825 7th Street, Modesto, CA 95354
Business Phone: 209-522-5365
email us at: thenewsvine@gmail.com
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LEO AGUILERA
VIRGINIA AGUILERA
WhatBUSINESS LIAISON
CHURCH LIAISON
GRAPHIC DESIGN
PHOTOGRAPHERS
CREATIVE TEAM
Charlene Wilson
Jon Quinones
Leo & Virginia Aguilera
Leo Aguilera, Don Mellow, and Creative Team: Joshua Aguilera, Jocelyn Powell, Alexis Diaz, Autumn Amador, Devina Aguirre, Emma Zuniga, Angel Torres Colin, Russ Campbell, Andrew Mazon, Brooke Montes
COLUMNIST
YOUTH REPORTER
YOUTH PHOTOGRAPHER MAILINGS
Carol Castillo
Alexis Diaz
Joshua Blackwood
Virginia Aguilera
PASTOR H. TODD JOHNSON
BISHOP RANDY G. KEYES
ADMINISTRATIVE PASTOR - JONATHAN QUINONES
CHURCH SECRETARY - CHARLENE WILSON
CHURCH MINISTERS
RESIDENT MISSIONARY SPANISH MINISTRY
STREAMING MINISTRY
YOUNG ADULTS GROWTH TRACK
Matthew Aguirre
David Amador
Dana Le’ Blanc
Chris Harris
STUDENT PASTORS MUSIC MINISTRY
K.R.E.W. KID’S MINISTRY
B.U.F.F. (MEN 50+)
PRAYER MINISTRIES LIFE GROUPS
JOSHUA MEN'S MINISTRY
S.I.S. (Ladies' Ministry)
MATURE LADIES MINISTRY
NURSING HOME MINISTRY
BIBLE QUIZZING PUBLIC RELATIONS
LIGHTING, GRAPHIC ARTS FUNDRAISING DRAMA MINISTRY
Uday Narayan
Antonio & Gloria Gutierrez
Joshua & Jeannette Aguilera
Chris & Lindsay Castro
Moses Burciaga
Jerry Powell
Noah Wells
Jeremiah Williams
Vinnie Zapien
Tim & Jeriann Montes
Matt Aguirre, Nancy Holston,
Tim Montes
Sujey Diaz, Mary Aguirre
Herb Jenkins
Charles & Joyce Bispo
Jonathan Quinones
Alex Diaz
Angela Warren, Joyce Jones
Joyce Jones
Joyce Jones
Joshua Williams
Jeremiah Williams
Zoe Warren
Linda Salazar
Danny Gregory
SERVICE TIMES
SUNDAY - 9:00 a.m.
10:15 a.m.
10:30 a.m.
MONDAY - 7:00 p.m
TUESDAY - 7:00 p.m.
WEDNESDAY - 7:00 p.m.
THURSDAY - 7:00 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
FRIDAY - 7:00 p.m.
SATURDAY - 10:00 a.m.
Spanish/Service - Chapel
Pre-service Prayer Morning Service - Sanctuary, KREW
All-Church Prayer Growth Track
Mid-Week Service, KREW
Young Adults Service
Spanish Service Revive Youth Service, Church Prayer Saturday Morning Outreach
THE NEWSVINE is published quarterly (first Sunday of January, April, July, October) by Revival Church, United Pentecostal Church of Modesto, 825 7th Street, Modesto, CA 95354-3414. Any submitted articles to The Newsvine are subject to pastor’s approval and editing by The Newsvine staff.
FALL NEWSVINE
incredibly spiritually anointed events this past summer has propelled our church to move forward for revival with vision and action! It has been a time for all of us to contemplate what is important in our lives, cast off the fluff, and focus on what makes our lives worth living – our Savior Jesus Christ! We have been blessed by effective leadership, preaching, and teaching that reminds us our lives should be lived every day with the mindset of pleasing God. As our world becomes darker, our light must shine brighter.
And now we approach the fall and winter seasons with their own challenges. October is the month to focus on missions with our annual Stewardship Missions Conference. We must continue to move forward in worldwide evangelism. We must financially support making it happen. One way is more of our young people need to catch the calling to become AIMers and help missionaries overseas. With determination, nothing can stand in their way!
At home, the holiday season of Thanksgiving and Christmas will give us all the opportunity for personal evangelism – yes, we can still be soul winners with friends and loved ones as our harvest field. We also need to increase our giving, trusting God to supply, despite the present economy. Then we can all advance united to new heights of REVIVAL we have yet to witness.
So let us move forward in prayer and action, accepting the word of God as our sword and defense. We can leap over walls and, as David, run to face any opposition, trusting that if God is for us, who can be against us. Maranatha! The Lord cometh.
“Every page an altar to His works!”
"Christians Must Have an Unshakable Conviction for Holiness" by Editor Leo Aguilera
2025 RC Missions Conference Announcement
"Open House" - Carol Castillo
Missions Trip to Spain - Josh & Jeannette Aguilera
Missions Trip to Dominican Republic - Natalie Diaz
Missions Report - Fiji
Missions Report - India
Missions
We must have an unshakable conviction for HOLINESS!
NO! NO! NO! Holiness IS NOT just a code of regulations for an outward, modest appearance. Holiness consists of Bible-inspired standards bridging many areas of Christian morals. These standards are established in Christ's teachings and the Apostle's writings, with roots in The Ten Commandments, the Law of Moses, and the writings of the prophets in the Old Testament.
The Webster's dictionary defines holiness as "the quality or state of being exalted or worthy of complete devotion as one perfect in goodness and righteousness." In fact, the words holy and righteous are often paired together as sung in the old gospel hymn: "Be holy, be righteous, for these are the keys to the kingdom!"
A Christian is taught to practice holiness in their everyday walk with Jesus Christ. Many of the Bible stories give examples of men and women who lived virtuous lives.
There is no better place than the church to attain this education and public awareness we all need. Fellowshipping with fellow believers promotes positive intergroup contacts for reinforcement and encouragement to live morally and socially with one another. The pastor's preaching promotes peer modeling, but at the same time, warns church members the root causes of unethical behavior. The church body through instruction and emulation establishes the foundation for the Christian's moral self-regulation. When the Christian is away from his fellow Christians and not in a church service, he/she needs to practice
self-discipline to not be tempted and fall victim to those temptations.
This is where having strong convictions to be holy becomes vital in overcoming SIN. There are many types of sins, but remaining holy and avoiding sinning is setting up internal barriers that ensure us as a Christian to behave morally. These barriers we assign ourselves eventually identify us as Christians, especially as a witness to our family and friends. Some of our closest, unsaved relatives and friends may accuse us of being too "legalistic," but we shouldn't let them intimidate us - better to be lawful in God's eyes than to be unlawful.
Barriers are restrictions. You, the reader, may decide for yourself personal barriers on no makeup; jewelry; short hair for men, long, uncut hair for women; modest apparel; no dancing; no obscene entertainment in any form; no mixed swimming; no gambling; no worldly, sensual music; no smoking; no drinking, etc. These restrictions practiced a lifetime can help you live a safe, moral existence that reflects the extraordinary, set-apart requirement Christ commands you to be "not of this world." But Christ also warns all of us not to focus on man-made rules if we are hypocrites. We can pray all we want on our knees, but there is no value in that if we get up and practice malice, refusing to forgive, lying, deliberate cruelty, gossiping, secret sexual indulgences, crimes, drugs, drunkeness, and other wrongful pleasures of the flesh.
It is true that we are saved by grace and Christ's mercy, but too many worldly believers feel that wanton behavior and loose morals do not ultimately condemn you. They believe that God is love, and He will not judge us by our acts. These believers see getting a free pass for breaking any of the commandments and following worldly trends. One example of this is celebrities wearing crosses to profess their belief in Christ, yet set up house with lovers outside of marriage vows. These believers will argue that grace and salvation is achieved when one becomes a Christian. But, if they have no change in their moral code, where is their change of heart that Jesus told Nicodemus one must have to be born again?
This lack of a conviction for holiness places these men and women in a dangerous situation where they have developed a false measure of spirituality and salvation. Remember what God's word says in Hebrews 12:14 (TLB): "Try to stay out of all quarrels, and seek to live a clean and holy life, for one who is not holy will not see the Lord." No one should try to change the meaning of this verse. Neither should anyone disregard it. But these men and women may argue that holiness standards are hard to live by. Looking, dressing, and swearing like the world is much easier. These socalled Christians have failed to claim the best solution to their problem of adapting to worldly standards.
What is that solution? Overcoming Christians must experience the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. It is a great wonder to have the presence of Jesus Christ in our mind, heart, and soul. The Holy Spirit is God's source of holiness. It is from the Holy Ghost we fortify ourselves with holiness. His Spirit is our conscience to check us to stay righteous and saved. The Holy Spirit will allow us to feel guilt and
the potential of shame. These are not negative aspects that will harm us. They are essentials to avoid disengaging us from our morals, and ultimately, they are life-savers to keep us in reverence and surrender to God's perfect will.
We need to embrace the holiness of Jesus Christ who sacrificed His life on the cross to give us eternal life. Therefore, we can sacrifice lusts and desires to pick up our cross with triumph and attain everlasting life! Living with holiness is a continuous journey on the straight and narrow for the few who find it.
Accepting holiness protects us in so many ways from sinning and even harming our loved ones and friends. Above all, holiness gives us selfworth that defines our actions aligning with true Christian morals. So let us set up personal barriers that are holy and effective so we can each "work out our own salvation with fear and trembling." Let us allow an unshakable holiness to spring up from the Holy Spirit dwelling within us that will shape our behaviors, desires, thoughts, and even how we speak for a life worth living.
P A st OR J O n Q uin O nes P R e A ches At n OR th A me R ic A n Y O uth c O ng R ess !
In July Administrative Pastor Jon Quinones was the main speaker during thursday morning's General Session at this year's North American Youth Congress. NAYC, sponsored by the Youth Ministries division of the United Pentecostal Church, International, is one of the largest Christian gatherings of young people in the United States. It is held biennially in various cities across the country. Over 36,000 young people and adults attended this year's conference, a record-breaking number. What an honor to have our own Pastor Jon preach at this great event! To God be the glory!
Whenyou do a Google search for "Jon Quinones," several different John Quinoneses pop up: John Quinones, the politician in Florida; John Quinones, the journalist, broadcaster, and television host of "What Would You Do?; and even John Quinones who joined the National Football League as the Head of Talent Acquisition in 2015. Our Jon Quinones may not be as famous as these gentlemen, but in the kingdom of God, he is a standout. There are many in this world who are constantly self-promoting, but you can be assured that our Jon Quinones is as humble as they come. In fact, he is always deferring to others receiving attention, instead of himself, including in The Newsvine. He has refused being featured on our cover and even asked to have his picture removed from a recent article to make room for someone else to have the joy of seeing their face in the church's magazine. We had to get Pastor Johnson to step in for us to be able to persuade Pastor Jon to allow himself to be featured in this issue.
First off, we want to talk about his family. If you are a friend of his on social media, you know by his pictures, he adores his family. He married his wife, Ashley in 2011. She is not only a wife and a mother, but is also a nurse. They have three boys, yes, three boys! Braiden, Gavin, and Easton. This is one busy family!
What can we say about Pastor Jon Quinones? It seems he is everywhere doing everything. He is definitely Pastor Johnson's right hand-man. This dedication to the kingdom of God started at a young age.
Pastor Q, as he is often called, has faithfully served at Revival Church since his youth. At the young age of 14, he felt the call of God on his life for the first time. He decided he was going to be "all in" and started to take
the things of God more seriously. By the age of 16, he began assisting in the Juvenile Hall and California Youth Authority ministries, teaching Bible studies and preaching. He has been on many Youth On Missions mission trips as a youth and as a chaperon. Before becoming an assistant pastor at Revival Church, he faithfully served as Youth Pastor for 11 years, far beyond the average tenure. He then served as assistant pastor and currently is the Administrative Pastor at Revival Church under Pastor Todd Johnson and has served in that position for many years.
Pastor Quinones, aside from serving his local church, has also served in the Western District. From 2015 to 2020, he served as Sectional Director, Promotions Director, and Youth Secretary. The Western District Instagram account posted about Pastor Q and his wife: "The lives that have been impacted, changed, and transformed under their ministry are a testament to their love and devotion for the young people of our great District."
Aside from serving our local church and the Western District, Pastor Q has preached at a variety of conferences and churches, including at the North American Youth Congress. We were excited when we heard he was going to be one of the featured speakers at this year's NAYC in Indianapolis, Indiana. We, who have heard him preach at Revival Church, knew he would be prayed up, prepared, and anointed!
We are including highlights from Pastor Jon's speech at NAYC in the following pages and are including a link to the video of his sermon: https://www.youtube.com/live/pY2BQGEJ1VU?si=y9WAARON1XJHJ_QU As always, Pastor Jon speaks with passion and humor. Enjoy!
Pastor Jon Quinones preaches "The Miracle of Resilience" at this year's North American Youth Congress.
(Editor's Note: The following is an abridgment of the powerful and healing message Pastor Quinones preached at this year's North American Youth Congress. After years of being involved in youth ministry, he has a unique and insightful connection with young people. His topic was about the woman with the issue of blood who was healed by Jesus after suffering for 12 years. His unusual focus was not on her healing, but on her resilience, despite her disappointment and pain. We encourage you to listen to the video of that night's service to receive the full impact of his words.
Pastor Jon Quinones began his sermon by reading from Mark 5. He described how Jesus crossed to the other side of the sea where a crowd quickly gathered around Him. In that crowd was a woman who had suffered for twelve long years with an issue of blood. Her condition had only grown worse despite every effort to find healing.
“Before the miracle ever takes place, before healing ever happens, before any situation ever changes,” Pastor Quinones said, “she puts herself in the right crowd.” He paused to challenge the youth to be careful about the people they surround themselves with. “Because if you are not in the right crowd, you’ll never be in position for what God is wanting to do in your life.”
The focus then shifted to this unnamed woman. None of the gospel writers gave her a name—she was simply called “a certain woman.” For twelve years she faced disappointment after disappointment, yet she never quit.
“Can we take a moment and celebrate the miracle that she survived twelve years?” Pastor Quinones asked. “There is a miracle in the resilience before the healing.”
Turning back to the young people, he reminded them: “You will face crushing seasons. You will walk through things that knock the wind out of you. You will have moments that leave you questioning, wondering ‘why.’ But remember—I might be suffering, but I am still here. Just keep going. There’s a miracle in your resilience.”
This woman made up her mind that she was not going to quit. Though her situation was hopeless and her resources gone, she declared that today would be different. She refused to let her feelings dictate her actions. “She had heard about Jesus,” Pastor Quinones noted. “But who told her? Who was the unseen hero who simply said, ‘Have you heard about Jesus?’ They had no microphone, no spotlight, no name recorded in history—just the courage to speak a word of hope.”
He encouraged the congregation: “You don’t realize the power you have when you share what God can do. It started with one conversation. What kind of conversation could you have that might lead someone to their miracle?”
As she pressed through the suffocating crowd, the woman whispered to herself, “If I may touch His clothes, I shall be whole.”
“It’s time you start declaring some things over your life,” Pastor Quinones told the youth. “What you speak to yourself matters.”
Despite the overwhelming press of people, she was determined. “For someone who feels like they don’t fit in, there is room for you,” he reminded. “The God we serve always leaves room for one.”
And when she touched Him, Jesus stopped. “Sometimes there is faith that makes God stop,” Pastor Quinones said. “You don’t have to be seen by others to be known by God.”
Jesus looked for her—not to shame her, but to affirm her. He called her Daughter. Not by her issue. Not by her struggle. By relationship. “Among all these people,” Pastor Quinones emphasized, “He says, ‘I see you. I know what you’ve endured. And I want you to know that you matter to Me.’”
Then Jesus told her, “Daughter, your faith has made you whole. Go in peace.” He wanted her to leave knowing the shame was gone, the guilt was lifted, and the plague was over.
Pastor Quinones closed with a message to the young people: “The great God of heaven says to you, ‘Go in peace. Be whole. You are not forgotten. It’s over when you’ve given it to God.’”
Q. Was there a defining moment when you knew God was calling you into ministry?
I cannot say that it was one moment, but rather a collection of moments. As a young man, in services I'd feel the call and pull of God to do more in the direction of serving others.
Q. How do you personally stay grounded spiritually while managing so many church and family responsibilities?
I try to be intentional about my time and effort. My children are very active and life is loud, so that joyful chaos keeps me grounded in all the ways necessary.
Q. What do you enjoy doing outside of ministry that helps you recharge?
Family time, boys are active with sports so busy with that. Basketball and Pickleball.
Q. If you could give one piece of advice to someone considering ministry, what would it be?
Your identity is in your relationship with God, not your role. Be yourself. Grow through serving. Cultivate your gifting and talents and increase your capacity, but always be yourself.
Q. What scripture has been especially meaningful to you in this season of leadership?
Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
"Be strong and courageous...for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?
- Proverbs 20:6 KJV
Colossians 3:23 (NIV)
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord..."
“i cAlleD On YOuR nAme, lORD, FROm the DePths OF the Pit. YOu heARD mY PleA: 'DO nOt clOse YOuR eARs tO mY cRY FOR RelieF.'
YOu cAme neAR When i cAlleD YOu, AnD YOu sAiD, 'DO nOt FeAR.'”
lAmentAtiOns 3:55-57(niV):
(Note: After hearing the heart-wrenching testimony of Sister Hilda Rochester, we asked her if she would be willing to share her story with our readers. She agreed. It was not easy for her to write, nor will it be easy for you to read. We had to divide her testimony into two parts, the second part will be published in our 2026 winter Newsvine coming out the first Sunday in January. We are surrounded each day by Hildas who have faced the unspeakable and desperately need the saving grace of Jesus Christ, Who speaks healing and peace of both heart and soul. This is a testimony you not only will want to read, but to share!
Irememberbeing nine years old, sitting on my aunt Ruby‘s big brick fireplace, and trying to imagine what heaven was going to look like.
I was raised in a somewhat conservative (yet liberal thinking) Catholic home and we attended church mostly every Sunday. I went to catechism and made my holy communion, (and later on my confirmation) which was a big deal for my family back in those days.
Being the inquisitive child that I was, I used to ponder about life and the things that were going on around
her
Sister Hilda's (on right) First Holy Communion.
me. I tried to imagine God sitting on the throne in the middle, and Jesus slightly lower on the right side of Him, while drawing a complete blank when it came to the Holy Spirit – the Trinity. I quickly surmised it was one of the mysteries of God that I shouldn’t ask about. Those things were off limits and should be of no concern to me. I just needed to do what I was told and not ask any questions, at least of my maternal grandmother. Of course, she still subscribed to the “children should be seen and not heard” belief that she raised my mother under.
My mother was completely different. She was the polar opposite of that, a free spirit, yet I wouldn’t go to her with questions at that time, because it would create even more confusion for me, as she herself was searching for answers about life as a single mother of three girls in the late 60’s. As I got older my mother stopped going to church with us, but continued sending us with my grandmother. She stayed behind to privately study Zen Buddhism and other Eastern religions while using marijuana to be enlightened, which really scared me as a child.
"In my naivety, the nuns were the epitome of moral excellence, so that’s what I wanted to be when I grew up."
But despite all that, I still had a strong sense of wonder about spiritual things. In my naivety, the nuns were the epitome of moral excellence, so that’s what I
wanted to be when I grew up.
Although I was never encouraged to seek a relationship with God personally, I somehow knew innately that there was something more.
As I got older I became a little disillusioned with Catholicism because the priest, who was supposed to be in persona Christi (in the person of Christ), was really not the man I thought he was. He would often drink and smoke cigarettes after mass during lunch with my family, which seemed so contrary. I assumed he was the closest thing to God himself, at least according to my grandmother. Nonetheless, I should’ve counted it as an honor that the priest associated so closely with us. Later I realized that my family were big donors to the church.
As life continued, I became more aware of my circumstances: the absence of my father, the plight of my mother, and the vast differences in my parents' families. And to further complicate things, both sides of my family did not understand that their constant comparisons and critical remarks about each other were having a profound, negative impact on me. It was such an emotional roller coaster, and I always felt so pulled between them. I began feeling guilty about wanting to see my
father and his family and, consequently, started internalizing a lot of pain and confusion.
My parents never married and even when we all lived together, my father wasn’t around much. So in an attempt at a better life and to protect her daughters, my mother left our home in Oakland when I was six years old to be closer to her family.
“I imagined by father as my knight in shining armor—but he, too, would break my heart.”
I remember longing for my father with deep sadness and despair. I also yearned for my paternal grandparents because they represented safety, stability, and permanence. As a child, they seemed to have the perfect life.
Finally right before 6th grade, I was reunited with my grandparents at my oldest sister’s wedding. We got reacquainted, and mother allowed us to spend the summers and holidays with them. This was such a happy time for me.
Spending the summers with my father's parents meant going to the city to see my dad, something I had longed for so long. I imagined my father being my knight in shining armor who was going to sweep me away from all my troubles.
Of course, later, he too would break my heart and let me down, but for now, life was good. Being able to see my dad’s family was so exciting and coming back home to Hilmar was beginning to feel so boring. I started to resent my mother and her choices, while also pitying her at the same time.
"Rebellion was an easy path to take"
Feelings of hurt and disappointment quickly led to anger. And rebellion was an easy path to take as my mother had taught us to question everything – all authority – and do whatever felt good, a philosophy leftover from her hippy days. Sadly, the conservatism she once tried to assert over us no longer held sway.
So, at age fourteen, I started running away to live with my father in Oakland. It was fun for a while but ultimately ended up with me going to juvenile hall. I was sent back home to my mother who couldn’t handle me anymore, so she sent me to live with different relatives. None of that worked either. I already had a taste of freedom – the fast pace of the city and new friends – so I kept leaving and going back to my father.
When I was home and wanted to, I would make the honor roll to get out of trouble. I joined basketball
"I joined basketball and excelled in track for a while, but there was always something missing."
and excelled in track for a while, but there was always something missing. I was still searching for that emptiness to be filled, so school and sports could no longer keep my attention.
Shortly thereafter, I met my lifelong friend, Trena. She and I became fast friends and started sharing things we had in common, i.e., family issues, broken homes, etc. She said she found her peace in Jesus, which was such a foreign concept to me, as I only knew Jesus as a baby in a manger. But, because I was searching, I accompanied her to an Assemblies of God church. It was unlike anything I’d ever seen, and it felt almost sacrilegious. It frightened me because they were loud and boisterous and spoke in tongues, which I thought was very strange and definitely not of God.
"At age 16, I was totally determined to do things my way."
At age 16, I was totally determined to do things my way. I refused to listen to my mother, who by now was also drinking a lot to cope. This was so disappointing and I became even more angry. My beautiful mother had just given up and forsaken everything she loved. Her days consisted of getting high, listening to music, charting the stars, and studying astrology, mysticism, and horoscopes. She was also growing marijuana between the cornstalks of the garden and in another nearby patch, and entertaining my friends. I remember feeling humiliated, even though all the partiers at school thought my mother was cool. I was ashamed and just wanted her to be a normal mom. I really wanted structure and stability, not encouragement to do what I wanted.
My father whom I so desperately wanted attention from, was preoccupied with his own life and vices, so I found attention from a man almost 10 years older than me. He had a burnt orange 1957 Chevy Nomad, and I thought I just knew I was in love. By then I was over being a rock 'n' roller, and was now trying to be a chola, embracing the lowrider scene. Of course, I didn’t really fit in that group either because I wasn’t Mexican. I didn’t speak Spanish, and I couldn’t really relate, but I had fun pretending.
Unbeknownst to me, the love of my life already had a family but that didn’t matter to me. I pursued and endured, despite the warnings of friends and family. In the beginning, our relationship was fun. We went places and did things but when I started wanting accountability, he got angry and started showing signs of abuse.
“I was just a broken child with nowhere to turn.”
Then at age 17, I found out I was pregnant. I didn’t want a child, so I planned to have an abortion but, thankfully, one of my friend’s mothers encouraged me to keep the baby.
My pregnancy was normal physically, but I was emotionally so lost and confused. I was just a broken child with absolutely nowhere to turn. My family had turned their back on me because I didn’t take the help they offered, and instead chose to stay with a man who already had a family, which was disgraceful.
The father did not want me to have the baby and denied it, which was more heartbreaking, because he was going to have to give an account to his own family. Initially, instead of preparing a nursery and looking forward to a newborn, I was busy trying to fit into his world that was changing.
He had a friend that recently got out of prison. He convinced Andy that he could help him make money by selling heroin. I didn't like the idea, but he started making a lot of money which I did like. This, combined with a little welfare check they gave me, meant that I could get a little place of my own. It also meant that Andy and his friends could come in, day and night, cut their drugs, bag them up and prepare them for sale.
I desperately hung on to him because I was determined to raise my daughter with a father, as I knew the pain of not having one. After numerous letdowns and heartbreaks, I resigned myself to the fact that although he would never be the man I wanted him to be or so desperately needed him to be, I was going to have a child who I could love with all my heart, who would
need me, and who would love me back. So, I threw myself into motherhood and the hopes and dreams of a bright future.
Sadly, things didn’t go the way I planned. There were drug raids at my house, and I found out that Andy had started using, so the extra money he made in the beginning was now barely enough to feed his habit.
finally delivered a beautiful little girl, Andrea Monique Flores, named after her father.
I was so excited to have this child. I looked forward with hopeful expectations, really believing that I was finally going to be happy, the kind of happiness that only a baby can bring, and nothing else mattered. I felt the emotional satisfaction of knowing that I could pour all my love and energy into this little baby. She would love me back and even if I wasn’t with the father, I, at least, had her and a piece of him. That only lasted for a short time. As much as I tried to be on my own, it got very ugly. I knew I needed to get away.
When the baby was 10 months old, I contacted my paternal grandmother, who always told me I could come up and live with her. She was going to help me start over and go to college. So I left my little apartment and all my worldly possessions, hopped on a Greyhound bus, and headed for Ukiah with baby in tow.
“There was glass, smoke, and silence—and then the scream for my daughter.”
"...I was finally going to be happy, the kind of happiness that only a baby can bring."
My grandmother also had her own motives. She was a widow living in Redwood Valley. The house had been a vacation home for many years but when they retired, they moved into the house in the mountains. I loved this house. I loved being there during the summers, and I had very fond memories here. My grandmother had just started driving after my grandfather's passing a few years earlier, so she was somewhat of a nervous driver. I remember her picking me up after the long bus ride and telling me my father was coming up the next day and how good everything was going to be. I was finally safe and was going to start over, and she would soon get her son back. It was a win for both of us.
The next day we left to send my father money through Western Union. My grandmother had always asked me to take care of my father if anything ever happened to her. He was a very spoiled only child who never had to work, thus the main reason my mother’s family had no respect for him. So we went down the long driveway to town. I remember my grandmother saying, “When I’m dead and gone, I’m not gonna have to worry about him anymore.”
During my pregnancy, I stopped doing anything that could potentially harm my baby and instead tried focusing on becoming a new mother. I went to all the Lamaze classes, and prepared as much as I could, and
I remember asking her if she wanted me to drive, to which she said no, so we went to Western Union and then the grocery store. I remember how hot it was. I remember getting frustrated with my grandmother because she kept reminding me that if she saw any of her friends from any of the groups she was in, to tell them
that my husband was away in the service. Far be it for anyone to know that I had an “illegitimate” child; so that was the plan. My uncle was the city attorney, my aunt was involved in local politics, and both were prominent leaders in the community. Her reputation was of utmost importance. I remember thinking to myself, I don’t want to do that! Why and who cares anyway. But I convinced myself I was going to do whatever it took, and I was going to make it!
After getting our things at the store, we headed back home. I remember driving in front of the fairgrounds looking at the large sign with the temperature reading, 111 degrees. Those were the days before car seat laws and seatbelt requirements, so my daughter sat right on my lap in the front seat. I don’t even think we were buckled. As we’re driving down State Street, I suddenly felt the car kind of drifting to the right. I looked over at my fainting grandmother as she started leaning towards me. I immediately looked up and saw a telephone pole right in front of me. I must have instinctively put my hands out to brace myself, not realizing that at the point of impact my daughter would fall off my lap and be crushed under the dash.
The next thing I know we were wrapped around the
telephone pole. There was glass and debris flying and the smell of burnt rubber and oil. It all happened so fast, yet it all seemed like it was going in slow motion. I remember coming to and looking up at the pole, the crinkled hood, and the smoke or steam coming from the engine.
“The baby I thought would heal my world became the center of my deepest loss.”
Then I remembered my daughter. She was lying at my feet.
My grandmother was leaning over, almost touching me in between the two seats. I was so scared and literally paralyzed. I started screaming for help and by then people were running to the car. I remember the shock I felt when I saw my grandmother pinned under the wheel and my daughter on the floor board. I was completely helpless. It was a matter of seconds, but yet it felt like it was hours. I remember someone opening the door and me grabbing the man’s arm, begging and pleading with him to help my daughter.
The paramedics arrived pretty quickly. They grabbed the baby from the floorboard, part of her little body was lying on my legs and feet. I remember trying to shrink my body down and away from my grandmother‘s head which was lying on the console between the two seats. Her cat-eye glasses were lying there, partially knocked off her face. Her head and upper body were touching my left side, and I was freaking out trying to get away from her, but yet I was completely unable to move.
I remember the fear. I started screaming for my baby. Through my peripheral vision I could see my daughter lying on a stretcher and the paramedics trying to work on her. Because of the neurological damage, she was taken in the first ambulance to a Catholic hospital in Santa Rosa. The second ambulance arrived for me and then a third for my grandmother who had passed away from a massive cardiac arrest.
I remember the sun beating down on my face as they strapped me to the gurney. I couldn’t feel anything, but yet I could feel everything so intensely. I tasted blood and dirt in my mouth mixed with my hair. I remember getting to the hospital with my clothes drenched in blood. I was hysterical and out of control. They had difficulty cutting my clothes off to assess my injuries. They kept trying to calm me down with sedatives, but I refused. I remember going into complete survival mode, running on pure instinct screaming and cursing at anyone who tried to touch me.
I kept crying for my daughter, demanding to know where she was. Shortly afterwards, a nun came in to tell me that my daughter had been transported to another hospital, a Catholic hospital in Santa Rosa, but that she was fine. I remember feeling she was not being honest with me, but I so desperately wanted to believe her.
It was very challenging for the doctors to tend to my injuries because I wouldn’t cooperate. I had a major injury to my arm and barely allowed them to wrap it. I had a large laceration to my face that needed to be stitched up, so I had to lay on a long, cold table. The doctor who was stitching my eye was suddenly called away after the phone rang at the nurses station. The ringing was intense and piercing. Moments later, he came back and asked me for my daughter’s birth date. I remember asking why. He said that the hospital where my daughter was just needed that information but assured me everything was fine. And then, as soon as the doctor was finished sewing me up, he very casually–and almost coldly–let me know that my daughter didn’t make it. At that moment I felt such betrayal and was filled with anger and rage. I felt numb and couldn’t feel my body, yet I could literally feel the blood through my veins.
The hospital had called my Uncle Merle, the city attorney, to come for me. Such irony–all the coaxing my grandmother gave me hours earlier about keeping up her reputation was completely gone, and there I was, completely exposed with all my good manners out the window, and I didn’t even care.
Uncle Merle had a very tender side to him. He played the violin, and I felt sorry for him often because his wife was such a drill sergeant. They both graduated from Stanford, but she was very proud of herself. Aunt Ruth had little patience for anyone who gave into emotion and could not pull themselves up by their boot straps and make something of themselves. I was so glad it was him and not her that came.
When Uncle Merle showed up, I could see the compassion in his eyes for me. I remember feeling a little safer. I had no clothes underneath the hospital gown except my undergarments because everything had been cut off. I had several little cuts on my face, and the right side was black and blue with a bulging stitched up eye. My hair was tangled and matted with blood. My left arm was barely wrapped up and in a sling and to top it off, I had a broken pelvis and could barely walk. Uncle Merle agreed to take me to the hospital in Santa Rosa, about an hour away, to find my daughter.
I couldn’t believe she was gone. How could this
“I remember kissing her cold face, asking what kind of God could allow this pain.”
even happen? I tried to convince myself that I would get there, and it would be just a bad dream, a case of mistaken identity, and she would be there wide awake just waiting for me. The long drive past the Russian River to Santa Rosa on the windy Highway 101, that I always loved, was now just dreadful, and we could not get there fast enough.
We finally arrived at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital. It took every bit of strength for me to crawl out of the backseat and walk into the hospital. I just knew the nuns were going to be there holding my baby. Instead they told me that my daughter was no longer there.
I remember the disbelief I felt. I wanted to run through the hospital to find her. She had to be somewhere and it had to be a mistake. They could not have taken her body to the mortuary. There was just no way this could be happening. After pleading with the receptionist at the desk, an elderly priest showed up to talk to me. He let me know that she was indeed gone, but it was okay because he baptized her just in case.
My uncle gently took me to the car, and we drove to the mortuary. I kept thinking once I get there, she’s going to be alive. It’s all going to be a big mistake.
When we got to the mortuary, I ran to the building and started banging on the door yelling, "Let me see my baby!" I must’ve looked like a complete mad woman, like someone who had escaped from an asylum or stepped right out of a scary movie. Inside it felt icy cold with a strange sterile smell in the air. By now, I had no strength left in my body. I felt so weak like I was going to collapse, but I had to get to my daughter.
They led me to a room and opened the door where she was lying under a crisp, white sheet in just a diaper. My precious little girl, completely still and lifeless.
I remember feeling scared to touch her but wanting to pick her up and hold for the last time. I kissed her cold face and caressed her chubby little fingers that somehow still felt warm. I asked for her little cross necklace that she received when she was baptized and her earrings. I was beyond devastated and did not understand what kind of a God could do this to me?! I was a good mother and I was trying to do everything right. I loved her with all my heart, my soul and my very being.
What did I do to deserve this pain?’
If you’ve ever been to an “open house” for a home that’s for sale, you know it’s about more than unlocking the door. The house is cleaned, staged, and prepared just right so potential buyers can wander from room to room. The goal is simple: to make people feel welcome enough to imagine living there.
God is looking for an “open house” too - but not in a neighborhood. In you.
And He’s not after a polite corner of your schedule, or a dressed-up version of your Sunday morning self. He wants space in your spiritual heart - the deepest, innermost core that no one else sees where you are your authentic self.
“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” (Revelation 3:20 NIV)
This isn’t about a quick visit. God’s not looking to pop by for coffee and small talk. His heart is to dwell with you, permanently.
For many of us, “making space for God” means slotting Him into church, prayer, or Bible study. Those are vital, but they’re the
furniture - not the foundation. God doesn’t just want your time. He wants your thought life, your reactions, your life decisions, your dreams.
Mary of Bethany got this. In Luke 10:38-42, while her sister Martha rushed around the kitchen, Mary simply sat at Jesus’ feet and listened. She chose presence over busyness. Jesus said she picked “what is better,” and that it wouldn’t be taken from her.
If you’ve ever scrambled to tidy a room before company, you know clutter mysteriously finds a way to pile up and multiply. Our hearts are no different. Pride, worry, resentment, self-reliance: they pile up until they fill the space God longs to occupy.
David’s prayer in Psalm 139:23-24 is the ultimate spiritual decluttering request:
“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
Let’s be honest: every house has them. That one closet we keep shut tight. The junk drawer crammed with things we’ll “sort out later”. And no one’s looking under our beds if we can help it. Guests see the spotless living room, but they don’t get to peek into
the embarrassing mess we’ve tucked away.
But here’s the thing: Jesus is not a guest. He lives here. And He doesn’t just stop at the “public” spaces we’ve swept and staged for Him; He wants access to every hidden place. The closets crammed with regret. The drawers stuffed with bitterness. The rooms where we’ve piled up fears, anger, and old wounds.
God doesn’t want to go into the hidden places to shame and condemn us. He goes there to heal what we’ve been afraid to face. The spaces we’ve avoided are often the very ones He most longs to restore.
In Acts 16:14 Lydia heard Paul’s message, but it wasn’t just her ears that were open: “The Lord opened her heart to respond.” Lydia let Jesus in, and that openness transformed her and her household.
Paul prayed in Ephesians 3:16-19 that Christ would “dwell in your hearts through faith,” filling believers with His love and His fullness. When God takes up residence in our hearts, the makeover begins. Perspectives shift, choices shift, responses change.
In John 15:4-5, Jesus told His disciples to abide in Him, promising that a life connected to Him will naturally bear fruit. An abiding life doesn’t have to strain to produce kindness, patience, or joy; they grow from the inside because His life flows through us.
When God is at home deep inside us, He brings peace that defies circumstances. Philippians 4:6-7 says, His peace “will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” It’s the kind of peace that abides even when
life looks messy.
Making space for God isn’t one grand gesture - it’s a daily decision. We often think of the Him as a houseguest, but Scripture paints Him as the Resident. He gets the best seat, the loudest voice, the run of the place.
Too often, we stick God a tidy little “guest room” into our lives - He’s welcome there as long as He doesn’t touch the rest of the house. But God isn’t after a weekend visit with guest privileges. He wants full ownership. He wants to be free to rearrange the furniture, repaint the walls, and clear out the attic.
Psalm 84:1-2 says, “How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.”
That’s what an open house for God looks like - not just an unlocked door, but an eager, expectant heart that wants Him to come in and stay.
An open house for God is a place where the clutter is surrendered, the lights are on, and the welcome is real, not just because He deserves it, but because life is so much better when He’s home.
So here’s the question: If your heart is a house, what areas are wide open and which ones are still locked up tight?
Maybe today’s the day you hand Him the house keys.
(Note: As of 2024, UPCI reports over 100 churches and 10,000 constituents in Spain, double from the previous 5 years!)
Joshua and Jeannette Aguilera in Andorra, one of the several places they traveled to during their summer missions trip through the RKR Global Training Center in Spain.
(Editor's note: With a burden for missions, Joshua and Jeannette Aguilera, both public elementary school teachers, took advantage of their summer break to travel to Spain through the RKR Global Training Center, one of the many short-term mission opportunities with the United Pentecostal Church, International. The Aguileras participated in an eight-week training and ministry program centered in Barcelona, Spain, under the direction of Regional Teacher Missionaries in Europe, Dennis and Amy Uecker. In this article, they shared their exciting experiences, as well as photos. For more information about this and other short-term mission opportunities, go to: https://www. aim2go.org.)
Q: What motivated you to go on this missions trip?
We felt the Lord was directing us on a Missions trip for the summer, specifically for Associates in Missions. A longer term missions trip is what we had been praying about for a long time. We had a few locations in mind that we had brought before the Lord and Pastor Johnson. After prayer and discussion with him, Spain was the choice made and we knew the Lord was in it all.
Missionary Amy Uecker teaches a lesson during a RKR Global Training Center class. Sister Uecker and her husband Dennis were appointed by the UPCI as Regional Teachers in charge of conducting and coordinating missions training from their base in Barcelona, Spain. In addition to the Ueckers, the AIMers also heard from Nathan Harrad who is the Regional Director of Europe and his wife, Tanya, and James Poitras, Director of Education/Short-Term Missions. A variety of topics were presented including: prayer walks, the armor of God, brokenness, submission to authority, how to teach a Bible study in a second language, how to work with a translator when preaching, the structure and cycles of church growth, home groups, and more.
Q. How was this missions experience different from any previous missions trips you have taken?
Being a longer term was a different experience as there were now a few more days of rest than what we were used to! Our usual short term trips encompassed us hitting the ground running. Being also in a classroom setting for the RKR Training Center was very different for us. Some days we ended the sessions with our paradigms challenged and shifted completely. The Ueckers and their teachers impacted us greatly! Once we began ministering in the local churches, God performed a new ministry through us that we had not experienced before in operating in different gifts of the Spirit. It was a learning experience but a powerful one at that!
Q: What kind of work or ministry did you and your team do?
Jeannette preaching at Los Pentecostales de Barcelona. She and Joshua, both locally licensed ministers with the Western District UPCI, had several opportunities to teach and preach.
We outreached in Seville with Brother and Sister Zenobia. We also were able to speak and minister to their amazing growing church. We also taught leadership classes for the International Pentecostal Church, pastored by the Monges, and Los Pentecostales de Barcelona, pastored by the Leons, ranging from spiritual to practical. We ministered in LPBCN’s Friends Day which was an outreach through their Home Groups. Both of us were also able to speak and teach to the LPBCN church on Sundays and Wednesdays.
Q: Was there a specific moment that impacted you the most?
There were several opportunities for both Joshua and Jeannette to preach. In this photo, Joshua is preaching at Los Pentecostales de Barcelona. They both appreciate the mentoring they received.
The most impactful moment for me (Josh) was a moment that wasn’t about ministering. Pastor Rafael (the pastor of LPBCN) gave us a key to their new church building that is under construction. If you don’t know the story of this building, reach out to the Ueckers, the Harrods, or Pastor Rafael for the full story! There, I was praying and hours began to pass as the Lord spoke continuously and shifted the trajectory of the focus for my life. God interrupted the preconceived ideals I had for my future and spoke to my very soul. Being in a place where the flooring was torn up and the building completely broken apart on the inside for new construction was a reflection of what God was doing and is doing in me!
Q: Did anything surprise you while you were on your AIM trip?
For the spiritual, from prayer walks to how to teach Bible studies in different languages. For the nonspiritual, how Spanish food is different than Mexican food. My, how we missed good spices!
Q: How did this trip affect your faith personally?
God directed us to go deeper in our prayer lives and trust Him in furthering our ministries. God asked us many times to do things we had never done before and we saw Him do amazing things through all of it!
The entire group of teachers and AIMers line up for a photo op. Brother Nathan and Sister Tanya Harrod had just taught a class explaining the goals of the European Region of Global Missions. Brother Harrod is the UPCI Regional Director of Europe. What an opportunity it was for these AIMers to be taught by such experienced men and women of God who have selflessly committed decades of their lives to winning souls.
Q: Would you encourage others to go on an AIM trip?
Absolutely. Pray with the Lord and listen for Him to speak then talk with your pastor. Stay submitted through the process no matter what you feel. It will change your life.
Q. What was the biggest challenge you faced? How did you overcome it?
The spiritual atmosphere of Barcelona was very heavy. It affected us the first few weeks and challenged our spiritual habits. As we prayed and received advice from the Ueckers, the Alexanders, and the other AIMers, God gave us the breakthrough through an unexpected means, brokenness. To be humble before the Lord and allow Him to completely take control, gave us the victory. God has completely shifted our paradigm of ministry towards brokenness before Him to partner effectively with Heaven.
Joshua preaches at the International Pentecostal Church in Barcelona with Pastora Laura Monge translating.
Q. What words of advice would you give someone who is considering becoming an AIMer?
A. Expect the uncomfortable. Don’t be afraid of it but embrace it. Our Christian walk is all about making uncomfortable decisions for our flesh. Missions is no different. If God has called you, He will take care of you. Follow His voice and direction and the words of your pastor. Stay submitted through the process and also once you are overseas. God is telling you to go, don’t wait any longer.
In Sevilla, Southern Spain, Joshua and Jeannette had the opportunity to do outreach with the local church led by the Zenobias. Brother Sam Zenobia and his wife Kisten have been assigned to the southern region of Spain to plant churches. Pictured here is the group preparing to pray before heading out. They passed out bottled water and bubbles for the children. God has been blessing the efforts of the Zenobias, and God is adding souls to the church in Sevilla. On the right, Joshua preaches at the Sevilla church.
Joshua and Jeannette were invited to minister at a youth service in Sevilla. Joshua preached "Who is Sitting on the Throne of Your Heart? To illustrate his point, he used the Zenobias' son, Beniaha. God, help us to always allow you to sit on the throne of our lives, and not to struggle for control. The Aguileras are grateful for the opportunity, even for a short time, to be part of what God is doing in Southern Spain.
With arms raised, Joshua leads a song of worship at the beginning of the day for the RKR Training Center in Barcelona, Spain. On the right, Missionary Jared Driggers teaches a RKR class about the importance of Bible schools, especially for missions.
Believers from Los Pentecostales de Barcelona (LPBCN) pause after having just done a prayer walk in several locations in Sant Boi. They are working hard to start a work in this city located in the metropolitan area of Barcelona, Spain. The leaders spearheading this work have, since the beginning of this year, already have about 24 members and approximately 84 contacts for Bible studies and small groups. Josh said, "It's amazing what God is doing here!"
(Left) Joshua and AIMer Britain Greene pray for the newly appointed home group supervisors of the International Pentecostal Church in Barcelona. (Middle) Joshua and Jeannette speak for the Friends Day, an outreach for the church and the home groups of the Barcelona church. (Right)The Aguileras also had the opportunity to visit the small country of Andorra, just north of Spain. Pictured here are Missionary Dennis Uecker (supervising missionary), Olivia Daniels (RKR classmate), Jeannette, Josh, AIMer Beckie McGee and her son Jacob. The work in Andorra is a starting work with all new people. Said Josh, "They were touched by God in such a special way."
In between classes, prayer walks, teaching, and preaching, they did have an opportunity to sightsee. Above left is the Palau Nacional (National Palace). It is the home of the National Art Museum of Catalonia and houses over 5,000 artworks. Pictured right is the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. This magnificent basilica was designed by the gifted and unique architect and designer, Antoni Gaudi. Construction began in 1882, and when it is finally completed in 2026, it will be the world's tallest Catholic church. Its Nativity facade and crypt are designated UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Pictured on the left is the Almudena Cathedral. After more than 100 years of construction, this impressive edifice was finally consecrated in 1993. Below, Josh and Jeannette got to taste a popular delicacy: Caracoles à la Andaluza - SNAILS!
"Thank you to those who invested in the mission and calling that God has led us into. Thank you for every prayer and every word of encouragement. We are deeply grateful to the Body of Christ which sent us to expand and strengthen the Kingdom."
Joshua & Jeannette Aguilera
Natalie Diaz testifies during a Sunday morning service at a local church in Trinidad and Tobago.
Editor's Note: This past summer, one of our young adults, Natalie Diaz, traveled to the Dominican Republic to participate in MGC (Missionary Gateway Center) which is an 11-week training program in the Central America/Caribbean region, sponsored by the United Pentecostal Church, International. In this article, she shares her experiences, including pictures of her time in short-term missions.
Q: What motivated you to go on this missions trip?
God has called me to the missions field so I wanted to answer that call. I went to a Missionary Sit-down with the Becerras and we had a powerful prayer meeting at the end. In that prayer meeting God reminded me of my call and told me to go on an AIM trip this summer. The Missionary Gateway Center (MGC) specifically was brought to my attention. It is a school for people who are called to be missionaries, so I wanted to join that to learn as much as I could about what missions work is and what it means to be a missionary.
Natalie, along with some of her MGC teammates paint and clean a Bible school in La Romana, Dominican Republic.
Q: What kind of work or ministry did your team do?
We did whatever was needed of us. We helped out the local churches by testifying, singing, preaching, and altar working. We painted a Bible school, fed displaced locals, made Bible school books. We were involved with multiple crusades for kids and married people.
Brother Jim Poitras, Director of Education/ShortTerm Missions for Global Missions teaches a MGC class on structure and policy at El Refugio in Santiago, Dominican Republic.
Q. What was a typical day like during the trip?
We had Spanish class that started from 8:30-9:30, de-
At their Children's Crusade in Santiago, Dominican Republic, some MGC ladies and Natalie put on a puppet show. This little girl especially loved the puppets!
pending on the day, for about two and a half hours. Some of us had a personal tutor and some of us were with a group, depending on our level. The class was taught entirely in Spanish. After that we had lunch and either our weekly meeting with the group or two MGC classes that were two hours each. Our teachers were missionaries and great leaders in our movement. Most of them were through zoom but we did have a few in person teachers. Then we had the rest of the night free. Most of the weekends we went out to different towns for conferences, camps, crusades, and services.
slight culture shock in how they drive, what a normal church service is like, and how welcoming they are. It caught me off guard how much free time I had to get to know the city and the people there. I surprised myself. I didn’t realize how capable God has made me in so many aspects. I grew in ways I didn’t think were for me and that I could work in. I learned things I never would have thought of and worked in bolder ways.
Q. What was the biggest challenge you faced? How did you overcome it?
I would say the biggest challenge I faced would be fear. Fear that I wasn’t supposed to be there, that I wasn’t enough, that I wasn’t capable of what God needed to be done. God helped me to overcome it by simply doing it. Doing what He asked of me even if I’m scared. Learning that I am not enough and He never called me to be enough but to answer His call. Learning that God is enough and I just need to step in faith into what He has called me for in that moment.
Venezuelan women being baptized by the Trinidadian pastor while Brother Joshua Tingley, missionary to the Dominican Republic, and MGC members watch. These ladies are the first members of this church in Trinidad, besides the pastor, to receive the Holy Ghost and to be baptized in Jesus name.
Q: Was there a specific moment that impacted you the most?
Q: Did anything surprise you while you were on your AIM trip?
Nothing specifically surprised me. I did experience
We spent a week in Trinidad and Tobago where I helped out with a children’s crusade. They speak English so I was able to connect with the kids more and pray for them in a way that they would understand. There was
Brother Moorehead, children's minister, teaches a two-day children's crusade at a local church in Post of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. Two children received the Holy Ghost!
one specific young girl who you could see really wanted it. She was praying next to her friends but it was evident that she was doing it out of true desire. So I went to pray for her, and as soon as I did, she started crying. It wasn’t just crying to cry but it was a genuine hunger and response to God’s presence. I prayed for her the rest of the night, and she got the Holy Ghost!! I’ve never helped pray someone through to the Holy Ghost, so that was amazing to be a part of. And helping pray a kid through to the Holy Ghost is something special.
Q: How did this trip affect your faith personally?
It absolutely did. Seeing the faith of the people there is astonishing. Before they start or join the service, they pray. They pray on their knees and surrender themselves to God before they start. Even if they’re late, they pray first and then join the service. Their hunger and love for God is so evident. It doesn’t matter what they do or don’t have because if they don’t have God, they have nothing. I also got to see powerful moves of God like I’ve never seen. Seeing 131 people filled with the Holy Ghost and 20 baptized in one weekend is beautiful! Seeing a church baptize two people in the ocean for the first time is awesome. Also seeing the faith of my fellow AIMers encouraged and pushed me to go deeper in my faith and the work of God.
Q: Would you encourage others to go on an AIM trip?
I would encourage everyone to go on the missions field
at least once in their life. I believe it is very important to get on the field to see the work of God moving around the world, even if you’re only there for a few days. If you feel called to become a missionary, as in go to another country and share the gospel, I definitely recommend the MGC as you will learn vital information about what missions is and how to pursue that call.
Brother Bradley Schreckhise prays for children during an altar call for one of the children's crusades in Santiago, Dominican Republic. "It was the best response they've received in a children's crusade," said Natalie.
Pictured above are displaced Venezuelan children. The Venezuelan community in Trinidad is located in the lower peninsula of Trinidad, about seven miles from Venezuela. Their church is in someone's backyard and is primarily made up of women and children. The MGC team visited them for a church service and to feed them.
Clockwise from above: A local church in the countryside of the Dominican Republic; an outdoor revival service in La Romana, Dominican Republic; Sister Schreckhise and Sister Tingley show Natalie and another MGC team member how to eat breadfruit, a very popular food item in Trinidad and Tobago. Yum!
General Director of UPCI Global Missions Adam Hunley and his wife, Maya, share words of wisdom and their testimonies during a MGC class at El Refugio in Santiago, Dominican Republic.
Brother Scotty Slaydon, General Secretary of Global Missions, teaches a MGC class on ethics using Zoom.
Left: Missionary Lycia Schreckhise teaches an MGC class about Global Association of Theological Studies (GATS). GATS, the educational arm of the UPCI Global Missions Division, develops and translates curriculum, provides training seminars for Bible school faculty, and supports UPCI Bible Schools around the world.
(Below) During a Sunday morning service with Brother Mark Drost as the preacher, the other MGC ladies and Natalie testified. Natalie testified in Spanish, and for those ladies who testified in English, Sister Schreckhise translated to Spanish. Seven people were baptized in Jesus' name that morning! Praise God!
Our church has had a special relationship with Fiji since 1984 when Elder Uday Narayan flew there to share his newly-found Christian faith with his family. During his first visit, Elder Narayan not only baptized his brother, but also 20 other people! Though the years, Elder Narayan has visited Fiji many times, along with Bishop Randy Keyes and his wife, Pastor Todd Johnson, and others. We are excited to say that the gospel is still flourishing in Fiji! In this article, we have a report from Pastor Venkat Raju who ministers with his wife, Suman Lata.
Pastor Raju from January to June of this year has baptized 45 souls, Hindus converting to Christianity, baptized in the name of Jesus Christ! Many have been healed! He sent a personal message to our church: "I would like to thank Pastor Johnson and the church administrators for supporting the work of God in Fiji. God bless Revival Church." Enjoy on these pages, some of the exciting photos he sent of fruit produced just this year, more than 40 years since Elder Narayan's first visited, planting seeds of truth in faith.
God bless Pastor Venkat Raju as he faithfully delivers the life-changing message of Jesus Christ to his church in Fiji (above) and reaches outside the walls of his church to villages beyond (below).
New preaching points in villages in Fiji! God is moving! More baptisms below.
Dear Saints at Revival Church,
Warm greetings in the beautiful name of Jesus!
I pray this update finds you well and rejoicing in the Lord. It has been a truly blessed season filled with God’s grace and goodness in the ministry, and we are excited to share some of the wonderful things He is doing.
This summer, we had a powerful conference with about 200 people in attendance. God’s presence was so real — many lives were touched, filled with the Holy Ghost, and people went back with renewed passion and a deep hunger for God. Eighteen precious souls were baptized in Jesus name and 22 received the Holy Ghost during this meeting. In the villages, too, God is doing mighty works. Over 15 baptisms have taken place recently, even in the midst of growing challenges. Our pastors are engaging in outdoor preaching and evangelism in the face of opposition. One of our associated churches was attacked, and the pastor and believers had to flee to the forest while the prayer hall was ransacked and belongings damaged. They have now begun to return and settle back, and we are helping them with food and basic needs. Thankfully, the police are co-operating with the pastor but have asked him to refrain from conducting church services for now. Please keep them in prayer, that God would change hearts and open new doors for the Gospel. The heavy monsoon rains have brought much hardship in both the cities and villages with flooding. God helped us to provide relief: food, warm clothing, and aid to affected families in the northern hills. We also continue to help children with school books, fees, clothing, food, and medical care. We have also been able to build a small house for 2 widows, provide medical help to a few in intensive care and for a few undergoing surgery for critical illnesses.
On a personal note, I recently had minor surgery for a leg infection, and Susan suffered a small fracture in the hip bone after a fall. We’ve been resting these past two months and are slowly healing. I would appreciate your prayers as I celebrate my 73rd birthday tomorrow (Sep. 20), and prepare for ministry travel to the South next week.
We thank God for your precious prayers and support. It means so much to us and to all those who are touched through this ministry. Please know that we remember the Revival Church family daily in our prayers. God's best to you!
Yours in His Service, Chacko & Susan
Precious souls being baptized in Jesus name this summer. As the Bible says in Acts 4:12 (NKJV): "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."
Outdoor evangelism. Luke 14:23 (NLT): "So his master said, 'Go out into the country lanes and behind the hedges and urge anyone you find to come, so that the house will be full.'"
A full house in one of the village churches. Praise God for these faithful saints who risk violent persecution to worship the one true God.
Above from left: Children being blessed with school books, fees, clothing, food, and medical care; A small house was built for two widows; Elder Chacko's ministry was also able to provide medical assistance for this man and others. Please keep Elder Chacko and his wife in your prayers for continued healing and strength.
God bless Pastor Navnesh Naicker and his family.
Whenthe church sent Elder Narayan the first time to Fiji to share the gospel to his family, who knew what the far-reaching impact of that visit would be. From Fiji, it went to India and now to New Zealand, the sixth largest (in area) island country.
After several families from the church in Fiji moved to New Zealand, there was a need for a pastor to head the work. Brother Navnesh Naicker and his family felt the burden and followed the Lord's leading to this island nation in the southwesternmost part of Polynesia, south of Fiji.
The church in New Zealand is thriving with people being filled with the Holy Ghost and being baptized in Jesus' name. We praise God for the work He is doing among Hindi-speaking Apostolics across the globe!
When you give to missions, do not think that the money you give is insignificant. Look at all the faces in these pages, and know you are helping to send this precious gospel around the world to hearts that are hungry to know our Savior.
How quickly summer ends, and it is time again for school books, backpacks, pesky alarm clocks, and those back-to-school jitters. The church set aside a special time on a Sunday morning in August, to pray for our students, teachers, administrators, and support staff led by Pastor Jon Quinones. "We want our students to know," he said, "that our church family believes in them, supports them, is praying for them, that God is with them, and the angels of the Lord go before them in every situation."
Pictured above clockwise from top left: Pastor Quinones preaches "God is Over What's Trying to Take You Under," Brother Chris Castro and Sister Andrea Powell pray for our students, and the Revive Youth ensemble leads in worship.
Ona hot July Sunday morning service, Floyd Lozada, pastor of West Valley Revival Center in Gustine, preached the impactful message, "When the Desire Comes." He spoke of the discouragement and ache of expectation when God does not answer prayer expeditiously.
"When we look at situations in our life," he said, "it’s easy to get to get angry or upset because God hasn’t done something in the timing we expect him to do it in." He quoted the scripture in Proverbs 13:12 that says, "Hope deferred makes the heart sick." Stressful situations in our life with our marriage, children, and job can seem like everything that can go wrong is going wrong. You wonder, God, where are you?
We have all wrestled with situations in our lives. "The enemy always comes in these deferred seasons and gets in your thoughts and mind," he said. "He begins to wear us out. He tries to convince you that you are doing something wrong." He warned us not to let our deferred season to cause
us to become frustrated, to stop praying, to stop believing. "Keep praying, keep believing," he admonished. When the Apostle Paul asked God to remove the thorn in his flesh, God told him in his weakness, he is made strong. Pastor Lozada urged us to change our perspective and understand that God's going to get glory out of our situation. The devil may mean it for our detriment, but God can make it for our good. But when the desire comes, that prayer you have sought God for, it will revive your spirit. It will renew your joy and restore what you thought was lost.
Thank you, Pastor Lozada, for your words of encouragement to keep praying and believing, despite our circumstances. We urge you to listen to this message of hope again. You can find it on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/live/ wXrXCQg0Mf4?si=eXXFwIwEWTrIFbnv&t=2931.
we near the biggest event of the year, our Stewardship Mission's Conference in October, we took out a service to celebrate what God has done for this church. Through miraculous interventions, hard work, and sacrificial giving, we have not only been able to drastically reduce what we owe on our building, but have also been able to complete much needed repairs and renovations without incurring additional debt. It was good to look back to where we were and where we are now. All glory to God!
To help us celebrate, Pastor Johnson brought in a man of God who has been with us along this journey, Paul Pamer, senior pastor of Apostolic Church in Barberton, Ohio. His sermon was titled, "Celebration Time."
Using Isaiah 61:1-2, he described the scene of
Jesus, in His hometown of Nazareth, standing up and reading from the book of Isaiah a passage that is very familiar to us. He told how when Jesus read the line that said: "To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord," He sat down. Why? Why didn't He continue reading? Pastor Pamer said as God, Jesus knew the future. He knew the next part referred to his death and glorification, and the outpouring of the Holy Ghost on the Day of Pentecost. He knew there would be suffering, but He would comfort the mourner, give them beauty of ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and the garment of praise of the spirit of heaviness.
"It's celebration time!" he said. "Great is our reward in heaven. It's my time for God's favor. It's my time to be blessed!"
Thank you, Pastor Pamer, for your inspiring words!
The second week of July was our annual Revive Youth Week led by youth pastors Tim and Jeriann Montes. It was a week packed with activities to engage and energize our junior high and high school students.
On Monday afternoon, our young people met at a park for a time of fun and games. Tuesday night was 'Fight Night.' Wednesday morning was Serve Day with the youth broken up into three groups to visit three of our older saints, two of which are currently recovering in rehab hospitals. In the evening, after the youth ensemble led us in worship, there was a Q&A session with a panel thoughtfully answering a variety of questions from our young people. With the blazing days of summer upon us, Swim Day on Thursday was definitely appreciated. The group was divided with the girls swimming at the Gregory's home; the boys at another location. Finally on Friday, they had Revive Night with speaker Isaac Polanco with fellowship activities afterward. God is moving in the lives of our young people. Thank you, Brother and Sister Montes for their dedicated and enthusiastic leadership. On the next page are some photos of the Friday night Revive Night service with Brother Polanco (top row left in blue shirt).
Wednesday night's Q & A panel, mediated by youth pastors, Tim and Jeriann Montes, answer questions generated from our Revive Youth. Our seasoned panelists provided valuable guidance on a variety of topics.
Our Young Adults group, formerly Hyphens, had a great time of fellowship and spiritual renewal during Young Adults Week. From a Q&A session to a night of bowling to Friday night's Hyphen Night with Nelson and Talitha Rivera, pastors of Upper Room Church of Imperial Beach and Upper Room of Eastlake in Chula Vista, California, it was an unforgettable week! A huge shout out to Young Adults pastors, Chris and Lindsay Castro, and to all who made these activities possible.
Special Speakers for Friday night's Hyphen Night were Pastor Nelson Rivera and his wife, Talitha, who ministered mightily to our young adults. Pictured on the following page top left: Young Adults pastors Chris and Lindsay Castro lead the group in prayer before the Q&A session on Monday night.
Western District Youth Ministries Director of Promotions,
(Left) Our Young Adults enjoy a night of fellowship at a local bowling alley. Thank you, Brother Chris and Sister Lindsay Castro for planning an exciting Young Adults week with fun, fellowship, prayer, and the Word.
Ahhh! There's nothing like worshipping God in a pair of sneakers! We can run a little faster, dance a little longer. Some of us wish we could come to church in sneakers every Sunday. But alas, it is only on one summer Sunday a year.
Although our attire is a bit more relaxed on Sneaker Sunday, our focus is not. We still enthusiastically worship with the ensemble, say "Amen" during the preaching, and spend time in the altar searching our hearts.
Aside from sneakers, Sneaker Sunday was also special because we had a Yogurt Mill frozen yogurt truck stationed outside the church in the parking lot. On a hot summer day, what could be better? Sneakers, yogurt, and Jesus! Love Sneaker Sunday!
MATURE LADIES: The Mature Ladies were busy this summer. On top of their monthly lunch fellowships (pictured here at Strings in Modesto), the ladies decided to meet at the church for a four-week Bible study entitled, "Wisdom Is a Lady" taught by our wonderful Andrea Powell. We are so thankful for this group led by Joyce Jones where we can laugh, pray, (eat), and study God's word.
END OF THE MONTH CONNECT GROUPS - We have been enjoying our small group Bible study fellowships happening on the last Wednesday of each month. They have been a great opportunity to build closer bonds with our brothers and sisters in the Lord. Thank you to all of our teachers and hosts who so graciously opened your homes and to those who studied and taught each lesson. We love getting connected! Below is the Feed the Body, Feed the Soul monthly Bible study at the Aguileras. The group just completed studying the end times.
A
DIRECTOR
Danny Gregory
MAIN PARTS
Gilberto Quinones: Jesus
Timmy Warren: Andre
Cj Aguirre: Matt
Adrian DeAnda: Daniel
Alexis Diaz: Lauryn
Lauren Hunt: Brooklyn
DeVina Nunez: Kim
Robbie Espinoza: Eric
Chloe Espinoza: Amy
Jaqueline Aguirre: Ms. Sanchez
Chris Castro: Pastor Dan
Riley Torres: Angel 1
Makenna Preyer: Angel 2
Susy Alvarado: Rachelle
Brandon Wayne: FEMA Director
Josh Aguilera: Dr. Miller
James Cisneros: FEMA Coordinating officer, and Dr. Wright
Danny Gregory: Host
Melanie Walls: Sofia
EXTRAS
Ethan Hunt
Brandon Fletcher
JonJon Walls
Josh Williams
Robert Alvarado
Rafael Torres
Angel Torres
Sergio Torres
JJ Manangat
Leo Manangat
Anthony Valencia
Noah Wells
Russ Campbell
Peter Diaz
Ashton Espinoza
Phillip Caraveo
Lance Rodriguez
Jude Martinez
Channel Amador
Gloria Sadeddeen
Jazmin Mazon
Audea Preyer
Emma Zuniga
Averie Gregory
Haley Torres
Lauren Williams
Caitlyn Diaz
Eleanor Lira
Abby Dominguez
BACKSTAGE
Jeannette Aguilera
Ashlyn Gregory
Jayda Martinez
Natalie Diaz
Peter Diaz
Leo Manangat
SOUND/ LIGHTING
Jon Harris
Brianna Harris
Lauren Williams
Josh Aguilera
Josh Martinez
Abby Dominguez
Naomi Martinez
COSTUMES
Lupe Quinones
Jocelyn Powell
Adrianne Chavez
Autumn Amador
Zoë Warren
Eliza Flores
Moriah Warren
Suzanne DeMoss
Andrea Powell
Ruth Barazza
PROPS
Jeremiah Williams
The drama opened with a news program discussing Bible prophesy. Dr. Miller (Josh Aguilera) explained that all prophesy has been fulfilled for the coming of the Lord. It could happen at any time.
Year by year, events that fulfill Bible prophesy were displayed to emphasize all is ready for the rapture.
Pastor Dan (Chris Castro) urges his congregation to come to the altar to pray as the coming of the Lord could happen at any time, and he does not want any of them left behind to endure the torments of the day after!
During the altar call, pleas are made to several members who refuse to come to the altar and pray. From left: Amy (Chloe Espinoza) tries to persuade a rebellious Lauryn (Alexis Diaz); Pastor Dan (Chris Castro) counsels a bitter Eric (Robbie Espinoza) to put his hurt behind him and pray; Kim (DeVina Nunez) speaks to Brooklyn (Lauren Hunt) who has allowed peer pressure to keep her from totally surrendering her life to God.
The young people meet after church at the pickle ball courts. Some talk about the words of the preacher; others are unmoved.
This scene of a rock band performing shows how the world is unfazed, more concerned with having a good time than preparing their souls for the rapture.
Daniel (Adrian DeAnda) tries to reason with his abusive and addicted mother (Ms. Sanchez played by Jaqueline Aguirre) who demands he stops going to church. Frustrated, he kneels to pray and opens his Bible for an answer. He is encouraged when he reads Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."
Amy (Chloe Espinoza) hugs her daughter, Sofia (Melanie Walls), as they pray together for Eric (Robbie Espinoza) who has allowed bitterness and hurt to separate himself from God. He attends church with his family, but because of his unforgiveness toward those who offended him, refuses to go to the altar.
The chaos and horrors of being left behind after the rapture of the
are shocked to realize they missed the
In despair, those left behind run to the church, but the pastor and faithful Christians are not there. Brooklyn (Lauren Hunt) holds her head as she realizes her fate. Distraught, left behind without his wife and daughter, Eric (Robbie Espinoza) threatens to kill himself.
FEMA Director (Brandon Wayne) and FEMA Coordinating Officer (James Cisneros) announce a new program for survivors to be able to get food and supplies. It requires an implant in the forehead or right hand.
The lost wait in line to receive the chip that will forever seal their fate. Each one must choose. Some readily accept the chip, some struggle with their decision.
As each person stands before God' judgment seat, the lost are dragged away by the demons to hell. Daniel, who was faithful to the end, was welcomed into heaven and given a white robe as the angels rejoiced! "Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord."
A huge thanks to director Danny Gregory (right) and to his cast and crew. What an amazing weekend! The church was totally packed! Attention to detail and to excellence was evident throughout. Nineteen people were baptized over the two nights, and the altar was packed each night with souls reaching out to God. May God bring in a great harvest, and may the impact of this drama reach beyond our walls. To God be the glory!
Thank you to our ensemble and musicians who set the stage with their worship, also to Marily Tobias, a great applause, whose anointed singing of "Tomorrow" moved us all.
A great deal of preparation took place even before the drama with hairstyling and dramatic makeup, and the cast meeting with director Danny Gregory for a time of prayer.
From the moment guests arrived, they were greeted with welcome signs. To allow room for guests in our parking lot, church members parked down the street and were treated with a ride in one of Prenesh Narayan's super cool electric golf carts. Ushers were at the ready in the parking lot to greet and assist guests.
Our greeting team met each guest with friendly smiles. Even our coffee baristas pitched in with flavored coffees and snacks to enjoy while waiting for the doors to open. And, for those wiggly tots, the church hired childcare for toddlers. Finally, thank you to our gifted photographers, Don Mellow, Lauryn Wright, and Editor Leo Aguilera.