UPCOMING EVENTS:

-ENCOUNTER February 1-3 / March 1-3 -ICE SKATING WITH JERSEY CITY YOUTH Februay 15th -GOD BELONGS IN MY CITY PRAYER WALK IN JERSEY CITY May 4th -INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION OF FOUNTAIN OF SALVATION June 27-29 -STUDENT LEADERS CONFERENCE IN PHILADELPHIA, PA July 10-13 -SPORTS CAMP July 15-29

JEREMY DEL RIO

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 What if the antidote to a self-obsessed, hyper-branded, me-first culture isnt more mega-ministries? What if its not customer service desks in church lobbies catering to consumer-driven church shoppers? What if arena preachers and sub-culture rock bands fuel the look-at-me virus rather than compel us to look at Him?. What if, rather than stem the tide, churches have become propelled by it?

In the last thirty years, American evangelicalism has manufactured more larger-thanlife personalities, corporate marketing, and self-improvement hype than ever before. We parallel a cultural narcissism that accelerates at a dizzying rate 140 characters at a time on Twitter and elsewhere. What if the Church became countercultural instead?. What if churches and church leaders embraced a dose of old-fashioned humility? Like the humility described in the oft-quoted passage from 2 Chronicles 7:14 promising national forgiveness and healing. The kind marked by associating less with logos and egos, and more with a God who calls and brands us as his own. Often overlooked in the Chronicles passage is the conditional nature of its promise. Forgiveness and healing are not guarantees even when we pray and seek his face and turn from wickedness. The underlying condition: church people who HUMBLE themselves, exchanging their names and brands for His, seek His face rather than promoting theirs, and turn from wickedness, including cultural obsessions with self. On the eve of the tenth anniversary of the worst terrorist attack in our nations history, New York City glimpsed what this kind of humility looks like. The gathering to commemorate 9/11 was simple. Reaching Out: A Sacred Assembly was organized in six weeks by a visionary associate pastor from a neighborhood church in Manhattans lower east side, and a team of selfless volunteers. Three years earlier, just after his ordination, he envisioned his congregation and others in the neighborhood uniting as one Church to lift up one Jesus in their shared community. As they would reach out to each other, Pastor Louis Carlo of Abounding Grace Ministries reasoned, in humility they could reach up to heaven and out to their neighbors. He let the vision germinate for two years, then presented it to his senior pastor and three neighborhood colleagues in the fall of 2010. Two prayer and worship gatherings followed. The third was overdue. On July 28, Pastor Lou and a friend were praying in an otherwise empty, seldom used amphitheater at East River Park along the FDR Drive. He left with a sense that the next Reaching Out prayer and worship gathering should be there, where church people could gather in a public space and declare with one voice the Lordship of Jesus and His selfless love for New York. He was also persuaded to invite other churches from the city, not just his neighborhood, and to convene on the eve of the tenth anniversary of 9/11. Some members of his team called the idea insane, because how could any right-minded pastor expect to produce a citywide event in six weeks, when four and a half of those vacation-filled weeks were in August? His response: if one man or ministry couldnt pull it off, then maybe God would be glorified. Undaunted, he led, and the pieces fell in place. Neighborhood, city, and even national ministries embraced the events nameless, faceless vision. Sixty ministries showed up, and thirty-five ministers many of them legends within evangelical Christendom led prayer, read scriptures, and reflected from the platform. They were given the pulpit for 60, 120, or 180 seconds. Almost all of them stayed on time. Not one of them was introduced. In their obscurity, Gods name and face was the only one that mattered. What if the antidote to cultural narcissism is a Church that reflects and promotes Christ alone? Imagine the possibilities.

GIAN PAUL GONZALEZ

However, he decided to give up that dream for another one. He came back to his hometown of Union City to be a high school teacher. He felt that instead of giving his neighborhood kids a celebrity to look up to, it would serve them better to have a real in-person role model that they were able to spend time with every day. So today I had the opportunity to come to the Jose Marti Academy where Gian Paul teaches, to meet him and get to know more about 4-One and another program he started called Flight Club. Flight Club, named after the schools mascot, an eagle, is a before and after school program that works off of the 4-One model, using basketball and physical strength exercises, while also involving character building exercises with the young men. It was incredible to hear the first hand accounts from his leadership team who have since graduated from Flight Club of how it has helped change them and mold them into the upstanding young men they are today. Gian Paul is an amazing role model for the young people in his hometown of Union City and for people around our state. He talks to his students about leadership, how to be good members of society, and most importantly, how to treat others. It is so clear that he is helping to make a difference in the lives of the young men he works with. I am honored to name Gian Paul Gonzalez a New Jersey Hero!.

Richie was born Richard Mohammad Ishmael in Guyana, South America. He told broadcaster Mike Rimmer, My Dad was raised from an Islamic background and when he decided to give his life to the Lord and get baptised his Dad disowned him and literally locked him out of his house. He was beaten but he still did it, which is a testimony of his life. Richies father eventually became the pastor of a church in Guyana, Eccles Assembly Of God. When Richie was seven an event occurred which was to remain vividly in his memory. He recalled, Thieves broke into our home and held us at gunpoint. When they were trying to break in the front door we tried to run out the back but one of them was waiting in the back. He said, Preacher man where are you going? My Dad tried to run back up, he was holding me in his arms; my Mom was holding my baby sister. One of the thieves began to fire shots and they ricocheted all around us. Finally they left, taking my folks wedding rings. Where Im from, when those types of incidents occur, you dont survive. But we lived, every one of us. When I saw the bullets the next morning and knew none of us was hit, I realised there was somebody who protected us that night. When he was 11 Richies family migrated to the USA where they settled in Queens, New York. His father started a church in Queens, Jamaica Assembly Of God. But though Richie played drums in church his lifestyle began to slip. He began hanging out with kids from his apartment building and frequented places where drugs were sold and guns were carried. Strangely though, Richie remained unmoved by many aspects of the sin that surrounded him. He didnt smoke or drink. And though he rarely mentioned God to his friends he still wished that they knew Christ.

RICHIE RIGHTEOUS

Gian Paul Gonzalez has been a hero to many people long before I had the pleasure of naming him a New Jersey Hero today. He was the forward for Montclair State University basketball team during his time in college. In his junior year, he started an organization called 4-One, which motivates at-risk youth throughout NJ through the game of basketball, inspiring pride and self-esteem in kids who need it the most. With 4-One, he visits juvenile jails and inner-cities throughout our state. Upon graduating from Montclair State, Gian Paul had the opportunity to play professional basketball for the NBA.

Richie Righteous is an award-winning rapper who has ministered across America (including places like Bishop Jakes Potters House and Bishop Mortons Full Gospel conference), performed in several countries including the UK and runs his own record label Rightous Entertainment. He is also a man with an extraordinary Christian testimony.

Prayer

Oh Boy! Its almost my turn to pray, ok, I gotta practice in my head what Im going to say so that I dont sound like Im dumb. Dear heavenly father you are a glorious omnipotent being... The preceding statement is one that crossed my mind on many occasions when I had to pray out loud in front of people. Prayer is such an easy thing to do but I made it seem like one of the hardest things I had ever encountered. It is simply talking to God. To be genuine in how we express ourselves. We dont have to copy what the next person says. God wants to hear what is in our inner being, our thoughts. He left us a sample prayer in the book of Mathew 6:9-13 which we can refer to if we get stuck. The most important thing when praying is to give thanks. We give thanks because in expressing our gratitude comes peace, joy and a whole lot of goodness for ourselves. Sometimes it is hard to give thanks. Especially in the times when we face a challenging situation. In that moment of thanksgiving the Lord does marvelous things in us. Prayer is a key element in the Christian way of life. The bible says we should pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you 1 Thessalonians 5:17. The more we pray we gain power, authority, wisdom, however; the most important thing we get out of it is a relationship with Christ. The more we seek him through prayer; we can visibly see positive change in our lives. One night, I was in class at the college I attend. A professor spoke about a study that was done with a group of people that prayed for at least 45 minutes a day and a group that did not pray. The individuals in the study were observed daily and in depth, so deep that the cells in their bodies were even looked at. An astonishing outcome arose from looking at the cells. The group of people that did not pray had cells that had no shape to them; they looked like globs of goo, yuck! The group that prayed had cells that looked completely different. They were shaped like snowflakes! Scientists think that they have discovered something new in this, but they are so wrong! The bible tells us in so many ways the benefits of prayer. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective James 5:16. The things we can do through prayer are limitless. Lets get to praying and then we can truly say Taste and see that the Lord is good Psalms 34:8.

AGE IS NOTHING BUT A NUMBER

1 Timothy 4:12 Dont let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.

BY MELISSA NAVAS, YOUTH, JERSEY CITY, NJ, USA.

KNITTED IN GODS HANDS

BY LUISA CAR, YOUTH, NORTH HUDSON, NJ, USA.

Psalms 139:13 For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mothers womb.

Connect:

Being a teenager is difficult. We go through fights with our parents, constant peer pressure and a struggle to maintain our relationship with God. After having an amazing experience at our youth retreat, I realized that there is something bigger then just living life for yourself. We have to make a difference by living for God and others. The theme for the retreat was LOVE. Love God, love yourself and love others. It may not seem like the biggest thing to do, but it makes a big difference. As young people, sometimes the world looks down on us, they try to mold our young minds into doing the wrong things. They think that since we are young we cant make a difference, so they might as well have control of us. Well, they are COMPLETELY wrong. God has given each and every one of us a purpose,regardless of how young we are. By simply speaking Gods Word, living a righteous life, walking by faith and spreading the love We. Make. A. Difference. Spread the great news of God to your friends, speak to them about his love and mercy and have the courage to be the difference. After all, we ARE the generation of change!

Connect:

It makes me feel so loved by God to know that he took care of me even before I was born. He knitted each and every person on this earth. Knitting requires time and patience. At the end, that knit becomes something beautiful and useful. God created us with love and care to make us the way we are because he wants to use us. I have a purpose as well as each and every one of his creations. He took his time creating us. Now that my sister is pregnant, I am experiencing how slowly and carefully the baby in the womb is changing. Its amazing how Gods creations are so different. He just didnt create all things the same but he dedicated time to each creation with love to make them special.

ConeXion:

ConeXion:

Dear Lord, I know that I make mistakes and may not always follow you, but I ask for forgiveness and pray that you open my heart and mind so that I may do great and amazing things in your name. I want to make a difference in the lives of others, in my community, and in my school. No matter how young I am or what the enemy may put in the mind of the people in this world, I know I can be the difference through and with you! In your holy and precious name, Amen!

God you know me so well and you love me so much. Knowing your love and how special I am, I want to show you that I love you too. Help me to live out your will. Show me your purpose for my life, for you created me because you have a purpose in my life and I am not a mistake. I am here willing to do as you desire. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Action!

-Today, I am going to seek God and find my purpose for I know I have a purpose. I am going to listen carefully to him and open my heart and ears to do his amazing will.

Action!

- Today, I WILL BE the difference in my school by sharing the love of God. - Today, I WILL DO my very best to walk by faith, live a righteous life, and love those in it. - Today, and everyday, I WILL love God, love myself, and love others!

BY MELISSA GARCIA, JERSEY CITY, NJ USA.

GODS LOVE

A WILLING SPIRIT

BY SHALLIE SOCORRO, JERSEY CITY, NJ USA.

Ephesians 3:17-19 I pray that you ... may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.

Matthew 8:2-3 A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean. Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. I am willing, he said. Be clean! Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy.

Connect:

Connect:

For a really long time, Ive dealt with being able to trust Gods amazing love for my life. Not until recently did I notice that I wouldnt be anything without him. God is so amazing that he deserves better then that from me. Whenever I doubt myself, I pray to Him, and have a deep heart to heart conversation with Him. When I think about what God did for me on that cross, I can truly see thats genuine love. Jesus gave His life for His friends, the ultimate Love Sacrifice! I have never felt the love God gives me from anyone else!

ConeXion: Action!

Here is the perfect example which demonstrates how God truly loves us anddoes not judge us. The man with leprosy simply asked God to clean him and the Lord was willing, no questions asked. Now are we willing to follow God and live a life for him, no questions asked no complaints or excuses? God is willing to work in our lives and change the circumstances around us but the reality is we need to be willing to have faith and trust that God will do it. The man with leprosy did not doubt God he knew that God could heal him and would not judge him because of his leprosy. Its hard to trust because we often doubt and people have let us down but the truth is God will never let us down. The Lord is always willing to help us no matter what situation we may found ourselves in. Therefore, we should trust in the Lord and we should change our attitudes to be like Gods and be willing to do his work no questions asked.

Heavenly father, thank you for your unending love, for never giving up on me, and always having my back. Your love remind me that I am a princess, and holy daughter of God. In your amazing and wonderful name, Amen.

ConeXion: Action!

Lord help me to have a spirit that is willing. Give me a heart that will trust you and never doubt you Lord. Let me have a spirit of faith like the man with leprosy and know that you can cleanse me and restore me no matter where I may be in life. Amen.

-I will never forget Gods love. -Today I will show people that Gods love never fails. -Today I will love those who hurt me.

-Today I will begin to trust you Lord and know that you are God. -Today I will stop asking questions and follow you wherever you take me.

THE PAST THAT HAUNTS US

Romans 3:9-18

BY LEONEL SANTANA, YOUTH LEADER, BROOKLYN, NY U.S.A.

THE POWER OF PRAISE

BY ALEX MARTE, ICFS LAWRENCE, MA, USA.

What then? Are we better than them? In no way, for we have already charged that both Jews and Greeks are all under sin. As it is written: There is none righteous, no not one No one understands. No one who seeks God. All have turned aside, together they have become useless, there is none that doeth good, no not one. Their throat is an open grave, With their tongues practice deceit. Poison of asps is under their lips: Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness. Their feet are swift to shed blood: Destruction and misery are in their ways, and did not know the way of peace. There is no fear of God before their eyes.

2 Chronicles 5:13 The trumpeters and singers joined in unison, as with one voice, to give praise and thanks to the LORD. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, they raised their voices in praise to the LORD and sang: He is good; his love endures forever.

Connect:

The Bible speaks widely in these verses of our past. In our life of injustice, lies, adultery, fornication and disobedience, which lead us to eternal damnation of our souls. And though we are different, think differently, dress differently and different commit sins, when we speak of sin we are all equal. All receive the same punishment from God, remains the wages of sin death. And while coming repented at the feet of Christ our sins are forgiven and cast into the sea where God never ever remember them, this is engraved in our memories with luxuries and in detail every sin committed, and every evil practice. Is within us to fail to know God, know disobey and current knowledge of the way that God does not like to act. Prayed to God asking that you remove all that from me because I never wanted to fail especially after having experienced her sweet and loving presence in my. But it is important that every man know your past sinful life of which we sack. Because we use our past to glorify and exalt the name of God, not when we rejoice for them, or when we engrndesenos by the number of bad things we did but when I used to say he loved the darkness because she loved God sinning deliberately but clean bag of darkness where he was. God healed me and saved me from condemnation of sin.

Connect:

When we enter in the spirit of praise and worship to God, there is an indescribable feeling that enters your heart. When instruments, when dance, when song are in unison the anointing of the spirit is felt in all who praise. Its very important that we worship God, because it is through worship that we give our thanks to God. When you cant find the words to say when you pray Singing, Playing, Dancing to God is another form of speaking to him. Worship Him at all times and rejoice, He deserves it all.

ConeXion: Action!

Lord I thank you for Your worship, thank You because there are many forms to praise You. I might not have the words to say but let my song do what my prayers cant finish. I love You God, in Your name I pray, Amen.

ConeXion:

Pray this day for God to give you the strength not to follow the sin of the way you know that God is not pleased, but to help you exercise self-control over your carnal desire. To be your last tool to help you not go back, to make decisions that honor God. Be your last reason not to go back.

-Today I will worship God with everything I have no matter what. -Today I will find my ideal worship to Him.

Activate!

From now on take care not to walk again in the footsteps of earlier. Share it with someone your past and glorify the name of God what He testified hiso in your life.

NO CONFIDENCE IN THE FLESH

Philippians 3:3 For we are the thru circumcision, who worship in the spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh.

BY EDWIN F DE LA ROSA, YOUTH LEADER, NEWARK NJ USA.

LET THE WEAK SAY I AM STRONG

BY RONALD DE LEON JERSEY CITY, NJ, USA.

Matthew 25:14-18 The kingdom of heaven will be like a man who, when embarking on a journey called his servants and entrusted his property. To one he gave five talents, to another two and another only one talent, each according to his capacity. Then he went away. He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them and won five more talents. Likewise, he received the two talents gained two more talentos.Pero who had received one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his masters money.

Connect:

As we all know are bodies (the flesh) are battling our spirit. It is a constant war. It does not stop. It comes to the point that our bodies (the flesh) wants to take over. The flesh wants to be in control at all time. For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. We need to stand firm in Christ. We do not need to have confidence in the flesh. We need to make our spirit stronger everyday. How? By reading our bibles, prayers, fasting, vigils, etc. The bible says in Romans 8:13, for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body (flesh), you will live. I encourage you guys not to have confidence in the flesh. If we follow the flesh we might end up sinning against our God.

Connect:

Sometimes we stop ourselves from doing Gods will, because we are too busy thinking about the imperfections and mistakes we make. In other words we bury the talents the Lord has given us, without thinking about the strengths, virtues and talents that the Lord has also given us. If we focus less on our weaknesses and more on our strengths and how to use them for His honor and glory, we could help more at the magnificent man with the plan of humanity and thus allow the Lords will to be fulfilled in our lives.

ConeXion:

Lord help me not to have confidence in the flesh. Lord help me to walk in the spirit. I do not want to die caused by me following the flesh. I want to dedicate my body to you. Lord help me make decisions guidance by your holy spirit, I do not want to make decisions in the flesh.

ConeXion: Activate!

Heavenly Father help us to fulfill your will in our lives, not to focus on our weaknesses but our strengths in order to use our talents in a responsible and productive for your honor and glory amen.

Action!

- Today I will not have confidence in the flesh. - Today will walk in the spirit.

-Today, I will not look at my weaknesses but my strengths. -Today I will fulfill the plan that God has for me.

SUBMITTING TO GODS WILL

BY THANIA GONZALEZ, YOUTH, LAWRENCE, MA. USA.

BY BRIANNA SMITH, STUDENT LEADER, ICFS JERSEY CITY, USA.

Matthew 11:28-30 Come to me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

RESTore YOUR MIND

Luke 9:23 Then he said to them all: Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.

Connect: Connect:
When Jesus is speaking here to Peter about this, you might be a little confused. The sacrifice that Jesus did for us is incomparable, and he does not wish the same for us. What Jesus is implies here is that He wants us to commit our lives wholeheartedly to him. Denying ourselves has to do with giving up any worldly habits that we might have and submit to Gods will. It is the act of letting his priorities become ours. In this, we should also accept any hardships that we may face as part of being a Christian. Brothers and sisters, being part of Gods kingdom is not easy. We may endure many bullying tactics from the enemy. But the amazing thing is that we dont have to face these challenges on our own. The Almighty God has promised to never leave us or forsake us. He says to call out to him and he will respond. We just have to let go, and let God.

If you are a person who has a lot of responsibilities like I do, you can become accustom to being busy. Even being to the point that you dont feel like yourself when youre NOT doing anything! Although it may signify that we are hard workers, it takes strain on us not only physically, but spiritually as well. We could be too tired to pray and devote personal time to God. We may become frustrated and easily angered at things that may not go our way. (Example: When God doesnt answer our prayers at the time we want.) Sometimes many things can become too much of a burden that many catch anxiety attacks because our minds feel they cant handle it. But how great is it to know that we have the Lord to provide us rest! You may feel that if you rest, time is wasted when you could use it to get things done but we MUST remember that God created rest to restore our mind, body, and soul. This allows us to keep focus on what God has called us to do.

ConeXion:

Lord, I thank you for the work you have been doing in my life. I ask you that you may help me to let go of any worldly habits and things that might lead me the wrong way. I accept your love and I know that all you do is for the good and welfare of my being. Let me submit to you and listen to listen to your word. Amen.

ConeXion: Action!

Father God, I come to you asking you for rest for my mind, my body, and my soul. Take control of my whole agenda. Plan according to what you see fit in this day Jesus. Thank You for providing a time for rest and relaxation. In your name I pray, Amen.

Action!

-Pray for a ministry in church -Let God know how much you love him.

-Schedule at least 20 minutes of rest and relaxation in your day today. -In that time, Meditate and rest with the Lord, and thank Him for that time.

LOVE THAT NEVER FAILS

1 John 4:19 We love Him because He first loved us.

BY EMANUEL REYES, PATERSON, NJ USA.

DO NOT AWAKEN LOVE

Connect:

BY FRANCIS SOCORRO, YOUTH LEADER, PATERSON, NJ USA.

Lamentations 3:22-23 Because of the Lords love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Hebrews 6:15 And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.
Humans were created to be in relationships. It states in the bible that we ought to be in fellowship with one another. Ever since earth was created, God created Eve to accompany Adam. We are relational people, period. Therefore, we yearn to be in a relationship. We want to meet our better half, our mate, our best friend. This is normal however; it doesnt give us the green light to go searching for our husband/wife. First of all, your relationship with God comes first and you need to evaluate your walk with Him before making any moves. Then we ought to be in prayer and in a friendship (with the person you like) before anything happens. And YES it will be hard and temptation will rise but know that God knows your desires and is with you. It says in Songs of Songs do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires. Meaning do not do anything that would arouse a relationship to start. Girls, do not chase him. Let him go through God to find you. And for the gentleman, be on your knees praying for the lady that captured your heart. Talk to your pastor or a trusted leader about the person you like. What to do till that day comes: Pray for patience, pray for your significant other, and pray that you yourself can be ready for a relationship one day. Till then, enjoy today and your singlehood. Enjoy God and His extravagant love for you. Remember, you are not the only single person on earth and that the special day will come after you have waited patiently.

Connect:

Have you ever stopped to wonder why God loves us so much. I mean we are sinful, imperfect, and corruptible. We fail Him countless times in our lives, and yet He still chooses to love us. We cant even begin to understand His love for us. Its called Agape love. We really dont deserve it, yet He gives it. His love, mercy, and compassion are new and unique every morning. If we love Him or anyone else, it is because He loved us first. And just as His love for us is unique everyday, let our commitment to Him be new every morning.

ConeXion: Action!

Lord, I thank you for your love, mercy, and compassion. I thank you because even though we fail you, your compassions are new everyday. Help me to reflect that love you give me to others around me, in Jesus name, Amen.

ConeXion:

God is love, God lives in me, so today I will reflect Gods unfailing love wherever I go, that they may see in me what love really is.

Dad, I pray that you give me an extra dose of patience today. You know how I long for my mate but I thank you because You are more than enough for me. You will guide me continually and satisfy my soul in the drought. Help me to pray for him/her and teach me what it means to be in a relationship with the friends and family around me. Hold me tight in your arms when Im feeling lonely for I know that one day I will receive my promise. In Jesus name, Amen.

Action!

-Today I will surrender my heart and give it to God. -Today I will pray for my significant other. -Today I will cherish my relationships I have with my friends and family.

Fountain of Salvation Churches Youth Conference 2013

www.fuentedesalvacion.com