I have been in Victory Outreach Int'l. a total of 27 years. I have been blessed challenged, encouraged, and equipped. I was given an opportunity for ministry, and have experienced some of my greatest joys of a lifetime in our ministry. My wife was saved in Victory Outreach, enjoyed the blessings of visionary ministry. We met in Victory Outreach. My son, now 17, was born in Victory Outreach (Knows nothing else). Is involved in our youth ministry, and worship team. It is a great joy! Yet, under such a great team, there is intention. There is purpose. There is goal setting and hope. In other words, every team has a leader. Yes, everyone talks of team, teams, teams. Including myself. But, every team needs a leader. Today I would like to highlight, one part of the leadership - teamwork of our founders, Pastor Sonny & Julie Arguinzoni. Being involved for the last 27 years I'd like to share things I have seen from near and far.
8 things Iv'e learned from my spiritual mother:
1. Her faith in God
Julie Rivera, (Her maiden name) knew very well the hardships of the inner city. She lived in the East Los Angeles, where she saw first hand the ravages of crime infested streets, including her brother being an addict. Yet, through her hurt and pain, the Lord touched her life. She was never the same from that day on. From that time, God kept her close. Yet, she desired no one but God in her life. It was her faith which kept her. After a time, she entered the Latin American Bible Institute, in La Puente, Ca. Her desire was to become a missionary. And hasn't God honored her heart? It was her faith in God that has stood out.
2. Her love for her man
From the time Julie Rivera met Sonny Arguinzoni, there was set a love for a lifetime. God had put together the perfect match. From their matrimony to currently, Sis. Julie has stood by her man. It is no wonder God has poured many wonderful blessings upon Victory Outreach, for it always starts at the top. It starts with communion with God. Sonny and Julie are back to back partners, if I can use that simple but profound phrase. They are like minded, in heart and vision. Just recently, the cast for Pastor Sonny's celebration was held at our church. You had the cast, and the symphony band. I went over to observe a few things and get back to my study at home. I wanted to simply stay 15 - 20 minutes. I ended up staying 3-4 hours! During that time I sat away in our sound booth. I was so moved at the music, the intensity, and the professionalism, that tears began to flow. I went down, and greeted Sis. Julie, and thanked her for her hard work for my spiritual father. What a thing of beauty to behold. A woman showing true authentic love for her God -given man. The saying is true, that, "Behind every great man of God, there is a great wife."
3. She loves her family with all her heart.
One thing that stands out is her love for family. And as a bystander (Or conscientious observer) it is a blessing to see her children involved in ministry. From remembering their childhood, to becoming grown ups, staying the course, to developing mega ministry mindsets. What a joy it is personally for me. Imagine that! If we are blessed, imagine how she feels? Wow! It can't get better than that! I pray the same patterns continue with my son in our locality. She loves her family with all her heart.
4. Her Leadership and Creativity
Sis. Julie is one of the driving forces behind the success of our ministry. Her leadership within the UWIM, and many other multiple projects to reach, and equip people has made a great difference. And within that, she is inspired by God to go to another level on a constant basis. I cannot wait to sit in that ballroom, as we celebrate next week, the birthday of our founder. Thousands of men and women have benefited and have been inspired by her leadership and creative eye.
5. Her dedication and hard work.
Many people see others on the cutting edge. They aspire to become. They see the glare of the lights, and recognition it brings. Yet, what they do not see, is the price it takes, the sacrifices it calls for. There is no long lasting ministry or success without hard work. Jesus worked hard. He was so tired, he actually slept on the boat. Now, if you know anything about boats. They do not stop swaying, because of the waves. Yet He accomplished His mission. Julie Arguinzoni, is a dedicated woman. She never stops. From what I've seen, she always has her mind going. Going for the next task at hand. And it is not simply to accomplish the task. It once again, begins with her faith in God. It is a faith to reach people.
6. Her example of setting standards in the lives of women.
United Women In Ministry, is a ministry under the umbrella of our movement. God touches women from all walks of life. They receive Christ, and become part of our churches. Then God begins to do an internal work within their heart. This is where, Sis. Julie fulfills one of her greatest ministry roles. There is a place of belonging and equipping that women receive. A place and a standard, they never knew before. They become part of a great family, which they have never felt before. From the abuse or lifestyle, they lived in their past life. From losing their children, to being a battered spouse, having a loveless home, or living dependant on substance abuse. They finally feel they are part of a gigantic fabric of womanhood. They comprehend their uniqueness, and special importance as communicated to them from scripture. Then, something comes alive within them. One of the causes is due to the fact that Sis. Julie plays a God given role. She thrives and gets in a kind of 'zone'. A zone that says, 'This is what I was born to do'. A zone that translates itself into working and discipling women for God. And let's face it, (I speak as a man) what would we do without women? I'm serious! I guess this topic plays a sentimental feeling in my life. Seeing that my wife in her own local way, attempted to operate in that same pattern in her own vicinity and church. I am so blessed because our church enjoys, the maturity, strength, and vision they have. I am at a place where I must deal with our women, where before, I really never had to take detail notice of their ministry plans. What's made it all the more easier, has been the training they have received in UWIM. And in spite of their loss, losing their church spiritual mother, they continue to thrive in God and ministry. There are tremendous biblical standards in the lives of women!
7. A giving heart
She has a giving heart. Many people think a leader is simply, once again, on some pedestal or a high unapproachable spot. Others are very prone to judge things they are not aware of. And yet, there's many others who have seen firsthand, the love shown by great leaders. Acts of service which has made a powerful impact in their life. Some times, those same acts of service are unannounced or untrumpeted, because of their humility. Because they acted on impulse from the Lord, and their desire was to keep their service discreet. There is a scripture in Prov. 27:2 that details what I'm saying: "Don't call attention to yourself; let others do that for you." In December 2005, a 3 weeks prior to the worst day of my life (Looking at it through a human perspective. Though God had a plan, and still has. Talking of my wife's passing). And I'll never forget it. Sis. Julie arranged for my son to go on a boat ride. A boat ride with some leaders. My son had a blast. He was encouraged and excited as he came home and told his mom. And she was glad and smiled. Then when she passed 3 weeks later. Sis. Julie sent him to the Youth Winter Retreat in New Mexico. All expenses paid. And there, they treated him very well. Now do you see, my loyalty? Its humble acts of service as that, that just melts many of hearts. Thank you Sis. Julie.
8. A vision for the world.
I say a vision for the world, because it is exactly that. Now let me backtrack on this. There are many great denominations and movements within the body of Christ. There are. Makes you think of countries, different time zones, and far away continents. The vision that God has given our ministry is to reach the inner cities of the world. I did not say suburbs, nice, well to do and affluent communities. Though many have come from there. They still need God. They are welcomed with open arms both now and until Jesus comes back. Yet, I'm talking of the inner cities. Places of danger. Places of crime and disease, and heart wrenching stories. That's the vision I'm talking about. Now, who in the world would have a heart to go to places such as that? Well, Jesus would. And that's the heart that Sis. Julie and pastor Sonny have. People from all walks of life have received Christ. We are currently planning major crusades in major cities around the globe. The best is yet to come. Sis. Julie believes that if she can impact one life, she can impact a continent. She has a vision for the world.
What about you? Are you making a difference or at least attempting to, in your community and county? I say to you, you can do great things for God. Now is the time and hour. God has not called the angels or the animals to fulfill the preaching of the gospel in this world. He's called you. People need Jesus. Let's step out in the pattern of those who have gone before us. May we use their example as a spring board to make everlasting imprints in thousands of lives. I know that's what we're in mode of doing. With all we have, either we will do it, or we will die trying.
Prov 31:25 - 31
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. 26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. 27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 29 "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." 30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. 31 Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
United Women In Ministry, is a ministry under the umbrella of our movement. God touches women from all walks of life. They receive Christ, and become part of our churches. Then God begins to do an internal work within their heart. This is where, Sis. Julie fulfills one of her greatest ministry roles. There is a place of belonging and equipping that women receive. A place and a standard, they never knew before. They become part of a great family, which they have never felt before. From the abuse or lifestyle, they lived in their past life. From losing their children, to being a battered spouse, having a loveless home, or living dependant on substance abuse. They finally feel they are part of a gigantic fabric of womanhood. They comprehend their uniqueness, and special importance as communicated to them from scripture. Then, something comes alive within them. One of the causes is due to the fact that Sis. Julie plays a God given role. She thrives and gets in a kind of 'zone'. A zone that says, 'This is what I was born to do'. A zone that translates itself into working and discipling women for God. And let's face it, (I speak as a man) what would we do without women? I'm serious! I guess this topic plays a sentimental feeling in my life. Seeing that my wife in her own local way, attempted to operate in that same pattern in her own vicinity and church. I am so blessed because our church enjoys, the maturity, strength, and vision they have. I am at a place where I must deal with our women, where before, I really never had to take detail notice of their ministry plans. What's made it all the more easier, has been the training they have received in UWIM. And in spite of their loss, losing their church spiritual mother, they continue to thrive in God and ministry. There are tremendous biblical standards in the lives of women!
7. A giving heart
She has a giving heart. Many people think a leader is simply, once again, on some pedestal or a high unapproachable spot. Others are very prone to judge things they are not aware of. And yet, there's many others who have seen firsthand, the love shown by great leaders. Acts of service which has made a powerful impact in their life. Some times, those same acts of service are unannounced or untrumpeted, because of their humility. Because they acted on impulse from the Lord, and their desire was to keep their service discreet. There is a scripture in Prov. 27:2 that details what I'm saying: "Don't call attention to yourself; let others do that for you." In December 2005, a 3 weeks prior to the worst day of my life (Looking at it through a human perspective. Though God had a plan, and still has. Talking of my wife's passing). And I'll never forget it. Sis. Julie arranged for my son to go on a boat ride. A boat ride with some leaders. My son had a blast. He was encouraged and excited as he came home and told his mom. And she was glad and smiled. Then when she passed 3 weeks later. Sis. Julie sent him to the Youth Winter Retreat in New Mexico. All expenses paid. And there, they treated him very well. Now do you see, my loyalty? Its humble acts of service as that, that just melts many of hearts. Thank you Sis. Julie.
8. A vision for the world.
I say a vision for the world, because it is exactly that. Now let me backtrack on this. There are many great denominations and movements within the body of Christ. There are. Makes you think of countries, different time zones, and far away continents. The vision that God has given our ministry is to reach the inner cities of the world. I did not say suburbs, nice, well to do and affluent communities. Though many have come from there. They still need God. They are welcomed with open arms both now and until Jesus comes back. Yet, I'm talking of the inner cities. Places of danger. Places of crime and disease, and heart wrenching stories. That's the vision I'm talking about. Now, who in the world would have a heart to go to places such as that? Well, Jesus would. And that's the heart that Sis. Julie and pastor Sonny have. People from all walks of life have received Christ. We are currently planning major crusades in major cities around the globe. The best is yet to come. Sis. Julie believes that if she can impact one life, she can impact a continent. She has a vision for the world.
What about you? Are you making a difference or at least attempting to, in your community and county? I say to you, you can do great things for God. Now is the time and hour. God has not called the angels or the animals to fulfill the preaching of the gospel in this world. He's called you. People need Jesus. Let's step out in the pattern of those who have gone before us. May we use their example as a spring board to make everlasting imprints in thousands of lives. I know that's what we're in mode of doing. With all we have, either we will do it, or we will die trying.
Prov 31:25 - 31
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. 26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. 27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 29 "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." 30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. 31 Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
Leave a comment, if you'd like. God bless have a wonderful week!
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