REFLECTIONS ON SISTER CARMEN RIVAS - GALA AWARD WINNER FOR 2013

By Noel Serrano

Carmen Rivas is a much beloved Woman of God who has dedicated her entire life in the Service of the Lord and is an exemplary Matriarch in the noble manner in which she nurtured and cared for her large family. I grew up admiring her loving and compassionate Spirit. In the early years of the 1960s and 1970s she a very active  Leader in the Church, La Sinagoga. Sister Rivas had an enduring strength that helped her remain steadfast in all  the struggles that she faced. She would often encourage me as a young boy to "Press On!" in the face of adversity Her favorite scripture that she often quoted to me was from Joshua 1:9 "Have I not commanded you? Be Strong and of Good Courage...Be Not afraid, neither be dismayed!, for the Lord thy God is with thee!" I can still hear the echoes of he soft, tender voice, encouraging me and planting those seeds of inspiration  to persevere and to press on!

Carmen Rivas is still that Noble and inspirational Woman, even now as she struggles with insurmountable  challenges in her advanced years. She continues to serve as a Beacon of inspiration to all who come near her. Carmen Rivas was one of the finest cooks that I have had the privilege of knowing. Whenever she invited our family to her home , we were welcomed to a Great Table of fabulous Latin Cuisine that was made with loving hands. Whenever I traveled back to New York City, Sister Evelyn would invite me to the Rivas home in Queens. My Mother, Felicita Serrano and Carmen Rivas were very close and as a child, I remember the many phone conversations with these two Godly women who prayed together , always interceding and in prayer for her growing families. Whenever they faced trials, they uplifted each other in prayer and encouraged each other in the Lord. As the years passed by, I recall many phone conversations with Sister Rivas and she always served as a Motivator, encouraging to "Press on" I valued her counsel and still do .  She always had an inspirational Word for me, in the same manner as when she encouraged me as a young child growing up in La Sinagoga.

Carmen Rivas is a shining Emblem of those Spiritual and Godly Women of a bygone era. Women that prayed and set a glowing Standard for a generation. We can all still learn from them and still receive inspiration from Carmen's example and her dedication. May God continue to Bless Carmen Rivas and give her strength to keep the banner high! Pressing On! and always declaring Victory!

THOUGHTS ON MY BROTHER IRVING SERRANO

By Noel Serrano

One of the great things that a man or woman can experience is when they have a brother that watches your back. a Brother that is totally devoted and totally trusting. This clearly describes to the fullest measure, my beloved Brother Irving. He was a chubby, shy toddler who had a very unique way of going up the stairs at the age of three. He would sit on the first step and slowly rise up only to sit again on the second step. On and on, he went till he climbed all the way to the top  of the staircase. When he wanted to go down the stairs, he did the same procedure in a much more careful and methodical manner. Irving realized that going down the stairs was quite a challenge but he always found a way to reach his destination. Irving grew to love and respect all his brothers and sisters and he paid particular attention to the two younger siblings. The bond of trust began at the childhood stage with a series of  classic experiences that were shared with the younger brothers. Irving grew in an atmosphere of competition  with the brothers and he began to struggle  at times because  he always seemed as if he had so much to say but he always had to wait his turn because all the other brothers had also many things to do and say. The consistent attribute of Irving was his willingness to wait his turn. His most notable trait was in diplomacy. If Irving was  a country...He would be Switzerland! As a young man, he demonstrated a capacity of an engineer. He loved to build things and  make electrical gadgets that were often ahead of their time.  There were times when I asked him ,"Irv, I need you to place a red light at the very top of my Bedroom door and I need a button that will snap it on and off and I want it to blink" Irving, always the obedient one, would run to Dad's Tool Shop and complete the project in several hours. I quickly relied heavily on his ability to invent all the gadgets that we needed to play with during those seemingly endless  Summer Months. So you see, the bond of trust and mutual cooperation began many years ago. As young boys, we always sat together in La Sinagoga in New York.  Mom would often dress us identical until we put a stop to that.  Irving enjoyed the part of the service when the Choir was ready to sing. They would stand and in a slow , regimented manner, they would form a train-like march towards the front of the altar where they would sing their beloved classic songs. Irving and I would  say "tren, tren, tren, tren " until our Dad would quiet us with one of his famous "Pats" on our heads. During those years we would relate and pretend that we were the Characters on Dragnet and Star Trek. Irving was the best Sidekick in the world. I remember the long summers riding bike, building Go-Karts, and establishing clubs where he was always the one that would  build whatever was needed. My late brother Frank once said of Irving..."If we can open up the head of Irving, you would find computer gears and sprockets blinking and turning endlessly" It's true! I remember, we needed a working refrigerator in the basement so we could place the bottle of milk that we quietly borrowed from the big refrigerator in the kitchen. Irving took an old silver box Cooler and placed a small fan and then we filled the cooler with ice and it worked well.It is no wonder that we never blew up the basement with all of the adventures we had as young boys. As we grew, Irving began to sway away and orbited with friends that were going a different direction. One of the major reasons why our parents moved the family to Florida in 1977 was to get Irving as far away from entanglements that were not helpful to him. There were some tough times for Irving as he grew to become a man, But God was always there to help him find his way. In the early 80s, I had just presented my Dad with a Gala Award for being the Exemplary Man that he was to all of us. (There is a Video that shows this moment)..and as I looked around the room... I saw my brother Irving sitting right next to me.. and I recall as if it were yesterday..."We honor him today and we will continue to honor many..I know , I see many who deserve this Award!" And I quietly glanced at my Brother Irving. That was in 1986. My Brother Irving was always eager to help me with the Family Organization, even at its infancy. He began writing beautiful articles for the original Family Times Publication (The Paper version) He would always be ready and willing to come to the aid of the Foundation. When Irving moved to Pennsylvania, we continued to stay in touch with letters and phone conversations. The bond of loyalty and trust remained intact. When Gala opened shop on the Internet, I wanted Irving to join with me in a more Official capacity and he quickly agreed. Many years later, we now have hundreds of articles that he has written exclusively for the Gala Sites, both English and Spanish . He is an enormous Asset to me and I thank God for him.  May God continue to bless my Brother Irving and his family. I want to thank him for his Service and Devotion to the cause that we both have labored in for many years. For the great memories that shaped us and prepared us to think of others and to think of the greater good. Irving Thanks for the Memories! I love you! I have a list of ideas for future inventions Lol We will talk very soon!

THE BIOGRAPHY OF SISTER CARMEN RIVAS- GALA AWARD WINNER FOR 2013

By Evelyn Melendez

Sister Carmen Rivas was born on July 16, 1924 in the town of Yabucoa, Puerto Rico . Her parents were Ms. Brigida Mojica Ortiz and Mr. Valerio . She was the 4th child of 10 siblings . At an early age she had her first daughter ( Nelida Crespo ) and she had to work to help sustain the family.

At age 32 she moved to the city of New York along with his 7 children and where God blessed him with three sons (James, Edwin and Evelyn ) . In total , Carmen had 14 children . Carmen was a beautiful and exemplary mother and grandmother. Carmen always cared about the health and well -Welfare of children. Carmen gave all her love for her home , her beloved husband, her children and grandchildren. The greatest treasure in the world is to have a mother, Herr love is a wealth of incomparable value . The day November 2, 1963 Carmen joined in holy matrimony with Mr. Rafael Rivas on Willis Avenue Pentecostal Church pastored by Rev. Diego Soto.

While overcoming an Evangelistic campaign was held in a small Independent Pentecostal Church located on Washington Avenue and East Tremont in the Bronx, surrendered to the Lord , accepting Christ as their Savior. God knew from the Eternity what every man would do, He knew that if the man surrendered to the Holy Spirit and accepted Christ as their Savior was destined for eternal life.

Carmen was a beautiful woman of God with great commitment , responsible for achieving and lead souls to eternal hope. As a missionary to persevere in the Lord Pentecostal Church of God ( The Synagogue ) for 40 years where she abounded in good fruit. She exerted in the presidency of the Ladies for 5 years , was President of the Sunday School Children , working hard in the Departments of Pro - Temple, Christian Love and Personal Evangelism earning from them the respect and affection of all. As a result of a seed that God allowed it to be aware to give growth in Christ Jesus , I placed my life on the altar of sacrifice shedding all personal interest , egoism and prejudices to serve the Lord very gratefully for the spiritual bread that gave growth and maturity to persevere in the ways of the Lord. But his total dedication he had to pay the price of fatigue and pain to gather the sheaves along the way but always enjoying the grace and blessings of the Lord.

She Never had a quiet life because she had to be ready at all times and exercise great compassion for souls going through some difficulty.

IRVING SERRANO AND CARMEN RIVAS WIN THE GALA AWARDS FOR 2013

FLASH- The Gala Foundation announced the Gala Award winners for 2013 today as preparations were underway to showcase each of the recipients on their recognition during the month of January. It is a tradition to announce and present the Awards before the year is out. A Gala Award is presented to Irving Serrano Sr for his Outstanding Service and Devotion to the cause of the Gala Foundation. Irving has been a faithful contributor to the Foundation since its infancy. He has written numerous columns on the Gala publications. His brother Noel asked him to join the Administrative board in 2010 and serves as an Associate Administrator

for the Foundation. A Special Gala Award will be presented to Hna Carmen Rivas for Lifetime Achievement and an outstanding Service and Devotion to the ideals and vision that is so inherent in our Organization. Carmen is a Godly Woman who has tirelessly served the Lord and is an example of perseverance ad fortitude in the midst of great challenges. we honor these two during the next coming weeks with Feature articles and Biographies that will serve to inspire us all to live a noble and Selfless life and to be an example to others.

JUST CALL ME RUDOLPH!

Well here we are. Christmas, just a few weeks away. The inspiration of this message comes from the song; Rudolf, the red nosed reindeer. This song speaks about a Deer, who apparently was different from the others around him. I am quite certain that anyone reading this, will agree. It is difficult when your in a situation where others around you bully, make fun and criticize you. Simply because you are different. All through out our lives, we face this. Since our Childhood years in school, right up to the present as growned up adults. Even more so, if you were raised up, as a Christian. Even as Kids, we tend to imitate our Parents. We speak differently, we conduct ourselves with patience. We are in most cases tolerant, or forgiving of unfairness, or injustices sent in our direction. Of course if you are still imitating your christian Parents? The Apostle Paul, once said "be imitators of me". (1st Corinthians 11:1) This he said because he made it a practice to follow and teach Gods, word to the people all around Him. He was a good imitator of Jesus Christ. And we all know they laughed at Him, just like they laughed at Jesus Christ. Where ever He found himself, he would always be an example of the teachings of Christ. We as Christians, appear to be different to non-believers, as well as those who know about God`s love. Yet still remain on the fence, as to committing to a one on one relation with Christ. They may know the story of Jesus. From His birth, right up to His crucifixion. Yet, they still have not asked Christ, to be their Lord and Savior. For some it may be simply because they have not been approached correctly. But there are others that look at the behavior of so-called believers, and their turned away because of language or behaviors they witness. This hits home to me. Though I was raised with sound Christian Parents. I strayed off the path of Christianity. I knew of certain people in the church, that spoke one way and acted another. At the time, my attitude was; " If I'm going to do wrong or be different, well I won`t do it flying a Christian flag". Ultimately I learned that this was just another trick of the Enemy (satan). He`ll put it in your head that Christ will not listen, or answer your prayer. But Satan is a lire. If he can get you to think like that. He can get you to stop praying! All through the History of the Bible, and in this world. Everyone who has ever called out, on the name of Jesus, has been heard. And has been answered. But tit for tat, you must be different. ( Proverbs 4: 14) Say`s; Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Several of the modern English versions, say; Oh, the joy of those who do not follow the advise of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. Other translated versions use the words scornful, or scoffers. A cross reference to this subject is found in (Psalms 5:9) " not a word from their mouth can be trusted; their heart is filled with malice. Their throat is an open grave; with their tongues they tell lies". A very heartfelt thing is when a true born again believer, is treated as a non- believer. In the end, only God can, and will be the judge of all man. I remember once being called an ' halle-lu-ya'. I laughed right along with the person who said it. What tickled me the most, at the time was the love God, placed in me to be forgiving of the other persons ignorance. The old-Me,,, would have knocked him out. God`s word tells us; " Be not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power unto salvation, for the Jew, and the gentile. So you don`t want to be like Rudolf ? Getting picked on? People laughing, or making jokes. Remember the facts! In the song, Santa say`s;" Rudolf, with your nose so bright, wont you guide my slay tonight". Remember the facts! In this life, God say`s, He picks you! He wants to do for you. (2 Corinthians 6:2) For He say`s; " In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you. I tell you, now is the time of God`s favor, now is the time of salvation". This is the most wonderful time of the year, Christmas a few days away. But a New beginning with Christ can start, RIGHT NOW! (2 Corinthians 6:3) We put no stumbling block in any one's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. Rather as servants of God, we commend ourselves in every way; in great endurance, in troubles, hardships and distress, in beatings, imprisonments and riots, in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger, in purity, understanding, patience and kindness in the Holy Spirit, and in sincere love. In truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; known, yet unknown,dyeing, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything". In short, this is the life of a Christian. I hope to erg you to take a closer walk with Jesus. I know He can change your life. Look if you step outside thinking your gonna trip and fall. That is exactly what will happen. Many say, Oh God, help me out of this mess, but refuse to go in the direction He has chosen for you. I'm going to close with a passage from 2 Corinthians , ' Blessed be the God of OUR Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of MERCIES, and God of ALL COMFORT, who comforts US, in ALL our TRIBULATIONS, that WE may be able to comfort THOSE in ANY TROUBLE, with the comfort with which we OURSELVES, are comforted BY GOD". I wish you all a Merry Christmas, and I pray you make Christ, center in your life. God bless, love always, Irving Serrano Sr.

LIVING A LIFE OF THANKSGIVING TO THE LORD

By Evelyn Melendez

 

 For God's people, Thanksgiving is far more than a special day on the calendar. The Bible urges us to live a life of thanksgiving each day. Being thankful to God for all of His blessings is truly a mark of the Christian. ...

The Bible says, "Make a joyful shout to the LORD" (Ps. 100:1). In the Bible, shouting is associated with great achievement or joy. Joshua told Israel to march around Jericho for six days and on the seventh day to lift a great shout. When they did, the walls fell down (Josh. 6).

When you are thanking and praising God, don't be afraid to be a little loud. God loves to hear our praises, and it will also make you biblical!

We should be grateful every day for what God has done for us. Let's make it our determination to praise and worship God this holiday season!

A SON'S BEST FRIEND

There once was a service in a Church, where a prominent Pastor was speaking. Suddenly the Pastor changes the subject, as His eyes focus on someone in the crowded church. He goes on to say how he recognized an old friend. He also felt so compelled to cut his own message short. And he went on to introduce his friend, as he invited him to come up to the alter, and share some words with the church. An elderly man comes up, and very eloquently starts to introduce himself. He thanks the Pastor for the moment, as He says; I want to share with you a Testimony. You may be looking up at an old run down man. "Old" yes, but not run down. I have been around for a lot of years, and I was blessed because I got to know the Lord Jesus Christ, since I was a small boy. Many years ago, when I was much younger I went on a fishing boat. I only had one Son, and He came with me , along with a friend of his. My Son, would always be close to me. It did not matter if we were going to Church, or if we were playing ball, or going fishing. My Son and I, were always together. You see, my Son Loved the Lord also. This was supposed to be a day trip. Our schedule was to have us back to the dock, before nightfall. But the unexpected happened. A tropical storm hit us by surprise. Everyone had to real in their lines, and hold on. As the sky grew darker, and the waves started pounding the sides of the boat. It was not a small boat,on someone in the crowded church. He goes on to say how he recognized an old friend. He also felt so compelled to cut his own message short. And he went on to introduce his friend, as he invited him to come up to the alter, and share some words with the church. An elderly man comes up, and very eloquently starts to introduce himself. He thanks the Pastor for the moment, as He says; I want to share with you a Testimony. You may be looking up at an old run down man. "Old" yes, but not run down. I have been around for a lot of years, and I was blessed because I got to know the Lord Jesus Christ, since I was a small boy. Many years ago, when I was much younger I went on a fishing boat. I only had one Son, and He came with me , along with a friend of his. My Son, would always be close to me. It did not matter if we were going to Church, or if we were playing ball, or going fishing. My Son and I, were always together. You see, my Son Loved the Lord also. This was supposed to be a day trip. Our schedule was to have us back to the dock, before nightfall. But the unexpected happened. A tropical storm hit us by surprise. Everyone had to real in their lines, and hold on. As the sky grew darker, and the waves started pounding the sides of the boat. It was not a small boat, but it felt small in comparison to the size of the waves swelling up. The boat would be facing down, the next second. , it would be facing up. Suddenly a huge splash comes crashing over the front of the vessel taking with it several people. The sky`s are dark, the rain is falling. The wind is hitting us with all it`s got. And the ocean is violently trying to consume us. There is yelling and screaming all around me. When I was able to clear my vision. I realize that both my Son, and His friend were also taken over board. I ran to get a life preserver, as I yelled for help. The currents were strong. I was only able to get one small life ring, attached to a rope. There was no time to spare, for you would see them one second, then they would appear to go under the next. I knew my Son cold swim, but this angry ocean could not be dealt with, by just a good swimmer. His friend on the other hand could not swim to good. I only had a few seconds to decide; To Who, do i throw this life preserver first. Was I going to sacrifice one person over the other? I knew my Son, was a saved Christian. And I also knew that His friend, still had not committed to accepting Christ. Was I going to deny him an opportunity? If he perishes today? The currents was pulling us farther apart. It was just a matter of seconds to react. I cried out, Oh God! As I threw the life preserver to my Son`s friend. We pulled and hung on, as hard as we could. We finally get this young man on board. And I immediately run to the edge of the boat, to see which way do I throw out again, to recover my Son. It was a sad moment, it had groaned darker, the ocean was not letting up. The rain was stinging my flesh as it pounded me. I looked, and I looked. Yelling out as loud as I could. But my Son would never be found. I was held back by other men, who would not let me enter the water. When these things happen, it feels like seconds. When actually minutes go by. Then when everything slows down to where you think it took a few minutes. It really all went down in the matter of seconds. The elderly man went on to say, though we may walk with Christ, we still have no guarantee when it`s time to leave this earth. Only God knows. Parents sometimes rebel against God, because they think He does not care. With out remembering, that it was God, who sacrificed His only Son, for all of us. It was God, who was with me on that terrible day. And it is God, who comforted me, and has been with me since that day. As the elderly man turns toward the Pastor. They embrace each other. They are both in tears. The Pastor tells the Church;....You better decide today! Oh, you better decide today. Today is the day of Salvation. This man, my dearest friend. He rapped it all up in a nut shell for you. No one knows what will happen to them tomorrow. There is never a day that goes by, that I don`t think about that day. Do you want to know why? I was His Son`s, best friend. I was the one pulled out of the ocean. God, saved me for a purpose. And I know He has a purpose for you my friend, After this an alter call was made, and many came forth to accept Christ, as their Lord and Savior. I hope this short story encourages you to take a closer walk with Christ. And be thankful for all He has done for you. May God Bless you. Love always, Irving Serrano Sr.