Pondering Pastor

My Tribute to Kenneth Haney

2011-11-11T14:15:00.000-08:00

My final semester of college was coming to an end. Only one thought filled my mind, the same one on the minds of all the others students of "where do I go from here"? My goal has always been the same: Just Do the Will of God! Like Samuel in a youthful state I was not familiar enough to know the sound of His voice neither understanding the importance as a servant of watching the glaze of the masters eyes to realize what He wanted and what I should do (1 Samuel 3:3-10; Psalms 123:2 ).

I was married to a wonderful young women. She, like myself was from a broken home. She showed the wonderful character of being a woman of God. She came to God from the streets of Modesto, riding a bus to church since the age of twelve without the support of a godly mother or father. Yet her desire and belief in the importance of the spiritual resonated within her heart.

We had worked hard for me to finish Bible College. She worked full time in the day and I worked full time at night. We sacrificed time and money to make it. She loved, believed and trusted in me. That was a weight upon my heart!

I said I had a call! Was that really true? The theme of the college was: "A man's gift will make room for him" (Proverbs 18:16). That meant that if you had a "gift" or "calling" there would be a place for you! Would there be a place for me? That also was a weight on my heart!

My desire was great but my abilities were few. Great passion but little knowledge. A servants heart but limited talents. A common sparrow desiring to fly in the heaven to the highest of heights of the eagle but limited in the God given physical abilities of high flight and the lifelong training needed to accomplish my dreams. A young man struggling with inner turmoil of low esteem that was founded upon physical handicap and emotional struggle of being the product of a divorce. That was also a weight on my heart!

I felt the pain of loneliness. No father to open doors, no name recognition to fall on, I wrestled with self inflected negative thoughts of self pity. Who would want me on their staff? Would anyone give me a chance?

Someone did! Who? Kenneth Haney, a great man gave me a chance! He saw something within me that I did not see in myself. He saw potential and acted upon what he saw. His vision for me was greater than I had for myself.

For two and one half years we were together on a daily bases. He believed in me, encouraged me, and challenged me to grow. The lessons he taught me are still with me today! Often I catch myself passing them on to others. His lessons about the leading the church and working with its people are priceless. Many times I've thought of his words that he spoke to me from Proverbs 14:4 "Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: But much increase is by the strength of the ox."

He let me know that I was never to look at people as problems but as the source strength for working in the kingdom. Do not let the mess of humanity stop you from reaching for more people to come into the church.

He led me by example. Since I was the low man on the totem pole I had to open and lock up the church. Each air conditioner had to be turned on and off by hand. I had to climb to the top of the balcony and then to the baptismal area to complete the project. I had to be the last one to leave the building. Yet the majority of times I was never alone. Though the church congregation was large he always had time for people. He would be counseling after preaching letting others go home but always fulfilling his duty. We walked to the empty parking lot together our cars sitting alone.

His example of being frugal was widely known yet it was not that he was fugal for others but also for his own family and self. He taught me to be a good steward of the funds of the Lord.

He taught me to organize, to have a to do list, to allow others to strive for their dreams.

The lesson of always having a time in each service for the people to come to the altar was priceless. He told me, "You might not feel the anointing in the worship, you might not feel it when your preaching but always have an altar, it could hit you then"!

I'm sure I frustrated him often yet he was patient and kind. His kindness was evidenced by all. He always took time to greet you, never ignoring you as you walked by.

Perhaps the greatest treasure I have was that he taught me to reach for others. After being in the ministry for a few years I seen that many churches to do not reach out to their community in an organized fashion in fact it is never be mentioned. Or if they do often there is an absence of Pastoral participation. That did not happen in the world of Pastor Kenneth Haney. There was never a Saturday that we did not reach for others. He always came to the Saturday outreach service when the bus ministry would meet. It might be a handful but it was always important to him. He led the church in evangelism reaching out for other in his personal life and bringing them to God.

He was a true Christian. He lived what he preached.

As I write this today, tears are streaming down my face. I'm deeply indebted to a man who took a chance on me. What did he see in me? He told me one day. I saw you in the prayer room reaching out to God! Little did I know that when I was crying out to God in self pity at the lack of a father, my heavenly Father was directing a man to help fill that role. Fathers are teachers. Kenneth Haney has been one of my life long teachers. I love him and will miss him greatly!

What Should We Teach Our Children?

2010-12-02T10:26:00.000-08:00

Recently an individual approached me with the following question?

In your opinion what is the greatest challenge that the church faces?
In my opinion the greatest challenge of the church today is the passing down of biblical truths to the next generations. We are seeing an eroding of our biblical mandate to be distinct as the people of God from the our present day society. This is being happening in all area's from actions, words, thoughts, and appearance. This is happening because of the failure of parents to assume the responsibility to teach their children the Word of God. Today's parents are trying to place this on the church when in reality it is their calling (Deuteronomy 6:1-7). When we look at the biblical mandate of Deuteronomy 6:1-7 we see that the parents are to teach. What are they to teach: First they are to teach Doctrine (Vs 4), especially of One God which is the theological mark of the people of God. Secondly they are to teach a passion for the things of God (vs 5). This passion is represented by the thought of "love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might! This is to be done "diligently" (vs 7) that is, when ever there is an opportunity (vs 8) when you are interacting with your children!
The importance of these verses can be understood by the response that Jesus gives to a scribe when He is asked the question of "Which commandment is the first?"(Mark 12:28) He responded with the scriptures we have quoted above in Deuteronomy 6:4-5! It is interesting that He does quote one of the "Ten Commandments" of Exodus 20! In fact He will state that all of the Law the hangs on two principals: The first is that " God, who is one, is to be loved with the total being" and "to love your neighbor as yourself"! (12:32) There are no commandments greater! (12:31).

It is not the first generation child of God who is coming out of a life that was influenced by a world of Godless values, by fleshly desires and sin who are struggling with understanding the importance of being a distinct individual from this societies values. But those who have been never been involved in a life of sin, who have been raised in the church are turning away! This was the same problem of Israel when they desired to be like other nations and have a king (1 Samuel 8:5, 20). They are replacing the leader of their nation from the King of the Universe who has unlimited wisdom and power to an earthly human king who very limited in wisdom and power. Thus the battle has not changed!

What is a nation? They are groups formed on the basis of political or social interests or on kinship /Elwell, W. A., & Beitzel, B. J. (1988). Baker encyclopedia of the Bible (1527). Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Book House./. The people of God wanted to be defined as a nation by their political ruler! They wanted a ruler who would be visual! The people of God desire to be like other nations not understanding they are to be not like a nation (people) but like God (1 Peter 1:15-16; Lev 11:44-45)! When we are like others we feel that we will be accepted by them! We do not understand to be accepted by God not people is what we should strive for!

What should we being our children? Parents should be teaching their children the doctrine of the church and what passion for God looks like!

Key to Building the Kingdom: Working Together

2010-11-19T09:29:00.000-08:00

One of my passions is the development of leaders. I have realized that more can be accomplished when others are involved. Though I have understood this I have had to fight against the call of the urgent! The "urgent" is a seductive siren and tries to keep me from the "important"! The urgent is the daily phone calls and duties that steal my time and energy. They stream for attention. The "important" is the items that make the greatest impact. They are the praying, reading, dreaming or planning which silently wait for my attention.

Throughout my Pastorate I have tried to take the time to develop leaders. I have used numerous methods always trying to improve. For years we have had a leadership night in which we prayed together, ate together and then I would teach a leadership lesson. This past year I have realized that the need of our leaders was more communication. Because of that I have changed the agenda from being heavy in teaching to a time of communication with a minor in teaching. This has led to better team work between ministries along with getting all the leaders
on the same page.

This journey stated with teaching on the subject of "Silo's" in the fall of 2009.

What are silo's?

As of 2010 the phrase "silo effect", popular in the business and organizational communities, refers to a lack of communication and common goals between departments in an organization. It is the opposite of systems thinking in an organization. The silo effect gets its name from the farm storage silo; each silo is designated for one specific grain.

A notable example of a silo's can be seen in the attack of soldiers at Fort Hood in November of 2009 when Maj. Nidal Hasan, a Army psychiatrist and U.S.-born Muslim killed thirteen individuals and wounded many other soldiers.

After the shootings there were numerous reports of Hasan's outspoken opposition to the U.S. wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and to Muslims killing Muslims. Hasan was days away from shipping out to Afghanistan at the time of the shootings.

Also, Hasan reportedly had communicated by e-mail with radical Yemeni cleric Anwar al-Awlaki, something U.S. government agencies apparently knew about but did not tell the military /http://articles.cnn.com/2010-11-09/us/army.fort.hood.report_1_army-report-army-agents-nidal-hasan?_s=PM:US/. This failure of communication led to the death of American soldiers on their home soil.

A lack of communication causes departmental thinking to lack ideas and information from other departments. This creates feelings of self importance and keeps the power of synergy from working. Synergy can be understood by the following scripture:

One can put a thousand to flight, but two can put ten thousand to flight (Deuteronomy 32:30).

Synergy is not addition of 1,000 plus 1,000 in which the sum is 2,000 but the multiplication of resources such as information, talent, intelligent and prayer for a common goal. This working together has a greater result than working alone.

When you apply this principle, we could say that every time you add one person to the group who is in agreement with what you're working for and toward the effectiveness of the group increases 10 times. So . . .

1 can put 1,000 to flight.
2 can put 10,000 to flight.
3 can put 100,000 to flight.
4 can put 1,000,000 to flight.
5 can put 10,000,000 to flight.
6 can put 100,000,000 to flight.
7 can put 1,000,000,000 to flight.

We can see what could happen when every ministry is pulling together for a common goal and understand that each ministry and leader is valuable to the Kingdom of God! Remember that working together demands communication!

The Means for Salvation for Children, Teens and Young Adults

2010-11-19T04:47:00.000-08:00

As I've continued to read the article by George Barna "Evangelism Is Most Effective Among Kids" it has led me to the following question:

Since the greatest opportunity for salvation happens in most individuals life before the age of 21, who or what is the means for salvation for this age group?

Barna addresses this question as he continued his research. The following graph gives his answer for those who are ages 4-12:

The means of salvation for children under 13 are:

Parents 50%,
Friend or other relative 20%,
Minister prompting 7%,
Special event (kids revival, youth camp, etc) 12%
Media evangelism 1%.

This informs us that the family unit, home and individuals parents must take the responsibility of teaching their children the values of the Word of God, prayer, giving, faithfulness to the house of God and participation in service to others and not to hand off religious training to the church and especially to the children's ministry! The church as the means to salvation is only 19% (Ministers prompting 7% plus special events 12 %). The church and in specific, the children ministry, do not have the influence that the home has! The church can support but is limited in its influence!

Here the results of Barna's study for those 13-21:

The means of salvation for children who are 13- 21 are as follows:

Friend 20%,
Parents 20%,
Special event 20%
Other Relative 16%
Minister prompting 10%,
Media evangelism 1%.

The influence of the parents drops as to the means of salvation from 50% under the age of 13 to 20% when the child reaches the age of 13-21! Yet friends and other relatives (brothers and sisters etc) gain more importance from 20% to 36% (Friends 20% plus other relatives 16%)! The special event gains in importance from 12 % before 13 to 20% after 13. Minister's prompting has a slight improve of 3% while media evangelism stays the same.

What do these figures speak to me?

As a parent they speak the following:

You have a window of opporutunity that is huge to influence your child to salvation! (Barna says that after the age 21 that the percentage for parents being the means to salvation for their children drops to 8%!!) You might think they are young and do not totally understand but they are watching your life and hearing your comments about God and the church! When they are under 13 you must give yourself to leading your family in prayer and having a family devotion. You must give rewards not just for good grades but the memorization of key scriptures! Even though you are tired you must be at every church service and prayer meeting teaching them the importance of House of God! At this age they will not fight you but will follow you in your walk with God because of your great influence! This is not the job of the church but your highest calling as a parent!

Your influnance will drop as your child approaches their teenage years and the influnce of friends will increase! You must know who your childs friends are! Are they Godly? What is their home like? The chances that their friends will be Godly will be better if you are making sure that they are going to the special events of the church! Sacrifice for them to go to the Youth Camps and Conventions! Limit their involvement in events at their public school! You don't know the spiritual lives neither the homelife of the students your children rub shoulders with at public school! It will influence their salvation!

Look at the spiritual lives of your own family, that is, your parents, brothers and sisters. Are they Godly? If so allow your teen to spend time with their cousins etc but if your family does not live for God then you are going to have to limit and control their time with your family. If your family is Godly it will be a great support for the salvation of your child.

Understand that media is not the answer for the spiritual teaching of your children. They need the interaction with their parents. The reading of the bible books and answering of questions not the babysitting of the television or computer. They need to hear and learn the songs you sang when you were a child in the church. The media is limited in influnancing for salvation!

How do I look at this as a Pastor?

I understand that I must do all I can to teach and provide resources for family to have family nights and family altars. What do they do during a family night? What lessons should be taught? How do you make it enjoyable?

I've got to make sure there is a night during the week that there are no events at the church neither ministry responsibilities so that family can have a night at home for a spiritual training.

Our youth program must have spiritual events yet they must be exciting! As a church we must have youth revivals, camps, retreats and youth mission trips! I've got to make sure our youth are particapting in events where they are mixing with other like trained young people. These events will influence the teens more than when they were children. At these events they will be mixing with friends by faith who are Godly!

I've got to understand that my influence grows during these years of an individuals life. I can not be a specator of the youth ministry but need to rub shoulders with them attending their events and understanding that they have something to give today! I've got to provide opportunity for ministry even as teenagers!

Settle the fact that media is not the means to salvation for this group! They will be attracted to it but as a means of salvation it is limited. I must continue to preach against the dangers of it because the dangers outweigh the benefits!

As a pondering pastor I come to these conclusions:

I must pray and ask God to help me to develop family ministries in the church by providing resources and protecting a week night for spiritual training in the home.
I must do all I can to make our children's and youth ministry the best they can be with leadership, funds, buildings and program never letting the leadership think that they and their ministry are unimportant.

Thinking about our Focus!

2010-09-12T16:38:00.000-07:00

Recently I read an article that was very thought provoking. It has impacted me greatly! The title is Evangelism Is Most Effective Among Kids by George Barna. The insight that Barna states comes from a research study from The Barna Group, based on interviews with 992 born again Christians nationwide. Of this research Barna found the following information concerning the age of conversion for Christians:

77% of Christians became followers of Christ before turning 21! 67% were converted before the age of 18 while 43 % before the age of 13! Only 23% were converted after 21!

As I absorbed this information it made me realize that children and youth ministries are two of the most important ministries of the church! They should not be thought of as babysitting neither as entertainment! These two ministries must receive funds, man power, and the support of the Senior Pastor!

These figures demand that these ministries be actively pursuing those that they minister to!They must be evangelistic!

Next we will examine the means by which these two groups were influenced to conversion.

2009-12-20T17:33:00.000-08:00

June 6, 1944 was the day that the Allied armies invaded the territory that was controlled by the tyrant Adolf Hitler! The preparation of invasion had been worked on for years! There was 9 battleships, 23 cruisers, 104 destroyers, and 71 large landing craft of various descriptions as well as troop transports, mine sweepers, and merchant ships, in all, nearly 5,000 ships of every type were used to transport the invasion force. 100,000 troops would be transported in the first wave of the invasion. The last week before "D" Day, the US had a fighting force of 1.75 million men in Great Britain. But the US Military was not the only needed piece in the invasion, the manufacturing might of the US, which was civilian, would out produce the factories of Germany. More than 16 million tons of supplies would be needed to feed and supply US forces and their allies: six and one-quarter pounds of rations per day per man; 137,000 jeeps, trucks, and half-tracks; 4,217 tanks and fully tracked vehicles; 3,500 artillery pieces; 12,000 aircraft; and huge stores of sundries everything from dental amalgam for fillings to chewing gum and candy bars.

The beaches of Normandy became the beachhead for the 2 million plus army of the US, Great Britain, Canada and the underground forces of France. Those beaches were important because through them the needed reinforcements and supplies would be able to land and help continue the advancement of the Allies! The eyes of the world were on that day! We had to get a toehold somehow!

Christmas means different things to different people. To some it is a day of family, friends and food! Others gage the day by the gifts that they receive. But to me Christmas is: Heavens "D" Day!

The plans had been made in eternity (He was to be "lamb slain before the foundation of the world" Rev. 13:8). The creative "Word" logos would become flesh (John 1:1, 3, 14). The One who had created Heaven and Earth would become the Savior of humanity! The One who was rich would be come poor (2 Cor. 8:9).

That is why the eyes of Heaven were on the cradle at Bethlehem!As you read the accounts of the birth of the Lord in the gospels, you will notice the presence of angels throughout the birth. In the Word of God the Birth of the Lord is the event where we see more angels on this earth than any other time in scripture! Angels came to Mary, Joseph (twice), and Zacharias (father of John the Baptist). Shepherds experience a multitude or "great number"(TDNT) of "angels" of the army of heaven (Luke 2:13)! In the New Testament angels are "divine messengers and heavenly representatives" (TDNTA, p. 13)! Heaven is well represented at this birth!

Why is this so important? The birth of the Lord is the start of the invasion, the day the Kingdom of God invaded the Kingdom of Satan! How did it happen? It happened because God came down! The beam of light of heaven pierced the darkness of sin! And darkness no longer held people by fear (Hebrews 2:14-15). Jesus describes the invasion best as he speaks to earthly foes, the Pharisee's:

But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you 11 When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace: 22 But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils. (Luke 11:20 , King James Version)

Jesus came to the house and went in! Whose house was it? The house of Satan! The earth was under the control of Satan! Satan was the God of this world(II Cor. 4:4)! The Prince and power of the air (Eph. 2:2)! Yet Jesus invaded Satan territory! He was stronger so he took the Satan's armour! But not only his armour but his spoils! Satan's spoils was the blind, lame, the deaf, and the dead! Jesus opened the blinded eyes, and unloosed the tongue of the dumb!He destroyed the armour of death and took the keys of death and hell (Rev. 1:18)! But not just the psychically dead but the spiritually dead! He distroyed sin and its controling ability by forgiving our sins and the debt that sin produces. He took our sins, blotted them out and nailed them to the cross (Col. 2:13-15)!

He came uninvited but not unannounced! The army of heaven announced it! They praised God on earth at the Birth of Jesus and then return to heaven (Luke 2:14) watching Jesus constantly and coming to assist Him in His battle to regain lost humanity! They were the reinforcements that should accompany him at high points in his life and ministry: his birth, temptation, passion, and resurrection (Lk. 2:9ff.; Mk. 1:13; Lk. 22:43; Mt. 28:2).

As I listened to the songs of the season I kept hearing the word "angels"!

Hark the herald angels sing, Glory to the new born king!

Angels we have heard on high

Oh, come all ye faithful Joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem.
Come and behold Him,
Born the King of Angels;
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.

These song writers understood that heaven was watching the birth of our Lord! They placed them in their songs! Why? To help us remember the importance of this event!

The Lord's birth began the invasion and this invasion will end in total victory for Jesus with everything under His feet (Eph. 1:20-23)!

Another Wonderful Grandson!

2009-11-14T08:57:00.000-08:00

My wife and I are excited about the new addition to the Wilmoth family! My youngest son, Todd and his wife Courtney have been blessed with a wonderful bundle of joy: Shiloh Michael Wilmoth! He's a cutie! He was 5lbs 11 oz and 18 inches! He was a month early but all is well! This probably means he will be early to church services, school, the job and all appointments the rest of his life! HA!!

We have now five grandchildren (3 boys and 2 girls)! They are all under the age of three! It's going to be exciting at Christmas to see all them anticipating the gifts etc!

But for me, I'm anticipating them receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost (with the evidence of speaking in tongues) and being baptized in the name of Jesus! That will be the greatest gift they ever give to me: The joy of having family live for God!

John said it like this:

3 John 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. (KJV)

As a parent my children walking in truth is my joy!! In my life I have learned that I want to try and bring about joy for my life! I want to be a parent and grandparent that is not relying on church and it's ministries to be the first line of defense for the salvation of my children. I love the children's and youth ministries of Hope Center but I realize that it is my parental responsibility to train and lead my children and grandchildren! Listen to the words of the the Lord as He speaks to Israel:

Deuteronomy 6:1-7
1Now these are the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the LORD your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go to possess it:

2That thou mightest fear the LORD thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son’s son (Grandchildren), all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged.

3Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe to do it; that it may be well with thee, and that ye may increase mightily, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath promised thee, in the land that floweth with milk and honey.

4Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:

5And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. 6And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: 7And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. (KJV)

This instructs us that the parents who call themselves the people of God have a responsibility to teach their children and their grandchildren! In fact he says in verse four: There is no retirement from teaching your families! You must do it all the days of your life!

Father's & Grandfathers: Lead your families into the spiritual things of God! Parents & Grandparents: Let your children and grandchildren have memories of hearing your voice in prayer being lifted up at your home! Let them see parents and grandparents participating in the worship service, giving in the offering, praying in the alters and supporting the Pastor's preaching and teaching by living what the Pastor preaches! Use Godly correction with love and teach them the ways that a One God Apostolic Pentecostal lives (A Spiritual life of prayer, devotion, sacrifice, hunger for restoration of the early church in your local church, separation from the world and it's cultural, and serving others)! Don't lay that responsibly upon the Children's Ministry director, the Youth Pastor, the Pastor or other leaders in the church! Remember: It's your joy that is on the line!

Great Things Have Happened!

2009-10-07T10:03:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been a while since I've blogged. I wish I could really say "it's been a while since had the time to blog, but in realty I must say that it hasn't been a priority! The #1 priority of the leader is not to manage others but to manage themselves! That is my main mission!

There's been a lot of things happening that I would like to share with the readers!

The best thing is that individuals have been receiving the Holy Ghost! Here is a picture of a great young man, Aaron Trawick receiving the Holy Ghost at Jr. Youth Camp!
I love this picture! He getting drunk on the Spirit! His sister is praying with him and other young guys! This speaks volumes to each of us! Our youth are not the church of tomorrow but the church of today! We must release them to minister in the present time not the future.

Here's another great event that has just happened at our church! EGroup with over 60 young men! This is a conference for empowering, equipping and encouraging young men to Apostolic ministry! It was as a great time for all! Bro.'s Kevin Bradford, John Shoemake and Myles Young were powerfully used by God! Even though that did not discuss their messages, they went hand in hand! It was great to see young men lying on the floor of our auditorium praying and weeping under a burden to become all they can for God! If you are interested you can go to menseekinggod.com for the Cd's. They will bless you!

Friends are wonderful! Each year my wife and I take a special trip with our friends of over 30 years, Phil and Debbie White! This year we went to Chicago! I'd flown through Chicago but this was the first time to visit! It's a great city! One that I will return to! One of the highlights was a 3 hour Segway tour of the city! The Segway is a blast! I want one! It would be cool to be able to ride around Redlands! If you ever get the opportunity take a spin on a Segway!

There have been many other exciting things going on, more than I can mention! These are just a few! This fall starts another dream of mine, that is, to teach in a accredited college! I've started my first class with Apostolic School of Theology! The subject is Pentecostal History! Please keep me in prayer that I can help potential leaders become great men and women of God!

Character Still Counts in Leaders!

2009-07-18T16:01:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday I visited the Ronald Reagan Library in Simi Valley, CA. This was a special treat since it was a Father's Day gift from my oldest son Brandon! Not only was did he provide the tickets and transportation to the Library, he also bought lunch at one of my favorite restaurants in Pasadena, Lebanese Kitchen!

The Library is fabulous! Why? Because of the character of the man who it represents! He was a great American President who was gifted as a public speaker! His humour and wit was renown!

When going the operating table for an assassin attempt, he would ask the doctors: "Are you all Republicans?" The main doctor responded: "Today, Mr. President we're all Republicans"!

He told his wife as soon as he was able to see her after the assassination attempt: "Honey, I forgot to duck"!

It was his desire to put everyone at ease! Everything is going to be alright!

His public speaking would also help motivate the destruction of Communism that was represented by the Berlin Wall. For close to forty years this wall had separated a nation and its people from each other. He would speak the following at the Berlin wall: "Mr Gorbachev, tear down this wall!"

What was his character based upon? It was founded upon his belief in God. He spoke the following:

"If we ever forget that we are One Nation Under God, then we will be a nation gone under."

"Within the covers of the Bible are the answers for all the problems men face."

"Without God, democracy will not and cannot long endure."

"We are never defeated unless we give up on God."

"I believe with all my heart that standing up for America means standing up for the God who has so blessed our land. We need God's help to guide our nation through stormy seas. But we can't expect Him to protect America in a crisis if we just leave Him over on the shelf in our day-to-day living."

His belief in God caused him to see the good in man since man is made in the image of God! Listen to what he spoke about man:

"I know in my heart that man is good. That what is right will always eventually triumph. And there's purpose and worth to each and every life."

Yes, character still counts in Leaders! America needs leaders who believe in God and allow the Word of God to guide their decisions and actions!

Thank you Brandon and Rach for your sacrifice of time and finance in making this a day of remembering what really is important for Leaders! Character!

34 years TOGETHER!

2009-07-04T22:24:00.000-07:00

Last week my wife and I celebrated our 34th wedding anniversary! On June 28,1975 we were married in Modesto California!

This has been the second most important decision that I have ever made (The #1 decision was decision to serve the Lord)! Not only was it an important decision but also the right one! Through the years, our lives have became knitted together, intertwined and inseparable.

How has our marriage been able to stand the test of Time? Each of us have had a great love for God! This has caused us to develop individual prayer lives which are foundational to a great marriage! Remember:

The deeper your relationship with God the richer the love for each other! Why? Because God is Love!

The wise man Solomon stated: Iron sharpeth, iron (Pro. 27:17)!

As you walk with the one who is the very essence of Love you will sharpen your love for others! Your mate will be the main individual who will receive that blessing of Your walk with Love (God)! I thank God for a wonderful wife who walks with God!

What did we do for our 34th? We spent two days with each other, and topped it off with a hot air balloon ride! The one hour ride started near the Pacific ocean at Del Mar and passed over the home of some of the world's richest people in Rancho Santa Fe! An area near San Diego! Bill Gates owns a home there along with others such as the Diet Queen Jenny Craig!

Yet I felt like the richest man in the world! I had a faithful wife by my side and a faithful God nearby!

I gazed at His creation, the sunset on the Pacific Ocean and felt His love! You too, can experience the same! Start a consistent prayer life and let His love impact your decisions!

Congradulations "09" Grads!

2009-07-01T14:31:00.000-07:00

Sunday was wonderful as we honored the "09" Grads of Hope Center! Their testimonies were very touching and uplifting! A real blessing to all!

Three young ladies graduated from "REV" High School and one young man graduated from College!

Klarissa Contreras

Alejandra Reyes

Valeri Sartoresi

Andrew Simpson!

We honor them for their perseverance and commitment to excellence! The future is bright for them! Their and your key to a life of success is Joshua 1:8:

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

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Remember Hope Center builds Healthy Disciples! To be a Healthy Disciple you need to: Worship, Connect, Serve and Reach! This Saturday is a great time to Serve! Join one of the 7 ministry teams that are raising funds for their ministries at Sylvan Park on July 4th! How can I join? Go to hopecenteronline.com and click on "Sign Up Here" box at the bottom of the page. It will be a great time of fellowship for all!

San Diego "Youth Connect 2009"

2009-06-20T10:38:00.000-07:00

Powerful! Life Changing! Challenging! How else can I describe the Service that I have just been in?

It was a great Spiritual Landmark for our youth and myself! God used Bro. Cody Marks to minister in the Holy Ghost and challenge each of us to reach to higher spiritual dimensions! I loved being with our teens and being able to pray a special prayer with each of them! It refreshed my spirit to draw the young guys close, hug and pray for each one! Tears flowed, dedications were made, renewal came to young men who were struggling to believe in themselves! But God let them know that He believes in them! Failure is not final! Get up and reach again! It's going to happen in your life!

But it did not stop there! My wife was able to do the same with our young ladies! They too, let the tears flow and became determined to live a "sold out" life for God!

The trip was filled with times of fun and laughter also! They went to "Old Town" San Diego, Hotel Del on Coronado Island (Some of the girls were a little scared of the Bridge to the Island! It's a little high!) and other sites. After Friday night service there was a lock in with lots of fun and food!

But the highlight for me was the services! Thursday's night message on Prayer is so powerful that we are making that CD available at our church for $3.00 this Sunday AM & PM! Pick one up in the "Book Center" and let it change your prayer life! Join me and let's make our church a powerful church of Prayer!

A Beautiful Granddaughter!

2009-06-12T21:55:00.000-07:00

This week a wonderful new addition has been added to our family! Brandon and Rachael have been be blessed by the Lord with a precious daughter: Audrey Lanae Wilmoth! 7lbs 4 oz. and 20 inches long! Not only has our family been blessed but the Kingdom of God has grown!

It's important to understand that our first mission field is our family! Our children and grandchildren must be trained and developed in the ways of the Lord! Each generation has the responsibility to pass on the truth's of the Word of God. These truth's must be focused upon if they are going to continue to lead the people of God! They cannot be become thought of as "old fashioned" neither "out of touch with our world".

What are the truth's that we must pass on? The truth of:

1. "One God"

2. "The necessity of receiving the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues"

3. "Water baptism in the Name of Jesus"

4. "Separation from the World and separation to God"

5. "The importance of Spiritual growth through daily prayer & daily reading of the Word of God"

6. "Proper Christian living"

This list is not exhaustive but a simple 1st step!

Remember:

Proverbs 13:22
22 A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children...

Join me and give your children and grandchildren the most valuable possession you have for an inheritance: The Truth's of the Word of God!

Coming back! Watch out!

2009-05-18T07:30:00.000-07:00

It's been a LONG while since I've posted but I'm going to get back at it! We've been in revival with Bro. Jonathan Stringfellow and it's been powerful!

Our Revival will be tonight and Tuesday night! No service Wednesday night! We moved our Wednesday night service this week to Tuesday since it's the last night of the Revival! So make sure that you remember! It promises to be power packed!

Last night was wild! We had fun church! It was a party! Great faith and joy was experienced by all!

Two things to remember:

1. The Father is a party animal! He loves to party! He wants His children to have Joy! He's always got a fatted calf ready, just waiting for someone to return to Him (Luke 15)!

2. "Ain't no party like a Holy Ghost party and a Holy Ghost party don't stop! The party started last night! Let's party on in God! Have a Holy Ghost party today and life will look better!

A Great Weekend!

2009-02-22T14:55:00.000-08:00

Well I'm back! I've been busy but that's no excuse. Let's face facts, the blog has not been a priority. It's time for that to change!

The Valentine weekend was a great weekend! I was able to spend time with the main woman in my life, my wife of 33 years! It was special!

Not only was that special but Hope Center was blessed with the ministry of two powerful Apostolic Pentecostals: Bro. Jimmy Shoemake and Sis. Bobbie Shoemake. As the speakers for our annual marriage retreat they were outstanding! Married for over 51 years their wisdom was priceless! Their ministry on Sunday was blessed of the Lord! Both of his message were powerful and her ministry was so fitting leading us into the presence of God!

I've often pondered this question: Where do you go for support for marriage if you do not have a church family?

I asked a friend who is not a minister neither member of our church that question. I asked specifically: where do you receive support for marriage? at your job? from your family? from friends? He stated that working as an EMT specializing as a Air Medic he has much interaction with city fire department along with other medic's and they were is much discussion about marriage but always in a negative sense! That life would be better not being married than having the work and maintenance of marriage!

Just as I thought! In our world there are few institutions that support your marriage! But the church is different! It's teaching and preaching challenge an individual to examine themselves as to their area's of weakness. This action supports you having a wonderful marriage. Why? Marriage should not be about changing your mate but you working on life change in you. Don't work on your mate, work on yourself!

That being said the best marriages should between two children of God! Two people led by the Spirit of God! His Spirit and Word challenging each one to become better! Yes, I glad I've got the church to work on me because as it works on me, my marriage grows and becomes! I love being in the church for it supports my life happiness that comes from being in a wonderful marriage!

Remembering who I am!

2008-12-17T07:43:00.000-08:00

Who am I? That's a very important question!

I am a Pentecostal! What's a Pentecostal?

Wikipedia describes a pentecostal as "A Pentecostal is an individual who is a Christian that places special emphasis on the direct personal experience of God through the baptism of the Holy Spirit with Speaking in Tongues (italics words added by blogger). The term Pentecostal is derived from the feast of Pentecost which commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the followers of Jesus Christ as described in the Book of Acts, Chapter 2."

Wikipedia goes on to say that:

"Pentecostalism is an umbrella term which includes a wide range of different theological and organizational perspectives. As a result, there is no central organization or church which directs the movement. Most Pentecostals consider themselves part of broader Christian groups. Pentecostalism is also theologically and historically close to the charismatic movement as the latter was influenced by the Pentecostal movement, and some Pentecostals use the two terms interchangeably."

But I am more than a Charismatic! I am a Oneness Pentecostal! What is that?

Oneness Pentecostals hold to a conservative monotheistic view of God and stress Jesus Christ as the self revelation of God in the New Testament, who was known as Jehovah in the Old Testament. The Christian Monotheist Oneness doctrine rejects all concepts of a duality, trinity, pantheon, or other doctrines they see as representing multiple personalities of God. It rejects all concepts of Jesus Christ as anything different than being both fully God and fully man.

But I am more than that! I am an Apostolic Oneness Pentecostal! What is apostolic?

Something that relates to the twelve apostles of Jesus!

My belief is to use the twelve apostles as a model of what a disciple of Jesus should believe and live since they were the individuals who Jesus discipled [Paul is also included in this group since he is an apostles born out of due time (1 Corinthians 15:8)]! They recorded the teachings and the events in the Life of Jesus. Christianity uses these records as the foundational guiding truths to their beliefs (The New Testament)!

What did the apostles believe and live?

They experienced the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues (Acts 1:12-15; 2:1-4; 10:44-46; 19:1-7)

They baptized in water in the name of Jesus (Acts 2:38; 8:14-16; 10:47-48; 19:1-6)

They taught that personal salvation was to be followed by holy living (Ephesians. 2:1-22; II Corinithians 6:14-7:1; I Corinthians 11:1-16; I Timothy 2:8-15; Deuteronomy 22:5; I Peter 3:1-6; Titus 2:11-12; I Timothy 4:12-16)

They taught the oneness of God (John 1:1-4; II Corinthians 5:19; II Timothy 3:16; John 8:24, 58; Mark 12:28-34)

But the one belief that I am been thinking about a lot lately is: They believed that Jesus would come back and that it could happen at any time!

Matthew 24:42 -45

42Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. 43But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. 44Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. (KJV)

This belief is a powerful belief that can change everything in your life if you believe it and remember it! Relationships will improve if you remember this! How you might ask? Relationships are often strained by hearts that are full of unrepented actions and/or attitudes. These actions or attitudes are sin! Sin will keep us from going with Jesus when He comes back! When we remember that He is coming back and it could happen at any moment, it will cause us to humble ourselves and repent of any and all wrong doings!

This belief will assist us in not just making wrongs from the past right but to help us monitor our present day words, actions and thoughts! You will have a desire to protect your heart and mind by limiting what comes in our eyes and ears. Repentance will be on your lips at all times! Holy living will be your goal!

Believing that He could come at any moment will create an attitude of prayerfulness! Your prayer life will immediately improve! Prayer will be the first thing on your lips in the morning and the last thing at night! Prayer will be on your lips breathed under your breath when you are in a crowd!

Your mind and heart will crave His word! Your Bible will become the most read book in your house!

You will desire to attend and participate in the Worship services of your church! It will not be work to get ready to go! You will anticipate every gathering! Your tongue will sing His praises!

Serving others will become your purpose! The thought that Jesus is Coming will be a motivator for you to reach others! Fear will leave you as you realize this might be the last opportunity for your friend to hear that Jesus is coming! You will begin to speak with a confidence that you've never had before!

In my life one man stands out above the rest of an individual who consistently spoke about the Lord coming! He was not a preacher! He was a ditch digger! His name was T.R. McDonald! Every time you would see him he would ask you the question: Do you believe He's coming? The majority of time I answered yes! I would say it with all the excitement I could generate but as soon as I was out of his presence it seemed I would forget this truth! As I think about it today, I see that he was just trying to get everyone to live a life that would be powerful and passionate about the Lord! He did believe it, he lived it and he spoke it! Now it is my turn to believe it, live it and speak it!

In my life I want to constantly remember that Jesus is coming at any moment! Let that be priority in my life! Let that thought drive my every daily action!

Yes, I am Pentecostal but more than that, I am Oneness Pentecostal, but more than that, I am an Apostolic Oneness Pentecostal but more than that, I am a Apostolic Oneness Pentecostal who is living as if Jesus is coming in the next minute!

The Solution for Your Worry of Today's Economy!

2008-11-26T07:50:00.000-08:00

Today started out with a bang! My wife and I usually start our day with prayer at the church in the early morning hours. On Thursday's and Friday's we are joined by a wonderful young lady of our congregation, Stacy! Today, I was doing some reading and my wife went to the church a few minutes earlier than I. It was about 5:20 AM and my phone rang. It was my wife! She had entered the church through the office door and had went to the front door to meet Stacy, who was off today, to open the front glass door for her of the church. A man was lying at the outside door under the church porch coving! He looked like he was asleep but was not moving! She immediately called me wondering how far I was from the church! She was scared! Stacy would arrive at any time! Would Stacey see him lying there and stay in her car or would she not see him and come to the door? How could she warn her?

I had already placed my reading materials in my backpack and was getting dressed before the phone rang but I was worried if I could get there in enough time. I called "911" to have an officer get there ASAP! We didn't know if the man was dead or just sleeping! I jammed to the church an arrived at the same time as the officer! Stacey's car was there but empty! The ladies were alright! They were in my wife's car waiting for me! My wife at slipped out the office door and met Stacey when she drove up! Stacey had justed in the car and was safe!

I met the officer and apologized!The man was still lying at the door! It had been raining heavily and the "homeless" man had just wanted some shelter from the rain! The officer thought it was best to awaken him and check him out! He was fine! And everyone was safe!

As I started to pray, I began to thank God for His goodness! Our service the night before was a Thanksgiving Service to God for His goodness! Later today I would be leaving to spend Thanksgiving with special friends! I had so much to be thankful for!

Yet I thought as I prayed "Could I be content with the necessities of Life?" I had a warm bed to lie on, not a cold hard cement mattress! I had a roof to shelter me from the rain on a stormy night! I hadn't had to look for shelter, I already possessed it! I had food to eat and clothing to wear! Why should I be worrying about the economy? I couldn't change it, but I could change if I would have the necessities of Life! How could I make sure I would have my needs meet?

I remembered the words of Jesus:

Matthew 6:25-34
25“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 26Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? 27Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? 28“And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, 29yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

31“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.

33Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

34“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today. (NLT)

My needs (Shelter, food and clothing) would be met because I am seeking His Kingdom above all else! I want his will not mine! I live and breathe His Spirit, His Word and His Way! He'll take care of me!

Today the report came out that the US consumer confidence is at a 28 year low! Here are some quotes:

"U.S. consumer confidence fell to a 28-year low in November as mounting job losses, falling incomes and tumbling household wealth battered sentiment, a survey showed on Wednesday."

"Consumer confidence fell in the last half of November due to mounting job losses, falling incomes and the evaporation of household wealth," the report said."

"Consumers were unanimous in their recognition that the economy was in recession, and nearly three-in-four expected the recession to deepen in the months ahead." (Here's the link: www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idUSN2635956920081126)

These actions of Americans fulfill the prophecy of the Lord: These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers (See above)!!!!!!!!!

Don't let the These Things dominate your thoughts! Keep seeking and thinking about the Kingdom! If you do, the needs of your life will be provided to you from the Lord! He takes care of His own!

News Flash******

2008-11-16T10:43:00.000-08:00

I've been in Liberia for the last week with 17 wonderful saints of Hope Center! Bro. Brandon Wilmoth just preached our 4 day crusade in Monrovia and over 2003 individuals received the Holy Ghost! It was powerful! Today, six teams preached all over the city! Bro.'s Brandon, Eric, Ray, Nathan, Israel and myself! It was wonderful! Bro. Albert Stewart the missionary has invited us back for a crusade! He told us as we were leaving the pastors were calling late into the night to have a preacher from the crusade team to preach today! Next time he wants every individual to be assigned to a church to preach!

Not only was it rewarding to see the results but to see young men preaching the word of God some for the first time! Kyle Hibbets a young man in our church preached at the Bible School Chapel and was very anointed! He had never preached before but he said it felt so natural!

Not only did our men preach but the ladies were involved in testifying, singing and praying! The Sunday School teacher that were on the team ministered at a special children ministry called "The Farm"! The kids loved the puppets and the "Na Na" song!

That's my dream to see every saint of Hope Center fulfilling the call of God for their lives! Don't stop dreaming! Reach for the Stars! Be a mighty individual for God!

Headed to Liberia!

2008-11-07T07:05:00.000-08:00

I'm headed to Liberia with 17 wonderful saints of the Hope Center! We are at LAX getting ready to fly out! We will be ministering in the following area's: Four day Holy Ghost Crusade! New Church dedication that one of our church families built, Hope Center of Unification! We will be teaching in the Bible College and will have teams of individuals ministering at two orphanages. Please keep us in prayer as we will be gone from Nov 7 till Nov 19! You may follow us at Hopecenteronline.com. Please click on the Liberia blog for pictures and video. We are believing God for 10,000 to be filled with the Holy Ghost!

Here's a Shout Out!

2008-10-29T19:09:00.001-07:00

Great News! Bro. Harvey Whalen just passed all the driving requirements for driving our Buses! The transportation ministry team is growing! Yet not only is the team growing, He's growing and becoming a Healthy Disciple! Why is he growing? He's active in these four things: Worship (comes to services)/Connect (in a small group Bible study)/Serving (helping with buses)/Reaching (goes on Sat AM Outreach)! When you do these things you'll be a healthy disciple! When you see this new convert give him a Shout Out! Congratulations, bro!!!!!!!!!

While I'm on the subject of Sat AM Outreach let me give a shout out to the 35-40 people who came for the MEGA BLITZ last Saturday! Bro. Brandon rented a flat bed truck! We jumped on, some dressed in costumes, others with their permanent masks on! Ray got the portable PA pumping with music and we were rocking and rolling! We headed to the neighborhood and blitzed the hood by knocking doors! We had a candy rain at every stop for the kids! They loved it! We announced to all who we were and that we would be coming back the next day to pick them up for service! We were doing as Jesus said to do, " Go to the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house my be filled (Luke 14:23). Sunday the buses were full! Along with that we, too, built our faith as we fulfilled the will of God! Remember, When I save others I save myself!

Save Others and Save Yourself!

2008-10-10T16:42:00.000-07:00

The 2008 E Group gathering is now history! 52 young men gathered together to quest for Apostolic ministry! Each session was power packed! Each session concluded with a time of "Fervent Prayer"! This cemented the messages to our spirits as we strove to strength our desire to become Men Seeking God! The passion for God of the young men was refreshing and extremely uplifting!

Many thoughts came to my mind during this time but one thought of Bro. Nathan Urshan II has stayed with me! In fact, I have quoted it to others, to help them understand the importance of soul winning in the life of the child of God. Bro. Urshan started a church at the age of 22 in Ft. Myers, Florida. Ten years later the congregation numbers approximately 200! When I think of that I get excited thinking about the souls that have been saved through his step of faith! Yet he stated: When I was saving others I was saving myself! In other words when you are teaching someone else not only do they get the benefit of salvation but you have to dig to find out what you really believe! It forces you to seek God! When you do that, you save your own self! He had evangelized a number of years, his name opening doors to preach in large churches yet his spiritual growth rate would increase dramatically when he began teaching someone a Home Bible Study! We ended our time at E Group with a challenge to each other to start teaching one Bible Study by December 1st! Not only will we save others but each young man will begin to build a solid foundation of Apostolic Beliefs! This foundation will support his Apostolic Ministry!

This what has happened in the life of Bro. Jason Carr! He had expressed that he wanted to teach a Bible Study and see someone to receive the Holy Ghost! He started a study at his parents house in Beaumont to a High School friend. Dan and his wife Charisse, have been attending the study for a number of weeks! Sunday, October 5th was a great day for two people, Dan and Bro. Jason. It was a special day for Dan because he received the gift of the Spirit that is evidenced by speaking in tongues. It was special for Bro. Jason because he saw someone he taught become a Child of God! The experience is helping both of them to be saved! Dan gets the words of truth from a friend and Bro. Jason gets reminded of those truths as he teaches and sees his friend experience God! Faith in the Word of God grows in each of their hearts as they experience the work of the Spirit.

Why don't you work on your salvation and join the E Group in a quest to teach a Bible Study! Try to start one before Dec 1st! That study will be the means to not only someone else's salvation but also your own!

Never Spiritually Retire!

2008-10-01T09:27:00.000-07:00

Wow! What a great picture! Bro. Paul Price, age 86 and Bro. Ellsworth, age 87! Two men who are in their 80's each on a Spiritual journey to know Jesus!

Bro. Ellsworth last year at the age of 86, received the gift of the Holy Spirit and was baptized in Jesus name! His religious background was Judaism. (As Bro. Price stated, he is a miracle! Coming to the Lord at 86 and being a Jew who begins to follow Jesus is a miracle! He's like the apostle Paul, a Jew who converts to Christianity!)

Bro. Ellsworth is growing by leaps and bounds in the Lord! Why? He has a desire to Grow! He doesn't want to stay at the same level! How is it happening? First, he never misses a Worship service! He comes ever time the doors are open even at Kids Revival (You ought to see him as he tries to participate in the kids songs! It a blast!) Second, he is in a small Connect group! Wednesday nights he comes to service and is in a small discipleship group. Tuesday's he's in the Men's Starbucks Bible study! Third, even at his age he is looking for places to Serve! He has dreamed of having a luncheon of Liberian food at the church and to sell the recipes for missions. Fourth, he is Reaching! He invites and has brought to church individuals from his trailer park. He is consistently sharing his love of God and this church with his neighbors! Even at 87 he wants to become!

This weekend was a special time for our church and myself personally as Bro. Paul Price ministered in a powerful way! He is on a spiritual growth journey also. He wants to Know Jesus!

He stated to me that he had served the Lord since being in high school! He became an evangelist after his pastor's wife had a dream and drove to Sacramento and told him that it was time to go into the ministry. He had been married for just six months! He quit his job that next day and went to his home church and preached his first revival! He then built his own travel trailer to be able to travel as an evangelist. After evangelizing be went to Napa California and started the church. Eventually he became the Superintendent of the Western District (the leader of all the ministers in California and Nevada). He became a speaker who was sought out to speak at major conferences of thousands! He would speak and it would inspire people!

But in his own personal life he was frustrated! He didn't feel like he was changing and becoming even though he was a pastor and leader of leaders! He wanted to change! He begin to seek the Lord and became desirous to really know the Lord! A radical experience happened! God spoke with him and it changed his total life! He knew what was to do: To Know the Lord and to lead others into the same experience! That has been his message for the last twenty years!

I am intrigued by his honesty and openness. He had served the Lord for over forty years but did not really know the Lord! He was in his sixties when this spiritual event happen!

As I look at these two men, I am challenged to be a lifelong learner! I never want to stop in my quest to grow in God! I want to understand that I can never retire in my spiritual journey. I never want to think that I have arrived! I want to understand that my greatest days are ahead of me not behind me! I want to follow these men and grow spiritually as long as I have breath! Why don't you join us in the quest to grow spiritually and to really Know Jesus!

California Dreaming with Friends!

2008-09-26T07:51:00.000-07:00

For the last few days, my wife and I have been traveling up the coast of California! We have driven Highway 1 in a mustang convertible! The top has been down, the sun shining and wind blowing in our hair! It's been fun!

As much as we have enjoyed the trip, the joy is always doubled because of our friends! Philip and Debbie White have been friends for 34 years! Each year we take a week long trip together! We laugh, eat and enjoy each others company! This friendship has been so wonderful! We have cried together, supported each other in life difficulties, challenged each other Spiritually and shared our dreams and disappointments. But it has not been just the couples but our children as well! Their lives are also intertwined even as they enter marriage! They share life with each other!

Friends are so important to have! They double your joy and half your sorrow. They add much value to your life! Listen to the words of the Wise One concerning friendship and the value they add:

Pleasantness:

Proverbs 29:9 Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of one's friends springs from his earnest counsel. (NIV).

Protection:

Proverbs 29:6 Wounds from a friend can be trusted...(Friends tells you when you have something on your face! It still embrasses you but they want you to look good!)

Value:

Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. (NLT)

I thank God for my friends! They are the best! Time has enriched our love for each other! I encourage each of you to take time for your friends! Work on your relationships! Find friends who share the same passion as you do and be faithful to them!

Desperately Seeking!

2008-09-22T09:37:00.000-07:00

This mornings latte @ Stell's was great! It was a double with non-fat milk and 4 splenda! (Three mixed with the espresso and 1 sprinkled on top!) The latte seemed to grow in its spender as I reflected upon our weekend! Thoughts of appreciation and joy always improve the present experience!

Bro. Jacob Pereida from San Antonia, TX ministered in a powerful way to our Youth (Don't you Love the Picture)! Each service was tremendous for anyone who was craving a Spiritual move of God! Sunday night was the icing on the cake! Teens and adults lying throughout the building praying and crying out for God's glory to be displayed in their world! Not for five minutes but at least for an hour! They were desperately seeking God's signs and wonders to be displayed in our church!

Why do I want a display of God's Glory (miracles)? Because the miracles of the Lord were used to attract people to His message! The miracles were not salvation but were used to cause people to want to hear the message of salvation! The most important action that we ever take is our response to the voice of God! The message of His Word is supreme! I want people to know that God exists and is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). Any person who diligently seeks the Lord will be led by the Spirit to the true Message! The message is that the Kingdom of God is here and you need to enter into the Kingdom. How do I enter into the Kingdom? By a birth of Water (Jesus name baptism) and a birth of the Spirit (Infilling of the Holy Spirit that is evidenced by speaking in tongues)! (John 3:5).

Jesus had many followers who were influenced by His miracles but became offended by His message (John 6:60-69). In the making of disciples the most important thing is " and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you " (Matt. 28:20 NIV)! Disciples understand that obedience to His Word is the mark of discipleship (John 14:15). Disciples who become great in God's kingdom are used to see miracles happen and use the miracles as a platform to proclaim His message! God, give Hope Center Miracles, Signs and Wonders for we are shouting out your Message!

Thank you Bro. Eric and Sis. Rose for your leadership this past weekend! Give a shout out to the Worship Band, they were awesome (Michael, Ray, Stacey and Todd)! Praise singers, you were fabulous (Barb, Rachael, Roberta, Rose, and Selena). Andrew, Eric, Nathan, and Ray were super worship leaders! And a shout out to Christa and Valerie for ministering with the worship band in When I Speak you Name!

Now go conqueror the week! Let's all seek diligently God's presence through prayer and His Word! Listen for His voice and obey! Tell someone about the weekend! Blow their mind with your passion for God! Tell them about the miracles in your life and give the Glory to God! You'll be surprised at what you be able to do! You'll be able to tell them about Jesus and His message!

Men Becoming Men of God!

2008-09-16T21:34:00.000-07:00

What a time @ Pali Mountain! The Men's retreat was awesome! Bro. John Shoemake of San Jose was powerfully used by God to challenge each man to climb to a higher level! God's Spirit filled the room each service and each heart responded! What powerful time for me as we prayed with each other! I was moved to tears as Jarad Hibbets wept before the Lord! As men's voices are lifted in song and praise, strength is experienced by all. The power of united men, interlocking their arms, and reaching for God is overwhelming! Being a Band of Brothers is wonderful!

Yes, I love to go to men's retreat! The time I am able to spend with each of my brothers is priceless! As we sit around the dinner table the stories begin to roll! The tales begin to grow taller and taller! Laughter begins to fill each mouth as we listen to competing stories! It's the best entertainment that could ever be! HA!

The Men's Ministry Team did an outstanding job. The team is led by Bro. Jason Carr, who is supported by Bro. John Smith and Bro. David Candelaria. The success of the retreat was because these men gave themselves to the Lord and us! Their hard work is appreciated by all!

This year we had our largest number of men ever to our retreat! Next year promises to be larger because the men of our church are giving themselves to the God in Worship and prayer! They are doing all they can to Connect to every man who comes or visits our church! They are Serving God and others through ministry. But they are not stopping there, they are Reaching out to draw in men to become Spiritual Brothers! Encourage the men in your life to become Men of God and see how unbelievable your family and home will BECOME!

When do I lose my Faith?

2008-09-11T11:43:00.000-07:00

This morning I was reading Jesus words to Peter in Luke 22:31-32:

Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.

I begin to ask myself a number of questions:

Did Peter's faith fail? It sure seems like it for Peter ends up sinning! He denies the Lord and curses when confronted by the young girl and others while warming himself at the fire! (Matt. 26: 69-75)

If Peter's faith failed then did the prayer of Jesus also fail to protect Peter from the sifting of Satan?

As I pondered these questions another thought came: If the Lord's prayer failed, then there is no hope for mine to be successful! I'm so unrighteous and He is so righteous!

The answer seemed to come as I asked myself more questions. Is faith needed before I fail or after I fail? Or is faith tested while I am tested to obedience and if I fail to obey it is finally tested with receiving of forgiveness?

I began to realize that faith is needed to obey! Peter's lack of faith is seen in his denial as fear for his own life takes over his actions and produces denial. Fear an enemy of Faith!

But the greatest and final failure of an individuals faith is when faith in the mercy and forgiveness of God is not received! That is when sifting or separation from God happens! Not seeking forgiveness neither receiving forgiveness when it is extended to us by God will cause us to be separated from God! This will lead to separation for God for eternity!

The prayer of Jesus did not fail! Peter wept as he thought on his failure (Mark 14:72). He sought forgiveness and believed that he was forgiven! His faith in forgiveness gave him the ability stop the desire of Satan of destroying the relationship that Peter had with the Lord!

Don't let Satan tell you that your sin is final! You've lost your faith! No, the job of faith is not over! It will strengthen and support you to believe in the power of the blood and mercy of Jesus! Only when I lose faith in His forgiveness of my sins will I be separated from my hopes and dreams of being a great man of God!

What was Peter to do when he came back from failure? Strength his brothers! Strength them in their faith! I like this version of this event:

Luke 22:31-32 31“Simon, stay on your toes. Satan has tried his best to separate all of you from me, like chaff from wheat. 32Simon, I’ve prayed for you in particular that you not give in or give out. When you have come through the time of testing, turn to your companions and give them a fresh start.” (The Message)

Give someone a fresh start and teach them about God forgiveness by living it out in front of them! You sinned? It's alright! Seek forgiveness and start again!

Next Generation?

2008-09-08T21:45:00.000-07:00

I've made a mistake! I called last night service The Next Generation! But the more I pondered it, I realized that label gives the thought that we want the next generation to minister and lead but to wait for the future!

They cannot wait to minister and lead! We need them to lead and minister NOW! Why? Their generation is already here! And I might not be able to reach this generation because I'm of another generation!

David served his generation (Acts 13:36)! He served them when he fought Goliath. How did he serve them? By reminding them to remember who they were! They were in covenant with God and Goliath was was not. He was an Uncircumcised gentile (I Sam 17:26, 36)! There was no way Goliath could win the battle! He was not fighting David but David's covenant God!

Yes, last night was a great night @ Hope Center! This was a service where as many youth were ministering as possible! From the Leading of Worship and Prayer to Preaching! They were serving my generation and their own.

These three young men were used by God to minister to our church: Nathan White, Jason Coverdale and Ray Munoz! Their love for God and His Word was evident! Each was different in their message but all were anointed by God!
I watched the altar! It was full of youth! These young preachers got the youth there (with the help of the Lord). Then they waded into the altar and begin to pray with everyone. They were serving their generation!

Each of these young guys are involved already in ministering either in Saturday Outreach, Youth, Kids Church, Kids Discipleship or at our street ministry "After Shock" (I'll tell you about this in the near future). They are great young men! We're proud of them and believe in them! They are serving their generation and serving them well! Let's all join them and serve our own generation!

Success is Trying!

2008-09-05T10:14:00.000-07:00

This week a great young lady of our church took a risk! Lauren Simpson is a incoming freshman @ the University of Redlands! She is brilliant and Godly! She decided to start a Bible Study Club at the school. There were certain steps that are needed to start the club. The most important is that there must be students who have an interest! She had 8 students sign up who were interested. The next step is they must attend the orientation for the club. If they do then the club may start!

Last night the orientation happened. No one came! I'm sure she felt defeated! A failure! But in my eyes she's a winner! Why? Because she tried! She risked failure! The greatest failure of life is not failing or falling but not risking or stretching! She did what God called her to do! Throw the Seed! She can't control the grounds or hearts she only controls the throwing of the Seed/Word (Matt. 13)!

What will she do now? Tuck her head? Give up? No! She'll make friends with other students and they will become the people she will work on to help her start the club!

Remember the way God describes a righteous man:

Proverbs 24:16
For though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again, but the wicked are brought down by calamity. (NIV)

A righteous man is righteous not because he never falls but because he keeps rising and trying! The wicked man is defeated by failure!

She's a Champ in my book! I'm proud of her! I'm giving a Shout Out to young lady who is climbing out of her comfort zone and becoming an instrument of God! You make me proud! Lauren, I'm glad I'm YOUR pastor!

Now how about you? Are you getting our of your comfort zone and trying to make a difference?

Stretching Me!

2008-09-03T10:46:00.000-07:00

We'll I didn't make it! The first Monday has come and gone and I missed it! I was trying to blog once a week hopefully by Monday morning. I didn't even make it the first week! This is going to stretch me! But I need it! I want to always be a growing individual!

Wow! What a great weekend! Our Sunday Service was great! We had tremendous attendance for a holiday weekend! Three people get baptized in Jesus Name! Two young men from the "boys home" and one of our bus girls!

I've received reports of powerful blessings in the altar time and others having great interest in the preached message of that service on receiving the Holy Ghost and "Jesus Name" baptism.

The Sylvan Park fellowship attendance was one of the best ever! The playoff of volleyball and kickball was a zoo! Skunks, Badgers, Giraffes, Cockroaches, Donkeys, Monkeys and Cheetah's. The competing teams were animals and each team was very entertaining! The winner of the playoff was Sis. Becka's Team, the Giraffe's! I wonder how they'll be rewarded this Sunday?

We're moving into a very important time of the year! There are great events to happen in the next couple of months:

September: Men's Retreat & Youth Revival
October: Prayer Summit & Project Hope (Summons 2 Sacrifice)
November: Liberia Trip with Crusade & New Church Dedication
December: Special Christmas Services with Adults & Children

These are great but the foundation of everything must be Prayer. Make sure you are having a daily time of prayer! Weekly sign up for the 24 hour prayer chain! Come early each service for prayer! Be a participator in one of our special prayer groups, such as Concert of Prayer, Mothers Prayer, Woman's Prayer or Youth Prayer. Let's pray for a Spiritual harvest during this fall season.

Great News!

2008-08-25T16:25:00.001-07:00

We just received the exciting news that Sis. Veronica Pazzetty passed her driving test for our Bus Ministry! This gives us two qualified drivers to reach our community with more drivers and workers coming! Give her a "Shout Out" everyone! Way to go Sis. Veronica!!!!!!!

Pastor

Hey, What's Up?

2008-08-23T18:51:00.000-07:00

Another blog! Another individual thinks that their babbling is important to read! Yea, that babbling individual is me! For the last few months I've wanted to start a blog yet our website company was doing some major updates to the site that caused the office a little frustration, ACTUALLY A LOT OF FRUSTRATION (you can tell the frustration by the capital letters. In the cyber world that is a sign of shouting! I was MAD!) Thank God it's over!

Well, back to why I'm starting this blog. I want to use this time as a time to talk with you about many things on my heart! Thoughts that God places on my heart, experiences of God that come in my life, thoughts about special people in my life like family, friends and of course my love and heart beat the leadership and saints of Hope Center! This also will be a place to learn of the vision that God has placed in my heart for our church!

I'll try to update weekly on Monday mornings! (Please be kind to me and give me a lot of mercy on this promise!) Pictures will be used maybe even of you! Remember I might use thoughts that you speak to me (I'll try to give you credit)!

It will be a journey! A journey with God is always interesting and exciting! Never a dull moment! I'm on a journey with him and I love it! Join me in this journey and let's see God's love, mercy, and power in action!

Love ya,

Pastor