Sep 20, 2010 ... From June 28th to July 2nd, 110 campers from all around Southern. California
made their journey up to Oak. Glen Christian Center in Yucaipa, ...
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THE PYROS TORCH
September 2010
A publication of The Pyros Youth of Word International Ministries Los Angeles.
PHOTO CREDIT PRIAM GUIUAN
“When the trumpets sounded, the people shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the people gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed, so every man charged straight in, and they took the city.”
Joshua 6:20
Soul Anchor:
Tearing Down The Walls By Kelsea Guevara
2009, it was decided that this year, camp would no longer be national but instead be broken down by region and each would hold their own camps in their respective areas until 2012, when we will reconvene the national camp. The Southern California region included the WIN churches from Artesia, Los Angeles, Orange County, Inland Empire, San Gabriel, and San Diego. Several youth from WIN Las Vegas were also able to attend.
With summer arriving, that significant time of year was fast approaching: the much anticipated and long awaited week of camp. From June 28th to July 2nd, 110 campers from all around Southern California made their journey up to Oak Glen Christian Center in Yucaipa, California for an intimate and powerful 5-day encounter with God.
Soul Anchor 2010: "Tearing Down The Walls" was the theme of this year’s camp, based on the story of Joshua leading the Israelites into the city of Jericho and Joshua 6:20, “when the trumpets sounded, the people shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the people gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed, so every man charged straight in, and they took the city.”
This year marked a special turning point in our national youth camp. In previous years, youth from Word International Ministries (WIN) churches and other guests from all over the nation attended Soul Anchor. After meeting with the WIN Youth Council in
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PHOTO CREDIT LYNDON ALDABA LEFT TRIBE OF LEVI RIGHT SOUL ANCHOR YOUTH LEADERS
ISSUEFOURTEEN The campers were separated into nine cell groups, two of them for college-age attendees and seven for high school age and under. Each cell group was named after nine of the twelve tribes of Israel; Asher, Ben, Dan, Isaachar, Joseph, Judah, Levi, Naphtali, and Zebulun; every cell group was given a different color flag with a symbol that represented their tribe.
There were workshops which catered to the different interests and needs of the campers as well, separating the young adults and the youth. Pastor Nemi Luna, who not only shared a message during our Tuesday morning session, “Tearing Down The Past,” also taught the workshop entitled “Bible vs. Science,” a focus on Apologetics for the college-level campers. The youth level workshop, “Identity Crisis,” was taught by Sis. Sylvia Sajo. Other workshops that were taught were “Leadership,” a college-level lesson shared by Bro. Jessie Romero, and “Preparing For Success,” taught by our own Sandra Cordero. Bro. Vic Isidro and his wife, Sis. Weng Isidro, of WIN-LA taught the “Sexual Purity” workshop for the campers who were fourteen years old and older while Hannah Llamas and Jonathan Aldaba taught the youth level.
Upon arriving at the campsite, many of the first timers were unsure of what they were embarking upon, yet they remained expectant as they gathered in the chapel for the first night of uninhibited praise and worship. Pastor Mark Briones welcomed the campers and shared a word on “Vision,” reminding us of the necessity for vision in our life and that vision requires sacrifice and faith. Later, as the band led us to a time of Spirit-filled worship, eleven youth gave their lives to Christ for the first time during altar call.
The water baptism (pictured on page 3) on Wednesday was also a powerful time during camp as more than twenty young people made public declarations of their faith and solidified their commitment to Christ being immersed in water representing the renewal of their lives in Christ. All the campers gathered around the pool and sang songs as they witnessed this pivotal moment in the lives of those getting water baptized for the first time.
Throughout the five days, there were many guest session speakers such as Pastor Nemi Luna, Pastor Carlos Gamez, and Pastor Lyndon Aldaba from WIN and in following tradition, Pastor Chito Cordero and Pastor Mark Briones spoke as well.
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PHOTO CREDIT LYNDON ALDABA
Leadership Bro. Jessie Romero of WIN Los Angeles taught young adults how to attain leadership qualities to manage of Christian lifestyle.
Wednesday night was designated for our special event. Each cell group, even the workers, was given the task to rewrite the lyrics to secular songs from artists such as Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, and other popular artists and “Christianize” them. Each of the cell groups had a unique and fun way of interpreting the continued on page 3
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PHOTO CREDIT LYNDON ALDABA
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songs and choreographing dances to match. One of the most notable moments of the evening was the special appearance of Pastor Lyndon Aldaba at the very end of the Levi tribes’ special number. The night was filled with a spirit of fun, joy and openness, which made a difference on the rest of the experience. There was an intense spirit of joy that overflowed onto the campers and throughout camp. The Lord tore down any inhibitions and there was freedom in worship.
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On the final day, for the first time since 2005, we had a communion, led by Pastor Neil Lewis. We were reminded of the sacrifice Jesus Christ made as we partook bread and drank the juice, symbolizing God’s flesh and blood. As we were about to part ways, we were also reminded not to let the walls in our lives be built up again and not to let camp just be an experience. We were encouraged to go out and be the light in our families, schools, workplaces, and communities.
Want to see video footage of SA ‘10?
Visit www.youtube.com/pyros424 to view Soul Anchor 2010: Tearing Down the Walls video coverage. There you will be able to watch daily recaps of the powerful sessions, the praise & worship, campers’ special events, fun time, and so much more! You will also find videos of past Soul Anchor camps, Mission Trips, etc. Subscribe to pyros424 and may God bless you!
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CROSSPOINT • • • • • • • • • • • •
&
Opening Hearts By Rizza Aldaba
Minds
M
arch 19, 2010 marked another Crosspoint to remember. Held at WIN-LA, it was astonishing to see a full house, with WIN churches and network churches from all over Southern California coming to show their support. The event was not only limited to the youth as young adults and parents came with expectant hearts. There were many new faces as people invited their friends from school and youth groups grew in number over the few months.
Who’s Your Daddy and What Does He Do? Jersson Garcia from Canoga Park Presbyterian Church delivers an inviting message to new believers during Crosspoint in Los Angeles.
Everyone was receptive to the Spirit’s leading as leaders and pastors prayed over the youth who responded to the altar call while the worship team ushered everyone in high worship. Four young people accepted Christ that night. Tears flowed and voices raised as the youth laid down their lives to their heavenly Father. It was indeed a powerful night. Eyes and hearts were opened as God’s presence saturated the place and the lives of those who came to seek and find Him. For many, it was a point of new beginnings in their lives, and there is no turning back.
The event started with an icebreaker where everyone was asked to introduce themselves to three people. Three people were then picked to name those they met for the first time. It was immediately followed by a time of lively and passionate praise and worship led by Pauline Guiuan and Rizza Aldaba.
PYROS Los Angeles’
Next Crosspoint Rally 10.29.10 | WIN-LA
Jersson Garcia of Canoga Park Presbyterian Church was the speaker of the night. His teaching, entitled “Who’s Your Daddy and What Does He Do?” elaborated on the characteristics of our Father in heaven and how He loves us like a loving, encouraging father to his child, though He is beyond different from our earthly father.
Join us for another passionate and powerful youth rally on October 29, 2010 at 7:00 pm at the WIN Los Angeles Church. Log into www.facebook.com/pyros-youth for more information! You won’t want to miss this!
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By Sonny Rapinan
BUI LDI NG TH E K INGDOM , U N ITING THE BODY, EMPOWER ING THE YOUTH - THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRI T.
Youth of different ethnicities, different backgrounds, and different zip codes gathered as one united body for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Solace 2010, held May 21-22, 2010. Solace arose from Pastor Carlos Gamez Jr.’s vision to organize a Spirit-filled youth conference that was more unique and diverse than any other Christian conference. In commemoration of Pentecost, Solace was launched on the same week with the vision of "Building the Kingdom, Uniting the Body, and Empowering Youth - Through the Holy Spirit" and tackling the theme “Identity Crisis.”
Solace Day 2. Joanna Cordero (WIN LA), Kenneth Macaraig (Voice of Victory), Hannah Llamas (WIN LA) jointly lifted up their hands in worship during the Solace Conference, 2010.
Every session began with passionate praise and worship. Joshua Chavez & Outpour and Neri Junior broke the inhibition in worship among the youth and led the youth to worship God in their own personal way. Each session and workshop delivered messages that equipped the youth to be a spiritual army for God’s purpose. Ben Stephens, a speaker, said, “You were born on purpose, for a purpose, to pursue purpose.”
WIN-LA’s Pyros leadership played a pivotal part in planning and organizing the event, and helping in the various committees, which included roles in logistics, security, media, set-up, and registration. In addition, they were able to mobilize their youth to be part of the conference. A group of youth and adults from our WIN churches in Los Angeles and Inland Empire came to support, coming on both days.
Solace indeed was a time of consoling and peace. People laid down generational curses, disobedience, inner vows, unforgiveness, and emotional abuses. People left reassured and transformed by the Holy Spirit. True to what the organizer of Solace, Carlos Gamez Jr., said, “We don’t want to inform, but transform.”
PHOTO CREDIT RIZZA ALDABA
Session and workshop speakers including men of God who have a heart for the youth to speak to this generation: Gabe Ahn of Harvest Rock Church, Pasadena, Joshua Chavez of Parkcrest Church in Long Beach, Carlos Gamez Jr., and Ben Stephens of West Angeles Church in Los Angeles, Nemi Luna, Luis Mangandi and Hosea Collins. These leaders truly represented diversity and showed one heart hungry for God. Youth leaders from Pyros and other supporting churches helped behind-the-scenes for the two-day event.
The last session culminated in a Spirit of Love and Spirit of Anointing Collisions with the youth being anointed and prayed over to receive the Holy Spirit. Vessels of Honor led praise and worship to usher the people in worship. The people cried in desperation for God to move in their lives.
don’t want “toWeinform, but transform. ” - Pastor Carlos
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PHOTO CREDIT RIZZA ALDABA
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SOLACE
PHOTO CREDIT RIZZA ALDABA
ISSUEFOURTEEN “I’ve grown spiritually with my walk with God and can proudly say that I’ve matured,” Shadrach Aldaba
The Aldaba Brothers Serving God Through Music and Leadership
Jonathan, a skillful keyboardist, said that playing the keyboard is a part of his daily life. He added, "God-willing I would be able to lead a music ministry someday. I would be honored to lead a band for the Lord." Meanwhile, Shadrach often plays as a lead guitarist. Every now and then, he's called to play the bass or acoustic guitar. He's equally adept in playing the guitar as his younger brother is in playing the keyboards. Although they've only been in the United States for six years, Jonathan and Shadrach have been a part of Pyros, WIN LA's youth ministry, ever since they arrived. Jonathan stated that Pyros is without a doubt his family and he’s proud to be a part of it. On the other hand, Shad is blessed to see everyone in the group grow up not only physically but also spiritually. "I've grown spiritually with my walk with God and can proudly say that I've matured," he added. Being raised in a Christian family, these young men fortunately did not feel any pressure. Although people expect them to follow their father's footsteps as a pastor, Jonathan stated that he’d respectfully pass. When asked how it feels to be a pastor's kid, Jonathan replied that it is a beautiful thing to have been raised as a Christian and accepted Christ at an early age. Shad responded, “It's amazing because I grew up having a fear in the Lord, which shaped my values, character, and traits."
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By Louise Dandan
On the other hand, migrating here definitely changed their lives. Coming from a private school in the Philippines, the diversity and culture of schools here impacted him immensely, Jonathan stated. However, he passed high school with flying colors. He was vice-president of the AVID club and was a coeditor of the very first video production team in Hollywood High School. To top it off, he graduated with a white robe, signifying high academic achievement. Meanwhile, Shad reasoned that he didn't like the States at first because of the unfamiliar faces and places. However, going to school here helped him enhance his English and musical skills. Jonathan currently goes to Santa Monica College, aiming to major in Mechanical Engineering. On the other hand, Shadrach goes to Preferred College of Nursing and is set on becoming a nurse. Although their futures are practically defined, their main goal in life is to still serve God. "I want to use whatever God gave me and blessed me with to bless him and be a blessing to others," Jonathan said. Shad, on his part, said that his goal in life is to continue serving the Lord and be successful in his adult life. These two uniquely gifted men continue to serve the Lord and are one of the exemplary models of the youth. Despite their frequent absence in WIN LA, they remain committed in using their God-given talents in WIN San Gabriel as well as in other WIN churches.
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The Fireside Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes. Isaiah 54:2 (NIV)
What a summer it has been! The summer of 2010 will be a time that I will look back in my ministry. It is a time where God really “enlarged” the youth ministry of WIN here in the US. When we started holding summer camps for our young people back in 2004 here in the Southern California, God laid a vision and a burden in my heart to unite all the young people of WIN, to train and equip them so that they we will be able to have their own regional camps. This summer, that has come into full circle with our WIN Texas churches having their camp last June 21 to 25, followed by our WIN Southern California/Nevada churches last June 28 to July 2, then our Northern California churches last July 26 to 29. Our Washington area churches also had their camp during the latter part of August and so did our WIN Hawaii church, having a gathering that catered for our young people there. Not only were our churches from the different regions able to have their own regional camps, but they were all well attended and very successful. God moved in a mighty way in the lives of all those who attended. I am excited as to what God has in store for our young people. At the same time, I am blessed and humbled to have leaders from the different regions who have the burden and vision to mentor the church of the next generation. As what the prophet Isaiah said:
"Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes.”
- Isaiah 54:2 (NIV)
— Pastor Mark Briones
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THESTAFF WRITERS
DESIGN & LAYOUT
rizza aldaba louise dandan kelsea guevara sonny rapinan
verna abante paolo manuel ADVISOR
pastor mark briones
EDITOR IN CHIEF
rizza aldaba ASSISTANT EDITOR
THEPYROSTORCH
shannen maghanoy
530 s. benton way los angeles, california www.pyros.rocks.it
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