june 2015.pdf news
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Newsletter for June 2015TRANSCRIPT
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Late night studies in the WORD.
THE TORCHMinistry Updates June 2015 Contact Info:
ANGELO VELIS770-403-6260
thetorch-urbanministries.org
ROMANS 11:36For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
Guatemala Happenings:On our last trip in May we held a
Pastors Conference. From previous visits
it was noticeable and saddening to see
how much legalism, tradition and cultural
attitudes had penetrated into the
preaching.
All of the pastors in this region are
laymen, (no education in Theological
studies), and most dont even have a 6th
grade education.
But they love God and accepted the
call to preach. Unfortunately this mountain
region is a bit neglected (due to distance)
from resources and people to help them.
Santiago, our contact pastor, admits how
for 20 years theyve been left to their own.
They rejoiced at the offer of a training
conference. We held two sessions in two
regions to cover all the pastors, about 20
in total.
We chose Galatians. The epistle where
Paul confronts the false teachers, and false
doctrine penetrating the church; ie: adding
works to Christs atoning sacrifice.
Almost everyone is infected,
prohibiting clothing, entertainment, foods.
Controlling and manipulation, with a
dictator style of authority. Unknowingly
preaching commandments rather than
grace.
During the Conference, the Bible came
alive before our eyes, as men wept to hear
about their errors.
GLOBAL & LOCAL
MISSIONS
URBAN MINISTRIES
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Others rejoiced to find freedom and
worship in Spirit, not traditions. Some even
got angry, suggesting we promoted
liberalism. Religious leaders in Jerusalem
also got angry with Jesus. Are you
suggesting we dont have to keep the
law? The Truth is: we cannot keep it apart
from Christ. He kept it for us, and fulfilled
the righteous requirement of the law, so we
can exchange our sin for His
righteousness.
Free from the law to worship in
newness of the Spirit. (Romans 7:6)
It was AWESOME! To see their faces
shine and hearts fill with love and hope.
Learning to preach the Good News:
Salvation by the loving grace of GOD,
apart from the law!
Other LOCAL Updates:Time flies! Yet another school year
passes and reminds us how fast things
move and our little ones grow up. God has
blessed us with ten years of outreach in
North Georgia. Evangelism, community
development, discipleship, church plants
and mercy ministries are just some of the
fruit of Gods grace upon His children.
Children ministries have been
consistent and many more boys continue
to come. Thanks to our male volunteers
that faithfully show up and participate in
soccer. This is particularly important
because male leadership among urban
communities is lacking. Our boys need role
models of faithful men that exemplify a
father figure.
Jonathan and Rosie Rosario, our
resident missionaries at Baker & Glover
neighborhood have been diligent in leading
Wildfire, our middle school youth program.
(In spite of just having their third baby!)
Their consistent involvement in the lives of
these young people is critical at a time
where they are battling identity issues and
peer pressure at its highest.
The world presses upon them an
image that is impossible to achieve and
questions everything they hear from the
word of God. Statistics show the dwindling
and declining trend in young adults to
accept the teachings of Christianity. As we
all know, its a total attack on our faith.
Please pray for our children.
SHINE HIS LIGHT!
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For a year weve had the privilege to
pastor the small Hispanic congregation at
Good News at Noon. (a local mercy
ministry) We attend Monday, Wednesday
and now Sunday service.
The congregants shared that it had
been years since they had a consistent
pastor to lead them.
It is with joy and humility that we give
thanks to the Lord for the opportunity to
preach and teach the gospel of grace
every week to a humble group who is
growing in love with Jesus.
There were five people when we
arrived, now we sometimes fill the small
room to capacity. (which can be around 35)
We also just celebrated our first baptisms!
Please PRAY, there are thousands of
urban dwellers that have yet to hear the
good news of Gods forgiveness. Pray that
God would draw more people to himself
and we would have a part in winning more
souls!
Cristian just graduated from High
School! Weve known him for a couple of
years.
His family came to America when he
was 4 years old, the oldest of five children
in a poor, but humble working family. One
of few whos parents are together. A family
not devoid of challenges and
trials. Last year was
particularly hard and
emotional, and it almost
destroyed the family.
Through intervention and
counsel, they have received
help and God truly has
brought hope in to their
midst.
Cristian was lured to the
local gangs in Middle School and looked
like he was going after the life in a hard
way. The love of teachers and people who
cared, drew him back from that walk, into
sports and church. Where he has been
faithful since.
We minister to hundreds of families
and young people, but once in a while,
God raises and sets apart a peculiar
individual: This year it was Cristian.
Nine years ago it was Jonathan
Rosario. (Who is now a disciple and bi-
vocational minister with The Torch) Early in
our relationship with Jonathan he was
down and out and experiencing many
trials, but God healed and blessed him.
At that time we were able to raise
donors to purchase him a car, and now
that hes been favored and blessed by the
Lord and ready to
upgrade cars, he was moved, to do unto
others as had been done unto him.
Jonathan enlisted donors, to help
paint and restore his car, and at a
graduation party, Cristian received a dream
that seemed impossible for the average
urban teenager...His first car!
Our prayer is that many of you would
be inspired and consider doing the same in
the life of a needy person. A hand-up not
a hand-out! Give a young person a
chance to get on their feet early in life. A
Sunday school class, two or three friends
or just a single family could do this. I pray
you will.
May the Lord bless and keep you!
-The Velis family
PHILIPPIANS 4:9What you have learned and received and heard and seen in mepractice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
PRAYER NEEDS:
* For our familys faithfulness in the
mission and ministry locally and
globally that God is unfolding before
us. That we would continue to trust
and depend on His provision and
leading. For our prayer lives to grow
even deeper
* For hearts and workers to join the harvest.
* For our summer programs and camps.
* Please pray for Guatemala and these pastors. That God will grant them light, Spirit filling, and understanding. So that they can grow in the knowledge and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ!
*We also need Spanish NIV bibles.
Their versions are old Spanish (Spain)
language bibles that are too difficult to
understand. You can donate funds via
Paypal or check, or send bibles to us:
6828 Old Whelchel Road
Dahlonega, GA 30533
Cristian (L) & Jonathan (m) with a new car
surprise!