Every season has a purpose

Transcription

Every season has a purpose
Bethpage Assembly of God Church
P. O. Box 429; 362 Stewart Ave.
Bethpage, NY 11714
US POSTAGE
PAID
NONPROFIT
PERMIT No. 429
Bethpage, NY
Spring/Summer 2015
A Place where
God is Able!
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Lead Pastor:
Rev. Sal Bennardo
Spanish Pastor:
Rev. Carmen Garcia
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Appl ite at ww 2-4241.
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Elders:
Dan Buttafuoco
Dan Collins
Kiddie Kollege Director:
Darlene Bennardo
Children’s Ministries
Director:
Stephanie Jurado
Interim Youth Leader:
Steve Nichols
Get Ready!!
Church Secretary:
Annmarie Faggione
Church Administrator:
Carol Eppolito
Dear neighbors, friends and members of the Community of Faith,
Jesus, in speaking to his disciples, shared a glorious and prophetic word,
that those who believe in Him would do even greater works. He adds that
believers who ask anything in His name, He will do it. As we read in John
14:12 which is titled “The Answered Prayer”:
Bethpage Assembly of
God Church
P. O. Box 429;
362 Stewart Ave.
Bethpage, NY 11714
(516) 931-2378
www.godisable.org
12 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I
do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go
to My Father. 13 And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that
the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask[c] anything in My
name, I will do it.
In a recent word of knowledge from the Lord, we were told that we are
to expect more supernatural healing and answers to prayer right in our
local congregation. We have heard the testimony of John Chen, who
went from stage 4 lung cancer (October 2013) to suspension of chemo
treatments (March 2015).
As believers we need to prepare ourselves, through prayer and fasting,
for the next great move of God right here at Bethpage Assembly of God
Church. We also need to get the word out to our friends, neighbors,
coworkers and family members that God still answers prayers.
John Chen was sent home to die and yet our sister Diane Dybus invited
John to church for prayer and he is alive today by God’s mercy.
Get ready and get the word out: Second Sunday of the Month is prayer
for the sick at Bethpage Assembly of God Church both at the 9 am and
10:30 am services.
Art & Daisy Jimenez Prayer Chain Ministry
Join us for Sunday Services:
9:00am & 10:30am including Children’s Services
Spanish Services: 1:30pm
Dear Friends & Neighbors,
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The Seasons of Life
living. He concludes that everything is just an empty
exercise in vanity. It is like trying to capture the wind
in his hands.
Pastor Sal Bennardo
It is said that on Veteran’s Day, November 11, 1963,
President John F. Kennedy visited Arlington Cemetery
to pay his respects to America’s fallen heroes.
Gazing over the rolling Virginia hillside from Arlington
House, he remarked, “It is so beautiful that I could
stay here forever.” Two weeks later he returned in
a flag-draped coffin to be buried beneath an eternal
flame. Kennedy’s favorite passage from the Bible
was Solomon’s poem in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8.
“To everything there is a season, a time for every
purpose under heaven: A time to be born and a time
to die; A time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to
kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time
to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to
mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones
and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a
time to refrain, a time to search and a time to give
up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time
to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and
a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a
time for war and a time for peace.”
You may have never read this passage in the Bible,
but I’m sure you have heard it sung many times on
the radio by a popular singing group called the Byrds.
That’s right it’s called “Turn, Turn, Turn.”
What was it about Ecclesiastes 3 that fascinated a
troubled generation and its young inspiring president?
Well to begin with, the author, Solomon was the
wisest and wealthiest man who ever lived, and the
Book of Ecclesiastes is the story of his life long quest
to make sense of the seasons of life. Solomon looks
for satisfaction in wealth, wisdom, work and wild
I know there are some who ask “Where is God?”
Others believe, if He even exists, He’s certainly not
showing up for work! Solomon had a different
view entirely. He concludes that God is sovereign
and in control, regardless of the seasons we all
pass through. If you look closely at Solomon’s poem
you will see that the word “time” occurs twentynine times. We rarely turn our back on time. You
and I probably have a dozen clocks and four or
five calendars in our homes. Most of us wear a
wristwatch and, if you have a cell phone or computer,
you know the time. When you really think about it,
we are so caught up in this thing called “time.”
And yet, time, is what will one day run out for each of
us. Do you remember what Solomon said? “There is
a time to be born and a time to die.” It reminds me
of a poem I once came across. It’s entitled
“Life Is Just a Minute.”
“Life is just a minuteonly sixty seconds in it.
Forced upon you – can’t refuse it.
Didn’t seek it – didn’t choose it.
But it’s up to you to use it.
You must suffer if you lose it.
Give an account if you abuse it.
Just a tiny, little minute,
But eternity is in it!”
Life Is Short, Enjoy The Journey!
– Pastor Sal Bennardo
Every season
has a purpose
Carol Eppolito, Editor
1
DOES GOD LOVE EVERYONE THE SAME?
You often hear that
“God is Love.” That
is true. “Love is not
God” but it is true
that God is love….
He says that in
the scriptures:
“Whoever does
not love does
not know God,
because God is love. (I John 4:8).” BUT...
Does God love everyone? Does God love all
people the same? These are interesting and
complicated questions. It is clear that God
does not treat all people the same. Some
people are obviously quite blessed and others
obviously not. Some may even say “cursed.”
But what about “love?” Does God love
everyone the same?
Here is what Scripture says:
15“If you love me, keep my commands. 16And
I will ask the Father, and he will give you
another advocate to help you and be with
you forever – 17the Spirit of truth. The world
cannot accept him, because it neither sees him
nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives
with you and will bec in you. 18I will not leave
you as orphans; I will come to you. 19Before
long, the world will not see me anymore, but
you will see me. Because I live, you also will
live. 20On that day you will realize that I am
in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in
you. 21Whoever has my commands and keeps
them is the one who loves me. The one who
loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too
will love them and show myself to them.”
22Then Judas [not Judas Iscariot] said, “But,
Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us
and not to the world?”
CLEARLY HERE THERE IS A DIFFERENCE
DRAWN BETWEEN GOD’S PEOPLE AND THE
“PEOPLE OF THE WORLD.”
Jesus continues:
23Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will
obey my teaching. My Father will love them,
and we will come to them and make our home
with them. 24Anyone who does not love me
will not obey my teaching. These words you
hear are not my own; they belong to the Father
who sent me. ...John 14
“THE ONE WHO LOVES ME WILL BE LOVED
BY MY FATHER.” These passages (underlining
mine) appear to be clearly saying that the
Father will (future tense) love those who love
Jesus. And, those that love Jesus demonstrate
that when they OBEY HIS TEACHING! THAT
2
by Elder Dan Buttafuoco
is the acid test for the Father’s love. The love
a Father gives to his children is given to us...
perfectly. Such love!!! God does not, therefore,
love everyone (at least not in the same
way). Clearly he is partial to his children and
reserves special love (special grace) for them.
I know this is complicated but theology is
complex and mysterious and multidimensional
because God is all of the above, too. But we
go with scripture and God is saying here that
God will love those who love Jesus and those
who love Jesus are the ones who keep his
commandments (not perfectly...we all sin... but
sincerely, as grace allows). I would say that if
we DESIRE to keep his commandments that
is what he is saying. We have the love of the
Father…the special love a father has for his
children.
This also fits nicely with who is allowed to be
called “sons” [or children] of God.
“He came to that which was his own, but his
own did not receive him. 12Yet to all who
did receive him, to those who believed in his
name, he gave the right to become children of
God – 13children born not of natural descent,
nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but
born of God.” John 1
Amen! Please do not tell me that this only
applies to “Old Testament, pre-resurrection
people”....because that would be wrong. That
is what some argue because they do not like
the implications of the truth here which is
plainly stated. That argument would discredit
the majority of Jesus’ teachings. Clearly, Jesus
is here giving parting words to his disciples
knowing full well they will heed them after he
resurrects.
Complicated stuff, the heart of God. I realize
that this is not popular (“pop” theology, which
caters to our sinful inclinations is usually
wrong) and may upset some people who wish
to maintain the illusion of all inclusivity, the
“all are [or should be] equal” nonsense that is
so popular today.
We remain in God’s love by plugging into
it. So, I guess we could say that God’s love
stream is available to all (‘for God so loved the
world”). In THAT sense God loves all people,
all tribes, all tongues and all nations. It is
also true that few actually plug into it or are
“elect.” Jesus said “the way is narrow and
only a few find it.”
Finally, we have a duty to “REMAIN IN
GOD’S LOVE,” implying that we can walk
away from it.
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved
you. Now remain in my love. 10If you keep
my commands, you will remain in my love,
just as I have kept my Father’s commands and
remain in his love. 11I have told you this so
that my joy may be in you and that your joy
may be complete. 12My command is this: Love
each other as I have loved you. 13Greater love
has no one than this: to lay down one’s life
for one’s friends. 14You are my friends if you
do what I command. 15I no longer call you
servants, because a servant does not know his
master’s business. Instead, I have called you
friends, for everything that I learned from my
Father I have made known to you. 16You did
not choose me, but I chose you and appointed
you so that you might go and bear fruit– fruit
that will last– and so that whatever you ask in
my name the Father will give you. 17This is my
command: Love each other.
REMAIN IN MY LOVE!! We position ourselves
for grace and for God’s love, it seems. Yet, it is
a mystery since he CHOOSES US!!! Remember
it says that before either was born...BEFORE
BIRTH: “Jacob I loved and Esau I hated.”
Wow! This should make you feel special.
God chose us. Notice the careful wording of
this passage:
46Then Paul and Barnabas answered them
boldly: “We had to speak the word of God
to you first. Since you reject it and do not
consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we
now turn to the Gentiles. 47For this is what the
Lord has commanded us:
“ ‘I have made youf a light for the Gentiles,
that youg may bring salvation to the ends of
the earth’h ”
48When the Gentiles heard this, they were
glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all
who were appointed for eternal life believed.
Notice it does not say “those who believed
were then appointed for eternal life.” No, it
says it in the opposite order: Those ALREADY
appointed for eternal life believed when they
heard the Gospel. Those ALREADY appointed
for eternal life were given faith (“by grace
you are saved through faith and that NOT OF
YOURSELVES, it is the gift of God”...the faith
itself to believe, even, is a gift of God’s grace!).
We don’t muster up faith! God gives faith to
his elect. He chooses. He gives. He decides.
This is why Jesus often spoke in parables.
He wasn’t TRYING to convince anybody! The
elect needed no convincing. They were God’s
people. They just needed the message of truth
– then faith …which was a gift...took over.
Wow!
Daniel P. Buttafuoco, Esq. Founding Partner
Girls Ministries
HELPING HANDS MINISTRY
is a club for girls from pre-school through middle school and pre-school boys.
Girls Ministries reinforces each girl’s personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
The girls are split into age appropriate classes and their Sponsors offer them
support and guidance. They learn about Christian values and the bible, earn
badges and form friendships.
continues to grow and to be a blessing to all involved.
We started this ministry about 5 years ago with the hope
of meeting the needs of the congregation and doing it in
a very simple way. We continue to help people in many
different ways. This includes cooking meals, home visits
or phone calls, driving to appointments and to church and
various other ways. We have had people open their homes
to other church members during the holiday season and
this has been a blessing to both the person being invited
and to the person opening their home. There have been
many new friendships made by this simple act during what
is usually a very busy time.
As the year comes to an end, the Sponsors and I have enjoyed watching the girls
grown in their relationship with Jesus. Throughout the year, the girls were busy
hearing bible stories, learning bible verses and enjoying many fun activities. On
June 10th we had our moving-up ceremony where some girls crossed over the
bridge to move up to the next class and everyone was acknowledged for their
hard work this year.
Girls Ministries meets every Wednesday night from 7:30-8:45 p.m. during the
school year. Classes will commence again in mid-September. We are always
looking for new girls to join Girls Ministries; it is open to all school aged girls
and pre-school boys. If you know of a girl who would like to join, please call the
church office. Have a blessed summer!!
In His Service, Jill Ferriso, Girls Ministries Coordinator
Looking toward the future for this ministry, we would
like to continue our goal of making sure the elderly of our
congregation who are no longer able to attend church on a
regular basis are still a part of our congregation. We have
combined our efforts with the women’s ministry to keep in
touch with our elderly homebound members. We have had
a good response and are looking forward to seeing these
groups form.
If you have a need that you would like help with or if
you would like to volunteer your time and service to this
wonderful ministry, please contact me and I would be
more than happy to assist you.
Thank you and God Bless,
MEN’S MINISTRY
Connie Luciano connieluciano@aol.com
(516) 448-1562
Greetings to all the men here at
Bethpage Assembly of God Church.
Winter is finally over and as usual God
is faithful and Spring is here.
I can look out my windows and see
green for a change. I was beginning to
think my lawn was going to stay white.
The weather did not interfere with
our men’s prayer breakfasts and we
continued to have a good attendance
each month. I look forward to the
fellowship that is enjoyed when we get
together.
If you are new to the church, this
breakfast is a wonderful opportunity to
get to know the men in the church in a
warm, friendly atmosphere. We meet
in the church fellowship hall on the 3rd
Saturday of each month at 9:30am.
We look forward
Be blessed. Elder Dan Collins
7
REGULAR
WEEKLY EVENTS
Sundays:
First Service 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Second Service 10:30 a.m.
(Nursery provided for both services)
Spanish Service at 1:30pm
Tuesdays:
10:00am: Intercessory Prayer at the
17 Emma Street Ministry Center
Spanish Ministry Bible study 7:30 p.m.
Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m.
Mid-week Adult Bible Study
Youth Bible Study
Girls Ministries
Fridays:
Mornings at Riker’s Island
7:30pm: 180 Youth Group
KIDS POWER AND LIGHT
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
We pray multitude of blessings upon you
and your loved ones. We are very blessed to
share with you some pictures of our Children’s
Ministry. Our Children’s Choir performed in our
Palm Sunday Service. They did an amazing job
for the Lord! We are blessed to announce that
eleven of our children from KPL and our Spanish
congregation will participate of Holy Communion
for the first time on April 26. It will be a very
joyous occasion for all of us as a family in Christ.
In our Children’s Ministry Spring Program, our
Preschool children will learn about Jesus’
triumphant entry into Jerusalem, how He prayed,
and about His victory over death. Children will
also learn about Jonah, Elijah’s ride into heaven,
three Hebrew men thrown into a fiery furnace,
and Daniel in the lions’ den. Our older children
will learn through biblical facts about the
millennial reign of Jesus, the end times and
the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. Our youth
will, through biblical examples, gain insight
into how to properly process negative
emotions. They will discover what was
important to Jesus and how He can transform
their lives through the events of His last days.
We would love to see you and your children.
Our KPL Children’s Ministry is for all kids all
ages. All our lessons include prayer and
worship time, bible reading, and much more.
Come join us on Sundays at any of our services
9:00am or 10:30am (English) and 1:30pm
(Spanish).
Sincerely,
Stephanie Jurado
Children’s Ministry Director
KIDDIE KOLLEGE Pre-School News
This new school year will
mark 40 years since the
establishment of Kiddie
Kollege . What a great
tradition we have had
impacting young lives for
good and for God. I like
what Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon
which you can use to change the world”. How true! Education begins
early and starts young. That’s why Kiddie Kollege was established – to
instruct youngsters academically, socially, physically and spiritually in a
loving, caring, Christ-centered atmosphere. Balanced instruction is the
key to success and opens the door to many future opportunities.
It has been my joy to enroll many students of alumni which I, myself,
had the privilege of teaching, back in the ’80’s. This reminds me of two
things. One, I’m getting older, but I’m not alone…. You are too! And,
second, the reputation of Kiddie Kollege precedes itself, encouraging
alumni parents to remember their formative years and positive learning
experiences here at our school. We are truly blessed by God for
His favor upon us and for the support of wonderful families in this
community.
Let me just remind you that we will continue to offer Pre-School
classes for the 2015-16 school year. Registration is open for our Terrific
Two’s, Nursery (3’s), Pre-K (4’s) and Summer Camp programs. Summer
Camp is an exciting way to keep your child engaged in the learning
process as well as participate in the summer fun experience of arts
& crafts, music, games, indoor play, playground play and sprinkler
play. Our camp offers flexible days and hours specifically tailored
to accommodate your leisurely schedule. If you would like more
information, please give us a call at 822-4241and schedule a visit.
Saturdays:
1st Sat. of Each Month:
Operation Blessing
3rd Sat. of Each Month:
Men’s Prayer Breakfast
4th Saturday of each month �
Women’s Activity tba
We’d love to meet with you! Darlene Bennardo Director
Operation Blessing News!
CIRCLE OF FRIENDS
I have to say I am blessed!! Thanking God for this opportunity to serve...
Seasons come according to their divine time. I believe God has lead and
appointed this time for the Sisters in CHRIST, when we are in the will
of God we can here the knock or the call within our Spirit, lets let the
Spirit Lead the way!
That’s how this WMs ministry has come to life, for those of you that are new
or just venturing out feeling more comfortable, this is an intimate
circle developed by answering the call!!
4
During the month of November we all gathered as a family for a thankful
meal Around the table, this was very enjoyable and fulfilling, as surrounded
by the presence of the Lord I would like to encourage those ladies
that haven’t found that place within, come be surrounded by the love &
faithfulness of God! I know God has Great plans to increase this circle of
“Sisters in Christ”
We continue to meet once a month every 1st Tuesday at the Lisi Home in
West Babylon.
All Gods Amazing Grace, Lisa Lisi
Women of Purpose
Let’s live life every day in God’s presence!
It seems like we were just embracing the New Year and “The kick
off to Women’s Ministry!!
Our annual winter workshop was divinely appointed, over 50 ladies
participated in this workshop, and Clara LaPort was welcomed as
WM’S new leader as she shared her heart for women.
Clara spoke on spiritual gifting which allowed the ladies to learn
what their gift or gifts are and how to use these gifts for “the Lord”,
which He has given them to put to work for His kingdom & His
Glory!! Praise God!
WMS’s has reclaimed the monthly breakfast!
The fourth Saturday of the month from 10a-12 noon, we will gather
for food and fellowship, breakfast (10-11am) and breakout groups to
follow from (11am-noon).
Thanking God for these Breakout groups and the ladies that are
using God’s gift to lead! Small groups are designed to help meet the
needs of today’s women. You will find transparency, warmth and
concern. You will receive God’s word, prayer and confidentiality.
Our group leaders are as follows:
• Darlene Bennardo: Family and Marriage
• Diane Delia: Healing from Past Hurts
• Clara LaPort: Topics Change
• Fill Maffei: Prayer Journey
• Ruth Nazarrio: Trusting God
• Louise Roberti: A Beautiful Life!
Mark your calendar for these exciting events:
•Spring Rally is on April 25th at the Hyatt Regency in Hauppauge. This event celebrates the diversity across
Long Island as women from over 25 churches join together in praise, prayer and fellowship. Sister Joan Stewart will be our speaker. The theme this year is JOY! JOY! JOY!
• May 30th we are planning a Ladies Tea, Speaker:
Dr. Anna Ramos
• June 27th is our monthly Breakfast and Breakout groups.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Clara
at womensministry@godisable.org.
Many Blessings,
Clara LaPort | Women’s Ministry Coordinator
LI Sectional Rep., Women of Purpose
The Operation Blessing team works together to provide food to families in need in the church and the community. Food is distributed on the
first Saturday of every month between 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. You’ll find us downstairs in the fellowship hall. Please, if there is anyone in the
congregation in need of food, or if you know of someone in the community who is struggling to make ends meet, just call the church office and
let us know. We are here to help.
After taking the month of January off to restock and recharge, we have since been “full steam ahead” on our regular monthly schedule! We are
privileged to be the heart and hands of Jesus to approximately 40 families. We’re trusting the Lord for another wonderful year filled with His
grace and provision and we’re praying for even more opportunities to be a blessing to those in need.
Thank you to the many faithful volunteers who give of their time and talents each month to serve in this ministry. We want to thank as well
those of you who donate money and/or groceries to help fill our pantry. In this regard, we would like to express our appreciation to both Joanne
Raimo and Diane Dybus, who are graciously giving the proceeds of the wonderful books they have authored to the Operation Blessing ministry.
“And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Heb 13:16
Marguerite Monastero & Michael Micheletti
5
Spanish
Ministry
of Bethpage
Hope that delay is torment of the heart,
but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.
(Proverbs 13:12)
The desire of many of us has been met. After
a long winter, we have started to enjoy the
beautiful spring and with joy and anticipation,
we await the summer. It is our desire that
you and your family enjoy this wonderful season
of the year.
As a Christian family, our Ministry also conducts
many activities inside and outside our local
church. We would like to share them with you
hoping you will join us at any time.
Rev. Carmen Garcia. Pastor.
In addition to our regular activities on Sundays
at 1:30pm, where we celebrate with a Service of
Worship and praise, and Tuesday at 7:30pm with
our time of prayer and Bible study, in the month of
May on Saturday 9 at 6:00pm, we will celebrate
a banquet in honor of Mother’s Day. On Saturday
the 16th at 5:00pm, our children will celebrate
their service and time of fellowship. On Saturday
May 23 in the evening, our Couple’s Ministry will
have their bimonthly meeting.
During the months of June, July and August, we
will celebrate specially scheduled services only
on June 14, July 19 and August 16 at 7:00am
until 8:30am. On those dates, we will have no
service in the afternoons. These days we take
advantage of the summer weather especially for
recreational activities such as Picnics, pool days,
trips to the beach, and BBQs. We are confident
that with the favor of God we can all take
advantage of this wonderful time of spring and
summer and that in the midst of our enjoyment
we always remember that everything we have
comes from God and has been granted to us by
Him. For this reason, we should take the time to
come and praise Him in His house of Worship to
thank Him for His many blessings toward us and
for His immense mercy.
We pray that all the blessings of God reach you
and your family, and also that we can have the
joy of seeing you at one of our services and
meetings. I assure you that you will be very
blessed and you will be always welcome.
For more information on other activities feel
free to contact us at (516) 934-0778.
God bless you richly and abundantly
Rev. Carmen Garcia. Pastor
Life Groups
Enjoying the Fellowship
and the Studies
needs and seeing answers to those
prayers. We continue to hear wonderful
testimonies come out of the group prayer
sessions, proving that there truly is power
in communal prayer!
We are currently in the middle of our
Winter/Spring 2015 Life Group semester
and everyone is really enjoying this study
of Revelation. We are using Dr. David
Jeremiah’s “Agents of the Apocalypse”
book as our guide and Pastor Sal’s Bible
Study on Revelation also coincides well.
We have some new people attending Life
Groups this time around and it’s always
nice to get others’ insight gleaned from
their personal study of the Bible. The Book
of Revelation has always been thought of
as one of the more difficult books in the
Bible to study, but everyone is getting a
lot out of this Life Group semester and our
meetings have been very engaging.
If you have never participated in a Life
Group, we strongly encourage you to join
our next session. We will resume with a
new book starting in late September 2015.
No matter where you are on your spiritual
journey, we think it’s important to travel
with others as we go through life’s trials.
Life Groups represent the fullest expression
of the church, where lasting friendships and
life change happens.
If you have any questions regarding
Life Groups, not sure what they’re about,
etc., please contact us at
lifegroups@godisable.org.
Best Regards and God Bless…
Joe and Linda Nardulli
One of the more powerful experiences
in Life Groups is praying for each other’s
GREETINGS from
RIKERS ISLAND!
The Bethpage Assembly of God Prison
Ministry, in partnership with the Reach Out
and Touch Prison Ministry (www.rotpm.com),
continues to deliver the message of Jesus
Christ to the incarcerated men and women
of the NYC and NYS correctional systems.
Through one-on-one mentoring, preaching,
letter writing and bible study correspondence
courses, ROTPM has seen amazing
transformation in the lives of even the most
hardened criminals; all the through the love,
mercy, forgiveness and hope of our Savior.
We have found the desire for Jesus to be
nearly insatiable behind prison walls and
we need workers to assist with the harvest.
Won’t you please join us in the fight against
the darkness? We understand the fear that
prison garners but we promise that you will
be blessed beyond measure.
We need mentors, letter writers, website and
media managers, and administrative support
but more than anything we need your prayers!
Please see Michael Luciano to understand
how you can become involved. Be a Light!
Welcome to 180 Youth
Spring has finally arrived, and we are excited to expand our role within the church
and the community. The Youth group just came back from the District Youth
Convention and Fine Arts Competition in Syracuse, NY. We had 14 kids compete in
different categories including Short Sermon, Dance, Vocal, Human Video, Drama,
Photography among others. Our students put in a lot of hard work during practice
and this lead to 13 of the 17 categories advancing with invitation to Nationals
this summer. Our kids were so supportive of one another and could frequently
been seen praying and encouraging the competing students. This attitude carried
over into the nightly services as they opened their hearts to receiving God’s word.
Overall, it was a fantastic trip and a great atmosphere. God truly blessed us.
The leadership team has created a three-pronged approach for the upcoming months to give our youth maximum opportunity to grow. We will
continue our Wednesday Bible Study from 7:30 - 8:30 PM to teach the word of God. We are going to continue our Friday Activity nights, and plan
more group outings with our fellow Assembly of God Youth Groups. This will provide the children opportunity to share their ministry as well as
meet other Christians their age and build friendships. Finally, we want to organize different community service events, so our youth can go out into
the world and do the work Jesus has called us to do. Our group is open to all students in Middle and High School.
If you are a parents and would like to receive more information about upcoming events, you can join our Facebook Group 180 Youth or email
Steve Nichols at SLNichols5@yahoo.com to get email announcements. This is a very exciting time for our kids as they grow closer to the Lord.
Thank you and God bless you, Steve Nichols
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