As I stayed awake last night pondering what to write on the Apostolic News blog, my keyboard lied still, my thoughts still.
I started thinking, what are we doing? What is really going on? What is the purpose in all of this?
I started thinking, what are we doing? What is really going on? What is the purpose in all of this?
I've had very interesting conversations with my grandmother. She is clinging for life physcially but still very aware mentally. Her wisdom very profound. She does not look at things from a first person point of view, she has the ability to look at life from a macro level. The Big Picture. Now in her age she has no idea of what is going in her beloved church. (And I am afraid that if she did know, it would be enough to send her home.) So I, from her example, tried to look at our situation from the Google Earth/Maps perspective.
I actually opened Google Earth and did some traveling. I visited Rome as where the Christians where persecuted and the start of the inquisition a thousand or so years later. The Middle East, the location of the Byzantine Empire and Christian and Islam crusades. The deep south, Missisippi and Georia etc, where slaved where held captive. Germany and its involvement in aryan supremecy. Mexico where missionaries felt the need to convert the Aztec and the Mayan indians to Christianity to the point of death. And so on and on.
Where is all this going? A lot people have done a lot of crazy things in the name of God. But why?
It all comes down to the LUST FOR POWER. PRIDE.
After all we are not in this debacle because we disagree on doctrine, which is another reason why people do crazy things in the name of God. We all believe that Jesus came and died for our sins, we believe you must be born on the water and spirit to enter the Kingdom of heaven.
So it must be the LUST FOR POWER and PRIDE.
I know that the bible states that Satan is the Author of confusion. He would like nothing more than to divide you and I, the Valverdes from the Tafoyas, the Sanchez' from the Rodriguez' and so on and so on. Sift us like wheat. Real men of integrity should recognize this!
But I also came across the following verse: 1 Corinthians 1:10
Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?
Clearly Paul was talking the the church of Corinth but he might as well be talking to the Apostolic Assembly. Is divisiveness a sin? Do those involved in this matter cleary recognize the biblical implications?
However, scripture does take into account that there will be people who will take the God's Word and use it for their purpose and intention:
1 Corinthians 11:19
For there must also be factions among you, so that those who are approved may become evident among you. New American Standard Bible
Its reads a little clearer in the Weymouth New Testament:
For there must of necessity be differences of opinion among you, in order that it may be plainly seen who are the men of sterling worth among you.
Necessity? There MUST also be factions...divisions? Is what we are experiencing the same thing that Paul was talking about?
Should the focus be on building God's Kingdom or counting votes? Is PRIDE and LUST FOR POWER getting in the way of God's Kingdom?
109 comments:
When satan tempted Jesus who didn't just use any sin to tempt him. He knew that Pride of life is the difficult fend off. Because humans tend find various excuses to justify our reasoning. We can reason ourselves into anything.
I remember being at many services and hearing Bro. Tafoya and Bro. Valverde proclaim their life long friendship through friendly jabs and banter over the pulpit.
We can assume that pride and lust for pwer has torn apart their brotherly love.
Certainly on Valverdes side, I know bro. Tafoya he still a humble man of God.
I know him to and I wouldn't entirely agree with you.
No where in any document will you find where brother Tafoya is asking anyone on the GB to resign or for a re-election. I didn’t see his name on the attorney’s letter either.
In all the letters I’ve read he’s only asking for a Commission of Honor and Justice according to Article 39 of the constitution to investigate the ethics of
the 2006 electoral elections
The heroes of the AA
Bishop President Baldemar Rodriguez
Bishop Daniel Jauhall Bishop Daniel Salomon
Bishop Isaac Cota
Bishop Ishmael Arellano
Bishop Julian Aguirre
Bishop Abel Torres
Bishop Samuel Arellano
Bishop Richard Galaviz
Bishop Guillermo Mendoza
Bishop Martin Vasquez
Bishop Herman Garza
Elder Saul Avila
Elder Efrain Andrade
And many many more.
Remember 2 of then are on wheelchairs (Bishop Jauhall and Cota)
Pray for them!
The cure for corrupt government:
(11) And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.
The cure for corrupt government has to do with 'waking up'. The solution is nearer than when we believed.
The lawsuit will be filled the last week of October!
Ask any pastor in Arizona about Tafoya's reputation! He was called the Bishop Dictator!
It will be filed in California.
San Bernardino County or Los Angeles County?
You people should read the "Letter from God" posted in the www.apostolicassembly.info/other page! It is VERY INTERESTING!!!
"In the event your clients do decide to file a lawsuit in California, the AAFCJ stands ready to defend itself VIGOROUSLY through its California legal counsel"
nice post Eddie
My dear friend, to your detriment you will discover that the AAFCJ WILL NOT, I repeat WILL NOT go through with its defense, AND will settle out of court. I personally know this because several board members have already expressed what they will do in case the law suit is filed. You don't have to believe me, of course, however, YOU will be greatly dissapointed. BE STRONG when that happens, I WILL be praying for you, whoever you are!
For those of you who have such strong loyalty and faith in the leadership of the AAFCJ I COMMEND YOU! However, from someone who has worked behind the scenes with the administration, I warn you, YOU FAITH AND YOUR LOYALTY WILL BE GREATLY SHAKEN! Please, prepare yourself and your loved ones for what you are going to see. This is not a joke!
Do the AAFCJ needs defense or the
Qualifying Commission ?
Is there any criminal case against them?
you insult the Bishop President, defame the whole General Board of Directors
"You would be surprised of the enormous quantity of e-mails, telephone calls, and personal conversations by which healthy apostolic pastors ask us with enthusiasm to continue forward".
Quote
How many churches in the AZ district left the Assembly during his administration?
How many churches in the USA left the Assembly during this GB administration?
During this or the previous administration?
Look my dear Daniel Sanchez administration is consider by many the worst administration this AA has ever had in all of our history. If you are a friend of his can you please tell him to spare us all of this mess? will you put some sense in him?
Breaking news!!!!From another blog.
Cuando se hace una demanda se hace con cuidado, y a su debido tiempo. Estaban obteniendo todos los datos necesarios para asegurar que la demanda tenia merito. Ya acontecio la ultima reunion necesaria, y la demanda sera oficialmente sometida en California, la ultima semana de Octubre! Oren porque SI va a salir todo a flote!
What's the address for th other blog?
SIX (6) churches left the assembly the first 4 years of Tafoya's administration! All because they wouldn't allow him to bully them.
Here's the address: http://enlapazdecristo.blogspot.com
It's under the "Freedom of Speech" post.
Breaking news!!!!From another blog.
Cuando se hace una demanda se hace con cuidado, y a su debido tiempo. Estaban obteniendo todos los datos necesarios para asegurar que la demanda tenia merito. Ya acontecio la ultima reunion necesaria, y la demanda sera oficialmente sometida en California, la ultima semana de Octubre! Oren porque SI va a salir todo a flote!
What does this mean in English?
That which is wrong must be changed, but it is useless to move from one carnal method to another. Biblical, foundational, and constitutional change needs to be made, so we can move in the purpose of God. When we change, we need to go from victory to victory, not from mess to mess;
from faith to faith, not from tragedy to tragedy; from glory to glory, not from discouragement to discouragement.
Mark
Some of you DO NOT know the difference between doing RIGHT and doing TRUTH! When you figure it out you'll understand GOD'S purpose for the lawsuit!
“Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” Ephesians 5:6-11 (NIV).
“Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.” 1 Peter 2:12-17 (NIV).
At least you have to agree that our president Sanchez is a man with a spotless testimony .Very humble man, never lied, never has taking away nothing from anyone, best leader ever ,pastor's the biggest church at his district, his brothers are also great men of God. He is the man of the hour.
Losing 6 churches out of 36 is a sixteen percent(16%)loss.
Tafoya is a master politician, he is the mastermind behind the attempted coup. He is the puppet master for Baldemar. When all this shakes out his hands will remain clean. He will leave his friends high and dry for his purpose. Stating he did not ask for re-elctions or resignations.
I cannot believe Baldemar and others cannot see this. You have to give him credit though, he's a good politician.
I hope that the GB will make available all the communications between those involved. You will see he is leading the effort to undermine the current leadership. When he preached that we should be obediant. Time speaks of a man's character. Someone should take a close look at the AZ district and the funds from campground. I think roled them into his kids Escalades and varous personal properties.
Tafoya is an OPPORTUNIST! And I know this for a FACT, EVERYTING he condemns the GB of doing (irregularities, lack of integrity, etc.) has ALWAYS plagued his ministry, pastorship, and administration as bishop. Check the facts, just make a few calls to pastors in the AZ district and your eyes will be open!
Why do you think Valverde and Tafoya WERE best of budies! CUT FROM THE SAME YERBA!
I did call a pastor in AZ and everything you said is a lie.
You fail to mention the churches he open during his administration only district with it's own campground, remember his wife is a smart real state business woman, and his church is full of great leaders.
You must have called him. Call someone else.
Another lie.
The camp! The camp is a dump! I've seen it, I've stayed in it, my God I've seen better lodging in 3rd world countries!
You've must of called his yes men, Montenegro, garcia, and his brother in-law Espino. And as far as his wife being a real estate agent, where do you think they got the money to invest in property. Look at the district books and the camp books!
He DIDN'T open ANY churches in his administration. Pastor Romo and pastor Iglesias did! However, he was, personally, responsible for the closing of all the others!
Now you are offending the AZ District
I have a question for 11:03 AM
Lets put Tafoya out the picture for a moment.
Are you OK with the elections mess?
Are we going to aloud our church to suffer even more with this GB?
we've been offended for the past 8 years!
It's the previous GB's fault for allowing pastors like him to run amuck. Thanks to the current GB for stopping his actions.
And as for leaders in his church, they've all left to other churches.
No side taken. Christians in general have sunk to new lows in many respects and finally that virus has infected the Apostolic Assembly. Everyone has succummed to the almighty dollar and begun to sell their wares at the entrance of the temple.
Selling books, music, health products and preachings taken from the scripture. Self-proclaimed sages who take the word of God and sell it as their own ignoring the fact that any wisdom they have was given to them by the Almighty.
The Lawsuit. It would do them well to read
I Corinthians 6:1-11. The Word they so cherish and quote for their own devices would surely enlighten them.
Leaders and ministers who profess their dedication to the church and to God, should be concerned with more pressing matters. There are more important aspects to your ministry than being elected to the General Board.
Isn't your calling to save the lost? What kind of example are you giving to the church in general?
Let the one whose never fallen throw the first stone!!
Listing in no particular order - A small number of incidents for reference only.
Efrain Valverde - Forced from the Apostolic Assembly. Some AA churches don't even sing his songs. Union City in particular.
Catarino Huizar - Domestic Violence - Re-appointed to the district of New Mexico. Acting President Baldemar Rodriguez
The Tafoya's (Art, Nat) so much to say so little space.
Baldemar Rodriguez wins election by promising big churches to special friends. Bro. Alejandro Galarza moves to California.
So much more could be written but who cares. God himself will make you PRESIDENT in the appointed time.
THE CHURCH DOES NOT HAVE OR NEED HEROES WE NEED EXAMPLES of Faith and chairty. Not men seeking wealth and power on this earth.
This discussion is an embarassment to the greater good of the church and to Christians in general. Like kids fighting over a small piece of candy.
Next
To 11:02
I'm not in favor of Tafoya but can you please answer my questions
NO!!! There needs to be a new election, and all present board members need to resign.
Has anyone read the "Letter From God" posted in the www.apostolicassembly.info/other site?
Thanks 11:02 Am for your honest answer at 12:43 PM
This is where the Lord brings me in. You see, the Lord DID expose these unfruitful works of darkness prior to the elections of 2006, but man chose NOT to heed His word. So the Lord used the mouth, hands, and feet of other to expose the works of those whose hearts had left His will. Allow me to explain! In early February of 2006 I held a revival in our church. A well know UPC evangelist, whom God uses mightily, came to preach for us. During the revival this man of God approached me with this question, “Do you know the Bishop President from the Apostolic Assembly?” I responded, “Yes I do!” He then asked me to give him the President’s mailing address because he had a letter the Lord told him to write to President Sanchez. In this letter (he asked me to read it), through the Holy Spirit President Sanchez was told to clean house, starting with headquarters, down to Bishops and their Districts, and change some of their tactics in treating and handling God’s work and God’s people (pastors and ministers). The letter detailed some improprieties that I was not aware of, but only the Holy Ghost could reveal. This UPC evangelist asked me to be a witness of this letter, and to also witness him mailing it, which I did. Now I don’t know what happened to the letter after he put it in the mail, however, it would be interesting to know if the Bishop President would ever disclose receiving this letter. All I know under God is that I DID witness the existence and mailing of such a letter written to the Bishop President!
Quote from leeter from God
letter
Isn't Mike Solomon Daniel Solomons brother?
Erik Rangel for Bishop President
The AA has a Sin Unto Death
Don't give your offering and tithes, and they are quik to send you to hell.
Unfortunatly YES, Mike Salomon is his younger brother.
Why Unfortunatly
You have the info wrong about Brother Baldemar RodrÃguez being able to run after 4 years. It is not so. You have an old constitution. That was amended at the last convention. It appears now that it was a conspiracy to prevent him from running for President again. A board member cannot serve more than 8 years in any position at all anymore.
Word from the Lord!
Repent!!!
Chronicles 16:22:
22"Do not touch my anointed ones and do My prophets no harm.
Repent! You have mocked my Name; Judgment is mine; you have placed a curse upon your homes and families.
REPENT!!! I will judge says the Lord of Host!!
Exploitation of organizations is possible for various reasons. It appears that the Apostolic Assembly as an organization has been ripe for an all out exploitation owing to the nobleness which characterizes the majority of the people in the organization. The members of the organization have been taught to be humble, submissive, forbearing, respectful, and obedient to those in authority at all costs. For the most part, life has evolved in this manner in the organization. The previously mentioned characteristics and virtues have generally prevailed among the brethren of the organization. This tendency or state has caused an unfathomable vulnerability in the organization which makes it easy prey for people who would desire to rule with a sense of absolute and dictatorial leadership.
RE: Exploitation of organizations is possible for various reasons.
Very well put.
I believe what is happening in the assembly is a result of not teaching people how to learn. This is a school of thought that is unheard of in the AA churches. Pastors teach with a "do as I say" spirit because the AA has equated pastors to God himself and what he says just "is". Pastors have become "hail mary's" and the more you bless them and obey them, you increase your chances for justification and salvation. What a dangerous concept.
Pastors are to challenge us to think, and learn and to inspire us to develop a personal appetite for God's truth. They are not to obligate us to live right, but they are to inspire us to live right.
Does your pastor inspire you? Does he or she bring out the best in you?
The only "She" pastors we have are Pastor's wives who run the churches for them as some wear the pants in the home and try to do the same in their husband's churches.
You should look up the definition of "pastor". Your comment alone is a perfect illustration of what I was referring to when I alluded to "learning how to think."
You were taught pastoral positions are taken up by men, but if you actually THINK about it, being pastoral has nothing to do with position. It is not something you're given, it is something that's developed. Another concept that is completely foreign to the AA.
To be pastoral is to have the ability to influence and inspire people to live for God. Women can do that just as well as men without the need for position. Being pastoral is a gift that does not restrict itself to gender, but it opens itself to the needs of this world.
That's fine and all- and because I CHOOSE to be a part of this organization- they've taught us that women are not Pastors. When and if I choose to believe different- I will go to another organization that allows it. Until then, I'll stay and not think. Afterall, I will answer for MY own beliefs.
Over and out.
women influencing and inspiring is awesome- but some of these Pastor's wives literally want to run the church. He/She is not referring to influencing and inspiring- he/she is referring to running the local church.
RE: "That's fine and all- and because I CHOOSE to be a part of this organization"
Anon,
Your same view is what caused the Nazi holocaust, and quite coincidently it is perfectly aligned with what is going on with the AA today - the extermination of the spirit by conquering the minds and will of the people.
We see it even in this election scandal, pastors are threatened with their pastoral positions for questioning the election process. They succumb to the threats of the GB and relinquish their own free will and conform to the AA status quo.
This smells and looks like a spiritual holocaust to me.
You're draining and you read too much into things- I'd hate to be in a relationship with you Immablogger.
Signing out!
To drained one,
Yeah you're right. I'm pretty drained myself. What do you say we take a break and pick up where we left off tomorrow? In the meantime let's meet for coffee. Yeah?
Sincerely yours,
Drained too
(meaning drained ALSO) not "to" as in the preposition expressing direction or motion. But rather too, meaning me as well. Just kidding, have a good one bro/sis.
Ask Art Tafoya why he left Albuquerque, New Mexico?? Too much controversy over money and no accountability for it??
The sad reality is that for those in the General Board that do want to speak up. Cant and wont because they cant afford losing the extra pay check. Its a sad and unfortunate thing that they can't be faithful to the Gospel and their calling. That being their local church.
Where is Fortino in all this? He is sitting back doing nothing. He said God showed him to sit back and let others do all the work. Very nice! Those are the kind of leaders we don't need in the Assembly. He is playing both sides of the fence!
So now we will even begin to attack men who have decided not to take action on either side, but wait on God? I pray that God will strengthen us all in the midst of these trials and give us wisdom. That we would understand that when this is all said and done the church will continue to go on and we will need to face all of this bitterness & strife.
Question the process- yes.
Question our leader's decisions during the elections - fine.
I just think we should be more cautious with our words rather than just having a free for all. Please prayerfully consider your words as they can bring life or death.
Well not really, but when you sit on the fence to play both sides remember the one other that sat on the wall or fence and had a great fall and all the kings men and horses couldn't put him back together again
NO?
So now we're talking about Humpty Dumpty?
I guess there is no point in continuing this discussion.
Everyone please be wise in your choice of words. Seek direction from God before posting anymore accusations.
We need HIM now more than ever.
God Bless You!
I used to belong to the Apostolic Assembly, but I left because of the direction they were heading. The first thing I thought was wrong was their tithe of tithes policy. Many of the churches have small budgets and General headquarters takes ten percent of it. If the local churches are fulfilling their call it takes money to establish ministries that will reach their communities. Is there not other innovative ways for the national board to raise their budgets other than taxing the local church? It seems to me that their mindset is that the local church is to support the General Board when it should be the other way around. Out of the money they receive how much of it goes to help Pastors that are struggling financially in some poor community? With all the money they receive, do they purchase Medical insurance for these Pastors? I think they should because GB medical insurance is paid for.
From what I understand, the GB has a nice salary along with an awesome benefits package. How many times do GB member get lucrative offerings for going to conferences, or district services? How much of that money is reported? Yet how many local Pastors struggle to make it to national, district and sector conferences. I know the local Pastors probably do not complain, but I feel with all my heart that this is wrong.
Another question I have is why do they take ownership of church buildings and expect the local church to make the mortgage payments? Is it not the local Pastors that work the flock, but yet once the church is successful it can be yanked from underthem? The reason I say successful is because it seems as if they pay no attention to the struggling churches that bring little glory or money. Do these men not understand the damage that has been done to these local church bodies when they bring down a Pastor for invalid reasons? When I say invalid it is for reason other than Sin. Many times these Pastors are booted out for silly reasons like the leaders not agreeing as to how the local Pastors allocate funds or the church not being able to pay their tithes of tithes. What is funny is that some of the National Board members make horrendous mistakes that are overlooked. For example, during building construction a church secretary will alter engineering plans so they can submit for city approval. When the Engineers become aware of this, the church has to pay thousands of dollars to settle (approximately $40,000). Yet, these people continue to minister at a local, district and national level because of their connections. I would understand if everyone was held to the same standard, but some of the national board members are not. Some Pastors have raised money for building projects and mysteriously ten thousand dollars disappears. Not only was this Pastor not reprimanded but also got promoted to a Bishop position.
How many times do Conference coordinators Pay for conference expenses with the assembly credit card in order to build up frequent flyer miles and other bonus points, which are used to take their families and friends on luxurious vacations to resorts in Mexico?
Should not these bonuses go back to the assembly to pay for flights or per diem of other national board members? Another idea would be to use these bonuses to assist struggling pastors in paying their way to national conferences.
No they don't care as long as the whole family gets to have their yearly New York City vacations. How Nice! and the box seats at the dodger games for the whole family and buddies. Thats what should be addressed
Legal Question?
Does anyone know if we as members have a right to have the records opened to see where this Men OF God are spending the money, where its going and so forth.
Can we have the State come and run an audit?
make it public so the whole membership can see where the money is going, but really as I see it the general memberships is the one that always comes out the loser. If the whole GB goes then who comes in. From what I read the other side is just as bad.
Although I am not a corporate lawyer, my sense is that the members have a right to full disclosure of the financials under the Open Meeting Act.
A written request to the headquarters should be sufficient.
powerful article!
beautifully done.
I must agree with post 75, I've seen a mission church struggling to pay the mortgage w/practically no help from the district but what amazed me is that the pastor was more worried that he wasn't going to be able to make his ten percent fee to the district in order to send it to the national level.
that really upset me to see that. but at the same time God's mercy becomes even more clear because every thing somehow works out. Today dispite all the financial issues, I've seen that church change from mission to a local established church in that area. And all that is Thanks to God.
their tithe of tithes policy is wealthy an average of $800,000 to $1,200,000 per month plus other incomes.
The AA is corrupt. I hope they realize we are living in the "information age" where information is readily available at the click of a button. This realization will hopefully teach them to act more honorable.
Hey as long as the churchs send in their 10% of the 10% its ok. The pastors can be sinning all they want.
All the Board says is "Show me the MOney"
And the really good pastors that are are having a hard time sending in their money are taken to the shed.
And what I mean by hard time sending in their money, is that the mortage..local programs, help the needy( no Sam that doesn't mean you) programs have to take a back seat cause the board wants their MONEY yeserday. And if the Pastor doesn't his a Bad Pastor, but as long as the money is in go on ahead a have an affair, look at the sisters with perverted eyes. Take over the gneral church fund and spend as you like. Just make sure we get our share. And that my friends is how the AA operates.
Now they want to go to convention on their little own and leave the general membership out.
Whos money are they using for this?
Its time to bring this Good Old Boys Club DOWN!!!!!!!!
wow
Here is a thought, the problem is not the General Board, but the system. The system does not allow for input from the church membership. In the UPC, if a Pastor is taken out it is the membership that votes him out or if they need a pastor it is the membership that votes him in. The only time the UPC can remove a Pastor from the church is when the UPC owns the building because they financed the building construction. In the assembly they expect the local Pastor and the local assembly to raise the money for a building and they take ownership. The UPC for the most part views the local church as an organization that belongs to a fellowship versus an organization. This means that the organization is not concerned with buildings but members and souls. By no means is the UPC perfect, but they have an infrastructure that avoids the nonsense that the assembly does. The AA is on a verge of a split because of power struggles and not because they are getting big or doctrinal issues. This demonstrates that the leadership is carnal minded. Since our GB lacks wisdom that is the status quo of every other religous organization, maybe it is necessary that some sort of pressure be placed on them. First, they need to put a mechanism in place that allows their people to vote and voice concerns over their policies. This is fair since they spend a great portion of time during conference asking for money (Actually they beg).
There has been much talk of holding the pastors accountable, but the pastors are in a tough situation. Since the assembly owns their buildings it is easy for a Bishop or national board member to retaliate against the local Pastor. While this affects their income, this is still the least of their worries. How does the retaliation affect the Pastor's family? Many ex-pastor's kids hate the assembly because of the leadership's harshness. The system is set up so that the leadership can control and intimidate anyone that disagrees with them.
One time a Bishop removed a first year Pastor because he was not paying the tithe of tithes. When the church membership found out, they met with the Bishop and plead with him to leave the Pastor. The membership sent letters to the General office pleaing to President Viscarra not to remove the Pastor. Later a national youth President said that when the letters were brought to Bro. Viscarra not only did he not read them but also threw them in the trash.
Since the system gives all power to the GB, maybe the only thing that will force them to change is to expose them to outside entities.
One entity could be the court system. I know there is a lawsuit going on now, but the people who are doing it just want power. The organization needs lawsuits that will force them to change their policies and force the organization to be accountable and allow more input from the membership. One idea would be for everyone on the blogs to pitch in some money so that they can obtain legal council and find out what kind of legal course they can take with the assembly to correct many of its issues. The legal course would be to change their practices and not to get obtain money. From what I have read that there are over 200 youth for justice and God knows how many bloggers. If everyone shared the cost of legal fees the burden would be light and the General board would be forced to evaluate themselves. This might be something to look into.
Another entity would be to involve the media and see if univision would be willing to investigate the General Board since most of the membership are impoverished hispanic immigrants.
The last "univision" post makes so much sense, however, common sense is no longer common in with the GB.
I remember speaking with an x-board member about four years ago, and with a big sigh admitting, "we need to restructure the business model of the assembly otherwise we will run into big problems soon."
He was right.
200
youth
for
justice?
in
your
dreams
The 200 is a number I got from the ApostolicAssembly.info. The point of my blog is to see how serious everyone is to take some sort of action that the will force the GB to address issues. Does not everyone think that it is unfair that when some pastors disagree with doctrine they get removed and others like Sam Valverde become vice president of the organization. Although the GB should be reading these blogs because this would give them an idea of how the people feel, they will not give any weight to them because they are anonymous. These discussion groups are only a gripe session until everyone decides to take some sort of action that the board member will listen to.
Does anyone know the average median salary for "Pastors"?
Sam Vale is no fool. He knows how conive his people to give him things. I remember a friend of mine, who goes to FOT, told me that he purchased a new model SUV. But he didn't drive it much since he used his more economical honda to drive to work. He's a successful and financially responsible guy. He paid cash for it. At the time, Sam Vale had an older model truck. Sam Vale loves SUVs. He put his sights on it the brothers hardly used SUV. So Sam Vale got his office administrator to persuade/strong arm this bro to donate it to the church to be a blessing to the pastor. The bro didn't budge. Then the office administrator offered $5,000 for the SUV. The Value was at least $25,000
The brother stood his ground and refused.
I was amazed that Sam Vale would use his people to convince him, under the umbrella of "Being a blessing" to the pastor to take advantage of a brother like that. A member of his own church!
Sam Vale has got to go.
You mean Malverde
I think the letter states that he needed to clean house and remove those men that were in the way.
At least that is the way I took it.
NO! NO! NO! NO! The letter states that Sanchez was warned to clean house of all the unethical and illigal things that were going on with the GB, otherwise he (Sanchez) and the AA would be paying the consequences.
When D./ Sanchez first learned about Salomon and Baldemar Rodriguez having retained an attorney to file law suit for fraud, It is possible he lost alittle of his arrogrance. The truth is that he was over heard by some office helpers saying ,"It is time to kickb......now". Imagine a GBM MOG saying that.. What have wwe come too. God have mercy. But then he is very difficult to "reach" because he has no schooling whatsoever and of course lack alot of spirituality from the Lord.
Have you ever considered that he is going to change the name of the beloved ApostolicAssembly of the Faith in Christ Jesus? To what ever a new corportation somewhere in Texas I heard...What disaster...Where are the Bishops and the Pastors? Who have the vote...What vote?
Sanchez when u leave to Texas come and take the Pastor here and his dog that he ties up to the front door of the house so nobody can wake him up and his family up befor noon.
What do you know???
The convention in Lubbuck Texas is over and Abel Torres fell right back into the web of musical chairs. He was again elected unanimously by all the Pastors, because the Pastors cannot think for themselves.
Sanchez did not dare apply the disqualifying tatics of the Qualifying Commission because Sanchez needed to neutralize Abel Torres.
As for Daniel Salomon and Baldemar Rodriguez, it must have been a heavy blow that Abel Torres is now part of the GB gang again.
How can a man be voted as Bishop by the Pastors who are part of the Apostolic Assembly when Torres is one of the ones suing the five members of the Qualifying Committee of the elections held in Long Beach CA in 2006?
Torres should have been disqualified for that reason.
That is called insubordination
to the Church and to the Bible
(I Cor. 6:1-11) which forbids the church to go to the world for resolution of internal church problems.
So is this the kind of hero we need? If he had the integrity alluded to earlier by another blogger, he would have disqualified himself for that reason alone.
But now Abel Torres is putty in Sanchez's hands. And we now have another person who is willing and able (no pun intended) to sue our Assembly if it is convenient and expedient for him...and you want Abel Torres as a board member-a man who sued his own Assembly?
Sorry to Baldemar and Salomon, their partner in the lawsuit has gone to the other side-the GB gang.
Abel Torres is an honorable man for your information.He is WELL respected and is a compassionate man. He is not moved by money,power,or fame.He is a very humble man of God and his vision is Jesus in all aspects.The scandals in this organization particulary, have been going on for a long time evidently... so are you going to just say its ok,lets move on and continue with the scandals?I don't like being part of an organization with continued hypocrisy. I am TRULY disturbed by the type of leaders we have leading this AA and the blockbuster of it all is that this is past an organization.This is an organization where JESUS CHRIST should be the center focus!!Unbelievable!!Men who we trust to "take care of the sheep", is all but lies,deception,fraud, and most importantly-HYPOCRISY! If the shoe fits,then wear it. All of these actions will go past the judicial system directly to the SUPREME and DIVINE System which is GOD ALMIGHTY.
Anonymous said...
Mama please let me go visit my wife, please!
Gil
October 31, 2007 10:17 PM
Anonymous said...
About the year 1990, Bishop Manuel Castorena came from Mexico City where he had just terminated being Obispo Presidente de la Iglesia Apostolica de Mexico.
Bishop Castorena was invited by Bro. Manuel Vizcarra who was Presiding Bishop of the Apostolic Assembly to Pastor the AA church in Pacoima, CA.
Bishop Castorena pastored in Pacoima, then relocated to another property that he purchased for the AA on Brand Blvd in San Fernando, CA.
Bishop Castorena is a dynamic preacher, teacher CBAN. For many years he taught at the Colejio Biblico Apostolico in Mexico City, preparing many men and women for ministry.
Now Bro. Castorena is very ill and will be retiring from the pastorship of the Apostolic Assembly church in San Fernando this coming Sunday, November 4 at a special farwell service.
It would be wonderful to take a pause especially now that we are having such a difficult time in our Assembly, to acknowledge and appreciate a great warrior of God who has given it all to the Work of the Lord, and retires only because his health has failed him to the point that he is a double amputee.
Let us rejoice that this man has left such a great legacy with our AA and a bright mark for many to follow.
If you would like to send him an acknowledgement card or offering here is his home address where he resides with his wife:
Rev. Mauel Castorena
11964 Carl Street
Lake View Terrace, CA 91342
(818) 890-1535
May God Bless you.
The GB is meeting because ALL of them were served with the law suit!!! Where are all the nay sayers, and the family members, and supporters of the GB board who claimed all to be a farce full of hot air? If you don't believe me, call their relatives, friends, and people on the inside - THEY WILL TELL YOU THE GB HAS BEEN SERVED!!!!!
This is just the straw that broke the Camels back. People are not leaving the AA because of the elections people are tired of much more. For example pointless holiness standards, lack of focus on the local church, and years of dead tradition. This is not only going on in the apostolic world this is going on everywhere. The saints are tired of denominations who have left the kingdom agenda. There is a new reformation taking place. The kingdom reformation is in full swing. You can spend all of your time trying to figure people out, but it won't change. The best thing we can do is focus our attention on the kingdom. It sounds to me like election trouble is becoming a convinient way for people to say what they have been really feeling. I just want to let everyone know their is life after any denomination. Yeah even independents can go to heaven.My heart and prayers are with allthe pastors of the AA
Brothers in what you waste your time, don't complain you want a change then start with yourself start praying, fasting and course the word then your comments will be of uplifting spirit!!!
Well I used to belong to the apostolic church of one of those Bishops mentioned. The AA holiness standards are man-made and not God-ordered. This is one of the reasons why I left the church. Another reason was because my ex was abusive towards me and the church leaders took his side. I thought to myself "and these are supposed to be men of God?" I don't need that kind of oppression in my life.....therefore I left. I used to be involved in the ministry....I saw and discovered things that I didn't like. I also was involved with my former husband's (a minister, still is) efforts in starting a new church and I saw many things there that were not good. The AA does a lot of things that are not right and are not godly so instead of staying and feeling like an accomplice to all that, I chose to leave. I do go to another church now and I am not involved as I used to be with the AA but because if they are doing things that are not right....I do not want to know about it.
Bishop Torres was my pastor for years. I was a horrible member. I escaped to pastor an independent church while under his leadership. One thing I can tell you is that he cries for the unity of the Assembly. He's not looking for power. While Bishop Quintanilla was the District Bishop he never undermined him because he knew his place.
Bishop Torres has had to see his friends disfellowshiped because he always blindly believed that the assembly was the body of Christ. Personally I am glad that he now sees that in the hands of evil men, an organization can never represent Christ. Bishop Torres is NOT perfect, but he is righteous!!
Bishop Guillermo Mendoza was removed as the Pastor of the 1st Apostolic Church in Houston. The assmbly talked to him about retiring and he refused. About 2 weeks ago they showed up at the First church in Houston and they removed him. He left the AA and is now with Brother Fauss and in front of the Spanish ministry. Along with him, alot of the congregation members left (with him.) Another division! My step-uncle goes to the First Church in Houston and they say that there are few members left.
I just heard about it. A friend of mine said they did it in the most dirty way. They changed the locks on the church and wouldn't let him in on Sunday morning.
I wonder what his son(my bishop) is going to do?
You Should All Be Careful Because You are Talking against the servants of God and at the end Our Faith SHould Be Strongly FOUNDED Upon The Word Of God Not The Dictatorship Or The Rules Of People THe truth Is that when these things come we should be mightier than The World....
" Greater Is He That Lives In Me That He That Is In The World." 1st John 4:4
true true...but Saul was a man of GOd until God chose David....Bishop Willie Mendoza is still a man of God...so why is it ok in your mind that they did this?
Praise Him, who deserves ALL the praise and ALL the honor and ALL the worship. It saddens me to see so many people "brothers and sisters" SOOO distracted and focused on other issues than what we are really supposed to be focused on. satan has really deceived many.. yes YOU...
I can not believe how far this has gotten. We have lost our roots. We have lost focus on our first love and that is Jesus. Look, I don't know who got the idea to sue or to retaliate, but who do we think we are by taking things into our own hands. Or, do you think you could do a better job than GOD??? God is strong and doesn't need anyone. It sickens me to see so many people that have taken their eyes off of Jesus. People have left the church to follow their pastors. That is so ridiculous. Instead of PRAYER and FASTING we sue. That's what has taken place and our beliefs have been compromised. If one day, God forbid, something happens to you, your family or someone you know, are we going to pray to our pastors? We have lost our focus. The devil has succeeded in this battle. Not the war. God will prevail. Like the Bible says, many people shall be lost that were believers. Are you one of them? Will you let your self be one of them? Let the dead bury the dead. Can't you see brothers and sister??? WAKE UP CHRUCH!!!! Jesus' return is near and we sit here bickering, hating, complaining, retaliating, etc... when we should put our energy to good use. And, that is to be an instrument of God to bring more people to salvation. God will demand their blood from you. Don't be a part of this distraction. Yes, it's hard, but why should it shake up your faith? WHY? Our faith comes from hearing, and hearing the word of GOD. In other words, my faith comes from God NOT man. So, if the board is doing wrong, God will handle it, unless you think you can do a better job than GOD... I doubt it 100%.
Seek God and leave all this in God's hands. PEOPLE wake up and be not deceived. Let God handle the situation. My dad is a pastor too, but I don't follow him. I am a CHRISTian. I am a follower of Jesus Christ who died for my sins.
I hope God opens all of your eyes before it's too late.
God Bless you and I am praying for restoration and healing.
I love you guys and God bless you all. Make Jesus your focal point and let those that want to bicker and be used by satan to divide the church be in God's hands.
gavie
I don't know anybody who left the church to follow man...I've seen some that were placed under the care of a sheperd listen to the hireling and let them pastors be kicked out because they used the legal recourse of the judicial system.
I agree that maybe suing wasn't the best recourse but legal nonetheless..and the General Board knows this....otherwise they wouldn't have sued pastors Willie Mendoza, Efraim Valverde, Abel Torres, Salvador Villegas, Salvador Rodarte...etc.etc.
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