Staff Christmas Hoe-down

We had a few minutes this past month and so we all got together to celebrate the holiday a little differently this year. Poor Pastor Bert threw his back out and is still taking ibuprofen.

Pastor P

Christmas Stress Relief

Enjoy the Elf video-As I had mentioned at our Adult Christmas Dinner, sometimes the pastoral staff just needs to get out and cut loose. It really helps with holiday stress!

Pastor P

Persecution Project Flight into Sudan

Sometimes it can be hard trying to do good things to help others. Sometimes there are unexpected obstacles and challenges. But persistence in Christ will always find us victorious.

Enjoy the video- Pastor P

Election Day

Great Video from General Superintendent concerning election day.
Watch-Pray-Vote!
PB

BEST INVESTMENT EVER

With all the turmoil on Wall Street and around the world, and without a lot of comment from yours truly let me simply direct you to the wise words of the God-man Jesus;
MT 6:19 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.

Pastor P

CAYA in a month

Something new, something exciting, something more for those who are 20 and 30 Something.
A November 1 debut is planned for the kick off of CAYA. So, if you are looking for a little something more and want to focus on God and grow spiritually while walking alongside others with a common thirst, then these gatherings are for you. Here is a sample of the direction we hope to be taking.

General Superintendent's Cabinet

This past week found me in the desert in California for our meeting. It was so very encouraging. Of course our General Superintendent, George Wood was there as was Alton Garrison, our Asst General Superintendent. And we had a special guest, Rick Warren from Saddleback Church. He only spent a few hours with us but I am still processing it all. His word to us was very simple yet profound and as we got to know him it became evident why he has been blessed with such a far reaching ministry. His book, The Purpose Driven Life is the second all time best selling book, second only to the Bible. He mentioned that when he requests prayer or someone offers prayer, he directs them to pray for three things on his behalf: Integrity, Generosity, Humility. He lives all three.

As one of his staff took our picture together I had Cathy take a photo of the two of us with her cell phone-here it is.

Pastor P

Closer to the end

The Book of Revelation says that there will be a day when every tribe, language, nation and peoples will praise the Lord. We are rapidly approaching that day. Enjoy this music from youtube. The group is Aradhna and they are Indian believers.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p187n4BZH3A

Pastor P

SYATP 08

The theme for See You at the Pole this year is "Connect" and that is what we need to do with those in our sphere of influence. Watch this video to see how you can have a successful SYATP event at your school and start to Connect with your classmates in a way that will change their lives forever.
PB

AIM LOWER

I thought I would share a rather thought provoking video with all of you. A simple yet powerful message on sharing the Gospel. Pastor P

Powerline Youth Group Returns from the South

Whew!
I had a dream last night (nightmare actually) that everyone who went on the missions trip to Alabama, especially Pastor Ben and the Fine Arts contestants came back as this singing group.
Pastor P

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.

When you Pray

While most of America is on vacation and enjoying the summer months many Christians around the world are suffering from intense persecution. When you pray remember to pray for those in our eternal family who are in prison for the sake of the Gospel.
Heb 13:3, "Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering."

Pastor P

Nostalgia

WOW!
To regain 30 years. You have seen the other posts regarding my Dad and his passing into eternity. And you have also seen the music video in the previous post. This all got me thinking about looking for Christian music videos to post and I immediately went to one of the absolute best Christian guitar players of all time-Phil Keaggy. This is an OLDY about "Time". Where were you 30 years ago?

Pastor P

No Regrets

Here's a song that will encourage you to say what you can while you can to those whom you care about in your life. I am so glad that I have no regrets-nothing left unsaid to my Dad-in fact I consider it a real blessing to have visited him only 2 1/2 weeks before he died. And although he never said it back to me I was able to hug him and tell him, "I love you". I always did. And of course those of you who have ever heard me preach, you know that I have really "talked him up" from the pulpit. He is my hero, he was a good Dad, and I will still continue to brag about him even though he is gone. Enjoy, "In the Living Years".

Pastor P

What is Truth?

Plan to be in the morning service-July 27
I will be speaking on: TRUTH, False Prophets and False Messiahs
You can get a flavor by watching the video below

Pastor P

The Baton has been passed

2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day--and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

On Thursday July 17 my Dad died. He was 95 years old and had accepted Christ just 6 years ago. Although he lived most of his life without knowing the Lord he has left quite a legacy and most of that legacy is in the form of memories of his character. He is a testimony to the "greatest generation". He went through so much adversity and survived it all. Born to immigrant parents, Sebastiania was a boy during the Influenza epidemic of 1918 that killed millions of people worldwide, he witnessed two world wars, the great depression, went to work to help support his family as a young boy, sheltered and supported his family of 10 making a living as a trash man (before the fancy trucks and equipment).

He did a good job. He was a good man. Never ever complained about anything, never ever wanted anything for himself. I learned much from being around him and working with him in his trash business. Work hard, give your best to others, be selfless, care to make a difference. Good job Dad! And now the baton has been passed.

Pastor P

Missed Opportunities

Enjoy the video... I thought this was a great reminder of just how busy we can be as Christians and how opportunities can suddenly appear when we least expect them. In fact, I remember being incredibly bored before I came to know Christ as my Savior. That is probably the reason that I was always getting into trouble. It is probably the reason that so many non-believers get themselves in trouble too. But anyways- since coming to Christ some 34 years ago I have been on an incredible fast paced journey. Watching this quick video reminded me of the great gap between their lives and ours. And yet in the midst of all that we do we have to be READY to stop and minister to people in need. Allow this video message to be a reminder-do not allow it to be a source of guilt. Christians aren't perfect-just forgiven.

Pastor P

MLB Allstar Break

Rather than use the official Red Sox logo off their site again...

You get the point- here we are again this year and the Red Sox are once again in 1st place just in time for the AllStar Break. In the old days this event would signify a steady slide downwards away from any championship contest-but in recent years we have found that this is the time when they take off and begin to pull away from all the others. Yeah-Red Sox!

Pastor P

A Warrant for Arrest

The International Criminal Court at the Hague will issue a warrant for the arrest of this man, Omar Al Bashir, president of Sudan on Monday July 14. Why has it taken so long for the world community to go after this smiling murderer of over 2.5 million people in southern Sudan (mostly Christian) and hundreds of thousands of African Muslims in western Sudan (Darfur).

I am amazed at how small time petty thieves are rounded up so quickly in our communities, but if someone is in a position of power everyone very quietly avoids confrontation. Murder is murder whether it is on the streets of Philadelphia or Wilmington or on another continent. Whether it be the killing on one or one million the guilty parties should be sought, arrested, prosecuted and then sentenced for their crimes.

This is a good first step- now who will take the next step of serving and enforcing the warrant?

Pastor P

A Nation of Whiners

I can't believe the timing of this statement. You have got to click the link that is below and listen to just part of what Senator Phil Graham said about the American Economy and the American mindset. I have 3/4ths of a message completed dealing with this very issue- a message that I will share Sunday July 27-you do not want to miss it. The media is polluting our minds with lies and the politicians are using these lies for their own advantage. Why would we vote for someone to fix something is it were not broken. We are being told lies about America's economic decline and it is just not true. If there is a decline in America it is not financial, it is spiritual and moral. Keep in mind that Phil Graham has a PhD in Economics. He knows the economy and what is really a shame is that he is being vilified for telling the truth-amazing. We have never had it so good financially but because we are spiritually wanting we are not satisfied-goes for Christians too!
Be sure to be in service July 27, 10am.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AKrVptIdwQ

Pastor P

Think about it!

Just think about this...

So many needs in the world and so many people proposing various answers and solutions. And even those of us in the church sometimes try to help others solve their problems by offering them our counsel, our financial help, networking for others. We are always ready to meet the physical and felt needs of those around us. Yet, it all comes down to this...the deepest pain and ache that anyone can feel is to feel "lost". To not know where they fit, why they are here or where they are going.

Because this is a universal and Biblical truth I would like for everyone who looks at this blog to click this link below and then to memorize the fact that our job, the task of the Church, is to tell people how to find relief from the aching that knaws at their heart and soul every now and then.
We all have a deep aching desire to know God and nothing that is created can satisfy that ache. The TRUTH is that only Jesus can make us complete and satisfied. And, He knows where we fit, He knows where we have been, and He knows where we are going. Jesus said, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, no one comes to the Father except through me. If you do not know Jesus Christ as your Savior then ask Him to forgive you of your past and to come into your life and bring you new life. Enjoy the video!

Pastor P

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1403465084/bclid958471652/bctid1037207955

Happy Independence Day

Happy 4th of July

This day on the calendar is more than just our nation's birthday. July 4, 1776 was the beginning of a great experiment, it was a brave decision, and above all it was a miracle. And for the most part the significance of this day endures for all the world to notice. I am however concerned that many Americans have forgotten the theological, sociological, and political roots of our nation. And for this reason I want to give each of you a link to the articles contained in the book illustrated to the left of this paragraph. Take the time to explore and be reminded of our short but grand heritage.

I have the privilege of traveling outside our borders about 2 times a year and as much as I enjoy exploring other countries and their history and culture there is no better feeling than to hear the immigration official at Philadelphia International Airport say to me, "welcome home" as he stamps my passport and permits me re-entry. And as Dorothy said in the Wizard of Oz- "there is no place like home". We live in the land of the free and the home of the brave and I am proud to be an American and blessed to live the legacy left for me.

Check out this link-www.gcciusa.org/English/publications/eBooks/ARTG/book_ARTG.htm

Pastor P

Another Great Year for Boston

The Celts have done it again- look at this list of championships:

1956-57
1958-59
1959-60
1960-61
1961-62
1962-63
1963-64
1964-65
1965-66
1967-68
1968-69 And the Red Sox are way out in front, who knows what will
1973-74 happen when the boys of summer finish their season. Boston
1975-76 fans have waited a long time to experience years like this.
1980-81 As they say in Massachusetts- It's wicked good!
1983-84
1985-86
2007-08 Pastor P

June Weddings

Well...

June is finally here and wedding bells can be heard everywhere. It was just over a year ago that my own son got "hitched". And I am performing a wedding this weekend for a couple in our church. So- since June has been considered the month for marriage I am going to begin teaching and preaching on Marriage as a continuation of my series: Biblical Sense. It all starts this Sunday, June 8th. I sure do hope that you will be with us.

Pastor P

Priceless - Money & Time

Raising teenagers can be expensive and time consuming, but you don't have to face the challenges alone. At PowerLine Youth Ministries we love working alongside parents to help raise their children into the productive and unique individuals God created them to be.
Jeremiah 29:11
PB

Marriage Advice

Here is a little something to get you ready for the Marriage Series being offered in June in the Adult Elective Sunday School Class. See ya June 22, 9am sharp!
Pastor P

June- the marriage month

June is a time for weddings and this year it will also be a great time to examine the commitments that are made when we decide to become "one flesh". I am going to start a series in our Adult Elective Sunday School Class on June 22 for anyone who is hoping to get married, has been married, is still married- anyone!

This series is not for newlyweds alone. And I want you to know that the video portions are really fun and inspiring. You will love it!

Pastor P

Priceless-Missions Trip

Another entry in PowerLine's Priceless commercial collection.
Thanks to Tim, Kaci, Amy and all the actors.
Enjoy
PB

Who are your Heroes?

We just started a series in PowerLine on Heroes. I was happy to hear that many of our teens look up to people like: Parents, grandparents, teachers and coaches. In the world we live in quality role models can be hard to find. We may admire someones skills, abilities or accomplishments, but that does not make them worthy to be called a hero. In the video below, you will see what makes a true Hero.
PB

Priceless-Convention

1st installment in our PowerLine Priceless Commercials

Spring is here

Spring is finally here!!

It was a relatively mild winter as far as snow was concerned, but I love the Springtime.

Spring means several things in the Rivera house.
1. Youth Convention.
This year was a great year. We had our largest group ever, 63. That meant more hotel rooms (15), more transportation (a charter bus and a van) and more opportunities for God to touch lives and He did. In addition to that, our Youth Worship team qualified for Nationals in Fine Arts and Tim Steffel also qualified in the Graphic design and Digital Photo categories. I am extremely proud of all our FA entries. They have talent, but they also have a heart to minister and that is a powerful combination.

2. Baseball Season
My boys love baseball (so does dad). There's nothing like going outside with them and having a catch or hitting some balls on a warm, sunny day. Both boys are now in the majors at their little league and for the first time since T-ball, they are on the same team. For those of you who think that's not a big deal, it is. That means only one game schedule to worry about, one practice time to remember. and no more spending an entire Saturday at the field because their games are back to back. This is especially exciting, because Benjamin made the Middle School team at his school. He is one of only 2 sixth graders to make it. They won their first game 19-0. He started in left field, had 2 at bats (one walk and a single) one run scored and 2 RBI's. He is well on his way to playing for the NY Yankees and settling any ?'s about my retirement fund. Joshua is a little younger with less experience, but he has a cannon for an arm and the fact that he is a southpaw will also make him a desirable addition to the Yanks some day.


3.Getting outside
We love the outdoors. Alexa has been out picking any little flower or bloom she can find, Kristi has pulled her swing out of storage and loves to take the little ones in the yard for some sun and fresh air. I enjoy grilling and it more fun to do it now than in January (Yes, I grill stuff all year long). The extra nice thing this year is that we have a fenced in yard, for the first time since we moved in, to keep the kids corralled. It was hard work getting it up last fall, but with the help of my brother-in-law, my dad and the boys, we got it done.

Well I gotta go for now, it's supposed to be a nice day and I don't want to miss any more of it sitting at a computer

PB

The "Energizer" Kidz Church Service

What a day we had on Sunday, April 6, 2008!

It was the day we celebrated Children's Ministries Day at Praise Assembly and I, Ms. Lucie, had the privilege of ministering to 406 kids of all ages and sizes!

We started with some High Voltage (high energy) worship music that ushered in the presence of God in a mighty way, and proceeded to learn a special Power Verse that promises to help us remember to stay in the Word of God (Romans 12:2).

We then learned about the importance of "renewing our minds" daily. One of the members of our ministry team had brain surgery, right in front of everyone, and all his bad thoughts were removed from his brain when it was washed in the pure waters of the Living Word of God. When his brain was replaced, and secured in his head, he awoke a refreshed Child of God, and was full of energy to live gloriously, faithfully, and obediently for Jesus.

What a blessing to be able to minister in such a dynamic and powerful way to the children of this great church. The Bunny above was part of Pastor's gift to me after the service ended. He told me that I was so "high energy," I reminded him of the Energizer Bunny. I thank God for His provision of energy and pray that I can faithfully "keep going" for a very long time!

Called by Him to serve you, Ms. Lucie

Youth Transition Network

If you are YOUNG or feel young, High School, College, whatever- you absolutely need to check out this site. Go to LiveAbove.com
Here is the actual link
http://www.liveabove.com/Default.aspx

Pastor P

Missions Convention 2008

Well... check this out!

This weekend is our annual Missions Convention and our new interactive missions display is fully operational. You really need to see what this thing can do. It contains a complete directory of Assemblies of God missionaries, a special entry of those that we support, volumes of information about them, the countries where they serve, and lots of video. And everything is accessible by touch screen.

Pastor P

How about a little funny?

Pastor P

Bangladesh

I thought I had better post some news about my recent trip to Bollovpur, Bangladesh. This was my second trip in two years preaching and teaching at Divisional Council. Overall it was a great trip. I was with some of the same pastors and in the same general region, southwest Bangladesh, but closer to the border of India. It was about an 8 hour drive from the capital of Dhaka including a ferry boat ride across the Ganges River.

Great things are taking place in this geographically dwarfed country with so many people (150 million- half that of the United Sates in an area the size of the state of Arkansas. A new church is started once every 3 weeks. There are now more than 400 churches. Attendance was approximately 1,000 each night and about 100 came forward for salvation on the second night that I preached. The people of Bangladesh are very hard working and the pastors are no exception. The leadership is also very humble and understand the concept of servanthood. It is evident that God is working in this nation and it looks as though the kingdom of God will continue to expand rapidly. Please keep Bangladesh in your prayers.

Pastor P

Ms. Lucie is Back from Winter Break

Hi Everyone,

I made it back from our trip to San Juan, St. Maarten, and St. Thomas aboard the Royal Caribbean Mariner. It was a fun time. I was an exciting time. There were 30 of us from this church. But we were overshadowed by another group boasting 145 members. There's an idea for our Joy Group!!

Anyway, I just wanted to check in and let you all see our beautiful smiling faces, from one of our formal nights. Though most of us were smiling on the outside, we all knew we would be coming home soon and it was hard to leave this life behind. We will carry our memories for a long time. I looking forward to the scrapbook parties that ladies and girls will be having in the coming weeks to document our trip!

For today, it is back to a busy slate of events and activities back here. I'm ready for action!

Ms. Lucie

Super Bowl and Super Church

Congrats to all the Giants Fans. I am a Cowboys fan, but I had to root for the Giants, because I couldn't stand for another New England team to win a championship. Pastor is hard enough to live with when the Red Sox win, plus it is amazing the number of "Patriots and Red Sox fans" we suddenly have in the youth group these days. Dare I use the term front-runners.

Anyway, at the end of the Super Bowl they asked Eli Manning the now infamous question, "Where are you going?" and his reply "Disneyland or Disneyworld" I forget which it is.

This week I had a chance to do a little traveling as well. I didn't win the Super Bowl, but because of all the hard work and support of the teens and folks of Praise Assembly, I was invited to Branson, MO. Why did I go there? To receive an award from the National Youth Dept. of the Assemblies of God for Speed the Light.

In 2007 Praise Assembly raised over $53,000 for Speed the Light. That put us in the #9 spot in the nation. It was indeed an honor to represent all of you there.

Kristi and I had a whirlwind of a trip and Sarah is well on her way to being a world traveler. If everyone had kids that traveled as well as she did, they wouldn't hesitate to take more trips. We stayed at the Chateau on the Lake and had a chance to eat at Lamberts -Home of Throwed Rolls.

There are some exciting things happening around the world for the Kingdom and I am glad that we are on the front lines as a church and youth ministry.

However, this is no time to rest on out laurels. There are still missionaries and lost people who need our help.

With that in mind we are kicking off our Top it Off Campaign. We are asking everyone to give and offering equal to the cost of one tank of gas for each vehicle the drive. (It can be marked STL-Top it Off and dropped in any offering.) As an added bonus, each dollar given between now and March 31st will have and additional $1.50 added on, thanks to the generosity of Praise Assembly and a grant provided to Penn-Del Youth ministries.

Let's jump on board and make a difference more lasting than any Super Bowl victory.

PB

Logan, the Sky Angel Cowboy

Welcome Home

If I would of known that writing a blog entry and picking up some last minute baby stuff was all I needed to do for Kristi to go into labor, then I would have done it a week ago.

Anyway, if you haven't heard, Kristi had the baby this past Sunday morning.

Sarah Michelle Rivera was born on January 20, 2008 at 6:15am.

We spent the entire night in the hospital wondering if she was going to make her appearance or if we would be sent home to wait some more. Kristi started having strong regular contractions at 8PM and by 11 PM was ready to head to the hospital. Thank God for great people who say they want to help and then do when called upon. Thanks again Robert and Jean for coming over to stay with the kids and Amy for being a great and helpful aunt.

My parents were in NY and Kristi's were in NJ were her sister had given birth to twin girls only a few hours earlier. That's right, 3 girls added to the family in 17 hours!!

They finally decided to perform the c-section at 4:30 or so. I can't remember exactly, sleep deprivation does that to a person.

She weighed 7lbs 5oz and was 20 inches long. That puts her smack dab in the middle of the other kids. Smaller than the boys, but bigger than her sisters. She had a full head of hair, unlike the other who resembled dad as a baby, bald as can be.

We are all excited to have her and Elena can't get enough of saying "Baby" and kissing her.

As with any new baby the next few weeks will be an adjustment for all. Keep Kristi in your prayers as she heals from her surgery.

PB

New Math

When is two weeks longer than 8 months?

When it is the final two weeks of a pregnancy. Kristi is scheduled to deliver on January 30th, but that day seems like it will never get here.

We are all excited in the Rivera household about our new addition. No, we don't know what it is, I love the surprise. Besides, it keeps the kids happier because the boys want a brother and the girls want a sister and this cuts down on the sad faces around the house. Once the baby comes, everyone loves it regardless.

God has been so faithful that we can only say WOW. We always knew we wanted a bunch of kids, and a few years ago we thought we were on our way. We had 2 boys and a girl and Kristi was expecting. She lost that baby (a boy) and almost lost her life as well. The doctors said she was "lucky" to be alive and would not be able to have kids again. About a year later she did get pregnant again and we lost another little boy. We were excited about the pregnancy, but grieved the lost. Still we knew God was in control!

Fast Forward to 2008. Since those loses, we have had another beautiful little girl. Doctors and nurses are amazed when they read Kristi's records and hear her story. They can't believe she is still alive, let alone able to have more children. I can, because I know Who is directing our steps.


Kristi has a favorite TV show called John & Kate Plus 8. It is about a family with set of twins and a set of sextuplets(6) I think that's right. Anyway the catch phrase in the show is. Our life may be crazy sometimes, but it's our life and we wouldn't have it any other way (something like that)
That's exactly how we feel. Our children bring some craziness and stress, but nothing compared to the love, joy, and excitement we have every day because of them.

Anyway, Kristi has been having serious contractions since Saturday. Nothing consistent enough for a late night trip to the hospital, but strong enough to make life uncomfortable.

Keep her in your prayers and we'll keep you up to date.

God Bless
Pastor Ben

Global Warming is not all that bad

Global warming is not all that bad!

Really!? What a delightful week we have had. In the 60s all week long and even today with the bright sun the 50 degree weather felt great. I have never had any need for January or February anyway. And I have never wanted to move to Florida either-even if this is what their winter months are like.

So I feel as though we all got blessed BIG time this week- unless of course you are a ski-bum. Sorry for all of you.

Enjoy the blessing while it lasts-

Pastor P

Red Light Green Light

Today is the 8th day of the new year. I am happy to report that as of 7:11 this morning, I had only witnessed TWO "red-light-runners" in my immediate proximity on the roads of busy Newark. That changed abruptly at 7:15 am, when I was sitting at a red light at the corner of Elkton Road and Otts Chapel Road, waiting to turn left. Not one, but TWO cars ran their red lights in the opposite direction to me. It didn't affect me directly, as I was safely waiting for my light to turn green before proceeding with my turn, but it was disconcerting nonetheless.

Why is this something I even bring up?

Because as this year unfolds, and my daughter begins taking driving lessons in a few months, I am appalled by what she will be confronted with on our roads. Last year, I counted almost one "red-light-runner" EVERY SINGLE day! And again, that's just in my immediate proximity. I doubt that there are only 365 re-light-runners in all of Newark, and that this only happens when I'm stopped at my red lights!

So, as the year unfolds, I will be praying even more than ever. For "peace" in people's hearts and for a spirit of self-control, so that we can all be a little safer when we venture out!

Now this isn't all I'll be praying for, but it was on my mind this morning, and now it is here for all to see.

Oh, and hey, I challenge you all to start your own "Red-Light-Runners Log." Maybe we can do something more constructive with this information, than just gripe about it in a blog! What do you think?

Ms. Lucie

A New Year

Well...

It is over, 2007 I mean, and the Christmas holiday. And I got everything I could have wanted but one thing-"peace on earth". To be more accurate, I have peace but much of the world still does not have it. Whenever I contemplate Christmas I always think of it containing the promise of peace on earth. The angels promised it to the shepherds as they announced the birth of the Christ child.
LK 2:14 "Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

Reading it more carefully I can see that the peace to be received is qualified. It is not a general presentation but rather a very personal one. What I mean is that peace can be obtained/received by anyone willing to receive Christ as their Savior. It is the only way to have peace. Also keep in mind that as we get closer to Jesus' second coming there will many who will proclaim peace for the entire world, but their offers are in vain. There is no general distribution of peace because it has to exist within us individually and the only way for this to happen is by believing the Jesus Christ is the Messiah and inviting Him into our lives.

Want real peace? Then get to know Jesus Christ.

Pastor P