WINTER 2008
WIN-LA’s 18th GRAND
I
n Filipino culture, a young girl’s 18th
birthday signifies an important landmark
in life. It signifies the end of one phase of
life and the beginning of the journey into
adulthood. For WIN-LA, the 18th year anni-
versary celebration marked a new season in
ministry, refocusing emphasis toward fulfill-
ing the Great Commission with the theme:
Each One, Bring One. Each One, Teach One.
Preceding the final celebration on Oc-
tober 26th, each ministry hosted
a Sunday service. The Iron Men
kicked off the festivities on October
5th as they led worship and pro-
moted their upcoming retreat and
ongoing Bible study groups.
The youth and young adults fol-
lowed on the 12th, leading worship
and presenting a special skit showed
on video by the young people of
the Creative Arts Ministry. Entitled
“Heaven’s Next Top Model,” the
young people produced their own
take on the popular television reality
shows American Idol and America’s
Next Top Model. Each character, a
contestant on the show, presented
to the judges why they believed they
could enter heaven. The “contes-
tants” were dismayed to find that it is not by
> Young people lifting hands during WIN-LA’s
anniversary.
18th
Anniversary!
works, talent, wealth, nor physical appear-
ance that they are saved. In the end, the
victorious contestant confessed that she is
a sinner, saved by grace through faith, and
that her salvation is not of herself but from
God through His unconditional love alone.
Following the skit was a message from guest
speaker, Pastor Carlos Gamez from Lake El-
sinore, who first spoke to the young people
at camp. He spoke about how “only Jesus
Pyros Young Adults perform a skit about salvation
to the song “Everything” by Lifehouse.
Christ can give us peace and hope during a
time when things seem to be going down-
hill, and that through Him we are more than
conquerors because we have the victory, so
we cannot settle for less.” The Holy Spirit
truly stirred many throughout the powerful
sermon and the altar call.
The Couples Ministry ministered the fol-
lowing week, giving thanks to God for their
growth in number and in spiritual maturity.
F
inally, on the 26th, all the festivities
of the month culminated in the Grand
Anniversary Celebration. The music minis-
try prepared a repertoire of songs that re-
minded the congregation of God’s blessings
ISSUE X
by: Joanna Cordero
and faithfulness. The children’s ministry per-
formed a special song number and the me-
dia ministry created and presented
a photo slideshow as a reflection
of the year. The young adults also
presented a monologue delivered
by Grace Sajor that depicted the
need for Christ’s love and pres-
ence in each heart, confessing
that temporary pleasures of the
world do not satisfy. The mono-
logue transitioned into an encore
performance of the “Everything”
skit that illustrated the depth of
Christ’s love for us, and His suffer-
ing and dying on the cross to save
us, despite our being sinners.
WIN-LA’s senior pastor, Pastor
Chito Cordero, delivered his mes-
sage on the true meaning of be-
ing born again. He emphasized
the need for the congregation to reach out
to people who need Christ, and the impor-
tance for them to learn how to effectively
evangelize to further His kingdom. The Holy
Spirit moved powerfully in altar call, bring-
ing a new beginning for some and a time of
W
refreshment for others.
ith this fresh start of a new season,
WIN-LA has the vision for each mem-
ber of the congregation to win one soul to
the kingdom and disciple them into a grow-
ing relationship with Jesus. After 18 years of
seeing God’s miraculous power and relent-
less faithfulness, WIN -LA is excited for what
God has in store for the coming year.

Thousands of individuals flocked to Qual-
comm Stadium in San Diego on the 1st of No-
vember 2008 to gather for a solemn, historical
event that could change and influence the fu-
ture generation as we know it. TheCall – San
Diego, spearheaded by Lou Engle, overflowed
with people, both young and old, who took
a stand on the moral issues surrounding the
State of California, distinctively on the status
of Proposition 8, which could dissolve or re-
store the traditional definition of marriage and
affect the next generation.
TheCall has always been “a solemn as-
sembly, not a conference, a fast, and not a
festival,” and this momentous day was no
exception. Verna Abante, a part of the Pyros
Leadership, witnessed how there “were many
who fasted forty days and nights.” “It was as-
tonishing to see the many who stood under
the blazing sun, hungry, not for food, but for
God,” she said. Many individuals chose to fast
for days, seeking God’s mercy during a time
when prayer and fasting were imperative.
YAMGives Thanks
by: Pauline Guiuan
Answering
”One of the aspects of TheCall that really
struck me were the testimonies from so many
different people, and just seeing how God
brought us all together, despite our race, the
distance, our pasts. I saw the true purpose of
that gathering that we were called to worship,”
Kelsea Guevara, a member of Pyros, shared.
People of all ages, diverse ethnicities, back-
grounds and assorted cities and even states
“...hungry,
not for food,
but for God.”
-Verna Abante
collectively cried out and interceded for their
families, churches, and the coming local and
national elections on November 4. Notable
speakers from various churches and organiza-
tions utterly showed their support by igniting
The WIN-LA Young Adults Ministry cel-
ebrated Thanksgiving this year with fel-
lowship and feasting, as the group got to-
gether for a festive dinner at the home of
Benjo Balcobero in Los Angeles on Nov. 26.
Turkey, pasta and mashed potatoes –
and, of course, yam! - were part of the tra-
ditional feast, which was prepared and
provided for solely by YAM members. Steph-
anie Bautista was in charge of planning
the event, which was attended by about 25
young adults, and coordinating food assign-
ments, with the help of the gracious host.
The gathering served as a reunion of
sorts as YAM members who had gone away
to college but were home for the holi-
day, as well as members from other WIN
churches, were able to join the party.
by: Rizza Aldaba
the hearts of the people through prayer and
intercession, proclaiming how all of us should
not pray forth victory, but to pray from victory.
The atmosphere was filled with hope and
expectation as everyone witnessed the true
manifestation of God’s glory and victory. As
one speaker declared, “Hope is not a political
sound bite, it is a person. It is Jesus Christ.”
The event was not about denouncing the
workings of politics or criticizing those who are
against Proposition 8. It was ultimately to seek
revival and mercy for the state and the coun-
try, and to believe that God is in control of our
present and our future.
As California goes, so goes the nation. It’s
time to make a stand and pray for God’s direc-
tion in California, the entire nation, and our
generation.
The party started with a time of praise
and worship centered on songs of thanks-
giving led by Benjo, followed by dinner.
Pastor Mark Briones then gathered all the
young people in a circle, and each person took
turns sharing with the group what he or she
was thankful for. The responses ranged from
thanking God for provisions to spiritual growth
to favor in school or work to blessings for
friends and family.
Pastor Mark then shared a short devotion-
al on thankfulness and what it means to be
grateful in spite of trials and needs, and cul-
minated the discussion in a prayer of thanks.
Fellowship and karaoke continued through-
out the rest of the evening as the young adults
continued to enjoy one another’s company.

W
Fireside
Fireside
hat a year this has been! I cannot be-
lieve how 2008 is coming to an end. It seems
like this year just went by so fast. In spite of
how quick the year went, as I am writing this,
I cannot help but pause for a while and re-
flect on the faithfulness of the Lord in my life,
family and ministry He has called me into. His
faithfulness was so evident month after month
in spite of all the challenges and testings we
faced. We have seen new leaders stepping up
in both the youth and young adults ministry.
The Soul Anchor 2008 summer camp was the
biggest and most powerful camp yet. August
08, 2008, which was known as 080808, was
a special day set aside for prayer and fasting
as we all came together in prayer and in fast-
ing for our generation and for California. We
saw more doors opened in being able to min-
ister on mission trips both locally and nation-
ally with airfares being raised and paid for by
soul anchor 2009
JAN Visited WIN Hawaii
FEB Start of the YA Ministry
WIN San Francisco Mission Trip
Visited WIN Inland Empire
MAR Visited WIN Artesia
Youth/YA Night at WIN Artesia
Huntington Beach Outing
Visited WIN San Gabriel
APR Visited WIN San Diego
MAY WIN Houston Trip
Visited WIN Las Vegas
the
the team members as they took steps of faith.
My leadership starting January ‘08 added more
responsibilities to me, and I thank the Lord for
“
enabling me to do what I needed to do. God
God indeed always
wants us to do
something new
for His kingdom...
indeed always wants us to do something new
for His kingdom, even things we haven’t done
before. We just have to continue to trust and
I
rely on Him.
would like to thank my leadership for the
trust and support they have given me, my
s o u l anchor
July 6 - 10, 2009
by: Pauline Guiuan
Get excited for Soul Anchor 2009!
Preparations are in full force for another
intense, fun and powerful summer camp,
this time with the theme “Taking A Stand”
based on 2 Chronicles 20:17 which says,
“Take up your positions; stand firm and
see the deliverance the Lord will give you.
Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
Go out to face them tomorrow, and the
Lord will be with you.”
2008 was a very busy year for Pyros. From visiting other churches,
mission trips, and youth rallies, to bonding activities and special events,
Pyros sought growth both in ministry and individual spiritual walks.
Here is a brief review of the events that took place throughout the year.
JUNE Visited WIN Orange
JULY Soul Anchor ‘08 Summer Camp
Viisted WIN Artesia and WIN IE
AUG 080808 Gathering at WIN Artesia
Camp Reunion, Huntington Beach
Crosspoint, WIN San Francisco
Youth Sunday, WIN Silicon Valley
Visited WIN San Gabriel
Visited WIN Las Vegas
SEPT Start of YAM OC
Crosspoint Los Angeles
Visited WIN San Diego
the pyros torch
family for standing with me, for the sacrifices
they made and supporting me throughout my
ministry, my youth leaders who work tirelessly
and continue to allow me to speak into their
lives, and the parents of our young people, who
have been so faithful in the partnership in the
ministry. For all the pastors and youth leaders
that we have networked with, I am grateful
for your partnership as well. Of course, this is
all possible because of our Good and Faithful
Lord, Jesus Christ, who is faithful to finish the
A
work that He has started in all our lives.
s we spend the last few days of 2008,
let us remember, the reason for the season is
Jesus. He is the greatest gift what we all can
receive and share. May you all have a Happy,
Healthy, Faith-Filled New Year!
-Pastor Mark
Monday - Friday
It will be held on July 6-10, 2009 at
the Oak Glen Christian Conference Cen-
ter in Yucaipa, CA. We’d like to rally up
all soldiers of God who have braved the
battle to bring your friends, siblings and
classmates to join us in experiencing an
even mightier move of the Spirit this year
as our generation takes a stand for Jesus.
For more information, please contact Pas-
tor Mark Briones at macoyb@yahoo.com.
OCT Anniversary Youth Service Sunday in
WIN LA
Feast of Tabernacles in Pasadena
WIN LA 18th Grand Anniversary
NOV TheCall San Diego
Crosspoint, Tacoma, WA
Visited WIN Las Vegas
DEC Christmas Party
igniting the fire.
 by: Bruce Mao
The year is just about
over as December is already
upon us. It feels like it was
just yesterday when we
were ringing in the new year,
but in just a few more days,
that year will forever be in our past. When
we take a step back and reflect on just what
exactly has happened to us, through us, and
within us this past year, we shake our heads
in amazement knowing that none of it could
have happened without our Jehovah Jireh,
{
our Provider.
Each one of us can
look back and confidently say
that He never abandoned
us in any way...
From the beginning of the year when our
spring break was filled with beach trips and
praise nights, to the summerwhen our an-
nual youth camp shook and transformed all
of our lives, to now, the end, where our love
for each other clearly stands tall in a world
where there is a short supply, He has been
with us each and every step of the way. That
has undoubtedly been shown through thick
and thin this year, whether we were flying
high or crawling through the mud. Each one
of us can look back and confidently say that
He never abandoned us in any way, that no
matter how troublesome our lives got, He
held our hand and carried us through to the
provisions that He promised to us, and when
we were basking in the blessings that He
had graciously poured upon us, He remind-
ed us of His faithfulness.
As I sit and reflect on how He amazing He
has been to not only me, but to all of Pyros
this past year, I can only smile in awe and
wonder at how great God truly is. It is a con-
stant encouragement to come across fellow
Pyros who give their all not only in the spot-
light, but also when others are not looking.
It is also wondrous when other members
turn away from worldly desires, believing
that the only thing that they truly covet is
to have the Lord as their first and foremost
desire. It is without a doubt, though, that
all these amazing acts also came as a result
of those around them who refused to allow
fellow Pyros to lose sight of their purpose.
We can look back and cite all the events we
had and note all the people that came out
to show just how far this group has come,
the pyros torch
Looking back at what God has done
in the lives of these leaders of Pyros.
but I believe the biggest highlight of this
past year was how we became even more
tightly knit as a youth group. As close as we
all were before, we became something truly
special this year and that is something that
I can only marvel at and praise God for. Py-
ros, as a group, as a family, has always been
something we can run to for comfort, ad-
vice, and laughter, and these last 12 months
has only seen more and more of that as we
have become not only friends to each other,
but true brothers and sisters who live and
help each other to reach the ultimate goal,
which is to bring glory to God. Friends come
and go, but family is forever, and that’s ex-
actly what Pyros is.
by: Shadrach Aldaba
We’ve heard how 2008
is the year of starting over,
and this has been true in
my life. So many things
have happened, and truly,
God has been faithful to
see me through every-
thing I’ve experienced so
far. It was especially a new beginning for
me because I started my first year of col-
lege. It was tough and challenging for the
most part, but God helped me in so many
ways, from the financial and academic side
of it. He continually answered my prayers in
His perfect time and will. He has definitely
provided for me and my family, and I am
sincerely thankful for the blessing and grace
He has shown us through this year, espe-
{
cially when the world is facing tough times.
Without a doubt, whatever goal
or dream we set our mind to,
God will surely be with you.
Seeing a number of Pyros step up in the
ministry has been such a blessing and it did
encourage me to step up in the leadership
and take on more responsibilities, too. Also,
seeing how God has made the Young Adults
Ministry grow in number and spirit is really
incredible. The lessons we learn and that
feeling of fellowship and family have been
a motivating force, and God has definitely
used this group to help those who aren’t ex-
actly youth anymore in the practical things
of the real world.
Without a doubt, whatever goal or dream
we set our mind to, God will surely be with
you. As the year comes to an end, we just
need to remember that God is there for us...
always.
by: Paul Guiuan
These past few months
that have gone by so
swiftly has brought about
so much change to this
world. It has been evident
in our country alone.
There’s been a dramatic shift in our econ-
omy, a new leader has been chosen by the
people, and even the battle of morals rose
to a more intense level. Change has been
inevitable. But as Christians, we believe in a
sovereign God that is not subject to change.
Despite all the things happening around us,
I can still say with confidence that God is in
control. Throughout the year, I have seen
God’s hand move in amazing ways, not just
{
in our country’s current events, but also in
my personal life.
God never fails to pull me out
of my “impossible situations”
This has been a tough year for me.
There’s been countless times when I felt like
everything was going wrong, and that the
situation before me had no possible solu-
tion. But God never fails to pull me out of
my “impossible situations.” He has been my
source of strength and hope. Just when I
felt like it’s all over, God comes to my rescue,
time and time again.
It just proves that He is almighty and that
He has got everything in His hands; again,
God is in control.
So as we wrap up this year, let’s continue
to trust in our unchanging God. Let’s make
Him our hope and our light during these
times of darkness.
Drummin’ to God’s Heartbeat:
Ivan Manuel
He plays the guitar and the drums for the
music ministry, teaches bible studies for the
Cerritos group, has led cell groups during
our past annual youth camps, and is part of
the Pyros leadership. It makes you wonder
what he’s not capable of doing, but in ev-
erything, Ivan Manuel will endeavor to seek
God’s direction in his life no matter what.
“I willingly gave my life to Christ dur-
ing my first youth camp in 2003,” said the
youth leader who is known not only for his
exceptional musical abilities but also for his
likeable personality. “The first night, I re-
member asking God to renew my spirit and
really change me. I offered my life to Him
and I just remember feeling brand new, like
I’d been born again. From then on, I knew
I wanted to be set apart and live solely for
His glory.”
B ut he didn’t get to where he is over-
night. Like every other Christian, he
had his times of struggle.“I grew up going
to church, attending Sunday school, and I
loved it. It helped me build a foundation in
God. Sadly in 2004, just a little before “Fan-
ning The Flame,” I came to a point in my life
where I got tired of church.”
Ivan added that he didn’t feel like he was
being refreshed or transformed by the Holy
Pyros Youth Pastor
Mark Briones
Layout & Design Editor
Verna Abante, Paolo Manuel
by: Tiffany Francisco
Spirit, and church for him almost seemed
predictable. “I tried to get by with my own
strength and abilities and started to think
that I could make it,” he said. “I started
hanging out with the wrong crowd who, in
time, influenced the not-so-good decisions I
made. Soon enough, I started to feel miser-
able. I knew it was because I’d been push-
ing God aside and had been relying on my-
self. I came to realize that there was only so
much that I could do.”.
The turning point came during the 2004
Soul Anchor youth camp. “I came with an
expectant heart, asking the Lord to enliven
and restore me. Sure enough, He did. I’m
just so grateful when I think of how God
has sustained me throughout these years.
He has never failed me and I know He never
will.”
“I always look to bless
Him with the talents He
has blessed me with
through the ministry.”
Ivan wouldn’t be where he is today with-
out anybody to look up to. Ivan looks up
to his steadfast friends as role models, who
he knows “work hard at what they do.” In
his observing of his older brother, Paolo, he
“learns about what it means to be respon-
sible. He’s good at that.” However, Ivan’s
biggest role models are his parents. “They
always work hard and try to make decisions
that will benefit our family and not them-
selves.”
Ever since he could remember, Ivan has
been a member of the WIN churches. His
parents had been one of the founding cou-
ples of WIN. “I grew up in the WIN church
and remember going to Sunday school with
many other children who are now serving in
Pyros. It’s a real blessing when you think of
how God has seen our church through and
because of Him, we’re still going strong!”
As an experienced musician and a long-
time member of the music ministry, starting
from his attendance at the WIN-San Fer-
Editor-in-Chief
Rizza Aldaba
Contact
pyros424@yahoo.com
nando church as a drummer five years ago,
he continually gives back the glory to God.
“I always try to reflect on how God has al-
lowed me to expand my skills as a musician.
I’m always honored when I get the chance
to lead people in praise and worship with
the rest of the team. I always look to bless
Him with the talents He has blessed me with
through the ministry.”
In contrast, Ivan hasn’t been teaching
bibles studies or has been a cell group lead-
er for as long as being a musician. He only
started leading Bible studies in the summer
of 2006 and became a first-time cell group
leader during “Breaking Free,” the Soul An-
chor youth camp of that same year.“I was
nervous and scared at first, I’ll admit, but
later I learned I had no reason to be. I was
blessed with a wonderful cell group and
such a wonderful partner,” he said. “Pauline
Guiuan helped make my first-time experi-
ence a memorable one. Being a cell group
leader has helped me grow spiritually and
has also taught me a sense of responsibility.
It’s been a blessing.”
Ivan is like any other Christian, God-fear-
ing and God-loving. He has been through
many hardships and struggles in his life, but
has always gone back to God to help him
through them. His advice to those who are
struggling:
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when-
ever you face trials of many kinds, because
you know that the testing of your faith de-
velops perseverance. Perseverance must
finish its work so that you may be mature
and complete, not lacking anything…”
James 1:2
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