the pyros torch xiii

8/14/2019 The Pyros Torch XIII

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THE PYROS TORCH

WIN National Youth Pastors & Leaders ConferenceA Firm Foundation for the Next Decade

By Paolo Manuel

continued on page 2

A quarterly publication of The Pyros Youth Ministry of Word International Ministries Los Angeles.

I S S U E

XIIIFIRST QUARTER

O F 2 0 1 0

On January 15, 2010, something historical

happened for Word International Ministries. For

the first time ever, key workers of the youth

ministries of the WIN churches in North America

gathered in Houston, Texas for the first youth

pastors and youth leaders conference entitled A

Firm Foundation for the Next Decade.

WIN US National Youth Coordinator Pastor Mark

Briones saw that it was necessary for the forerunnersof the WIN youth ministries to come together and

discuss the future of the church, as well as to unite

the body of young believers. Though there has been

a growing cohesion between the network of WIN

youth groups in the US, mainly through Soul Anchor,

the annual youth summer camp in California, there

was still a need to bring the leaders of the individual

ministries together to forge a stronger bond with one

another as well as to capture a unified vision.

The dream of gathering the workers of the youth

ministry was first realized six years ago, and after

much prayer and planning, the conference finally

came together in January of 2010, just in time to

begin the new decade. California delegates from

Artesia, Inland Empire, Los Angeles, San Francisco,

and Silicon Valley, met with our brethren from the

East, consisting of New Jersey and Toronto, Canada,

as well as with our distant WIN family from the

islands of Hawaii. The network of churches in Texas

consisting of Southwest Houston, Northwest

Houston, Northeast Houston, and Dallas stepped up

to the challenge of hosting these delegates and key

workers in the ministry for this unprecedented event

that took place at the WIN Southwest Houston

worship center.

The conference began on Friday afternoon with

Pastor Mark Briones of WIN Los Angeles outlining the

importance of the conference. With the growingnumber of youth groups in North America, it is

imperative that each ministry catch the same global

vision that emphasizes on the development of

discipleship within the youth ministry.

The first session was led by Pastor Jong Duterte, the

International Youth Coordinator, who also pastors the

church in Toronto. He spoke on the topic of The

Process and Development of Youth Ministry where

Delegates listen in during a session at the first youth conference.


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ISSUETHIRTEEN he outlined the

inner workings of

the ministry and

emphasized the

dedication each

youth leader must

deliver to see

success in itsendeavors. Pastor

Jong asserted the

importance of self-

assessment in

order to see what

changes need to be made to better carry out the

ministrys purposes and goals. Delegates were

taught about carefully laying down the foundations

of the ministry, investing in emerging leaders to

strengthen the commitment within the team, and

the multiplication and delegation of leadership for

growth.

In the evening, a signature Crosspoint youth rally

was held at the WIN SW Houston church which

attracted 90 people, the largest turnout for a youth

rally yet. Following the anointed praise and worship

led by the Sheena Silguera of WIN NE Houston and

Ron Apura of WIN SW Houston was the message

delivered by Pastor Perry Escalera of WIN Silicon

Valley, who drilled into the receptive audience to

stop hesitating Gods call. Like a successful

advertising tag line, Just do it! became the mottoof the rest of conference among the youth,

delegates, and pastors alike.

Day two of the conference began with ministry

reports and updates from the various WIN churches

represented in the conference. Following the

reports was the second session led again by Pastor

Jong Duterte, who at this time shared on the topic

of The Person God Can Use in Youth Ministry.

The next two sessions were delivered by Pastor

Mark Briones, on the topics of Principles of

Discipleship in the Youth Ministry and Planning for

Youth Ministry. In his first session, he discussed

the importance of a strong discipleship program in

the ministry. He challenged leaders to follow the

example of Christ by investing in the lives of those

in the ministry, training them to be effective leadersfor the future. In his second session, Pastor Mark

shared about being a purpose-driven and goal-

oriented ministry. He also reminded the delegates

that the youth ministry should build bridges

between other ministries in the church and to

partner up with them for support.

In addition to the sessions were two practical

workshops: Sensory Pleasures: How Much Do You

Indulge? and Balancing Family, School, and

Ministry. The first workshop was shared by Pastor

Erwin Tanjuaquio of WIN San Francisco/Bridgepoint

who gave a fresh look on the youth cultures media

and technology consumption, while the latter was

led by Sis. Fedelyn Rapinan, Youth Ministry Head of

Pyros of Los Angeles, who gave treasured insight

on time management for the youth leaders who are

often not only dedicated in the youth ministry but

often in other ministries, as well as being engrossed

in school work.

The conference would not have been successful

without the hard work and dedication of the WIN

family in Texas. They accepted the challenge ofhosting the conference and did a great job in

executing every detail of the event from the logistics

to entertainment. Though comprised of four

different churches, the youth of WIN Texas did not

fail to exemplify the type of relationship that each of

the WIN churches should have with one another.

They all came together to deliver the best possible

first conference the delegates could have asked for.

Because of their collaborative efforts, thirst forcontinued on page 3

2 THEPYROSTORCH

Pastor Jong Duterte, International

Youth Coordinator, speaking on

The Process and Development of

Youth Ministry.


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excellence, and commitment to carrying out the

work for the youth ministries of WIN, the conference

was undoubtedly a great success. Additionally, the

hospitality of the families that hosted the delegates

cannot go unnoticed, as they displayed a genuine

compassion towards their guests. It was a blessing

to see the support of our WIN family in action.

This first-ever youth pastors and youth leaders

conference is only the beginning of bigger plans to

come. There is still much to be done, but the bold

vision for the youth ministries of Word International

Ministries is strong, and the drive to carry out that

vision is even stronger.

Let us together enter this new decade with a

renewed support of the endeavors of our youth, the

future of our church.

Typhoon Ondoy:By Joanna Cordero

In a span of 38 days, the Philippines was hit by a

series of typhoons. On September 26, 2009,Typhoon Ondoy made landfall and swept through

Metro Manila and parts of Central Luzon, causing

devastating destruction. Soon after, Typhoon

Pepeng struck Northern and Central Luzon and was

then followed by typhoons Oedan, Ramil, Santi, and

Tino.

Fourteen WIN pastors living in Metro Manila,

Laguna, and Cagayan, were affected by the

typhoon. A total of thirteen WIN churches were

affected: five in Metro Manila, four in Laguna, one

each in Bulacan, Ilocos, Pangasinan, and Cagayan.As of the report release, 1046 families from WIN

churches in Metro Manila and 1,189 families from

churches in Laguna/Quezon, Cavite and Central

Luzon were affected by the typhoon.

Along with monetary donations from WIN churches

worldwide, local churches in the Philippines

mobilized to provide help to members affected by

the typhoons.

Responding immediately, the churches launched

relief operations within two days after Ondoy. WINMakati was able to distribute relief goods in

squatter areas in Makati where they have feeding

centers to the poor children. WIN Manila was able

to distribute goods as far as Montalban where we

have an outreach and a church. Marikina was able

to mobilize their workers to provide help to their

members. WIN Alabang rushed to help their

members living on stilt houses by the waters and

brought them food & clothing. Due to monetary

donations, WIN was also able to help thirty-three

Laguna pastors and workers fix their homes, and

hundreds of members to receive relief goods.

Full recovery is still on the way as many have lost

their homes, crops, and livelihood, but through

support and prayer, hope is not lost.

To help our brethren in the Philippines recover,

please mail cash or checks to Sis. Nickie Paulate at

7101 58th St. CT. W University Place, WA 98466.

Victims of TyphoonOndoy (Ketsana)

flee for help as

their town

immerses in heavyrainfall.

ISSUETHIRTEEN

WIN Family Helps MembersAffected by Ondoy Tragedy.

3 THEPYROSTORCH

This first-ever youth pastors and youthleaders conference is only the beginning ofbigger plans to come. There is still much to

be done, but the bold vision for the youthministries of Word International Ministriesis strong, and the drive to carry out thatvision is even stronger.


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.

.

Word International Ministries - Los Angeles celebrated

its 19th anniversary with a simple but intense servicethat ushered in the beginning of a new season of

boldness and blessings. WIN LA celebrated its 19th

year with a special Sunday service on October 11,

2009, a culmination of the year-long theme Come

Boldly Before The Throne of Grace, based on Hebrews

4:16.

After an amazing time of praise and worship, the

childrens ministry did a special dance number, with

several of its adorable little members dressed as

cowboys singing and dancing to three Western-inspired

songs. The couples ministry, Gideons Sword, led by

Paloo and Alma Guiuan also gave their own choral

rendition of a song entitled We Will Stand by Avalon.

Pastor Chito Corderos message that day was titled

Key Indicators of Church Health and served as a

reminder to the congregation about the factors and

characteristics that make a church powerful and

effective. The sermon served as an encouragement to

the church to seek God with more fervor as a united

body. In line with the theme, Pastor Chito also

reminded the congregation to continue to step boldlyinto their inheritance as Gods children, claiming their

blessings and influencing the world around them as a

strong, united, and proactive community of believers.

The anniversary service was the highlight of the month;

previous and subsequent Sundays in October also

featured video presentations from the different church

ministries, such as Pyros and Deborah's Fire, as a part

of the month-long anniversary celebration.

ISSUETHIRTEEN

4 THEPYROSTORCH

WIN LA Celebrates Its 19th Year

Pyros YouthLeader, Angelica

Pons, lifts her

hand during the

amazing time ofpraise and

worship.

The little cowboys and cowgirlsof the childrens ministry

perform western-style dances.

Members of the couplesministry, Gideons

Sword, sing We Will

Stand by Avalon.

Let us then approach the throneof grace with confidence,

so that we may receive mercyand find grace to help us

in our time of need.

Hebrews 4:16

Boldness Blessings &By Pauline Guiuan


5/9

By Verna Abante

In an effort to reach out to those in need, the

Pyros Youth Ministry sought Seeds of Hope,

a sponsorship founded by Word

International Ministries that help

underprivileged school children and their

families in the Philippines. Seeds of Hope

was first introduced by Sis. Cynthia de

Castro of WIN LA and became the perfect

outreach opportunity for Pyros. By fall 2009,Pyros started donating money to the

organization, splitting the pledges amongst

the different bible study groups in the Los

Angeles, Glendale, and Cerritos areas. A

total of $90 a month is mailed by Pyros

youth pastor, Mark Briones to the Seeds of

Hope director of the US, Sis. Nickie Paulate.

Additionally, a portion of the donation goes

to the Marinduque Feeding Program.

In December, Pyros was able to successfully

raise money from their annual Christmasparty to give to Seeds of Hope; with their

donation, the children of the program were

able to enjoy their very own Jollibee

Christmas Party in the Philippines.

Prayerfully, Pyros intends to continue its

donations this year and even begin adopting

three individual profiles by March 2010. As it is

written, He has distributed freely, he has given

to the poor; his righteousness endures

forever (2 Corinthians 9:9). Its not too late to

give and help those who need.

ISSUETHIRTEEN

SeedsofHope

If you would like to donate to Seeds of Hope, please

contact Pauline Guiuan (Glendale), Rizza Aldaba (LA),

or Verna Abante (Cerritos).

For more information, please contact Sis. Cynthia de

Castro at [email protected].

WIN LA HostsInternationalPrayer CongressBy Rizza Aldaba

United Nations Day, October 24, marks another

unprecedented event in WIN Los Angeles history

as they host this years International Day of Prayer.

Spearheaded by WIN LAs Intercessory Prayer

Ministry led by Pastor Harun Kimani, it was

certainly a timely occasion that was much neededin the church and in the globe as a whole.

The prayer service started off with a time of

worship ushered in by WIN LAs main worship

team. Members of the different WIN LA ministries

and a number of Pyros attended the event; various

members of churches from different ethnicities

also came as a sign of support. Pastors from

other churches were also in the congregation and

were asked to exhort in between prayer sessions.

Pastors of WIN LA and guests exhorted and

interceded over the needs of the hour, such as

praying for our respective families, our churches,

our nation, and the world.

After a brief, satisfying lunch, the Pyros praise

team led the congregation into a time of praise

before entering into another phase of the prayer

conference. Pastor Lyndon Aldaba of WIN LA

shared a video by David Wilkerson on the heeding

the call to anguish. Subsequently, the Messianic

Sisters sang Israels anthem and interceded for

their broken country as well.

Concluding this world-changing event is Pastor

Harun Kimani, who fervently encouraged those

who came to seek out the glory of God in their

own relevant lives. It certainly intensifies the need

of the church to stand in the gap and be a force

that will touch heaven to change the earth, as well

as be representatives of our own churches,

people, and our nations.

There before me was a great multitude that no one

could count, from every nation, tribe, people and

language, standing before the throne and in front of

the Lamb. Revelations 7:9

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young adults from both Los Angeles and Orange

County groups, supervised by Pastor Mark Briones,

came together to hike up the trail towards the worldfamous Hollywood sign. Rain or shine, and with their

hiking shoes ready, the young adults persevered and

trekked five miles of rock-strewn terrain. It was the

opportune time to connect and reconnect with fellow

YAMmers as they climb up, even taking pictures

along the way.

There were much sighs of relief as everyone finally

and successfully reached the end of the trail. Upon

arriving at their destination, the group ate their

packed lunches, consisting of rice and entrees in

zipper bags, trail mix and sandwiches, off the route

while enjoying the Los Angeles skyline and thefellowship. After a much-deserved break, they

headed back into the trail under the beaming sun,

continuing to converse and walk along with each

other.

It was truly a memorable bonding experience for

everyone who came. Not only did they gain a

physically fulfilling experience, they were able to

reestablish ties with one other and share an

adventurous, enjoyable time amidst Gods creation.

ISSUETHIRTEEN

Young Adults fromGlendale, Los Angeles,

and Orange County hike

up a 5-mile trail to see

the famous Hollywood

sign!

6 THEPYROSTORCH

upcoming eventsFebruary 14

February 21

March 5 - 7

Crosspoint Youth Rally at WIN LA

Solace Conference

Soul Anchor 2010

March 19

May 20 - 21

June 28 - July 2

Valentines Luncheon & Dance

Pyros goes to WIN San Diego

WIN New Jersey Trip

Young Adults MinistryYAM Hike Up the Hollywood Sign!By Rizza Aldaba

On a warm November morning,


7/9

The annual Pyros Christmas party took place on

December 19. The party, hosted at WIN Los Angeles

Victory Hall, was attended by Pyros youth and friends

from WIN Inland Empires youth ministry. Guests

feasted on a buffet of roast beef, fried chicken,

spaghetti, mashed potatoes, and other holiday treats.

When the meal was over, Pastor Mark Briones shared

about where the true focus of Christmas lay. He

reminded the group that Christmas should be

centered around Christ, the gift of salvation that God

freely gave, despite the busyness of the season. The

group was then asked to reflect on how God has

moved within each individuals life in the past year

and to start looking forward to the new things in store

for 2010.

Afterwards, there was a budget-conscious white

elephant gift exchange. Each participating guest

brought a slightly used item from home to exchange

with someone else. The fun continued as the group

played games such as The Ship is SinkingTwelve

Days of Christmas style, where guests broke out into

the different groups mentioned in the carol, and

Telephone Charades, where group members acted

out the title of a Christmas song for their team to

guess. The day ended with a few intense rounds of

candy cane relay races. Guests headed home with

happy hearts, full stomachs, and plenty of Christmas

cheer.

As you celebrate with your friends and family,

remember: Jesus is the reason of the season!

PYROS Christmas PartyAn Annual Celebration in Honor of JesusBy Sandra Cordero

ISSUETHIRTEEN

Pyros Youth Ministrycelebrate with one

another in a time of

fellowship, food, and

faith, while remembering

that Jesus is the reasonfor the season!

Stephanie Bautista andPastor Mark Briones of

WIN LA and Kristy Guiuan

of WIN OC engage in some

rather amusing game,

telephone charades.

7 THEPYROSTORCH


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ISSUETHIRTEEN

Breakthrough an act or instance of removing or surpassing an obstruction or restriction,

overcoming of a stalemate; any significant or sudden advance, achievement or increase.

Just 15 days into the New Year, we convened the 1st WIN National Youth Pastors and Leaders

Conference in Houston, Texas. It was a wonderful sight to behold, seeing more than 30 youth

pastors and leaders from all over the US converge in one place to learn and be equipped to

minister to the youth of this generation. This was a major breakthrough for our youth ministries

here in the US, and I am really excited as to what the Lord has in store for us.

I believe 2010 will be a year of BREAKTHROUGH for the youth ministry of WIN here in the US

region. Regional youth camps are being set up for the summer with the goal of reaching out to

more young people in their cities and regions; mission trips are being planned, more extensive

discipleship programs are being done, greater awareness for the needs of the poor and needy

in the third world nations are being looked on and the training of new leaders are being put into

place. These are just some of the programs and thrust that the youth ministers will be focusing

on as we press on for the breakthrough that the Lord has in store for us. God is taking each

one of us to our Baal-perazim, the place of Breakthrough.

As we all have started a new year and new decade, we all have our own share of challenges

and obstacles before us, but as we continue to seek and inquire of the Lord just as David did

when the Philistines heard that he was appointed King and challenged his authority,

BREAKTHROUGH will take place.

Press through for your Breakthrough!

Pastor Mark Briones

FIRESIDEAnd David came to Baal-perazim, and he smote them there, and said,

The Lord has broken through my enemies before me, like the bursting out of great waters.

So he called the name of that place Baal-perazim [Lord of breaking through].

2 Samuel 5:20(Amplified Bible)

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TH

EPYROSTORCH

THEPYROSTORCH530 s. benton way

los angeles, california

www.pyros.rocks.it

WRITERS

verna abanterizza aldaba

joanna corderosandra corderopauline guiuanpaolo manuel

THESTAFFDESIGN & LAYOUT

verna abantepaolo manuel

ADVISOR

pastor mark briones

the pyros torch xiii

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