**UPDATE 11/18/07**The Blogmaster would like to send a SHOUT OUT! to all those representing the following cities(visitors to this site), in order of most active:
West Hollywood
Montclair
Midland
Tempe
Laguna Hills
Los Angeles
Chicago
Dallas
Loma Linda
Maywood
Santa Fe Springs
Glendale
San Lorenzo
West Covina
Fresno
Austin
New York
Mcallen
Spokane
San Diego
Chino
Odessa
Rowland Heights
Monterey Park
Selah
Houston
Pompano Beach
Ontario
Irving
National City
Carrollton
La Jolla
Harlingen
Montebello
Victorville
Alameda
Pomona
Pittsburgh
Sunnyvale
San Leandro
Modesto
March Afb
East Meadow
Corona
Albuquerque
Huntington Park
Hurst
Bluffton
Humble
(not set)
Empire
San Jose
Abilene
Phoenix
Tualatin
Santa Maria
Alviso
Belmont
Silver Spring
East Irvine
Tolleson
Norcross
Pasadena
Carmichael
Seattle
Laurel
Wildomar
Farmersville
Portland
Gilbert
Dyess Afb
Las Vegas
La Habra
Stafford
Grand Terrace
Tijuana
Cerritos
La Puente
Addison
Duluth
Garden Grove
San Juan
Richardson
Oakland
Rancho Cucamonga
San Marcos
Ogden
Sanger
Oxnard
Lemon Grove
Placentia
Tracy
Upland
Santo Domingo
Hesperia
Hughson
Lakewood
Walnut
Thousand Oaks
Phelan
Alhambra
Miami
Riverside
Tucson
North Miami Beach
Denver
San Ramon
Whittier
Cathedral City
Milpitas
Indio
Torrance
Fontana
Perris
La Mirada
Norman
Sun City
Jamestown
Tucker
Glendale
La Palma
Beverly Hills
Haltom City
Indian Wells
Santa Clara
Dublin
Alamo
Yuma
El Paso
Bell Gardens
Takoma Park
Boston
Encinitas
Bloomington
Santa Ana
Buena Park
Scottdale
San Francisco
Ceres
Herndon
Pico Rivera
Sacramento
Windsor
Artesia
Kaysville
Gardendale
Bellevue
Rialto
Englewood
Manteca
Fullerton
La Paz
Hacienda Heights
Downey
Bellflower
South El Monte
Opa Locka
Vista
Kerman
San Jacinto
Brea
Mountain View
Anaheim
South Orange
Foothill Ranch
Diamond Bar
Orange
Rancho Santa Fe
High Point
Kingston
River Forest
Pleasant Garden
New Braunfels
Valley Village
Pensacola
Pharr
Bakersfield
Los Alamitos
Panorama City
Columbia
Hilton Head Island
Milwaukee
Villa Park
Hayward
Merced
Santa Barbara
Inglewood
Newbury Park
Weslaco
Davenport
South Pasadena
Union City
Fremont
San Bernardino
Menifee
Catonsville
Oklahoma City
Colton
Lake Elsinore
Hialeah
Covina
Temecula
Baldwin Park
El Centro
Moreno Valley
Elmwood Park
North Hollywood
Mesa
Paradise Valley
Meridian
Bloomington
Canyon Country
Nogales
Carson
Palm Desert
San Antonio
El Mirage
Tahoka
Davenport
Culver City
Lathrop
St Louis
Boise
Beaumont
Nashville
Tampa
Lubbock
Vestal
Eugene
Sioux Falls
Atlanta
Honolulu
Devon
Marina
Midway City
Morrisville
Salida
Rancho Mirage
Nipomo
Roswell
Oak Park
Bensenville
Palatka
Tacoma
Mount Laurel
Racine
Monterrey
Newark
Long Beach
Irvine
Ripon
Lynwood
Wood Dale
Studio City
Cypress
Brisbane
Compton
San Luis Rey
Mission
Loomis
Gardena
Lilburn
Ashburn
Guadalajara
Barcelona
Poway
Fishers
Linden
San Marcos
Hawthorne
Westlake
Norwalk
Mentone
Commerce
Lafayette
Tustin
La Mesa
Ensenada
Hill Afb
Mcclellan
Bell
Irvington
Baltimore
Norco
Riverbank
Astoria
Redford
Arvada
Springfield
Temple City
Canyon
Hawthorne
Hillside
Rex
Yakima
Bedford
Bronx
Lawndale
Rosemead
Woods Cross
Monrovia
Eden Prairie
Laredo
Orlando
City of Industry
Bremerton
Millington
Ottawa
North Richland Hills
Stockbridge
Mira Loma
Garland
Del Mar
Grand Prairie
Pleasanton
Vancouver
Tok
Sunol
Costa Mesa
Kirtland Afb
Marina Del Rey
El Monte
Coppell
Corrales
Shreveport
Harwood Heights
There are 326 cities represented here.
West Hollywood
Montclair
Midland
Tempe
Laguna Hills
Los Angeles
Chicago
Dallas
Loma Linda
Maywood
Santa Fe Springs
Glendale
San Lorenzo
West Covina
Fresno
Austin
New York
Mcallen
Spokane
San Diego
Chino
Odessa
Rowland Heights
Monterey Park
Selah
Houston
Pompano Beach
Ontario
Irving
National City
Carrollton
La Jolla
Harlingen
Montebello
Victorville
Alameda
Pomona
Pittsburgh
Sunnyvale
San Leandro
Modesto
March Afb
East Meadow
Corona
Albuquerque
Huntington Park
Hurst
Bluffton
Humble
(not set)
Empire
San Jose
Abilene
Phoenix
Tualatin
Santa Maria
Alviso
Belmont
Silver Spring
East Irvine
Tolleson
Norcross
Pasadena
Carmichael
Seattle
Laurel
Wildomar
Farmersville
Portland
Gilbert
Dyess Afb
Las Vegas
La Habra
Stafford
Grand Terrace
Tijuana
Cerritos
La Puente
Addison
Duluth
Garden Grove
San Juan
Richardson
Oakland
Rancho Cucamonga
San Marcos
Ogden
Sanger
Oxnard
Lemon Grove
Placentia
Tracy
Upland
Santo Domingo
Hesperia
Hughson
Lakewood
Walnut
Thousand Oaks
Phelan
Alhambra
Miami
Riverside
Tucson
North Miami Beach
Denver
San Ramon
Whittier
Cathedral City
Milpitas
Indio
Torrance
Fontana
Perris
La Mirada
Norman
Sun City
Jamestown
Tucker
Glendale
La Palma
Beverly Hills
Haltom City
Indian Wells
Santa Clara
Dublin
Alamo
Yuma
El Paso
Bell Gardens
Takoma Park
Boston
Encinitas
Bloomington
Santa Ana
Buena Park
Scottdale
San Francisco
Ceres
Herndon
Pico Rivera
Sacramento
Windsor
Artesia
Kaysville
Gardendale
Bellevue
Rialto
Englewood
Manteca
Fullerton
La Paz
Hacienda Heights
Downey
Bellflower
South El Monte
Opa Locka
Vista
Kerman
San Jacinto
Brea
Mountain View
Anaheim
South Orange
Foothill Ranch
Diamond Bar
Orange
Rancho Santa Fe
High Point
Kingston
River Forest
Pleasant Garden
New Braunfels
Valley Village
Pensacola
Pharr
Bakersfield
Los Alamitos
Panorama City
Columbia
Hilton Head Island
Milwaukee
Villa Park
Hayward
Merced
Santa Barbara
Inglewood
Newbury Park
Weslaco
Davenport
South Pasadena
Union City
Fremont
San Bernardino
Menifee
Catonsville
Oklahoma City
Colton
Lake Elsinore
Hialeah
Covina
Temecula
Baldwin Park
El Centro
Moreno Valley
Elmwood Park
North Hollywood
Mesa
Paradise Valley
Meridian
Bloomington
Canyon Country
Nogales
Carson
Palm Desert
San Antonio
El Mirage
Tahoka
Davenport
Culver City
Lathrop
St Louis
Boise
Beaumont
Nashville
Tampa
Lubbock
Vestal
Eugene
Sioux Falls
Atlanta
Honolulu
Devon
Marina
Midway City
Morrisville
Salida
Rancho Mirage
Nipomo
Roswell
Oak Park
Bensenville
Palatka
Tacoma
Mount Laurel
Racine
Monterrey
Newark
Long Beach
Irvine
Ripon
Lynwood
Wood Dale
Studio City
Cypress
Brisbane
Compton
San Luis Rey
Mission
Loomis
Gardena
Lilburn
Ashburn
Guadalajara
Barcelona
Poway
Fishers
Linden
San Marcos
Hawthorne
Westlake
Norwalk
Mentone
Commerce
Lafayette
Tustin
La Mesa
Ensenada
Hill Afb
Mcclellan
Bell
Irvington
Baltimore
Norco
Riverbank
Astoria
Redford
Arvada
Springfield
Temple City
Canyon
Hawthorne
Hillside
Rex
Yakima
Bedford
Bronx
Lawndale
Rosemead
Woods Cross
Monrovia
Eden Prairie
Laredo
Orlando
City of Industry
Bremerton
Millington
Ottawa
North Richland Hills
Stockbridge
Mira Loma
Garland
Del Mar
Grand Prairie
Pleasanton
Vancouver
Tok
Sunol
Costa Mesa
Kirtland Afb
Marina Del Rey
El Monte
Coppell
Corrales
Shreveport
Harwood Heights
There are 326 cities represented here.
Felicidades,
Apostolic Voice
Blogmaster
106 comments:
Hmmmm, not traceable huh?
Rancho Cucamonga! Listen up!
The people have spoken!
Does it mater if it's traceable?
Thank God that we live in a country where we have been given the liberty to express our feelings which is known as "Freedom of Speech."
What can they do anyways. Put us in Pruba
correction on Pruba before someone who is perfect corrects you "prueba"
Well thank you very much. Reason is I never been there. Very close indeed. LOL
Blog master, I believe it is counterproductive to list the localities on your blog. While it certainly is your privilege, it violates the trust of your contributors.
For some, a remote location will all but name the individual that posted expecting anonymity.
Removing the city listing would be much appreciated. A count of cities posting would be more generic and still informative.
I agree
West Hollywood? The Flor Azuler's are watching too!
What a drag!
Pun intended lol
I understand why one would feel this is way, but one should understand that almost no one lives, works, plays and goes to church in the same city.
For instance, I can live in Riverside, work in Corona, play in Long Beach and go to church in Fontana. Anyone of those cities could represent me. There are so many variables at play here that to make an assumption that the city represents one person would be a pretty big stretch.
It is far better that the organization (Ministers, Pastors, Bishops, General Board) realized there are many eyes and ears thus more accountability. Leaders from these areas should worry more about anonymity then us. They need to be held accountable.
1 Cor 4:5
He will bring into the light of day all that at present is hidden in darkness, and he will expose the secret motives of men's hearts.
Obviously you are from Southern California, as am I.
To put it into perspective: Some of the areas listed would be like saying they are from Rainbow (on the way to San Diego) or Julian or Campo or Portrero or Oak Glen or maybe Arrowbear. If you've been around for a while (you mention you are 35, so maybe you can defer to your parents) Corona used to be a small out of the way city.
Some of the cities listed have very small populations and are remote. Let’s say they're doing well to have telephone service and electricity.
I guess if you decide not to remove the post, all they can do is stop visiting your site. Otherwise you may start posting the IP addresses of everyone that visits your site.
The apostolicassembly.info site seem to respect people’s privacy and still provide us with statistics.
I agree, blog-master please listen 99% of us want to remain anonymous for obvious reasons.
What a bunch of spineless COWARDS!
I'm starting to agree with Mike A. Men and women, stand up for what you believe. What? Are you afraid you're gonna lose your precious position as a deacon? All most of you ministers do is adjust microphones, pass the offering plate, and sit up front on the stage. You wouldnt know a Soul in need if one bit you in the butt cheek.
Do you know anything about a totalitarian regime
Choose an identity
Google/Blogger Other Anonymous
Can you not read your own Blog???
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Sanchez sounds like a crazy old man now. Someone better get him checked for dimensia.
Let me jump in here.
For all you techies:
http://groups.google.com/group/analytics-help-basics/browse_thread/thread/eb9f69d1c58f5f3c/16b504fbe3817be0?lnk=gst&q=&rnum=70
and
http://www.google.com/support/googleanalytics/bin/answer.py?hl=hi&answer=72299
For everyone else, Google Analytics does not allow tracking of personal IP addresses. It only goes to the ISP (Internet Service Provider) level.
Above are the links reflecting what was just stated.
Let me advise you, we should not be intimidated, we need to let the existing leaders and would be leaders know that they are going to be held to a higher level of transparency and accountability.
Attention Apostolic Assembly Leaders, please note that someone in your area and congregation is watching and thusly empowered via this latest internet contraption.
Ephesians 6:12
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
True we have nothing to fear but fear itself.
Post all the cites.
And if everyone wants we can start posting our names.
What can they do?
Black Ball us? PLEASEEEEEEE
They rule by fear, thats why things went so far.
Wow, it will be intresting at church this weekend.
Yes, yes, please find out who I am and put me on probation, never asking me to participate in another local revival, sector vehelia, or distrcit marathon service!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
At 11PM tonight, I will post the IP addresses of every poster in the last seven days. I have IP addresses that directly ID cities and internet subscribers names. If you want your ID to remain a secret, you must email apostolics2007@hotmail.com by 10PM and promise to not post anymore more comments againts the GB.
I gave resorted to these actions to limit the further damage the AA.
Will you also share the international lottery winnings? and the millions left behind by my long lost relative? and help me validate my eBay/PayPal accounts?
They might not let you into the convention if they find you out.
ok ok I'm Donald Duck!!!
I will sure miss sammy and eddie at disney land this thanksgiving
You don't have them because you are not the blogmaster. Nice try though.
Another typical scare tactic, next he will be saying the lord told him to post the this information.
Wasn't apostolics2007@hotmail.com the previous host of this site? I guess that tells you where he stands...to divide and destroy.
Saúl L. Ávila
c/o Election Legal Defense Trust Fund
1622 Holly Street
Austin, Texas 78702-5422
512/474-2776
Email: avilaccc@texas.net
Thursday July 26, 2007
Name of contributor
1234 Main Street
Anywhere, USA 80000-1234
111/222-3333
Dear ___________________________:
We greet you in the matchless name of Jesus Christ. We are also praying God’s best upon you and yours.
The Election Legal Defense Trust Fund is currently participating in a fund raising drive. This drive is to offset the legal expenses being absorbed as a result of the civil lawsuit against “the General Board as the governing body of the Apostolic Assembly of the Faith in Christ Jesus, Inc.”
The centerpiece of this lawsuit is that we the petitioners/consenters are pursuing a new election due to the travesty that was committed upon the pastorate on the day of the General Board Election held on Friday November 24, 2006 in Long Beach, California. We opine that numerous violations were committed by the Qualifying Board; therefore, the results of said election are invalid.
A request in the form of a letter petitioning the present Honorable General Board of the Apostolic Assembly to establish a Commission of Honor and Justice (Article 39 of the Constitution of the Apostolic Assembly) to investigate this travesty was refused. The bishop who wrote the request was advised since there was no wrongdoing; there was no need for an investigation. Immediately thereafter, however, the Honorable General Board convoked a Joint Episcopal Meeting to advise that everything was under control. We are attaching the document that the Honorable General Board responded to the bishop who requested this commission dated May 20, 2007 (please see attached). Subsequent to their response a Letter of Demand from our counsel was sent to the Apostolic Assembly of the Faith in Christ Jesus dated May 23, 2007 (please see attached). Through their counsel, they requested an extension and it was granted up to July 10, 2007. During this interim, the Honorable General Board generated a letter dated June 13, 2007 to all the pastorate of the organization in which no doubt you have a copy of this letter stating the predicament they are facing. We have just received a response from their attorney and they have declined our demand. Nonetheless, we proceed. This is where we are at. Save a miracle, we will have to settle this in a court of law.
We regret not being at liberty to divulge more details as this case is now in the hands of our counsel. If this case goes before a court of law, the information at that time will become public. For now, rest assured that we the petitioners/consenters seek that justice prevail and that damaging impressions be corrected. Furthermore, we realize that there will be some collateral damage done. We pray that these actions result in minimal damage than what has already transpired. There are no personal agendas other than justice is served to our beloved fellowship. Our pledge is to pursue this to its finality- justice.
We are seeking your help. All it requires is for you to send a financial contribution to this worthy cause. Please send your contribution in the form of a check, money order, cashier’s check to: Saúl L. Ávila c/o Election Legal Defense Trust Fund 1622 Holly Street Austin, Texas 78702-5422. If you choose to direct deposit, please advice as our facilitator Saúl L. Ávila is charged to send a receipt of your contribution and will do so regardless if you choose sending your contribution to him directly. Please note that this contribution is not tax-deductible and strictly a voluntary endeavor. Please DO NOT SEND CASH! To direct deposit: Bank of America Routing Number- 111000025 Account Number- 5860 0085 8666
Your contribution is greatly appreciated. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to call us. Thank you very much and God bless!
Sincerely,
Saúl L. Ávila
Secretary
Petitioners:
Bishop Daniel Salomón 303/249-0942; Bishop Baldemar Rodríguez 909/957-9175; Bishop Abel V. Torres 423/352-3958
Consenters:
Bishop Ishmael C. Arellano; Bishop Daniel Jauhall; Bishop Richard Galaviz; Bishop Isaac H. Cota; Bishop Samuel C. Arellano; Bishop Guillermo M. Mendoza; Bishop Martín M. Vásquez; Pastor Efraín Andrade; Pastor Saúl L. Ávila 512/731-9660
Don't waste your time here's my ip address:
216.109.112.135
The only way ISP's will give you personal information is if you're the FBI working on a case, have a search warrant, a court order and criminal case number.
So stop with your scare tactics - you sound like a GB member.
Alright, alright, bad joke. Just kidding about posting IP addresses.
I was bored and it was a cheap laugh.
Please stop emailing me.
As I stated before, unless the an individual had access to very elaborate tracking software and a warrant, there is no way to track who comments.
Please stop emailing me.
This isn't accurate, my city is not on here - and I've been reading/posting on this blog since it started.
Correction on the poll you are taking...the convention will take place in GRAPEVINE, Texas at the Gaylord Resort hotel.
I believe that it is right to have the city stated in the blog, our leadership does need to know where the voices are rising from. We should never fear a man. This has gone on far too long to be ignored. I had written letters to our past President B.R, and was told by Bishop D.J, that I was being disrespectful. All I was seeking at the time was help for my then pastor (of the Santa Maria, CA church) yeah go look him up. Anyway, God has and will always have the last say in the matter. lawsuit or no lawsuit.
GBU
say my name.. !!!!
But thats how they rule by fear. Thats all they got.
When you inform them about some wrong doing, first thing they bring up is Slander and defamition.
Had one Pastor showing sexual positions on the lawn of one woman.
what the Bishop do nothing.this man is still pastoring
A number of Christian groups teach what they call “standards.” Standards, they say, are practical applications of the biblical principles of holiness, modesty and separation from worldliness. Standards relating to clothing and entertainment are the most common. Holiness, modesty and separation from worldliness are required by the Bible and they are topics perhaps more relevant today than ever before in Christian history. However, the standards typically found among churches that emphasize them, while undoubtedly well-intentioned, often cross over into legalism and promote works-based thinking in part because of a failure to fully recognize and consider a key element of sin.
When Jesus came teaching a message of grace and faith, He introduced a new way of understanding sin. Jesus taught that sin lies as much in ones intent as it does in the act itself. Jesus taught that one who harbors unjust anger in his heart for his fellow man is guilty of murder.(1) He taught that one who lusts in his heart has committed adultery.(2) No doubt this new understanding made those that relied upon their good works for justification before God quite uncomfortable.
It is human nature to look more to our actions than our thoughts when it comes to sin. This human reasoning suggests that what we do is what counts and that our motives and intent are secondary. Such thinking is a form of legalism in that it stresses the letter of the law while missing the spirit of the law. Certainly our actions count, but considering actions while ignoring or minimizing the true motivations behind them is a mistake. Sin is first conceived in the heart (3) and every sinful action is backed by sinful intent.
Two persons can commit the identical act and one stands guiltless before God while the other stands guilty. Consider the sixth commandment, Thou Shalt Not Kill. Killing innocent life, killing for selfish reasons or killing out of hate is, without question, a sin and in violation of this commandment. However, Paul writes that God has given the power of the sword to the government, (4) allowing war and execution under just circumstances. To say that all killing is wrong is therefore legalistic, because it is permissible in some circumstances. The difference between justified killing and killing that violates the sixth commandment lies in intent and motive.
This brings us to one of the fatal flaws of standards -- they do not fully account for the motives and intentions behind the actions they label as sin. The relationship between actions and motives is crucial to determining what constitutes sin and what does not. To illustrate, let's consider a few examples of some of the more flawed standards. The following teachings are commonly found in some smaller Baptists groups, some Pentecostal groups such as the the Church of God-Pentecostal and the United Pentecostal Church,Apostolics and other groups that emphasize holiness.
Makeup
A number of holiness churches over the years have taught that it is a sin for women to wear makeup. The idea that it is a sin for women to wear makeup comes from the belief that the only -- or at least the primary -- purpose for makeup is to entice men. They point to the passage in the Bible where Jezebel applies makeup to her face (5) and assert that her putting makeup on was a wicked attempt to seduce her coming captors. The same scripture says that Jezebel fixed her hair (KJV says “tired”), but curiously, they do not draw the same conclusions about hair styling. They also note that long ago, makeup was worn only by prostitutes and other “loose” women. Some also go on to suggest that Christian women shouldn’t attempt to change the way God naturally made their faces and that any attempt to do so is vanity.
This is a telling example of looking at the action while ignoring or minimizing the real intent and motive behind it. Undoubtedly, some women that wear makeup are doing so for the purposes of inciting lust in the opposite sex, but to say that all women wear makeup for that purpose is simply not true. Happily married 80-year-old grandmothers do not put on makeup for the purpose of inciting lust in the hearts of other men. If the attempt to beautify oneself with makeup amounts to vanity and/or the desire to entice the opposite sex, then styling one’s hair (just as Jezebel did), brushing one’s teeth and bathing would all be sinful as well, not to mention the fact that these things alter one’s “natural” appearance.
Simply put, wearing makeup (an action) is done for several reasons (intentions and motives), some of which are sinful, such as the desire to incite lust and sexual desire, but most are not. Perhaps the most common motive for wearing makeup comes from the desire to be clean, seemly, and presentable, which are the very reasons we comb our hair, bathe, brush our teeth and press our clothes.
Pants
Holiness groups also frequently teach that it is a sin for women to wear pants. They teach that it is a sin for women to wear pants based on the belief that the Bible forbids it in Deuteronomy 22:5 (refuted here) and because, they say, women want to wear pants to be more like men. They attempt to back up this tenuous argument by pointing out that the adoption of pants by women in modern American society correlates with the sharp rise of women who began working outside the home beginning in World War II. While there may be some women who wear pants out of a desire to be more like a man, which would violate the biblical concept of separation of the sexes, by no means do all or even most women wear pants for this reason. Their motive or intent is not to emulate men. Most women wear pants simply because they are more functional and comfortable. Because skirts and dresses restrict movement, do a poor job of keeping the legs warm in the winter, and are immodest for many activities, most women find that pants are simply more comfortable and practical.
The scriptures teach that behind every sin is an impure intent or motive. If a woman puts on pants out of a desire to be a man, then a sinful intent exists. But if a woman puts on pants to be more comfortable as she works in her garden or to keep warmer in the winter, where is the sinful intent?
Jewelry
Many holiness churches teach that I Peter 3:3 and I Timothy 2:9 forbid they use of jewelry. They argue that Paul forbids jewelry in these passages and that he does so because jewelry is just another way to be vain and flaunt wealth. These passages do not teach this however (see article), so the argument is baseless. Nevertheless, it is worthwhile to consider the argument that those who wear jewelry are doing so out of vanity and/or a desire to flaunt their wealth.
Just as some women wear makeup and pants with sinful intentions, there are those who wear jewelry with sinful intentions. Indeed, many wear jewelry to vainly advertise and flaunt their wealth. But, for millennia, jewelry has served many good purposes. Today, wedding bands speak of one’s commitment to the biblical institution of marriage. Class rings display loyalty to a school and demonstrate that one has achieved a noble and worthwhile goal. Christian bracelets, necklaces and earrings serve as a public testimony for some and often serve as conversation starters that give Christians the opportunity to share their faith. Jesus Himself positively describes the use of a ring in the parable of the prodigal son (6) and the Bible is full of examples where jewelry is described as godly.
Teaching that jewelry is wrong on the basis that it is nothing more than a means to vainly flaunt one’s wealth ignores the many non-sinful intentions and motives people have for wearing it. If every motive behind wearing jewelry were evil, surely Jesus would not have used it in a parable, nor would there be numerous positive references to it in the Bible.
The two elements of sin – action and intent – must be fully understood before one can label certain behaviors as sinful, and this is where standards get it wrong. Standards focus on the action without fully considering many of the true intentions and motives behind the action. One cannot say that wearing jewelry is a sin, or that women who wear makeup or pants are committing a sin, without first knowing their intent. If a woman wears makeup to entice men, she is in sin. If a woman wears makeup to appear more clean and presentable, where is her sin? If a woman wears pants to be more “manly,” she is in sin. If a woman wears pants to keep warm or to be more comfortable while working in her garden, where is the sin? If a man wears jewelry as a display of his wealth, he is in sin. If he wears jewelry as a display of his faith, where is his sin?
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Estoy totalmente deconcertado por todo esta situacion en la cual estamos pasando.
La cual a subido a tal desprestigio a la misma Asamblea Apostolica, en la cual un servidor es tercera generacion y la verdad me siento muy ofendido al analizar esta situacion que empeso con las eleciones del 2006 en long beach.
Desde la edad de 12 anos he trabajado con los jovenes y he sido presidente local de mi Iglesia, e trabajo como presidente distrital por 3 periodos y he sido pastor juvenil por 2 anos y siempre le he enesenado a los jovenes de la sujecion a nuestros lideres y ahora resulta que estoy en frente de mi propia ensenanza y mis lideres y la verdad no es nada facil, pero estoy confiando en Dios que todo este problema se va a resolver yo he determinado no hablar nada de mis lideres.... y eso es lo que voy a hacer y no es cobardia, solo que no me toca a mi hacerlo, pero se que nuestros lideres lo haran.... escuche un rumor que en la convencion para dallas estaran unos jovenes protestando si esto no cambia para esa fecha.
Solo les pido a los dirigentes de esta welga que lo hagan con suma respeto y orden, pues Dios esta en control de todo las cosas.
Dios les bendiga.
In light of the possibility of churches dividing from our AA- and the church properties raising a serious question--here's an interesting case for you legal begals out there . . .
http://www.firstam.com/landsakes/
html/email/080698competen.html
anonymous said in Spanish that he is totally in diagreement of the "demonstration " that will be held in Dallas by the Messengers of Peace> Hermano no se mortifique no va haber ninguna desmonstracion. Esto solo es algo para asustar D. Sanchez y D. Salon, y a Baldemar Rodriguez..
No hay valentilla en la iglesia Assamble Apostolica. Si hablamos nos consideran "locos" Estos es para descriditarnos de lo que decimos.
Dear Brother or sister on anonymous said; You do not have to worry about any type of demonstration in Dallas, there iare no courageous people in our beloved Assembly. When the board in force is in action we call them "The Honorable Board " This is HOG WASh. Only our Lord and Savior is all Honrable and all Powerful. Sanchez is absoletuly and completely irrational. This man has noVALUE TO HIS CHARACTER. HE IS SO INTIMIDATED. BUT THEN HE IS NOT CONCERNED ON MONEY. HE HAS PLENTY...ALL THE THITHES AND OFFERING FROM PASTORS, MEMBERS, BISHOPS DISTRICTS AND THE THREE SOCIETIES..DORCAS, VARONES AND YOUTH.. YOU DO NOT SEE HIM BEGGING FOR MONEY LIKE SALOMON AND BALDEMAR...D. SANCHEZ HAS PLENTY TO STEAL TO DEFEND HIMSELF AND HIS GANG AND WHAT ARE WE DOING// jUST STANDING BY AND CALLING THE ONES THT HAVE NO COURAAGE COWARDS...
d. sANCHEZ WILL WIN AGAIN, MARK MY WORDS BECAUSE THE PASTORS DO NOT CARE IF 'MICKEY MOUSE' IS PRESIDENT, AS LONG AS THEY HAVE COVENTIONS, BANQUETS, RALLYS AND HONOR..WHO CARES ABOUT THE REST.
ALL THE ONES SUEING...ARE ALL GUILTY OF USING THE DISQUALIFING COMMITTEE....DIRTY HANDS...
I'm in San Bernardino CA and my town's not on there. I'm on this thing every day! My cousin is in Redlands and nothing. Let's hear it for San Bdo and Redlands!
My town is not on here doggone it!
Code of Pastoral Ethics
We are committed to excellence in ministry characterized by:
Faithfulness: to God, our spouse, and family
We are committed to faithfulness to God through daily prayer, worship, and the reading, meditation, and study of God's Word.
We are committed to maintain a close personal walk with God.
We are committed to faithfulness to our spouse through emotional and sexual purity. We are committed to maintaining a strong marriage and strong families.
We are committed to faithfulness to our families through godly leadership, biblical love, and devotion. We are committed to discipleship and training in the family.
Integrity: above reproach
We are committed to personal integrity in ministry in keeping with the qualifications for leadership. We will conduct ourselves in an honest and professional manner, always reflecting the highest biblical integrity in keeping with our call in the areas mentioned in this code. We will endeavor to do right by all people.
We are committed to keeping ourselves above reproach in all areas of life. We are committed to moral soundness, honesty, and uprightness.
Service: with others and to others
We are committed to godly servant leadership. We recognize that we are servants to the people that God has entrusted to our care, following the call of the Master. We are committed to being servants in the likeness of Jesus Christ, exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit as we serve.
We are committed to mutually building up the body of Christ, recognizing and affirming the different gifts in the assembly. In the occurrence of criticism or complaints brought by a member of the body, we are committed to discussion leading to restoration between members of the body.
We are committed to diligently preserving unity in the body of Christ. We will not knowingly participate in the division of any local church. If such division occurs, we will not personally participate in the start of another church in the same locale.
Accountability: to God, to family, to peers, to our ministry
We are committed first and foremost to accountability to God, and to our spouse regarding spirituality and faithfulness.
We are committed to accountability to our peers regarding personal integrity in ministry.
We are committed to accountability to the leadership of the church regarding responsibility and service.
Confidentiality: for the body of believers
We are committed to strict confidentiality in ministry except when information must be released in accordance with state law.
We will seek to apprise individuals of all mandated disclosures.
We are committed to confidentiality in ministry and consider a statement made in confidence a trust not to be shared unless with that individual's written permission indicating informed consent to such release.
Stewardship: within the church and our personal lives
We are committed to good stewardship of what God has entrusted to our care. We will be honest and open in all of our financial dealings. We will promptly pay all debts as soon as possible. We will not use our position to gain any financial privilege or leverage. While we advocate adequate compensation for God's servants, we do not expect or require honorariums for services rendered within our normal duties. We will be careful to guard our hearts against greed and materialism.
We are committed to good stewardship in the church and will be totally forthright in all financial undertakings of the church. We view all contributions as gifts to the Lord that have been entrusted into our care. Our responsibility is to spend those gifts as wisely as possible in continuing the ministry.
Professionalism: to communicate the Word of God effectively
We are committed to accurately and skillfully communicating the Word of God, speaking the truth with conviction in love and will acknowledge any extensive use of material prepared by someone else.
We are committed to honoring our fellow servants in God's household. We will not seek to build our ministries at the expense of other legitimate ministries. We will communicate with the rest of Christ's family to encourage unity and the proper allocation of resources in an area of ministry.
Each ministry and each minister is different. So these principles of pastoral ethics will be applied differently. However they are an excellent standard by which to measure a candidate's pastoral ethics.
What About Leadership?
It has taken me these few months to finally be able to breathe without constriction of any kind. I am reaching the point where I can say let’s move on. I have found that writing my thoughts is therapeutic and is part of my healing process.
I was on the Apostolic Assembly website recently and was intrigued when I read the Presidential Thoughts segment by Bishop Sanchez. He writes, “As we saw the closure of our General Convention in Long Beach, California last November, we also saw the end of a chapter – one more among many in our rich apostolic heritage. The new landscape has given rise to the renewal of our vision.” Bishop Sanchez is correct in noting that we did see the closing of another chapter in our “rich apostolic heritage.” Heritage is a strong and viable word. It makes me think of what was handed down to me. It is about my legacy. It also makes me think of that which is sacred, pure and blessed. I take my Apostolic heritage seriously and don’t want to be frivolous about what was passed down to me.
Bishop Sanchez writes about Eleazar and how the garments of his father were placed on him as a symbol of “continuity and empowerment.” Continuity indicates stability and solidity, and empowerment indicates to give authority to somebody. Bishop Sanchez notes “The Apostolic Assembly has received its mandate for continuity and empowerment for the next four years as the new board of directors took the oath of office to function from 2006 through 2010. This duly elected new board was empowered to fulfill God’s mandate as Eleazar had also received his father’s garments on the top of the mount.”
The scripture states that God told Moses to take Aaron and his son Eleazar to Mount Hor and to take Aaron’s garments and place them on his son. Moses did what he was told. He had God’s directive, command or “mandate” to do just that.
Bishop Sanchez writes, “As in Eleazar’s case, he was new on the job, but the garments were the same. The names of the officials may be new, but the work is still the same – to fulfill the will of God until He comes.” The usage of the word “will” indicates this was the preference or the choice of God.
The last sentence of the President’s thoughts states, “As we have begun to tread the beginnings of this new cycle, we covet your prayers that the Lord will give us wisdom and faithfulness to fulfill that which He has entrusted upon us.” I focus on the word entrusted, which indicates that God trusted or assigned these positions. I would like to believe this was also the case in the last election.
Article 74 of our honorable constitution notes that
“All members of the Apostolic Assembly accepted into any of the local churches affiliated with this religious corporation shall comply with the doctrine established by our Lord Jesus Christ, in accordance with the Holy Scripture, and obey this Constitution.”
“All people who believe and accept the doctrine of our Lord Jesus Christ and are members of the Apostolic Assembly, have the right to the privileges and prerogatives of the Church. These privileges and prerogatives cannot be withheld unless a member becomes unworthy and acts contrary to our principles of doctrine, discipline, organizational and economic.”
As a member I’m expected to “obey the Constitution.” And, I would assume that as a leader this expectation should apply above and beyond that expected of a simple member. “The value and strength of our constitution requires that each of us complies with it and enforces its compliance.” This was impressively noted by the Revision Commission of our Constitution of January 2004.
Again, I question was this complied with in the past November election? Did the entire ministerial or pastoral body of our organization really decide the last election? Why am I writing? Why do I care? It’s quite simple, I have that right as a member of the organization to question and ask for an explanation. And, more importantly I need to heal and regain some confidence in the leadership of this organization.
Noah Webster wrote, “Choose just men who will rule in the fear of God. The preservation of our government depends on the faithful discharge of this duty…”
Leadership is a privilege and I have learned that more is required of those in leadership. Personal agendas have corrupted and ruined many leaders for their lack of focus and ethics. Corporate leadership in America has demonstrated this; Enron, Worldcom, Kmart, Adelphia, Tyco were corporate scandals that shook the confidence of their investors and affected the financial markets. These corporations had corporate executives going before congressional panels to testify about their roles in questionable business practices and some of these executives were taken away in handcuffs. More recently we had the trial of Joe Nacchio who presumably took advantage of his investors and employees and he now faces imprisonment after being found guilty.
What’s my point? Be ethical. This is of utmost importance for all of us as leaders. It is something that we have to work and discipline ourselves to do on a daily basis. It really is a challenging thing to do everyday. Magazines and newspapers write about this issue often and not too long ago, USA Today stated that two in three adults believe ethics "vary by situation" or that there is no "unchanging ethical standard of right and wrong." In a survey they conducted only 18% of the people ages 20 - 30 said that there was one standard of right and wrong.
The Vancouver Province printed another study, which reflected that we tell 200 lies a day. Everything from giving excuses for our behavior, to saying things like, "I hate to bother you . . .” I thought this was interesting because I find I do that as well. How can we expect our staff or our constituents/members or the next generation to do what is right if they see us doing what is wrong? It is incredibly important that we have a strong code of ethics to base our decisions and lifestyle on.
As leaders we must ask ourselves, what set of values dictate our ethics–our behavior? Or do we have a code of ethics? Do we have convictions that cause us to say, "I will never do that" or "For me that is not an option?" If we don't, then we need to sit down, think through and write down our non-negotiable code of ethics. I recently read that “sometimes it can be the little things that erode our standards and–by the way–our self esteem. When temptation comes, we may very well do something that we will later be sorry for. Sometimes we have harmful situations to live with the rest of our life.”
Margaret Thatcher once said, "I am not a consensus politician, I am a conviction politician." What kind of leaders are we? Do we have convictions of our own or do we live by the consensus of other opinions?
It is paramount to have high ethical standards to be an effective leader. I have seen this in my 34 years of working within my organization. However, it wasn’t until I reached Senior Level Leadership within the agency that I observed unethical conduct and its impact on our employees and the American public we serve. This misconduct not only impacted the leader but his family and friends as well. It impacted the communities we served to some lesser degree but nonetheless it impacted unfavorably.
Leadership is influential. As leaders, how influential are we? In his book. “Leadership 101” John Maxwell writes about the levels of leadership. He states that Level 1 of leadership is position. People follow because they have to. He states that the only influence a leader has at this level is that which comes with the title.
Level 2 of leadership is permission. People follow because they want to. He states that people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. And, he goes on to state that Leadership begins with the heart, not the head. It flourishes with a meaningful relationship, not more regulations.
Level 3 of leadership is production. People follow because of what you have done for the organization. This is where morale is high, turnover is low, needs are being met and goals are being realized.
Level 4 of leadership according to Maxwell is people development. People follow because of what you have done for them. He states that a leader is great, not because of his or her power, but because of his or her ability to empower others. Success without a successor is failure.
And finally, he notes that level 5 of leadership is personhood. People follow because of who you are and what you represent. Maxwell believes that most of us haven’t arrived at this level. But, it is achievable. He believes that only a lifetime of proven leadership will allow us to sit at level 5. This level of leadership is when a leader’s greatest joy is watching others grow and develop. At this level a leader transcends the organization.
So, what’s a leader? I ask myself that question time and again, especially as I struggle as a mother trying to lead and guide her children “in the way that they should go.” How influential am I to them? I ask myself that question time and again as a wife. Have I overstepped my boundaries in our home? Have I supported my husband’s leadership role within our home? How influential have I been in that role of leadership? How influential am I as a leader/director at work? How influential am I with the employees I am responsible for? What type of influence am I as their leader, their mentor and their guide? How about my role as pastor’s wife, bishop’s wife, teacher, counselor, women’s leader in the church?
The list could go on and on. But, I like to think of myself as the gospel writer Luke wrote, a leader is “one who serves.” Jesus set that example. “The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between the two, the leader must become a servant and a debtor. That sums up the progress of an artful leader.” So, writes Max Dupree in his book, “Leadership is an Art.”
I believe that part of the in between as noted by Mr. Dupree is a leader learning to say, “okay, I blew it, I made a mistake, I misjudged, please forgive me and help me fix it.” Our church organizational leadership is being challenged for what some of us believe was poor judgment, violation of authority and poor leadership due to personal agendas and pre-selections. As a wife, mother, woman, female member of the Apostolic Assembly, bishop’s wife, leader in my profession, I am praying for our leadership and that through this current situation we all become better leaders and focus on the true purpose of our life.
As a wife, mother, woman, female member of the Apostolic Assembly, bishop’s wife, leader in my profession, I am praying for our leadership and that through this current situation we all become better leaders and focus on the true purpose of our life.
I hope this letter written by someone who believes. Because I have come across the above mentioned, (so articulately) that do not believe in the move of the spirit. They rationalize God's move, and if when God wishes to move in a certain way they question whether it is of God or not. One such (wife) was invited to a Dorcas camp, and she focused on a group of sister who were just praising the Lord, she went on the attack, questioning the way these sisters worshipped.. We do have pastor's Bishops, family members that do not even believe in the move of the spirit as in time past.
If you are not the sister from the Nevada area, then God bless you.. if you are from NV, God bless you too.
What a stupid blog, especially coming from a bishop's wife/leader! No wander we are the way we are.
To Oct. 25 4:39pm
I happen to be very close to Samuel Mascareño's sister, and all that stuff about Aguilar is totally, absolutely false!
Some of you people need to get a life! You are so hateful; with all the junk you have in your hearts towards all those people you post about. Please get some focus here.
It's about the AA GB elections. did some forget?
The Ten Deadly Lawsuits
Your church may be more vulnerable than you think
There was a time when the most significant lawsuit a church had to fear was from someone who slipped on the sidewalk in front of the entrance. Even then, the church might have escaped liability because of a statutory or judicial grant of immunity. Those days are now gone, as it seems that new causes for action against religious institutions are being invented daily.
Ten of the most common lawsuits faced by churches today are described in this article. By familiarizing yourself with these possible pitfalls you can help protect your church against them.
1. Suits based on negligence—general public.
People still slip and fall in front of churches, but charitable institutions no longer enjoy the immunity privileges they once did. Your church can be held liable for accidents caused by dangers you knew existed on your property but the general public did not. It does not matter whether the person was invited onto the property or not. A warning sign, prominently posted and disclosing the danger, is often sufficient to avoid needless injury and absolve church liability.
2. Suits based on negligence—parishioners.
You owe a greater duty to church members and visitors. You must not only warn them of dangers that you know about but also exercise reasonable care and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety at all times. This means you must vigilantly look for things on your property that could cause harm, and, when you find a hazard, either fix it or warn members.
3. Suits based on negligence—"nuisances" that attract children.
Property owners have a special duty to prevent hazards that can cause injuries to children, even if they are trespassing. Your church has a duty to keep children safe from conditions against which you might expect them to be unable to protect themselves. On the other hand, your duty to trespassing children does not extend to conditions that are obvious or not inherently dangerous. As one court noted, in concluding that a church was not liable for the injuries suffered by a Sunday school student who fell into a well, "there is almost no condition which an adventurous child cannot turn into an injury-producer: tree swings, slides, stairs, hard-surfaced playgrounds, and soft-surfaced playgrounds can all be a source of harm to the young."
Nonetheless, it is prudent to keep gates locked and restrict access to such potential dangers as piles of debris and construction material, which can attract young people's attention.
4. Suits based on negligence—supervision of employees.
After you have hired an employee you have an ongoing duty to protect the public and members of your own congregation against any violent or criminal propensities of the employee that come to your attention. If you hear of disturbing conduct from another member of your staff via complaint or report, you should investigate the charges unless the person bringing the complaint specifically requests that you not. If you proceed with an investigation you should thoroughly document it—noting the specific charges alleged, the people you spoke with and what they said, any documents involved, and all else pertinent to your determination as to whether the charges warranted action. Failure to take action after hearing of a complaint or turning a blind eye to misconduct a later investigation reveals practically guarantees that your church will be sued along with the employee if he or she harms someone.
A church's duty extends only to conduct that is foreseeable by a reasonable person and only to events that relate to work done for you. What an employee does on his or her own time is not your responsibility.
5. Suits based on sexual harassment.
Church staff can become vulnerable to charges of sexual harassment given the close relationships that often develop when clergy counsel members of the opposite sex. Depending on the case, the church may be able to avoid liability based on the First Amendment. However, it is wise for church staff and other leaders to receive education on harassment issues.
Anyone in the church in a position of authority can be accused of an intemperate remark or even a pattern of improper conduct while supervising employees or counseling members of the opposite sex. Church staff should act with due caution and the utmost integrity in all situations, taking prudent steps to guard against harassment charges.
6. Suits based on defamation.
Defamation is the publication to a third party of false or misleading information that you know will cause a person the loss of reputation or other injury.
Defamation may be written, known as libel, or oral, known as slander. Employees who feel they have been wrongly terminated often accuse their employers of having defamed them if the employer discusses the termination with anyone inside or outside the company. Any discussion, written or oral, that one of your employees has within the church or with any outside person about a termination could be turned into a libel or slander suit, if the fired worker is disgruntled and looking for retribution. Thus, it is important that you limit or control any such discussions to avoid providing ammunition for such suits.
Similarly, should any church members be disciplined and asked to leave the body or voluntarily resign their membership under unpleasant terms, discussions about the circumstances of the departure among remaining members or the church leadership could lead to a lawsuit. Disparaging comments simply have no place in these situations.
7. Suits based on apparent authority.
When a church lacks clear divisions of authority between clergy and laity or within these two groups, projects can be commenced and work begun without proper approval being obtained. Sometimes a dispute can arise about what approval is necessary.
In these circumstances, outside consultants, such as lawyers, accountants, and contractors, can be hired by one group whose decision is subsequently overruled or not recognized when the time comes for the consultant's bill to be paid. When the statement is presented the church may well be liable for the expense even though the vestry, elders, or board of trustees never sanctioned the assignment. If the group that did the hiring appeared to have the power to do so and the consultant relied on that appearance to his or her detriment by expending the time and energy necessary to do the job requested, the church will likely have to pay the consultant's bill or face legal action. This situation can be avoided if the church has outlined, in writing, who has budget and hiring authority in what matters.
8. Suits based on disputes over election of the pastor.
At least twice in the past year churches were embroiled in suits over claims that a new minister was hired improperly and should not be allowed to lead. In one case, the majority of a parish's trustees were replaced by another group at a special meeting of the church. That group then voted to reinstate a minister whom the previous majority had voted to let go. The previous majority sued, and a court ultimately ruled that the actions taken to replace them were proper. In another case, a minister brought suit to confirm that he had been properly hired by trustees who were empowered to do so.
These types of cases are obviously devastating for the church involved no matter what the result. No important decision, such as the calling of a new minister, should be made until internal issues of control and authority are completely resolved.
9. Suits based on disclosure of confidential information.
Recently a church member brought suit claiming that his pastor had revealed confidential information about him when announcing disciplinary action against him for divisiveness. The court ruled against the man because it could establish that he had consented to subject himself to discipline at the time he became a church member. Nonetheless, a church can expose itself to charges of invasion of privacy and infliction of emotional distress by making public information that should be kept private.
10. Suits based on unfair acts.
In another recent case, a church was sued over injuries a security guard it hired caused attendees at a church fair. The claim was brought under an unfair trade practices act. Such acts are common in most states and provide that businesses may not act unfairly or unscrupulously.
The court in this case dismissed the plaintiffs' claim because they did not demonstrate with enough specificity what the church did that was unfair or unscrupulous. The court did not say, however, that the church's conduct could not fall within the scope of the trade practices act. Thus, it seems possible that when a church is engaged in a money-making activity it will be subjected to the requirements of relevant unfair practices acts.
To avoid most of these cases all that is required is for a church to be honest and caring toward both its members and the public. A church that is faithful to its mission and diligent in pursuing the safety and well-being of its members is also likely to satisfy its legal obligations.
Dear readers..We must have lost our first love, We should all seek the face of Jesus who died for all sin, we all are doing exactly what the devils wants...to cause division and to break the yoke that was established by God...Jesus said those without sin cast the first stone, we are attacking the GB, pastors but we are all quick to hurt but do not want to get on our knees to pray and ask God to heal you...lost your faith...We do not want so called brothers like yourselves showing up to the 2007 convention why bother...
Houston TX New Life Center Apostolic Church
"We do not want so called brothers like yourselves showing up to the 2007 convention why bother..."
Oh and who put you up on your pedestal? You think your so holy and upright to say to come up with a stupid remark like that.
And who are the ones that really cause division and to break the yoke that was established by God.
You friendly neighborhood GB. Eddie should be in prison for what he did..and not only once but kept on it for years, but the poor hermanos went to the pastors for help. what was their reponse...Oh don't go up anionted God"s anionted.
The buck has to stop here and NOW
Cast the first stone!!!...don't worry no stones will be cast...the law suit took care of that already
but we are all quick to hurt....
How many years have the general body been getting hurt by by the GB, Bishops and Pastors.....bedding others wives..stealing money in the name of the Lord....Laker tickets.....box seats at dodger games...New york trips etc etc etc all on the company credit card.
Oh! But don't you dare go up against God's anionted!!
Why ? cause Fast Edddie and Malverde would lose their meal ticket.
To 2:47
Wow... Sam and 2 vote Eddie must have really hurt you, you really have it out for them.
Eddie problem is that he has short man syndrome....
The story about Aguilar is totally false.
One thing I know is that he did not have an affair with Sam Mascareno's older sister.
By the way she (Mascareno's sister) was not Aguilar's old girlfriend. Never was!
I saw Aguilar growing up from San Bernardino til he went up north to Washington and back to Southern California back to North Cali and back to So Cal.
When and what year did this happen?
You've have nothing on him about an affair with the Mascareno sister.
This blog loses credibility when people like start rumors with no facts.
Yea give us facts!
Ask her husband.
TO ALL THE LOCAL PASTORS OF THE APOSTOLIC ASSEMBLY:
The purpose of the letter is to present and explain attentively the details of why a lawsuit is being now being pursued against the “Qualifying Committee. As you know, everyone deserves that we do so with all honor and respect.
Therefore we are outlining in this letter the reason why we, the consenters are making an official lawsuit against the “Qualifying committee that functioned in the elections this last General Convention that occurred in Long Beach, California Friday November 24th, 2006.
It is absolutely clear that several violations in said elections were committed. This lawsuit is being done only after several attempts by several honorable men and bishops to have an honest and open investigation into the inconsistencies of this election. A number of requests were made through several means and throughout these last eleven months with patience.
We would like to advise you that no honest, honorable and neutral investigation as ever been done. It is for this reason we are in this serious dilemma that is affecting the Apostolic Assembly. Our brother and Bishop President Daniel Sánchez, the 2006 electoral “Qualifying Committee in question and the others member of the General Board have flatly rejected every plea that has been presented to attempt to correct the injustices and violations committed.
We are conscious that at this present time there exists a lot of anxiety among all the pastors of our beloved organization. Many pastors have pleaded with us that we give an informative and complete explanation of what has happened and the reasons that have obliged us to file this lawsuit. There is some information available of the inconsistencies in the election on the internet, but we understand that many pastors do not have access to that media.
We beg in advance your forgiveness for this extensive and lengthy letter, but we expect that it will be useful so that you can appreciate and understand why it is necessary to now proceed with this lawsuit.
Among some of the reasons for which we have delayed is that we have tried to resolve this very serious matter short of litigation and we do so with a lot of fear and trembling. Nothing we have done was with lightness.
In the course of this process we have been asking God that our bishop president Daniel Sánchez and the others member of the General Board reflect and reconsider so that all can be resolved with minimum possible damage to our beloved organization. Sadly, the attitude that has been conveyed by our Bishop President and his collaborators in the honorable General Board and conveyed by their legal counsel is the following: "We will defend ourselves vigorously".
The attitude of our General Board should be that they will exhaust all resources to try to resolve this matter in a peaceful way. For such reason, we are giving to the task and the time to report some of the details that we are permitted since we have currently commenced the legal process.
All the brothers that are taking part in the demand are men of God that have served in the organization for many years as members of the Honorable General Board, former Bishop presidents, former Bishop Vice-Presidents, former General Treasurers, former General Secretaries, former Foreign Mission Bishops, former and current District Bishops, current Pastors and others within administrative positions.
The careful steps in which these men of God have taken to get to this point has only been done after a lot of agonizing pain, prayer, and with much fear of God.
Please be reminded that this is not the first time that the actions of the leader of our organization have been questioned, our past history has shown that there was a previous Bishop President whose unjust actions were successfully challenged in court and was removed. So to reiterate, this is not without precedent.
We want to emphasize that is not anti-biblical nor is it anti-constitutional to pursue legal remedy after exhausting all other means. On the contrary, the lawsuit is being filed because of violations to the Constitution of the Apostolic Assembly, for this reason and with God’s help shall prevail. The Apostolic Assembly constitution was written and rewritten so that those in authority would always operate in a spirit of humility and honesty and there would be checks and balances to precisely avoid circumstances we now face.
The lawsuit was our last resort and is only being done after almost a year of having exhausted all other resources. As you may be aware, there are certain Statutes of Limitations which require us to file within a certain period of time, after which time we would not be allowed by the courts to proceed legally after the violators of the Apostolic Assembly constitution. Therefore it is a last but necessary step to protect the constitution through this lawsuit.
Each and every attempt by the honorable men requesting an honest and open investigation to resolve this situation has been meet with a refusal on the part of the honorable General Board.
• Initially Bishop Daniel Jauhall wrote them and they rejected his letter as they said he was not present at the elections.
• Former Bishop President Baldemar Rodriguez wrote and pleaded on behalf of various brothers even though he did not desire to be involved in this matter. His plea to have the organization open an investigation and discuss this matter in an open and honest manner was also rejected.
• Bishop Arthur Tafoya also wrote to the board and the results were the same. Bishop Tafoya was summoned to a hastily called bishops meeting, but he was never allowed sufficient time to present the mounting evidence in the meeting of April 18th, 2007. He was very well prepared to present in writing the violations of the 2006 elections to the entire Bishops Episcopal body that day, but the General Board did not permit that he present the documents that specified the violations that were committed. Before attending the meeting he was told by the board to bring this information in writing and present his case in this meeting, but once he arrived the board did not permit him to present the documentation in this Joint Meeting. It was asked of all the bishops to vote a vote of confidence with regard to the elections without giving opportunity for Bishop Tafoya to present the violations in detail and in writing. Bishop Tafoya was only given five minutes to speak and it was impossible that he present the mounting evidence in said time.
• Bishop Abel Torres, a personal witness to the 2006 election inconsistencies, also wrote to our Bishop President entreating him not to permit this to arrive at litigation, as he felt no one wins and but ultimately we all lose. To date no one has listened to him.
• Bishop Rodriguez and the Bishop Tafoya several times requested that a Commission of Honor and Justice be established so that an open investigation as to the results of the elections could be permitted. But they would not listen to their plea. They were told that this was not constitutional.
Therefore the process we are now following is clearly defined and established in the word of God in Matthew 18:15-17 that says: Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. 16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. 17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, TELL IT UNTO THE CHURCH: BUT IF HE NEGLECT TO HEAR THE CHURCH, LET HIM BE UNTO THEE AS A HEATHEN MAN AND A PUBLICAN.
We are now telling it to the church!
It is clear that the “Qualifying Board” did not have respect for the vote of the pastors because they disqualified brothers that had a greater majority of votes for various positions. Two of the brothers that were disqualified were at the time, members of the General Board that finished its functions in the convention but they could be re-elected into those same positions or be eligible candidates for other positions. The “Qualifying Committee comprising of our brothers: Bishop President Daniel Sánchez, Bishop vice President Samuel Valverde, Bishop Treasurer Aurelio Arturo Espinosa, Bishop Felipe Gaxiola and Bishop Celestino Guzmán, disqualified those it did not desire without there being a justified reason. In place of them, they approved candidates that only had one or two votes. Even a list of additional candidates with 10 or more votes were disqualified and in their place were placed candidates with the least amount of votes, as low as two votes. This signifies that each time candidates were disqualified as six to eight brothers were, the Qualifying Committee would continue to place their own candidates who had only two votes and whom they did not apply the CID document to.
Our Bishop President and other members of the Honorable General Board have explained that the reason by which they disqualified some brothers was because they applied in a strict form the document "Capacity, Suitability’s and Rights." It is extremely difficult to believe that they did such a thing because it has been verified that they qualified and approved as a candidate for various positions Bishop Joel Montes. Bishop Montes who did not and does not have the property of the church building he pastors in the name of the Apostolic Assembly organization. To our Bishop President was delivered copies of legal documents which indicate Bishop President Sanchez ignored this documentation and still permitted Bishop Montes as a qualified candidate. Even to this moment he is still he is violation of the Constitutional agreements. Such actions are evidences of terrible weaknesses in Bishop Montes and the leadership of our organization.
After the elections the General Board has been explaining its actions to the members and saying that they have applied the "Capacity, Suitability and Rights” document in a different way, which has never been agreed upon by anyone, much less previously explained to the pastors. Such explanations never were done before the elections. The pastors never approved this manner of applying the document as they are now doing. They explain now that the vote counts as 25%, capacity another 25%, suitability 25% and right 25%. If this is so, then the document has more power than the constitution of the Apostolic Assembly. A great contradiction exists but the same document says in the Introduction: "A. The criteria 'capacity, suitability and right' are the guidelines that the Constitution gives to every Qualifying Committee to select and to approve candidates for the General Board and district boards." This document is an extra tool because the Apostolic Assembly constitution already provides for the qualifications.
Nowhere in the document or the constitution does it specify any mention of percentages as you now indicate it has. If the document has a value of 75% then the vote of the pastors was still weighed at 25% which would be in excess of the necessary amount to elect these brethren who were disqualified. This signifies to us that we as pastors have been wasting our time because even after praying and fasting our vote did not count. By assigning percentages in such form, the Qualifying Committee is taking powers that were never conferred them by the constitution. The pastor’s should be the balance of power which the constitution intended to check the authority of the General Board.
In essence, five people were choosing the members of the Honorable General Board in our last election. It is a great risk when alone, five unchecked people are determining the destiny of our organization. Who was watching them? This manner of operating was never intended by our forefathers. Do you think that our pastors are in agreement with this manner of appointing the General Board? Does an unchecked Qualifying Committee have this type of authority granted by the constitution and the pastors?
Bishop Joel Montes who was approved by the Qualifying Committee as a candidate did not have the necessary votes nor Capacity, neither Suitability nor Right. The brother received only two votes and even thus the Qualifying Committee approved him as a candidate on five different occasions for five different positions. All can see that the Qualifying Committee was obviously trying to accommodate and place people they wanted without real consideration to this CID document.
He did not have capacity because it says in the key point of D of the section of the CID document: "… (Every position of election, national, or local is in essence a position of responsibility)." Clearly the candidate, Bishop Montes was not a obeying this by not having the property of the church he pastors in the name of the Apostolic Assembly. The section of Suitability says in point one D and Clause 2: "… he will be able to obey and to work as a team in the highest body of authority?" The candidate did not obey the Constitution. How will he be able to be an example for others if he himself does not follow the constitution? Bishop candidate Montes cannot fulfill his duties as a general board member because the church property where he pastors is not in the name of the Apostolic Assembly. Our Bishop President was conscious of all this because proof exist that he received copies of the legal documents that clearly indicated that the property of the candidate was not and to this day is not in the name of the Apostolic Assembly. When the name of the candidate was announced by the president of the elections, a pastor tried to present his objection before the Qualifying Committee but Bishop Vice President Samuel Valverde not give permission for the pastor to speak as has been the previous practice. What is very difficult to understand is that when the above-mentioned candidate (Bishop Montes) who was approved illegally went to present his objection to the candidacy of another brother, he was permitted to speak to the Qualifying Committee and allowed to present his objections. There seems to be favoritism happening on the part of the Qualifying Committee or those who controlled this committee.
The Article 39 and Clause 1 says: "The Bishop President after being chosen and confirmed in his position, should publicly declare, to comply with all the codes established in the present Constitution, watching jealously that everyone comply and exercise all rights with justice, requiring of the others member of the General Board and of the bishops supervisors the compliance of all their prescribed obligations."
In this case the Bishop President lacked good judgment and justice. If he himself cannot work for justice and fairness, how can he possibly require the compliance by others? Such is the predicament our Bishop President now has us in.
Some brethren have sent correspondence to our Bishop President and many others have communicated personally with him entreating him that these errors which were committed be corrected. But this has all turned out fruitless. Those which have asked for a peaceful but just resolution are the following brothers:
• Bishop Baldemar Rodriguez,
• Bishop Daniel Solomon,
• Bishop Daniel Jauhall,
• Bishop Arthur Tafoya
• Bishop Abel V. Towers.
Every correspondence to the General Board has been directed with a lot of fear and respect. The brothers have done all with honor and respect keeping the highest level of ministerial ethics. Yet at every effort the General Board has rejected and denied an honest and open forum.
On several occasions we have pleaded with the honorable General Board to not allow us to come to this point.
We understand why the honorable General Board sent a letter to all the pastors to report to them of the lawsuit with regard to the elections of November of the 2006. It is interesting that the Honorable General Board has decided to inform all the pastors only in this case, when it has never informed pastors of past lawsuits. Are they trying to influence the pastors? Are they feeling guilty in this matter? In the past, the General Board has never informed pastors of the many lawsuits filed by it against others or cases against our organization. Some lawsuit cases have been lost by the Assembly and others have been negotiated. In the past the General Board has never reported this to us. It is also interesting to think that the same General Board who ignored the same voting pastors is now seeking their support. This is the same board that completely ignored the vote of the pastors.
Once again, we wish to reiterate that the purpose of this letter is in order to clarify extensively to all the pastors of everything that has happened at the 2006 elections. Nobody desired that we arrive at this juncture and crossroad, but the honorable General Board has resisted every attempt to resolve this crisis in a peaceful manner. The refusal of them to accept the good intentions and actions of the brothers have caused a very serious situation in our organization. Is lamentable that now we must ask the legal authorities to intervene in this internal matter. Our principle point has always been that we have many sufficient qualified wise men within our organization who will not have their own agenda to help resolve this matter, but the authorities of our organization do not share the same thought and for such reason it has carried us precipice in this which now we find ourselves. We are arriving at a very dark hour in the history of our organization. We need God’s intervention and direction. All that we are doing is for the love of the work of the Lord. It is our responsibility. We would do wrong if we were to remain silent and ignore the violations that have been committed. We continue praying so that God will help us all. The Church is Christ’s. We say close this letter with the Apostle Paul in Ephesians 6:18: "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." and also in 2nd Thessalonians 3:18: "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
Do you know her husband?
Her ex.
What is the husband's name?
What is the Mascareno sister's name?
Give facts, otherwise you are blowing air!
G T ok?
We need his and her full name.
What are you scared of?
That we will find out it is not true?
If you are going to talk about anyone, give facts.
Otherwise you are just bitter and jealous against Aguilar.
What did Aguilar do to you?
To 11:49 pm
One thing I know is that he did not have an affair with Sam Mascareno's older sister.
How come you specifically mention the older sister and not the other one Ah. You know why because she is the...
Did he sit you down from your ministry?
Honestly, I know the entire Mascareno family personally as well as the entire Aguilar family.
You don't know much about either family.
You are just on a fishing expedition.
Get over it D.H.!!
Give names otherwise you are the bitter minister I know!!
Shall I say...former minister?
Gotcha!
You have your own problems and if you wish to continue this, I will be happy to spill the beans on why you are attacking Aguilar and how you are acting mightier than thou.
Honey, you have your own shady past which can be laundered right here.
I will hold back because I don't believe i have more ethics, BUT IF YOU TEST ME I WILL!!!!
This forum is about the elections, not about bringing up false accusations without facts.
Do it
I am not a fan of the GB by any means but please keep this forum as close to the facts as possible.
Don't start FALSE stuff about the GB just because you don't like them.
Know what I mean?
If you have had a personally experience...then great, share it.
But if you are asked to follow up and give more details, you must give it up or shut up!
Everything will be exposed in court.Brother the ex will be ready.
We want names of all parties or shut up!!
If you have to wait more than an hour to come up with the name, then it is a lie.
You are probably going to wait until tomorrow and call some friends to find out the names of the mascareno sisters.
What does the elections have to do with the Mascareno ex?
This is an anonymous site, if you know so much about this then why can't you say the name of the ex and the mascareno sister?
COME ON SHOW THAT YOU ARE SAYING THE TRUTH.
The reason you won't say names is because you are bitter because of what Aguilar rightfully did to your ministry.
Why don't you just say what Aguilar did to you and be truthful?
STOP THIS THING ABOUT A LAWSUIT and also give the names of both the ex and the mascareno sister NOW!!!
By the way, even if there was an affair it has nothing to do with the unjustice of the elections. So no judge would allow an ex to come in and talk about an affair.
12:17 AM
If you know so much about the Mascareno family give me the name of her brothers Dr in TJ?
Gotcha!
Gotcha!
Sergio Pablo Mascareño Jimenez.
Do you see 12:17 AM I know a lot
Ok go to the Bankrupt blog and spill the beans..thats the right place for it.....
Cause we wanna know!
Does Pacheco look a little bit like Pork Pig?
thats all folks
Attention all you gossiping viejas.
Peter Hernandez is in Arizona helping his brother, Pastor Frank Hernendez with his church.
Yea and Peter Hernandez left his dad's church in a hurry!
FLC member
Dear Brethren,
My son did have to leave our fellowship at Family Life Center but the truth is swept under the rug.
God bless you,
Pastor David Hernandez
Senior Pastor
Family Life Center
Pues, ke onda con el Peter? Hay otra escandalo? El Peter es un buen hombre. Es de mal educacion que ustedes habla mal de el. Es un civilian.
I think the AA should start a Porn Outreach Program. I volunteer.
Respectfully,
Sergio Villanueve
The current national board of the AA is like an alternative ending to the Godfather. In the Godfather, Michael Corleone takes over the family.
Here, Fredo(Daniel Sanchez) has taken over the family and invites all his drunken flunky friends to rule with him...
A Real Disaster
Sunday Pre-Convention Poll:
Question:
Who looks more Feminine?
A. Apostolic Girls
B. Apostolic Dorcas
C. GB5
D. Flor Azulers
What it say? I wanna know!!!
Outside of our walls
PAW October 2007
In an unexpected move that could cause fiscal strain to an international faith-based organization, a well-known South Side church has severed its ties with the group after 75 years. Citing differing doctrinal views, Bishop Arthur Brazier of the Apostolic Church of God has pulled the church from under the auspices of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc. (PAW) Brazier has been the pastor of Apostolic for 46 years.
Brazier is the Illinois diocesan of the PAW, with 80 churches under his tutelage. With a 20,450-member congregation, his church had the largest Illinois membership. Before Brazier’s departure, there were about 35,000 members in the state. Illinois is a major contributor to PAW’s financial structure. The organization has not been financially strong on the operational side, and without the majority of Illinois’ membership on the roster, the fiscal outlook could weaken, according to a certified public accountant and the pastor of another church that is leaving the organization, said District Elder Andrew Singleton
The Presiding Bishop of the PAW, Dr. Horace E. Smith, said Brazier’s exit will be a blow to the organization but is holding out hope that his mind will change.
Brazier said, “No.” Smith, pastor of the Apostolic Faith Church in Bronzeville, does share some of Brazier’s concerns but said it’s reasonable to assume that true change can be made. Smith’s congregation is about 2,500 members
There is a group of us that are more progressive and forward-thinking. We are more inclusive than exclusive,” Smith said. When asked if he would consider following Brazier’s lead if he were not PAW’s presiding bishop, he said, “Yes.” He said his philosophy mirrors Brazier’s. “It is better to change something from the inside. Brazier has been in this organization all of his life. He’s seen the evolution. He’s fought all of the battles. I’m younger than he is coming into this situation. I don’t have ‘battle fatigue,’” Smith said.
Singleton, a former member of Brazier’s congregation, said he also decided to part ways with the organization and resigned his post as a district elder over seven Illinois churches, effective Dec. 31 “The number one reason was my limited time and I no longer view it as a progressive organization. Their views are not conducive to the church growth in the 21st century,” Singleton added. Singleton said several pastors within the state are only in the organization because of Brazier. “He has provided wonderful leadership for the years he has been a bishop. With him gone, unless there are strong reasons for them to stay, there’s very high likelihood that some of them will leave. They were in it for him,” Singleton said. In the end, Smith hopes that Brazier and others that are considering leaving the organization could be able to “find not only a middle road, but a road forward.”
Maybe we should contact ALL these Apostolic Independent PAstors tht were kicked out of the assembly and join them, and support them. They seem to be doing better outside the AA!
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.
Does anyone know where we can find lyrics online for the great old apostolic songs?
4:07 PM nowhere only in dead Apostolic churches
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!!!!!
What is it that the Lord is saying to us? The organization has been controlled and not by the Spirit of God but by man and as the years have gone by the spirit of man has straightened, it’s claws have not only reached the core of the church but the core of the spirits of men and it controls, manipulates, intimidates and is blinded by the aspiration of success and riches. There is a stronghold that is manipulating this and this stronghold needs to fall in the name of JESUS. God wants us to bind this strong man that He might come in and spoil the strong man’s goods. Spoil means to take away violently, and this strong man that influences the organization needs to have the corrupt hearts, fraudulent spirits, lying tongues, deceitful hearts violently removed from the positions of leadership. This strong man needs to be bound and I call to the youth of the organization not to demonstrate as the world does with signs, t-shirts, rebellion, megaphones at headquarters or Dallas in November, but I call the youth to FAST, PRAY, HUMBLE OURSELVES, ASK GOD TO FORGIVE THE SINS OF OUR FATHERS AND BREAK THE CURSE OF SIN THAT WOULD FALL ON US UP TO THE FOURTH GENERATION OF THIS LEADERSHIP.
Howdy! From Texas!
Registered users are only allowed to comment.
I enacted this early due to the fact I will be going out of town tomorrow.
Dios Les Pague
ApostolicVoice
lets get the comments going. anyone hear if the rumor that Bro. Sanchez resigned is true???
Well I guess Bro. Sanchez is not resigning.
It will be real interesting to see how they treat each other at the convention.
We all know what the Bible says, "If you have something against your brother, leave your present at the alter.....
Let’s see if before the GB brings the present (WORD) he will approach his brother and ask for forgiveness. (I don’t think so)
I don't understand why anybody wants to be anonymous. For some people this is just chisme. I believe this can finally take the body of Christ (or this segment of it) into the proper alignment of God's will. We've been out of it for so long.
My city still isn't on there so .....Viva Stockton
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