newsvine
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Summer 2015 Aiming for Awareness! International Magazine of REVIVAL CENTER UNITED PENTECOSTAL CHURCH
A Word from the Editors Back-to-School Service
825 7th Street, Modesto, CA 95354 Business Phone: 209-522-5365
TheNewsvine@gmail.com issuu.com/thenewsvine EDITOR LEO AGUILERA
ASSOCIATE EDITOR Assist. Ed. Multi-media Business LiaisonS GRAPHIC DESIGN PHOTOGRAPHERS
REPORTER YOUTH REPORTERS “DID YOU KNOW?” MAILINGS DISTRIBUTIONS
Virginia Aguilera Joshua Aguilera Charlene Wilson Leo & Virginia Aguilera Leo Aguilera, Gabriel Chavoya, Grover Hunt Carol Castillo 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 apostolic man ministry BUFF (Men’s 50+) HYPHEN spanish services Food for Thoughts & Food PantrY
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 Alex Diaz Herb Jenkins Jeriann Powell Adam Mendoza, Antonio Gutierrez Nancy Williams
CHURcH SERVICES SUNDAY - 10:00 A.M. 10:00 A.M. 11:00 A.M. 5.30 P.M. 6:00 P.M. MONDAY - 7:00 P.M. TUESDAY - 7:30 P.M. WEDNESDAY - 7:30 P.M. THURSDAY - 7:30 P.M. Thursday - 7:30 p.m. SATURDAY - 10:00 A.M.
Sunday School-Children - Tuolumne Sunday School - Adults - Sanctuary Morning Service - Sanctuary Prayer in Youth Chapel REVIVAL SERVICE All-Church Prayer Starting Point for New Converts Mid-Week Congregational Service Pulse (Youth Service) Spanish Service (1st/3rd Thursday) 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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his special issue is dedicated to our youth. Most of the featured articles are pertinent to the principles to which our church takes a stand. While in school or college, our young people have their faith tested with the teaching of humanism and a constant bombardment of sin and temptation. On August 16, during our Sunday evening service, Pastor Johnson preached a back-to-school sermon directed to our youth, their parents, grandparents, and even uncles and aunts. He chose the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the book of daniel with the title,”Live or die, I’ve Made Up My Mind.” As these young people stood up for their faith in God against the worldly order of King Nebuchadnezzar, so our young people need to love truth and their belief in Jesus Christ. He reminded our parents that we are living in a state of emergency. There’s no time to sleep when we are raising our children. Moms and dads need to show a holy example to their daughters and sons, monitoring what these precious loved ones are exposed to every day in school. He gave examples of recent current events that can be harmful in how our youth perceive the world. Therefore parents need to do everything they can to keep their children in the city of refuge, the Oneness, Apostolic church! Pastor Johnson went on to preach that as Ezekiel saw the breath of God raise those bones to new life, so we need the breath of God to come into every parent and young person. “Preaching creates the breath of God,” he expounded, “and here at the altar, lives are changed. There is a wall of protection that can surround our families when the breath of God begins to move.” He concluded that we will not bow down to the world and its ways. Our church can appreciate a loving pastor who wants all of us saved. Our young people are the church of tomorrow. They must be prepared in the church to face a godless generation. Jesus Christ promised us that He would be with us until the end of the world. It will take our faith in Him to be so blessed!
Maranatha, the Lord Cometh!
Leo and Virginia Aguilera, EDITORS
dEfENdING OUR APOSTOLIC dOCTRINE A High School English Teacher Tells Why He Was Baptized in JESUS’ NAME (Editor Leo Aguilera taught AP English literature at a public high school in Modesto for 37 years before recently retiring. The following is his testimony how he received in his college years the startling revelation of baptism in Jesus’ name from a grammatical viewpoint. Read and be edified.) SUNDAY SCHOOL AND THE YOUNG SCHOLAR grew up in a suburban home during the Eisenhower-Kennedy years where my father, who used the Spanish spelling for his name Enoc, was convinced his children had to attend Sunday school every week. At his convenience, the first Baptist Church of San Jose, California, ran a Sunday school bus down our street. Although my parents did not attend, my siblings and I each week were faithful to catch that bus. The Baptist knew how to run a Sunday school. Aside from the creative teaching, there were arts and crafts, Bible quizzing, visits to the San francisco zoo, and, above all, an emphasis on memorizing Scripture. There were all kinds of incentives to memorize Bible verses and recite the books of the Bible. Several times I won free camping trips to Hume Lake in the high Sierras after reciting hundreds of verses. It was during that time I memorized the Great Commission: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” After attending the Baptist Church for seven years, my parents purchased a ranch and moved us to the small town of Stevinson in the Central Valley where my siblings and I began to attend the Assembly of God church in Gustine. Here I became active in the youth department, sang in the choir, and in my first year of college, I began to teach the young people’s class. from my parents’ home, I was commuting to Stanislaus State University in Turlock where I was majoring in political science and minoring in English. When I began my second year in the fall of 1972, my father suddenly had a conversion, and he and my older sister Shirley were baptized in a local Apostolic church. I then announced to my father that I was going to be baptized in the Assembly of God church. A HIDDEN SECRET Suddenly, Enoc dropped a bomb: “You can’t! We are Apostolics.” He then proceeded to explain that his side of the family identified with the Apostolic church. “It has always concerned my parents,” my father went on to say, “that all these years I have not been sending you and your brothers and sisters to an Apostolic church.” All this was new to me, but I recalled how my grandparents, Margarita and Leopoldo Aguilera, listened quietly when I expounded to them about my achievements in the Sunday schools I had attended. I had always wondered why they were not more enthusiastic of my accomplishments. I had visited my grandparents’ church through the years and only thought that they were a Spanishspeaking Pentecostal church. He then proceeded to inform me that there was a profound difference in the doctrine of my grandparents’ church when it came to water baptism. I argued with him about the Great Commission. Jesus said we were to be baptized in the name of the father, Son, and Holy Ghost. But my father pointed out that the plan of salvation was threefold, and we were to follow the words of Peter in Acts 2:38: “Repent, and to be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” He pointed out that not only was I to confess my sins and repent, but I also had to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in other tongues, and then be baptized in His name, JESUS, and that would fulfill complete salvation. Now I was even more confused. The Baptist had taught me to simply
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say I was sorry for my sins and ask Jesus to come into my heart. My father said that was fine - that was the act of repentance. In the Assembly of God church I had received the baptism of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in other tongues. Back in the sixties this denomination taught that was essential for salvation. My father said he didn’t doubt my experience. But then he said I needed the Spirit to now guide me to the full revelation that the name of Jesus had to be said over me when I was baptized in water. This I could not comprehend. I questioned my father why he had been silent all these years. He had no answer. But for the next several days, we debated the Godhead. My father was quite intelligent and knew his scriptures, but I was stubborn to accept his interpretation of how to be baptized. I also held it against him why he himself through all these years had only recently began attending faithfully an Apostolic church. In an act of rebellion against my father’s counsel, I was baptized that next Sunday in the Assembly of God Church.
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT My father went silent for the next few weeks. He and my sister continued to attend the Apostolic church in Grayson, while my other younger siblings continued to go to church with me. My mother Emma remained neutral, so she stayed home on Sundays. We were truly a house divided. At the time, to fill my requirements with my English minor, I was taking a class on grammar. Learning at a college level the intricate rules of punctuation, syntax, and diction made me read and study more analytically the meaning of written passages. I was absorbed studying the science of language and was now considering flip-flopping my major and minor - I would soon declare to my college advisor that I wanted to change my major to English and minor in political science. All this was happening at the same time I was disputing my father’s words in my head. I was being taught in my college English class that the primary purpose of language was to communicate; that is to convey meaning, and not to confuse it. But here were two Bible passages that seemed to contradict one another. Why would Jesus say one way to baptize and His Apostle Peter another? My father had a strong argument - everyone converted in the Book of Acts was always baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. I wanted to ask my father more questions, but I was stubborn to reopen the debate. EUREKA! I SEE THE LIGHT! It was a bright sunny day on Sunday, November 5, 1972. After returning home from the church morning services, my father invited me to accompany my mother and him on a drive to the foothills of the Mother Lode to see the fall colors. It was a great drive of sightseeing and fellowship. On our way back home, we crested a hill on Highway 140, and the Central Valley spread out before us under a brilliant sunset. I was overwhelmed by the beauty of the setting, and suddenly the two passages from Matthew and Acts came to mind. With the sun dazzling my eyes, my brain edited grammatically both verses. An imperative statement was joined with an exposition engendered by a singular noun: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the NAME of the father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” This imperative statement begged the question: what is that singular noun, that word NAME? The exposition is given by Peter 50 days later at Pentecost by revealing that singular NAME is JESUS! “Repent and be baptized everyone of you in the NAME of JESUS CHRIST!” “Wow!” I cried out. My father turned around and said, “What?” “Take me to the nearest Apostolic church,” I said to him, “ so I can get baptized in Jesus’ name!”do you really mean it?” my father asked incredulously. “I do!” I answered, and I proceeded to explain how the revelation came to me by applying my grammatical learning to the two now harmonious passages. I told him I wanted to be baptized the right way. He was thrilled and that night, he took me to a United Pentecostal Church in Turlock where Pastor Leon Brokaw baptized me, and later the rest of my younger siblings and mother, in the wonderful name of Jesus Christ! (Next issue: the revelation continues with the majesty of ONE GOD!)
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THE ART OF WAR
“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.” John 10:10 “We are not ignorant of Satan’s devices”—2 Corinthians 2:11
1500 years ago Chinese General and battle strategist Sun Tzu advised his army to travel lightly, and when they reach the enemy’s camp, take what the enemy has and use it against them. Imagine the overwhelming horror of being in that camp when, without warning, an opposing army surged in to strip everything of value from you, confiscating your children and possessions, carrying away your neighbors, and turning your own weapons upon you. In modern times we invest money in state of the art security systems to keep our homes and possessions safe. Yet despite close watch on our worldly goods, we sometimes leave our hearts, minds, and attitudes unguarded. Perhaps God has used us mightily to lead people into His presence with our anointed singing. But our hearts begin to trust our talents instead of the God who gave them to us. Pride soils our attitudes, and ego moves into center position. Prayer is neglected. Praise takes a back seat to performance. Our minds are occupied with furthering our ambitions;
Did You Know? by Brother Jim Campbell
THE ALTAR In the book of Exodus 25:8 God spoke to Moses and said “and let them make me a sanctuary that I may dwell among them”. So Moses was chosen to build the tabernacle, collect an offering from the people and chose certain people to help build it. The tabernacle and its courtyard barriers had to be made to be mobile so it could be assembled and taken down when they moved through the wilderness. The courtyard was 150 feet by 75 feet with a 10 foot high fence all around it, with one gate to enter. Inside the courtyard was the 45 foot by 15 foot Tabernacle. Between the Holy Place and the gate of the courtyard was the Altar of Sacrifice also known as the Brazen Altar. The priest had to first stop at this altar before he could go any further - just like a sinner today who has to start at the altar of repentance before he can go any further with Christ. In Exodus 27:1-8 it reads the altar was to be made of acacia wood and overlaid with brass. Everything that was used on the altar was to be made of brass as well. The altar was 7 I/2 feet square and 54” high and there were four horns on the altar. Brass was a symbol of judgment and the four horns a symbol of power. Until one repents and has the blood applied to his heart through faith, they can never have power with God. The Brazen Altar was where all the blood sacrifices took place. This is where sacrifices were made for sins of the people, both for individuals and families, and the nation of the Hebrews.
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giving God glory is no longer the goal. Our talent becomes the place where the enemy attacks; the place where he seizes precious assets and gifts and uses them against us. Anyone can become open to this type of attack when they don’t exercise due diligence, falling prey to laziness (“I’m too tired to pray”), pride (“I’m the most spiritual person in church”), complacency (“Nothing bad is going to happen”), apathy (“Who cares what the pastor says?”), and arrogance (“No one else is as good as me”). We must remember that we are not as strong as we think we are. We must make our position unassailable, zealously guarding our assets. The walls of our spiritual disciplines must be built with prayer and Bible study. We must close our eyes and ears to the cacophony of fleshly lusts and desire. Our godly relationships must be protected. Our walk with God, the children God has placed in our care, our precious relationships, our minds, our hearts are all at stake. don’t let the devil steal what you have and use it against you. Stand firm against all that would rob you of your treasures! “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.” Eph. 6:11 Sister Castillo has been on the Newsvine staff for many years. Professionally, she is the Risk Manager for UC Merced. Currently, she is Revival Center’s Purpose Institute Administrator Communication Liaison. The Newsvine staff would like to congratulate Sister Carol and her husband Mark Wright, a retired veterinarian, on their recent nuptials. The altar is a symbol of the cross of Christ where the ultimate offering was made for the sins of the world. No one could enter the tabernacle without first visiting the altar. Likewise no one can approach God without taking Christ as the sacrifice for their sins as mentioned in John 14:6 Only when we claim Christ as our substitute, as the one who took upon Himself the death we so justly deserve, can we saved by the power of God. The death of Christ is fulfilled in the church by our repentance. In the sin offering all the blood of the animal was poured out at the bottom of the altar. Christ was the perfect sin offering, for all the blood was poured out of his body. Luke 24:39 reads that after his resurrection he was not flesh and blood, but rather flesh and bone. So as Christ died, so we must die to the things of the world according to Romans 6:7,11. The altar was fashioned by the hands of men. Jesus was crucified by the hands of men (Acts 2:23). In Leviticus 1:9 it reads that the burnt offering was a sweet savor unto God. In Ephesians 5:2 Paul writes that the death of Christ upon the cross was a “sweetsmelling” savor. The altar of sacrifice was open to all classes of people - rich or poor, slave or master - all could have the priest perform their sacrifices. Jesus Christ is now our high priest. The true tabernacle is now in Heaven. No one could not enter into the ancient tabernacle without first passing the altar of sacrifice, and today no one can enter heaven except by the way of the cross. “But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.”Hebrews 10:11, 12
Our denair Church Holds a Youth Explosion Rally
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t the beginning of the summer season, Pastor Daniel Becerra of our denair daughter work organized with his youth pastor, Brother Joshua Salazar (left photo), a youth rally as an outreach for the denair community. Pastor Rodney Burks (right photo) from the United Pentecostal Church of Baypoint in Pittsburg, CA, was asked to preach. He inspired the youth and visitors with the message, “destined to Be delivered.” He challenged the youth that they should take on the example of the young david who defeated Goliath. The sins that plagued and destroyed our forefathers can be defeated by a younger generation committed to serving Jesus Christ. The altar call (photo below) was packed with seekers having a deep desire to recommit to Christ.
A BLESSED PASTORSHIP
Pastor Daniel Becerra and his wife (left photo) have pastored for many years in the town of denair. Their church is thriving and emulates the revival spirit of the main church in Modesto. God bless the denair saints!
CAMP fEVER!
photos by Mehgan Johnson
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nce again Section 4 asked our youth pastor, Brother Jon Quinones, to be director of Youth Camp at Pinecrest Lake in the Sierras. Bishop Keyes and Pastor Johnson heartily encouraged parents to send their children to this summer annual event. Several of our adults were counselors and camp staff. The week was filled with dynamic evening services, competitive recreational games, and just all around good fellowship. The young campers returned fully revived and many received the baptism of the Holy Ghost for the first time. Evangelist Doug Morgan (top right) was invited to be the week-long preacher. His anointed preaching filled the altars nightly (top left). Director Jon Quinones (far left) prays for a young camper. Ethan Hunt (left) is surrounded in prayer by fellow campers. Brother Quinones’ son Braiden may be the youngest camper, and certainly the most enthusiastic for activities, when he eagerly points out a fly ball. More photos on page 12
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COLLEGE GRADUATES
photography by Leo Aguilera & Gabriel Chavoya
JULIE CHAVOYA
LUPE MILLER
Master’s in Education, Curriculum & Instruction Ashford University Magna Cum Laude Presently teaching for Stockton Unified
ELVIS NARAYAN
Master’s in Education, Leadership and Administration Fresno State University Presently teaching U.S. History
Kaplan University Registered Medical Assistant
ANGEL PADILLA
Bachelor’s in Business Management University of Phoenix Career Plans: Business
SAVANNAH WILLIAMS
Bachelor’s in Human Resources Central Washington University Career Plans: Human Resources Director for a sports organization
Check out more photos of the special graduation service on page 13 6 SUMMER NEWSVINE 2015
The Class of 2015
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES
Stanislaus Ed. Center College: MJC Career Plans: Teaching
CJ AGUIRRE
DEVINA AGUIRRE
Davis High School College: MJC Career Plans: Special Ed Teacher
FRANK CHACON, JR.
JAZMINE DEANDA
BRIANNA FLETCHER
TITUS R. PAYE
ANDREA PERALES
THERESA RAMIREZ
Whitmore Charter High College: MJC Career Plans: Teaching
Davis High School College: MJC Career Plans: Teaching
Johansen High School Plans: Military Career in the Marines
Gregori High School College: MJC Career Plans: Nursing
Pittman High School College: MJC Career: Optometrist
Gregori High School College: MJC Plans: Physician Assistant
ASHLEY DENNEY
Valley Charter College: MJC Career Plans: Teaching
SCOTT SEAH
Gregori High School San Jose State University Plans: Computer Engineering
A SPECIAL SERVICE
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t the beginning of the month of June, our church dedicated a special service to our graduates of the class of 2015. Even though we focused on our college and high school graduates, we also recognized our eighth-graders moving on to high school and our kindergartners. Pastor Johnson and high school graduate Scott Seah were the special speakers. The church prayed for our graduates to have great success in whatever vocation they choose, but above all, to lead a lifetime of service for our Lord and Savior. Congratulations, class of 2015!
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RECENT EVENTS
AN EXCITING SUNDAY SCHOOL EVENT
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Photos by Gabriel Chavoya
idz Zone, led by Sunday School director Mary Aguirre (pictured left in blue)held an awesome event in the park for our Sunday School children, complete with food and games. Brother Ramon is pictured below left with some of the kids who participated. Sister Terry Hector (below middle) enjoys the fun with her junior high class. Brother Gabriel Chavoya, one of our Newsvine staff photographers, helps transport kids to the event.
INSPIRATIONAL EVANGELISTS KNOW HOW TO PREACH!
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evival Center was blessed this past spring and summer by the anointed preaching of Evangelist Mark Drost (left) and Brother Dannie Hood (right)who pastors Landmark Tabernacle in denver, Colorado, with such sermons as “Provokers of Revival” and “Being Infected,” they stirred our hearts and spirits and brought us to the altar with tears and new determination. Thank God for the ministries of these great men of God!
MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND CHURCH PICNIC
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great tradition at our church is our Revival Center family Picnic on Memorial day. Each year members gather at the park for BBQ chicken, baseball, and just a great time of fellowship. Even our elders (left) join in on the fun. We also honored our veterans! (bottom right).
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More photos on page 15
New Stay-Connected Ministries
B.U.F. F.
BUILDING UP FIRM FOUNDATIONS
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Bishop Keyes joins the BUFF elders at this editor’s home and speaks to them about remaining active and involved in Christ’s kingdom.
or those of you young men ages 50 and above, we have a brand new ministry geared just for you, B.U.f.f: Building Up firm foundations. Begun by Brother Herb Jenkins, it began with a fellowship meeting at his home (top left, Brother Jenkins in green) with twenty men and has already grown to 33 at its second get-together at Brother Leo Aguilera’s home (left). The intent of B.U.f.f. is to grow closer to God, to each other, and to meet the needs of our fellowship. As director Herb Jenkins says: “Come out to the next meeting and join together with your brothers to build up firm foundations in your life, in your family and in our church.”
S.H.E.
SISTERS HELPING EACH OTHER
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ur Ladies’ Ministry recently kicked off with a new team and a new name: s.h.e. which is an acronym for Sisters Helping Each Other. (left photo) Sisters Martha, Yolanda, Priscilla, Nancy, Mabel, and Raquel joined together with Sister Johnson and Sister Keyes for a wonderful night of fellowship at Sister Priscilla’s beautiful home. Sister Johnson (above left) explained how she approached Sister Priscilla who had already been praying about being involved in such a ministry. Monthly meetings are being planned, so come join your sisters and let us help each other in fellowship and prayer.
More photos of B.U.F.F. and S.H.E. on page 14 SUMMER NEWSVINE 2015
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Testimony of Faith by Sister Edith Narayan
(Editor’s Note: Sister Edith Narayan was invited to speak to the youth at the beginning of the summer school break. Our youth were enraptured by her compelling testimony. Being a principle of a local elementary school, Sister Narayan has proven that God rewards dedication and fortitude in bettering oneself for His glory. Her message is timely for the youth of our generation. Read and be inspired!)
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VAULTING AMBITION
his is a message to the youth, sharing stories from my life so far…and I hope that somewhere hearing my testimony you will find something that sounds familiar or you will learn from my mistakes. Because, in all honesty, we are much more alike than we are different. My hope is that you will see a part of yourself in me. My first story is about determination and perseverance. It is about who I am and where I come from. Why? You may ask. Because I believe very strongly that the experiences a person goes through in life (especially those obstacles that a person faces) change, shape and determine who and what that person will become. I was raised in a small town located in California’s Central Valley. I grew up during a time when you were either a child of a farmer or a field worker. I was the child of the field worker. My family was one of the first Mexican families to settle in this town. Both my mother and father have told me countless horror stories of the racism they faced growing up as one of the few Mexicans. As a young child, I could not understand why there were only Mexicans working in the fields. I was disturbed by this. Now, I am grateful that my mother took me with her during Christmas breaks to help her work in a packing house or allow me to work a couple of summers in the fields, picking and grating peaches and raspberries. These experiences were very unpleasant, but they only motivated me to pursue a higher education. Very quickly it became clear to me that I would never run the risk of working in these conditions, and so I placed more emphasis on my schoolwork. In high school I immersed myself in my studies. The class that had the largest impact was my Honors English Class. The class was structured on debate and discussion of current issues. I was one of three Latinos in that class. Many times the opinions of my classmates made me very uncomfortable. In retrospect, I wonder whether they forgot that the three of us were in the room when they made certain comments. I was an inquisitive high school student who had a strong suspicion that not everyone at my school received the same level of education; therefore, I could not help but think that my counselor would not provide me the same advice to all of her students. Now that I am older and as the years go by, I have accepted that because of who I am, I must work extra hard - that I MUST maintain my professional image. I have come to terms with the fact that I will probably be one of the few Latinos in any group I will work with. However, I must say that in recent years I have noticed this is changing. With an education, the opportunities are endless. College is possible for all! I am NOT OK in saying that college is not for everyone. If I can do it, so can you! Regardless of what you face, don’t ever let someone ever tell you that you can’t do something. Remember: it’s not about how you start, but how you finish!
A SHATTERING BLOW
My next story is about walking in truth. I am not worthy of all the blessings I have been given. I thank God for my son, for my husband Ashish Narayan, for inviting me to Revival Center of Modesto through the Narayan family, and the ability to work as the principal of my elementary school. But like many of you, my life has not always been so easy. You see
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this story is also about love and loss. Pastor Johnson once said, “Life can be a minefield of unexpected circumstances.” Sometimes bad things happen for a reason - bad things happen so that we can rise above them. Sometimes, we get so distracted with the good things in life - until things go lifeless and so wrong that it finally gets our attention. It makes you reflect that maybe you need to change what you value and prioritize in life. After high school, I moved to Fresno to pursue my dreams of obtaining a higher education, and there I began to achieve that dream. At the age of 22, I had earned my bachelor’s degree, and I was in the first year of my master’s program, plus I was working two jobs to support myself. I was driven to succeed. In retrospect, I was so caught up in my success that I had little time for anything else. It was during that time that I received a phone call from my mother at two in the morning. I will never forget her asking me, “Where is your sister?” I answered, “I thought she was with you?” You see my 19 year-old sister and her boyfriend had made plans to go to a Fresno State football game with me that night. Instead, she got into a huge argument with her boyfriend and decided to stay in Modesto. She also decided to drink and drive. On her way home, she lost control of her car, swerved and hit a large tree, the vehicle taking the full impact to the driver’s side. Her car was such a wreck that they had to use the Jaws of Life to try to save her. She died at the scene. I was not able to say goodbye. As you can imagine, her death was a complete shock and devastation to my family. I am not sure what was worse - the day I learned she died, or seeing her lifeless body for the first time. I was consumed and tormented by these two words - IF ONLY. If only I could have spent more time with her. If only I would have listened to her more. If only I would have called her to convince her to drive to Fresno then maybe she would still be alive. After her death, I went through a deep depression. I could not sleep, I could not focus. I was a mess - taking pills, drinking (how ironic is that) to try to numb the pain. I was seriously considering dropping out of school. Words cannot express the emptiness in my soul, the pain in my heart, the anger in my mind. Although I did not know the truth at that time, I knew God existed…and I was angry at Him that I couldn’t understand why she was gone. It’s not a pain that gives way to peace in time - it is a pain that gives way to anger, guilt, and then, after much time, acceptance. My sister died drinking and driving. I’d like to tell you that it was an isolated incident - that she was not a drinker - but the truth is, we grew up in an environment where heavy drinking was normal. After my sister died, my drinking did not stop - it just got worse. Instead of drinking for fun, I drank to mask the pain. As I reflect on my life and my walk with God, it hurts me to see myself drifting away from my old life. I miss some parts of my old life, yet I do not want to revert back to my old ways, I know I cannot go back to what I once was.
A COMPASSIONATE CALLING
I thank God for helping me through that pain. My perspective in life changed during that time. I became stronger. I matured. I made the decision to live my life for not only myself but for my sister. I may not have been able to help my sister, but I told myself I would devote my life to helping at-risk students like my sister. I’m convinced that God was there right beside me, helping me through it all. He was what kept me going through this difficult time in my life, when I didn’t think I could go on, and instilling in me the passion I developed for what I do now; working for my students…without me even knowing it then. DON’T lose faith. Having worked at a high school for many years and now an elementary school, I have seen and continue to see so much sin, so much pain. I can’t imagine how difficult to be a young person in today’s world. For those of you who are in school or college, you know what I mean. There is so much violence, bullying, drug abuse, perversion, and poverty that it can become so overwhelming. It breaks my heart to have conversations with elementary students whose parents are in jail, or neglecting them, or with
students who have suffered from the pain of being molested. Social media has created an easy way for people to target, humiliate and hurt one another. These are a few of the things we deal with on an everyday basis. It is tragic what my students are going through - and what you young people are being exposed to. Although my students and their parents are all going through different circumstances, I am convinced they have one thing in common: they need JESUS! If only they would leave their addictions and sin behind and follow the right path. Yet there are so many worldly distractions out there that make it so difficult to do so. If I had the opportunity to go back to my high school and college years, I would be more of an advocate for those who CANNOT speak up for themselves, and I would have more confidence in myself. DON’T BE afraid of what you believe. My point in sharing this story with you is that in life you will experience discomfort and perhaps injustice. Regardless of the what you believe in, the color of your hair, where you grew up or who you are, we have all experienced some type of discomfort, discrimination and injustice throughout our lives. You see, we are not that different at all. DON’T BE afraid of what you believe. If there is one thing that you get out of what I am saying is don’t lose sight of the right path. I realize there are so many distractions out there, but we must continue to follow Jesus.
A POWERFUL TEST OF FAITH
The last story I will share with you is of what I have learned about balance, AND valuing the small things and moments in life. My life was finally back on track. I was married with a baby, had a new house and a new job. Life was good. The day before my son’s one-year birthday party, my first husband was admitted to the hospital for having flu-like symptoms and difficulty breathing. He being 31 years old, we did not think he had life threatening issues…boy, were we wrong. He was quickly diagnosed with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome and was in and out of the hospital for the next several years. I hope that you do not know what is like to see someone you love in a battle for survival - to hold their hand in the doctor’s office and pray and hope - to go through emotional roller coasters each time they become gravely ill. There are memories of his battle with his illness that will haunt me for the rest of my life. Those first years he battled his illness, he was a true warrior with a determination to survive. It is not easy being a caregiver. It is a terrible situation to be helpless as you watch someone you love slowly die. As you can imagine, life was not at all what I had imagined. I never thought I would be my husband’s caregiver at such a young age, mother of an infant and school administrator at the same time. Juggling all my responsibilities was so difficult that it became easier to focus on the negatives than the positives. For a long time, I just couldn’t get past all the things that had gone wrong. I was angry. I was angry at everyone - life, God, my husband, myself. My marriage was crumbling. I did a wonderful job hiding my anger and focusing on my work. I am ashamed to admit this, but it was easier to stay at work than it was to be at home. I made many mistakes. Then he died. I was in shock. There is a quote that states “Strength is what we find when we feel like we’ve lost everything else.” My life had been ripped apart and I had to repair it…if not for me, for my son.
DIVINE DELIVERANCE
I thank God for the support of my family and friends through those years of pain. I was at the lowest point when I asked God to help me and give me strength, courage and peace. By the grace of God, I was connected to Revival Center and continued my walk with Jesus. For several months I contemplated being baptized. The more I prayed, the stronger the desire to be baptized, until one day I felt compelled to be baptized in Jesus’ name. Immediately after being baptized, I felt a wave of peace come over me. I will never forget that day - it was the peace that I had been looking for during my darkest days. I am by no means perfect. I
Sister Edith Narayan and her family enjoy an outing.
continue to stumble on my spiritual journey, yet when I make mistakes, I know my God is always there with me. I have started a new chapter in my life. I thank God for sending my husband Ashish Narayan into my life. I have learned that I need to work on balancing my life and not rushing past the moments I experience daily - celebrate and live in the present, because very quickly those moments are gone. It is the small things, the small moments in life that we need to treasure - the trips to the park, the meals together, the informal talks with family and friends, the small quirky things about individuals that you remember the most. I believe it is so important to live our lives as ourselves, because whatever title we may be privileged to hold, it is the small things we do each day that define who we are - it is how we treat others, the example we set for our children, our family and friends. Each of us must decide what kind of person we want to be. It is not what we have or our rank that matters. After facing so many tragedies, I believe it truly is what we give. Don’t underestimate the power of the small things you do in life. I’d like to share with you these four words: strength, patience, determination and faith. Those words were etched in my journal during those darkest days of my life. Focusing on these words has helped motivate myself and keep me on the positive path through all the obstacles I have faced. In conclusion, I want to end with 2 Corinthians 12: 7-10 (NIV): “I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong”
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MORE CAMP fEVER! A HOLY GHOST PROCLAMATION: As campers received the Holy Ghost, they recorded their names on this poster.
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photos by Mehgan Johnson Autumn Amador Camper of the Year!
More of The Class of 2015 GRAdUATES HONOREd: during this special service, the whole church was invited to pray for our graduates, which ranged from a kindergartner to university graduates. Each graduate received a certificate from our church commemorating their respective achievements.
Left: Brother C.J. Aguirre poses with his friend, Brother Leonard Alvarez, our Outreach director; Brianna Fletcher poses for the camera with her award certificate commemorating her high school graduation from Whitmore Charter; Scott Seah gives a graduation speech encouraging all the graduates to succeed in Christ. In the photos below, Pastor Johnson signs Julie Chavoya’s certificate. Elvis Narayan holds his university certificate to honor his master’s degree.
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MORE OF B.U.F. F. BUILDING UP FIRM FOUNDATIONS
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lthough our church has had an active men’s ministry for many years headed by Alex Diaz, Herb Jenkins felt a burden to start a ministry focusing on the older men of Revival Center to provide an opportunity for fellowship and service. Pictured here are the first two meetings.
MORE OF S.H.E.
SISTERS HELPING EACH OTHER
“Bind us together, Lord, with love.”
Sister Priscilla cuts a ribbon to celebrate the start of this new women’s ministry with Sister Johnson and Sister Keyes.
ministry.
Sister Johnson and Sister Keyes
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Sheelah Grant leads the women in song.i
MORE OF MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND CHURCH PICNIC The church supplied the delicious BBQ chicken, and the church family brought the sides. What a feast!
Bounce houses, baseball, and food. Great fun and fellowship for all!
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The Newsvine
REVIVAL CENTER United Pentecostal Church of Modesto 825 7th Street Modesto, CA 95354-3414
Chris and Lindsay Castro
C
ongratulations to Chris and Lindsay Castro, sister of Pastor Johnson, who were recently wed in a beautiful ceremony in Modesto. May God richly bless their union and use them for his kingdom.