Dear Family of God,

As I pondered what the Lord has for us this year, I kept sensing that He desires all of us, in the sense that He, the Lord God, wants your whole heart and life to be submitted, surrendered and devoted to Him. I felt this was being confirmed when our Pastor encouraged us, in that we were to be “Marked by God” this year.

As we continue through this year I believe we will be presented with many opportunities to choose whom we will allow to mark our lives. Will it be the world around us, or the Lord Jesus Christ? This year we have to make the conscious decision to truly surrender our entire lives to the Lord. We must take up our cross daily, every single day, and follow our God wholeheartedly.

He desires more of us, all of us, and He is waiting for His bride to be made ready for His return. We don’t know the day or the hour in which our Lord will return, but we are reminded to be ready. (Matthew 24:44, NLT). “You must therefore be ready at all times, for the Son of Man will return when He is least expected.”

Let us determine as individuals, and as the Body of Christ, that this year we will allow our lives to be transformed by the Lord. We will let His will be done in and through us. We will be true followers and disciples of God. We have to do our part in being children of God and start doing what He has called us to do. Our lives must reflect Jesus. Our actions must reflect those of our perfect example in Christ. 

Let us be “Marked by God” together this year!

In His Service,

Vanessa Provencio

Happy New Year to all!

It is such a wonder how quickly time passes us by. Here we are now welcoming in the year 2025! It is so easy during this time of year to forget what is behind us, and to create new goals and refresh our vision for forward movement.

I encourage you all to make it a continual practice to take a look back in the rear-view mirror and remember what God had done for you, and then focus on what lies ahead.

In Psalm 77:11-12 we are encouraged by Asaph’s words, “¹¹ I will remember the works of the Lord; surely I will remember Your wonders of old. ¹² I will also meditate on all Your work, and talk of Your deeds.

Whether you have experienced good things, hard things, or a combination of both, we always have reason to praise the Lord. Job reminds us we should accept the good as well as adversity from God (Job 2:10). God is with us in the good times, and He strengthens and carries us through the difficult times.

In fact, it is often in the most difficult circumstances that we discover most, that God is for us. From Abraham, Jacob, Moses, David and Peter we learn from their times of hardship, that God met their every need and they became the better because if it.

We don’t know everything about God, but like these men the course of our lives open the way for God to reveal Himself to us. Every encounter we have with God should leave a lasting impression on our life, one that we can look back on as a reminder, and to encourage us to move forward in the Lord with great confidence.

We see the Israelites continually creating landmarks as a sign for themselves and future generations, to always be reminded of the great works God has performed on behalf of His people. Still, to this day the Jewish people hold traditional holidays because of what God accomplished thousands of years ago in Egypt. God’s work has left a great mark upon the Jewish people and their lives and therefore affected everything that they do as a people.

As we enter this new year I have this very question for us as a church. We have been through many things with God, seen many things with God, gone many places with God. Through all of this has your life been “Marked by God?” Because as we are marked by Him we therefore can reveal Him to others!

In His Service,

Pastor Damian

This is December, the month we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. But let’s take a look back, way back, even before there was a month called December, yes, even before there was a universe, God created both space and time, because before that time, there was no space and there was no time.

But God still had more creation in mind, because He then spoke, and He created the heavens and the earth, and all living things that flew in the air, on the earth, and in the sea. He then looked at all His creation, and He saw that it was good. And in seeing that great creation He desired companionship. He then formed Adam from the dust of the earth, and from the rib of Adam He created Eve, who would become the mother of all mankind, and they were fruitful and multiplied, filling the earth.

But soon thereafter, when He saw the sinfulness of His creation, He sent a flood to destroy all of humanity, save a few. But man seemed to have learned nothing from the flood, so this same God volunteered to come to earth as a man, subject to all the frailties and sufferings of mankind. And this, the greatest gift ever, was soon beaten, scourged, spat upon, and nailed to a cross, taking the just punishment we deserved for our sins.

But this great gift, whose name is Emmanual, Everlasting Father, Redeemer, Almighty God, Yeshua, and Jesus, on the third day rose from the dead, giving us still another even greater gift, the gift of eternal life. That great gift meant that we would never have to stand before a just God and hear the word “Guilty” because he said He would cast our sins from Him and remember them no more. That was a gift we could never earn, all we had to do for this great gift, was to accept Him and His gift, by surrendering our lives to Him and accepting His free gift of salvation.

Although most of His creation still rejects Him, He did all this because of His great love for us, His children. What an amazing God we serve, and He is worthy of all our love, because He is love! We owe Him our everything, because without Him we would have no hope . . . without Him we would have nothing!

Ken Simmons

While I was in Florida for mutual assistance support, restoring power to thousands of people. I got a glimpse of the destruction a hurricane can bring and the aftermath it leaves behind. I thought of the scripture in Matthew 5:45 “For He makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.”

I’m sure that there were many people who were affected by the loss of loved ones or of much or even all their earthly possessions that served the Lord. Just as Job had they probably didn’t expect that tragedy would be knocking on their door. It goes to show that nothing in this life is guaranteed to last forever, it is all temporal.

I like how the Amplified describes John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]”

We cannot allow any disappointments, infirmity, health issues, depression, financial distress or loss of any kind to shift our mind and allow the enemy to bring doubt into our hearts and question God. In Him we have PERFECT PEACE! No matter what this life may bring. I encourage you today whether you find yourself in the valley low or on mountain high, trust in our God, your God, who is a loving father, desires the attention of His people and supplies a peace that surpasses all understanding.

Will you seek Him today?

In His Service,

Damian Provencio Sr.

Dear Family of God!

In the times we are living in it is crucial for us to stay close to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and not be deceived or confused by the things going on around us. To avoid being deceived or confused we must know the truth. That being said we really need to know the Word of God. To stay close to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ we must know Him, spend time with Him and read His word. This world is getting darker by the minute and we need His truth to lead and guide us. Not only will His word, by the Holy Spirit, keep us in the light but it will cause us to be a light in this lost and dark world.

Psalm 119:105 says, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” His word shows us how to live and walk like a spiritual compass. His word illuminates the path for each step and keeps us from missteps and wrong turns.

Psalm 1:1-3 says, “¹Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. ²But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. ³And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in season: his leaf also shall noth wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” May we meditate day and night in His law so that we will not be shaken but firmly planted like a tree by the river. 

Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy meditate on these things.”

So let’s keep our mind on Him, continue to read His word, and walk in His truth.         

Josh Rios

Greetings brothers and sisters in Christ,

For the last few months, we have received a calling from the Lord to draw closer to Him and sit with Him in quietness and rest, in seeking and asking, in worship and praise. So as you draw close to Him, He WILL draw close to you. He has promised this in James 4:8a “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” This is not because you feel close to Him but because He said He would be close to you as you draw close to Him. That is faith in action. Believe Him for He is trustworthy and faithful. Today, draw close to Him and when you do, KNOW that He is drawing close to you. What comfort and what joy in the knowing and not necessarily in the feeling. Oh yes, feeling His presence is great and desired but our feelings can be deceptive. When we begin to rely on them instead of what God says we then become slaves to our feelings. Oh, the depth of despair that can come from trusting in our feelings. Brothers and sisters, I encourage you to, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding (feelings).” Proverbs 3:5

This month as you draw near to God allow Him to reveal any areas of change you may need to make in your life. It may even be something that you had changed and now have embraced once again. Our loving heavenly Father is waiting for you with open arms to draw close to Him. When you make those changes, you are then consecrating yourself unto Him. He desires us to be consecrated (set apart) unto Him so He can use us for His glory. You see, it’s all about Him and not about us. 

Choose to draw close to Him and He will draw close to you. I pray that as you consecrate yourself unto the Lord you will find a peace and joy like never before!

My love to you all,

Doris Cook

Greetings my fellow believers,

This year we Americans, as we always do every four years, have the privilege of electing our leaders for every level of government. While being a privilege, it many times results in dividing our country and causing much damage to our unity, our livelihood, and ultimately our nation’s prosperity.

In the same way, there have been many splits in the Christian community that have caused much confusion among Christian believers and non-believers as to what beliefs are true and meaningful for our time and important for which to build our faith. In the process, many denominations pick and choose what is important, what is outdated for our time and insert beliefs that are not Biblical. We must as Christians be vigilant to study the Bible and pray that the Holy Spirit would reveal truth to the church and revelation (2 Timothy 2:15) about passages that may not be immediately clear. We should ask how to apply those things as we walk out the plans and purposes God has prepared for us. God has plans for each of us and He holds us responsible for learning what those plans are (Jeremiah 29:11). God promises to hear us when we earnestly pray seeking His will and plans for us.

If we would all do this, division, strife, and misguided efforts would be greatly diminished and unity throughout the Kingdom would prevail. We must not follow after our own desires but God’s desires for us. As we do this, the church will be united and empowered by God, allowing many more souls to be added to the Kingdom.

I believe the most important thing for us to do as we step into the future is to pray fervently for unity amongst the Christian community and that God would prepare us for the revival that will likely come as the result of that unity. The best is yet to come within the Kingdom of God before the return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Let’s strive to be participants in making that happen. Amen.

Love in Christ to you all,

Roger Cook

Where does my help come from?

In times of trouble, sickness, and hardship—whether for yourself or a loved one— what source do you draw from? In times of trials where do you seek help and peace? Is it by confiding in a spouse, a friend, or anyone who lends an ear?

Sometimes, merely having someone listen can alleviate some burden, but often the weight remains. Instead of simply speaking to ease pressure, turn to the source whose yoke is light. Lay your burdens before Him; speak to the Father who listens and answers! Let us follow Jesus' example: in times of heaviness, he prayed earnestly, seeking the Father for all things.

Consider these scriptures:

“I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2

“I cried aloud to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy hill.” Psalm 3:4

“Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free.” Psalm 118:5

“I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4

“I called out to the Lord, out of my distress, and he answered me; out of the belly of Sheol I cried, and you heard my voice.” Jonah 2:2

“Then he said to them, ‘My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.’ And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, ‘My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.’” Matthew 26:38-39

Let us go to the source of life—His Word and prayer. The Father on His throne and the Son at His right hand will hear and answer! Remember, we also have the Holy Spirit, our helper in times of need. Seek the Lord first and find resolution from the God of truth, compassion, mercy, grace, and freedom, where true peace resides.

Marina Provencio

As we embark on this new journey, it is crucial to stay connected to the true Vine. In John 15:1, Jesus said, "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser." We must not be distracted by our surroundings or current events. Our primary focus should be on God and maintaining our connection to the Vine.

Jesus also said in John 16:33, "I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world!" Finding peace in Him is essential, especially in these challenging times. The world will try to overwhelm us with its demands and distractions, but Jesus reminds us to find peace in Him and to be courageous. This means persevering and not giving up, regardless of our circumstances. Jesus has already given us the victory.

When we abide in the Lord, He promises to abide in us. As we remain in Him, He will guide our steps and lead us to the promised land. Now is the time for the Lord's children to stand in the gap for the body of Christ.

As we stay connected to the Vine and abide in the Lord, let us remember His promises and the victory He has already secured for us. By focusing on Him and finding our peace in Jesus, we can navigate the challenges of this world with courage and faith. Let us stand firm, support one another, and trust that He will guide us every step of the way. This is our calling and our mission as His children.

Blessings to all,

Samantha Rodriguez

Greetings Brothers and Sisters,

As I was seeking on what to write for this month’s Pastors Corner, the Lord reminded me of running the race! In the book of Hebrews 12:1 is says: “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us”

As I read this over and over a new revelation began to unfold. If we look at this verse in reverse it shows the following: first it states, there is a race set before us. This race is our life which God has given us to run. It requires stamina to run a race and with this comes resistance training. God has some things for us to learn along this race. Second, that we may run with the endurance that He gave us to run it with. God would never set before us a race we could not run. It’s important that when running this race that our eyes are solely focused upon Him. Third, that we may be able to push aside all those things that try to hold us back. We can’t run a race looking at what’s behind us. It will only distract us and slow us down.

I think about when I went on a hike years back, the air was thin, I was out of breath and all I could think to do was keep going and not look back, otherwise I was in danger of becoming discouraged. I had come so far, and to turn back would mean forfeiting the whole purpose of the hike. So I trudged on for 6 miles till we got to the top of the mountain. When we finally got there I forgot all about the staring of the hike and beheld such a beautiful place with huge pine trees, waterfalls and a stream with wild trout you could see at the water’s edge. What a beautiful reward.

Finally, we are to remember the part of the verse that states, “we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses”. Like a stadium full of spectators urging us on to not only the finish line but to ultimate victory in Christ Jesus.

So while running this race of life, let us run it with endurance, learning along the way, pressing to that next place, overcoming the obstacles in our path, and most importantly keeping our eye on the prize Jesus!

Your brother in Christ,

Aaron Wantuch

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Let us welcome the advent of spring with hearts brimming with joy! As we look around our camp, we witness the gentle emergence of new life. The gardens burst forth in a symphony of colors, a beautiful testament to the rejuvenation of the season. Spring's arrival is eagerly anticipated, not only for its vibrant hues and warmer days but also for the profound upliftment it brings to our souls.

Yet, amidst the blossoming flowers and the refreshing breeze, let us not forget the deeper significance that spring holds for us. These are signs of a great celebration, one that fills us with hope and promise. As we prepare to commemorate Resurrection Sunday, let us pause to reflect on the profound parallels between the rebirth of nature and the eternal life offered through Jesus Christ.

Just as spring breathes new life into the world, so too does Jesus offer us the gift of eternal life. In the spirit of John 3:16, we are reminded that God's love knows no bounds. He sacrificed His only Son so that whoever believes in Him may not perish but have everlasting life. This promise is our anchor, our steadfast assurance amidst the ebb and flow of life's uncertainties.

In John 4:13-14 Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.”15 The woman said to Him, “Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come here to draw.”

Reflecting on the encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman, we are reminded of His role as the ultimate source of living water. He offers us a drink that transcends physical thirst, quenching the deepest longings of our spirit. When we come to Jesus, He provides the nourishment and fulfillment that our souls truly crave.

So, as we immerse ourselves in the beauty of spring and celebrate the resurrection of our Lord, let us drink deeply from the well of His grace. May His living water flow within us, rejuvenating our spirits and guiding us towards eternal life.

With love and blessings,

Juan Rodriguez

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

During this time of year, it is great for spring cleaning and getting rid of things in our homes and lives that no longer serve a purpose. I urge you to do the same in your spiritual life. Clean out your hearts of what is not of the Lord as well as the things that don’t serve a purpose in furthering the kingdom of God.

Paul says in Romans 12:1-2, “Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship. Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” Paul tells us not to adapt to the world in any way but to continually be transformed by the Lord. In order to do this, we need to continually surrender everything to the Lord so we may properly carry out God’s will for our lives.

Being living sacrifices requires us to posture and position ourselves before the Lord in such a way that we are able to carry out what the Lord has for us at any point the Lord calls upon us. To carry this out we have to abide in the Lord. In John 15:4-5 we are given a promise, “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. ‘I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”' If we remain in the Lord, we will bear much fruit. The key to both of these scriptures is remaining in the Lord in constant fellowship and letting Him change us. And as we continue to abide in Him, He will reveal things that are not of Him.

I encourage you to ask the Lord to reveal to you the things you need to get rid or surrender so that in turn you can bear much fruit for Him.

Manny Blessings,

Alexis Provencio

Dear Family of God,

I pray this year is leading you in the Lords presence like never before! It has been said time and time again that this year will be a year for more of Him!

The Lord is desiring His church to desire more and more of Him. To seek Him in every moment and in every decision. We are to seek the face of the Lord this year church. In 1 Chronicles 16:11 it lays it out in such a way that is clear for us to follow, “Seek the Lord and His strength, seek His face always,” We are to always seek the face of the Lord. The Amplified version of this verse says it so beautifully, “Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face continually [longing to be in His presence]” ...

longing to be in presence!

Maybe the Lord is trying to lead you to follow Him for direction in your life, maybe it’s because He desires to reveal Himself to you in new and beautiful ways, or it could simply just be that the Lord is desiring all of you this year. Whatever the reason, the God of all the earth is beckoning us closer to His heart this year.

I encourage you this year to lay aside your will, your desires and your wants for the will of the Lord, for the desires of the Lord and for all that the Lord wants for you. I believe it’s greater than you can imagine and it’s what is best for you!

Seek the Lord this year church. Follow the voice of the Lord in all that you do. Long for the presence of the Lord! I am sure you will see Gods hand move like never before when we surrender all to Him and His leading in this new year! I leave you with this verse, respond to the Lord this year! Psalm 27:8 (TPT) ‘I heard your voice in my heart say “come seek my face”, my inner being responded “YAHWEH, I’m seeking your face with all my heart”’

God bless you all in this New Year!

Blessings,

Vanessa Provencio