March-June Newsletter.

"GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS"

"He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it."  -1 Thessalonians 5:24

I am so thankful that i serve a God who is faithful to complete that which He has begun in me (phil.1:6)!  I’ve made more mistakes than I can count…I’ve failed often…But God.  God's Love towards me is unchanging, His grace is absolutely Amazing, and His faithfulness is unmatched by any.  You see, at a fairly young age Spiritually (I had been saved about 2 years), the Lord had spoken to my heart about a specific ministry He would appoint me to.  Then He confirmed it through MANY people, His word, and through various situations and circumstances.  God was calling me to be a Pastor.  At first I argued with Him… “I’m not a public speaker!  My vocabulary is non-existent! And I really don’t want to deal with people my whole life! I’m afraid!”  I didn’t see how in the world it was conceivable.  This would take MANY, MANY, MANY…and did I say MANY, confirmations from the Lord!  And so He did.  For about 6 years.  I told very few people (because who likes the guy who goes around telling everyone he’s ‘going to be a Pastor’) J.  I Just continued to go about the Lord’s business.  Going wherever He called me, doing whatever He called me to…I was simply walking through the doors He opened for me.  The Spirit of God has changed my life in ways that I could never have changed myself.  What a joy it is to look back over my short life and see the Lord’s Hand directing me all the way!

 June 17th, 2009 i was ordained to the Pastoral ministry along with my fellow brother, friend and co-laborer in the gospel, Eric Flores.  God, like He always does, has showed Himself faithful in my life!  He continues to grow me in the gift He’s given me and planted an overwhelming heart of Love for people that wasn’t there before.  The beauty in the Lord choosing me to preach and teach His word is that I will NEVER, EVER be able to take any credit for it.  I never had what it takes to do what I’m doing…I still don’t. He will ALWAYS get ALL the glory!  And that’s the way it should be.  And so I close with the same verse I began with… “He who calls you is faithful, who will also DO it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:24

Thank you: my Parents who traveled thousands of miles to be apart of my ordination. My family in Cali & NY for there prayers and support...i love you all more than you know.  My Pastor & friend Rafael Manzanares and his wife (who's a blessing), for trusting in the Lord and believing in what He's doing in my life.  Love you guys!  All of my friends who have been a huge support!  Cloin and Ayo who flew out!  the Flores family. Rick & Michelle. Paul and Heidi (who left there honeymoon early), CCSL, CCBC team that came out, ALL the speakers at the Conference (Dave, Phil, Joe & fam, and Louie & fam), CCCM for their support, and my family away from my family... Santa Ponsa Community Church!...i'll stop now.  Love you all!  and everyone i forgot...cus i know i forgot so many.  Love you :)

ALL OTHER NEWS:  the run down:

Another amazing semester has come and gone!  i Praise the Lord for the friendships that were established and the growth seen in everyone; staff and student alike.  i had a lot of fun as i taught through the letter to the Philippians.  It was actually on the Re-treat this last semester that the Lord confirmed to me during a teaching by Friend & Pastor Rob (of CCSL) that i was to go through with the ordination and Trust Him (long story).

in other EXCITING news!!!  i always knew the day would come...just doubted it would be in my life time...one of my closest & best friends in the world, Paul Drain, married the most incredible girl in the world, Heidi Andrews (now Drain), on June 6th, 2009!  i don't know if i've ever been so happy for two people!  The wedding was in Aberdeen, Scotland (they are both Scottish), and i was in the wedding...which means i wore a skirt...i mean kilt.  it was quite the experience! haha!  I love them a bunch!

Lastly, June ended with our first ever Conference!  The theme was "the Reality of Christianity" -Galatians 6:9.  The teachings were great. Pastors Dave Shirley, Joe Holden, Phil Twente, and Louie Monteith were the Guests speakers.  There were a ton of guests from all over the place that flew in for it.  Eric and my parents both flew in from Cali to witness the Ordination Ceremony which took place on the 2nd day of the conference.  GOD is GOOD!

PRAYER REQUESTS:

1. Discipline in my studies.

2. Wisdom

3. safe travels-  i leave for Cali Thursday, July 9th early in the morning.

4. Paul & Heidi-  That the Lord would richly bless their marriage!

5. The Work the Lord is doing in Mallorca, Spain.

*pictures coming this week.