IMPACT
WORKS OF POWER
Volume 1, Number 1 July 2018
IMPACT & EMPOWER INDIVIDUALS TO POSITIVELY TRANSFORM THEIR CULTURE Volume 2, Number 1 AUGUST, 2018 r sit amet.
What is a nomad ? The dictionary definition is, "A person who has no fixed residence but moves from place to place." Today, society is filled with modern nomads. They move from one place to another, based on their personal needs and desires . The driving force of a nomadic heart is themselves, narcissism (self absorption). They have an unquenchable thirst for what can never be satisfied. Their identity is everywhere and nowhere at the same time. A nomad is always chasing something. They run after the rainbow in search of the pot of gold and the end of the rainbow, only to discover it is only an illusion. The search for something better is their life theme, a better education, career, bigger salary, nicer house, or various pleasures. It does not stop with the material world. It also invades personal relations, marriages and family life, even their understanding of God. They are preoccupied with their personal desires and future accomplishments, which drives them to move from place to place and activity to activity. The nomadic heart began in the Garden of Eden (the garden of pleasure). Eve decided that their was something better than the garden that God had provided (Genesis 2:8). She was not content to be in Paradise as a help mate to Adam, she wanted to be like God (Genesis 3:6). As for Adam, he chose Eve over his relationship with God, as a result they were banished from the Garden (Genesis 3:24), and they became the first Nomads in search of their own happiness, always searching for the end of the rainbow. Instead they found themselves in a world of strife, labor, and toil. The nomadic lifestyle never establishes deep roots. Nomads do not have the ability to permanently build things that last. They are uprooted by their lack of understanding of their God given purpose.
The Eight Pillars of the Sojourner are: 1-Trust -The Sojourner trust in the Lord's direction for their life, they possess an inner confidence that God is in control of their circumstances. In the midst of difficulty they do not break, they stand tall like a majestic redwood, because their strengthen is in the Lord. 2- Hope – The Sojourner have a firm expectation that God's plan is the best, even when things are unclear or uncertain. 3-They do not lean on their own understanding. The Sojourner's decisions are not based own intelligence or experience, they seek God's leading. 4 -Gratefulness -The Sojourner's path is marked out by their acknowledgement and recognition of God’s providence in their life. 6-Humility -The Sojourner is clothed with humility, he is not like the Nomad who is self-absorbed, filled with himself, but rather he thinks of others and focuses his gifts and talents on helping his neighbor as himself. 7 Obedience -The Sojourner understands and respects God's commands, he does not transgress or violate his relationship with God, unlike Adam and Eve, who gave in to evil because of their personal desires. We must stay away from all forms of evil, even the appearance of sin. 8- Generosity is another mark of the Sojourner. They understand that they are just passing through this world, their homeland is in heaven, therefore all their possesses are for God’s work and HIS purposes. They are kingdom builders, investing their possessions in God's activities here on earth. Both the Nomad and Sojourner start on the same path of life. One chooses the easy well-traveled road, filled with temporary pleasures of the self-life, this road leads the Nomad into an endless circle of pursuits for happiness and pleasure. Finally they realize that they are on a road to nowhere. Sadly, too many people are on this road. The Sojourner takes the road less traveled, he experiences peaks and valley on his journey. When the road becomes very difficult to travel, exhausted he thinks to himself why did I not choose the other road, the easy road? But, the Sojourn's faith and hope in the Lord confirms that he is on the right path, producing inner strengthen to endure the difficult times. At the end of the journey he finds his true home called Zion. As he looks back he is able to see Jesus' gracious plan for his life, tears of joy and gratitude overwhelm his heart as he enters the City of God! Pastor Javier Rodriguez
There are only two types of people in the world: Nomads and Sojourners.
The Sojourner The word sojourner means "temporary, to dwell for a time in a specific location, a temporary resident in a region, a stranger not considering the place as his permanent habitation." The Sojourner may move from one location to another, but unlike the Nomad, a Sojourner has a purpose and ultimate destination in his journey. They do not cling to the pleasures of this world (1 Peter 2:11). They are led by God’s calling on their lives. Psalm 84:5-7 and Jeremiah 17:7-8 are two of the best characterizations of this type of person. The Sojourner stands upon the truths of God.
NOMADS AND SOJOURNERS
LUZ EMPOWERMENT CENTER, INDIA ( A Ministry of Works of Power, Inc)
At LUZ Empowerment Center, the uniqueness of each child is nurtured, recognized and treasured. Our focus is on the behavior of each student, to empower them to know their potential. We teach them to be self-motivated and independent, so that they will take on leadership roles in the future. The Word LUZ is a Spanish Word which means Light; As the word means, we are here to enlighten the children and youth of this present generation to empower them to reach their potential. Our Lord Jesus said and empowered us with strong and encouraging words also, “As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world." ~ John 9:4-5 At our Center, we are giving Free Tuition to all the children, from Kindergarten to Class 9. At present we have 30 students who are regular and taking classes here at our Center. We also have a new teacher, Sister Shalini. She is an active participant and able to teach the local languages’ various academic subjects. The local speaking language is ‘Kannada. Sister Shalini is taking care of the students from kindergarten to 5th standard.
1. Jagan (9th Class): Jagan joined the Center in the month of October 2017. He was poor in his reading skills, but after he has joined there is growth in his reading and studies. He is still continuing at the Center and has a very good attitude. 2. Darshan (7th Class): Darshan joined the Center in the month of May, 2017. He has improved in his studies and reading. 3. Rakshith (9th Class): Rakshith joined the Center in the month of January, 2018. He has been coming regularly to the classes . He was improved in his studies. He has learned good manners to follow the moral values. 4. Naresh (4th Class): Naresh was joined the Center in the month of May, 2017. He is coming regularly to the classes and is a very active participant. Initially, he had difficulty speaking English, but he was improved greatly and is happy about it. 5. Swathi (4th Class): Swathi joined the Center in the month of June, 2017. She is a regular student and is very happy with the Center. Her parents like it and are very happy to send here. She has been learning and improving. 6. Shreena (8th Class): Shreena joined the Center in the month of November, 2017. She is learning quickly and it is very happy with the class. 7. Bhavana (7th Class): Bhavana joined the Center in the month of October, 2017. She has been a good student and is learning well.
Also, we are giving free classes on Music, Spoken English, Moral Values and Personality Development for the young people to empower, and build them in their lives. This academic term we’ve started a new outreach project, “Slum Ministry” among the slum area, which is 10 km from the Center. Our desire is to spread the Gospel to the Hindu youth.
Student Remarks:
Hi, My name is Abagail Selah Ruiz, I am 10 years old. I am a middle child. I go to Grace Miller Elementary, and I will be in 5th grade this year. I love God, my family, and helping people with all my heart. I attended a mission night hosted by Works of Power Inc. In the presentation they spoke of a lot of different ways that their organization helps people in other countries. One outreach is building homes for the poor in Nicaragua for $350.00. I decided to have a bake sale to raise money to build a house. My mom and I came up with two items to sell In two weeks we raised not only enough money to build a house , but also to buy 100 lbs. of rice and 100 lbs. of beans. With the help of my parents and through those that bought items we were able to raise $464.00. I want to encourage both kids and adults who might think that they can't help to make a difference, that they can, every bit helps. God Bless, Abagail Ruiz
Together we can make a difference in Christ's name
"Each of should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV)
Sharing The Love of God
Meet The Need - Nicaragua
Make A Donation
Nicaragua 2018 Feeding Program Works of Power has partnered with Pastor Ricky Lopez to feed the needy children in Nicaragua's neediest communities. As we shared in last months edition, Nicaragua is experiencing great civil unrest. The political unrest has caused economic disruption for many, especially the poor. Many families are not able to provide their children with food. We invite you to join with us in meeting this urgent need in Nicaragua. Your donation will make a difference in the lives of these hungry children. Every dollar you donate will provide a meal for a child. One hundred dollars will feed one hundred children.
PayPal http://paypal.me/worksofpower
The Good Samaritan Scholarship
Dalila Lara, UC Santa Barbara Jose Escobar, UC Santa Barbara Melissa Barelas, Dartmouth College Guadalupe Andrade, University of La Verne Giselle Nevarez, UC Davis Andy Machoro, Cal State Los Angeles
The 2018 Good Samaritan Scholarship Recipients
There are special moments in time in our culture, when citizens have to intervene to make a difference. In order to keep our community alive and well, we need to take action. Since 2006, the Good Samaritan Scholarship decided to take the challenges to impact the inner city by fostering and promoting this timeless principal among college bound students in South East Los Angeles schools. Thus, our endeavor is to empower individuals to impact our society though advanced education and giving back to their community. For the past 10 years, the Good Samaritan Scholarship Program has impacted 200 applicants and has granted 47 Scholarships to students from 7 LAUSD high schools. These students are currently attending competitive universities all over the country. This year we have the honor to congratulate the program, it has not only impacted the scholarship winners, it has also helped all the other applicants achieve their goals. Over the past seven years, the program has offered mentoring and internships opportunities to all recipients who have applied for the scholarship. The Good Samaritan program stands out among other scholarships because our recipients are trained and encouraged to give back to their communities in time and resources.
THANK YOU COMMUNITY FELLOWSHIP (TUCF)
Nepal was formerly the world's only constitutionally declared Hindu state before 2006. On January 2007 the Nepalese parliament declared Nepal a secular state. According to the 2011 census, the population is 26.5 million and the religious demography is 81.3% Hindu, 9% Buddhist, 4.4% Muslim, and 4% Christian. God’s Work in Nepal History indicates that the first Christian mission to Nepal was established in 1715 by Catholic Capuchin Friars who worked in the Kathmandu Valley. They were expelled following Nepal’s unification in 1768-9 and Christian groups were officially banned from the country for the next two centuries. After the Revolution of 1951, foreign missionaries were permitted to enter Nepal to perform social service work but proselytizing and conversions were still legally prohibited. It was only after the introduction of a Multi-Party Democracy in 1990 and the relaxation of restrictions on conversion, that the Nepalese church began to grow rapidly. God is amazingly working in Nepal. God is at work in the hills and valleys as well as in the terrain region. The people from every tongue and caste are turning to God. Many have been healed from their physical diseases. Young lives have been transformed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Thank you Community Fellowship (TUCF) for reaching out to the broken and lonely. We continue to ask God's favor to be the messengers of hope where there is despair, messengers of love where there is hatred, and the messengers of acceptance where there is rejection. Thank you very much for your prayers for Nepal! Pastor Deepak Kharel
Skid Row Fall Outreach Date: Saturday, September 22nd, 2018 Location: Gladys Park 6th Street and Gladys Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90021 From: 8:30 am - 12:00 pm Works of Power invites you to join us to a day out to Skid Row Los Angeles to take hope and promise of new life to the impoverished community of Skid Row, Downtown Los Angeles. We will be hosting our Fall 2018 Skid Row Outreach event at Glady's Park where we will be hosting a food drive for the community, free open yard sale, and many other items that are intended to help the community of Skid Row by giving back to those in need. You can partner with us by coming and volunteering, bringing items to donate (water bottles, hygiene items, clothes) or other tokens to the homeless and poor. You are encouraged to bring warm men's and women's clothing to donate or ANY ITEMS you would like to donate. We have community members from all ages coming to our events, from toddlers, kids, pre-teens, teens, adults, and senior citizens. We will be bringing hope and the love of Christ to skid row. Come and make a difference in someone's life! Contact Information: Miguel Garcia (Event Coordinator) Email: Mnm1954@outlook.com Volunteer Coordinator: Alfredo Enriquez (Works of Power Coordinator) Aenriquez7@ucmerced.edu (323)312-9584 Bring a friend!
NEPAL
The Business & Professional Ministry is a group of Christian business owners and professionals in the city of Los Angeles who collaborate ideas of sound business practices, fellowship with other believers, and to have a unified voice in the community that supports the truths of the Bible.
Works of Power Men's Fellowship
Short Missions Trip Coming Up October 2018 Tijuana, Mexico Works of Power and Circle of Power will be sharing the message of the Gospel in Mexico. We will visit the slums of Tijuana. We will empower men and women at "El Gran Yo Soy Recovery Home."
"Love the Lord with all your heart and all your strength and love your neighbor as yourself."
This July we held our WOP Annual Summer BBQ. Everyone had a blessed time to hear the word of God and share in love of God. Be part of our August meeting on Tuesday, August 14 th. The Business and Professional Men's Ministry meetings are held monthly, every second Tuesday evening, be part of it, contact us: Javier Rodriguez (323) 314-0795
"Truly I tell you whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." Matthew 20:40 You can partner with us in the service of our Lord; contact us: Nelly Sauceda Missions Coodinator - nelly@riscoins.com - 323-206-5705 Alfredo Enriquez Scholarship Coordinator - alfredo@riscoins.com - 323-312-9584 Deepak Kharel Asia Director - deepakwithwop@gmail.com - 977 9819457788 facebook: Works of Power Donate: PayPal http://paypal.me/worksofpower ;:
Evelyn Conde David Conde Javier Rodriguez Pastor Deepak Alfredo Enriquez Nelly Sauceda John Stevenson Ricky Lopez
