Breakthroughs

           Our Lord Jesus bless you Warrior s of Christ, as I sat in my living room reading and meditating on the Treasures out of darkness book I was suddenly filled with memories of Gods greatness in our midst.

 Hebrews 13:8 says “God is the same yesterday, today and forever”…He does not change!    those memories consist of great breakthroughs the personal ones of my own life, being a treasure out of darkness myself and our corporate breakthroughs as a movement , God causing us to reach beyond what we can see  and understand as He shapes our destiny into a frontline global  ministry like breaking forth into the east coast then Europe , all Latin America, and Africa  with our men and women homes, training centers as well as our second generation getting saved and filled with the Holy Spirit starting with our very own Pastor Sonny Jr.

It seemed like a flood of breakthroughs in so many areas of ministry came upon us, satellite pastors and evangelist, and women’s ministry all of it came forth, our founders Sonny and Julie refuse to plat toe. great breakthroughs sometimes come from great battles of frustration such was my own story I long to be free, and  to relate to our typical victory outreach women and I could at some level because of my past of gangs and drugs, but I was also a diplomats daughter who had been in many countries and in very prominent places of the world so my adjustment wasn’t easy but I thank God for this international ministry.

Truly God puts the solitary in families all my life I felt different and misunderstood, growing up in such a family meant I had to be tough, they did take care of me but I had my own mind also.

When I got saved it was an unexpected miracle I was not Looking for God, but 2 weeks later I found myself at our mother church, I always had a lot of energy so I had no problem in ministry but I lacked in prayer which gives true spiritual authority, sis Julie is such a woman of prayer through her example and discipleship I learned and valued what she taught me as a result I began to recognize who I am in Christ and I myself became one of our evangelist “wow’” I broke through my own frustration and found the call of God and an international family and best of all my own family my husband Leon who recently graduated from bible college and is a pastor, also our son Leon Isaiah who has a great promise on his life, thankyou Sonny & Julie for such a rich Heritage.

Through the eyes of faith in God’s word we begin to see the drizzle of rain to come, Isaiah 54; 2-3: lengthening our cords, strengthening the stakes, expanding to the right and to the left and Gods faithfulness on our descendants.

The prayer for the now and next generation is that “soon” there will be greater faith for miracles and that many would never have to experience the world like some of us did, that all would know who they are in Christ and that the power of God would be enough to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to the darkest parts of this world.

             Habakkuk 3:17-19 Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor the fruit be on the vines;

Though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.: The Lord God is my strength He will make my feet like deer’s feet, and He will make me walk on my high hills.

May we all remember in this time of separation a house divided will not stand, but united ,with this vision we are “Great” and a force to be reckoned with.

                                                                                                                                                                                       -Sandra Hernandez                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Right Timing

Right Timing

 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.

Ecclesiastes 3:1

Have you ever had a moment when you were engaged in conversation and you hear the words that are coming out of your mouth and wish you had not said it?  I have had many of those moments.   I can recall having conversations with my children and thinking “I just said too much”, or “this wasn’t the right time to say this”.  I can recall my children walking away feeling defeated or confused.   I remember how difficult it was to try and clean it all up afterwards.  If only I had waited.  Although what I said may have been the “right thing”, since it was said at the wrong time, it fell on deaf ears.  I had to allow God to show me that it wasn’t always about me getting my words out or “saying my piece”, most of the time it is about waiting for the right time to say the right words so they would be received well.   

For most of us timing is everything.  Consider those who invest their money in stocks.  They have to purchase stocks at the right moment and know exactly when to sell in order to yield the highest gains.  If they sell too quickly or even too slowly they might have to take a substantial loss.   Even when searching for a job many believe that you have to be at the right place at the right time.  Last year I found myself looking for a school to work at because my position within the district was closed.  I had sent my resume to numerous school sites to no avail.  Every position I had heard about was filled by the time my resume hit the principal’s desk.  Although I knew God would work it all out, I was still worried.  Had I waited too long to make contract with the schools?  Perhaps I had missed my window of opportunity.   Just as I was feeling defeated I had a conversation with a friend who was in the same situation.  She had just interviewed at a school and was offered a position.  She told me there was still one teaching position open.   I immediately emailed my resume.  The secretary called me within the hour and set up an interview.  I interviewed the next day and was offered a position on the spot.  Talk about right timing.  As I left I recalled how amazing God has been to me.  I remembered that His timing was always right!

When I think about God’s timing I am reminded that His timing is perfect.  He is never early and never late.  He is always right on time. He speaks to me those things I need to hear at the time I need to hear it.  He provides my every need even when I don’t have the means to provide for myself.  He reminds me that He is my everything and I should want for nothing.  In times of loneliness He fills me with His love.  God’s timing is impeccable!

As I commit to making God’s timing my timing, I will consider:

1. Waiting on the Lord                             Isaiah 40:31 
2. 2.      Having patience                                  Psalms 37:7 & 40:1
3. Using  Godly wisdom                                    1Kings 4:29

 - Michelle A. Fernandez

Boldness

I have been so touched and inspired by the reading of one of the classic books of our ministry, “Treasures Out of Darkness.”  I had read this book when I received my salvation back in 1984, which is 27 years ago, and reading it again has reminded me of how far God has brought me. I use to wonder why God placed me in Victory Outreach.  I was not a drug addict or an alcoholic, and was never in jail.  But, I did know what is was like to live with a drug addict for 10 years and be a wife of a man who was in prison more than he was at home.  I was a very broken woman and was in desperate need of restoration. I am, by nature, reserved and conservative.  I prefer to be in the background and not in the forefront.  And yet, God has put me in a church that is radical in the faith and a ministry that is called to be in the forefront.  I thank God, every day, for my church and for the ministry of Victory Outreach.  I would not have made it if it wasn’t for someone who reached out to me and taught me what it is to be a strong Christian.  I don’t think I would have been attracted to this ministry if I had not seen the boldness of everyone’s faith.  I am a testimony of God’s working power in a person who lacked confidence and had a low self-esteem, and it is only because of the Holy Spirit that I am able to do a work for the Lord.  The Holy Spirit is the one who has set my heart on fire for God all of these years and without Him in my life, I would not be able to share the goodness of God with others. 

The Holy Spirit is the one who has given me the boldness to serve Christ.  It is what compels me to step out of my comfort zone and reach out to hurting people all around me.  God has called each and every one of us to make a difference.  Let God use you to pray for a family member in need, to reach out to a stranger in the streets and give them something to eat and let them know that God loves them, to call a newcomer and let them know how much you care for them and their family and to invite them to be part of this wonderful church family. I came to the conclusion many years ago, that it’s not about me, but it’s all about God and allowing Him to do the work in me so that I can bring Him glory and honor.  It is the filling of the Holy Spirit that enables each and every one of us to step out on faith. 

 “After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.”  Acts 4:31

- Lydia Cosio

Restoring The Fallen

This chapter really ministered to my heart it reminds me of one of the core values that clearly is what our ministry is all about.  Victory Outreach is not only a place for those who we reach in the inner cities, hurting, in need of healing and salvation, but for those who are hurting in need of healing and restoration within the body.
 
I was also reminded of how I first came to Victory Outreach, I wasn’t backslidden, but came from a church that had rejected me and was deeply hurt. This church didn’t quite know how to deal with a woman from the streets. A woman who was a thief who suffered from a past of all types of abuse as well as drug and alcohol addiction. Due to all the hurt and rejection, my heart became hard and distrusting.  
 
I was first exposed to the Outreach by an employee who invited me to a World Conference that was held in San Bernardino at that time. After such an awesome experience in the presence of the Lord and hearing the powerful testimonies of those who had been set free, I new this would be my church. Because of the special love shown to me by Pastor Sonny and Sister Julie as well as others in the ministry, I was completely restored.
 
Now I have a passion to minister to women mainly those who have a similar past but also for all women who are hurting. I am also involved in twilight treasures, women’s ministry in the mother church and a part of worship, choir and the leadership music team.
 
Throughout my many years here, I have had the privilege of seeing our Founders demonstrate the forgiveness and love of Christ to many wounded soldiers. In this chapter Pastor Saul said it very clearly, “That if we judge those who have fallen we are walking in self righteousness and pride instead of humility and the righteousness of Christ”.
 
The word of God states in Galatians 6:1 NLV Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help the person back into the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.
 
It was a blessing once again to read, Treasures out of Darkness, because it helps me to regain a greater appreciation on how far we have come and with great expectations how far the Lord will take  us in future.

Marion Young

Devastation

As I read this chapter I was taken back to a time when I was in deep despair. The memory of it was becoming so real I could feel it – I began to get anxious and tears wanted to come, and then I remembered that God had brought me through a time I couldn’t even imagine myself being in.

I never thought I would go through let alone survive such pain – I wanted to pull at my flesh, scream my way out, but somehow God reached His hand into the pit I was in and pulled me out. It took a little time but His word was becoming my source of survival. I knew I had to wake up each morning, get myself ready for the day, eat and function as a mother – only God knew what I was capable of. My scriptures were Jeremiah 29:11 and 2Timothy 1:7.

The ministry of Victory Outreach at the Mother Church embraced me, ministered to me, taught me that I too was a Treasure out of Darkness.

Sallie Lazo

New Adventures of Ministry

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever”. Hebrews 13:8

 

As I sat back and began reading, I could almost hear the enthusiasm in Pastor Sonny’s voice. As he shared how broken he was seeing the La Puente Property completed and God’s Promises fulfilled right before his eyes.

Then as he went on to explain about all the time, effort, and finances that went into carrying out this undertaking I couldn’t help but stop & think back.  Reminiscing on all the fun I had growing up on that property, all the friends and relationships I made and most importantly the place I fully surrendered my life to God.

It’s mind-blowing how now we V.O. Chino find ourselves in the same place as Pastor Sonny Sr. did years ago. We’re looking at our own promised land, and Gods promises being fulfilled all over again.  God never changes… He is the same yesterday, today and forever.  Now I’m so blessed that my children (the 4^th generation of V.O.) will have a place to create their own memories, make their own friends and by faith surrender their lives to God.

I pray that we never forget the Promises God has given us, and that we all stand strong as the final stages of our new Promise Land are completed.

These promises are corporately for the whole ministry but I apply this principle to my personal life trusting God in all areas knowing he is a Big God and that nothing is too big for him.

^“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful”. Hebrews 10:23

 

LeighAnne Tellez

New Adventures in Ministry

History is repeating itself as I read chapter 16, “New Adventures of Ministry.”  For our founding pastors, the excitement and anticipation of getting into theLa Puenteproperty and having a home base is very similar to where we are now in the mother church as we are building a new church structure.

In this chapter, Pastor Sonny and Julie were envisioning what was going to take place.  In remembering back to the first united women’s Services in theLa Puentechurch, we came together hungry to hear from God and excited to be with our churches from different cities.  At that time, I was a pastor’s wife bringing women to these types of meetings.  Sis Julie encouraged the pastor’s wives to step out in ministry challenges. Something she said back then – that was life changing for me – was, “that if your knees are shaking and your hands are perspiring and you’re still doing it, that’s Courage!”  I felt empowered to believe in women and bring out the best in them.  By inspiring and equipping them to do what they thought they could not do, it’s amazing the kinds of things people will do when someone believes in them.

But as I write this blog, I also am reflecting on what this church was for me during a time when I experienced brokenness in ministry and returned to theMotherChurch.  It was more than a church.  It was a place where I was able to come and be restored.   For example My promise found in Zechariah 9:12 NLT, “Come back to the place of safety all you prisoners who still have hope; I promise this very day I will repay two blessings for each of your troubles.”

This was important because I had a home base to return too that was a place of safety for my children and me.  I had hope deep inside my heart but I was also deeply broken.  This church was a place of safety and restoration for my children and me.

As mentioned in this chapter, Pastor Sonny and Sis Julie were awaiting the opening of the church property. I have the opportunity to see this generation also take steps of faith forward into our new property with a view to take the ministry to another level.  In this waiting period, our church has been on a journey over the past three years.  During which time, all four of my children are serving God and loving the work of the ministry.  I have been stretched in faith and have seen the power of God in my children’s lives.   God has restored my prodigal daughter and we are closer than ever before!  It is with this kind of vision and gratefulness that I await the opening of our new building inChino, anticipating the souls and lives that are going to be reached and changed, as Pastor Sonny and Sister Kim lead us into the promise land.

With everyday life challenges as a mother, grandmother, co-worker, leader and friend, God has been my shield, my strength, protector, and restorer.  I have been able to call on him in time of need and he has not failed or left me.  Deut. 31:16 Message Bible, reads: “Be strong, take courage, don’t be intimidated, don’t give them a second thought because God, your God, is striding ahead of you.  He is right there with you.  He won’t let you down or leave you.”  Just as I have seen this verse come to pass in my own life I want to encourage you as you face life’s troubles, He is there making himself real in your life.  It is in the hard times that you are preaching your loudest message.

Gina Torres

Taking Risks

My marriage was bruised and broken; in fact, I would say, “it was dead!”

In chapter 15, Sister Julie describes the school as being “in desperate need of repair” and as I thought about those words, the building itself represented the state of the people they desired to reach.    As Julie questioned whether or not this was, in fact, the leading of the Lord she states, that Pastor Sonny commented, “why is it that we always have to get everything the hard way?” Though it seemed impossible, Our Lord specializes in impossibilities!  God made something out of nothing in the broken building and in my broken marriage.  As Pastor Sonny and Sister Julie stepped out in faith to believe God for the building, I too can resonate with their step of faith.

 

One day, as a broken young divorced woman, the Lord ministered to me in Isaiah 43:18,19, “but forget all that, it is nothing compared to what I am going to do.  For I am going to do a brand new thing, I will make a road through the wilderness of the world for my people to go home and create rivers for them in the desert!” (Living Translation).   This word flushed through my entire being and gave me the determination and the perseverance to push through.  With tears streaming down my face and a prayer on my lips, I decided right then and there to believe God for a devastated marriage.  Unknown to me, the Lord had shared that exact verse with Larry!

 

I took a big risk to re-marry my ex-husband Larry.  Even co-workers who knew of my story advised against it.  At this point, I was afraid to take a step of faith.  Although my knees were knocking, and my stomach was in knots; I knew I had heard from God.  It was time to break the generational curse of divorce that ran like a river through my family with my own precious mother being a victim of many divorces.

 

We stepped out to remarry and today, we sing in our church choir.  We practice songs together on the way to church.  We are so blessed, thankful, and we have now been re-married for 12 beautiful years.  Proverbs 10:22 J

 

I met Larry in 1978 when we were both wild and crazy.  Through our pain, what started out good but ended up in utter hatred.  God had a wonderful plan to transform our souls and touch our battered hearts giving us God’s agape love for each other.  We forgave each other and learned to walk in daily forgiveness; love poured through our stony hearts so much so that our broken and desolate marriage became a marriage that glorifies the Lord.

Ezra 7:8-10

 

To God be the Glory for the things He has done!

Gloria Fuentes

Sacrificial Giving

I count it a blessing to be a part of the Mother Church during this journey to our new building in Chino. I feel privileged that I have been able to experience a small part of what our Founders went thru while purchasing the La Puente property.
   
My Husband and I stepped out in faith and made a sacrificial pledge and gave our finances we were saving to purchase a home.  We fulfilled our pledge and God remained faithful as always and blessed us with a home with no money down!

God is pleased as we step out in faith and sacrificially give to help meet the needs of others.  He will reward us for giving to His people, because we are a reflection of His love when we give to others.

Acts 2:44-45 (NLT)   Giving helps others  
Hebrews 13:16 (NLT)   God is overjoyed with our gifts
 
As we continue to carry out the legacy our founders have trail blazed before us, let’s strive to live a sacrificial lifestyle by giving of our finances to reach others.
 
DeAnn Cueva
Victory Outreach Chino                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Sacrificial Giving

Sacrificial Giving

I count it a blessing to be a part of the mother church during this journey to our new building in Chino. I feel privileged that I have been able to experience a small part of what our founders went thru while purchasing the La Puente property.

My Husband and I stepped out in faith and made a sacrificial pledge and gave our finances we were saving to purchase a home.  We fulfilled our pledge and God remained faithful as always and blessed us with a home with no money down!

God is pleased as we step out in faith and sacrificially give to help meet the needs of others.  He will reward us for giving to His people. We are a reflection of His love when we give to others.

Acts 2:44-45 NLT   Giving helps others

Hebrews 13:16 NLT   God is overjoyed with our gifts

As we continue to carry out the legacy our founders have trail blazed before us, let’s strive to live a sacrificial lifestyle by giving of our finances to reach others.

-DeAnn Cueva