newsvine
Summer / Fall 2014 Aiming for Awareness! International Magazine of REVIVAL CENTER UNITED PENTECOSTAL CHURCH 825 7th Street, Modesto, CA 95354 Business Phone: 209-522-5365 TheNewsvine@gmail.com
EDITOR LEO AGUILERA
ASSOCIATE EDITOR Assist. Ed. Multi-media Business LiaisonS GRAPHIC DESIGN PHOTOGRAPHERS REPORTERS YOUTH REPORTERS “DID YOU KNOW?” MAILINGS DISTRIBUTIONS
Virginia Aguilera Joshua Aguilera Charlene Wilson Leo & Virginia Aguilera Leo Aguilera, Grover Hunt Carol Castillo, Aaron Gomez Josh Aguilera Jim Campbell Virginia Aguilera Norbert Feliciano, Nathan Garcia
CHURcH staff PASTOR H. TODD JOHNSON BISHOP RANDY G. KEYES assistant pastor assistant pastor youth PASTOR resident missionaries church secretary SUNDAY SCHOOL DIRECTOR RC Kingdom Kids prayer ministries world missionS ladies ministries discipling ministries L.E.A.D. director PURPOSE INSTITUTE bible quizzing connect groups community relations Pastor’s Corner apostolic man ministry HYPHEN Food for Thoughts & Food PantrY HERITAGE KEEPERS
Uday Narayan Adam Mendoza Jonathan Quinones Uday Narayan, Xenn Seah Charlene Wilson Mary Aguirre John & Amy Rodriguez Charles Bispo Jerry & Andrea Powell Kim Johnson, Adam Mendoza Carol Castillo Jerry Powell & Carol Castillo Sujey Diaz Paul & Jenifer Winter Jeremiah Williams Gracie & Greg Delgadillo Alex Diaz Jeriann Powell Nancy Williams Darrell & Jennie Wilson
CHURcH SERVICES SUNDAY - 9:30 A.M. 10:00 A.M. 11:00 A.M. 5.45 P.M. 6:00 P.M. MONDAY - 7:00 P.M. TUESDAY - 7:30 P.M. WEDNESDAY - 7:30 P.M. FRIDAY - 7:30 P.M. SATURDAY - 9:30 P.M.
Sunday School-Children - Tuolumne Sunday School - Adults - Sanctuary Morning Service - Sanctuary Prayer in Sanctuary & for the Sick REVIVAL SERVICE All-Church Prayer Starting Point for New Converts Mid-Week Congregational Service Pulse (Youth Service) Saturday Morning Outreach
NEWVINE is published quarterly by the United Pentecostal Church of Modesto, Inc., 825 7th St., Modesto, CA 95354-3414. Postage paid at 825 7th St., Modesto, CA 95354-3414. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Newsvine, 825 7th St., Modesto, CA 95354-3414. Any submitted articles to the Newsvine are subject to Pastor’s approval and editing by the Newsvine staff.
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A Word from the Editors
WE ARE ON THE INTERNET!
To all our readers, the Newsvine can now be accessed online as a digital copy on issuu. com. Just type in www.issuu.com/thenewsvine, and all the pages will appear clear and readable. What a valuable tool this can be when witnessing to friends and relatives. Our testimonies of faith and special articles are at your fingertips for easy access. Our church also has a new website (www.revivalcenter. net) and an app (Revival Center Modesto), and we are also on Facebook at Revival Center - Downtown and Twitter @RevivalCenter 1.
As we prepare for the end of another year, it is a time of reflection - a time to consider what has been done for the kingdom of God and to make plans for the coming year. Our church this past year has increased our focus on missions, locally and worldwide. Globally, we have been more involved than ever. In this issue, you will read the experiences of several who traveled to Chile, India and Fiji. Our goal for the Newsvine is that it be a blessing not only to our local congregation, but also to those who minister across this nation and around the world. We want you to feel connected and valued, and we want the testimonies, articles and even the photos to not only bless you, but be outreach tools for your congregation and community. May all of God’s churches worldwide have great revival, impacting the globe in the name of Jesus Christ! Maranatha, the Lord cometh! May you have a blessed holiday season, Leo and Virginia Aguilera, EDITORS
Lost in Translation I recently retired after 37 years of teaching English literature in public high school. For many years I taught my AP seniors the ancient Greek drama, Oedipus the King. While introducing the background of the play, I spoke of the masks the ancient actors wore on stage. The ancient Greek word for “mask” was “prosopon” (πρόσωπον). The actor would play several characters, including female roles, since women were not allowed on stage. When the ancient Romans assimilated the Greek plays into their culture, the ancient Greek word evolved into the Latin word “persona.” The ancient Roman actors continued to perform the tradition of several roles by changing their “personas” or masks. Therefore, ONE actor portrayed several char-
acters in the play’s plot. It is easy to see that the ancient definition for the word “persona” did not mean an individual, but the representation, manifestation, and/or portrayal ONE actor could portray of several. In the first and second centuries of church history, the word “persona” could easily have been used by ancient Christian preachers and teachers with the meaning of “manifestation and the displaying of God’s three natures in Father, Son, and the Holy Ghost.” - one GOD manifesting three “personas” in His nature. However, by the fourth and fifth centuries, the word “persona” had taken on a different meaning: an individual, an embodiment of a single being. The Latin language became the mother of several, Spanish, French, Italian, etc., and the word “persona” entered the languages of Germanic origins, where in English “persona” became “person.” The original definition of “persona” was lost in its evolvement and translation into the modern languages today. In the first century of church history,“three persons in God” simply meant to the ancient Christian three manifestations or three displays of nature of God’s awesome Self - not three individuals or beings - but one Lord and Saviour! Therefore, we of the Apostolic faith today can declare without confusion: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord!” DEUTERONOMY 6:4
“Do you not say, 'There are yet four months, and then comes the harvest '? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest.” John 4:35 NASV
Several years ago a young mother made a frantic call for help to 911. “I’m really scared!” she cried, “We’re lost inside a corn maze!” She was trapped with her newborn, 5-year old, and husband. Darkness had fallen, and they were alone. Surrounded by dark and creepy towering stalks of corn, they had grown confused and lost their way. The family was not far from the edge of the maze, but they didn’t know that at the time. Had they lifted up their eyes, they would have seen the lights of a building and walked toward them. All they knew was that they were lost and didn’t know which way to turn. Their vision was shadowed and restricted to the view inside the maze. Above the maze, however, an observer would have had a broader view. From above a person can see the entire maze pattern and know which paths lead to a dead end, and which lead to freedom. An observer could have discerned what the young family failed to see and guided them through the obstacles to safety. God has that broader view in our lives. He wants us to get a new vision and stop focusing on the limits of what’s surrounding us. “Lift up your eyes, “ Jesus told his disciples, “and look on the fields!” What did Jesus see on the fields that the disciples didn’t? Instead of vacant land, He saw worshippers, prayer warriors, soul winners, and saints. He saw beyond the region to Asia, Europe, Africa, and America. He saw desperate human need for a Savior! A person without vision only has sight. He stumbles along life’s path, lost and plagued by shadowy fears, with eyes blinded by dust and darkened by no hope. God give us vision so we will not have to live by what we see. Lift! Look! Let us see what Jesus sees!
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Two Who Answered the Call to India
Brother Adam Mendoza
The beautiful grounds of the Bible college and Almost Heaven Children’s Home run by Pastor Thomas
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n the spring of this year, Resident Missionary Uday Narayan took AIMer’s Leila Abdalla and Aubrey Amador to Mumbai, India, where they were placed in an orphanage called AlPreparing to baptize one of the Bible college most Heaven Children’s students in Jesus’ name are Brother Thomas Home. It was run by Pastor and Brother Le Blanc. In all, 23 students Chacko Thomas, a faithful were baptized. overseer of 53 churches and preaching points across the region. Pastor Thomas then came to Modesto in the late spring as a guest of Brother Narayan. While he was here, he was able to recruit our Assistant Pastor Adam Mendoza and Tribe Leader Dana LeBlanc to come as teachers to the Bible college housed in the same buildings as the orphanage. Both men went separate times to teach. There they found eager students who were respectful and appreciative, and above all, hungry to learn the Apostolic doctrine. Brother Mendoza taught Brother David Bernard’s text Christian Character. He also taught from the Book of Acts Apostolic patterns and methods for church outreach. Brother Leblanc taught on the Apostolic doctrine on the plan of salvation and the fivefold ministry in the book of Ephesians. Both testify witnessing the power of the Holy Spirit moving on the Bible college students as they taught. Divine revelations enabled several students to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit right in the classroom. 23 were baptized in Jesus name! Because the Hindu and Muslim faith account for 97% of the population, an Indian embracing the Christian faith will be disowned by family and community. Many students at the Bible College had made such a sacrifice. When both of our brothers visited villages and towns in the area
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Brother Dana Le Blanc
around the Bible college, the hunger to receive the true gospel was impressive. Speaking in tongues is a rare phenomena among the general population. When an Indian experiences such a blessing, he will remain a Christian for life. Both brothers witnessed inroads to several Trinitarian churches in the area. The oneness of God is becoming a spectacular revelation to many of these congregations. Accommodations were very comfortable, since their bedrooms were air-conditioned. Indian food was a delight to Brother LeBlanc, and he gained weight on this trip. Brother Mendoza found the food more challenging, but he was grateful to the provisions made by the college staff. Both admit being a passenger in a car can be perilous, and they were grateful that their Christian driver was well experienced while driving in Mumbai. Because of the poverty, Brother Mendoza left his suits and ties for the students. Upon returning home, both men admit being broken by the burden for India. In America, we enjoy so much wealth and bountiful blessings, they say, but over there you live by faith that the Lord will provide everyday. Their respective journeys to India changed their worldview forever. In fact, Brother LeBlanc has returned to India for a three-month sojourn at the time of this publication. Brother Thomas appreciates any help from the American churches in helping him train oneness preachers to send out for the salvation of India! Let us all pray for the success of this Bible College and Brother Thomas’ ministry.
Brother Mendoza, pictured here with his Bible school class, says he is forever changed by his Book of Acts experience in India.
Danny Viado Travels with an Apostle to Fiji Brother Daniel Viado
Elder Uday Narayan
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ver since Brother Danny Viado had given his life to Christ several years ago, he heard the missionary reports Resident Missionary Uday Narayan gave through the years when he returned from the islands of Fiji or India. But it was last year when Brother Danny felt a burden to join Brother Narayan on one of these missionary crusades. He was thrilled when Brother Narayan asked Brother Danny to accompany him this past summer. The eager young man would not be going through the AIMS program, but our pastors would send him as an assistant to Brother Narayan. Their purpose would be to encourage the churches in Lambasa on the northern island of Vanuu Levu. When they arrived in the small airport of Vanuu Levu, Danny was impressed with the beauty and greenery of the landscape. Traveling through the city of Lambasa, Danny says it reminded him of a Western town. They met Pastor Raju Venkit, and Danny was struck with his holiness and dedication to his ministry of bringing the gospel to his island and beyond. Pastor Raju is convinced that door-to-door knocking is the way to evangelize his city and the neighboring villages. They had wonderful services, for many came to hear Apostle Narayan who founded the church almost 30 years ago. Brother Danny had a bit of a cultural shock staying in
homes pretty much built by the owner. Tin roofs are very common in these modest homes. One has to get used to lizards and large spiders crawling around at night. And you learn to really value mosquito netting. And yet, the Fijian saints give their all to make you feel welcome. Brother Danny found the food delicious and nutritious. He actually gained weight during the month he was there. You also learn to like to drink tea, since that becomes your chief beverage throughout the entire day. Despite the poverty many of the saints there endure, their houses are very clean and safe, since the crime rate is very low. Brother Danny was grateful that he never got sick. Brother Narayan and Brother Danny were also able to visit churches in the larger island of Viti Levu. Brother Danny was given several opportunities to preach. Many visitors to their meetings were Trinitarian pastors. It was amazing to see how eager they were to receive the oneness doctrine. He asks that we all pray that they not only receive it with their minds but also with their hearts. When Brother Danny returned home, he felt his burden for the mission fields intensify – he almost felt homesick. He feels that going abroad to share the gospel is one of the greatest experiences any Apostolic Christian can reward himself. Brother Danny said Brother Narayan is truly an Apostle and was amazed by him. Brother Narayan is greatly honored and respected by the saints in Fiji. People travel miles, some even walk two hours one way in the rain, to come and hear him preach. Brother Danny is grateful that he was privileged to accompany the man of God, and would not hesitate to do it again.
God has blessed the work in Fiji started almost 30 years ago by Elder Narayan. Brother Viado had the opportunity to preach at several services while in Fiji with the assistance of an interpreter. Accompanying Elder Narayan was an amazing experience.
Brother Viado prays for a new convert in Nausori.
Resident Missionary Uday Narayan preaches at one of the many churches in Fiji.
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AIMer Chris Castro Labors in the Fields of Brother Chris Castro
S
Chilé
ince Brother Chris Castro was a child, he has had a burden for missions. He can remember coming home from church and telling his mother while weeping that he was ready to go. When his family began to attend Revival Center of Modesto several years ago, he became actively involved with Youth on Missions. He went to Costa Rica, Honduras, Hawaii, and Mexico. This only intensified his desire to become a missionary. He prayed about going to India or Russia. When he shared his burden with Pastor Johnson, they prayed together, and our pastor guided him to a country he would select through the AIM program. Pastor Johnson felt that it should be a Spanish-speaking country. They agreed on the country of Chile. This past year, Brother Chris lived by faith making his personal life and belongings comply with his plans. He laid out fleeces like Gideon and praised Jesus for answering his prayers. He got rid of a car he didn’t need, moved into a less expensive apartment, and didn’t have to worry about his job when his company shut down. During our Stewardship Missions Conference in 2012, Missionary Steve Phelps to Uganda inspired and encouraged him to trust in God. Everything fell into place for Brother Chris to go this past summer.
Pastor Firmami’s church. It started out with one family 15 years ago and now has over 80 members.
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Brother Chris and Pastor Daniel Firmami of Talcahuano, Chile
When he got to Chile, Brother Chris did not feel he was in a mission field. He was placed in the very modern city of Concepcion near the center of the country to help Pastor Daniel Firmami and his church in the suburb of Talcahuano. About 80 members attend the church with a very active youth group. Brother Chris soon discovered that the key to evangelizing in the country of Chile is to win the trust and confidence of potential converts and embrace them in fellowship. Door-to-door knocking is not welcome by the Chilean citizens. Fellowship in homes is the strategy used by our church organization there. Invitations to church services happen during a meal or social gatherings. Like in Fiji and India, Brother Chris witnessed many Trinitarians accepting the oneness gospel. He remembers a young Catholic priest coming into service. At the end of powerful preaching of Apostolic doctrine, he came up to the altar weeping and received the baptism of the Holy Ghost. He then was baptized in Jesus name. When Brother Chris returned home, he realized that his heart is in the mission fields. He knows he is a work in progress, and he is constantly praying for the Lord to show him His will. May the Lord fulfill Brother Chris’ burden here and abroad.
Brother Shane Hayes, UPC missionary to Chile, while preaching at a church in La Serena, prayed for a lady who received the baptism of the Holy Ghost.
Youth group from church in Talcahuano, Chile. Their youth pastor, Esteban (the pastor’s son) and his wife Carla are the couple sitting in front with their daughter. “They really took care of me while I was there,”says Brother Chris.
COLLEGE GRADUATES
NAYELI BURCIAGA
(teaching her Sunday School class)
Bachelor’s in Liberal Studies CSU, Stanislaus Career Plans: K-6 Teacher
HOLLY GOODRUM
Bachelor’s in Child Development, Outstanding Student in her Major, CSU, Stanislaus Career Plans: Family Therapist
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES
JASMINE AGUILERA Connecting Waters Heald College Career Plans: C.P.A.
ALYSSA MORAN
Enochs High School MJC, CSU Stanislaus Career Plans: Nursing
JOSSELYN GEORGE Connecting Waters MJC, Career Plans: Radiologist
ANDREW MORAN
Enochs High School MJC / CSU Stanislaus Career Plans: Business Management
RACHEL HENRY
Summerville High School MJC / CSU Stanislaus Career Plans: Pre-school Teacher
ANGELIQUE WAYNE
Connecting Waters Christian Life Bible College Career Plans: Christian Education Ministry
ANGEL PADILLA
Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice University of Phoenix Plans on pursuing her Master’s Career Plans: Probation Officer
ZACK LOFTUS
Whitmore Charter High MJC, San Jose State University Career Plans: Graphic Design
AURORA WELLS
Johansen High School MJC, Cal Berkeley Career Plans: Business Executive
JOHNATHAN SELFRIDGE Ceres High School Graduated Basic Training Army A.I.T. Training, Arizona, for Military Intelligence
VICTORIA BELTRAN
Modesto High School Currently in Army Training at Fort Bragg, NC, CSU San Bernardino Career Plans: Psychologist
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25th Year Anniversary! The Newsvine staff and Revival Center dedicated the weekend to Elder Julio Hernandez whose dynamic ministry reaches across North, Central, and South America. and recently into Italy. Editors Leo and Virginia Aguilera are joined with Pastor Johnson and Bishop Keyes in presenting the plaque after a multimedia presentation depicting Brother Hernandez’s ministry and 25 years of Mission Conferences.
Western District Superintendent Mark Morgan mesmerized us with his sermon “Dead Man Walking.”
From the moment one stepped into the sanctuary of this year’s 25th Mission’s Conference, there was a feeling of excitement and anticipation--something wonderful was about to happen! We were stirred by the heart-felt testimonies of our missionaries and their wives who, withholding nothing, labor in the fields from California to Africa. Our saints were blessed by the anointed singing of the Mass and Spanish choirs and inspired by the deep and challenging sermons of Brother Mark Morgan and Brother Dannie Hood. At the conclusion of the weekend, the altar was filled with saints bringing forth their sacrificial offerings, rejoicing in the opportunity to support the great work God is doing here and abroad. May this moment in time propel us in the coming year as never before!
WITHHOLDING NOTHING! Packed with saints from Revival Center, our branch works, and the Spanish-speaking churches of the Bay Area, the church rocked with exuberant praise!
Always a gifted preacher, Brother Dannie Hood exhorts the congregation with “The Blessing Beyond the Tears.”
Conference Theme Brother Shoemake Ventura, California
Brother Hurley,
Sacramento, California
Brother Richardson, Africa - Madagascar
Brother Sully Africa - Senegal Brother Corbin Asia - India, Bangladesh
Eleanor with Sister Sully: “Seize every opportunity.”
Pastor and Sister Johnson and Sister Andrea Powell pose with our missionary children.
Sister Shoemake: Sister Gonzalez:
“This year we have seen great miracles.”
Sister Hurley:
“I see people who are desperate and hopeless: I am their hope.”
Sister Richardson: “You have a mission
field.”
Sister Gama: “There is a place for you.”
“God told me all He needed was a willing heart to do whatever He
wanted me to do.”
Photography by Grover Hunt and Leo Aguilera
Elder Bonnie Ketner is surrounded by the Johnsons: Mehgan, Lindsey, Makayla and Sister Kim Johnson. Our church appreciates Pastor Johnson and his family for organizing this great event.
Pastor Johnson prays for our missionaries for God’s protection, His anointing, and great revival in their cities and countries!
Brother Gama East Palo Alto
Brother Gonzalez San Diego
RC Mass Choir sings“Greater Things Are Still to be Done in the City”! 10 SUMMER / FALL NEWSVINE
Bishop Keyes, who established this conference 25 years ago, and Sister Keyes pray over the sacrificial offering.
Lonnie and Terry Loftus with daughter Amber drop off their sacrificial offering. The platform was filled with offering envelopes and commitment cards for mission and church support giving for the coming year. May God multiply these funds for the spreading of His gospel to the world!
Enjoying a light hearted moment with Sister Keyes are Barb Seah (left) and Mary Aguirre.
Josh Aguilera and Jeriann Powell solo on “Fresh Fire, The Spanish Choir leads the congregation into Fresh Wind.” worship with “Gloria.”
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as told to Editor Virginia Aguilera
n January of 2013, Sister Jones had her annual mammogram. After getting a clear report from her doctor, she was not concerned when she missed her annual physical in June due to being out of town. In the first part of October, she was shocked when her doctor said he felt a lump in Sister Jones’ left breast. She was scheduled immediately for a mammogram the following week. Although a marker was put on her skin where the doctor felt the lump, it still didn’t show up. The next day they did the sonogram. As the technician ran the transducer, a small handheld unit, over her breast, both the technician and Sister Jones could see the lump as the sound waves bouncing off the tumor finally revealed the mass on the computer monitor. Next, a needle biopsy was performed to determine if the tumor was cancerous. For a week, Sister Jones waited for the results. Finally a week later, she received a call from her doctor’s office with the dreaded news: you have cancer! “My first reaction was fear. It was like a wave went through my body.” As she sat down to gather her emotions, the Lord spoke to her through scripture after scripture. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28). She spoke to God saying “I know You have a purpose and plan in this.” She bolstered herself by quoting scriptures as she waited to meet the surgeon a week later. While sitting in the surSister Joyce Jones and geon’s office, she was asked if she wanted a mastectomy in which they remove the entire her husband Willie breast or a lumpectomy in which only the tumor and surrounding tissue are removed. After being told by the surgeon that the survival rate is the same for both procedures, she opted for the latter. Missions Conference at the church was nearing, and still she had not confided in anyone at the church except for Sister Keyes and her family. During choir rehearsal one night, she felt led to share with her fellow choir members her cancer diagnosis. “At this point I was so settled in this. I thought if I live, I win; if I die, I win. I was ready to go.” She told the choir not to panic, but that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. They prayed for her. “This is a God thing,” she said to them. “What do I have to fear?” She started looked forward to whatever God had planned for her. God had been preparing her for this day to come. She had been studying the scriptures, and her Christian maturity had gotten to a place where she could accept what He had for her. God had been revealing to her about who we are as children of God. “I am a child of God and He is not a child abuser. Nothing can happen by coincidence,” she said. “I am hid in Christ. The devil doesn’t know where I am unless God reveals myself to him, and it is allowed to happen.” She remembered how God presented Job to Satan and felt like God was telling her that He was doing the same with her, that He had a purpose and a plan in this. She believed that just like God was with Daniel in the lion’s den and the three Hebrew children in the fiery furnace, He would be with her. This was confirmed at Missions Conference when on Friday night there was a call for anyone who was battling cancer to come up front to be prayed for. She immediately went forward. Her sister who had been visiting from Brother Emory’s church told her after service that she felt a confirmation from God that Sister Jones had been healed. That following Saturday afternoon while fellowshipping at Sister Sheelah Grant’s house, a sister from Brother Jeff Morgan’s church came up to her and said, “I need to tell you something. When I saw you in the choir loft, the Lord told me to tell you that you’ve been healed!” Sister Jones went through surgery the Monday after Missions Conference. Along with the tumor, the doctors removed several lymph nodes to check to see if the cancer had metastasized. Thank God, when she got the results back, the cancer had not spread! She only needed a few months of radiation treatments which she finished in March of this year. Since then all of her blood work has been great. Thank God, she is cancer free! However, Sister Jones would soon face another test of her faith. A few months ago, she had been scheduled for cataract surgery. As a precaution, the ophthalmologist required a clearance from her primary care doctor including an EKG. She had been told prior to receiving treatment that the radiation she received to treat her cancer could cause problems with her organs. The doctor told her that she had possible blockages in her heart, and that she may need a heart procedure inclusive of a stent or angioplasty. She reminded the Lord now how she had prayed prior to every radiation treatment that He would not let it injure her in any way and for it only to kill any cancer cells. Again, her life was in His hands and in His purpose. She was scheduled for a heart procedure in which the doctor would run a catheter up through her groin into her heart. Her husband Willie and Sister Dwanda Scott went with her. The last thing she remembers telling the medical team before they started was, “I have placed you in the hands of Jesus.” The next thing she remembers was being in the recovery room. When they checked her heart, the doctors found nothing wrong! There were no blockages in her heart whatsoever! Sister Jones says, “God not only healed me, He made me whole! I even had to go through radiation because there were people there who needed to know about Jesus Christ. I believe my faith helped keep my husband Willie steady through this ordeal. He is getting a revelation of Who Jesus is.”
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Upfront with recent events
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Revival Flames Still Burn
Fanning the fires of revival this past season were
two of Revival Center’s favorite preachers: Brother Mark Drost (left) and Brother Greg Godwin. Both are men of great faith and anointing. God used their unique ministries to inspire and uplift the congregation. From Brother Godwin’s “In the Midst of It” to Brother Drost’s “A Double Portion,” hearts were touched and souls filled the altars. Revival Center has been blessed throughout the years to hear from some of the greatest preachers in Pentecost!
Sunday School’s Trunk or Treat Outreach
Trunk or Treat is an annual event put on by our
Sunday School to provide our bus children with a safe and fun fall activity. The children had a great time going from car to car to play games and collect candy from the trunks of our Sunday School teachers and bus drivers. “All the candy was donated,” says Sister Aguirre, “even people who don’t attend our church Pastor Johnson helps pass out candy at the Trunk or Treat outreach sponsored by our Sunday School department. donated.” Nachos and drinks were also provided. The high school Sunday School students were a huge help. They spent the morning painting children’s faces, passing out food, and assisted in setting up and cleaning up. Trunk or Treat is one of the tools Sister Aguirre uses to reach out to the children in our community to get Sister Angel passes out them excited about coming to Sunday School. Other events planned candy. Sunday School Director Mary Aguirre and her team, with trunks stuffed with candy, are ready for this year’s Trunk or Treat. They all work hard to plants the seeds of Christianity into the hearts of our bus children, many of these kids coming from some of the most disadvantaged areas of our city.
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are a traditional Thanksgiving feast and a special contest to motivate students in which a PS3 donated by Sister Angel Padilla and Dauntai Manning will be given to the student who earns the most points. Thank you, Sunday School Department, for your hard work in reaching the children of our community for Jesus.
Pastor’s Corner Outreach
What was once a woman and her family holding up a sign asking people
passing by if they needed prayer has evolved into Pastor’s Corner in which our church ministers to the great number of homeless wandering the streets of Modesto. Each Thursday morning, Sister Gracie Delgadillo and her team minister with Bible study and prayer and then the youth chapel is opened for a hot meal served to the many hungry men, woman, and children who appear. Each month Sister Delgadillo and her team feeds hundreds of hungry people. Presently, they are collecting coats, hats, scarves, socks, and blankets for their Winter Coat Drive. “We need anything that will help the homeless stay warm,” says Sister Delgadillo. They are also always in need of money and food items for their weekly meals...and willing hands to serve. Please keep Pastor’s Corner in your prayers and consider supporting this wonderful ministry. “And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” - Matthew 25:40
RC Kingdom Kids Brother John and Sister Amy Rodriguez (right) pose with RC Kingdom Kids and their helpers.
“...Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.” - Mark 10:14
RC Kingdom Kids is a ministry started over a year ago by Brother John and Sister Amy Rodriguez (far
right). They saw a need to minister to children during the 11:00 a.m. Sunday morning worship service at the main sanctuary. Its focus was to supplement Sunday School by providing a Children’s Church to reach the children at their level and to allow visitors to be able to focus on the service rather than being distracted by their restless child. Children are ministered to in songs, skits, and even puppet shows to teach them about Jesus. The children are also taught the importance of giving to missions and to those in need. In the past they have collected school supplies, provided items for those affected by natural disasters, and recently sent money to buy ice cream for children in Fiji who have never tasted this special treat before. Awesome job, Kingdom Kids! SUMMER / FALL NEWSVINE 13
Testimony of Faith THE UNION OF EXTREMES
William and Carolyn Paul
as told to Editor Leo Aguilera
PART TWO (Editor’s Note: In our last issue, we began the testimonies of two individuals, Brother William and Sister Carol Paul, who are truly paradoxes of two personalities before they were saved by the true gospel. We began with Sister Carol’s story whose life began with a challenging childhood into teen years of trials and errors. Her young adult life did not get any better. But then she had a fateful encounter with William Paul. Here is where we begin his story. Equally challenging with heart break and abuse, only our Savior Jesus Christ could intervene and save Brother Paul. Both their conversions would prove the dynamic power of God’s Spirit. Read this final installment and prepare to be inspired.)
BILL’S STORY
B
The Ills of Neglect
rother Bill Paul was born to William and Deborah Paul on November 8, 1974, at Fort Wayne, Indiana. He was the oldest of three children, having a younger brother and sister. His father was originally from Ohio. He was an Air Force veteran who saw combat during the Vietnam War and was now a supervisor for Sun Valley Farms, a large egg processing plant. His mom was a homemaker. During those early years, Bill remembers a rather normal life. His parents got along fine, and he remembers the cold winters and the cozy warm home his mother provided. Even though his father was of average height, his grandfather and uncles were all over 6’5”. In fact, his grandfather was 6’8” and his grandmother was only 4’11”. He also remembers his grandfather smoking a corn stalk pipe. The family had pleasant gatherings, but there was one memory that foreshadowed future problems. His father smoked marijuana for relaxation, and the smell of that smoke is a constant reminder of Bill’s early upbringing. When Bill was six years old, Sun Valley Farms relocated to sunny California. His father took the transfer to Salida just outside Modesto, and Bill remembers starting school there. It was right around that time that Bill remembers his father became disabled due to a back injury. Everything changed. His father began to use marijuana all the time to ease his constant pain. Then he progressed to harder drugs. The family’s income was cut short, and Bill remembers constantly moving from one rental to
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another. Unsavory characters began to frequent their home. And it didn’t take long for Bill to realize his father was hosting drug dealers. Money was squandered on his father’s habits, and Bill recalls sadly many times electricity, gas, and water were cut off for nonpayment of mounting bills. Bill never knew when he would come home and see an eviction notice on the front door. The constant moving finally brought the family to the neighborhood of Muncy Elementary School. Bill and his siblings were on the free lunch program. This became their main meal of the day. Even though Bill’s mother was not using drugs, she was passive aggressive, and in her depression, she made due with their limited income of feeding her children the staples of macaroni and cheese and hotdogs. As Bill got older, he noticed his father lost any concern or affection for his children. Drugs became the number one priority for his dad. Many of his father’s drug cohorts would stay with them. There was never a lack of food for them when they got the “munchies.” As long as the drug dealers provided their father with drugs, they had access to the food he bought. Bill remembers opening the refrigerator and seeing steaks and such for these guests. He and his brother and sister were not allowed to touch these foods. If they did, harsh discipline was swift and sure. Even though his father taught Bill to roll joints for him, Bill was never tempted to try one. He saw what addictions to these drugs did to his family. Sometimes, they had to move from a rental due to the pressure of neighbors who wanted them out. Bill would walk home from school and see elderly folks living next door watching his father and his friends with binoculars. They would be jotting down license numbers. Soon there would be a police raid, and even though his parents were good in hiding the stash, they would move out within a few days. Bill remembered several drug raids during those years. This constant nomadic life resulted in secondhand furniture and mattresses on the floor for quick escapes. Bill and his siblings recognized they lived in poverty, and this became a constant shame. As Bill entered his teens, he began to notice other vices manifesting in their home. His father mainly hung out with his friends in the garage. Bill and his brother and sister were not allowed to go in there unless his father called for them. Bill remembers young women with heavy makeup and jittery nerves coming to the garage looking for drugs. During their visits, the garage door came down and all entrance doors were locked. Bill’s mother would sit silently in the living room watching soap operas for hours at a time. Bill pitied his mother and would sit with her not saying a word during these visits.
A Much-Needed Refuge When Bill began Davis High School in Modesto, he loved the daily escape. In fact, he found school a refuge from his miserable home life. He joined the freshman football team, the Chess Club, and the German Club. But by his sophomore year, they had to move further away from Davis High School. It was a challenge to walk two miles each way, but he was determined not to miss a single day of school. When his tennis shoes began to wear out, he told his parents he needed new shoes. His father said there was no money and to quit bothering him. Bill was invited to a friend’s home, and he saw an expensive pair of athletic shoes in his friend’s bedroom. He stole them, but the next day his friend and some buddies jumped him and beat him up severely, leaving him barefoot to limp home. Bill remembers knowing there was a God, and he tried to pray at times, but he felt he was not important enough to be heard. He recalls no church outreach come knocking at their door. But he was determined that he would not get hooked on drugs. Sadly, he saw his younger brother try out the drugs his father offered. He soon got hooked, and Bill noticed his brother and his father began to bond. It wasn’t long afterwards that his brother began to hang out in the garage with their father and the dealers. His brother also quit school. When Bill ended his year as a junior, he joined the delayed entry program for the U.S. Army. During the summer between his junior and senior year, he flew to Fort Jackson, South Carolina, for his basic training. All his life he was told he would not amount to anything, but here Bill found camaraderie with his fellow trainees. He weighed only 120 pounds, but with three meals a day, and a rigorous exercise program, he gained weight. He put all into his training, and did not mind the harsh commands and language used by his superiors. He loved the regimented routine and pat on the backs when he met expectations. He said the training broke you down, then built you up. He didn’t mind that. After 11 weeks, he dreaded going home. Back in Modesto, he only had to endure nine more months of his dysfunctional family, and then he would go back to the Army. During that last year at home, his room was the cleanest in the house. His father did not dare discipline him anymore, and Bill was pretty much left to his studies. He was getting a B average in school, and when he graduated in 1992, only his mother came to the commencement ceremony. Two weeks later, he was gone.
A Different Type of Addiction His five years in the military first began in Virginia, and then he was transferred to Fort Hood, Texas. Bill admits that during his years in the Army, he acquired some bad vices. His Army buddies loved to go to Austin and booze it up. He also began to gamble, and it wasn’t long before he was addicted. Every chance he got, he went to the casinos or joined card games in the barracks. When he was honorably discharged, he decided to come back to Modesto. But he did not move in with his parents. He found employment in the security patrol business. He rented a home for himself, and soon found himself in relationship with a disabled young girl. She was in constant need of dialysis, and she was receiving permanent disability from Social Security. They set up housekeeping for seven years. It wasn’t long before she noticed that Bill was addicted to gambling. He took her to the casinos with him, and he always excused his extravagant spending as entertainment for both of them.
She did not buy it. Bill only saw how much he could win, and never noticed how much it took. This became a constant argument between them. He soon began to work up to three shifts of security patrol to pay their bills and have enough for his vice. Bill admits that he was obsessed, and while patrolling at night, his mind would go over and over some new strategies to win at the gambling tables or slot machines. Today, Bill admits it is like a demonic possession. Then one day, he came home and found his mother and father in the living room. They were homeless, and his girlfriend wanted to help them. Bill told her she had made a big mistake. Soon she realized her mistake. She was appalled by Bill’s father’s acquaintances and realized the risk she and Bill were making every time dealers came into their garage. She broke her relationship with Bill and moved out. Now Bill found himself staying away from the house working three patrol shifts just to avoid confrontations with his parents. He laid a rule down with his father: no druggies in the house while he was there sleeping. This rule soon was broken when Bill came home one night seeing his garage door open. He noticed two young ladies on the couch obviously waiting to score drugs. One girl he found attractive. But he still stormed into the house, yelling at his father to get rid of them. That young girl was Carol, and she found him attractive also.
THEIR STORY Unequally Yoked
Carol was divorcing her husband who was moving out to live in Oregon. The next day, she had some business to do at the County Center, and there she saw Bill on his day shift as a security guard pushing an elderly woman in a wheelchair into the building. She felt it was destiny to meet him. She ran up to him and grabbed him by the collar and demanded that he give her his number. He recognized her as the girl in his garage the night before, and he did not hesitate to write it down. Soon they were calling each other, and when her soonto-be ex left for Oregon, she began to date Bill. Bill had just about had it living with his parents. Soon that would end when he came home one day to find a SWAT team in front of his house. Evidently, his father had received some stolen goods, and they were raiding Bill’s home. The commanding officer told Bill he should move out and stay away from his father. That night, Bill moved in with Carol. Carol admits that Bill was a lifesaver. She was still hooked on drugs, and she had no discipline running a food budget and paying the bills for herself and the kids. The first thing Bill did was stock the cupboards and refrigerator with food. Bill took a liking to Carol’s children, Deanna and Thomas. He also began to sever her friendships with her party friends. Because Bill loved Carol, he tolerated her slips into drug use. She also tolerated his gambling habits. But both realized this would not work out if they did not give up their vices. Bill decided to help Carol get off drugs. It took six months of commitment by both of them to break her habit. He would even hold her all night so she wouldn’t get up and sneak out of the house to score some meth. After her family put up with her withdrawals, she finally was clean. But one night, Bill felt uneasy on his night shift. He told his boss that something was wrong at home. His boss gave him permission to end his shift. When Bill entered his living room, he heard voices in the kitchen. One of Carol’s old friends was about to sell her some meth. Bill yelled at Carol’s friend to get out. Bill swears he saw CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
SUMMER / FALL NEWSVINE 15
Ladies Conference
with Sister Mickey Mangun
Sister Johnson
Sister Mangun Sister Keyes
I know that You are for me! The words of Sister Powell
What a spread!
her slither out of the room like a snake. Carol broke down in his arms saying she was sorry. Carol felt that she was going to need a higher power to keep her from relapsing into her old habits.
A Divine Intervention Carol told Bill that she was feeling strong sentiments for going back to church. At times she would be doing her housekeeping chores and a song on the radio would remind her of a gospel hymn. She would get tears in her eyes and feel conviction in her heart. Then one day, Sister Hilda Rochester from Revival Center called her on an outreach hotline to invite her to church. Carol knew this was a confirmation that she needed to start attending church. She told Sister Rochester she would think about it. But the next day, when she was folding clothes in her bedroom, she felt a strong presence behind her. Then she heard the words, “My daughter, it is time to come home!” She fell to the floor and began to speak in tongues. She called Sister Rochester to pick her up for the next service. When Bill came home, he saw the excitement in her eyes when she told him she was going start attending church again. She wanted him to join her, but he said that church was not for him. If she wanted to go, it was okay with him. Carol remembers she went Sunday morning, and as soon as the altar call was given, she ran up to be prayed for. She was given a tremendous blessing, speaking in tongues, and being refilled with His Spirit. Bill admits that there was a change in her. It seemed like all her cravings for meth had disappeared. The way Carol began to dress startled him. She was modest in her apparel, and she no longer used profane language. Every Sunday, he helped her to dress the children and took them outside where Sister Rochester was waiting to drive them to church. He would wave goodbye, knowing that he was keeping a secret from her. At his job, Bill had a co-worker who was witnessing to him about the saving grace of Jesus Christ. He knew the man as Keenan who was friendly and outgoing. Bill kept turning him down when Keenan would invite him to church. But Bill admits that something was stirring inside
this song beautifully ministered by Sister Mickey Mangun, epitomizes the focus of this past year’s Ladies’ Conference. It was a time of celebrating our unique place in God’s kingdom and in our families. Sister Mangun’s message on Saturday morning, “Focus!” provided us with such life tips as: we can’t do it all, we need to focus on what’s most important in our lives, manage our time wisely, choose to have a positive attitude, and to remember to laugh! Thank you, Sister Mangun for your words of wisdom and your anointed singing and thank you, Sister Johnson and your team, for an amazing conference!
of him. Then one Sunday morning, as Bill walked out his family to Sister Rochester’s waiting van, he saw his co-worker Keenan step out of the vehicle. They instantly recognized each other, and Bill was dumbfounded that Keenan was Sister Rochester’s husband. Bill says this left a strong impact on him. But he was still rebellious and only promised he would come soon. It was the end of the year 2006. Carol was pleading with Bill to come to Watch Night service. He chose instead to go to a casino to gamble. But all that night, he felt uncomfortable and was not enjoying the game. The next morning, he told Carol he would start going only to Sunday morning service. For several weeks he stuck to his resolution. He enjoyed hearing Bishop Keyes teach the word, but he did not let Carol know that. Then she began to pressure him to go to the bilingual service on February 17. It was a night service, and he had not agreed to do this. He told her he would go this one time. Carol did not feel this would be the best service to get him up to the altar. But as soon as Bill entered the sanctuary, he felt a powerful presence. He was impressed with the worship and the inspiring singing of the mass choir and the bilingual choir. The preaching pierced his soul, and then Brother Keenan Rochester invited him to the altar. Paul did not hesitate. He said to Carol, “I’m ready to go!” Never in his years growing up had he felt such love. At the altar he felt the anointing of the Holy Spirit all around him, and he felt hands on his head and shoulders from brothers who were praying for him. Brother Rochester spoke into his ear and said he would feel a tingling come over him. Bill said he saw a “white hand of lightening” hit him on the chest. He was slain in the spirit, speaking in tongues! When Carol came up to the altar, after gathering the children, she said, “Where is he?” She said she saw Paul get up drunk in the Spirit and saying, “YES!” He wanted to be baptized in Jesus name! When Bill came out of the water, the Holy Ghost continued to fill him with a powerful confirmation. Paul became faithful in his attendance to every service. He
married Carol, and they were blessed with two beautiful boys. Since then they have lived a blessed and victorious life!