2026 SPRING NEWSVINE, expanded version,indd

SPRING 2026 REVIVAL CHURCH

UNITED PENTECOSTAL CHURCH

825 7th Street, Modesto, CA 95354

Business Phone: 209-522-5365

email us at: thenewsvine@gmail.com google us at: the newsvine or follow us on: issuu.com/thenewsvine

EDITORS

BUSINESS LIAISON

CHURCH LIAISON

GRAPHIC DESIGN

PHOTOGRAPHERS

CREATIVE TEAM

COLUMNIST

YOUTH REPORTER

YOUTH PHOTOGRAPHER

DISTRIBUTION MAILINGS

LEO AGUILERA

VIRGINIA AGUILERA

Charlene Wilson

Jon Quinones

Leo & Virginia Aguilera

Leo Aguilera, Don Mellow, and Alexis Diaz, Jocelyn Powell, Autumn Amador, Devina Aguirre, Emma Zuniga, Angel Torres Colin, Russ Campbell, Andrew Mazon, Brooke Montes

Carol Castillo

Alexis Diaz

Joshua Blackwood

Norbert Feliciano

Virginia Aguilera

CHURCH STAFF

PASTOR H. TODD JOHNSON

BISHOP RANDY G. KEYES

ADMINISTRATIVE PASTOR - JONATHAN QUINONES

CHURCH SECRETARY - CHARLENE WILSON

CHURCH MINISTERS

RESIDENT MISSIONARY SPANISH MINISTRY

YOUNG ADULTS

GROWTH TRACK

Media Graphic Design JoshuaAguilera

Jeannette Aguilera

Matthew Aguirre

David Amador

Dana Le’ Blanc

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 SOUND ENGINEERS

FUNDRAISING DRAMA MINISTRY

Uday Narayan

Antonio & Gloria Gutierrez

Chris & Lindsay Castro

Moses Burciaga

Noah Wells

Chris Harris

Jerry Powell

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

Jon & Brianna Harris, Prenesh

Narayan

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.

A Word from the Editors

When we started producing The Newsvine in 1989, it was our desire to not only record the history of our church, but also that it could be used as an avenue to evangelize souls. That is why in every issue we include a testimony of faith to the amazing transforming grace and mercy of Jesus Christ. In this issue we feature Sister Mary Aguirre. It is amazing to see how God guided the life of this sister, orphaned at an early age and sent to live with an aunt she did not know. Mary can look back at her life now and see how God was with her during all the pain and glory.

This season of the church was filled with pain and glory. We experienced revival services with three dynamic men of God. But we also experienced pain with the passing of numerous saints. We celebrate that they are now rejoicing in heaven but, oh, how we miss them!

This issue ends with coverage of The Centurion, a dramatic portrayal of the last days on Earth of Jesus Christ. Brother Danny Gregory and his team are to be commended. Their hard work and dedication led to a packed house and altar.

We look forward to the months ahead in 2026. The world may be unsettled, but we know a God who has everything in order according to His will.

We just returned touring the beautiful nation of Japan. The Japanese people are ripe as a harvest field. To those to whom we witnessed, including our four tour guides, they were eager to know about Christianity. But the religions of Buddhism and Shintoism have a stronghold on Japan. Let us keep this Far East nation of wonder and mystery in our prayers.

Lord, let Your kingdom come and let Your true gospel prevail!

Maranatha! The Lord is coming!

NEVER RISK MAKING GOD AFTER YOUR OWN IMAGE! ALL CHRISTIANS NEED TO KNOW:

NEVER RISK MAKING GOD AFTER YOUR OWN IMAGE!

What Does It Mean to Be Created in God’s Own Image?

Many misread in the book of Genesis that we must physically look like God because we are created in His image. This is not what the meaning of this concept suggests. Remember God is a spirit, and we are a corporal body of flesh and blood. Instead, to be created in His image is the profound understanding that we as humans represent God on earth as a reflection and a representative of His character to love, to have wisdom, and to possess a sense of justice - knowing what is right and what is wrong. As God seeks a personal relation with each of us, so we desire to build relationships with one another. To be a creation of the Almighty, one has dignity and value, therefore humans want respect and acceptance. God created the Earth for humans, so as His stewards of the Earth, we have the responsibility to dominate the Earth and make it our home, safe and enduring for our families and our descendants.

When Christ walked among us in the flesh, he expressed all the above attributes assigned to men and women, but with power and majesty because He was God. For example, His calming of storms on the Sea of Galilee revealed His dominance over the earth and the laws of nature. So man has pursued the unbelievable to fly on aircraft and cross the seven seas on huge ships defying raging storms.

Peter, James and John caught a glimpse of the image of God when Christ was transfigured on the mount with Moses and Elijah appearing with Him. Through the radiance of His form, He was glorious and brilliant in holiness. This was a confirmation that Jesus Christ represented all Who God is! His visible appearance of deity on the Mount of Trans-

figuration showed Peter, James, and John He was the physical manifestation of the One God Himself. Therefore, humanity is charged to follow Christ and His teachings. To be a Christian is to be Christ-like and therefore born again in God’s own image.

God Despises Those Who Pervert the Gospel after Their Own Image.

Paul and Jude warn believers to NEVER change the teachings of Christ to suit one’s selfish traits to hate, to sin, to not forgive, to create havoc, and to destroy others. Those who claim to be a believer but are guilty of unrighteous acts place that man or woman in the realm of being a hypocrite, and hypocrites will not inherit the kingdom of God (Matthew 23:13-15). In Isaiah 55:8-9 we read: “‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts nor are your ways My ways,’ says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.'"

The risk of trying to say Christ condones every sin you do AFTER you have been saved is not worshiping the Christ we read in the Holy Bible. You have created an image of a different christ after YOUR OWN IMAGE. This is a false christ and therefore an antichrist. Your prayers will be ineffective and dangerous for your salvation. You want a god to serve your own purposes, and you desire to convert others to your way of thinking. If you are corrupting the innocent, preaching and teaching your own family members and friends to hate and sin like you do, then you spiritually have a huge, millstone hanging around your neck, and you are about to be thrown into the sea of destruction (Matthew 18:6).

The “No Shame” Phenomena

“No shame” is expected among those sinners in the world who have no belief in God, who are not interested in attending church, who have no desire to be a Christian, who worship pagan gods or the devil, and who sin daily. These are the souls of the harvest field the Lord commands us to labor and convert for the kingdom of heaven. When the sinner of this harvest field is convicted of their unbelief and feels the shame of their sins, salvation is their reward and another soul is born again and added to the church.

However, “No shame” should NEVER be among believers who claim they are already converted. In Jude 4 we read: “I say this because some godless teachers have wormed their way in among you, saying that after we become Christians we can do just as we like without fear of God’s punishment. The fate of such people was written long ago, for they have turned against our only Master and Lord,

Jesus Christ” (TLB). In the sixth and seventh chapters of Romans, Paul reveals that when you convert to Christianity, you give up sinning. You become a new creature, having no desire to sin anymore. But should you sin as a believer, the Holy Spirit will convict you, and you will feel the shame of your actions. You are afforded repentance and contrition as a child of God (I John 2:1,2). Mercifully, He forgives you your sin, and it is covered and washed away by His blood shed on Calvary’s cross. But there is a modern trend in the world today, especially in the denominational world, that you don’t have to feel shame if you continue sinning after your conversion. A prime example is fornication. Marriage is a must after you are saved. You and your lover cannot continue to live together after you become a Christian. Other examples are lying, thievery, racism, and hateful actions, etc. These men and women claiming to be Christians, who wear crosses on their necks, and continue to practice the works of the flesh, have seared their conscience and feel no shame. They are doomed for harsh judgment and severe chastisement by the Almighty.

The Righteous Difference!

The true Christian practices the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). The true Christian is justified by the fruits of the Spirit and made righteous through Jesus Christ our Lord! YOU are and can be that true Christian who acquires these virtues with the infilling of the Holy Spirit after you have experienced salvation according to Acts 2:38. This born again experience makes YOU the living representation of being Christ-like and therefore righteously created in the image of God!

FIRST SUNDAY Service of the Year - 2026

The First Sunday of the Year is a very special service. It is a time to recharge and redirect ourselves. The church was full not only with people, but also with anticipation. After an extended time of worship, celebrating the goodness of the Lord, Pastor Johnson took the podium and began to challenge us. He warned us not to believe the lie of the devil who says your best days are behind you. He exclaimed, "The best days of

revival and blessing are in our future and are now!" We ended the service by celebrating the Lord's Supper, and now have begun 21 days of prayer and fasting. May the Lord in 2026 bring us supernatural, undeniable manifestations of the power of God and blessings of health, healing, finance, and unity, and fill our church with hungry souls.

GUEST SPEAKER PASToR

"The help of The lord"

Pastor Taylor Fairbanks of Vessel Church in Baton Rouge began his sermon by talking about trouble. "This life we live is simply a culmination of ups and downs," he said. "The fact is that the rain falls on the just and the unjust." He went on to say that trouble makes it into our lives in many different ways. Quoting Psalm 46:1, he reminded us that "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble."

Using the example of the trouble that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego faced when they were thrown into the fiery furnace, he said the very present help could not be seen until the fire revealed that help was there. When we have trouble, sometimes it may feel like we are facing it alone. We need to pray, "Lord, let me know now you're in the fire with me."

Just as the three Hebrew men were delivered from their trouble, we have a God that can deliver us from trouble. "You have an expiration date to whatever trouble you've got right now," said Pastor Fairbanks. "Your trouble cannot be forever."

God, he said it a very present help. "You don't have a disconnected God," he said. "You have a God that is in the room ready to help you out." He explained that the word present used in Psalm 46:1 means to be found, encountered, revealed, recognized. Where is God when we need Him? He is right there, we just need to look for Him. Psalm 121 says, "...where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth."

You can listen to Pastor Fairbanks' inspiring sermon at: https:// www.youtube.com/live/aZ6eECYeJR8?si=OX7FxIp3YQtDjFtH

GUEST SPEAKER PASToR DAnniE HooD

"There are no chains on the chosen."

- Dannie Hood

A l eg A cy To r emember ! by

PastorDannie Hood from Denver, Colorado, has a long history of being an evangelist to our church. He was invited back in the year 2000 by Pastor Keyes to perform a role-playing prophetic crusade, making the Old Testament prophets come alive. Pastor Keyes then began to invite him again and again through the next several years with incredible revivals following powerful themes like different seasons of revival in periods of six weeks, revival of the blood, and revival of the "Desperate Zone." Brother Hood had a rough childhood being raised with alcoholism in the home, divorce, with depression and fear. But he survived with miraculous intervention by Almighty Jesus! Our reporter Sister Carol Castillo said it best back then with these words, he is "a poet, a composer of songs, a dramatist, writer, and teacher, a verbal acrobat whose words and phrases looped the loop with so many dips and curves it left listeners breathless!"

To this day, now invited by Pastor Johnson to continue his evangelistic legacy, Brother Hood lives up to that positive critique. Sister Castillo's words fit best about his two visits so far this year, "Brother Hood's spiritual magnifying glass enlarged our vision of revival and gave us a clearer understanding of our spiritual goals." During his last visit, a tongue and interpretation previewed his sermon how we as a church could "brave Satan and all his legions." Brother Hood warned us of Satan's traps and pitfalls and how to avoid them. He then prophesied how many of our saints would prosper in businesses and finance. Healings would make us a healthier body of believers to labor more effectively. Keep returning, Pastor Hood, armed and ready with anointing, to preach us the WORD we need to hear!

GUEST SPEAKER

EvAnGEliST DAviD SmiTH

Whatan amazing weekend we had with Evangelist David Smith from Louisiana! Even before the church service began on Sunday morning, we were baptizing people from the 9:00 a.m. Spanish-speaking service in which he had just ministered. (Pictured left: Pastor Antonio Gutierrez interprets for Brother Smith as he preaches). Brother Smith has a unique and effective way of connecting with his audience with humor and the Word. It is never a dull moment with this preacher! At the end of his sermon, with ease, he filled the altar with hearts ready to receive from the Lord. By the time Brother Smith was finished, 68 people had received the wonderful gift of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in other tongues! Many were baptized in Jesus' name and continue to be so. Thank you, Brother Smith, for pouring yourself out for the kingdom of God. 68 receive The holy ghosT!

Super Soul Sunday

Super

Soul Sunday arrived with anticipation, not for the Super Bowl which would take place that afternoon, but for the souls whose lives would be forever changed. After three weeks of fasting and prayer and the ministry of Pastor Taylor Fairbanks, Pastor Danny Hood and Evangelist David Smith, the stage had been set for a super soul bounty.

Before the service had even started, baptisms were taking place, an overflow from our dynamic Spanish-speaking services led by Pastor Antonio Gutierrez. Following a time of spirited worship by our music ministry, Administrative Pastor Jon Quinones stood up to preach "How God Responds to a Loss." He spoke of Peter's despondency after he denied the Lord and how, instead of condemning Peter, He pursued him. "How does God respond to our losses?" Pastor Quinones asked. "He pursues us."

Ministry Fair

Looking for a place to serve? Want to use your talents for the Kingdom of God? Revival Church has lots of opportunities from our streaming team, to our children's ministry, and much! Pictured on this page is just a sampling of possibilities. In February, the church held a Ministry Fair with information booths and an opportunity to sign up. Don't think because we have

a large congregation, we don't have a place for you to serve. On the contrary, because of our large numbers, we need help! If you missed the Ministry Fair, check out the booths below and contact the church office to find out whom you need to contact to volunteer. There is a place for you!

More Ministry Fair

renaciMiento! !

(Renaissance - Rebirth!)

No hay otro nombre más alto que el tuyo, Señor!

GUEST SPEAKER - FRAncE miSSionARy

Tony ciUll A

We were visited in March by Missionaries Tony and Christina Ciulla. They have just been approved by Global Missions to be Intermediate Missionaries to the country of France. The Ciullas have already established a work in the town of Nantes in Western France, an unchurched region of that European country. They are presently fundraising and preparing to leave their home in Mesquite, Texas, to live full-time in France with their five children. Brother Ciulla, whose parents were UPCI missionaries, lived in Belgium for 11 years. Sister Ciulla grew up in Melun,

France. They both speak, read, and write fluently in French.

He and his wife sang together in French and English before he began to preach. His title was "Go Forth with Power." He spoke about Gideon. Gideon was afraid, but God assured him that He would go with him. Like Gideon, "It's time to go forth in power! It requires a revelation of Who He is." He had everyone gather to the altar and pray for boldness. "They that know their God will do exploits," he said.

WD Hyphen Conference '26

InJanuary, our Young Adults, led by Chris and Lindsay Castro, attended the Western District Hyphen Conference '26. This year's speaker was Evangelist A. J. Halloway. Young adults from across California gathered for a powerful two-day event that brought together worship, preaching, and life-shaping moments of spiritual renewal. Hosted at Calvary Worship Center, the conference served as a rallying point for Apostolic young adults seeking direction, connection, and a deeper walk with God.

From the opening service on Friday night, there was a strong sense of expectation. Attendees filled the sanctuary with passionate worship, setting the tone for what would become a weekend marked by heartfelt response and spiritual hunger. The preaching challenged young adults to live with purpose, remain grounded in truth, and fully commit their lives to God during a pivotal season of adulthood.

Saturday’s sessions continued to build on that momentum. A morning gathering offered practical teaching aimed at navigating real-life challenges—faith in the workplace, relationships, and maintaining spiritual discipline. These moments provided clarity and encouragement, equipping attendees to live out their beliefs with confidence.

The conference culminated in a powerful closing service, where the altar became a place of surrender and renewal. Many responded to the call to deeper consecration, while others found direction for the next steps in their personal and spiritual journey.

More than just a series of services, Hyphen Conference ’26 created an atmosphere where connection flourished—both with God and with one another. Friendships were strengthened, new bonds were formed, and a unified sense of purpose emerged among those in attendance.

As the weekend came to a close, one thing was clear: the impact of Hyphen Conference ’26 will continue far beyond Sacramento, carried in the hearts of young adults committed to living out their faith with passion and purpose.

The White Flag of Surrender

“Then Hannah prayed and said: My heart rejoices in the Lord; in the Lord my horn is lifted high.”

1 Samuel 2:1

There are two very different white flags we can raise in life.

One is raised in worship. The other is raised in resignation.

Both involve surrender. Both involve giving up. But they lead to completely different outcomes.

Hannah raised her white flag to God.

Many of us, if we are honest, have raised ours to defeat.

The Lie of a Defeated Life

Sometimes the battle is long.

The prayer hasn’t been answered. The relationship hasn’t been restored. The diagnosis hasn’t changed. The breakthrough hasn’t come.

And slowly, subtly, thoughts begin to form:

“It’s always going to be this way.”

“Stop trying.”

“Stop praying about it.”

“Stop going to the altar.”

“Accept it.”

We may never say those words out loud, but we begin to live them.

We settle into what feels like peaceful coexistence with the enemy. We stop expecting. We stop contending. We stop believing boldly.

We live below our privilege as sons and daughters of God.

We carry promises in our Bible that we no longer access.

We raise a white flag - not to God - but to our problems.

Surrender: To God or to the Problem?

Scripture absolutely calls us to surrender.

But it never calls us to surrender to our circumstances.

We surrender to God - His authority, His wisdom, His timing, His ways.

We do not surrender to fear. We do not surrender to discouragement. We do not surrender to complexity.

Problems are messy and multidimensional. They involve other people’s choices, unseen spiritual realities, and factors we cannot control.

But none of that intimidates God.

In Genesis, the earth was formless and void and chaos covered in darkness. And what did God do?

He spoke.

And chaos reorganized itself around His Word.

He has not lost that power.

He still speaks into confusion. He still brings order out of disorder. The question is not whether He can. The question is whether we will keep seeking Him long enough to see Him move.

An Investment, Not an Experiment

Many believers approach their spiritual life like a short-term experiment.

We read the Word for a few weeks. We pray intensely for a month. We fast for a season.

Nothing dramatic happens.

So we conclude, “It doesn’t work.”

But seeking God is not an experiment. It is an investment.

Consistency and persistence are required for anything meaningful in life.

No serious pianist quits after six months because they can’t perform at Carnegie Hall.

No medical student drops out after one semester because they aren’t performing surgery.

No Olympic athlete trains for two weeks and says, “I guess this isn’t working.”

Yet many of God’s children decide early that He must not care, that they must not be important, that the promises must not apply - and they quietly give up.

We stop accessing what is already ours.

We lower our expectations.

We raise a white flag.

But it is the wrong one.

Dust on Our Bibles

There’s a current pop lyric that says:

We got dust on our Bibles, brand-new iPhones

No wonder why we feel this way.

It exposes something uncomfortable about where we place our focus.

We want breakthrough without immersion. We want peace without pursuit. We want authority without abiding.

The Word of God is living and active. It builds faith, renews the mind, exposes lies, and strengthens endurance. But like nourishment, it works over time.

If someone eats one healthy meal and declares, “Well, I’m not fit yet,” we would gently say they misunderstand how growth works.

Yet we often treat Scripture that way.

A few weeks. No fireworks. Conclusion: “It must not be working.”

Meanwhile, Hannah prayed year after year.

And when the breakthrough came, her first instinct was not bitterness over the delay. It was triumph in the Lord.

“My heart rejoices in the Lord.”

Not in the outcome. Not in vindication. Not even in Samuel.

In the Lord.

That is true surrender.

Living Below Our Privilege

When we surrender to our problems instead of to God, we begin to live below our privilege as His children.

Scripture calls us heirs of God, co-heirs with Christ, more than conquerors, seated with Him in heavenly places. These are not motivational self-help phrases; they are positional truths.

But if we stop praying… If we stop declaring… If we stop standing on the Word…

We functionally live as though those truths are not real.

Defeat becomes normalized. We quietly accept what heaven never declared permanent.

We tell ourselves, “This is just my lot in life.” But that language does not come from heaven.

The Dangerous Peace

There is a dangerous kind of peace that is not peace at all.

It is resignation.

It says, “I will stop seeking.”

“I will stop asking.”

“I will stop expecting.”

It feels mature. It sounds reasonable. It even appears spiritual.

But it is surrender to the wrong kingdom.

The enemy doesn’t need you to renounce your faith. He only needs you to lower your expectation. To stop praying boldly. To stop approaching the throne with confidence. To stop believing that God still intervenes.

If he can get you to coexist instead of contend, the battle is largely won.

Unless you recognize what has happened.

Unless you lower the wrong white flag - and raise the right one.

Raise the Right Flag

Surrender is powerful - but only when directed correctly.

We surrender our will to God. We surrender our timing to God. We surrender our pride to God.

But we do not surrender our faith. We do not surrender our hope. We do not surrender our access to His promises.

Hannah’s story did not begin with triumph. It began with tears and disappointment. It began with delay.

But she did not surrender to barrenness.

She surrendered to God.

And when her season changed, her song was not about how hard life had been. It was about how faithful the Lord is.

“My heart rejoices in the Lord.”

That is the white flag of worship.

That is the surrender that leads to victory.

So if you have quietly accepted defeat…

If you have stopped praying about that thing…

If you have told yourself, “It’s always going to be this way”…

Pause and consider which flag you’ve raised.

Lower the flag of resignation.

Raise the flag of surrender to God.

Return to the Word not as an experiment, but as an investment. Seek Him daily. Stay longer than you planned. Persist longer than you feel like.

The same God who formed light out of darkness, who opened wombs, who parted seas, who raised the dead has not changed.

Your situation may be complex. It may be layered. It may be long-standing.

But it is not greater than His Word.

So raise the right white flag.

Raise it in worship. Raise it in trust. Raise it in surrender to the One who cannot fail.

And when your season shifts - whether quietly or dramatically - your testimony will not just be, “I survived.”

It will be what Hannah declared:

“My heart rejoices in the Lord.”

Because surrender to God is never defeat.

It is the beginning of victory.

Then Hannah prayed:

"My heart rejoices in the LORD! The LORD has made me strong. Now I hae an answer for my enemies; I rejoice because you rescued mme. No one is holy like the LORD! There is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God."

- 1 Samuel 2:1,2

TesTimony of fAiTh Sister Mary Aguirre - pArT 1

(Editor's Note: For a long time, the church has been blessed by the faithful sacrifice of Sister Mary Aguirre. For years, she was director of Sunday school and our children's ministry, and when the need presented itself, she took it upon herself to organize lunches for families after their loved one's celebration service. With so many recent passings in our church family, she formalized her ministry and named it Martha's Ministry, and divided those who assisted her into two teams. Her ladies supply side dishes and desserts to augment the chicken the church supplies and also serve and clean up. Thank you, Sister Aguirre, for stepping up when you saw a need, and giving God your best).

"Jesus Is the Best Thing"

If anyone should ever write a story For whatever reason that might be Then He'll be there

Between each line of pain and glory. Oh, You're the best thing that ever happened to me. Oh, Jesus is the best thing that ever happened to me.

My parents, Pete Molina and Frances Flores, met on an Indian reservation in Arizona. My father delivered milk there, and during one of his deliveries he saw a woman being physically abused. Feeling compassion, he took her away from that situation — not realizing that both of them were struggling with alcoholism. The troubled marriage produced two children: a son, Robert, who was adopted out at birth because of their alcoholism and two years later, I was born into the

cover sTory

home already tainted with instability and addiction.

My earliest memories are filled with fear. I watched my parents fight. I watched my father chase my mother around the house. I watched the police take my mother away as she screamed for me to come with her. But I would not go near her because I was afraid. I stayed close to my father because he would never leave me alone with her.

During the day when my father worked, I was left with my grandmother. When he would leave, she would put me in a dark closet. Despondent, I would cry myself to sleep in that darkness. Later in life, my family told me, as a small child, I would walk my drunk parents across busy streets.

One morning in 1959, my mother called me to eat breakfast. Afraid, I refused to go near her and instead tried to wake my father. I kept trying to wake him, but he did not move. I did not understand that he had died in his sleep. I remember them carrying him out and attending his memorial service, but soon after, I found myself heading to California with people I did not know. My mother had been admitted to a rehabilitation facility and after only a month, had been hospitalized

at Arizona State Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona, due to mental illness. My mother had written a letter granting guardianship of me to my aunt in Wesley, California, in the Central Valley. Twice a year, my aunt would take me to visit her. Each time, I would cry in fear. Looking back, I can now see it was the hand of God.

At the age of five, I became gravely ill with meningitis. The doctors sent me home, saying there was nothing more they could do. I was dying. I was just lying on the couch. I was so weak, I could not walk. I could not eat. My aunt, a Catholic, wanted to take me to a priest. Instead, I was carried to a nearby neighbor who attended an Apostolic church which believed in healing the sick. I was laid on the couch as Pastor Jesus Valdez began to talk to my aunt. My aunt did not know anything about the Apostolic church. She asked the pastor, "Can you pray for her? They can't do anything for her." After explaining the prayer for the sick, I remember hearing them pray. The first prayer, nothing happened. The second prayer, still nothing. I remember being really out of it.

Then the pastor told my aunt "You need to repent from your sins. God is not hearing your prayers, that's why He's not healing her." After she prayed a prayer of repentance, they prayed again. While they were praying this third time, I got up, walked over to my aunt, and interrupted them to say I was hungry. The next thing I know, I'm running home. I was instantly healed! My aunt was astonished.

That Sunday, we went to church. My aunt was baptized and received the gift of the Holy Ghost. From that day, my aunt became very faithful to church and lived a strict, separated life. God not only healed my body that day, he began a spiritual work in our family. I think that's when God first intervened in my life. It was His plan to remove me from the alcoholic abuse of my parents, to my aunt who, through my illness, found God. Though we were now in church, my childhood was still marked by pain. Throughout my childhood years, I was taken advantage of and abused because I had no one to protect me. It was until I got the Holy Ghost that it stopped. My aunt resented having to raise me when her own children were grown. They were 20 years older. She often told me she could not wait until I turned eighteen so I could leave.

I remember my aunt bringing me to Modesto to go to the thrift shops where she would buy my dolls and clothes. I only got new clothes at the beginning of each school year and for Easter. I attended Grayson Elementary School, and then I went to junior high and high school in Patterson.

My dad's other sister lived in Arvin, California. When we visited her, we attended an Apostolic church pastored by Gilbert Diaz in nearby Lamont, California just south of Bakersfield. We would take the bus from Arvin to Lamont to go to church. We started attending that church every time we visited. I attended Sunday school there and made friends.

One evening, my cousins Ralph and Virginia Meza, visited and asked if we wanted to go to church. My aunt for some reason didn't want to go, but I went. That night was the first time I had seen children receive the Holy Ghost. (At that time the Apostolic church felt children were too young to understand.) They were having revival! The kids were all getting the Holy Ghost. I will never forget. I was kneeling down. I was crying but didn't know why. My friend came over and knelt next to me, and she asked, "Mary, do you want the Holy Ghost?" I said, "Yes." She said, "All you've got to do is ask for it, and He will give it to you." The next thing I know, I came to. I got the Holy Ghost! I had been out of it for three hours, speaking in tongues until about midnight! I will never forget that moment. It changed my life! God knew I needed the Holy Ghost to endure everything I was going through. I was nine years old when I received the Holy Ghost, and was later baptized in Jesus name when I turned twelve years old.

Brother Diaz became a father figure in my life. He and his wife took me under his wings. Everyone knew how my aunt treated me. It was obvious. Because of my situation, people were always kind to me. My Sunday school teacher played a big part in my life as well as my youth pastors. People provided that love, that emotional support I needed. Every time when I needed it, God would bring someone into my life. The song, "Jesus Is the Best Thing that ever Happened to Me" describes my life. Because between every sorrow and every pain, He was there. He took care of me. He protected me. Even though I went through all that, He gave me the strength.

I was always afraid to tell my aunt when I was sick. I don't know why because she would always be compassionate if I was ill. When I was 13 years old, I was hurting so bad. It was throbbing. I wouldn't tell my aunt I was hurting. The pain was so bad, I was almost delirious. My aunt told her daughter who worked at a clinic

to the doctor, and I was admitted to the hospital for a week. I was diagnosed with a benign tumor that was so severe, it had broken through the skin and required surgical removal. At the same time I was there, my science teacher Mr. Bettencourt, was there as well. He had taken me under his wing when he learned of my situation. I was surprised to see him wheel himself into my room on a wheelchair. He asked me, "What's wrong?" Suddenly, a day or two later, all these patients came into my room, walking in with IVs attached and/or in wheelchairs, and nurses, too. They all had presents for me. In all my life, I had never had a birthday. I had never received birthday gifts. I couldn't believe it. God sent strangers that didn't even know me to minister to me. Even so, as I entered my teenage years, I struggled internally. Though I continued attending church, I knew I was drifting in my heart. I searched for something to fill the void left by rejection and pain. Around fourteen or fifteen, I began to rebel. I was tempted to use drugs, but the fear of God kept me from making that choice. I dated outside the church and found myself wandering spiritually. But God would not let me go.

I attended youth camp one summer and found my way back to Him again. While at camp, I bonded with Brother Julian and Sister Betty Aguirre. After that they took me under their wings, and I lived with them until the day I got married. They fostered me with nothing in return. The summer after my junior year of high school, My friend Margaret Aguilar (Saiz) and her parents took me in for that summer. They lived in Phoenix, Arizona. They were so instrumental in my life, and provided me with life coaching. I will never forget that summer I had gotten a job at a store, and after I had gotten off work, I walked in to a big 16th birthday party. They had found out that I never had a birthday party, so they gave me one. This is just one example of how they were so caring towards me.

I later enrolled at Western Apostolic Bible College (WABC) for my junior and senior years of high school. My aunt miraculously agreed to pay for my tuition to get me out of the house, but did not give me any spending money other than $5 here and there. I survived by teaching myself how to style hair which, after a while, kept me quite busy (This was during the time when Apostolic women wore elaborate hairstyles with crepe wool and lots of curls and bobby pins.). Bible school really strengthened my Christian walk with God. I really learned how to pray, to read my Bible, how to stand on the Word and have faith that He would supply my needs.

Mary's WABC Graduation Picture

At the end of my junior high school year, I returned home for the summer. I got a job working in the fields sorting tomatoes. I wanted to show my gratitude to my aunt for what she had done for me thus far. I decided to write her a letter and give her my first paycheck. I presented her my token of appreciation, and she threw it back at me saying, "I don't want your money!" with a coldness I had never seen before from my aunt. I was crushed. I went to the medicine cabinet and got some of her pills and went into my bedroom. When I was about to take them, a bright light filled the room, and I fell to my knees and started crying and repenting to the Lord.

I worked at San Joaquin Hospital to support myself. After high school graduation, I continued my education, hoping it would be my way out of the verbal abuse I endured. Yet even while attending Bible college, I drifted again, dating outside of church and struggling spiritually.

At twenty years old, in 1976, I attended a youth service at Stockton Apostolic Church. That night, I took note of a young man all the girls had focused their attention on. He was handsome, guitar-playing Richard Aguirre with a beautiful singing voice. He was related to the pastor. I felt he was strongly attracted to me. He struck up a conversation with me, and little did I know what was now to be God's plan in my life.

-TO BE CONTINUED IN OUR JULY NEWSVINE ISSUE-

Mature Ladies Connect

We are thankful for our Mature Ladies group, headed by Joyce Jones, which meets monthly for a time of food, fellowship, and connection. If you are a lady age 50 or above, come join this very welcoming group of Christian women.

RC Ladies Connect

Anumber of our ladies were able to attend "Together," the Western District's Ladies Conference in Visalia, California in February. They were blessed by worship leader, Brittani Scott; morning speaker, Lisa Doughty; and evening speaker, Janice Sjostrand. We are thankful for such uplifting events1

Get Connected w/ a Bible Study!

Looking for friends in the church? Wanting to dive deeper into the Word of God? Desiring a small group you with which you can pray together? Revival Church has many different fellowship group including groups for men 50 and older (BUFF), women 50 and older (Mature Ladies), SIS for ladies, Joshua Men for men, Young Adults, and Revival Youth (Junior and Senior High). On most Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights, we have KREW for elementary age children and JAM for small children 2 to 4 years of age. There is a place for everyone! In the next few pages, we will highlight some of these opportunities for you and your family. The Bible reinforces the principle of being connected in Ecclesiastes 4:12: "A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken." So, why wait? Get connected today!

Get

Connected with Sister Scott!

Sister Dwanda Scott (pictured on far right with a red flowered top) hosts a Bible study/fellowship group in her home every Monday with Sister Donna Beard as the Bible teacher. When this editor attended at the end of February, they celebrated two birthdays and we all enjoyed bbq'd hamburgers and ribs, along with a variety of delicious potluck sides. See Sister Scott if you would like to join this very friendly group.

Get Connected w/ an End of the Month Connect Group

At the last Wednesday of each month, there are connect groups taking place across the local area. Pastor Johnson encourages everyone to participate, and if you haven't signed up yet, it's not too late. You can register for a group using the Church Center app on your phone or simply use your phone to access a link using the tap tab where you sit in church. There are connect groups across Modesto, and in Ceres, Hughson, Salida, and Turlock. Most are small groups that take place in homes, but there is also a group at the church if you feel more comfortable meeting there. We even have a group at the Bayit Hotel (Thank you, Park family). Each group has an instructor who teaches the same material, but in their own unique way. These end of the month connect groups are an important avenue to make new friends, dig deeper in the Word, ask questions, pray and worship together, and most groups have goodies to eat! See you at the next Connect Group! Bring a friend!

Connected at the Bayit Hotel!

More Connections! Connected at the Zapiens!

Oneof the many end of the month Connect Groups is held at the home of Vinney and Cindy Zapien. What is really wonderful about these groups is that they are attended not only by Revival Church members, but also by friends, family members, and even members of the community who have learned about them from social media. The purpose of these monthly meetings is for us to grow in our faith and knowledge of the Word and to make connections with one another. We appreciate the Zapiens and others in our church who have opened up their homes. May these connect groups bring us all closer to our Lord and to each other as we follow the example of the early church.

Volunteer of the Month

January

John & Leilani Ramos

In January, John and Leilani Ramos were recognized as Volunteers of the Month by Administrative Pastor Jon Quinones. He praised them for giving their time and talents to the church including serving on Hospitality, Security, Youth, Women's Ministry, and drama ministry. "They are an amazing couple [along with] their children," said Pastor Quinones. "We honor you and appreciate you. Thank you for helping make RC what it is.”

Volunteer of the Month

Anothervery busy couple in our church, Gabriel and Victoria Martinez, were chosen as February's Volunteers of the Month. Brother Martinez is part of our parking lot team, the Parking Prophets, and is one of the instructors for Growth Track. Sister Martinez assists in Selah, our coffee cafe and is part of the Greeting Team. They have also opened up their home for the end of the month Home Connect Groups of which he is a teacher. Thank you, Brother and Sister Martinez, for your hours of dedicated, selfless service. God bless you!

February

Gabriel & Victoria Martinez

Volunteer of the Month

March

Jose Calderas

InMarch, Administrative Pastor Jon Quinones announced our March Volunteer of the Month was Junior. Pastor Jon praised him saying, "You'll always see him with a smile. He is constantly serving...There is nothing he has been asked to do that he has not done. He's always been willing. He's always been committed. He is an absolute joy to be around." Brother Junior, we appreciate your dedication, especially how you assist all of us to safely park.

A drAmA of The lAsT dAys on eArTh of Jesus chrisT As Told by The cenTurion WriTTen & direcTed by dAnny gregory

The Centurion, An Impactful Dramatization of the Passion of Christ

The

joyous waving of palm branches by the crowd ushered in this dramatic retelling of the Passion of Christ. The Centurion, written and directed by Brother Danny Gregory, recounts the historic events of Jesus' ministry, and His momentous return to Jerusalem, the City of David. Beginning with Christ's baptism by John the Baptist (played by Tim Powell), Brother Gregory takes the audience step by step to the brutality of Calvary. Though at first the crowd was amazed by the miracles of Jesus (played by Joshua Aguilera), they quickly turned against him prompted by their religious leaders, including Caiaphas, the High Priest (played by Gilbert Quinones). It is not an easy play to sit through. Its closing scenes are startling and intense, filled with violence. It is a reminder of Christ's extreme sacrifice for our sins. It was our sins that nailed Him to the cross, and

His love for us that drove Him there. Especially moving was Christ's agony in Gethsemane, praying "Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me: nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done."

The Centurion this year ran for three performances: Good Friday, Saturday, and Easter Sunday morning. For each date, the sanctuary was packed, Friday and Saturday nights were especially filled mostly by visitors. When the altar invitation was given, the altars filled and a number were baptized in Jesus' name.

It is not easy to put on such a presentation and countless hours of preparation were put in from rehearsals, costumes, lighting, sound, media, and promotions. We commend Brother Gregory and his entire cast and crew.

This is a production that will remain with you long after the final scene.

THE CENTURION CAST LIST

The Centurion: Christopher Castro

Jesus: Joshua Aguilera

John The Baptist: Tim Powell

Centurion 2: John Walls

Jarius: Moses Burciaga

Jarius Daughter: Melanie Walls

Woman With The Issue of Blood: Lauren Hunt

Adulteress: Jayda Martinez

Caiaphas: Gilbert Quiñones

Martha: DeVina Nunez

Mary: Jazmin Mazon

Lazarus: Rudy Guerrero

Mary (Alabaster Box): Jeriann Montes

Pilate: Matt Aguirre

Pilate's Wife: Jacqueline Aguirre

Barabbas: Ethan Hunt

Disciple-Peter: Robby Espinoza

Disciple-Judas: Noah Wells

Disciple #3: Josh Williams

Disciple #4: Brandon Fletcher

Disciple #5: Jesus Ortiz

Disciple #6: Uriel Caraveo

Disciple #7: Peter Diaz

Disciple #8: Russ Campbell

Disciple #9: Ashton Espinoza

Disciple #10: Juan Ceja

Disciple #11: Anthony Valencia

Disciple #12: Brian Nunez

Pharisee #1: Grover Hunt

Pharisee #2: Herbie Jenkins

Pharisee #3: Jim Campbell

Pharisee #4: James Cisneros

Guard #1: Ethan DeMoss

Guard #2: Gabriel Martinez

Guard #3: Uriel Caraveo

Guard #4: Moses Burciaga

Guard #5: Rudy Guerrero

Guard #6: John Walls

Guard #7: Mike Flores

Extras/Crowd

Director: Danny GreGory

Costume/makeup: Adrianne Chavez and team

Backstage: Jeannette Aguilera and team

Sound Engineer: Brianna Harris and team

Lights/ Technical Producer: Jon Harris

Music Producer: Alexis Diaz

John the Baptist (Tim Powell) declares, "There comes One after me who is mightier than I, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to stoop down and loose. I indeed baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."

Jarius, a leader in the synagogue in Capernaum, leads Jesus to the body of his newly deceased daughter. He begged Jesus, "Come and lay Your hands on her, that she may be healed, and she will live."

The adulterous woman is shown mercy by Jesus who declares, "Let he who is without sin, cast the first stone."

Jesus heals the woman who had an issue of blood for 12 years. "If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole" (Matthew 9:21 KJV).

Jesus drives out the money changers from the temple. "The Scriptures declare, 'My Temple will be called a house of prayer for all nations,' but you have turned it into a den of thieves."

After breaking open her alabaster box of precious ointment, Mary, weeping, anoints Jesus. "Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”

Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead. "Lazarus, come forth!"

After having Jesus whipped, Pilate declares to Caiaphas Jesus' innocence. Caiaphas insists that Jesus is guilty of breaking Jewish law and must be punished.

Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane, "Father, not My will but Yours be done."

Gone Walking on Streets of Gold...

Sarah A. Lopez

Sarah Lopez finished her race in March of this year. She was steadfast in her faith until the end. It was obvious during her celebration service that she was deeply loved and respected by her family. Her deep faith and commitment to her Savior was spoken of by each family who attended. Raised in a Catholic home, it was not easy for Sister Lopez when she converted in 1978. But from the day she was baptized in Jesus' name and filled with the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues, she made up her heart and mind that she would live for Jesus no matter what, and she did! She raised her five children in church and taught them that every time they come to church to bring an offering. With that teaching in mind, her son Fernando stopped to take up an offering for the church from the family before he began his heart-felt eulogy. Sister Lopez was a prayer warrior and loved to study her Bible and to raise her hands in worship at church. She was a talented seamstress, cook, and gardener. Many of her friends also commented on what a stylish dresser she was. She will be greatly missed but, oh, what a legacy she left for her children!

"Precious In the Sight of the Lord Is

the death of His

saints"

Willie B. Jones

Willie Jones' Celebration of Life was exactly that: a celebration. He had made it just in time. After over 30 years of prayer by his wife, Sister Joyce Jones and his children Nicole and Kiah, Brother Willie had finally surrendered his life to Christ. He had been baptized in Jesus' name in 2022 and just five days before his passing, he had received the gift of the Holy Ghost during revival services with Evangelist David Smith. From the moment, he made up his mind to serve the Lord, he was faithful to church, prayer meetings, and attended Growth Track classes, even showing up early. He was hungry for God and for His word. He faithfully served as an usher and regularly attended BUFF functions for men 50+. He was always ready to welcome people into the church with a smile and a wave or a handshake. We will miss that smile!

Aside from serving in the church, Brother Willie served his country in the US Air Force for 20 years, earning many commendations. When he retired, he worked for the United States Postal Service for 33 years. He was honored by his fellow postal employees with a honor procession around the church.

Pastor Johnson said,"Willie Jones was the 11th hour laborer that came on at the last minute," referring to the parable in Matthew 20. He made it just in time!

Teako Hoskins, Jr.

Teako Hoskins' memorial service was filled with tears, warm memories, and moving gospel singing. His dearly loved mother, Sister Sherry Wright, his papa Leo Wright, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends, gathered together in March to celebrate his memory.

It was obvious that Teako was well-loved. It was noted in his eulogy that he "had a beautiful spirit, warm heart, and an infectious smile." Pastor Quinones said "he was someone who without question brought joy into every room he stepped in. He made everyone feel loved."

At a young age, Teako was baptized in Jesus' name at Revival Church. When he was older, he was hired at Jack in the Box, where he worked 15 years as a manager, supervisor, consultant, and advisor. Teako loved music. His favorite Christian songs were Tamela Mann's "Take Me to the King," and Marvin Sapp's "Never Would've Make It," the latter which was sung during his service. He loved his family, helping his parents raise his niece, Jekera, and nephew, Jermaine.

Teako's life has touched many lives, and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Dancing in Heaven Now

Rufus Beard

After a long and courageous fight against cancer, Brother Rufus finished his race and is now singing and dancing on the streets of gold. His devoted wife, Patricia, and their extended family are left with wonderful memories of his dancing feet - he just couldn't keep them still when he was listening to gospel music.

During the celebration service, Pastor Quinones remembered that Brother Rufus was a joyous worshiper. Even when he could no longer stand and lift his hands in praise, Brother Rufus would gently move his body, never missing an opportunity to show his love and adoration to his Savior. Pastor Quinones praised his faithfulness and strength through his sickness and challenges. Despite it all, Brother Rufus was still full of joy and faith. As Brother Quinones said, "He finished well. He finished his race." from I'm Free Anonymous

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free I'm following the path God has chosen for me. I took His hand when I heard Him call I turned my back and left it all.

My life's been full, I savored much. Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch. Perhaps my time seems all too brief Don't lengthen your pain with undue grief.

Life up your heart and peace to thee, God wanted me now - He set me free.

Nancy Hernandez

There are some people in our lives whose passing not only leaves a painful ache in our hearts, but also a very pronounced absence in the church. Sister Nancy Hernandez was one of those precious saints. She and her husband, Freddie, must have been in church almost every day of the week, attending both our English and Spanish-speaking services and prayer meetings, as well as supporting the women's ministry and more. Pastor Antonio Gutierrez remembers that she would always bring donuts to the Spanish-speaking prayer meetings. "She was always willing to give," he said. She and Brother Freddie would even come early to clean the church! When Pastor Johnson stood up to address the congregation, he said Sister Nancy was mastered by three things: her love for God, her love of family, and

her love of the presence of the Lord in the church. At the last service she attended, during the altar call she asked Pastor Johnson to pray for her saying, "Pastor, pray for me that I would have strength to come down to the house of the Lord and clean it one more time." He referred to Sister Nancy as one of the spiritual giants. He asked rhetorically, "Where do the spiritual giants go when they die? They don't die on the beaches, or at country clubs, or resorts, or retreats,...they die in the field of faithfulness, the field of fruitfulness." We pray for peace and comfort for her husband, Freddie; her children, Matthew, Marissa, and Audrie, and her five beloved grandchildren. Sister Nancy, we will miss you, but we are grateful to have been blessed by your love and godly example. Until we see you again...

In the Arms of Jesus...

and his wife Carol.

David Kirkland

We all loved our Brother David, but all believers in Christ know that this love touched by death is a holy event, a sacred moment when our loved ones pass into eternal life into the realms of the most powerful love, the love of our Savior Jesus Christ for His own. "Love one another as I have loved you," our Lord said. God has blessed our Brother - he is passed from his suffering into eternal peace and grace. You sat right behind me for many years - my worship pal! We love you and will miss you, Brother David, along with your loving wife, son Joshua and family! Watch and wait for the rest of us. - Brother Aguilera