WINTER 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 LEO AGUILERA VIRGINIA AGUILERA
BUSINESS LIAISON Charlene Wilson CHURCH LIAISON Jon Quinones GRAPHIC DESIGN Leo & Virginia Aguilera PHOTOGRAPHERS Leo Aguilera, Don Mellow, and CREATIVE TEAM Alexis Diaz, Jocelyn Powell, Autumn
Amador, Devina Aguirre, Emma Zuniga, Angel Torres Colin, Russ Campbell, Andrew Mazon, Brooke Montes COLUMNIST Carol Castillo YOUTH REPORTER Alexis Diaz YOUTH PHOTOGRAPHER Joshua Blackwood DISTRIBUTION Norbert Feliciano
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
A Word from the Editors
HURRAY! HARD COPIES FOR OUR CHURCH MEMBERS!
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ecause of the generosity of our pastor and his wife, all church members (one per family) will again begin receiving a hard copy of The Newsvine for the four issues per year, howbeit a shortened 24-page edition! The last hardcopy was handed out to our church members in the fall of 2021. We appreciate Pastor and Sister Johnson making this possible again. Our digital readers around the world will continue receiving the 52-page edition, available 24/7 with all past issues dating from 2013. Just google: thenewsvine for access. Your device or computer may have all magazines appear at once, or some devices or computers will need you to scroll down from the heading. If any reader will desire the 52-page edition, just contact us, the editors, for the same cost paid for previous magazines. Again, a sincere thanks to the Johnsons for a wonderful Christmas gift to the congregation that will keep giving throughout the year! MARANATHA, the Lord cometh!
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.
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Editors Leo and Virginia Aguilera
Table of Contents “Every page an altar to His works!” 4 "The Life of Jesus Is a Historical Fact!" by Editor Leo Aguilera 6 COVER STORY - 2025 Missions Conference 13 Missions Report - Fiji 14 KREW Missions Sunday 16 Missions Report - Belize - Sister Andrea Powell 18 "The Victory and the Triumph" - Guest Preacher - Missionary Andrew Koch 20 Veteran's Day 21 Pastor Appreciation Day 22 SIS Ornament Exchange 23 Mature Ladies Luncheon, Friendsgiving for Aguileras' Bible Study Home Group 24 Midweek on Ice 26 Christmas Concert 32 Christmas Sweater Midweek 36 Candlelight Service 38 Modesto's New Vice Mayor, Brother Jeremiah Williams! 39 BUFF Dinner at the Aguileras with Pastor Johnson 40 Young Adults Friendsgiving 41 "Be it unto Me" - by columnist Sister Carol Castillo 42 Mature Ladies Christmas Luncheon 43 A Thank You to our Volunteers 44 Testimony of Faith - Sister Hilda Rochester` 50
Sister Rachel Jenkins - Until We See You Again...
51 Sister Lena Jackson Collins - Until We See you Again... 52 Congratulations to Newlyweds, Brian and DeVina Nuñez!
We credit our Newsvine Photographer Don Mellow and the Creative Team here for their outstanding talent in capturing over 200 photos of perfect moments. God bless Brother Mellow and the Creative Team for their devotion! WINTER NEWSVINE 2026 • 3
ALL CHRISTIANS NEED TO KNOW: THE LIFE OF JESUS IS A HISTORICAL FACT! During our present holiday season, I decided to reprint this column from our Summer 2017 issue - worth reading in celebration of our Savior's birth.
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WHAT ABOUT THE GOSPELS?
he very existence of Jesus has been questioned by historians through the ages, and even more in the present age. But the major historians of the past centuries admit they cannot deny the power and testament of the four Gospels. Though Bible skeptics will find numerous contradictions between the four evangelists’ writings, these contradictions are minute. In fact, Will Durant, the most noted historian of the 20th century and author of the eleven-volumed Story of Civilization, said, “in essentials, the synoptic Gospels agree remarkably well, and form a consistent portrait of Christ.” He ends his argument for Christ having lived as depicted in the vivid accounts described by the Gospel writers with this exclamation of historical logic: “no one....can doubt the reality of the figure behind them. That a few simple men should in one generation have invented so powerful and appealing a personality, so lofty an ethic and so inspiring a vision of human brotherhood, would be a miracle far more incredible than any recorded in the Gospels.” The Jewish scholar J. Klausner wrote in his work From Jesus to Paul (1943), “If we had ancient sources like those in the Gospels for the history of Alexander or Caesar, we should not cast any doubt upon them whatsoever.”
WHAT ABOUT THE ANCIENT \MANUSCRIPTS?
These manuscripts are either whole compositions of the 27 books or in fragments. But one incredible feature stands out from all those copies made in the past - what we read today in our own Bibles is remarkably accurate with those manuscripts from ancient times through the Middle Ages. The ancient scribes and monks who hand-copied the sacred scriptures were convicted of keeping the Gospel message pure and intact. Perhaps they believed the divine warning found in the last chapter of the Book of Revelation against altering any sacred passage of what John wrote also applied to the entire Bible. The narrations of the life of Jesus we read today were exactly what the first Christians read and heard in the ancient church 2,000 years ago! Also, the earliest non-Christian manuscripts are numerous. Josephus, the ancient Hebrew historian, wrote before the end of the first century in his Antiquities of the Jews (90 A.D.): “At that time lived Jesus, a holy man, if man he may be called, for he performed wonderful works, and a teacher of such people as accept the truth gladly. And he was followed by many Jews and many Greeks. He was the Messiah. When Pilate, upon hearing him accused by men of the highest standing among us, had condemned him to be crucified, those who in the first place came to love him did not give up their affection for him, for on the third day, he appeared to them restored to life. The prophets of God had prophesied this and countless other marvelous things about him. And the tribe of Christians, so called after him, have still to this day not died out.” The ancient accounts of Pliny and Tacitus, Roman historians, verified the crucifixion of Christ under Pontius Pilate. Then there is this historical fact - there is no reference in ancient times that any Roman or Hebrew historian debated Jesus existed!
How reliable is the authenticity of the ancient copies of the Gospels and the rest of the New Testament? Although the original manuscripts are lost, throughout the archives of educational institutions and museums WHAT ABOUT THE there exists approximately 25,000 manuscripts of the SUPERNATURAL CLAIMS? 27 books of the New Testament hand-copied from 125 This is the question which divides the skeptic from A.D. to the Gutenberg printing press era in the 1400s. the believer. The composing of the writings of Paul and There exists over 5,300 ancient Greek copies from the New Testament alone, the rest are 10,000 copies of Lat- the apostles by them have been proven to be a historin, and 9,300 copies in Aramaic, Hebrew, and Coptic. ical fact. Historians also place the dates of these writ4 WINTER NEWSVINE 2026 •
Sermon on the Mount by Carl Bloch 1877 ings beginning within thirty years after Jesus lived and taught. Scholars especially focus on Paul and his writings. Paul is accepted by the secular world as one of the greatest minds in history. His passages can be found in AP English exams subject to analysis. And yet, he started out as an enemy to the ancient church by his own admission. His conversion on the road to Damascus did not alter his intelligence, but rather reinforced the “facts” that changed his world view. His epistles to the first generation of the church are filled with references to the life, miracles, and teachings of Jesus, either told to him by eyewitnesses who saw the miracles or he had access to the books of Mark and Luke, the first Gospels scholars believe were written. In fact, Mark and Luke were Paul’s traveling companions during his missionary journeys throughout the Roman Empire. This begs the question why such a brilliant scholar and zealot of the Jewish faith had an about face in his beliefs? In fact, with Paul, hundreds of thousands in the first generation after Christ lived on earth were also
converted. If the supernatural claims of miracles, divine interventions, and the resurrection of Christ were mere fabrications, why would these multitudes of Christians believe in lies, myths, and narratives admittedly filled with astonishing literary qualities of vivid descriptions and emotional impact? Why would they suffer to be tortured and give their lives during the persecutions of the Roman emperors for a lie? The power of eye-witness accounts and writings of absolute conviction helped develop a tremendous faith in Christ’s followers right after His death, burial and resurrection. But nothing reinforces more the living Christ than the miracles, divine interventions, and God’s favor that continues among His believers to this day. The Christian’s faith today is rewarded with such powerful evidence that “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 ************* WINTER NEWSVINE 2026 • 5
y r o t S Missions Conference over
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Friday Night
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ince 1988, Revival Church, then under the leadership of Bishop Randy Keyes, has had an annual Missions Conference which has brought in missionaries from around the world. This year was no different. We hosted missionary families from Europe, Asia, Australia, and from various cities in the United States. Our featured speaker for the night was Brother David McGovern. He and his wife, Monique, were appointed by the UPCI to be Metro Missionaries to Los Angeles, California. After a time of worship led by our Missions
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2025
Choir, we were humbled when we heard from a trio of our guest missionaries whose burden and complete submission to God's will was evident. It then came time for Brother McGovern to minister. His inspiring message entitled, "God Planted a Garden," focused on the burden of church planters who see something in the "soil" that no one else can see. He said, "What He plants, He provides. When God provides it, nothing can prevent the fruitfulness of it."
Friday Night Guest Speaker BROTHER DAVID MCGOVERN UPCI Metro Missionary, Los Angeles
"When God provides it, nothing can prevent the fruitfulness of it." - David McGovern
GREG HACKATHORN Missionary to Australia
T'ONDRE ALEXANDER Missionary to Spain
ABEL BONILLA Church Planter to Miami, Florida
Sharon Keyes and Sandra Morgan
Bishop Randy G. Keyes
Uday and Ishneh Narayan
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y r o t S Missions Conference over
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2025
Saturday Night
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hat a night! After a glorious time of worship led by our missions choir, we were excited to hear from four more of our guest missionaries: Ariel Lopez, Ricardo Guzman, Braden Reeves, and Charlie Gotreau. Again, we were impressed by the sincerity and dedication of these men of God. The evening speaker was Global Missions Director, Adam Hunley. We were thrilled to have the privilege of his making time in his very busy schedule to come to Modesto. We feel a special connection to the Hunleys because his wife, Maya, received her burden for missions many years ago at one of our Mission Conferences. Light needs a voice, declared Brother Hunley as he began to address the congregation. He read from Matthew 5 where Jesus said He is the light of the world. In that passage Jesus then turned to the disciples and told them that they are the light of the world. Brother Hunley described the scene in which the Apostle Paul 8 WINTER NEWSVINE 2026 •
on the road to Damascus, was stopped by a bright light from heaven. Those who were with him saw the same light, but did not hear the voice of the Lord. "Light cannot fulfill its identity and its origins are unknown until it is explained with the unique combination of light and voice that can bring meaning into the people who walk with darkened understanding." He expounded on the idea that it is not enough to have light, one must also have the Word. "Light needs a voice in order to change the world in which we live," he said. At the conclusion of his message, there was a great move to the altar. God, help us not to contain our experience within the walls of our church, but to be the city on the hill, to be a beacon to our community. Yes, we must be a light, but we must also give a voice to that light, speaking truth to those we encounter. Light needs a voice!
"Light Needs a Voice"
"Light needs a voice to change the world in which we live." - Adam Hunley
ARIEL LOPEZ Missionary to East Asia
CHARLIE GOTREAU Church Planter, Abbevillee, LA
RICARDO GUZMAN Church Planter, Imperial Beach
BRADEN REEVES Missionary to Greece & Cyprus
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y r o t S Missions Conference over
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ANDREW & NATALIE KOCH Missionaries to France
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STEPHANIE HACKATHORN Missionary to Australia
Sunday Morning
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t's all about giving. It's all about sacrificing. Some of us go. Some of us support those who go. But we all work together for the kingdom of God to see that the whole gospel goes out to the whole world. On Sunday morning we heard from those who left behind family and friends to go: Andrew and Natalie Koch, France; Stephanie Hackathorn, Australia; and Scarlett Bonilla, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Sister Koch spent many years at Revival Church before her family moved to the Monterey area to start a church. Her father, Monte Albalos, always wants to be a missionary overseas, but is now seeing his dream and burden fulfilled through his daughter. We then heard from Global Missions Director Adam Hunley, who preached a stirring message on Good, Better, Best. After a full altar call, members brought up their sacrificial offering. What a mighty weekend! God bless and protect our missionaries as they answer His call.
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SCARLETT BONILLA Church Planter, Florida
Missionary Luncheon @ Hotel Bayit
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e were blessed this year to have Brother Steven and Sister Vanessa Parks, owners of the Hotel Bayit, host our guest missionaries in their boutique hotel. In fact, we were able to book all 18 of their rooms which allowed us on Saturday morning to have their lovely facility all to ourselves for a time of fellowship and a delicious catered lunch. Thank you, Brother and Sister Parks! We are also thankful to Jordan Dye Audio who the church hired to run our sound for the week.
The Parks Family
Jordan Dye and family Sister Donna Whorton's Famous Cakes!
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Yes, it's Raining, Missionary Kids!
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ne of the highlights of our annual missions conference is our opportunity to bless our guest missionary children. It is a tradition during the Sunday morning service, to call all of them up to the front and then to watch their surprised and excited faces as money begins to fall down on them from the ceiling as church members place a special offering for them in the collection baskets. It is definitely a frenzy, as each child tries to grab as many falling dollar bills as they. This money is then counted and divided evenly between the children for them to spend as they wish. As we know, it is not only missionary parents who sacrifice. God bless and watch over each of these children as they labor with their parents in the harvest field in which they are planted. Let it rain!
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Fiji Report - 6 More Souls Baptized!
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evival Fires continue to burn brightly in Fiji. Pastor Venkat Raju sent these photos of six more souls being baptized in the saving name of Jesus Christ since our last issue! They obeyed the scripture found in Acts 2:38, "Then Peter said unto them, "Repent, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." These words still ring true!
New Zealand General Conference
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Pastor Navesh Naicker and his wife pose with Global Missions Director Adam Hunley at October's UPCIGS General Conference in New Zealand.
e's here. He's there. It seems like he is everywhere! Only a week after preaching at our October Missions Conference, The Newsvine received a photo from our resident missionary, Elder Uday Narayan, that Global Missions Director Adam Hunley was now speaking at the UPCI General Conference in New Zealand. When Brother Hunley attended our missions conference, he had just flow in from the UPCIGS General Conference held in Dubai, UAE! The New Zealand General Conference was held in Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand. As of last year, the UPCI Pacific Region, which includes New Zealand, had over 1,609,120 constituents across a vast area of nations, territories, and thousands of islands ranging from the Philippines in the north, to Fiji in the central area, and Australia to the south. Last year they baptized 18,847 believers in Jesus name and 12,917 received the baptism of the Holy Ghost! God is moving everywhere in miraculous ways! WINTER NEWSVINE 2026 • 13
KREW Missions Sunday
Bob Evans, Gloria Sadeddeen, and Nancy Williams represent the Middle East. Let us all remember to pray for those who minister in Access Challenged Nations. May God protect them and lead them to hungry hearts, and may He give them great favor.
Edith Narayan and her husband, Ash, representing Fiji, teach common phrases to the children who are eager to earn a prize by correctly saying all three phrases. 14 WINTER NEWSVINE 2026 •
Chloe Espinoza's booth captured the beauty of Japan. Her display board featured missionaries Jason and Cori Lucas. God bless their efforts in this country which remains as one of the most secular nations in the world.
We commend KREW Children's Ministry Director, Sujey Diaz, and her team for an amazing missions event. Pictured with Sujey are helpers Cindy Zapien and Linda Salazar.
KREW Missions Sunday each year kicks off our Missions Conference Week. Volunteers man tables focusing on different countries around the globe. Children are given "passports" to get stamped as they move from table to table, learning about each culture. The goal of Missions Sunday is to put a love for missions in the hearts of these children. Maybe one of these photos is of a future missionary! Above Bob Evans poses with a group of boys who just visited his booth as Gloria Sadeddeen prepares handouts for her "guests."
From left: KREW kids prepare to have their passports stamped; girls enjoy tasting difference cuisines as they learn about different mission fields; a happy KREW kid takes a break to show off his passport. A huge thank you to all who worked hard to make this event a success for our children. (The adults loved it too! WINTER NEWSVINE 2026 • 15
Missions Report: Sister Andrea Powell Ministers in Belize!
issues, I still had strength in my body to do God’s work. I figured I was ahead of Moses by ten years. After a year of consecration and preparation, the Belize Women’s District Conference had finally started. The church was beautifully decorated, spirits were high, the sisters were wearing their best, the musicians were leading us in energetic, heartfelt worship and the church was filled with the praises of His people. Everyone was worshipping the Lord, me included. I began to praise him in a dance and I felt carried away in the Spirit of God! I opened my eyes and beheld the beauty of the Lord in the sanctuary. All of a sudden I thought, How is it that I get to be here? And I remembered something my pastor said that when you find a turtle on a fence, you know it didn’t get there by itself. Somebody Sister Andrea Powell speaks at the Women in Victory put it there. And I realized that I was a turtle on a fence, Women's Conference in Belize. and God had put me there. I was in the perfect will of God and I felt incredibly encouraged, empowered, and hen Sis Esther invited me to come and speak to anointed. I am blessed! the ladies in Belize, I was taken aback, I didn’t feel qualified. As I’m writing this, I am remembering all the times that my pastor asked me to do something and this was my immediate reaction. After 42 years of living for the Lord, I still have this human knee-jerk reaction of not feeling worthy, and feeling unqualified. In spite of this, I have learned to pray and seek God’s will for every decision I make. The Lord always helps me to do His Will. He understands my feelings of insecurity, and He always shows me to lean on His strength. I have always loved being busy in the work of God. I have been involved in ministry for over forty years and missions has always had a special place in my heart. I’ve been on many missions trips but never as the main Sister Powell was invited by Belize Missionaries speaker, and certainly never on a solo trip. So, as I was Danny and Esther Becerra, pictured here with their preparing for my missionary journey, I wondered aloud, children: Levi, Luke and Lincoln Daniel. Sister Powell why did the Lord wait until I was seventy years old be- said the Becerras took excellent care of her while she fore He asked me to go on this missions trip. As soon as was there. She already is praying about going back the words came out of my mouth the Lord brought to my again to Belize to minister. This lady is fired up! remembrance that Moses was eighty years old when He spoke to him from the burning bush. Moses had been Sister Powell on the day on the back side of the desert tending sheep when God of the Belize Women's finally sent him to do his life’s work and lead the chilDistrict Conference, dren of Israel out of Egypt. Following this, he still had "Victorious Women to pastor that stubborn, rebellious people for forty years 'Mujeres Victoriosas." Afin the wilderness. Moses didn’t have it easy and was at ter praying and studying least 120 when he died. I was ten years younger than for a year, she was ready Moses was when he had his burning bush experience, to minister to the women so even though I may have some achy bones and health of Belize.
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Attendees of the Women in Victory Women's Conference in Belize pose for a group picture. Two souls were baptized in Jesus name! ister Powell had a busy schedule in Belize and loved ple, Bro Danny is the supervising missionary over the every minute of it. Here is what she did: Thursday whole country of Belize (5 districts), teaches at the biI had prayer meeting at Cotton Tree, then attended a ble college, and has to pastor this new work. And anBible college class and taught a class as well on Friday other example is Bro Guillermo Henriquez is pastoring night. On Saturday we had the Women’s Cayo District 4 churches and teaching at the bible college too. They Conference in Belmopan, and I ministered twice. Then need workers so badly! on Sunday we drove to Trio Village in the Stann Creek If you were wondering if she is going back to BeDistrict, and I ministered there in the evening service. lize, the answer is yes, Lord willing. She has already On Tuesday I taught the mid-week bible lesson at ‘Cot- been asked by the Becerras, and she is even now preton Tree’. Cotton Tree is a brand new work that the paring. She is trusting God to use her in even a greater Becerras are pastoring until they can get a pastor to measure in her latter years, despite feeling like a turtle take the work. They have so many preaching points on a fence. and not enough pastors to take them all. For exam-
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Clockwise from above left: Sister Powell teaches at the Bible college in Belize City on a Friday night; Sister Powell, after ministering the Word during the Sunday night service in Trio Village in the Stann Creek district, prays for those during the altar call; Sister Powell poses with members of the new work at Cotton Tree. She taught on "Following the Pattern." WINTER NEWSVINE 2026 • 17
GUEST PREACHER
Victory and Triumph: A Powerful Message from Missionary Andrew Koch
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e were blessed to have missionaries Andrew and Natalie Koch with us in November to minister. Brother Koch preached a stirring message titled “The Victory and the Triumph,” drawing from history, Scripture, and the hope we have in Jesus Christ. Brother Koch began by describing how the ancient Romans celebrated their military victories. “When the Romans won a victory on the battlefield,” he explained, “they would celebrate that victory right there on the field.” These battlefield celebrations marked moments of success—but they were only the beginning. He then contrasted these victories with the far more elaborate triumphs. When a Roman general had fully subdued his enemy, Rome held a triumphant parade through the capital. The spoils of war were displayed—captured prisoners, treasures, and symbols of conquest. Behind it all, riding in a golden chariot, was the victorious general. Filled with pride, he might even declare himself to be a god, crediting his triumph to his own strength. Yet the Romans had a way of tempering such pride. A servant would ride beside the general in the chariot, whispering memento mori—“remember you are mor18 WINTER NEWSVINE 2026 •
tal.” It was a sobering reminder that no matter how glorious the triumph, the general would eventually face death. Just as the Roman general could not escape mortality, Brother Koch reminded us that we all share the same fate. Quoting Hebrews 9:27, he said, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” With urgency and compassion, he encouraged everyone to obey the Scriptures—to be baptized in Jesus’ name and to be filled with the Holy Ghost. “Death,” he said, “is not something that we have to fear anymore because we have victory in Jesus Christ.” He continued, “I am so thankful that my victory is not just here on earth, but I have a victory to look forward to in heaven.” Brother Koch also reflected on the imagery found in ancient times, when a conquering king would attach the train of his defeated enemy to his own—symbolizing total dominance. He connected this to Isaiah 6:1, where the train of God’s robe fills the temple. This powerful image declares that our God has never lost a battle. He has always been, and always will be, victorious. Closing his message, Brother Koch offered hope for every believer facing hardship. “When the enemy comes against you like a flood,” he said, “and wants to tell you there is no hope… I want you to turn and tell him: ‘No—I remember that He lives. And because He lives, my hope is secured. Because He lives, my victory is final. Because He lives, I have a hope beyond tomorrow.’”
Missionaries Andrew and Natalie Koch
Powerful Sunday Morning Altar Call
Ministering in Combined Youth and Young Adult Service
Servicio en español con el misionero Andrew Koch
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Veteran's Day
Left: Modesto Councilman Jeremiah Williams introduces Modesto Mayor, Sue Zwahlen, (right) gives her remarks commemorating our veterans.
Ethan Hunt, representing US Congressman Tom McClintock, spoke on his behalf and passed out commendation certificates.
Lauren Hunt sings "The Star-Spangled Banner as the American flag is saluted.
Before the Veterans Day Commemoration at the Gallo Center, there was a Veteran's Day parade with over 40 different groups participating. Here is Councilmember Jeremiah Williams arriving in his white classic car and (right) with some Veterans Day participants.
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Pastor Appreciation Sunday
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n November we took time out to show some love and appreciation to our pastors, Todd and Kim Johnson. Our creative team's, Jocelyn Powell, assembled a wall of photos depicting their many years serving Revival Church. (Above, the Johnsons pose in front of the vast display). The church gifted Pastor Johnson with a pair of bicycle shoes (below middle) and Sister Johnson with a suitcase. Pastor Johnson laughed and said his wife will probably fill it up with toys and clothes for their grandson, Atlas Clay, when they travel to spend time with him and the rest of their family in Baton Rouge. God bless our pastors!
From left: Lauren Hunt with some help from Everly and Ezra Castro show their appreciation for Pastor and Sister Johnson; Pastor admires his new cycling shoes, a gift from the church; Pointing to Sister Johnson, Pastor praises her for all the behind the scenes work she has done for the church. We love you, Pastor and Sister Johnson!
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SIS Christmas Ornament Exchange
DECK THE HALLS
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isters In Season (SIS), our women's ministry, had their annual Christmas Ornament Exchange the week before Thanksgiving. Thank you to Angela Warren and her team for a fun-filled event. From the amazing decorations, tasty food, and games, we had an unforgettable evening! (Pictured from left: Gloria Sadeddeen shows off her ornament gift; Editor Virginia Aguilera poses with Sister Juanita Escalante and her daughter, Melissa.
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Mature Ladies November Luncheon
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hat a wonderful time of fellowship was had by our Mature Ladies at their November Luncheon at Sizzler in Modesto. If you are a lady age 50 or above, see Sister Joyce Jones to get on her activity list. It is a great way to make friends. We would love to have you join us!
Friendsgiving Celebration at Feed the Body, Feed the Soul Bible Study Connect Group
In December, the Aguileras' Feed the Body, Feed the Soul Bible study group met to celebrate the holidays with a turkey potluck feast. And what a feast it was! Afterward, Brother Leo taught a fascinating lesson on the book of Genesis. Said Sister Aguilera, "We are blessed to open our home to our fellowship family. We love you all!" Bottom row middle: Modesto City Councilmember Jeremiah Williams stopped by for dessert. WINTER NEWSVINE 2026 • 23
Midweek on Ice
A pair of skates and a cup of hot chocolate. What a great way to spend an icy cold winter evening! On a very cold December Wednesday night the church met at Modesto on Ice, owned by Editor Virginia Aguilera's sister and brother-in-law, Kathy and Dave Halsey (next page, top left photo), for an exciting time of ice skating, food, and fellowship. What fun!
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Christmas Concert
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his year's Christmas concert was outstanding! We commend all who participated from the KREW kids to our Revive Youth and Young Adults, to our ensemble and choir, to our musicians and media team, to our greeters and security, and to Sister Johnson who was behind the scenes ensuring everything went smoothly. It was obvious that a great deal of planning, practice, and prayer went into this concert, and the full altar at the conclusion was a reflection of this. We pray that
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there were lives that were touched and drawn closer to our Lord and who found the Prince of Peace this holiday season. (Above the ensemble shares precious Christmas memories and some familiar carols. Josh Aguilera sings "Come Home for Christmas" a song that invites us to "let our hearts return again to the joy and the peace" we find when we return home. Amy Rodriguez and Joyce Jones share.
Drumline
After a dramatic video about the birth of Christ our King, the lights came up to a drumline (and electric guitar) expertly playing, "Carol of the Bells."
Next up were our KREW kids who joyfully sang, "It's Christmas" led by KREW director Sujey Diaz and her assistants. As always they stole our hearts. I'm sure all the parents and grandparents were proud to see their little ones up on the platform singing, "Let's throw our hands up and shout for joy!" WINTER NEWSVINE 2026 • 27
More of the Christmas Concert
Revive Youth "Go Tell it on the Mountain" was sung by our Revive Youth ensemble. They blessed the congregation with their talented and worshipful singing.
Young Adults Above row, our Young Adults ensemble sing "Hosanna in the Highest." We are so proud of their commitment and willingness to use their talents to bring glory to God. Hosanna in the highest!
Above: Pastor Johnson commends our choir and musicians.
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Choir
From left: Soloist Nicole Evans sings "Mary, Did You Know"; Lauren Hunt sings the rousing chorus from Handel's Messiah, "He shall reign forever and ever!" Thank you to our Music Team: Matt Aguirre, Nancy Holston, and Tim Montes.
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Altar Call At the end of the concert, Pastor Johnson invited the congregation to pray, and the altar filled with both church members and visitors. What a powerful move of God! How thankful we are that our Lord wrapped Himself in flesh and came to the world He created to bring salvation and hope.
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And Behind the Scenes...
A fun surprise was the Christmas Express driven by Juan Ceja. This electric golf cart decorated in festive Christmas style by Pastor Jon Quinonez and his wife, Ashley, was a welcomed sight for families, our elders, and those who found it difficult to walk from the back parking lot.
And Who Might This Be?
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Christmas Sweater Midweek A
t Revival Church we love to worship God, and we also love to have fun! It has become a tradition at our church for the week before Christmas to have a night where, after a time of praise and worship, we play some silly games and have hot chocolate and cookies, all wearing festive Christmas sweaters. And yes, MANY of those Christmas sweaters are crazy and weird...and creative! This year's winners for our Christmas sweater contest were: DeVina, first place; and Alejandra, second place. Posing with them receiving honorable mention (and wearing a bright red sequin jacket) is our own Pastor Johnson. We couldn't fit all of the fun and action on this page, so be sure to check out our expanded issue on issuu.com/thenewsvine. Emcee Pastor Jon Quinones
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Christmas Sweater Midweek: Games
Rock, Paper, Scissors Duel
It was a fierce competition, ending in a best out of 3 fight between Lauren Hunt and Sujey Diaz. Who won? You'll have to ask them!
Christmas Carol Lip Sync Battle Whoa! Who knew lip syncing could be so competitive?
Just for Fun!
Whether it was hanging up Christmas lights or shopping at the mall, the sound effects game was lots of fun. Players were divided up into those who acted out the scenario and those who did the sound effects. Talk about crazy, hilarious fun! 34 WINTER NEWSVINE 2026 •
Christmas Sweater Midweek: Fellowship
YUM! I Want Some!
Hot chocolate and Christmas cookies topped off the evening as everyone gathered in the foyer to fellowship. Don't those cookies look mouth watering?
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Candlelight Service
"Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." - John 8:12 ESV
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"In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. - John 1:4-5 ESV
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Congratulations to Brother Jeremiah Williams, Modesto's New Vice Mayor!
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ongratulations to Modesto City Councilmember, Brother Jeremiah Williams, who was appointed in December by the City Council to serve as Vice Mayor during 2026. In this capacity, Brother Williams will perform mayoral duties in Mayor Sue Zwahlen's absence such as presiding over City Council meetings and signing city documents when she is unavailable. We are so proud of Brother Williams and his service to the community. 38 WINTER NEWSVINE 2026 •
Pastor Johnson Challenges BUFF Men Ahead of Missions Conference
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he Saturday before Missions Conference our BUFF (50+) men met at the home of Leo and Virginia Aguilera to hear the heart of our Pastor and for food and fellowship. It was a time to focus our older men on the importance of the upcoming conference. After Pastor Johnson spoke, the men lined up for a delicious dinner of chicken, pasta, and all the sides. The Aguileras are thankful to Brother Leo's brother-in-law, Ed, for making his much-indemand tortellini with homemade sauce. He and his wife drove all the way from Salinas to help. Thanks also goes out to the amazing team of Lance Rodriguez and his dad. Lance helped serve the food and he and his father, John, worked hard to clean up after the event, and to Sister Aguilera's joy, left the kitchen spotless. Thank you, Pastor Johnson, for taking time out to speak to the BUFF men, and to all who attended.
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Young Adults Friendsgiving O
ur Young Adults met at Hotel Bayit for a Friendsgiving feast complete with turkey, sparkling cider, and the works. It was a great time had by all. Thank you to Young Adults directors Chris and Lindsay Castro, to all their helpers, and to Hotel Bayit for making this event a great success!
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Be It Unto Me “And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.” Luke 1:38 (KJV) That a young girl with a humble upbringing in a small town would be visited by the angel Gabriel was amazing enough. The message he brought her was truly astonishing. “And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son…the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever, and there will be no end of his kingdom.” (Luke 1:31-33)
his wife.” Matt. 1:24 (NIV)
This definitely was not what Mary had imagined. As a young, betrothed, and virginal girl, the news that she was going to have a baby could hardly have been welcome. Indeed, according to Jewish marriage customs, if she did not pass the virginity test on her wedding night, she could be stoned in the morning.
Again the angel of the Lord made a house call, this time to Joseph, who had fallen asleep pondering the perplexing news of his virginal espoused wife’s pregnancy. In a dream, the angel assured him that the child was of God, and instructed him not to be afraid to take Mary as his wife. (Matt. 1:23).
Mary asked only one question. “How can this be, seeing that I have known not a man?” (Luke 1:34) She asked because she truly wanted to know God’s plan, not because she distrusted it. Even strong men of the Bible have shrunk back when challenged with God’s vision. Gideon was afraid (Judges 6:11-12); Moses argued that he stuttered (Exodus 6:30); Jonah ran away (Jonah 1:3-17). But Mary said, “Let it be unto me according to thy word.” Despite the amazing and strange prophecy, Mary knowingly and willingly placed herself in a vulnerable state of servitude before the Lord.
Despite the seeming incredibility of this message, Joseph didn’t try to figure everything out or worry about what his friends and neighbors would say. He simply trusted and did what the angel commanded him. We can spend our lives frustrated and confused if we insist that God tell us every detail beforehand, instead of resting in the assurance of His promises.
“When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as
"The Nativity" by Gustave Doré
Joseph and Mary acted in harmony with God’s plan; they didn’t wait until they had all the answers before they were obedient. Their devotion to God and willingness to surrender their lives for His will stand as examples to us all. Be it unto each of us according to His word.
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Mature Ladies Christmas Luncheon
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he Mature Ladies group led by Sister Joyce Jones had a special Christmas luncheon in December. It was a wonderful opportunity to talk about the real meaning of Christmas, the birth of Christ. It was also a time to enjoy fellowshipping, delicious food, and play a few Christmas-themed games. Each lady brought a present which was used in a fun game in which presents are passed left or right depending on the Christmas story read. Secret Sisters also are revealed. If you are a lady 50 years or older, please join us. Contact Sister Jones for information on our next event. Merry Christmas and have a joyous and blessed new year! 42 WINTER NEWSVINE 2026 •
A Special Thank You to our Volunteers
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bviously this is not a complete list of all of our countless volunteers who give of their talents, time, and energy at this year's mission's conference. They represent our greeters, musicians, singers, streaming team, media, lighting, and graphics crew, and so many more. We are also thankful for all those who helped watch the children of the missionaries so they could focus on the services. Thank you to those who provided transportation to our missionary families and to Hotel Bayit for their wonderful hospitality. We could not begin to list all who worked so hard, but we are grateful for your selfless service. As the Bible says, "The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed" - Proverbs 11:25 NLT
...and to our Visitors
Some of the many guests who attended this year's Missions Conference. This group of young men traveled all the way from Sacramento to attend our missions conference. Thank you for coming! WINTER NEWSVINE 2026 • 43
Testimony of Faith - Sister Hilda Rochester
Victory from the Depths of Despair - Part 2
and Andy was in love with me again. For a while, things were good. We were having fun—or so I thought. But old habits die hard, and Andy started using again. This time, I didn’t have the energy to fight it. Instead, I gave in and started chipping. I often prided myself on not being a “full-blown addict,” and because of our connections, I never had to resort to desperate measures to get what I wanted. "Looking back now, I know that was nothing but the mercy of God..." In many ways, I was insulated from a lot of the darker realities. Looking back now, I know that was nothing but the mercy of God, and I am forever grateful. Around that time, I also found out I was pregnant— again. It was a shock, as I definitely wasn’t ready for Editor's note: In our prior issue, Sister Hilda shared another child. Still, I chose to see it as a blessing and the first part of her testimony in which she struggled God giving me a second chance with a brand-new baby. with drugs and the tragic death of her daughter from a But the joy of expecting a new child soon faded, overcar accident. She was confused and distraught, asking, shadowed by the reality that I was right back in the "What did I do to deserve this pain?" (Pictured above, same situation I had tried so hard to escape. Sister Hilda with her husband Keenan Rochester). Grief, Guilt, and Unanswered Questions
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t nineteen years old, I found myself trying to understand what I had done to deserve this and what I was going to do next. There were so many unanswered questions. Because I had left to get away from the baby’s father, and because he wasn’t involved in any of the funeral arrangements, I didn’t see him until the day of the funeral. It was an incredibly emotional moment, and it reopened the door between us. My family expected me to move on quickly, so I chose to go back to him. But I had no idea that shortly after I returned, he would blame me for her death. Hearing that only deepened my grief and guilt. I felt I couldn’t go back to my family because I had chosen to stay with Andy, and once again, I was told and believed that, I had made my bed—so now I had to lie in it. Shortly after that, I received a settlement from the insurance company, and of course the blaming stopped
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Sister Hilda before she found peace in Jesus
Because I was a fighter, I became determined to make things work this time. But sadly, despite my best efforts, there was nothing I could do to change the situation—or the power of addiction. Addiction is an entirely different world, full of complex dynamics. It changes a person’s life, their values, and ultimately their identity, leaving even the people closest to them confused and disconnected. Of course, this only became clear in hindsight. I eventually gave birth to my baby girl, Angela Marie—another beautiful blessing.
was listening and getting ready to answer without me even realizing it. This is why I’m not dismissive of anyone that says they pray. God does hear them. He heard me—a broken young woman—and He was already making a way for Sister Hilda with me that I couldn’t even imagine. The party scene never lasts forever, unless you’re her daughter, Angela Marie. willing to sacrifice your conscience and become someone you don’t want to be. And that’s exactly where I found myself. Eventually, the time comes to pay the piper—and sometimes the price is more than you’re willing to pay.
Somewhere during this time, I met a woman who told me that when I prayed, I should pray in the name of Jesus. So I started praying and did what I knew—I prayed the rosary. And when I finished, I would hold the cross and end my prayers “in the name of Jesus.” It seemed right because my friend Trena told me the same thing years before. Eventually, I decided to relocate down south to Newport Beach, where my sister and mother lived—another attempt at a fresh start. Southern California was a little different world than the valley or the Bay Area. And of course, the devil does a great job at painting a pretty picture. And sin is always fun and glamorous in the beginning, but you don’t see the end result. My sister was exceptionally beautiful when she was younger. And that opened up a lot of doors for her. At that time she was a limo driver with a wide network of friends who knew how to party, and I was right there in the middle of it. With my mother as our built-in babysitter, the fun was endless. The height of the disco era had passed, but dancing and the club scene were still thriving, and we wanted to be right in the center of it all. We were riding high— weekend trips to Catalina, being wined and dined, and flying to Vegas from John Wayne Airport, had become the norm. But by then, I was no longer “chipping.” I had developed an expensive little habit. I was introduced to what they called a “John Belushi,” which was very popular in Southern California in the early ’80s. But unbeknownst to me—and thankfully—my friend/sister in law Ava Gregg, had recently got saved, and was desperately praying for me. And God was truly hearing our prayers, for I was praying to Him I didn’t want that life, no matter how glamorous it seemed, He
"Sin always looks glamorous in the beginning. It sparkles and shines—but you never see the other side of it until it’s too late." I’ll never forget one party in Laguna Beach, at a very upscale condo. I remember looking around and being absolutely shocked by what I saw. Instantly, I knew: This is not for me. Fear and panic washed over me, and all I wanted to do was run. I knew I had to get out of there—and away from that entire scene—or I would fall prey. So I went back to Andy because he was at least familiar and, in a strange way, somewhat safe. He couldn’t give me all the glamour, but he could keep me safe and take care of my habit. We could no longer afford Newport so we moved to Santa Ana—and that’s where everything began to unravel. What looked like trouble at the time would turn out to be a blessing in disguise, and an answer to prayers I hadn’t even prayed yet. Santa Ana was a world away from Newport Beach even though it was literally just 20 minutes down the street. Before long, I found myself in trouble with the law—and this time, I couldn’t talk my way out of it. When I found out I was getting arrested, I was shocked. Arrested? Me? It felt impossible. I had always been able to explain my way out of things, but not this time. I was treated like a common criminal and ended up in a jail cell at Sybil Brand, a Los Angeles' County women's correctional facility. I was surrounded by women I always believed I was better than. The contradiction of it all hit me hard. What a paradox. Like I said, sin always looks glamorous in the beginning. It sparkles and shines—but you never see the other side of it until it’s too late. And there I was, sitting in a jail cell. This was not the life I wanted. That was the moment that desperation finally broke through my denial. WINTER NEWSVINE 2026 • 45
I bailed out quickly and tried to pull myself together as I knew I had an upcoming court date. I had a little VW Squareback that I loved, but I was scared to drive it over the Grapevine. So I got onto a Greyhound bus—again—my daughter and I, and headed home, just intending to drop my daughter off with family where I
Angela Marie, Sister Hilda's "beautiful blessing," enjoys an chocolate ice cream cone.
knew she would be safe while I went back to fight my case. "I knew I had found something real—something my heart and soul had been searching for my entire life." One of the first people I reached out to was my dear friend Ava, who had been praying for me all along. She had tried helping me, but I always pushed her away. Still, she never took it personally. She just kept praying—and now, I was the one calling her. She kept inviting me to church, but I kept turning her down. I was focused on getting back and preparing for court. And moving back to the valley was the last thing I wanted. But the Lord had other plans for me—and today I’m so grateful He did. Eventually, Ava convinced me to go to church in Turlock, California, with her. I remember walking into that plain little building. No stained-glass windows, no holy water—just simple walls and worn carpet. But the moment I stepped inside, I felt a presence I couldn’t explain. I remember thinking, these people are weird. The women with their big, puffy hair, Little House on the Prairie clothes and the men with their oversized ties—I couldn’t wait for the service to be over because I was certain this wasn’t for me. And yet…I couldn’t deny what I felt. I couldn’t help but weep in the presence of God. I don’t remember if it was my first or second 46 WINTER NEWSVINE 2026 •
service, but a dear sweet saint came to me and gently asked if I wanted to go to the altar and pray. I didn’t know what to expect. I certainly wasn’t expecting the Holy Ghost. But the moment they told me to lift my hands, something powerful happened. Tongues began to flow out of me, and when I became aware of it, I panicked. I stopped and told them, “I’m not doing this. I don’t want this. This is of the devil.” But after they showed me in the Bible that this experience was a gift from God—meant for me, I welcomed it with outstretched arms. It was the purest thing I’d ever experienced. I was overcome with a joy and gladness I didn’t even know existed. In that moment, I knew I had found something real—something my heart and soul had been searching for my entire life. It felt like I had finally come home.
Hilda with her friend, Trena, who first told her about Jesus when she was 12 years old.
Shortly after that I was baptized! That was the icing on the cake. All my sins were washed away, and I became a new creature in Christ. I couldn’t believe how clean I felt—or that God truly loved and accepted me, with all my pain and broken pieces. And not only did He accept me, He wanted to give joy—real joy, not the counterfeit kind I had chased for so long. It didn’t take long for me to commit my life to God. I was so grateful to be delivered—set free healed from past trauma—that I would have done absolutely anything I was told. There was nothing I wouldn’t have given in exchange for the freedom I felt and the newness of life I had stepped into. And then, to top it off, at one of the next few services, I looked over and lo and behold there was my friend Trena. My friend who I met when I was twelve years old that first told me about Jesus. The one that had taken me to a Pentecostal church years ago. This just reinforced it even more for me.
A Brand-New Beginning
Hilda and her daughter, Angela Marie enjoying a day at the beach.
I was twenty-four at the time, and for the first time I felt like I had real purpose, other than just wanting to have fun. I was excited to begin this brand-new life and wanted to share it with everyone—especially my family. Sadly, they were not as happy for me as I had hoped. In fact, they all but disowned me, unless I left what they called a cult and return to the Catholic Church. So this new church became my new family. I stopped partying cold turkey. There was no program, no gradual process—I just stopped, because He delivered me. The transformation was so complete, and I knew I would never go back. Still, I carried a situation that needed tending to, one I didn’t want to share with anyone. I bore it in silence while trying to find my way back down south. Eventually, I confided in Ava—the only person I trusted. She kept telling me to be patient, to wait on God, and to trust that He would work everything out. As much as I didn’t want to stay in the area, I knew I needed to stay in the Turlock church. I had finally found safety, and I couldn’t leave this place of refuge. I also knew it was the safest place to raise my daughter. Life in the fast lane was no longer for me, and I certainly didn’t want it for her. It’s funny how God begins to change your heart when you get saved—when you truly surrender. Before then, I always assumed I would be a single mother, just me and my daughter. I would get my degree, get a good job and raise her alone. I hadn’t really seen a healthy marriage, except for my grandparents’, so it wasn’t something I thought much about. But God began to soften my heart, awakening desires I’d never allowed myself to have—a wholesome life,
stability, a husband, and a good father for my daughter. When I told Andy about my conversion and invited him to join me on this new journey, he called me a “Jesus freak” and made it clear he wanted nothing to do with it. So I made the decision to go on alone—just Jesus and I. Even though I was finished with Andy, I carried a quiet fear. If I were to see him again, I worried he could still persuade me to leave the church, given the control he once had over me. I shared that fear with no one but God—not even Ava. I’m so grateful I had a strong Christian woman in my life to mentor me. Ava consistently encouraged me to stay in church, to keep showing up, to trust God, and believe He would work everything out. And that’s exactly what I did. After some time in the church, I met my children’s father. He was a breath of fresh air—completely different from the men I had known before. He was kind, gentle, and full of faith. Yet despite the love and goodness I found in the church, the honeymoon eventually faded. As I tried to assimilate, I began to experience condemnation. In the early to mid-1980s, the church was very different, there was still significant stigma attached to a woman with an “illegitimate child,” as they called it and not everyone shared my enthusiasm or understood my carefree personality. Still, Ava and my new friend encouraged me to keep my eyes on Jesus and not allow anyone to discourage me. So I dug my heels in and held on to the horns of the altar, just as they said. One thing led to another, and my relationship grew serious. Before long, I was married— and beginning yet another new life. "Little did I know then that we don’t get to choose how God answers our prayer." Life was good. I was starting my own little family, and I couldn’t have been happier. Still, I carried a hidden fear with me—one I rarely spoke aloud. I remember tucking away small handwritten notes that said, If anything happens to me—meaning, if I were ever pulled over and arrested—do this, do that, with careful instructions about my daughter. But I refused to let that define me. I pushed it to the back burner and focused on the future. And that future, at that moment, was my daughter’s fifth birthday. This one mattered deeply to me. I wanted everything about it to be centered on her, from beginning to end. It was also the first time my husband’s family and my WINTER NEWSVINE 2026 • 47
family were going to come together. Because we had a private ceremony, neither side had been there when we married. This day felt significant—our families finally meeting, and my daughter turning five. I remember praying with eager anticipation, asking God to make her birthday especially meaningful, to give her the best birthday she had ever had. Little did I know then that we don’t get to choose how God answers our prayers. He hears every one of them—but He doesn’t always answer in the way we expect. There was a series of events that unfolded in the days leading up to her birthday. One of them was taking my husband’s grandmother to Spanish service on Thursday night. That was something I had never done before, but for some reason, I was asked to take her this time. Even though I didn’t speak Spanish, I could feel the presence of God in a profound way throughout the service. It transcended language. That night, I went to the altar and prayed, and the prayer felt different—deeper, heavier. I remember trying to make sense of it in my mind because I had never experienced a prayer like that before. Still, I simply trusted God and went home. The following day was Angela’s birthday—April 18th. Looking back now, I can see so clearly the hand of God in every single detail. I woke up at 5:00 a.m. to see my husband off to work. He went outside to start the car, but we were out of gas, so he hitched a ride instead. After he left, I crawled into bed with Angela and held her close, thanking God for her and for the new life He had given us. Once again, I prayed—asking God to be with us that day, her birthday, and the following day, Saturday, when the party was planned. This was before cell phones and instant money transfers, so my husband needed to come home during his lunch break to put gas in the car and sign a check so I could pick up the remaining items for the big celebration the next day. Angela and I waited eagerly for him to come home so we could begin our day. It was a beautiful, sunny afternoon, and the air was filled with the scent of orange blossoms drifting from the tree in our backyard. Jerry arrived during his lunch hour in a big truck he had borrowed from a friend. He put gas in my little Audi, we said our goodbyes, and he drove off down the alley. Angela was inside the house waiting for me. As he drove away, I suddenly realized he hadn’t signed the check. I yelled for him to come back, and he put the car in reverse and returned. I walked around to the driver’s side and had him sign the check. 48 WINTER NEWSVINE 2026 •
"I remember literally dropping to my knees in shock, screaming in disbelief." Unbeknownst to me, the only thing we can surmise is that when Angela heard me yell for Jerry to come back, she must’ve thought I was telling her to come out so she walked or ran right out in front of the truck, and he didn’t see her when he drove off because the truck was so high. As he was driving away, I turned and began walking quickly toward the house to get Angela so we could leave. That’s when, out of my peripheral vision, I saw her body lying on the ground with her long hair covering her face. I remember literally dropping to my knees in shock, screaming in disbelief. In that moment, Jerry jumped out of the truck and ran to her. He knelt down, picked her up, and held her in his arms, rocking her as he prayed in tongues over her. Later, he told me he felt her little body become limp and lifeless, her tiny neck falling against his arm. By then, neighbors had come and the ambulance arrived shortly afterward. I was in complete shock and could barely move. I remember my neighbor helping me up and taking us to the hospital. When we arrived, they were still working on her, but it wasn’t long before they came out and told us she didn’t make it. By that time, the pastor had arrived, along with my family and other members of the church. "It is often through great pain that we learn the most profound lessons." I could not believe this was even happening. It felt like another nightmare—yet at the same time, I felt a peace and calm I had never experienced in my life. I didn’t flip out. I didn’t scream or yell. I didn’t get angry. I didn’t turn to a vice. I had peace. It was such a stark contrast to when Andrea died—it was night and day. I had Jesus living on the inside of me, and He was truly carrying me. My pastor’s wife was an angel sent to me. And I felt the genuine love of God through the church. I longed to find strength and comfort from my mother, but sadly, she chose to side with Andy and his family. They were angry because I refused a Catholic funeral and instead chose to remain in the church. They couldn’t understand that although I was deeply sad, I was not despondent. Though my heart was broken, I still had joy. Different ones made awful accusations because of the way it happened, but I knew it was an
accident. I knew that God alone is the giver and taker of life. God strengthened me, and we held a beautiful celebration of life for my daughter in the church. In the end, she received the best birthday present of all, going to heaven to be with Jesus! When I had prayed and asked God to give her the best birthday ever, I never imagined He would take her home. I didn’t know the depth of His love. I didn’t understand the great lengths He would go to in order to save me—but I understand now. It is often through great pain that we learn the most profound lessons. When I prayed and asked God to give her the best birthday ever, I never imagined He would take her home. But I trusted in His Word--His thoughts are not our thoughts, and His ways are higher than our ways. The Lord severed all ties for me and spared her. We were safe, I in the church and Angela in Heaven. He became the faithful Father I never had, and I learned the depth of His love and the great lengths He would go to in order to save me. I finally got tired of living in fear so I contacted the court about my case. Believe it or not God worked an absolute miracle and the drug charges that I was facing were dropped to a mere traffic ticket, and all I had to do was pay a fine - that was it. No probation, no jail time just a ticket! That was 39 years ago, and I’ve never looked back. Living for God doesn’t mean life will be perfect, but it does mean that He will be with you, to comfort and strengthen you, to lead you and guide you and ultimately working all things out for your good.
our own, Noah Wynn. Today, we have ten beautiful grandchildren, and I am blessed beyond measure to be an active and present part of their lives. I am also grateful for the opportunity to help young women and mothers as they come into the church, sharing encouragement born from experience and grace. My life is rich. My heart is full, and I wouldn't change a thing!
Sister Hilda helping out at Sunday School. Sister Hilda is one of those wonderful saints who is always ready to step in whenever there is a need.
The God of Restoration God truly is a God of restoration. The Lord blessed their father and me with three wonderful boys, including Reverend Chris Castro, and then He gave me a double portion when He blessed me with another beautiful daughter, Alyssa, a registerrd nurse. However, as time passed, the weight of losing a child placed tremendous strain on our marriage. Grief has a way of isolating hearts, and eventually we grew so far apart that we could not recover. Our marriage came to an end. Yet God, in His great mercy, was not finished with my story. He knew exactly what I needed. In His perfect timing, God blessed me with a good man, Keenan Rochester--one who helped me raised my children. God also allowed us to be blessed with a child we could call
Hilda with son, Noah Wynn “I called on your name, Lord,
from the depths of the pit. You heard my plea: 'Do not close your ears to my cry for relief.' You came near when I called you, and you said, 'Do not fear.'”
Lamentations 3:55-57 NIV
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We Remember Those Who Have Left Us...
Sister Rachel Jenkins
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t is with great sadness, but yet with joy that we bid farewell to a beloved saint of our church, Sister Rachel Jenkins. After a long illness, she was finally freed from her earthly body to walk on those streets of gold. Sister Rachel served the Lord faithfully. For many years she was a gifted kindergarten teacher at Modesto Central Academy, teaching generations of our church kids. She also previously served as a greeter, welcoming saints and visitors with her lovely smile. She was a prayer warrior, spending hours in intercession. Even though she was ill, she and her husband, Herb, graciously opened up their home for a monthly connect group this summer so she could participate. It is obvious that Sister Rachel touched countless lives and will be greatly missed. Someday soon, we will see you again, Sister. In the meantime, we will cherish our memories of you. Pictured above, Sister Rachel stands proudly with her kindergarten graduates. This photo was taken in 1999. Pictured below left: Sister Rachel with Sister Sharon Keyes and Sister Kim Johnson at a church ladies' event. In the middle, Sister Rachel stands in front of her desk in her kindergarten classroom.
"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints." Psalm 116:15
A dedicated teacher, Sister Rachel diligently taught her kindergarten students for many years at Modesto Central Academy and at Head Start. She was a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, friend, and faithful saint of God.
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fter a long, courageous fight against cancer, God took Sister Lena home where she could freely worship Him. What a time of rejoicing it must have been when she joined her mother who passed away last year. Oh what beautiful singing must be ringing through heaven. What a faithful saint she was! Although in pain, you could always find her in church. She was a gifted singer. For as long as she was able, she would sing and worship in the choir, even if it meant she had to sit in a chair because she was too weak to stand. What an inspiration to all of us! Sister Lena, you will be missed here on earth, but we know you have gone on to join that heavenly choir singing the song of the redeemed. Until we meet you again...
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LenaJackson Collins
In June of this past year, Sister Lena was determined to sing in the choir. Finally, she was so ill, she needed to sing from a chair. She told Pastor Johnson before church service, "I am not going to let the enemy win!" When Pastor Johnson saw Sister Lena sitting among the choir members, he turned to the congregation and said with emotion, "This is an example of what a godly life looks like."
In Loving Memory Joshua Leroy Blackwood, Sr.
celebration of life was held in December for the son of Brother David and Sister Carol Kirkwood, a very faithful family of our church. It was a beautiful graveside service for this young man who, in his youth, was baptized at the church in Jesus' name. Pastor Quinones was present to say a prayer for the family and friends. Close family friends Donnie and Melissa led the service and beautifully sang several numbers including "I Can Only Imagine." Joshua will be greatly missed by his family and friends. The poem "Miss Me But Let Me Go" by Christina Georgina Rossetti was recited at the service. Here is a verse from that poem:
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Miss me a little - but not too long And not with your head bowed low. Remember the love that we once shared, Miss me - but let me go. WINTER NEWSVINE 2026 • 51
Congratulations to our Newlyweds!
Mr. and Mrs. Bryan Nuñez Wedding bells rang out this fall for Bryan Nuñez and his lovely bride, DeVina Escobedo. Bryan is a licensed minister and DeVina blesses the church with her anointed singing. We are so pleased that they decided to make Revival Church their home. May God mightily use this gifted couple in His kingdom. (photo by Jocelyn Powell)