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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
FOR THOSE SEEKING GOD'S WILL!
How can you find God's will and direction in your life? A must read is my column "How to Discern Open Doors in Your Life". In these critical times of a struggling economy, a world at war, and social challenges, God's direction is vital. While you are waiting for God to move you out of a trial or an ordeal, or make a crucial decision, or exit out of a exhausting situation, don't forget to keep praying and singing His praises, just like Paul and Silas did in prison. They had faith in their worship that God would deliver them, and he did with a breakthrough - a colossal earthquake that broke their chains and opened iron doors. This issue is full of examples where such deliverances took place.
One of the best features chronicling the history of our church is providing tons of photos for your viewing enjoyment. Our photographers are below: Don Mellow, staff photographer, and the heads of our creative team, Jocelyn Powell and Autumn Amador. When they come around, they are the eyes of the world every time you hear the click of the camera (make sure you give your best smile!).
Again, a great appreciation to our photographers who make our incredible events come alive with the camera's view.
Maranatha, the Lord cometh! THE EDITORS
Editors Leo and Virginia Aguilera at Mt. Fuji in Japan, 2026
photo by Ryo of Xplor Japan Tours
Don Mellow Jocelyn Powell Autumn Amador
NEVER RISK MAKING GOD AFTER YOUR OWN IMAGE! ALL CHRISTIANS NEED TO KNOW: HOW
TO DISCERN OPEN DOORS IN YOUR LIFE!
MAKING JESUS YOUR DOORKEEPER
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me." ( Revelation 3:20 NKJV)
That's it! At the time of your salvation, dear reader, the conviction that you felt, that tug in your heart to go to the altar and repent, and through those tears you shed when you received the baptism of the Holy Ghost with the revelation to be baptized in water in the mighty name of Jesus, YOU INVITED JESUS to be the Doorkeeper in your life. You obeyed Acts 2:38 and now you dine everyday, feeding your soul on the bountiful blessings provided to you by your Savior in your Christian walk! Hallelujah!
WHO IS YOUR DOORKEEPER IF JESUS IS NOT?
HOWEVER, if you are still in the world unsaved, or if you are backslidden, if you refuse to attend church, then Satan is your doorkeeper along with yourself. God has given you free choice and, still a sinner, you have chosen to create dangerous doors you have allowed Satan to design with his temptations. You then open and pass willingly through these doors that eventually will lead to your damnation. Examples of these doors are as follows: gambling, adultery, fornication, losing your temper, addictions, drinking, choosing foolish mistakes, choosing evil mistakes, enjoying misery, bullying, a foul-filthy mouth, hypocrisy, nasty habits (pornography), etc. These doors can also be generational and common, describing you and your EARTHLY FAMILY.
Generational curses that follow your family members since your grandparents and great-grandparents, and they plague also your uncles, aunts, a host of cousins and your siblings, are actually iron gates that are unmovable, closed shut, imprisoning you and your loved ones in a limbo of darkness, misery, paranoia, and fear.
Take for instance, POVERTY. All your family members have struggled with finances, never getting ahead, living paycheck to paycheck, then over-spending to the point of bankruptcy, with most of your elderly relatives dying flat broke. It is sad to be born at the bottom only to sink lower when addictions to drugs and alcohol infest your life.
Satan is like an evil, dysfunctional parent, who says he loves you and then pinches you. You cannot win serving the world's beck and call to conform to sin and its taste of fashion in apparel and immodesty. You will reap the whirlwind with bad health and psychological misery, and drama, DRAMA, and MORE DRAMA with your relationships and your behavior.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU BREAK THE CYCLE?
When God delivers you from this maze of confusing, revolving doors that are rusty, decaying, full of stench, and seem immovable, there is only one escape that is hiding in plain sight - your local Apostolic church not far from where you live. GET THERE FAST, and take your loved ones with you! Once you feel deliverance from that dark limbo of existence serving the devil, you will rejoice! Look what it says in Psalm 107:15,16:
“Oh that men would praise the Lord for His wonderful works to the children of men! For He hath broken the gates of brass, and cut the bars of iron in sunder!”
Once saved, this is our One Mighty God, manifested as Our Heavenly Father, Our Lord Jesus Christ, our precious Holy Spirit Who promises in Psalm 24:7-10:
“7 Open up, O ancient gates, and let the King of Glory in.
8 Who is this King of Glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, invincible in battle.
9 Yes, open wide the gates and let the King of Glory in.
10 Who is this King of Glory? The Commander of all of heaven’s armies!”
Now these ancient gates or doors that are mentioned in this psalm are different from what has imprisoned you in bleak despair. These are passages that have been
denied you, that have been hidden from you because it takes righteous living to have them open to you. They are ancient gates of GREAT BLESSINGS that only your parents and grandparents dreamed of and wished and hoped for themselves and for their descendants. You can have these blessings when you commit yourself to be a Christian for life.
AS A CHRISTIAN, WHEN CAN YOU DISCERN WHAT IS SHUT?
John 15:1,2 tells us, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful."
Ouch! When a door shuts, it can be painful. God is pruning you and letting you know through prayer and the guidance of His Holy Spirit to move away from that shut door. It can be a career choice, a romantic relationship, a business venture. Once the Lord keeps sending you no peace in your decisions, challenges that become roadblocks in attaining a goal, a series of insurmountable obstacles, sleepless nights, and you get physically and spiritually exhausted in futile efforts, that is time to accept God is redirecting your steps. It can also be revealed to you that your intended actions DO NOT line up with the Bible. You are considering behaving with great risk that could harm you and your loved ones. Accept the door is shut and move on.
One final warning. Jesus alarmed us when He said in Luke 17:32, "REMEMBER LOT'S WIFE!" The door of Sodom had violently closed to her and her family, but, despite being divinely warned, she dared to look back with regret and lost her life when she became a pillar of salt. You can seriously jeopardize your salvation when you backslide, or leave the church and go back to your old, sinful ways. You have left God's protection and His will for your life.
AS A CHRISTIAN WHEN CAN YOU DISCERN WHAT IS OPEN?
There are many Biblical examples that show how doors were opened and shut for Bible characters like Moses, David, Gideon, Paul and a host of others. Many times the Hebrew children were denied or told to wait before possessing the Promised Land. But here is one extraordinary example found in the New Testament. It is told in the Book of Luke, chapter 24:13-35.
Two disciples are walking on the road to Emmaus.
They are deeply saddened and confused how the crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth has shut the door of con quest and freedom for the Jewish nation. They had so much hope that Jesus was the promised Messiah, and now their dreams of deliverance have been shattered with His death. Suddenly, the newly resurrected Jesus Christ joins them on their walk. He supernaturally hides his identity from them and hears their laments. Then, He begins to enlighten them by verbally opening the scriptures to them, telling them that the sacrifice of the Messiah's life must first occur to open up a new age of the CHURCH which is a spiritual kingdom of salvation and divine hope. A GREAT DOOR is about to open that will change the history of mankind. When he finally reveals Himself to them and leaves, they believe what He taught them and declare in verse 32: "Did not our hearts BURN within us while HE talked to us on the road, while HE opened to us the Scriptures?"
There it is! One of the best ways to know that God is opening a door of blessing and guidance is when He opens up the scriptures to you, and He speaks to you through the anointing of His Holy Spirit. When does the anointing happen? When He anoints your pastor, the evangelist, or the Bible study teacher. That is when He is directly speaking to you - it is when you attend church! While you are sitting on that church pew and listening to His spoken WORD that is when you feel the burning conviction in your heart. Then it will be revealed to you how to act, or to wait, or to be assured with a divine confirmation of the spoken word that you can now proceed and enter that open door! AMEN!
"JESUS KNOCKING AT YOUR DOOR" artistically created by Editor Leo Aguilera
We are blessed to have great men of God visit our church on a regular basis to impart the life-changing and empowering Word of God. These are seasoned men, who have fought many spiritual battles and have spent countless hours in prayer and study.
In April, we heard from Dannie Hood who is the senior pastor of Landmark Tabernacle in Denver, Col-
orado. He has conducted in powerful revival services for our church for decades. He was followed by Pastor Jeff Morgan of Hope Center Church in Mountain Home, Arkansas, who served as Youth Pastor many years ago. We appreciate these godly men being part of the fivefold ministry' actively moving in our midst. Praise God!
Also in May, we were pleased to have Evangelist David Puentes, who not only ministered in our main Sunday service, but also in a special weekend revival for our Spanish-speaking congregation.
sis laDies' retreat
stay in GooD Company!
Whata time the ladies had at this year's SIS (Sisters in Seasons) Retreat held in April at The Barn at the Narayan Ranch in Escalon, California. The message for this conference was STAY in good company. The retreat "was a meaningful opportunity for connection, spiritual growth, and renewal," said SIS Board Member Angela Warren. It brought everyone together in a supportive environment where we could strengthen our faith and build lasting relationships."
Approximately 174 women were in attendance in this year's retreat, including church members and their guests. Retreats like this do not happen without much preparation and out and out work! We can thank SIS Team Board Members: Sisters Angela Warren, Kimberly Johnson, Joyce Jones, and Nanci Holston, who persevered through the challenge of a change in venue. They were supported by committee members: Jacqueline Aguirre, Rebekah Hunt, Victoria Martinez, Linda Salazar, Ashley Quinones, Mariella Walls, Jeannette Aguilera, Ashley Valencia, Grace Delgadillo, and Cindy Zapien.
Thursday
This year's SIS retreat theme was "Stay in good company" which was beautifully reinforced throughout the weekend. The first night, Thursday, was simply a low-key time of exploring this year's theme creatively and gently making connections with the other ladies attending. There were refreshments and about five different craft tables, two game tales, a lounge area, a merchandise area, and a display of positive affirmations.
Jacqueline Aguirre and Angela Warren pose with our pastor's wife, Kim Johnson
"We were supposed to go get one and remember that we are loved, wanted, beautiful, and appreciated," said attendee Andrea Powell. "Everyone was made to feel welcome.
Friday night began with a lovely meal amid
Friday
beautifully decorated tables. Each lady received a gift bag filled with goodies. "Sister Johnson thought of everything," said Sister Powell. There was even a special section of tables in front for the Legacy Season ladies, those 60 and older who were waited on by the younger seasoned ladies on Sister Johnson's team. Afterwards, the ladies were divided by age groups into breakout sessions, followed by a time of beautiful worship and praise and then the Word. Ministering that night was Sister Rosie Lozada, who with her husband Floyd, pastor at West Valley Revival Center in Gustine, California. "Many were touched, renewed, strengthened, and refreshed," said Sister Powell. "Only eternity will show us the deep impact of that service."
SIS ladies pose for a group picture during the very successful weekend retreat in April.
Saturday
On Saturday morning, the ladies enjoyed an assortment of fruit and pastries on The Barn's patio, before entering the building to listen to a panel discussion with Joyce Jones, Nicole Evans, Crystal Gregory, Lindsay Castro, Angela Warren, Nancy Holston, Zoë Warren, and MaKayla Shock. The main speaker for this session was Christelle Hall, who with her husband Andy, pastor Lead Church in San Luis Obispo, California.
"What a sweet and powerful presence of God we experienced over the weekend--our God is faithful and good all the time!" declared Donna Whorton who enthusiastically praised the event. Congratulations to Sis-
ters Kim Johnson and Angela Warren and their team for a successful and memorable event. Until next year...
From left: Sisters Kim Johnson, Rosie Lozada, and Christelle Hall minister words of encouragement to the ladies during the weekend treat.
From left: Sister Johnson introduces the panel discussion with ladies from different seasons in their lives; Nicole Evans, Lauren Hunt, and DeVina Nuñez, accompanied by Sister Nanci Holston lead worship
sunDay sis service
On the Sunday morning after the SIS Retreat, our ladies were energized. They were united in powerful prayer and worship. We were blessed by three special speakers: Nanci Holston, Sullivan Pamer, and Christelle Hall. Sister Holston's topic was "Stay." She said, "Are you just following Jesus? You're just starting out? Stay. Do you need encouragement and strength? Stay...this is the best place ever!" Next we heard from Sister Sullivan, daughter of Paul and Brooke Pamer of Apostolic Church who spoke on the Parable of the Sower. She spoke how the sower was indiscriminate spreading the seeds because he had confidence in the seed to produce. She related how she had witnessed and
prayed for years for a friend she knew since kindergarten. She never gave up planting seeds. This friend finally came to church this past year and received the Holy Ghost! The seed works! Our final speaker was Sister Hall who spoke on revival being knit in you. "Revival has to be knitted into the DNA... The real ministry is what happens in those seats when your pastor's up here preaching and he's speaking the word of faith...He can't touch and reach everybody but Jesus can. You have the same power and the same authority that he has. The same Jesus that your pastor serves, you serve." What a powerful conclusion to our SIS weekend!
MotHer's Day service
WWhat would we do without our mothers, both biological and spiritual? Those wonderful women who listen patiently to our struggles and triumphs, and love us despite it all. Their words of advice help guide us through uncertain times. In the words of the French novelist and playwright Honore de Balzac, "The heart of a mother is a deep abyss at the bottom of which you will always find forgiveness." Could it be that through the love of our mother that many of us discover the love of God?
Mother's Day began with the Krew Kids dressed as "moms," performing an energetic song illustrating all the different roles mothers fill in the lives of their families. If moms were paid, we could not afford them! After Pastor Johnson's sermon on the ferocity of mothers defending their children like lionesses, he summoned all the women forward to pray. We are thankful for all the ladies in the church who play a role in our lives. How blessed we are by their example!
Pictured from left: Sharon Keyes; Pastor's mother, Betty Hemmingway; Mehgan and Atlas Clay Fairbanks; Kim Johnson; MaKayla Shock; and Lindsay Castro.
MotHer's Day service
Our KREW Kids sing, "She's a Mom." Dressed in the various roles moms fill from chauffeur to cook, they enthusiastically raised pom poms to celebrate all of our moms, both biological and spiritual.
Administrative Pastor Jon Quinones' wife, Ashley, with their children, Braidon, Gavin, and Easton
Where Are Your Eyes?
Some years ago, my neighbor walked directly into a glass patio door. Didn’t glance off of it. Didn’t bump it lightly. Walked squarely into it and shattered the glass. Why? Because her eyes were fixed somewhere else. She was looking past the door, distracted by someone across the yard, moving quickly toward what had captured her attention. For a brief moment, she completely lost awareness of what was directly in front of her.
That incident became a reminder of how easy it is for all of us to live that way spiritually.
Where are your eyes?
Scripture has much to say about vision - not just physical sight, but spiritual focus. Throughout the Bible, people rise or fall, persevere or collapse, depending largely on where they choose to direct their attention. Some lifted their eyes toward God. Some stared endlessly at their problems. Some looked around at other people. Some kept looking behind them. Some deliberately closed their eyes. And some were spiritually blind without even realizing it.
The condition of our spiritual vision matters more than we think.
Eyes Lifted Up
One of the most powerful verses in Scripture about focus is found in Psalm 121:1–2: “I will lift up my eyes to the hills - from whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth.” The psalmist understood something we often forget in difficult seasons: what we focus on shapes what fills our heart.
When Peter stepped out of the boat to walk on water toward Jesus, he did something impossible - as long as his eyes remained fixed on the Lord. But Matthew
14 tells us that when he “saw the wind boisterous,” fear took over, and he began to sink. Nothing about the storm changed. Jesus had not moved. The only thing that changed was Peter’s focus.
That still happens to us. We begin a journey full of faith, confidence, and peace. Then suddenly our attention shifts. We start watching the waves, feeling the rain, measuring the wind, studying the uncertainty, replaying bad news, analyzing every possible outcome - and before long, we feel ourselves sinking emotionally and spiritually. Fear grows wherever faith loses focus. Hebrews 12:2 gives believers a clear instruction: “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.”
Not occasionally glancing at Him. Not checking in with Him only during emergencies. Looking unto Jesus. There is stability in that kind of focus.
Eyes Cast Down
The enemy loves to keep our eyes lowered. Down at our failures, our disappointments, our fears, and everything that seems impossible.
In Numbers 13, the spies sent into Canaan returned with two completely different perspectives. Ten spies focused on giants, fortified cities, and obstacles. Joshua and Caleb saw the same land, the same enemies, and the same challenges - but they also saw the promise of God.
The difference was not the facts. It was focus. The ten spies looked at the problem until it became bigger than God. Joshua and Caleb looked at God until the problem became smaller than God.
Many believers today are exhausted because they spend most of their lives staring at what is wrong. Their eyes are fixed downward on anxiety, sickness, financial pressure, broken relationships, political turmoil, uncertainty about the future, or regret over the past.
Eventually, whatever fills our vision also fills our thoughts. Isaiah 26:3 says, “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You.” Peace is con-
nected to focus. Not denial. Not pretending problems do not exist. But refusing to let problems become the center of our attention.
Eyes Looking Around
Another dangerous place to focus is sideways. Looking at others. Comparison has always been spiritually destructive, but in today’s world it has become almost unavoidable. We constantly see curated versions of other people’s lives, ministries, families, vacations, blessings, opportunities, and successes. If we are not careful, our eyes drift from gratitude to comparison without us even noticing.
Peter fell into this trap after the resurrection. In John 21, Jesus restored Peter and spoke to him personally about his future. But Peter immediately turned and asked about John: “But Lord, what about this man?” Jesus essentially replied, What is that to you? You follow me.
In other words: Keep your eyes on your own walk with God. Comparison distracts us from calling. Envy
distracts us from purpose. Competition distracts us from obedience. The moment we become preoccupied with what God is doing for someone else, we lose sight of what He is trying to do in us.
God never asked us to run someone else’s race.
Eyes Looking Back
Some people cannot move forward because they are always looking behind them.
Lot’s wife is perhaps the clearest biblical example. As judgment fell on Sodom, the angels instructed Lot’s family to flee and not look back. Yet Genesis 19:26 simply says, “But his wife looked back behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.” Her body left Sodom but her heart stayed behind.
Sometimes we do the same thing spiritually. We revisit old wounds, old sins, old failures, old seasons, old identities, old offenses, and old regrets so often that they quietly begin shaping our present.
Paul wrote in Philippians 3:13, “…forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those
things which are ahead…” Notice that forgetting is not passive. It is intentional. Some people are trying to move forward while emotionally staring into the rear view mirror. Eventually, that becomes exhausting. You cannot fully pursue what God has for you ahead while constantly reliving what is behind.
Eyes Willingly Closed
Not all blindness is accidental. Some people close their eyes on purpose. Jesus often spoke about people who had eyes but refused to see. Truth stood directly in front of them, but pride, stubbornness, tradition, or selfwill kept them from recognizing it.
There is a dangerous spiritual condition where people become comfortable avoiding conviction. They ignore warning signs. They resist correction. They silence their conscience They explain away spiritual drift.
Over time, the heart can become hardened. It is possible to sit in church, hear truth regularly, and still gradually close our eyes to areas God is trying to change in us.
David prayed wisely in Psalm 139:23–24: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me.”
That is the prayer of someone willing to see clearly, even when the truth is uncomfortable.
Eyes Opened
The good news is that Jesus specializes in opening blind eyes. Throughout the Gospels, physical miracles often pointed to spiritual realities. Blind Bartimaeus cried out persistently until Jesus stopped and restored his sight. Saul of Tarsus encountered the Lord on the Damascus road and temporarily lost his physical vision before receiving spiritual understanding that transformed his life forever.
God still opens eyes today. Sometimes He opens our eyes to truth. Sometimes to purpose. Sometimes to sin we need to surrender. Sometimes to blessings we have overlooked. Sometimes to people who are hurting around us. Sometimes simply to His faithfulness that has been present all along.
One moment of spiritual clarity can change an entire life.
So… Where Are Your Eyes?
That question matters more than ever in a distracted world. Because whatever holds our attention eventually shapes our direction. If our eyes remain fixed only on
fear, we will live anxious. If they remain fixed on people, we will live discouraged. If they remain fixed on the past, we will live stuck. If they remain closed, we will live deceived.
But if our eyes are fixed on Jesus, we will find clarity, peace, direction, and strength for every season. Colossians 3:2 says, “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” That is not merely poetic language. It is practical instruction for daily living. Every day, we choose where our attention will rest.
So perhaps the most important spiritual question we can ask ourselves is not, “What am I facing?” but rather: "Where are my eyes?" And once we recognize where our eyes have drifted, we can make the deliberate choice to turn them back toward the Lord, again and again, every single day. Because peace, clarity, and endurance are found when our attention stays fixed on Him instead of everything competing for it.
“Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.”
"Healing the Blind Man by Jesus Christ" CARL BLOCH 1874
Church is Wherever You Are! - Home Connect Groups
testimony of faith - part 2
Sister Mary Aguirre as told to the editors.
(Editor's Note: In our last issue we began the heart-wrenching testimony of Sister Mary Aguirre, a faithful, hardworking member of our church. Meeting her, one would never guess that as a young child she suffered in a home where both her parents were alcoholics. After her father died and her mother was committed to a state hospital because of mental illness, she was sent to live with an aunt she didn't know. Although she was provided a roof over her head and nourishment, she was not given what she so desperately needed: love. After an illness in which her aunt feared Mary might die, they visited a neighbor who believed in a God Who still heals. Prayer was made and Mary was instantly healed. Mary and her aunt from that point began attending church. We left off in our last issue when Mary, at twenty years of age, met a handsome, guitar-playing Richard Aguirre at a youth service at Stockton Apostolic Church. This encounter would bring then both down a path of struggle and finally victory and triumph!)
Richardhad a good life growing up in an Apostolic home. He was blessed with a loving family, a moral upbringing, and always had the best clothes. His mother took pride and making sure her children looked their best. However, Richard loved baseball, and at that time the church strongly opposed members participating in competitive sports. Richard was such a talented baseball player that scouts would come out to his high school baseball games specifically to watch him. He was an exceptional pitcher with tremendous potential. But because his father would not allow him to play sports, Richard began to rebel. He would sneak out to play ball whenever he could. If his father discovered he was playing, he would pull Richard off the pitcher's mound in the middle of a game, even during championship games. Coaches would plead with his father to let him finish, but his father remained firm in his convictions and would not allow it.
Richard also struggled with resentment towards his father because of the strict discipline. Over time, the resentment toward his father's strictness fueled Richard's rebellious behavior. Eventually Richard as a young adult found himself homeless and surviving out in the
streets. He begin drinking and making poor choices, landing himself in and out of jail.
Mary Aguirre
After serving 18 months in the Ventura County Jail, Richard was released. He felt like he could not return home. He only had enough money to buy a ticket to Stockton, California, where his aunt, who was like a mother to him, lived. As he waited at the counter for his bus to be called, an elderly lady walked over and put her hand on his shoulder. She told him, "God loves you and no matter what you've done, God is going to forgive you." He started to cry uncontrollably and lifted up his hands. Just then they called for his bus. He could not contain his tears as he stepped inside, so he walked into the bus' bathroom. He couldn’t hold it in any longer. He repented and prayed through in a Greyhound bus‘ bathroom!
Richard arrived at his aunt's house on a Friday night and knocked on their door. They were not expecting him there. His hair was long and he dad a beard. You couldn’t even see his face. His appearance startled them at first, but his aunt invited him inside with open arms.
The next morning they took Richard with them to a church picnic. He made himself at home, helping them cook the hamburgers and whatever else they were making, and in conversation, he found out he was related to the pastor, Julian, Aguirre Sr. and his son, Julian Aguirre Jr.
At the time I was living with Julian and Betty Aguirre. They had taken me in and provided a home for me. I became their foster daughter. I remember them coming home that night, and they went on and on about this new found cousin. The next day Richard showed up shaved and all cleaned up for church. They came home and told me about this cousin who is a very talented musician and had an amazing voice. At this time
I was attending WABC (CLC) and Stockton UPC under Pastor Kenneth Haney.
Sometime later I attended a sectional youth service at the Stockton Apostolic Church. My cousin and Richard’s cousin decided to play cupid and introduced us. Richard wasted no time, asking me out for “a cup of coffee.” I turned him down, but our cousins begged me to take them and Richard to go eat, so I did.
Our courtship was brief. He swept me off my feet. He was very charming and funny and very handsome! He told me later that when he first had seen me walk into that sectional youth service, he told himself, “I’m going to marry her.” Three months later, he proposed. In fact, he proposed five times! I was finishing up my third year at WABC and working full time, and I was not interested in getting married, but he didn’t give up, I finally said “Yes!” We were married on December 4, 1976.
I was unaware of Richard's struggles. When he shared his story with me, I jokingly would tell him,”If I knew about your past, I would’ve never married you.”
We made our first home in Stockton California, attending Stockton Apostolic Church. Richard continued to be active in the music ministry. We were involved in the Sunday school and other ministries in the church. Richard and I had been talking about moving out of California, and after visiting our friends Jim and Diana Marquez in Denver, Colorado, we fell in love with the city and the church. We returned home and four months later, Richard felt we needed to move to Denver. We were young, sincere, and naïve, believing God was
leading us. We packed and moved to Denver, trusting God was directing our steps. We expected a fresh start, and a new chapter in our lives. Instead, it became the most difficult season, we would ever face.
The first three years we were doing well. We were very involved in the church music, Sunday School and bus ministry. I started my first deaf ministry and taught sign language. I was involved in fundraisers, and we had young married game nights. It was here that I had my first son Matthew. Then things started getting rough.
We were having a difficult time making ends meet. Our car got repossessed, and our electricity was turned off during the cold Denver winter months. Richard would use an extension cord and connect it to the laundry room for electricity, and we used a space heater for warmth. Here we were in Colorado away from family and friends. Matthew was now over a year old, and I was 3-4 months pregnant. We were literally just barely surviving, Richard was too prideful to ask for help. Somehow we collected enough bottles to cash in for food or gas. Richard worked hard finding odd jobs or same-day pay jobs. Then he landed a good job working in downtown Denver, but his work hours caused him to miss church. It wasn't long before Richard started to stray. He began drinking and coming home late. When I would ask him where he had been, he would become defensive. Richard never brought any type of alcohol into our home, choosing to drink elsewhere. I often had no idea where he was. I couldn’t believe that this was
Richard and Mary Aguirre in Denver, Colorado
happening to me. I had not been around an alcoholic since I was a very young child. Richard was gone for several days at a time. I had no food. I didn’t even have money to make a phone call.
How did I make it through? Bible college had taught me not only how to pray, but also how to trust God completely. I learned to stand on His Word and believe that He was with me and would supply every need. All I needed to do was to pray and trust God. At Bible college, I learned how to pray God‘s promises to meet every need. He had always provided for me even from the time I was a little girl. Through every sorrow and every pain, He was there. He cared for me, protected me and gave me strength. However, Richard struggled to find that same spiritual foundation. He was often overshadowed by the battles he faced, making it difficult for him to lean on God in the way that I have learned to do. Meanwhile, I remain grounded in my prayer life.
God answered my prayers through my Pastor and his wife. It was on a cold snowy day when there was a knock on my door. It was Pastor and Sister Hale. I tearfully shared what was going on. They called my friends Jim and Diana Marquez who were like family to me. They had moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and the Hales asked if we could come stay with them for a bit - for support and care, and to get me and my son out of the situation we were in. They bought our tickets and flew us there. After we left, Pastor Hale would wait in his car at our apartment parking lot on cold snowy days waiting for Richard to come home, but he never did.
One day when Pastor Hale was sitting in his office, God impressed him to call a certain bar and ask for Richard. The bartender informed Pastor Hale he had just walked out. Pastor Hale informed me of his efforts. I felt sad but thankful to my pastor and his wife for all they were doing for me.
After a couple weeks I returned to Denver. My friend's mother rented her furnished apartment to me. She was the angel God sent to help me. I applied for General Assistance. When I was only 6 months pregnant with my second child, I started to have contractions due to all the stress I was going through. I ended up hospitalized on and off until, at 8 months, I prematurely had my son, Samuel.
A couple of months later Richard appeared at my door. He had been in Texas with his sister and now had his own apartment, had a job with Dow Chemical Plant, and informed he had returned to church. He wanted to restore our marriage. I had mixed emotions. Part of me was hopeful because I still loved him and wanted our
family to be together. At the same time, I was hurt by everything we had been through and unsure if I could fully trust him. His words gave me hope, but not trust... trust had to be rebuilt over time. I decided to give our marriage another chance because he seemed sincere about returning to God and restoring our family, and I believed there was a calling on his life.
We moved to Lake Jackson, Texas because Richard has found steady employment with the Dow Chemical Plant. It gave us an opportunity for a fresh start and financial stability. We hoped that relocating and attending church together as a family would help rebuild our marriage and create a better future for our children.
But, three years later, he began drinking again. He would be gone for days again. When he wasn’t coming home, a boldness would come over me, and I would enter the bars and grab his arm and say, "What are you doing here? You need to come home!"
In 1983, after days of his absence, I held a garage sale because I was desperate for money so I could return to California. Not one person came. My neighbor called my sister-in-law, Norma, and told her I was selling everything. Later Norma showed up with her pastor Brother Edge and his wife. I was a mess, distraught and exhausted. I had not slept in days. They prayed with me and took my boys so I could rest. That Sunday morning as I was getting ready to leave for church, Richard pulled into the driveway. He looked severely affected by alcohol. His lips were white, his face was pale, he staggered into the house and collapsed on the floor. I told him I could not continue living this way, that I was done with his drinking, unfaithfulness, and the days he would disappear without coming home. I couldn’t continue to live like this anymore. As much as I wanted to continue to fight for our marriage on my knees, I had
nothing left. I was tired. For the last time, I placed my husband in God’s hands and completely surrendered the situation to Him.
At church that morning, I spoke with our pastor, Brother Wedgeworth and shared everything that had been going on and that I was moving back to California. He asked me to bring Richard to their house that afternoon. Richard agreed. After a long conversation in their living room, I stepped away briefly with my son, Matt. I returned, to witness something I will never forget. Richard was kneeling on the floor, weeping and speaking in tongues as God restored his life. I was shocked. We all started praying. That evening, we returned to church, together. Out of that life-changing experience, Richard later wrote and recorded "The Prodigal."
After seven years we moved to Plano, Texas, to start our own business. We came under the pastorship of Pastor Dan Rigdon, and it was there that healing began in every area of our lives, especially mine.
By God's grace, I was able to forgive my husband. The Lord continued His work of restoration, bringing healing to our marriage and my heart. It was a season of growth, renewal, and strengthened faith as God generously guided our family forward.
By the grace of God, I was able to keep my marriage vows - to stand by my husband for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health until death parted us. Looking back, I can see God's hand of mercy, healing, and restoration woven throughout journey.
We returned home to California 17 years later because I had lost my aunt and other family members. Richard's parents were getting older, and he felt we needed to be closer to them. After years of separation, God restored Richard's relationship with his father, bringing reconciliation where there had once been pain.
When we moved to Modesto, California in August of 1996. We made Revival Center (now Revival Church) our church under Bishop Randy Keyes. Six months later God blessed me with a job with Stanislaus County, as a Clinical Service Technician working at a mental health inpatient hospital. God gave me favor when I interviewed. I only had college credits in psychology, but I did not have a degree. I later moved up to be an outpatient Behavioral Health Specialist. In 2018 I was promoted to the position of a Conservatorship Investigator. Richard got a job delivering bronze statues throughout California where he ended up getting hurt. He was on disability for a year then, he was sent to rehabilitation where he became a barber.
God continued His work of restoration, bringing healing to our marriage and to my heart. It was a season of growth for both of us, and renewed faith as God continued to guide our family forward. “For better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, til death do us part."
In September 1996, one morning, Richard and I were passing each other in the hallway. I noticed a lump on his left cheek. I asked him about it, and he replied, “Yes I know.” Concerned, I immediately called the doctor’s office and scheduled an appointment.
At the appointment, the doctor examined him and said it appeared to be a swollen gland. He prescribed medication and sent us home. A month later, I noticed the lump had grown larger and made another appointment. Once again, the doctor prescribed medication, but it was not helping.
After another visit, the doctor referred Richard to an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist. The specialist examined him and decided a biopsy was necessary. He initially planned to remove the swollen lymph node in Richard's cheek, but warned us there was a possibility the surgery could leave his face deformed.
The surgery was scheduled. Of course, we were very concerned about his face. On the day of the procedure, the doctor examined Richard’s neck and said, ”We won’t have to remove the one in your cheek. Instead, I think I’ll just remove this lymph node in your neck." For the moment, we were so relieved. This was a miracle. His face was spared. The lymph node was removed and sent off to the lab as a biopsy.
What happened next shattered our lives! TO BE CONTINUED IN OUR NEXT ISSUE.
Mary and Richard Aguirre celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary.
College: University of Arizona Global Campus Degree: Bachelor's in Business Administration Employed: Leadership team, Gallo Winery Graduated Magma Cum Laude
"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans."
Proverbs 16:3
hiGh sChool GraDuates
s usie A lv ARAD o
High School: Whitmore Charter College Plans: MJC, then CSU, Stanislaus Career Goal: Orthodontist or school psychiatrist (Susie attends Centro de Avaivamiento in Denair, pastored by Daniel Becerra).
c A itlyn D i A z
High School: Whitmore Charter College Plans: Urshan Bible College
Career Goal: "Wherever the Lord takes me."
R uss c A mpbell
High School: Ripon High School College Plans: MJC Career Plans: "My plans for the future are to work in the trades, mainly pursuing pipe fitting."
i s RA el D ominguez
High School: Beyer High School Future Plans: Undecided
Congratulations Grads! hiGh
sChool GraDuates
c A leb n ARA y A n
High School: Keyes to Learning
College Plans: CSU, Stanislaus Career Plans: Forensic scientist
High School: Sierra High College Plans: University of Pacific Career Plans: Attorney
A ngel t o RR es c olin
High School: Whitmore Charter
College Plans: CSU, East Bay
Major: Psychology
Career Plans: Deputy
n A omi m AR tinez
congrats, KreW GRADS!
June
brought a special KREW graduation for those 6th graders who were moving up to REVIVE Youth led by Tim and Jeriann Montes. It was an emotional time for all, especially KREW Director Sujey Diaz who said: "So grateful for our 2026 graduating KREW class. Thank you to all our teachers who have made an impact on our kids. Thank you to the parents for trusting us. I'm proud of the young people they have become. I'm going to miss them in our class."
missions report: inDia from elDer ChaCKo thomas
Greetings in the precious and saving Name of our Resurrected Lord Jesus Christ!
We are delighted to share our missions update for this quarter. We concluded 2025 with blessed Christmas programs for children and evangelistic skits that reached many adults with the message of Christ. As we stepped into 2026, we did so with prayer, gratitude, and renewed expectation in the Lord for all that He will do in the coming year.
In February, we were grateful to celebrate three church anniversaries, offering thanksgiving to God and acknowledging the many hands that helped build these prayer halls in the villages. It was also a great blessing to host our General Missions Conference - Ignite, which saw over 200 participants from different parts of India. The Lord moved powerfully—many lives were touched, 20 individuals accepted Christ and were baptized, and there were several testimonies of healing and deliverance. One particularly encouraging testimony was of a sister who had suffered from migraines for over 20 years and received deliverance during the service. Many others also shared similar experiences of God’s healing touch.
In the village ministry, we continue to witness God’s work, with more than 15 baptisms and many lives being transformed through simple faith in Him. However, the ministry in northern regions is facing increasing challenges due to persecution and legal restrictions. In several states, evangelism and conversion have become highly sensitive, and a proposed anti-conversion law in Mumbai may further limit outreach efforts. Despite these trials, our pastors and evangelists remain steadfast, courageously continuing the work of the Lord.
God also helped us to provide sweaters and jackets to slum children in north India, and Christmas gifts, food packets and medical aid to other needy people.
We humbly request your prayers for the newly saved believers—that their faith will be strengthened in the days ahead—and for freedom to continue sharing the Gospel without restriction. As we recently celebrated the resurrection of our Lord, we rejoice in the living hope we have in Him and look forward to His glorious return. We are deeply grateful for your continued prayers and support, which remain a great source of strength to us.
Wishing you and your family a blessed Resurrection season. May the Lord’s grace and peace abound in your lives.
With love and gratitude, Yours in His servants, Chacko & Susan
More than 15 people were baptized in the village ministry in India! Praise God!
Celebrating the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Please pray for our brothers and sisters in India who suffer persecution for their faith.
Above are pictures from Ignite, the General Missions Conference held in India where over 200 participants attended from various parts of India. Twenty people were baptized in Jesus' name!
Below, children in northern part of India show off the sweaters and jackets they were provided this winter. Christmas fits and food packets were also provided to the needy.
The man on the right is one example of the medical aid provided to people in need. God bless Elder Chacko's efforts to meet both the physical and spiritual needs of the Indian people.
MeMorial Day Picnic
KreW taKeover
Every June KREW Director Sujey Diaz and her team plan an exciting week of activities for our elementary aged children. Monday was Family Movie Night. Tuesday was Revival Night with Brent Randall, former host of the Saturday morning show, "Kids & Company." Wednesday was the KREW Midweek Takeover in the main sanctuary. KREW kids greeted, ushered, sang on the praise team, and even delivered the Word! Brent
Randall again was the main speaker. At the end of the service, he had all the KREW kids line up in the front, and then had adults come up and pray for them individually. Thursday topped off with Olympic Sports Day with games, prizes, jump houses, food. What a time our KREW kids had! Thank you, Sister Sujey and your team for a memorable week of worship, the Word, and fun activities!
The church was blessed Wednesday night with three very special speakers: Kellen "Chulo" McDonald, Lilah Garcia, and Logan D'Aquino. May God bless and keep them all of the days of their life, and continue to use them for His kingdom.
KREW Director Sujey Diaz introduces the children who would be speaking during the service and also the main speaker, Brent Randall, former host of Kids & Company whose topic was "God Wants Your Attention."
fatHer's Day service
The United Tour with Draylin Young at RC!
uniteD in praise anD worship! In April, Revival Church was fortunate to be the first stop of the United Tour led by the very talented gospel singer, Draylin Young. Ministering with him were artists: Alett Frias, Mark Crowder, and our very own, Matt Aguirre. Young people and adults from around the area were drawn to this opportunity to attend this concert of gifted, Holy-Ghost filled singers. With arms raised in enthusiastic worship, the audience joined the group in praising the one true God, Jesus Christ.
Let us support Apostolic artists such as Draylin Young by listening and purchasing their music, and when they are in town, attending their concerts. You can find their music on most platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. Invest in Apostolic artists.
Draylin Young
Matt Aguirre
cover story - WorKing unto
tHe lorD: tHe gregory faMily
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.”Colossians 3:23 NLT
TheGregory family exemplifies what it means to be faithful servants of God. Danny and Crystal Gregory, along with their daughters, Ashlyn and Averie, are a family of doers. It is difficult to look toward the platform during a church service without seeing at least one member of the Gregory family actively involved in ministry.
Danny is a gifted bass player. Crystal faithfully serves in the choir. Their daughter Ashlyn sings in both the choir and the worship ensemble and has ministered at numerous Western District events, including the recent WD Camp Meeting. She also carries a burden for missions. Their younger daughter, Averie, serves in the youth praise ensemble.
Beyond his musical talents, Brother Gregory is known for producing powerful altar-filling dramas. His most recent production, The Centurion, was presented during Easter and involved both of his daughters. Without question, the Gregorys are a family committed to serving God with their gifts and talents.
A Long Courtship And A Lifetime Commitment
How did Danny and Crystal become the family they are today?
When asked how long they dated before marriage, Crystal laughed and replied, “A long time—six years!” Their relationship was marked by periods of dating on and off. Danny readily admits that during those years he was immature. He enjoyed traveling to conferences, spending time with friends, and having fun. Yet through it all, Crystal was the only girl he ever dated. Even when they were not togeth-
er, he frequently called her. Everything changed during an all-night youth prayer meeting.
Earlier that day, Crystal had finally reached her limit and told him, “I just can’t do this anymore.” Danny promised her that he would pray about their relationship during the prayer meeting. “I sat down and started praying about Crystal,” Danny recalled. “I thought, ‘What am I doing? It’s time to grow up. She’s the one. I love her. Quit being a scaredy-cat.’” That night he called her and said, “I prayed about it, and you’re the one.” The couple married in 2005. Today they are blessed with two talented daughters and even a well-trained bunny
foundAtions of fAith
While the Gregory family is highly visible in ministry today, many may not know the strong spiritual foundations that shaped their lives. Often, faithful doers are raised by faithful doers, and that is certainly true for the Gregory family.
Both Danny and Crystal were raised in Apostolic homes by parents who were deeply committed to serving God.
Crystal is the daughter of Pastor Lee Sturdivan and his wife, Delores. She received the Holy Ghost at the age of ten and was baptized in Jesus’ name when she was twelve. She attended Christian Life Center School (formerly Stockton Christian School) alongside her sisters, Kandi Lunsford and Cheryl Shewmake. “Growing up in a Christian home with my parents and having my siblings around was probably the most impactful thing,” Crystal shared. “We always had each other.” Crystal was raised in the church that her grandparents, Elder Walter Sturdivan and his wife Lois built. She faithfully attended there until marrying Danny and joining him at Revival Church, then known as Revival Center. Because her church had a smaller youth group, Crystal and her sisters often traveled to Modesto for special revival services featuring speakers such as Mark Morgan and Dannie Hood. During those events, she developed friendships with many of the Revival Church young people. It was during those years of fellowship that Crystal met her future husband.
A god-given gift
Danny was raised in the church pastored by Brother Sam White in Bellflower, California. His parents, Danny and Saundra Gregory, faithfully served in church ministries. Danny received the Holy Ghost as a child and waited to be baptized in Jesus’ name at age twelve, which was a common practice in many churches at that time.
His family also has a rich Apostolic heritage. Danny’s father’s great-uncle was Paul Gregory, a respected General Conference speaker and evangelist known for his prophetic ministry.
Danny and his brother, Darrin, spent their early years in Southern California before moving to Modesto when Danny was twenty-one. He graduated from Valley Christian High School and was surrounded by music from an early age. “My dad played the saxophone, and my mom was the church organist and church secretary,” Danny said. “I was around music my whole life.”
As a freshman in high school, Danny wanted to join the school band as a saxophone player. The band director discouraged him, explaining that most students had been playing since elementary school. Undeterred, Danny took private lessons throughout the summer. When he auditioned in the fall, the director was astonished. “You have passed
everyone who has been playing since grade school,” he told Danny. “You are amazing.” Danny was immediately accepted into the band and soon discovered his natural musical ability. “When I first brought the saxophone home and started playing, I realized I had an ear for music. Whatever I could hear in my head, I could play.” He performed in both the marching band and jazz band. Later, when his younger brother Darrin purchased a bass guitar, Danny picked it up—and never put it down. “I just had a God-given natural ability,” Danny said. “Music came easy to me.”
ministry through drAmA
When the Gregory family moved to Modesto and began attending Revival Church, Danny and his brother immediately became involved in drama ministry. They began producing the popular Saturday Nite Live productions held
before Easter. Their first production was The Day After, followed by dramas such as Decisions, Dreams, Reality, The Devil’s Easter, and The Cross
When asked why he loves drama ministry, Danny's answer is simple. “I’ve always loved acting, but I love the end result even more. Seeing the altars filled is like a job well done because you know souls are being touched. That’s what it’s all about.” For Danny, the value of drama extends far beyond the performance itself. “I enjoy seeing the growth in people,” he explained. “It creates unity. We stress prayer, communication, teamwork, and working together. My goal has always been to provide a place where people can be used by God and feel confident.” He believes drama helps participants develop valuable life skills, from public speaking and communication to building friendships and discovering their God-given talents. “It’s just a win-win.”
Keeping fAmiLy first
Despite their busy ministry schedules, the Gregory family remains intentional about staying connected. “We still have traditional dinners where all four of us sit together at the table,” Danny said. “We ask each other how our day was. That’s how we were raised, and that’s what we want for our family.” Those simple moments have helped strengthen the close family bond that is evident to everyone who knows them.
fAithfuL doers
Danny often speaks about bridging the gap between generations. While previous generations often lived and breathed church life, today’s young people face countless distractions competing for their attention. “My goal with the dramas is always to try to bridge that gap,” he said. “The only way you accomplish anything is to take it and do it.” The Gregory family has certainly embraced that philosophy. Whether through music, drama, worship, or simply investing in others, they continue to serve faithfully and wholeheartedly.
We are grateful for the Gregory family and the many ways they contribute to the Kingdom of God. Their example reminds us that whatever God has called us to do, we should do it with all our hearts—as unto the Lord.
Spring Sermons
We are fortunate at Revival Church to not only hear from excellent guest speakers, but also to be ministered with gifted preaching by our pastor and administrative pastor and that of our ministerial team which supports them. Many find hearing a sermon once is just not enough. The church is blessed with a streaming team, headed by Alexis Diaz, that records these messages, so they can be listened to again and also shared with family and friends. Check us out on youtube.com and on our Facebook page under Revival Church Modesto. You will be challenged and inspired!
Pastor todd Johnson administrative Pastor Jon Quinones
Pastor Johnson is a popular preacher, speaking at churches and events across the state and around the world.
Some of Pastor's sermon topics this spring were: "My Favorite Thing About God," "Down Goes Frazier," "No Curse in the Valley," and "Favor for the Foreigner." "Foundations"
We are also blessed with a seasoned Administrative Pastor who, along with Pastor Johnson, is in demand to speak at other churches and district and UPCI events.
Some of his sermon topics this spring were: "Fire Over Failure" and "Not Far from Any of Us"
matthew aguirre
Chris Castro
dana Le'BLanC
"Your Waiting Is Not Wasted"
"When Roots Speak" "What Kind of Stone Is This"
"The Purpose of Prayer"
Prayeris a topic that is clearly an important part of
our Christian walk with God, but an area that most of us could improve upon. It is easy to make it a one-sided conversation with the Lord, focusing on our needs and that of our friends and family. However, is that what prayer was meant to be?
In June, Pastor Johnson asked Joshua and Jeannette Aguilera to speak on a Wednesday night on the topic of prayer. Both are licensed ministers with the Western District and elementary school teachers. For many years they were RC youth pastors, and Josh, since a teenager, has been a part of the choir and worship team. And with full disclosure, yes, Josh is our son and Jeannette, his wife, is our daughter-in-law.
Despite the obvious nepotism here, we felt what they had to say about prayer was worth repeating here in The Newsvine. So, here are some of the notes I took, first off from Jeannette:
"We need to build a relationship with Jesus. It takes intentionality, meaning that we have to invest the time to be with Him, invest the time to hear from Him. How can we hear from Him? From learning to hear His voice through the Word of God, reading the Word of God, asking the Lord questions, siting there and meditating on the Lord, praying scriptures to Him, removing the distractions in our daily life because we all have distraction, and silencing the voices in our minds that are contrary to the Lord."
What are the purposes of prayer? 1) It builds a relationship with Jesus. Establishing a relationship takes a lot of time. How can I not want to spend time with Him? How can I call that a chore? God wants to spend time with us to deepen that relationship with us.
2) Another purpose of prayer is for counsel. Counselor means to give advice, to deliberate, to consult, to guide, to help navigate, to equip with tools necessary for the present and the future. We tend to quickly go to others for counsel. Have we ever gone to the Lord in
prayer? He should be the person we are calling up.
3) The third purpose of prayer is He wants to teach us. In this life we are going to be yoked to something. Jesus said His yoke is easy and His burden is light. Easy means well-fitting, it means gentle, useful, better, kind, employed, furnish what is needed. His yoke will furnish what is needed in our lives. Light here means easy to carry. It's a push, it's a propelling. And My burden will propel you, will carry you.
4) The fourth purpose of prayer is for construction/ remodeling. Remodeling alters the structure, function or purpose. We will become a construction project when we invest the time to stay in prayer.
5) The fifth purpose of prayer is intercession. An intercessor is when you stop in on behalf of someone and what you are attempting to do is hold on to the hand of Jesus on this side and as you are praying for the other person, you are trying to pull them to meet the hand of Jesus."
Next, Brother Josh came up and built upon what his wife had just taught. "We cannot approach God in prayer with pride and arrogance. We cannot approach Him with this mindset of this is what I want. It is what I desire to see. God, replace the desires of our hearts with what You want. God desires us to walk in humility, to walk with a broken and a contrite heart in His presence. It is there that God can minister to our hearts. He can break open in prayer the things that are within us, our struggles our identity crisis. He can open us up and perform the, surgery that we need in our lives. You wonder why you struggle? You wonder why you can't believe? You wonder why you can't live a certain way? It is because you don't have the law written within your heart. When we present ourselves before God, showing Him all of those things, it is there that He can begin to move. If we don't, we struggle with godly character, with holiness, in all the aspects of living for God. God is calling us to surrender, for us to have a new heart. A heart of flesh.
Josh aguiLera
Jeannette aguiLera
BUFF at the WILSONS
Our BUFF men gathered at the home of Donnie and Charlene Wilson in April. Elder Gilbert Quinones was the special speaker, encouraging the men in the Word. It was a great time of food and fellowship. Thank you, Brother and Sister Wilson, for opening up your home and to Brother Herb Jenkins for leading our 50+ men's group.
Western District Youth Convention '26
Report by REVIVE Youth Pastor Jeriann Montes
We had an incredible time with our youth (students and young adults) at WDYC26. It was a very powerful and impacting conference! God ministered to our youth (and parents too!). Students got the Holy Ghost (Yayy, Adalynn!), and youth were refilled and strengthened.
We had several serving in various ways: Emma on Creative Team and many on the Worship Team: Ashlyn (singing), DeVina (singing), Lance (singing/organ), Brooke (bass), Bryan (drums), and PT leading as Music Director. TEN of our students were a part of the choir and did an AWESOME job! Whoohoo! Melissa, Gabby, Riley, Naomi, Makenna, Laurn, Susy, Robert, Jazzy, and Rose!
It was beautiful to see our church involved - they represented WELL We give God all the glory for the things He has done.
Shout out to our chaperones - the real MVPs!
250 YEARS OF AMERICA'S INDEPENDENCE is celebrated at the July Home Bible Study of these editors of The Newsvine. Virginia and I have been having home Bible studies in our home since 1994. I have always said having a Bible study at your home is like bringing the Ark of the Covenant right in where you and your family reside. Blessings pour out on your family and your house without measure, just like Obed-Edom and his household were blessed housing the Ark of the Covenant mentioned in 2 Samuel 6:10–11. Best way to celebrate a Christian tradition is starting a Home Bible Study!
