THE NEWSVINE “Every page an altar to His works!”
WINTER 2024 REVIVAL CHURCH UNITED PENTECOSTAL CHURCH 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 BUSINESS LIAISON CHURCH LIAISON GRAPHIC DESIGN PHOTOGRAPHERS CREATIVE TEAM
COLUMNIST YOUTH REPORTER MAILINGS DISTRIBUTION
LEO AGUILERA VIRGINIA AGUILERA
Charlene Wilson Lindsay Castro Leo & Virginia Aguilera Leo Aguilera and Creative Team Joshua Aguilera, Jocelyn Powell, Alexis Diaz, Autumn Amador, MaKayla Johnson, Devina Aguirre, Emma Zuniga, Angel Torres Colin, Russ Campbell, Andrew Mazon, Brooke Montes, and assisted by Don Mellow Carol Castillo Alexis Diaz Virginia Aguilera Norbert Feliciano
CHURCH STAFF PASTOR H. TODD JOHNSON BISHOP RANDY G. KEYES
ADMINISTRATIVE PASTOR - JONATHAN QUINONES CHURCH SECRETARY - CHARLENE WILSON
CHURCH MINISTERS RESIDENT MISSIONARIES SPANISH MINISTRY STREAMING MINISTRY HYPHEN GROWTH TRACK
Matthew Aguirre David Amador Dana Le’Blanc Noah Wells STUDENT PASTORS MUSIC MINISTRY K.R.E.W. KID’S MINISTRY B.U.F.F. (MEN 50+) PRAYER MINISTRIES LIFE GROUPS APOSTOLIC MAN MINISTRY MATURE LADIES MINISTRY NURSING HOME MINISTRY BIBLE QUIZZING PUBLIC RELATIONS LIGHTING, GRAPHIC ARTS
Uday Narayan, Xenn Seah Antonio & Gloria Gutierrez Joshua & Jeannette Aguilera Chris & Lindsay Castro Moses Burciaga Jerry Powell Jeremiah Williams Vinnie Zapien
A New Year's Greeting from the Editors
2024
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e are excited to share with you this edition of The Newsvine with over 270 photographs from the events of 2023 and so much more! Inside is The Year in Pictures, an overview of the events with special coverage of our annual Missions Conference featuring missionaries from around the world. Also not to be missed is "Breaking the Worry Habit" by Newsvine columnist Carol Castillo, and Noah Wells' stirring Testimony of Faith. We end this issue with our month of Christmas events ranging from ice skating at Modesto on Ice, all the way to our Christmas concert and Candlelight services. The year 2023 was also a year of challenges and miracles. Two of our most faithful saints, Brothers Floyd Havner and Mark Fletcher finished their courses and are now celebrating in heaven. Although we deeply miss them, we also rejoice in several miraculous healings for Donna Beard, Frances Burciago, Lupe Miller, Keenan Rochester, and Oscar Hernandez. On behalf of The Newsvine staff, we would like to wish you and your family a blessed new year, and may the Lord give you wonderful and miraculous surprises every month. Make your social media work for God's kingdom: share The Newsvine with friends and family. Maranatha! The Lord cometh!
Tim & Jeriann Montes Kellee Hopper, Matt Aguirre Nancy Holston, Tim Montes Sujay Diaz, Mary Aguirre Herb Jenkins Charles & Joyce Bispo Jonathan Quinones Alex Diaz Joyce Jones Joyce Jones Joshua Williams Jeremiah Williams MaKayla Johnson
SERVICE TIMES
SUNDAY - 9:00 a.m. Spanish/Service - Youth Chapel 10:15 a.m. Pre-service Prayer 10:30 a.m. Morning Service - Sanctuary, KREW 12:30 p.m. Growth Track - Youth Chapel MONDAY - 7:00 p.m. All-Church Prayer WEDNESDAY - 7:00 p.m. Mid-Week Service, KREW THURSDAY - 7:30 p.m. Spanish Service FRIDAY - 7:00 p.m. Revive Youth Service SATURDAY - 10:00 a.m. Saturday Morning Outreach THE NEWSVINE is published quarterly (first week of January, April, July, October) by Revival Church, United Pentecostal Church, 825 7th Street, Modesto, CA 95354-3414. Any submitted articles to The Newsvine are subject to pastor’s approval and editing by The Newsvine staff.
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Editors, Leo and Virginia Aguilera
ALL CHRISTIANS NEED TO KNOW: OUR PRAYERS CAN OPEN ANCIENT GATES! 7 Open up, O ancient gates, and let the King of Glory in. 8 Who is this King of Glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, invincible in battle. 9 Yes, open wide the gates and let the King of Glory in. 10 Who is this King of Glory? The Commander of all of heaven’s armies!
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o reads Psalm 24: 8-10 in the Living Bible Translation. David was inspired by the Holy Ghost to recognize these ancient gates were different from mere doors. The word "ancient" describing these gates denotes entrances and exits that have been shut for many years, decades, even centuries. These mighty gates are formidable and imposing, even daunting. Only the mighty King and Lord Jesus Christ is able to open them and come through! Wow! Such powerful words of praise for our omniscient God Who leads immortal armies in battles.
WHAT ARE THESE GATES?
Recognizing what these gates are is key to understanding how they apply to our daily lives. They are metaphors of persistent conditions that are unmovable and hindrances to our well-being. They are struggles and trials we face with what seems to be permanent off-sets that don't
let up. They may even be baggage we carry from our sinful nature before we were saved that plague us mentally and physically. You'll always be in debt, you'll always be sick, you'll never win your family and relatives to Christ, you'll never overcome a sinful habit, you'll always be a victim of abuse, you'll never overcome your addiction, you'll never be free from generational dysfunctions in your family. Such thoughts create depression, anxiety, anger, and spiritual discontent that can make each day miserable. All gates are guarded by sentinels who make sure they remain shut. Who stands at these ancient gates that will not open for you to pass through? The enemy, Satan himself, the old snake of the Garden of Eden who wants to break your faith and keep you defeated. He feeds on the expectation that you will backslide into the World and turn your back on the church, only to accept a secular life of sadness and despair. Oh, but the non-believer seems to enjoy the good life, and indulges in sensual pleasures, is free from guilt, and need not fear death. When you serve mammon, you are serving Satan who is like a dysfunctional parent. He will say he loves you and then pinch you. When you are groveling for help, he will kick you, showing no pity. But I am in the church and still suffer from depression and sickness. My anxiety is holding me back, and I feel I am not pleasing God. How WINTER NEWSVINE 2024 • 3
can I be free?
RELEASING THE LOCK
The single weapon you have that can make you be released from these binds and restrictions is your righteousness in the Lamb of God. Your devotion to your calling, your avoidance of sinning, your faithful attendance to the House of God, your heeding to your pastor's sermons, your stewardship with tithes and offerings, your witnessing to save souls, your love for your neighbor as yourself, and above all, your love for God, expressed in your worship and prayer life are the attributes that sum up your righteousness. It is your weapon that can withstand the darts of the devil. You will frustrate him every time because your righteousness blinds him many times into submission. So by what authority do you have to release the lock of these ancient gates, and what happens when these gates are finally opened?
PRAYING MORE INTELLIGENTLY
Never, never, and I mean NEVER underestimate the power of prayer! You are not alone. When you call on the name of Jesus in your prayers to Him, He listens and to the specifics of your prayers. Do not call on Him with generalities. Call out specifically the ancient gate that is shut to you and your loved ones. He has the authority to grant you the freedom, the blessing, the victory you need because He has that authority found in Luke 4:18-19, "The spirit of 4 WINTER NEWSVINE 2024 •
the Lord is upon me to announce freedom to the captives, recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those that are oppressed, to declare the time of God's favor has come." And Jesus says in Matthew 18:18, "Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven. Whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." This is where you will fight Satan on the battlefield. This is where you identify that ancient gate and speak against it in prayer and command it to be opened in His name: you loose breakthroughs and you bind generational curses, you loose healing, and you bind lengthy sickness, you loose financial blessings and you bind personal poverty, you loose salvation for your family and you bind rebelliousness, you loose freedom from sin and you stop sinning. Recognize that ancient gate and command in Jesus name to open! That is how you pray more intelligently.
THE ANCIENT GATES OPEN!
When those gates open, the King of Glory comes in. Now you have entered into the realm of the miraculous. The powerful presence of the Lord envelopes you and your family. Expect surprise blessings, supernatural interventions, unbelievable deliverances, miraculous healing, financial windfalls, loved ones at the altar of repentance, and favor with both God and everyone that comes your way. You have found the way to open those ancient gates and welcome the King of glory in! HALLELUJAH! Victory is yours! You can overcome the enemy, in Jesus name, AMEN!
Table of Contents 6 - 15 16 18 - 25 26 28 - 29 30 32 - 35
THE YEAR IN PICTURES! KREW Missions Bazaar Missions Conference Focus on Missions - India - Elder Chacko Thomas Focus on Missions - Greece "Breaking the Worry Habit" by Carol Castillo Testimony of Faith - Noah Luke Wells
36
Matthew Aguirre - Spotlight Worship Leader of the Year
38
Our Veterans Honored
39
Guest Preacher - Missionary Danny Becerra
40
Midweek on Ice
42
Ladies Christmas Luncheon
43
Joshua Men's Ministry Launches
43
"Good Book" Life Group Christmas Luncheon
44
Lifetalk Podcast Is Launched by Dana Le'Blanc
45
KREW News
46
Ugly Christmas Sweater Midweek
48
Candlelight Service
50-52
Christmas at Revival Church
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An Amazing Year in Pictures!
2023
"Increase!"
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January Events
A CHALLENGE FROM THE START!
The First Sunday Service of the Year Chloe Espinoza traveled to Greece as an AIMer to Bro. & Sis. Moreno.
ELIAS LIMONES IS A FIRE STARTER!
A Great Shout-out to Alexis Diaz
JOYOUS JANUARY - The new year kicked off with the First Sunday of the Year Service in which Pastor Johnson challenged us with his sermon, "The Lord of the Increase." Pastor Elias Limones encouraged us to get living for God despite life's challenges with, "Don't Ring the Bell," using the arduous training of Navy Seals to illustrate his preaching. Creative Team ever-busy member Alexis Diaz was chosen as January's Volunteer of the Month. To top it off, the church sent Chloe Espinoza as an Aimer to the country of Greece. "This year will be a year of profound blessing," said Pastor Johnson, "but it is not going to happen without us doing our part." WINTER NEWSVINE 2024 • 7
February Events Robert Martin Delivers the Word! Taylor Fairbanks Offers a Vital Adjustment to our Evangelism!
A Licensed Calling
Happy Anniversary...and Happy Birthday to our First Couple!
Passing the Torch
FABULOUS FEBRUARY - Here are the some of the highlights of a very eventful month. We were visited by two very inspirational speakers: Robert Martin who preached "Hope Remains" and Taylor Fairbanks who spoke on "The Tragedy of an Untold Story." In February we also congratulated our newest UPCI locally licensed ministers: Joshua and Jeannette Aguilera, Christopher Castro, Noah Wells, Moses Burciaga, and Vinnie Zapien pictured here with their spouses and Pastor Johnson. We honored our pastor and his wife as they celebrated 30 years of marriage and Sister Johnson's birthday. We love and appreciate them both! In the final photo above, Pastor Johnson thanked youth pastors Joshua and Jeannette Aguilera for six years of dedicated service and announced new youth pastors, Tim and Jeriann Montes. The Aguileras will continue heading up our streaming team and assisting in Spanish services. God bless the Monteses as they lead our young people, as well as being a vital component of our music/worship team. 8 WINTER NEWSVINE 2024 •
March Events
Our Pastor Takes Part in the TDR 2023 Hacia Adelante Conference in Panama
Floyd Lozada says "NOW!"
Senior Quizzers
Going to Nationals!
Youth Explosion 2023 Makes a Difference for our Daughter Works.
MIRACLE MARCH - In March, Pastor Johnson traveled to Panama for the TDR 2023 Hacia Adelante conference. "It was an explosive and dynamic experience!" he said. West Valley Revival Center pastor Floyd Lozada who preached, "Now!" He said, "We are going to see greater things now!" Also in March our Senior Quiz team placed third in the Western Bible Quiz Extravaganza and Logan D'Aquino who competes with a team from the Lighthouse of the Valley qualified for Nationals in the Southwest Region Extravaganza! The final photos are of the Youth Explosion 2023 held by Pentecostal Lighthouse of San Rafael pastored by Richard Hernandez. Over 1,000 attended the powerful services. WINTER NEWSVINE 2024 • 9
April Events
An Easter Sunday to Remember
Another Breaking of the Bread?
YES!
Young Voices Sing of His Resurrection.
Paul Pamer Rekindles us!
The Elders Know How to Praise!
A Mother of Israel Does Not Know How to Stop Serving. AWESOME APRIL - Easter Week is always a highlight of the year. The sanctuary was packed, the music team ministered in song, KREW kids sang, and Pastor Johnson declared that "Easter should be loud, powerful, grave shattering!" Paul Pamer, senior pastor of Apostolic Church in Barberton, Ohio, began the holy week by preaching "Bring on the Fire" on Palm Sunday, and Pastor Johnson led us in communion on Good Friday. We were delighted to have Sister Bobbie Shoemake in our Heritage Service as our guest soloist, as well as Sister Perry who sang and spoke. The old time gospel songs are still a blessing! Sister Mary Aguirre was honored as April's Volunteer of the Month. "It's my honor to serve," she said. And, wow, does she serve--she volunteers for projects too numerous to mention here. (See our SPRING NEWSVINE).April was an awesome month of God's blessings! 10 WINTER NEWSVINE 2024 •
May Events
Jonathan Whittemore Visits Multiple Times with Great Anointing!
Dannie Hood Says Heaven Has the Last Word.
"Suffer the Little Children to Come Unto Me." Honoring our Vets with Food and Fun!
Jesus Tour Does an Awesome Stop with Us!
The Hand that Rocks the Cradle MARVELOUS MAY - In May, two men of God visited: Pastor Dannie Hood who preached "The Cancellation Policy of Heaven," and Evangelist Jonathan Whittemore who inspired the church with such messages as "Extravagant Praise," "Now Is the Time," and "Send the Fire!" This month we also held our baby dedication and Mother's Day services. We thank God for parents who desire to raise their children to love God, and we are thankful for our mothers, both physical and spiritual. May would not be complete without our Memorial Day picnic which brings our members together for a time of fellowship and a potluck meal. It is also a time in which we honor our veterans. We even had our mayor, Sue Zwahlen (center photo), join us. Our church hosted the Jesus Tour in May which brought in young people from all around the area and featured James Wilson and Draylin Young. It was a time of exuberant worship. Thank you, Jesus! WINTER NEWSVINE 2024 • 11
op Bish
Faithful Brandon Gets a Shout-out
Happy Father's Day, Pastor Johnson and Pastor Quinones!
hn son
June Events
o Ke rJ yes & Siste
Youth Week Rocks with Special Friday Night Worship Service. Graduate Alexis Diaz and others reach a milestone.
KREW Kids' Week "Krazy" for Jesus!
JUMPIN' JUNE - Summer finally arrived with its celebrations and activities. Brandon Fletcher was honored by Pastor Johnson as June's Volunteer of the Month. On Father's Day, Pastor Johnson was presented a gift from Rev. Vinnie Zapien on behalf of the church; Bishop Keyes posed with his daughter and our Pastor's wife, Sister Kim Johnson; Administrative Pastor Jon Quinones posed with his boys in front of a creative balloon background designed by Sister Eleanor Rivas. June also was a time for our Revive Youth to celebrate with their annual Youth Week with a myriad of activities including a special Friday Night youth service. Of course, June also means graduation. We are so proud of all of our graduates. Pictured here is Alexis Diaz. One of the last events of the month was our KREW Kids Week. We are thankful for all those who work so hard to minister to our youth, building up the church of tomorrow. 12 WINTER NEWSVINE 2024 •
July Events
A Young Lady Speaks, Hailey Torres
Jeff Morgan Expounds that Christ Can Set Us Up for Success!
Draylin Young Leads Dynamic Worship!
Logan D'Aquino, 5th at UPCI Bible Quizzing Nationals!
Danny Becerra, Is a Guest Preacher for
our Spanish Speakers. Vinnie Zapien, Can Serve – Well done!
JULY JAMBOREE - In mid-summer, we were visited by Jeff Morgan, pastor of Hope Center Church. He preached on "The Wonder of the Insignificant." He said, "Don't let me mistakes of yesterday disqualify you. Jesus is able to take the insignificant of your life and set you up in heaven-like places!" We were excited to have Danny Becerra, missionary to Belize, with us who preached for our Sunday morning Spanish service. May God continue to bless him and his family as they minister in this Central American country. Our Volunteer of the Month for July was Reverend Vinnie Zapien. Pastor Johnson commended him for his eagerness to serve the kingdom of God. Nationals for Bible Quizzing also took place this month. We were proud of Logan D'Aquino who competed with Stockton's Lighthouse of the Valley team. They were awarded 5th place in their division. Congratulations to Logan and his teammates! Our Hyphens celebrated Hyphen Week this year with prayer, preaching, and a spirited concert with Draylin Young. We are so proud of the dedication and involvement of our young adults. They are involved in countless areas of service for our church from social media posting, graphics, lighting, streaming, and our worship team. The Newsvine staff appreciates their high-quality photography. Thank you, Hyphens, for getting involved and helping our church in its mission to spread the gospel to our city and beyond. WINTER NEWSVINE 2024 • 13
August Events
Mark Fletcher
NOW Walking on Streets of Gold! Back to School Service
Floyd Havner The Aguileras are the Couple for the Month
The Elders Have Great Repasts! MEMORABLE AUGUST - Two very faithful and beloved men finished their race and received their heavenly award: Mark Fletcher and Floyd Havner. The church honored them in services in August. They surely set the mark for faithfulness and godly examples. As the summer came to a close, the church took the time to pray a covering on our students and school staff. May God keep them safe and make them a light in their respective schools. Josh and Jeannette Aguilera were named as our August Volunteers of the Month. This hard-working couple is certainly worthy of this honor. Our Mature Ladies held a fellowship luncheon also this month, allowing our ladies a time to connect and encourage one another. Another life group, Oscar Hernandez' our BUFF men were very busy this summer, helping both Sister Fletcher and Sister Miraculous Healing Havner. A highlight this month was the miraculous healing of Oscar Hernandez. God still heals! 14 WINTER NEWSVINE 2024 •
September Events An Honor for the Ages
Pastor Appreciation
New Leadership Appointment for Growth Track
Tim Montes on keyboard at the 2023 UPCI General Conference
Brooke Montes on bass at General Conference
STUPENDOUS SEPTEMBER - What an exciting month! Our own Bishop Randy G. Keyes was inducted into the UPCI Order of Faith for "outstanding achievement and exemplary service to the United Pentecostal Church International. He was honored at a special luncheon for all the honorees and their families at General Conference. Bishop Keyes served in many capacities for decades,including the position of Assistant General Superintendent of the Western Zone. Also at General Conference, we were very proud to have Tim Montez and his daughter Brooke as part of the official music team. Brother Tim was the music director for the conference musicians. Both are very gifted. We are very fortunate to have them both on our RC music team. Also in September, we honored our first family, the Johnsons. Thank you, Brother and Sister Johnson and MaKayla for all of your hours of service to our church. We are blessed by your ministry, leadership, and talent. This month brought a change of leadership to Growth Track, our Sunday afternoon Bible class for new and existing members. Reverend Moses Burciaga became the new director. God bless him in this new role. WINTER NEWSVINE 2024 • 15
October - December Events
KREW
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KREW
kicked off our first Missions-focused event for the month of October with their Missions Bazaar 2023. The purpose of their annual event is to "kick off Missions Conference and inspire a love for all missions within our students." KREW kids were given the opportunity to explore six different countries this year: Greece, Italy, Mexico, Israel, Brazil, and Germany. Children traveled from booth to booth learning about each nation sampling cuisine, and having their passports stamped. KREW director Sujey Diaz would like to thank all of her helpers including: Gloria Sadeddeen, Ashley and Arnie Valencia, Linda Salazar, Cindy Zapien, Eleanor Lira, Rene Vargas, Hailey and Riley Torres, Chloe Espinoza, Jolene Rodela, Imelda Solis, Ignacio Solis, and Eddie Solis, Nancy Williams, Felicia Caraveo, and Aaliyah Amador. WINTER NEWSVINE 2024 • 17
An Amazing Missions Conference 2023
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Friday Night Missions
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nticipation energized the first night of RC's Missions Conference. From the choir's first song to the altar call, it was powerful! We were blessed by the anointed singing of guest worship leader, Draylin Young, and by our Friday night guest preacher, Elias Limones, pastor of The Pentecostals of the Bay Area. Brother Limones preached "The Fire Fall." We've got to get the fire back in our souls," he declared.
MATT CARAWAY Waterloo, Illinois
I
TROY WICKETT Fiji & Solomon Islands
AARON ANDERSON Brazil
n addition to the preaching, we heard from three of our missionary guests. First, we heard from Matt Caraway, pastor of Truth Church in Waterloo, Illinois. Sixty-five years prior to the Caraways establishing a church in Waterloo, there had been a church. It closed after the pastor was dragged out of the building, tied to a pole, and beaten with chains. "The city had a past," he said, "now it has a present!" Next to speak was Troy Wickett, missionary to Fiji and the Solomon Islands. He spoke of the revival they were having. "I'm excited about what God is doing and what He is going to do," he said. Our final missionary to speak that night was Aaron Anderson. He and his wife Tiffany minister in Brazil. He said that 65 years ago there was no apostolic church in Brazil. Now there is 1200 churches and preaching points. "There is nothing," he said, "the Lord God cannot do!" WINTER NEWSVINE 2024 • 19
Spiritual Fellowship and Delicious Food At Its Best!
Tim & Stacy GADDY
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n Tha
O
k y o u, s ervin g t ea m !
Loo k cak at all t h es! Don ose de Mas na W licio u ter Bak harton s , er!
Aaron & Tiffany ANDERSON
Troy & Jeannette WICKETT
Frankie & Karina TAYLOR
Elisavet LOUZ KYFONODI
Andy & Christal HALL
Tony & Sarah RITTER
Matt & Chandra CARAWAY
Taylor & Mehgan FAIRBANKS
n the Saturday morning of Missions Conference, the Johnsons opened up their home for a luncheon given to our missionaries, special speaker, guest worship leader, and a small group of invited guests. After a time of worship and prayer, a catered lunch was served, along with Sister Donna Wharton's fabulous cakes. Thank you to all who cleaned, decorated, cooked, and served. We were blessed to spend time with these selfless men and women who have moved away from family and friends to answer God's call to reach souls who need the gospel. WINTER NEWSVINE 2024 • 21
Blessing Our Missionary Kids
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hile their parents were at the Johnson's home for a luncheon, the missionary children had an amazing time at John's Incredible Pizza enjoying pizza and ice cream at an all-youcan-eat buffet, along with an assortment of games and rides. We love spoiling the children of our missionaries. We pray God's blessing and protection on these young ones as they labor alongside their parents in their respective mission fields.
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ITS RAINING MONEY! - One of the highlights of our missions conference is the money rain for the mis-
sionary children. Pastor and Sister Johnson as former church planters have a burden to try and spoil these children as much as they can whether it is a trip to John's Incredible Pizza or dollars falling from the "sky." It long has been a tradition to rain down money and for church members to bring up an offering, which is then equally split for each child. What excitement as the children race to collect as many dollar bills as they can hold. Have fun, kids, spending YOUR financial blessing. It's raining...money! WINTER NEWSVINE 2024 • 23
Saturday Night Missions
O
TONY RITTER Africa
ELISAVET LOUZ KYFONODI
Athens, Greece
FRANKIE TAYLOR Banning, California
n the second night of our Missions Conference, the worship service was bilingual. We are thankful for our multi-cultural congregation and for our daughter works. Saturday night we heard from three of our guests. First up was Tony Ritter, who will going as a missionary to Africa. "All nations will be represented around the throne of Jesus Christ in heaven,"he said. "I believe it. Amen!" Next Elisavet Louz Kyfonodi, who is the youth leader in the Athens, Greece, church pastored by missionary Joshua Moreno. She gave her testimony and thanked all who give to missions. "I am a product of missions!" she said joyfully. The last guest to speak was Frankie Taylor who is a church planter in Banning, California. He spoke of the hopelessness of his community, but with faith and determination said, "We need Apostolic churches that will preach the truth!" Our main speaker that night was Tim Gaddy, pastor of New Life Church in Cabot, Arkansas and Arkansas District Superintendent. He preached on "The Doctrine of Suddenly." "I hear the sound of abundance of rain," he said. "It's a sudden move!"
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Sunday Morning Missions
ANDY & CHRISTAL HALL San Luis Obispo, California
REVEREND TIM GADDY
Pastor of New Life Church in Cabot, Arkansas Arkansas District Superintendent
TAYLOR & MEHGAN FAIRBANKS Baton Rouge, Louisiana
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unday morning is the culmination of our Mission Conference services. Everything has been gearing up to the moment members bring up their sacrificial offering and monthly stewardship and mission pledges. The choir ministered for the last time, supported by our guest worship leader, Draylin Young. We then heard from two sets of church planters. First, we heard from Andy and Christal Hall who have been establishing a church in San Luis Obispo. He spoke of individuals receiving the Holy Ghost in their home. One such person was a woman who had just been diagnosed with cancer. They prayed in faith, and she was healed! "If we believe," he said, "we will see it in Jesus' name. The second church planters we heard from were Taylor and Mehgan Fairbanks who recently purchased their first church building in Baton Rouge. "There has never been a promise," he said, "that God has given that would ever be broken, but every single time He will come through." Prior to the church taking up the sacrificial offering, Pastor Tim Gaddy spoke on "The Call from another World." He spoke of Paul's vision to go to Macedonia. "The call of a man many times," he said, "is the call of God as well. He went on to say, "He put His Spirit in us so we could be a witness to every nation.... I've got to hear that call!" God, help us to heed that call from another world, whether it is to go or to give, always to pray.
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Focus on Missions - India Praise the Lord and greetings to you in Jesus' mighty name! Ephesians 5:20 tells us to give thanks always and for everything to God. It is indeed a time of thanksgiving as we reflect on how God has led us all these previous months as we draw to the end of 2023. I also thank God for this opportunity of sending this praise report. After our return from Fiji, God took us to North India's three states of Punjab, Haryana and Delhi for evangelistic meetings. It was a great opportunity to witness to the unreached in the city and rural villages with meetings in all these three states. We also had a conference in Kerala, South India. God allowed people from various parts of India to come and participate. It was a great time of fellowship, sharing and hearing testimonies and encouraging each other. The Lord Elder Chacko Thomas worked in the hearts of people and four men got baptized in The Church of Jesus Christ in India Jesus' name. One person was prepared to be baptized, then another two got ready during the study. Finally during the baptism service, one more brother suddenly came forward, ready to be baptized. Then God showed us a sign in heaven, a completely round, rare, glory rainbow around the sun, right after the baptism service, once again reminding us of His promise and covenant. Please pray for our next upcoming programs: a Christmas celebration at the orphanage on Dec.16, and our Annual General Conference on February 24. God is amazing and faithful! We see His hands upon our ministry in the face of many trials and hindrances. Please pray for a supernatural anointing in the coming meetings as we share the love of Jesus and spend time studying His living Word. Until then, wishing you and your family a very blessed Thanksgiving! I am grateful to God for leading us and bringing us together in His love to win souls for His Kingdom. Our love and appreciation to Bishop Keyes and Reverend Johnson, and the RC family. Very thankful to God for your love, support and prayers. May God bless you all abundantly and use you to impact many for His glory! Yours in His service, Chacko
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Evangelistic Meeting in Delhi, India. May the gospel continue to spread throughout India.
Conference in Kerala. After four men were baptized in Jesus' name, a holy solar halo appeared in the sky!
Evangelistic Service in Punjab in North India. God is moving in India! WINTER NEWSVINE 2024 • 27
Pastor Johnson Travels to Greece Spirited Worship during TRD Conference
Pastor Johnson leads prayer on Mars Hill.
The Aguileras surprise the Bernards and Brother Limones at Corinth.
A
t the end of September, Pastor Johnson traveled to Greece to take part in TDR - Tiempos de Refrigerio (Times of Refreshing). According to the website for The Pentecostals of the Bay Area, TDR is "a conference designed to help, inspire, and equip pastors, ministers, and all those with the desire to serve in any ministry in the church." In addition to the conference, a tour of Greece was available, which included such sites as Thessaloniki, Philippi, and Corinth, as well as Athens. After touring the capital city of Athens, Pastor Johnson participated in a three-day conference with many other preachers ministering, including UPCI General Superintendent David Bernard and his wife Sister Connie. After the conference, the group traveled to several sites of Biblical significance. On their last day touring, the group was surprised by Newsvine editors, Leo and Virginia Aguilera, (photo above right) who were on a separate vacation tour and happened to meet up with them in Corinth. All who went on the tour could say that was an incredible experience to walk the streets where the Apostle Paul and others ministered. 28 WINTER NEWSVINE 2024 •
The Aguileras Visit the Morenos in Greece Missionaries Joshua and Christine Moreno and their children: Esther, Naomi, Judah
Newsvine Editor Leo Aguilera with Missionary Josh Moreno. The Newsvine editors took time from their vacation to Greece and Turkey in October to visit the Athen's outreach.
Wednesday Night Church Service
Children's class and two of the Morenos' AIMers.
Missionary Christine Moreno and youth leader, Elizavet Kyfonidi, with the young people's class.
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Wisdom Begins with a Word by Carol Castillo (Editor's Note: The following in an article that was run in The Newsvine in 2012. We decided to run it again as the holidays can be a challenging time for many people. Get a cup of coffee, sit yourself down, and take a deep breath. Everything is going to be all right. God's got your situation. He's not going to be caught unaware. You'll get through this. Let this article be an encouragement to you. And as Sister Castillo told her family, "Don't worry. We'll make it with God's help." And you know, with God's help them did, and you will, too.)
Valley, away from most major, active fault lines, and I had only felt two slight tremors.
Earthquake!
On October 17, 1989, I was at home relaxing on the bed after work; my husband was cleaning up from his job at a rock quarry. Our daughter was doing homework, and our little boy played at her feet. In the San Francisco Bay Area, 65 miles to the west, thousands were gathering at Candlestick Park for the World Series between the Oakland A’s and the San Francisco Giants. Many of my co-workers were there. The time was 5:04 p.m. I heard a noise like a roaring freight train, then Breaking the felt a sharp jolt and the waterbed nearly pitched Habit me to the floor. “Earthquake!” I shouted. Both children bolted into the bedroom to find me, and my My mother had an expression for it. “Majoring in husband joined us. Together we huddled under an the minors,” she said. Or, “Making mountains out interior doorway. The floor shifted and swayed omof molehills.” Either way, she was right. My worry inously under our feet. I met my husband’s eyes. habit was more than a habit; it was a career. I fret- “It’s a bad one,” he said. ted that the twinge of pain in my chest signaled When the rolling stopped, I immediately turned heart trouble. When it rained I worried about flood- on the radio. “The Bay Bridge has collapsed!” ing. If the car made strange noises, I got nervous. yelled an excited announcer. Meanwhile a live My busy life offered multiple opportunities to push feed from Candlestick Park beamed pandemonithe panic button. And if things went well, I worried um across the nation as players and fans raced about that, too. across the field in search of safety. Like the rest of As a Christian I knew what the Bible had to the country I watched and listened in horror as the say about worry. “Be anxious for nothing.” I also tragedy unfolded. knew God had it all under control. I just couldn’t While my family and I huddled under the doorshake the conviction that He needed my help. And way, another family 80 miles west in the Santa Cruz no sermon or Bible verse could change my mind. Mountains had done the same. When it was over, It took a major earthquake to shake me up, literal- the man of the house stepped out his front door to ly, and break the worry habit that beset me for so find his yard split like a crushed melon. Meanwhile long. a mother in San Francisco carrying her baby to the Living in California, I knew the threat of earth- changing table never made it. The top floors in the quake always lurked beneath the surface. Surpris- apartment collapsed, sending mother and son in a ingly, I didn’t worry about. We lived in the Central
WORRY
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deadly slide of rubble to the garage below. On the busy Cypress Freeway in Oakland, a car driven by a mother taking her children to the dentist was crushed and buried when the top section of the freeway buckled. And on the Bay Bridge, emergency workers unwittingly herded cars to danger, not realizing the top section had broken off leaving a gaping 50 foot hole. The first car in line carried a man who had just been picked up from the airport by his sister. The car hit the breach and bounced, smashed into the opposite side and then dangled tenuously, saved from falling into the bay only by its rear wheels. Helplessly the man watched his sister draw her last breath. Reports of death and damage continued to pour in. For weeks my attention was riveted by the drama. My co-workers returned to work unhurt but shaken, and said it took four hours just to get out of the parking lot. I heard first-hand tales of fires, broken utility lines, demolished homes and cars. But nothing tore my heart more than the fate of those entombed beneath the Cypress Freeway. For three weeks rescue workers continued to dig victims from cars smashed flat by the crumbled concrete and twisted girders. How horrible, I thought, to have met such a tragic end while doing nothing more than going about their daily business. And I grasped the fragility of life, and how each moment is a gift from God to be treasured, not wasted.
"They had run out of something I still had. Time." Weeks later my husband was laid off. Construction work is seasonal and we had experienced other lay-offs, but it was particularly wrenching during the holiday season. On hearing the news, the usual anxieties and fears clamored for attention. Then I remembered the Cypress Freeway. Given the choice, its victims would have preferred a holiday lay-off to being ignominiously crushed beneath the foot of fate. But they had no opportunity to choose their fate. They had run out of something I still had. Time. I took a deep breath and smiled at my family. “Don’t worry,” I said. “We’ll make it with God’s help.” And with God’s help, we did.
Illustration of the earthquake and volcanic eruption of Pompeii by artist Karl Bryullov, 1830s
"Let not your heart be troubled..." - John 14:1 (KJV)
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COVER STORY Testimony of Faith NOAH LUKE WELLS
Written by Editor Virginia Aguilera
"I would come to mission conferences where I didn't have any money....I would say, 'I don't have anything that I can offer, but I present myself as a living sacrifice to You, God. I don't have anything that I can give, but if You will take it, just take me, God. I present myself as a living sacrifice, and God honored that."
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Editor's Note: In this issue we are featuring one of our young adults, Noah Wells, who grew up in the church, got a degree in Economics at Stanislaus State University, and now has a managerial position in a local utility company. Although faced with many obstacles in his life, he has remained steadfast in his faith and recently received his local license through the UPCI Western District. In addition, he is one of the instructors in our Growth Track Bible Study classes and one of our pulpit preachers. Noah is not only educated, but is highly intelligent. During his university classes, he used his intellect to confirm his faith in God, and was careful to surround himself with strong Christian influences. He is proof that if a person is determined and faithful, one can successfully live for God. "If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me" (Jeremiah 19:13 NLT)
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oah Luke Wells was born on April 2, 1995, in Modesto, California, to parents Lance and Florencia Wells. Together the Wells had 8 children, two from their marriage, Noah and Aurora, and 6 from Florencia’s prior marriage. Florencia originally was from Batangas, Philippines, had moved to Modesto to be with her mother who had previously immigrated to California after her father died. Lance worked as a programmer in California after graduating with a degree in computer science. The two of them met at a Christmas party in Modesto and fell in love. The family of four lived in a section of town that had sprung up during the Great Depression, with many houses built by the owners them-
Noah with his younger sister Aurora
selves, without the restrictions of building codes. It, like many lower-income neighborhoods across America, struggled with violence and addiction. But despite these problems, many residents loved their community and lived in their homes their entire lives. Noah had happy memories of the neighborhood kids often coming over and playing in their backyard and of his father barbequing in the backyard for them. From these humble beginnings, Noah began a journey that would eventually lead him to an encounter with God, changing the direction of his life. Noah first became connected to Revival Center United Pentecostal Church of Modesto, now Revival Church, through his aunt who was a member. She suggested that Lance and Florence send their children to the church’s Christian school. Noah attended Tuolumne Christian School, later Modesto Central Academy, through sixth grade. School in his elementary years was easy for Noah. Noah was an exceptionally bright child and stood out in his classes. His fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Aguilera, was impressed by his knowledge and leadership. “Everyone wanted to be like Noah,” she remembers. His teachers were: Mrs. Marshall, Miss Rodriguez, Mrs. Aguilera, Mrs. Jones and Mrs. Ramos. In junior and high school, Noah attended Connecting Waters charter school. The program was very flexible, allowing him to study at home online and attend classes on-site, if he chose. Growing up in his neighborhood, it was not unusual to hear gunshots. When they did, they would run to the back room of their house where they felt safer. One time when he was home busy with one of his online junior high classes, WINTER NEWS-
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he heard a loud gunshot. It was so loud, he was sure it was right next to his house. He immediately leaped up and “scrammed” to the back room. Curious, he peered through the curtains to search the alley behind his house to try and see what happened. He was shocked by what he saw. “There was a guy lying there dead,” he said. “I saw the pool of blood around his head.” Another unsettling incident happened when he was all alone at home. “I heard the dogs barking like crazy,” he said, “and the fence was going like crazy.” He looked out the window and saw a man carrying his dad’s heavy air compressor. Noah hopped the fence and looked intently down the alley, trying to spot the thief. The man suddenly reappeared with a bicycle that he was going to use to make a fast getaway. Noah ran barefooted toward him and yelled, “You can’t take this! It belongs to my father!” Thankfully, Noah’s neighbor drove up in his car just then. When the neighbor saw the commotion, he said, “What’s happening? Hey, what are you doing? This is my neighbor.” The thief tried to convince the man that he owned the compressor, but when he realized his lie was not believed, he dropped the compressor and took off on his bicycle. Noah was relieved. “I don’t know what would have happened if my neighbor wasn’t there.” Unfortunately, thievery was common in the area. Flooding during rainy years was always something to fear. Because the neighborhood was older, drainage was not the best during storms and was vulnerable to flooding. One of the worst floods was around New Year’s Day in 1997. The Modesto Bee reported that the flood damaged approximately 1800 homes in Stanislaus County, most located near rivers. Noah and his family had to evacuate temporarily to his grandmother’s house until the water receded. Life for Noah was about to get even tougher. Noah graduated high school when he was only 16 years old. Because he was able to take college classes while at attending a local charter school, he was able to already accrue thirty college credits. One day when he was driving their car back from school, the engine finally “pooped out.” His only mode of transportation left was either taking the bus or riding his Schwinn bike. On top of that, he got very sick that semester with what he thinks 34 WINTER NEWSVINE 2024 •
Noah Wells exceled at Bible Quizzing, putting the Word of God deep within his heart.
now was pneumonia. He missed so many classes, for the first time in his life, he failed his courses. He went back to college the next semester to make up his failed classes, and then his worst fear happened, his mother passed away. Noah was about to enter his heart of darkness, a period of time that left him aimless and questioning. When Noah was in the fifth grade, his mother was diagnosed with kidney disease and had to go on dialysis. Her health through the years slowly worsened. After a while, Lance had to quit his night shift job to care for Florencia full-time. When Noah was in high school, they would have to call an ambulance to take her to the hospital every other month. Her condition was weakening her heart, causing her lungs to fill with fluid. There were multiple times she could have drowned from the fluid in her lungs. Noah remembers her crying in her sleep during the night because of her pain. He was grateful for the ministers who came to the hospital and prayed for her. “We wanted her to be healed, but it was the prayer of the saints that extended her life. She was really, really strong. She never wavered in her faith.” During her last few months, Florencia went to live with her family members, her sisters and Noah’s step siblings, who all lived in Las Vegas. Noah, Aurora, and Lance took the very first bus to go there when she asked for them. One of Noah’s older brothers took them to the hospital. Noah was taken aback when he saw his mother. “She was the worst I had ever seen her,” he said. “She recognized us, but she couldn’t speak.” She died the next day. Noah was only 16. After failing a semester of MJC and the death of his mother, he felt unmotivated and dropped out of college. Frustrated, Noah’s dad told him he had to get a job. “You can’t stay home and not do any-
thing.” Obediently, Noah got a job at the Taco Bell near the church, but the fast food industry was not for him. “I would wake up and think I have to do more.” It was a very difficult time for him. “I felt really aimless,” he said. “I didn’t know what to do. I started to ask a lot more questions. I would never say God wasn’t real, but I asked God, ‘Why?’” At that point, church was the only thing I could hold on to. The pull was there. I still had so many questions. Why would I grow up like this? What is there even for me? Why is this happening to me? I was aimless, except for church.” “All my life I believed in God,” said Noah. He got the Holy Ghost at youth camp when he was 10 years old. “They prayed with me forever,” he remembered. A few months after he got the Holy
Noah at Youth Camp
Ghost, Brother Bill Cameron baptized him in Jesus’ name. When he was 13, he started going to the church's youth services. He was very impressed by his Youth Pastor, Jonathan Quinones. He remembered being invited by him to go to a series of four church services. In each, Pastor Quinones preached the same Bible story about the four friends who lowered their friend through the roof of a house in hopes that Jesus would heal him. Pastor Jon had Noah and the three other young people who went with him represent these four friends. Noah was impressed that Pastor Quinones, even though he preached the same story, each time he preached with a different insight. Noah came to every service and every youth service during high school. He would drive or his father would drop he and his sister off. Florencia went to church as long as she could. He started hanging around with Josh Aguilera, going to youth rallies with him and other dedicated young people. He also got involved with the youth by helping out
Noah actively participates in Hyphen
Josh and his wife Jeannette as a member of the youth board. He credits his relationship with his best friends Thomas Barker and Raymond Garcia. "We pushed each other to be better," he said. Noah feels that by being faithful to every church service, choosing to fellowship with dedicated youth, and getting involved serving in the church helped him to stay connected to God. Also praying at the altar until he touched God was an anchor to his faith. With his life back on track, he returned to Modesto Junior College when he was 20. At first he wanted to major in engineering, but switched to economics. After a couple of years, he transferred to California State University when he was 23. He took a variety of classes including anthropology and philosophy. He found his belief of God validated in both classes. Upon graduating from college, he had come from a despondent, confused teen to a sold-out young adult, determined to live for God. Now at the age of 28, he is still involved with the youth serving on the Youth Committee and is an active member with the college-age young adults called Hyphens. Noah is also one of the teachers for Growth Track Bible study classes, and recently became a locally licensed minister with the Western District of the United Pentecostal Church. "I am open," he said, "to whatever God has for my life." Noah, although he has faced many adversities and disadvantages in his life, has chosen to align himself with Jesus Christ. It is easy to get bitter when life seems unfair, but instead he chose to seek out God and to trust Him, anchoring himself to the church. I, as his previous elementary teacher, am very proud of the Christian man and example he has become.
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MATTHEW AGUIRRE SPOTLIGHT Worship Leader of the Year
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C
ongratulations to Brother Matthew Aguirre who received the Spotlight Award for Worship Leader of the Year by the Central Valley Music & Arts Collective (CVMAC) this past October. According to CVMAC’s Facebook page, the purpose of this event is “shining light on all things gospel.” CVNAC, an affiliate of the Gospel Industry Network, provides education, training and development opportunities for gospel professionals in all genres. Along with the category of Worship Leader of the Year, awards included: Recording Artist of the Year, Group/Choir of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, and Musician of the Year. Over 5,000 votes were tallied altogether. It was an exciting night as the nominees and their family and friends anxiously awaited the announcement of each winner. A loud cheer arose when Matt was presented with the award for Worship Leader of the Year. While accepting his award, he thanked God and his family for their support. “Seventeen years ago I was looking at 10 years in prison, but God had a different plan. If it wasn’t for the grace of God, I wouldn’t be here today” he said. “I came to let the enemy know, you thought you had me. You thought you had a sentence over my life, but God said, ‘Not again. You won’t have this one.’” He ended his acceptance speech by giving God all the glory and honor. We are blessed here at Revival Church by the God-given gifts of Brother Matt. Not only is he part of the RC music ministry leadership team, he is also one of our regular worship leaders and pulpit ministers. In addition, he also ministers in song and the Word at other churches, and will be doing his first live recording at Revival Church on Friday, May 24. Matt truly follows in the footsteps of his father, Richard Aguirre, who, when he was alive, freely used his amazing talents to glorify God. Congratulations, Matt, for this well-deserved recognition.
Matthew Aguirre with his wife, Jacqueline; daughter Devina; and son, C.J.
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We Love and Honor Our Veterans!
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he church took time on a Sunday night over the Veteran's Day holiday to honor our veterans who bravely served our country ranging from the Korean War in the 1950s to present day conflicts. These men answered the call with many risking their personal safety to defend the freedoms we enjoy. We thank you. We respect you. May we never forget the sacrifices you made for us all.
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Guest Preacher Missionary Danny Becerra Young RC convert now a missionary to Belize!
STAND FAST!
A
t the end of November, Danny Becerra, missionary to Belize, visited our church. He and his family had just finished their deputation and were spending his remaining time in the United States to visit family. His sermon, "Stand Fast," was powerful. He related visiting the Grizzly Giant in Yosemite National Park. It is the 26th largest living giant sequoia, and after being scared and burned by lightning several times, still stands.
"We've got to make up in our mind," he said, "no matter what comes my way, no matter what I'm going through, no matter what the turbulence is, I am going to stand for God!" He said when he came to God, he didn't know which way to go, "but I knew that if I could just dig my roots into the source that is God, that I could withstand whatever comes my way." WINTER NEWSVINE 2024 • 39
MIDWEEK ON ICE Virginia, Jeremiah, Joshua, and Leo pose with Virginia's sister, Kathy Halsey, who owns Modesto On Ice ice skating rink. Kathy and her family love hosting our church every year.
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Ladies Christmas Luncheon
Joyce Jones
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highlight of the year for our ladies (ages 40 and above) is the annual Christmas luncheon organized by Sisters Joyce Jones and Joann Gann. It's a festive time complete with Christmas-themed games. Our special speaker this year was Sister Nicole Evans who teaches English at a local high school in Modesto. Her topic was "Courage to Encourage." The word encouragement when broken down into its parts (en-to make or put in and coeur-heart) means to instill confidence and hope or to give heart. She said it literally 42 WINTER NEWSVINE 2024 •
Nicole Evans
means to give courage to someone else. She provided several Bible passages and examples and reminded us the holiday season can be the loneliest time for many people. Using the example of Barnabas who exhorted the Christians in Antioch, she prompted the ladies present to look around and hug someone, pat them on the back, and encourage them. She said when you touch someone, the brain releases a hormone that makes you feel good and lowers anxiety and fear. Thank you, Nicole for encouraging us all to be encouragers.
Life Groups
Joshua Men's Ministry
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oshua's Men's Ministry was created to minister to ages from teenagers to 49. "Our primary goal," said leader Alex Diaz, "is for men to draw closer to God. We strive to aid men in spiritual growth, integrity, and to build character in order to live a victorious apostolic life." Members gather once to twice a month for a variety of men's activities including: Bible studies, prayer meetings, fellowship barbeques, and district conferences. For information and questions about this new ministry, contact Alex Diaz. (Above left) Members meet at Prenesh Narayan's home with Pastor Johnson teaching. (Right) Brother Ashish Narayan teaches on "Dominion Over Self."
Ladies Zoom Bible Study Christmas Luncheon
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hat started out during Covid as a way to connect with other ladies in the church who wanted to have a book club, has continued ever since. Each week, members go online using Zoom to discuss the Word of God. A number of them switch off teaching that week's lesson. Currently the group is studying the Sermon on the Mount. Says member Virginia Aguilera, "The reason I joined this group is that I had worked all my life and had work friends, but I didn't really have close church friends. This all changed when I joined this group of precious sisters."A tradition was started last December to have a Christmas get-together, and it was held again at the home of Newsvine editor, Virginia Aguilera. It was a wonderful to meet in person to celebrate the holiday. Thank you, Sister Andrea Powell, for creating and continuing this treasured life group.
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B
rother Dana Le'Blanc has created a new podcast to explore the secrets of leadership, personal development and Biblical principles. In this podcast, he will explore the stories and experiences of everyday individuals who have faced challenges and overcome obstacles, and have still experienced extraordinary success. "We will delve in the triumphs, failures, and pivotal moments that have shaped everyday lives like yours and mine," he said. "Regardless where you are on your journey, Life Talk Radio is going to provide you with valuable insights and navigable strategies to help you on your path to success." Life Talk launched on December 31 at 2:00 p.m. on YouTube. Brother Dana encourages listeners to subscribe, share, and comment. He says, "Get ready to lean in, learn, and discover how to be the best version of you!"
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KREW KIDS NEWS
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s our KREW children prepared for the Christmas program (top photo), they celebrated with a Christmas party with crafts and treats. Thank you, Sister Sujey Diaz and your helpers for all their hard work for our RC children.
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n November, KREW kids learned how to worship with a thankful heart no matter what they get in life! Their Bible verse for this lesson was found in 2 Samuel 6:5: "David and the whole company of Israel were in the parade, singing at the top of their lungs and playing instruments."
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Ugly Christmas Sweater Midweek
Pastor Johnson congratulations 1st place finisher Rosie Estrada and finalists Gracie Delgadillo and John Rodriguez. 46 WINTER NEWSVINE 2024 •
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Candlelight Service
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t was a very special service when we gathered together for Candlelight Service on Christmas Eve morning. Many family members were present including: Taylor, Mehgan, and Atlas Clay Fairbanks (top photo); Jimmy and Aubrey Stark; and Walter and Bethany Cox, cousins of our pastor, who were visiting from Santa Barbara. (Left) The KREW kids honor our pastors with specially made plaques.
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Christmas Concert Christmas at Revival Church
"And she will
"O Holy Night"
have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.."
KREW's Christmas Carol
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"...and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us."
Singing "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" in Hebrew.
Drumming for Jesus!
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Scenes from the last services of 2023
Pastor Scott Breedlove's son, Joel, from Jefferson City, MO, visited our church for one of our last services of 2023.
Visitor Steve Tyler, a teacher friend of Editor Leo Aguilera, poses with City Councilman Jeremiah Williams.
Sisters Linda Quigley, Pastora Johnson, and daughter MaKayla say farewell to 2023 during our last service of the year.
