1 Samuel 17:11 On hearing the Philistine’s words, Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and terrified.

1 Samuel 17:45 -46 David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whomyou have defied.This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down…

Take That COVID – 19!

It seems like COVID -19 has taken a big part of our lives away here in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It has cancelled everything from schools, to graduations, to proms. It has cancelled important conferences, taken away jobs and stopped important projects. Yes, you can say that through panic and anxiety, it has even cancelled our way of life! Here at “ABQICC Monthly Good News Letter,” we say otherwise! We will not be cancelled! We want to let everyone know that we are in this city even as COVID – 19 is here. We will not shrink back from finding the miracles that God is doing and will continue to do. Though bad news pours in daily, we as disciples know, that just as the ancients were certain of their faith, theres is always good news to be found!

Hebrews 10:39 But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved.

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.

In this Good News Letter, we are going to follow the ABQICC disciples through the month of March and see the way that they are overcoming the struggles alongside the number of COVID – 19 positive cases. Watch the disciples’ faith increase as the number of positive cases increase in New Mexico.

Just as sin is an infectious disease affecting the mind, the same is true with the pandemic of COVID -19! In the beginning, anxiety and worry drained the people and even shook the faith of some of the ABQICC disciples. Our world was shaken! Then we learned that just as the 1st century overcame hardships, so can we!

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.

2 Corinthians 4:8-10

With that, it was realized that this is our world now, and unfortunately our new surroundings. It was only appropriate to embrace this and adjust the G.N.L. to the “COVID-19 Good News Letter” to show that yes the pandemic is here, but so are we! Though this may be hard pressing times, we will always carry around the death of Jesus so that his life will be known to all.

(COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus.

2nd Inaugural Anniversary

March 1, 2020

COVID – 19 positive cases in NM = 0

I will tell of the kindnesses of the LORD, the deeds for which he is to be praised, according to all the LORD has done for us— yes, the many good things he has done for Israel, according to his compassion and many kindnesses.

Isaiah 63:7

In the winter of 2018, the ‘City of Angels’ church sent off 13 disciples from the 2018 LA Winter Workshop and was planted here in Albuquerque NM! Out of those 13, 9 disciples are still faithful!

In May in 2018, 5 more disciples were sent out as a supplemental mission team. Two years later, to the glory of God, those 5 are still faithful. During this two year span, the disciples have searched for lost souls throughout the city and many people were challenged and brought to the knowledge of truth and were converted! Unfortunately, just as the parable of the different soils states, after a while they succumbed to their struggles and they decided to walk away.

From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.

John 6:66

So, two years later, after much pruning, the ABQICC has built up its membership with 15 more faithful, sold-out disciples. On March 1, 2020 after searching for a place and really praying about where the celebration would happen, it all came together in the end. They were able to have a well earned anniversary celebration, praising and worshipping God at their new location!

The ABQICC Song Leaders open up the 2nd inaugural service! (left to right) Reina Briley, Chris Martin and Jennifer Esparza.

Byford and Millie Damon, perform a powerful welcome.

Reina Briley shares powerfully about her and Everitt’s first week here in Albuquerque.

Bryan Clark challenges the disciples during is contribution message!

ABQICC Evangelist, Everardo Esparza preached an awesome lesson.

Daughter You Have Returned!

March 15, 2020

COVID – 19 positive cases in NM = 13

“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”

1 Peter‬ ‭5:10‬ ‭NIV

In February of 2019, Jade Koll was met by our dear sisters Sarah Lomeli and Kionna Russell at Coronado Center during one of our Friday Night Campus Devotionals. She was then baptized at our 1st annual Women’s Day entitled, “Radiant” on April 6, 2019! Jade was eager to learn and grow in her discipleship and a few months later, she was personally fruitful and baptized our sister, Felisha. In the fall of 2019, Jade walked away from God but maintained a relationship with many of the sisters. The sisters never stopped praying for Jade and continued to treat her as family, reflecting the grace of God that leads to repentance. After suffering a while through life’s struggles and temptations, Jade was restored on March 15, 2020!

The disciples share about the restored sister! (left to right) Dallas Atcitty, Christina Lomeli, Jade Koll and Kionna Russell.

Jennifer Esparza presents our newly restored sister, Jade with a copy of “Elevate” written by: Dr. Elena McKean.

The sisters rejoice with Jade!

Sent Out Virtually

March 20, 2020

COVID – 19 positive cases in NM = 99

Since Albuquerque issued an order of no more than 10 people in one house, The Virtual Campus Ministry was formed!

Everardo Esparza, the Evangelist of ABQICC preached a powerful lesson and afterward, appointed all the campus disciples virtual Bible Talk leaders!

Regularly, during the week, we always have Bible Talks led by their designated leaders and even with COVID-19 going around, this hasn’t changed. Social distancing has allowed the Lord to now raise up everyone in the whole church to become virtual Bible Talk leaders and lead their own virtual Bible Talks on Facebook Live. This is allowing the Lord’s word to not only reach people we meet in Albuquerque, but also strangers, friends and family all over the world through social platforms as Facebook and video sharing programs like Zoom!
God has also blessed us with many personal Bible studies virtually!

The Virtual Campus ministry is born! At the first Virtual devotional, 17 people were appointed virtual Bible Talk leaders!

The sisters of Albuquerque have been virtually busy with virtual Bible studies!

The brothers of Albuquerque have been virtually busy with virtual Bible studies!

Young and Faithful

March 26, 2020

COVID – 19 positive cases in NM = 136

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.

1 Timothy 4:12

Felisha Griego is a 19 year old in the teen ministry and a senior at Albuquerque High School. She was the first to answer the call after being appointed a virtual Bible Talk leader at the March 20, 2020 campus devotional. She not only was the first one to hold a virtual Bible Talk, but this was also her first time ever leading a Bible Talk as a disciple!

She boldly talked about her anxiety and worries about the pandemic and also shared how the Kingdom has changed her life!

Felisha Griego, a young and faithful disciple takes the lead for ABQICC as the first disciple to broadcast a virtual Bible Talk.

Special Missions On Schedule

“And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability.” – 2 Corinthians 8:1-3 NIV

It has been incredible to see God work through the ABQICC disciples as they imitate the hearts of the Macedonians! During this time, many disciples have experienced a loss of jobs, hours being cut, and other changes in their life. However, the disciples have remained faithful by continuing to give and continue to strive to make their personal goals. Also, it is awesome to see a few examples in the church who have already completed their mission’s goals! And since each disciple is giving faithfully, instead of the bare minimum that was recommended the church will well surpass the overall goal of 17,400.00!

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,

Epeshians 3:20

DONATE HERE AND PLEASE HELP US SURPASS OUR GOAL!

A goal that the disciples are hoping to surpass. This is a photo of the last missions goal, which they exceeded in the fall. God can do incredible things when you are a Macedonian giver!

Some Virtual Bible Talks to look out for!

Millie Damon – Monday 12 p.m. MDT

Byford Damon – Tuesday – 11 a.m. MDT

Felisha Griego – Wednesday – 12 p.m. MDT

Izaac Pacheco – Wednesday – 4p.m. MDT

Christina Lomeli – Friday – 12 p.m. MDT

Sarah Lomeli and Jaida Wilson – Saturday – 3 p.m. MDT

Conclusion

Currently, New Mexico is at a count of 315 positive cases of COVID – 19 and we are no longer able to meet with a group of more than 5 people.
We also have a curfew in place at 8 p.m. but we are continuing to study the Bible with people from all over the city! Pray for us to have some baptisms coming up soon!

Stay tuned for more COVID – 19 Good news!