HEROES OF THE SHIELD

By Irving Serrano Sr

Alot of people know, or at least heard of the story of David , and Goliath. Many just come to understand that David, yet a young boy, probably weighing one hundred pounds, stood up to a grown man. Goliath, who happen`ed to be a very large man who stood about nine feet tall, and weighed about three hundred pounds. This fight though clearly mis-matched was brought on simply because David had enough heart to stand up for what he believed in. David loved and served God. When the challenge was brought to him, he knew he might not survive this encounter, but he believed in his shield ( his faith). He trusted God, even upon facing immanent death. David stood up to the challenge and killed Goliath. (Ephesians 6:13-14) Tells us;"Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness". In our Bibles, we read about many stories, and in these stories we come to know about Heroes. Men who stood up for the work of the Lord. There was a time many many years ago, where Christians were sent into an arena, where they were put to death, just for sport. Later their bodies would be carried off, back to their families on their shields. The apostle Paul, was used by God in many wondrous ways. Ultimately he was beheaded. You can just imagine His head being displayed as it was carried off on his shield. Today in 2012, We must all know and understand that Christians will always face the hardships, and the trials this world has to offer. Men like David, and the Apostle Paul are truly Heroes of the shield. These were not men who accepted God, just to be saved. These were men who accepted God, and chose to serve God under all, and any circumstances. In those days it was a custom, where if a man had a dept. He would be bound and enslaved until that dept were paid. Paul acknowledged that Christ paid the price for his transgressions, yet he said to God, " I am bounded to you as your servant" And as history shows, God used him in great ways. (1st Corinthians 16:13) tells us; Be alert and on your guard; stand firm, act like men, and be courageous grow in strength". Everyone born into this world basically holds a certificate of death. When Christ was nailed to the cross. That death certificate was nailed to the cross as well. The blood of Christ made that death certificate disappear. Christ, who knew no sin, died and paid the price so that we may live. In our Families today, we too have Heroes of the shield. Some of our parents, our elders Aunts, or uncles,grandparents who stood up for Gods work. Defended it, and shared it where ever, or when ever possible. You may be economically prepared to give a Son, or Daughter a new car, or home. But God bless you, if you can pass down the knowledge of the shield of faith. A shield to be passed down from generation to generation. The pride and the security we share when we can see our children, and Grandchildren passing along the message of Christ. And possessing the full armor of God, and holding the shield of faith. May God bless you.              

Love always, Irving Serrano Sr. 

JOAQUIN RECEIVES HONORARY DOCTORATE

By Noel Serrano

Joaquin Maldonado, the Pastor of  Sinai Pentecostal Church in New York, received an honorary Doctorate on July 28th. He was surrounded by his family and friends as he gazed on the large congregation at the commencement at Christian University at the Great Commission Church in Patterson, NJ. Joaquin, wearing a dark blue robe with festive student mortar seemed subdued and serene. He quietly reflected on the long journey that had led him to this day. He thought of the early days of his youth in "La Sinagoga" He started as  a young boy with a trombone ,struggling to keep up with the stern and dedicated musicians of that era. He thought of the Strong-willed mother and aunts that were always counselling him to be the Man that God want him to become. His life rapidly raced in his mind as he thought of his struggles in the Army and the development of his beloved group "Sounds of Joy" His great challenge was the leadership of the Sunday School in the early 70s . The young man grew in stature and in spirit. God was clearly in his path. He recalled the day his grandfather, Lucas Maldonado passed away in Puerto Rico. It was in that funeral, surrounded by his aunts and family that he pledged to put on his grandfather "boots" and the "Man of Motion" never stopped striving. Joaquin served the Lord with full intensity during the early sixties and worked hard in the labor of the Choir "Echoes of Life" as Assistant Director. In the early years , He became an inspiration to his family as he championed a clarion call and began to assemble a gathering that continues to this present day. The late Rev. Abelardo Berrios began to recognize that this young man had great potential to do the work of God. When Rev Berrios needed musical representation, He knew that he could always depend on Joaquin. Joaquin Maldonado soon became a close Associate to Rev Berrios. As the year raced by, Joaquin was able to go through major trials and was thrusted in many storms that would have blown away the finest of men, but Joaquin has endured and remained steadfast because of  a deep abiding faith in God. Joaquin spends many hours in prayer and loves God more than life. He places all in God's Hands and in God's Will. Joaquin began to think of all God has given him, He thought of his beloved, faithful and dedicated wife Clarita, who was now beaming him a smile with teared filled eyes of love. He thought of all of his children that now have children of their own. Joaquin marched down the long corridor to receive this distinct honor that God had allowed him to receive and humbly lowered his head and thanked God for all His Blessings. May God continue to Bless you, Joaquin! May he continue to give you strength and vigour to keep working in His Will.