenkins Chris & Lindsay Castro Ethan & Suzanne DeMoss Antonio Gutierrez Joyce Jones Sujay Diaz Dana Le’ Blanc
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hen William Shakespeare had Juliet say, “What’s in a name?” he downplayed the significance the power of a name can possess. Recently, Pastor Johnson felt a strong conviction to change our church’s name because REVIVAL CENTER may be confusing to secular, potential converts who might not understand we are a church. The word “center” could take on many meanings, and a passing motorist might dismiss any interest in a large building with an obscure name. There was also the problem of the signs on our present church building. They were dated, not large enough to read, and placement needed to be reconsidered. Our building sorely needs to “pop” to be recognized, and at the same time with good taste. This editor was recently speaking to a pastor of one of our larger congregations in the city. The pastor could not recall our building, though he remembered the closed Salvation Army building across the street from us. Another person, a land developer and building contractor, asked me where our church building was located. I told him the
SERVICE TIMES
SUNDAY - 9:00 a.m. 10:15 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. MONDAY - 7:00 p.m. WEDNESDAY - 7:00 p.m. THURSDAY - 7:30 p.m. FRIDAY - 7:00 p.m. SATURDAY - 10:00 a.m.
Spanish/English Service - Chapel Pre-service Prayer Morning Service - Sanctuary, KREW Growth Track - Chapel All-Church Prayer Mid-Week Service, KREW Spanish Service Revive Yth (Youth Service) Saturday Morning Outreach
THE NEWSVINE is published quarterly by Revival Church 95354-3414. Any submitted articles to The Newsvine are subject to pastor’s approval and editing by The Newsvine staff.
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Editors Leo and Virginia Aguilera
TRUE CHRISTIANS ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD corner of 7th and I, and he could not picture our building, though he exited Modesto’s downtown by taking I Street out to Highway 99 almost everyday. The good news is Pastor Johnson is in the preplanning phase of redesigning our signs and where they will be placed. As Jesus said in Matthew, chapter 5: 14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
This is our sanctuary building as it stands today. From this direction, thousands of vehicles enter Modesto from Highway 99 on I Street. A small sign, barely visible to the left, is hidden behind trees and poles.
Part of our mission is to build churches that become the spiritual centers of our towns and cities. To have an ideal location is not enough. Proper recognition is key in having guests locate where we Christians are. Our pastor is motivated to eliminate any second-guessing what our sanctuary is and where it is. In the coming months, our building will continue to be renovated with new bathrooms and Sunday school classes added. AND the exterior will have proper signs that will be essential for welcoming our guests and potential converts. MARANATHA, the Lord Cometh! Editor Leo Aguilera
This is a rendition of a custom raised letter sign announcing our church and logo. Cut and painted with a spot light at night can be temporary until the replacement of more costly neon letters and logo. Placement of this sign in other corners of the building would be at the discretion of our pastor. This type of sign can make all the difference! SUMMER NEWSVINE 2022 • 3
FRONT COVER REPORT Paul Pamer’s Landmark message “The Mantle and the Miraculous” https://youtu.be/SQYWPbjcQ_0?t=2525
Pastor Paul Pamer prays for a transferring of Apostolic anointing from the older generation.
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here is a transition that is happening in the Spirit of God that is in this church, that is happening right now,” declared Paul Pamer, pastor of Apostolic Church in Barberton, Ohio, whcn he preached at Revival Church in June. Using 2 Kings, chapter 2 as his text, he compared the transitioning of the ministry of the prophet Elijah to Elisha. After having all those who were ages 12-40 stand he said, “The power of Apostolic anointing is falling on this generation,” He went on to say, “What is going on in this church for generations has transfered now to you. That same anointing that was on the generations in the past is now resting upon you.” He told how Elijah at the end of his life traveled to three cities: Bethel, Jericho, and Jordon. These three key cities represent an altar, worship, and the Spirit. Speaking to the older generation, Brother Pamer said, “You are showing the next generation this is what an altar looks like, this is what worship looks like, this is what the Spirit looks like.” 4 SUMMER NEWSVINE 2022 •
The passing of Elijah’s mantle to Elisha was a very dramatic moment. As Elijah was being caught away, his mantle fell to the ground, and Elisha picked it up. To illustrate his point, Brother Pamer used Ethan DeMoss and Noah Wells. The mantle of Elijah fit him, just as Ethan’s jacket fit him. But when Elisha put on the mantle, it did not fit him the same, just as Ethan’s jacket did not fit perfectly on Noah. He went on to say, that if this Apostolic heritage was good enough for the previous generation, it is perfect for us. “It doesn’t matter what the world thinks about how you look with that anointing, or how you look when you shout before God, and when you pray. What God has given us is a great anointing, and it can’t be changed!” He finished his sermon with Elisha’s striking Elijah’s mantle on the waters of the Jordan River and crying out, “Where is the LORD, the God of Elijah.” Elisha had the mantle, the anointing, but he also wanted the miraculous, a double portion. “We must have the prophetic. We must have the gifts of the Spirit!”
Brooke Pamer with Kim Johnson
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A Weekend of Spiritual Healing With David & Juli Martinez
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A Practical Application of Scripture
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t is impossible to put into words the impact of the ministry of David and Juli Martinez. In addition to pastoring Vida Church and Iglesia Vida churches in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Julie is the Executive Director and David is the Clinical Director and Lead Therapist for the Home Community Collective, which offers adult classes in a multitude of classes including anger management and drug and alcohol recovery classes. They work with a variety of local and state agencies. Over the course of three days, this godly couple
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powerfully intertwined scriptures to teach important life principles. Their topics included: “The Idolatry of Entitlement”(https://youtu.be/LHs9dLKacIw), “What Are You Thinking?” (https://youtu.be/boVsgSZ1UWY), and “What Needs to Change?” (https://youtu. be/sJxOW8O8bVU). They also ministered in a double session on that Monday night (https://youtu. be/6BNsXvwA_tA). If you have been struggling in your personal life or know someone who has, you owe it to yourself to listen to these sessions and let the Holy Ghost minister healing to your soul.
What would I like to see different about my life? What makes me think I need to change? What will happen if I don’t change? Where do I want to be in 6 to 12 months?
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Questions from “What Needs to Change?” SUMMER NEWSVINE 2022 • 7
Bishop Randy G. Keyes
“The Fight of Your Life” https://youtu.be/NORIy_A-zQ0
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hat a treat to have Bishop Keyes preach for us during a March Sunday morning service. He still preached with the same fervor as he did while he was pastoring here at Revival Center. Using the third verse of Jude, he exhorted the church to “earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” He said our prayer and worship is patterned about the church in Acts. “The Book of Acts,” he said, “is the illustration of the faith that was once delivered to the church.” It is the doctrine of Acts 2:38, but it also how we
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exuberantly worship--clapping, dancing, lifting our hands, running the aisle--and fervently praying. “It’s time for the church to rise up,” he said, “and say, ‘Devil, you’re not going to steal our faith.’ This was given to us from Jesus Christ through the apostles, and we’re not going to let go of it!” “Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” - Jude 3 (KJV)
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He is Risen! • Easter Sunday 2022 •
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Admin. Pastor Jon Quinones introduces our KREW kids choir. Lauren Williams exhorts the church to worship.
Our RC Choir celebrates Christ’s resurrection.
Spanish Easter service
Thank you, Blooms, for beautiful floral arrangements!
An Easter baptism!
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It’s a Conspiracy!
aster Sunday was an amazing service. The day kicked off with our Spanish service at 9:00 in the youth chapel. When the main service began at 10:30, the church was packed and ready to celebrate the resurrection of our Savior. Our KREW kids, ages 5 to 11 opened the service. What a blessing to see our children singing and worshiping God! Next up to minister in song were our choir and ensemble. The congregation stood to their feet as they sang, “He Got Up!” Then our fired-up pastor came to the pulpit. Using Matthew 28:11, his title was “It’s a Conspiracy.” He described how Christ’s resurrection was hidden by bribing the Roman soldiers guarding the empty tomb. They were told to spread the rumor that Jesus’ disciples stole
His body while the soldiers were asleep. Many, sadly, believed the lie. “How quickly people will believe a lie when the truth is so obvious,” said Pastor Johnson. Lies that say problems are permanent and there is no hope. He went on to say that Jesus has conquered death, hell, and the grave, and that people do not have to believe a lie. “Jesus is alive,” said Pastor Johnson, “and He has a purpose, and He has a better way! At the conclusion of the preaching, he opened up the altar, and it quickly filled. How blessed we are to not believe in conspiracy theories, but to have faith in the one true God. Because He died and resurrected, we have new life in Him. What a reason to celebrate!
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Happy Birthday, Pastor Johnson! We a
ll love
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you!
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Emergency Medical Team Introduced!
ith a church of our size, it is not unexpected to have an occasional medical emergency. It is the goal of Revival Church to always be prepared. We are blessed to have a large number of skilled members who can quickly assess and assist in case of a health emergency. This highly trained team is led by RN Alyssa Suarez and includes RNs, LVNs, and a retired Modesto City fire department captain. During a recent service in April, Pastor Johnson had the team come up and asked Sister Suarez to provide directions to the church regarding members’ roles during an emergency. She directed that if you or someone near you appears to be having an emergency medical issue, inform a nearby emergency medical team member or an usher right away. Please stay in your seat if there is someone having a health emergency and allow team members to assist the person in crisis. This provides the individual with privacy and unhindered assistance. Members are encouraged to pray, again in their seats, unless directed
to provide space for the team to minister. Thank you, team, for providing such an importance service to our church. Our emergency medical team is made up of the following members: Herb Jenkins - EMT/first responder Susan Ybarra - neuro/RN Andrea Powell - CPR/RN Leah Manangat - ICU/RN Cathy Winchester - cardiac/RN Barb Seah - RT Ashley Amador - peds/RN (not pictured) Mariela Walls - peds/RN Grace Roshan - med/peds/LVN Alyssa Suarez - cardiac/RN Naomi Alvarez-Singh - radiology/LVN Esther Amador - cardiac/RN SUMMER NEWSVINE 2022 • 13
Dear Friends,
News from India
Greetings from Mumbai! I hope this email finds you well and in good spirits. It's my joy to bring this ministry report to you. In February, we celebrated our Mumbai church's 25th anniversary. It was a memorable day for us as we looked back to where it all started. 1 Samuel 7:12, "Thus far the Lord has helped us," was our theme verse. Through plenty of ups and downs, the Lord kept us steady and brought us thus far. I cannot thank Him enough! Our three village churches also celebrated anniversaries. So it's been a month of thankfulness and gratitude to God and faithful saints like you, who have been sacrificially giving to the work of God in India and impacting souls for eternity! We also had a convention at the orphanage chapel hall with over 200 people in attendance. People were saved by the power of God, and we had above 20 baptisms in February in the city and village churches. Prayers are needed for rising cases of persecution in various parts of India as new anti-conversion bills are being introduced in new states. We are safe here in Mumbai, and God is working through the church, bringing lost souls into the fellowship of His Holy Spirit. We had a blessed Good Friday service and, as we prepared for the Resurrection service, I prayed that the Risen Lord would shine through your lives and the church, as we look forward to His second coming. God bless you all abundantly! Happy Resurrection Day... He is risen, indeed! Hallelujah! Yours in His service, Chacko Thomas
Mumbai church celebrates their 25 year anniversary.
(Above, below, and on opposite page) Celebrations and 20 baptisms took place in the city and village churches.
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More than 200 attend convention held in the orphanage chapel.
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Innovative Technology Reaches Beyond the Church Walls Ministry Focus: It has been said that “Necessity is the mother of invention.” This well-known proverb was definitely applicable to our church during the shutdowns of the pandemic. What a blessing to be able to watch services online when we were not allowed to meet in person in our state. It must have been a prompting of the Holy Ghost that, prior to the pandemic, our church had already seen the opportunity of streaming our services and creating a social media
presence on the Internet. Even before streaming, our church has been working for years improving the lighting and sound for our services which has contributed greatly to our efforts. Do we have professionals running our technology? No. We have a highly motivated, faithful team of young people who, thankfully, are not afraid of delving into unfamiliar technology and software. In this issue, we salute these young people for their hours of sacrifice and commitment.
Creative Team Our Creative Team is responsible for our RC social media postings. It is headed by Tim Warren (left) and assisted by Autumn Amador, Alexis Diaz, and Jocelyn Powell. They do an outstanding job of keeping our members informed of upcoming events and in documenting services with engaging photos and video clips. Pictured right: Team member Andre Mazon focuses in to capture just the right moment during a recent revival service.
Media Ministries Media Ministries, led by MaKayla Johnson (right), is responsible for platform lighting and for all media/graphics posting on the sanctuary screens including media/graphics screen announcements, song lyrics, bible verses, and sermon titles. Her team includes: Zoe Warren, Alyssa Moran, Brandon Fletcher, DeVina Aguirre, Kiah Jones-Williams, Alex Diaz, Mariela Walls, Nayeli Burciaga, and Noah Wells. (Below from left) Alexis Moran, Andre Mazon, and Tim Warren and Tim Montes and our talented musicians.
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Jayden Montes Br
an don Fletc h er
Alexis Diaz Livestreaming Team Our Livestreaming Team, led by Josh and Jeannette Aguilera, works hard during all of our services, both English and Spanish, to stream our services on both Facebook and YouTube.
Camera Operators: Eleanor Lira, Alexis Diaz, Na-
Julian Salazar
talie Diaz, Caitlyn Diaz, Julian Salazar, Russ Campabell, Jayne Campbell, Brandon Fletcher, Jeannette Aguilera, Joshua Aguilera, Michael Barnett, Jayden Montes, Ashlyn Gregory, Jeriann Montes, Adrianne Chavez, Taryn Chavez, Jessica D’Aguino, and Timmy Warren
Audio Mixing:
(partnered with Tim Montes) Aaron Amador and Ethan Hunt
Josh & Jeannette Aguilera livestreaming
Music Ministry Our Music Ministry led by Tim Montes, Nancy Holston, Kelly Hopper, and Matt Aguirre, has many responsibilities. In addition to overseeing singers and musicians, they also are in charge of the sound for services including the sound for our livestreaming. Below, Brianna Harris and Prenesh Narayan work the soundboards, and Music Ministry leaders: Nancy Holston, Kellee Hopper, and Matt Aguirre. (Tim Montes on prior page).
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April Volunteer of the Month
Sujey Diaz
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Revival Church thanks you for all you do for our children, whether it is in overseeing KREW kids ministry, Bible Quizzing, or all the many other things you do. You are an amazing volunteer!
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KREW & Bible Quizzing Fun Day
Holy Ghost Explosion in KREW!
25 Children Filled or Renewed in the Holy Ghost!
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LANDON GORE
“Beggars Can Be Choosers” https://youtu.be/-mIEvPfNl7k
“I stopped cursing the valleys that got me closer to God.”
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Something has to break!
blind man cries out. A beggar’s coat is dropped. An act of desperation causes the Savior to stop and take notice. In his retelling of the healing of blind Bartimaeus, Evangelist Landon Gore, skillfully intertwines this familiar story with the lives of his audience. He spoke of Bartemaeus’ hopeless plight and compared it to those who feel they are at rock bottom. He said, “Even when you are at your bottom, you still have more than your adversary has...You have a second chance...You have the ability to rise again, to shake yourself off, you have the ability to choose.” He went on to say that heaven will interrupt your life, and you will have to make a choice. Although Jesus is the same, yesterday, and forever, “our opportunities are fluid.” Jesus stands still and waits to allow you to choose whether you will get up out of your situation or not. “There will be people who are in the vicinity of their victory... in transition, but the old identify will never come off while you are holding onto your cup of limitations.” He challenged us make a choice to allow God to break our expectations and the limits we have placed on ourselves. “What if God wants to overflow your cup,”
he said, “and what if God wants to do exceedingly, abundantly, and what if God is asking you to choose something you’ve never seen before.” Something has to break he said. The altar call filled quickly with souls who wanted to be filled with the Spirit of God. After having the entire church repent, he had everyone pray to either be filled or refilled with the Holy Ghost. With hands raised and tears streaming, many spoke in tongues for the first time and many were renewed. What a service! We give God great praise for all He has done!
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Mother’s Day
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Life
Groups
GAME NIGHT
GAME NIGHT WAS FUN! A great time was had at Game Night at the home of John and Amy Rodriguez. It was a boisterous time of board games, food, and fellowship. Thank you to the Rodriguez family for opening your beautiful home once a month for a much-needed night of laughter and out and out fun!
MATURE LADIES LUNCHEON
LOVE THOSE LADIES! It was another wonderful time of fellowship with the Mature Ladies life group led by Joyce Jones. Over Strings delicious Italian food, members had the opportunity to just relish each other’s company...and satisfy their craving for pasta. If you are a lady at least 50 years of age, come join the group at next month’s fellowship luncheon. Contact Sister Jones for the date and location. Hope to see you there! 24 SUMMER NEWSVINE 2022 •
SCRIPTURES & SCHOLARS
LOVE THE WORD! Former high school English teacher and Newsvine editor, Leo Aguilera, imparts his knowledge of the bible each month at the home of at his and his wife, Virginia’s home.
BUFF FELLOWSHIP
BUFF MEN MEET - Each month our BUFF men, led by Herb Jenkins, meet for a time of food and fellowship. This very important life group led by Herb Jenkins do projects during the year for our elders and single mothers. God bless these men for their faithful service and godly example. (Above) Pictures from the BUFF fellowship at Donnie and Charlene Wilson’s house. (Below) Pictures from the June BUFF fellowship at the home of Leo and Virginia Aguilera. A special thanks to Ed Beneker (below in apron) who helped his brother-in law, Leo, prepare the meal - especially for his amazing pasta!
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Acts 2:42 (NIV)
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High School Graduates
Ashton D’Aquino
Thomas Downey High School Career Goal: Business Owner
Michael Barnett El Capitan High School Career Plans: US Navy
Jayne Campbell
Bethel Christian Academy College Plans: MJC, CSU Major: Kinesiology Career Goal: Physical Therapist
“Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.” Gianna Rodriguez
Enochs High School College Plans: MJC, transfer to CSUS to earn International Business Degree Career Goal: Hospitality Management 26 SUMMER NEWSVINE 2022 •
Ariana Rojas
Grace Davis High School College Plans: MJC, then transfer to 4-yr university to earn BSN Major: Nursing Career Goal: Neonatal/NICU Nurse (photo by Andre Mazon)
Proverbs 19:20 (ESV)
College Graduates
Taryn Chavez
California State University, Stanislaus Degree: BS in Biological Sciences Concentration: Cellular, Molecular, and Microbial Biology Career Goal: Clinical lab scientist
Alyssa Suarez
Western Governors’ University Degree: Masters in Nursing Education Career: RN at Doctor’s Medical Center & Instructor of Nursing at MJC
“May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.” Psalm 20:4 (NIV)
Joshua Williams
Grand Canyon University Degree: M.ED in Special Education Present Career: Special Education teacher (Pictured with wife Kiah and daughter Lauren) SUMMER NEWSVINE 2022 • 27
Brianna Harris
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ay’s Volunteer of the Month was Brianna Harris. Pastor Johnson praised her for her diligence in serving. “She has a good spirit and a spirit to serve,” he said. He commented how many times she has her baby in one arm and a sound controller in the other. “She’s never complained,” he said. “She’s always working. Turning to Brianna, he said, “You make this church great. We congratulate Brianna and thank her for all her hours of dedicated service to Revival Church. 28 SUMMER NEWSVINE 2022 •
GIVE GOD 12 BIBLE STUDY LUNCHEON LADIES’ BIBLE STUDY KICKOFF In April, a group of our ladies (top left) who attended Stockton CLC’s “Give God 12,” kicked off the same program at RC with a luncheon. There were several speakers, including Gracie Delgadillo, who testified and praised the impact of this weekly bible study. As the name indicates, this bible study program meets Sundays for 12 weeks at 5:00 p.m. at the church. All ladies at least 18 years old (no childcare provided) are encouraged to participate, even if you cannot attend all weekly meetings. The Give God 12 bible study plan, created by Kim Haney, pastor’s wife of Christian Life Center, has several components: 1) daily scripture reading 2) personal prayer at least 30 minutes daily
3) viewing weekly preaching videos 4) a personal weekly fast day 5) cutting out worldly influences such as social media, videos, and such that take our focus and time away from our relationship with God. The first session at our church took place on Sunday, May 15, and the ladies were split up into discussion groups, with an emphasis on putting together people who may not already know each other. The purpose of this is to create new friendships and stronger connections among the ladies of our church. Thank you to the team who is bringing this outstanding program to our church: Hilda Rochester, Barb Seah, Gracie Delgadillo, Joyce Jones, Angela Warren, and Jeannie Lozada (pictured below, left).
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Gifted RC Speakers
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t Revival Church, we are blessed with many members who are anointed speakers, teachers, and preachers who challenge and inspire us. On this page, we have included some of those who have recently ministered. Check out recordings of all of our services on Facebook and Youtube under Revival Church Modesto.
Nicole Evans “Consistancy, What I’m Learning” https://youtu.be/TYbml1brCw0
Nancy Holston “Rewrite the Soundtrack” https://youtu.be/EvTuqVty4vE?t=33
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Alex Diaz “Outer Court vs Inner Court” https://youtu.be/N54g8xu5yeg
Administrative Pastor Jon Quinones “But Wait, There is More” https://youtu.be/gr0guVtMkzE
Dana Le’Blanc “Beware of Revival” https://youtu.be/ljuQfD fcuXw
Matt Aguirre “The Power of One Encounter” https://youtu.be/AcuLp3duXzo
Jeremiah William s “The Power of a R emnant” https://youtu.be/oR q-DFF1MDk?t=2
Josh Aguilera Youth Pastor “Grave Robber” https://youtu.be/tX5DgcEHvgE?t=1174 David Amador “Momento” https://youtu.be/IXpfMqM2jOY SUMMER NEWSVINE 2022 • 31
RC Español Pastor Antonio Gutierrez
“Si El Con Nosotros” https://youtu.be/OuPksiaP0XM
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Acompáñenos cada Domingo a las 9am & Jueves a las 7pm. ¡Nos encantarÍa verte a tÍ y a tu familia esta semana!
Mark Fletcher
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ark Fletcher, a long time member of our church, was recognized by Pastor Johnson as our June Volunteer of the Month. Mark comes early and stays late, never complaining. If the pastor and his wife have a counseling session, he makes sure the air conditioning is working and the church is locked up afterwards. “Many nights when it’s late and many of you have gone home, he walks us to the car,” Pastor Johnson said. “He makes sure the parking lot is secure and that everyone is safe.” Mark has been a dedicated usher for many years, and was one of the faithful men who drove the church vans to pick up children for Sunday School each week. Congratulations to Brother Fletcher, one of the greatest volunteers in our church! SUMMER NEWSVINE 2022 • 33
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Baby Dedication
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“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” - Proverbs 22:6 (NIV)
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Memorial Day Church Picnic
Thank you Amy Rodriguez (left) and ladies for serving us a wonderful potluck lunch of chicken and all the sides.
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Pictured from top left: Emcee Jeremiah Williams thanks this year’s church picnic leaders, Amy and John Rodriguez; Administrative Pastor Jon Quinones applauds our veterans.
Pictured above: We honored our veterans by having each one introduce himself. We also invited those who have a family member who either are serving or have served in the military to mention their loved one.
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Memorial DayMore! Church Picnic
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Flag attribution: <a href="https://www.freepik.com/photos/america-flag">America flag photo created by jannoon028 - www.freepik.com</a>
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Pentecost Sunday
HAVE YOU RECEIVED THE HOLY GHOST SINCE YOU BELIEVED? If you haven’t, it’s a gift for you! It was first poured out on the Day of Pentecost, the birthday of the church. Jesus, before ascending to heaven, promised His followers they would receive power when they received the Holy Ghost (Acts 1:8). As 120 people, including the disciples and Mary (the mother of Jesus) prayed, a sound from heaven like
a mighty wind filled the room, over each of their heads there appeared something like flames of fire, and all of them were filled with the Holy Ghost, speaking in languages they had never learned! Amazing! Check out God’s word to discover for yourself how this gift will benefit your life or better yet, come visit us and experience it for yourself!
Our RC choir opens in spirited worship led by Nicole Evans; A powerful time of prayer and worship!
Hungry hearts at the altar; Pastor Johnson and Jeremiah Williams welcome Modesto Councilman Mani Grewal.
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Our Bible Quizzers Are Going to Nationals!
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ongratulations to our Bible quizzers who will be going to Branson, Missouri, to compete in Nationals this July. Qualifying in the beginners division are Naomi Salazar and Logan D’Aquino. We are especially proud of Naomi who was voted by all of the coaches as the Western District Quizzer of the Year! Our junior team of Lauren Williams and Addy Suarez who placed fourth in the Western District Finals
will be joining them. Pictured above: Pastor Johnson poses with quizzers Addy Suarez, Lauren Williams, Naomi Salazar, and Logan DaQuino. We commend our quizzers and their coaches and parents who support them. Thank you, Sujey Diaz, for your dedication and sacrifice in leading and inspiring these hard-working young people. SUMMER NEWSVINE 2022 • 41
Senior Youth Camp
In June, the high school students in our RC REVIVE youth group (left) traveled to Grass Valley to participate in this year’s Western District Senior Camp, accompanied by Youth Pastors, Joshua and Jeannette Aguilera. The evening speaker for this year was Reverend Tim Zuniga of Goodlettsville Pentecostal Church in Indiana. In addition to nightly services, campers were also blessed by daily breakout sessions presented by a variety of speakers. Several paid activities were offered as well including: Mini Golf, Zipline, Jacob’s Ladder, Giant Swing, Paintball, and Archery Tag. Camp was an great time of worship, the word, meeting new and old friends, and great fun! Thank you to everyone who made camp possible for our Western District students. According to Youth Pastor Josh Aguilera, it was “A-MAZING!”
Above: RC Revive campers with Youth Pastors Josh and Jeannette Aguilera; Evening Speaker Reverend Tim Zuniga preaches the word. Right: Josh Aguilera running the sound for the services. Below: campers pose for a group photo. God bless our campers and Lord, use them mightily for your kingdom!
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Father’s Day
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A Father’s Advice “And Solomon, my son, learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately. Worship and serve him with your whole heart and a willing mind. mind. For the LORD sees every heart and knows every plan and thought. If you seek him, you will find him. But if you forsake him, he will reject you.” 1 Chronicles 28:9 (NLT)
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“God couldn’t be everywhere, so He invented Dads to handle
leaky pipes and weird noises.”
—Dan Taylor
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TESTIMONY OF FAITH - Continued
FROM THE MIRE TO THE MIRACULOUS!
A Compelling Story of Three Sisters Text by Editor Leo Aguilera
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• PART TWO (Editor’s Note: In our last issue, we learned that the Hurtado sisters, Rosie, Josie, and Jackie, were born into extreme poverty. Their parents were field laborers and had to work hard, grueling hours in the hot sun picking various fruit and vegetable harvests throughout California. The sisters joined their parents while still young girls, and their lives were dictated by a domineering, abusive father who beat them and their mother into submission, creating a hostile environment of fear and pain. Their misery was compounded with his drinking, gambling, and womanizing, building tension in the marriage until, one night, an explosion of violence left their father dead, shot by their mother in an act of a complete meltdown. She was sent to the psychiatric ward of the state prison, where a team of psychiatrists determined she was innocent because of extreme mental and physical trauma leading to temporary insanity. Their mother was released after nine months. We begin with the single-parent family free from fear, but still facing
ahead of them the struggle in perspective, God was very much a part of their young adult years beand challenges of life.)
fore they found Him. He was there all the time. He certainly took away the impediments one by one leading A TRANSITION to the altar of repentance. All the sisters feel more good came out this heir mother was still in a state than bad, and they are grateful for of shock. The sisters noticed His wake-up calls that brought them she was not herself, and it would each to the brink of death. take months before they saw their mother come back from that dark abyss and was herself again. They eventually would rent a two-bedroom trailer in the East Los Angeles county area, with all four girls sleeping together in one of the bedrooms. After moving to a small house down A CALAMITOUS the street for a short time, the family moved again, this time to Santa MaMARRIAGE ria, north of Santa Barbara in CenAfter picking in the local fields tral California. Rosie and Josie admit that they did of Santa Maria, Josie and her sisnot finish high school. They spent ters would get dressed up to the too many days ditching school to hilt and go party. At one of these drink and party. Both girls dropped parties, Josie met a very handsome out before their senior years. Their young man named Ray. Although oldest sister Terry, however, did he was two years younger than she, graduate. She had made good con- Josie did not care. “We clicked right tacts with friends who believed in away,” she said. They dated two her. She was sponsored by a local years before they married. Unforhigh school teacher and his family tunately, the partying did not stop, who helped her apply for financial even though Josie was now pregaid so she could attend Cal State nant. Ray was handsome, but he was in the Los Angeles area. She began also a player. His unfaithfulness beher new life of becoming a profes- fore their marriage continued after sional, and today she is a principal saying their vows. The violence surof a middle school in the Los An- faced after the wedding ceremony. Ray was secretive about his exgles area. Because of her success, she was able to help her struggling tramarital affairs, but Josie was heartbroken each time she heard family. God in His own way was preparing about his unfaithfulness through the the sisters’ journey to His church. He grapevine. Another aspect of marhad to remove things here or there, ried life that was frustrating was or they would not be living for Him that Josie was still working in the today. They did not have a personal fields. Ray’s family owned several relationship with Jesus Christ - they strawberry patches, and she was exonly knew He existed. He was good pected to pick, even when she was to have during a 9-1-1 situation. But six to seven months pregnant. “I felt like I was living my mother’s life all
T
JOSIE’S STORY
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over again,” Josie said. The physical assaults began after her first child, Ray, Jr., was born. Ray would go out on her, she would find out about it and get angry. He ended her scoldings by breaking her nose three times, then punching her with his fists. Once, he was at a party with a date. He got mad when she showed up. In the front yard of the house, he knocked her down, then started kicking her body and head repeatedly. Their party friends gathered around, begging him to stop without success. “You’re going to kill her,” they shouted. Finally he stopped, and she staggered into the house, got a bottle, and as she walked out to the porch, broke it on the steps. She remembered Ray was still laughing with his date, uncaring that he had injured and humiliated his wife. Furious, Josie took aim and slammed the broken bottle on Ray’s head. Ray was startled; his head began bleeding profusely. In fear of retribution, she started running down the street to escape Ray’s sure wrath. Was this enough for him to finally beat her to death? As she ran, she saw headlights approaching. Her hopeless mind saw her chance of escape. As soon as the car drew near, she flung herself in front of it, hoping to end her suffering at last. But her plan was thwarted when the car screeched to a stop, inches from her body. It was a patrol car. Tearfully, she described to the police officer that her bloody and bruised face was caused by the beating she had just endured from her husband. The officer asked if she wanted to press charges, but Rosie declined. She had a child to think of, and what would Ray do to her when his parents would bail him out? The second time Ray broke her nose, she was out with her sister
Jackie. When they came out of the mall, Ray was there and ready to fight. He started hitting Josie. Enraged, Jackie went at him with her nails. He pushed her back, knocking her to the ground. Then kept hitting her sister. Josie just took it. She loved Ray too much to fight back. She also knew of his violent history and was afraid of what he might do. Even though Josie felt Ray would surely kill her someday, she stayed in the marriage. “To me, he was everything,” she said. Josie admits that there was a second time she attempted suicide. She and Ray had separated, but it still broke her heart when he attended a wedding with someone else. She confronted them at the wedding, and then started walking out the reception hall, weeping. As she stumbled across the grass lawn, something glittery caught her eye. It was the broken bottom of a beer bottle. Stooping down, choking with sobs, she picked it up and started cutting herself. A man leaving was startled by what he saw her doing, rushing to her aid. As he lifted her by the arms, blood started gushing out from her lacerations. An ambulance was called and rushed her to the hospital. The next day in her hospital room, Ray told Josie he wanted to see what she did to herself, so she unwrapped her arms. As he looked at the many red-rimmed gashes, his words of comfort were, “You’re so stupid!”
ed to die,” she said. “I didn’t feel any peace, but this small non-Catholic church became a refuge for me.” She thought about being baptized, but never followed through. Despite her horrendous life, she had not reached rock bottom yet. It came when she and Ray were outside of his mother’s house. Josie was angry because he had been out partying. When she confronted him about what this was doing to their marriage, he grabbed her by the hair and began smashing her face against a large rock. This time when he broke her nose, the bone was actually protruding from her face. He had also fractured and dislocated her jaw. She ran to an alley, screaming for help, and held onto the fence. Ray’s family chased after her, wanting to avoid involving the police. When they saw her face, someone handed her an old bucket to spit out the blood. Miraculously none of her teeth were broken, only chipped. They dragged her back into the house. The next day she went to the emergency room of the hospital. When asked what happened, she told the attending doctors and nurses that she had fallen. She was told she had a collapsed jaw. It took a specialist to repair her broken nose and set her jaw properly. Finally, Ray left her. Josie admits she never would have left her marriage, even with the merciless beatings. Ray removed himself from her life for another woman. Josie filed for a divorce, but it took Ray a little BITTER RELEASE while before he signed the papers. When Josie remarried, they all acJosie knew she needed help, and, tually became friends. Tragically, within days, an acquaintance invited Ray was killed in an act of violence her to a Four Square Church. Josie years later. accepted the invitation, and found herself going every now and then. She was in pieces, broken. “I want-
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SPIRITUALLY HUNGRY
her to Revival Center. On Josie’s first visit, she was shocked not to see a cross or any statutes of saints gracing the building. “I thought, ‘Why isn’t Jesus on the cross?” Seeing people running and jumping in the church made her “freak out.” But this did not stop her from returning again. The more she started going to this church, the more she was captivated by the moving of the Spirit. One night, she remembers seeing a mist everywhere while the saints worshipped, “I saw mist all over the church,” she said. “I thought, these people know how to party.” She thought they were letting out mist from some pipes under the pews or from the walls, just like what happens at the discos. She discovered later that not everyone saw it. “Now I know it had to be the Shekinah glory of God.” She was ready to join this church. She had found the peace she was looking for all her life! Josie was baptized in Jesus’ name by Brother Kelly Howard, and later rebaptized by Bishop Keyes when she felt she had a better understanding of this ordinance of the church. Now her life was all about pleasing Jesus, and she was going to share this new-found faith with her sisters.
After the divorce, Josie was now on welfare with her two young boys, Ray, Jr. and Rudy. While in Santa Maria, she attended a Christian concert at the Four Square Church. Bit by bit, her eyes began to be opened to a God who could be her personal savior. She remembers saying she wanted to accept Christ at that concert. She bought an album and went home, humming to it. She felt broken and humbled, but she also felt that she was about to receive something from God. Suddenly, there in her living room, her tongue just “took off,” and she began speaking in other tongues! Startled, she slapped herself to stop, but she let it go, and felt great joy. Josie’s faith in God started blossoming from that day. She remembered being taught if two or more people believed that God would do something, it would happen. The next day God would prove Himself real to both sisters. Jackie was visiting Josie and complained of her shoulder hurting. “It hurt so bad, it was difficult to breathe,” Jackie remembers. The sisters began singing the worship chorus “Hallelujah.” The Holy Ghost took over and Josie began singing in the spirit. When she finished singing, Josie laid hands on To be continued in the 2022 her sister and began praying for her. fall issue of The Newsvine to The pain went away. be released the first week of
October on issuu.com.
AT LAST! TRUTH FOUND! Josie eventually moved to Modesto, taking advantage of a contact with one of her mother’s friends. Within a few weeks the contact had a family member named Juanita who invited
Sister Josie today.
• “But in my distress I cried out to the LORD; yes, I prayed to my God for help. help He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry to him reached his ears.” Psalm 18:6 (NLT).
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Lisa Borja 1966 - 2022
A
gentle, loving, faithful saint, Lisa Borja, went on to be with the Lord in April of this year. She was a quiet member of our church, never seeking attention to herself. Loving to cook, she used her talents to bake desserts, assisting then fundraising director Dwanda Scott. She was also an intercessor with a deep burden for her family, friends, and church. At her homecoming service at the church, Pastor Johnson said, “She served her church and her family.” He went on to say, “You can’t replace people like her.” We miss you, Sister Borja, but we know you are rejoicing now with your beloved husband, Stan, in heaven. Until we see you again...
