As we take this time to read this book the Leaders of Victory Outreach South Sacramento will blog about their thoughts and experiences. We would love for all the ladies to join in this reading journey as we get to re-live the beginnings of the Victory Outreach Ministry
April 23rd, 2011 at 3:10 pm
Carmen’s Blog
Today I started reading Treasures Out of Darkness, written by our founders Pastor Sonny and Julie Arguinzoni. My pastor’s wife challenged the ladies to begin reading this book in order to prepare for world conference. The first time I read this book I was fifteen years old, when I was first saved; how time flies! As I read through the first chapter I felt fifteen all over again. I could remember reading this book and the feeling that overtook me as the words that were written so sincerely came alive to me. I felt like Julie became my friend as I lived through her family’s salvation. I could imagine as I’m reading, her brother’s overdose and her mom running around yelling like if I was actually there; being at the edge of my seat as her aunt gave Julie the news that her brother would be okay, yet already being pronounced dead. Then I could feel through the pages Julie’s reaction and I could literally feel her faith being sparked when her brother bounced up because her auntie told her first hand of what God was going to do. Reading those words at that time sparked up my faith as a newborn in Christ, and today as I’m reading, my faith was stirred up yet again.
I got to relive her childhood, her relationship with her dad and the life changing miracle that God did for her family in order to get their attention and open the door of opportunity to be saved. I remember feeling the same way she felt, getting saved and not knowing if you were really saved because you always think there something more to it. I remember when I read that after she got saved, she started telling her friends about God, she went to church like every night because she could not get enough of God; I was inspired and did the very same thing. I figured if she was in high-school and praying for her friends and being a witness than I could do it too, and so I did.
Reading through this first chapter today not only helped me re-live Sis. Julie’s life but helped me relive my first-steps of salvation as well. At a young age she modeled what a baby Christian who truly experienced God would do, and should do, and so I followed because I felt the same exact way. As I read, I related, and as I related I put into practice. Here I am year’s later reading this book and I’m still moved and inspired. I can’t wait for my daughter to come home so she can read it and be able to experience what I experienced when I read this book for the first time, and the feeling I get again as I read it over a decade later.
April 23rd, 2011 at 3:15 pm
Gina Watkins Blog
Chapter 2 entitled “The Junkie” reminded me that God created this ministry just for me. Growing up, I can remember my many days spent with my father and his partner “Mr H” aka Heroin. It was never hidden from us that he was addicted to Heroin.. How could it be with the many signs of nodding off, emotional ups and downs and of course, finding his needles and paraphernalia all over the place. As I entered my teenage years, I covered up my home life with many lies but little did I know these experiences with a junkie dad birthed inside of me a desire to help others that were just like him. Reading how God could pull pastor sonny out of his mess always stirs me up in my faith knowing that God is able to do All things! And he especially loves to do those things that others say are impossible!
The poem at the end of chapter was harsh but so true. Drugs affect so many areas of life even if u are not the addict. There are so many children who are parentless, so many parents who are now childless, and many others that have been damaged by an addict loved one. I loved reading how our rehabs home were first inspired by Pastor David Wilkerson taking our Pastor Sonny in his home to show him how much God loved him. I’m so glad I’m reading this book again and I am so grateful for our founding pastors vision!!!
April 23rd, 2011 at 3:16 pm
Nicole’s Blog
Chapter Four
Living for God
Wow rereading this chapter really opened my heart to see that we are not alone. When Pastor Sonny had to go to court he prayed to God under his breath: God you know what’s best for me – your will be done, and just give me the strength to stay in your will Lord. He prayed that and what happened? God set him free from jail…Sometimes we just got to leave it to God he knows what’s best.
As i was reading on in the chapter Pastor Sonny got to the point were he was getting bored, and was spending less and less time in his bible and in prayer. He felt everyone was trying to get rid of him by sending him to bible school. This just spoke to me because a couple of months ago i was feeling like Pastor Sonny getting bored felt like nothing was going right less and less in my word and praying and didn’t understand why. I begin to talk to my pastors leaders and i realize that i wasn’t in God perfect will i was doing things my way and not listening to his voice. So i stop doing it my way and let God work in me. Now i can say i am in God will just like Pastor Sonny going to the bible school.. Sometimes we think we are doing things Gods way but it’s really our way and we are not going to be happy our way and sooner or later God will show us that’s not my will..
April 23rd, 2011 at 3:17 pm
Crystal’s Blog
Chapter 5
“Two Becoming One”
Well I certainly am not married yet! But its amazing to see how God brings together a great man and a great woman.
In this Chapter, Sister Julie prayed and fasted that God would take the thoughts of Pastor Sonny out of her mind. But then God told her that Pastor Sonny would be her husband. Its crazy how we ask God for certain things, but sometimes His answer is not always what we want. Even though God had told Sister Julie it was going to be hard, she was still willing. I know for myself, when God challenges me, I become afraid because it requires going somewhere I never been before. Sometimes we become so worried about how everything is going to happen, but all God wants us to do is be obedient, and let him take care of the rest.
After reading this Chapter, I started to reflect on how far God brought me all because I was willing. I could have ran from the calling of God but I chose to be obedient. Because Sister Julie was obedient, God took care of her, and her life is now blessed. Just imagine the next time we say yes to God, could be the begining of something extraordinary!
April 23rd, 2011 at 3:19 pm
Andrea’s Blog
After reading Chapter 6, I am encouraged and inspired by Pastor Sonny’s determination throughout the chapter. In the beginning of the chapter he tells about how he and Julie struggled and went without. Yet he did not give up and get a job, he continued until he graduated. Julie is a great example of a wife for me because going without and then Pastor Sonny going into full time ministry- traveling, and having a new baby she stood by him. When Pastor Sonny gets a word from God to start a church for drug addicts and that they are moving she is ready. When he tells her they are not moving she is ready. Her trust in God reflects in her trust in her husband.
I also wanted to reflect on the part in the chapter when Pastor Sonny describes his unhappiness and his feeling that something was missing in his life. He didn’t ignore it and let it pass he did something- he prayed. He separated himself determined to hear from God. And he did! Too many times I have had the same feelings shadowing me and so many times I ignored them. They did pass, but soon enough I caught up to those feelings again. Only through prayer and being in God’s perfect will have those feelings of emptiness and unhappiness really disappeared. Sometimes God’s plan for me has been something that didn’t make sense to me and even uncomfortable, but in the end when situations change for the better it is worth it. For example it is not easy that my husband is in the Men’s Home, but I know that our family is more blessed in so many ways today than ever before. Jeremiah 29: 11 For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
April 23rd, 2011 at 3:20 pm
Jessica’s Blog
CHAPTER 7
I can really relate to how Julie and Sonny’s relationship was in this chapter because of what I experienced in my own relationship. In the beginning years of marriage I too know what it was to have felt like not having enough communication and being left out of decisions and having to stay home with the kids; having to release your husband very much like Julie. But God made it good for Julie and Sonny and he will continue do the same for my husband and I and all the ladies who may have felt, or are currently feeling the same way.
April 23rd, 2011 at 3:20 pm
Anna’s Blog
Chapter 8 launching out
As I read this chapter it took me back to 1994 when my parents were pioneering the first Victory Outreach in Reno NV. I was about the age of 14 and can remember not wanting to leave my family and friends here in Sacramento, but God had a plan. Moving to a new city for me was hard because that meant a new school, and for a teenager that is the worst. I didn’t understand why we would move from our church family and friends who already loved us to move to a place where people don’t know or even care about you when all you want to do is help them.
If it was hard for me, I can only imagine how much more harder it was for Pastor Sunny and Julie. They didn’t have the support as we did. They started from ground up, all they had was God and each other. My heart went out to Sis Julie for what she went through; never having time with her husband, and when she did, he would tell her the devil was using her as a stumbling block but through it all, God’s plan was unfolding, the vision was being caught by the men that God was raising up. Gilbert and his wife Mary answered the call and had the vision; and from there our first Victory Outreach was birthed. Our founders and many others that were with them from the start paid a heavy price. The Vision continues on from generation to generation and is being caught all over the world.
April 23rd, 2011 at 3:21 pm
Monica’s Blog
CHAPTER 10
CHAPTER 10
There were two things that stood out to me in this chapter. The first was how real God’s principal of sowing and reaping is. The second was the unique and specific call that God had upon Pastor Sonny and Julie’s life. This call was to reach “Treasures out of Darkness”.
During this time in Pastor Sonny and Julie’s life they were at a new level not only in their Ministry, but also in their marriage. Pastor Sonny had come to understand the importance of not just working side by side with his wife in Ministry, but truly appreciating and being grateful for her. This season in their life seemed to be a time of reaping from what they had sown. Julie had sacrificed greatly by not always having her husband around, and even their children had sacrificed by having to share their parents and home with the men and women who came in for help. God blessed them with “The Hacienda Victoria” which means “ Home of Victory”. It was a spacious home for their family with a large pool and yard where their children could safely play. It was even located in an area with a good school district! God was showing them His provision and favor upon their family. As Pastor Sonny and Julie took care of God’s children, God was showing them that He would take care of theirs.
We might not all be called to bring drug addicts, prostitutes, and gang members into our homes, but whatever calling God has given us, He will provide what we need to fulfill it. He is faithful!
April 23rd, 2011 at 3:22 pm
Marissa’s Blog
Chapter 11
I am enjoying reading this book and learning about the history of our founders. But I definetly loved reading this chapter, because I also learned the history of Pastor Steve and Sis. Josey. I have gained appreciation for what Pastor Sonny and Sis. Julie did for them, because of that, Pastor Eddie and Sis. Thalia were birthed into the ministry and sent to Sacramento. To see how long that blessing has come is amazing. God is so good. I feel so blessed to be a part of that line of history and I am excited to continue it within my church.
April 23rd, 2011 at 3:24 pm
Sophie’s Blog
Chapter 12
How wonderful when GOD shows us revalation in our lives. In chapter 12 the Lord showed me that this is my 12th year being saved OMG. Sister Arlene Gonzalez delivered from childhood hurts, and so was I. It took awhile to be set free but GOD is Faithful to his word “Isiah 40:31″
This chapter is (so my) the beginning of my walk with GOD, and I can look back to see where GOD has brought me from. Never did I think that I could be happy; even when there is chaos, there is still joy in my heart. In the mens home, I can remeber when we also had to pray for all our needs, and seeing the faces of my children and the brothers when GOD would come through, is something I would never forget. My first air plane flight, those that were there would probably laugh, but it wasn’t funny then, but I’m glad I never quit. I still say I can’t but God says I can.
But, I owe it all to GOD and my Pastors Eddie and Thalia; they never gave up on me they are still showing me that everything is possible “Eph 4:13″ . In conclusion this chapter has shown me to value the time that I’ve had to share with my Pastors on a one on one basis. I know our church is going to have a new Revival, and after it will be in the Direction that GOD is leading our church, it’s going to be harder to have the quality time with them.
Thank you
April 23rd, 2011 at 3:26 pm
Vickie’s Blog
As I read chapter 13 “The Vision Expands”, this was Pastor Sonny & Sister Julie’s first trip to England. They were asked to come over and speak to the people and give their testimonies. The first thing I thought about was when Pastor Eddie, Pastor Bob and my husband, Curtis went on their first trip to South Africa. They got to see first hand how much the people there needed and wanted Victory Outreach just as Pastor Sonny & Sister Julie experienced on their trip to England. They were excited about being pioneers and helping to lead the way in getting the first church and recovery home set up there. I say this was their first trip as I know that they would all like to go back and probably will someday. I know that when they came home they were so on fire.
Also, in this chapter, Pastor Sonny & Sister Julie talked about their first and second conferences. They weren’t World Conferences then. They brought the leaders and Pastors from the churches they sent out back for a time of fellowship and gathering to learn what was going on in each of their lives. How excited Pastor Sonny and Sister Julie were to see all of their friends. Now look at the size of the World Conference that is coming up. They are expecting over 30,000 people. It is truly amazing how God has worked in their lives and to see how the vision has grown. I remember 3 years ago when Curtis and I went to our first World Conference. We ended up sharing a suite with Basil & Gina and their kids and Diane & Richard Luna and Mikey. It is amazing how that conference has brought us together as friends. We look forward to the World Conference this year and hope to see all of you there for another amazing God filled adventure.
April 23rd, 2011 at 3:29 pm
Ivonne’s Blog
CHAPTER 14
Chapter Fourteen
“The Nightclub”
As this chapter starts speaking of young people catching the vision I quickly think of our youth, its Amazing how young people chooses to serve God in a short age even though the world is against them. Now we see the results of their Obedience to God and how He has been taking them all over the world. That is the heart of a lot of us now days as well, we want to go and do what God wants us to, Catching our Pastor’s vision and Glorifying God as we touch peoples lives. I love to see our future generations getting equiped, from our children’s church they are already learning a lot about our Lord, we didn’t have it as good before and I can imagine how great and wonderful things they will do for the Lord.
I see the struggles getting their building and how God uses a nightclub to be used to have services but with Him everything is possible! He can turn things around for His Glory. We have been going around from building to building and yes we were having services in a nightclub as well, so that gives me hope to see the future for us, one day we will have our building as well where many lives will be transformed and used for God’s Glory!
April 23rd, 2011 at 3:30 pm
Gina Hussein’s Blog
This has been an awesome time of fasting; I would like to take the time to acknowledge a very special woman in my life who has been an example and an inspiration in my life, who has believed in me, who continues to pour into my life even when hers has been overwhelming. This amazing woman is my Pastors wife Sister Thalia Caraveo- she is Amazing. Thank You Thalia , I Love you!
In this chapter I was really inspired by Pastor Sonny and Sister Julie, it showed how amazing their marriage is. Pastor Sonny believed in his wife enough to send her to this auction and actually believe in her to bid on this building that would later become the Home of Victory Outreach. Sister Julie shares how Pastor Saul had to actually hold her from Shaking so much. This must have been a difficult decision to make, having to bid on a Building and not be able to go over two million dollars that they did not have. It was a great move of faith for them . Pastor Sonny talks about having an Exodus 35-22 experience and that also it trickled down to their congregation and they experienced A Great Move of God.
This reminded me of when God Called my husband and myself to ministry, as Directors of the Men and Women’s home. We had to pray and fast to know that this was the call of God for our lives. The Faith that the Lord gives us is Amazing, and because we answered that call , today my Marriage , My Children and my Grandbabies are so Blessed , not only that, but the Rewards of ministry are awesome. We have the Honor and Privilege to see first hand Men and Women’s lives restored to God; we get to see Families back together serving the Lord and involved in Ministry. Glory to God!!!
April 23rd, 2011 at 3:31 pm
Claudia’s Blog
Chapter 16
New Adventures in Ministry
Beginning a work takes team work. I love how Pastor Sonny and Julie did not look at the problem, but also envisioned the solution. They were blessed with a building that needed much work, but they knew that they had a team of people that were more than willing to lock arms with them in the task that they had before them. Each team would be responsible for a room in providing material and resources needed to beautify this vandalized building.
Each team whole heartedly took on the task with pride and joy. A people who were not afraid to labor or toil. On opening Sunday Pastor Sonny describes his overwhelming experience of finally crossing over, he reflects on the beautiful promises of God, the precious treasures out of darkness that now sit in his congregation rejoicing for all God has done. He reflects on the sacrificial times his children and wife had to go through years of hardship in the deserts of their life, where now they are fortunate to enter into their promise land. This was the beginning of what later would evolve into Victory Outreach International. Church’s began to rise in different parts of the country, Women’s ministry was established, and The Victory Outreach School of Ministry began to expand.
As I read this chapter I can reflect as a young girl experiencing many of the things. I have been in this ministry for over 22 year and in such a short time God has done astonishing things that one could never imagine done. I remember, visiting the La Puente Mother Church, I remember the beginning of United Women in Ministry and attending for the very first time Victory Outreach School of Ministry taught by Doug Hollis. It seems as if it was yesterday; look at what the Lord has done.
I can only imagine how much greater things are to come not only internationally, but locally in our local church. I know one day I too will reflect of the early beginning of Victory Outreach South Sacramento. I know that God will do the same here, because there is a people here who are fearless and serve God whole heartedly, we can only expect greatness to come forth. I can’t wait to see and reflect one day of what is to come, to my church here in Victory Outreach South Sacramento. I am so thankful and privileged, to have Pastors after God’s Heart, that have set the example as in the early days of Victory Outreach, and answered the call, sacrificed and surrendered their life, so that others may receive the message of Jesus Christ.
April 23rd, 2011 at 3:33 pm
Stephanie’s Blog
Restoring the Fallen
Chapter 17
I have read treasures out of darkness once before, but isn’t it so amazing how God knows what you need to hear, when you need to hear it? Well that’s exactly how I felt when I read this chapter of the book.
In chapter 17, Pastor Sonny speaks about a Man in the VO Ministry named Ray, who had faithfully served God for 16 years! He was a youth leader and soon became a Pastor. He had a great family and a Beautiful Wife. Nobody including Pastor Sonny, would have ever imagined, Ray would fall into sin, but he did.
This really spoke to me because I was like, Wow that’s crazy, how you would never think someone was going through something or in sin, unless you really took the time of day to sit and talk to this person? I really began to think; who is that one person I’m reaching out to who seams like they are perfectly fine? It is never too late, to pick someone out from the sea of sins they are drowning in. You really never know what that person might be thinking of doing, until you care.
This chapter also ministered to me, because in the past and just recently young girls will come up to me with problems and confessions of how they messed up, and I’m just like, “Are you serious right now, you’re saved and you’re still doing this?” Many times, I’ve had to check myself and realize, we are ALL HUMAN, WE WILL ALL MESS UP.
God Did not call perfect people to serve him! God called the hurting and the lost, to get saved through his mercy and grace and in that, we will find our purpose, which he has called us and set us apart for.
I can really apply this to my life, by extending an arm of mercy when I see someone is hurting, confused, or just needs to be encouraged to not fall into sin. We should be women of encouragement, to continue to Press on, to read our word, to seek God’s face, Because Pastor Ray did not fall overnight. His relationship with God became distant. When our relationship with God becomes distant, you forget what he did for you and you stop caring. Even though Pastor Ray and his wife went through trials, God turned his life around, because Ray truly Loved God, and repented and changed. Now, him and his wife Gina are on the ministerial staff reaching out the hurting people. “Only the lord can make a tragedy for a blessing!”
April 23rd, 2011 at 3:34 pm
Annabel’s Blog
Chapter 18
The International Vision
Upon reading this chapter one can only see the doors which only God opened for Pastor Sonny and Julie. Who would of known that they would take the invitation to tour England and Holland to experience the great manifestation for God almighty as well as churches planted internationally. There are a few things which stood out as I read the chapter, the first one was as Pastor Sonny was preaching in a rally setting in Arnhem, Holland, where he had an interpreter, as the crowed (young people) harassed him yelling “Get out of here,” Pastor Sonny knew who sent him and his name was Jesus. There was indeed a divine appointment for these young people and Pastor Sonny was not leaving the scene unless God was telling him to get out of there. Another point was during the chaos the interpreter was terrified of this crowed and asked if the should stop, Pastor Sonny said “NO! and if I get killed preaching the gospel then so be it! Thereafter, he continued with these words which captivated his audience, ” I don’t come to you with fancy words, but in the name of the Lord the one who set me free from heroin addiction.” Later on his interpreter would share that he felt the Holy Spirit and a certain man would confirm an answered prayer urging Sonny and Julie to go to Amsterdam to see the great need, International Churches were birthed.
When I was reading this I felt the power of the holy spirit come over me, as I continued reading, the rebellious massive crowd came to receive the Lord, the Holy Spirit fell on these young people. This excited me for these souls who were touched, moved and came to know God. My heart could not help the sense of brokenness for the lost, broken people and those who have turned their backs from God. I could not be more grieved today then ever before. I have the great power of Christ dwelling in me and it just wants to leash out, am I ready?
Matthew 19:26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. Philippians 4:13 “I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me”. I am reminded only through God, will this task ahead of me be accomplished and my main purpose on this earth is to see souls receive salvation, salvation is near to those as well as our families..
2 Corinthians 6:2B ” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.” Blessings
Blessings,
Annabel.
Rejoice in the Lord Always!