All Things Are Possible

Matthew 19:26 NIV - " Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."  Today we began our WOWgroup Global Fellowship NY meeting praising and worshiping God.  Minister Tanya Merced ministered in a praise dance " He Wants it All".  If you would like to see the praise dance click here or visit our Media page. 
Andrew began his message by showing us a clip from (Cinderella Play) Shoe Fits.  After the clip Andrew told us that the message today is about focusing on what God can make happen in your life if you don't give up.  The prince in the fairytale Cinderella thought he would never find his love and grew desperate.  We see this by the prince's actions.  The prince charming went all over the kingdom looking for Cinderella and he didn't give up until he found her.
Then Andrew reminded us that in the same way God wants us to seek Him and find Him.  When we put God first all things are possible, even those situations where we feel hopeless and uncertain we need to trust Him.  When man tries to fix things we make a mess out of things.  When we decide to do it ourselves we are rejecting God and we are telling Him we don't trust you.
In October 2007, Andrew was in a school play called High School Musical and he told us that he had a very difficult time with many of the scenes.  He was so frustrated with the basketball scene and the teacher kicked him out, because he couldn't toss the ball to the other players.  " My weakness was basketball not acting, but I was not given a chance," Andrew said.   God, however, knew how much I loved plays and knew that I would play prince charming this year. 
"I have to say that I did get the role and learned that God made it possible!" Andrew said joyfully.
Thank you Andrew for reminded each one of us that even though we may have disabilities or circumstances that may appear impossible ~ God tells us to trust Him and seek Him and He will give us the desires of our hearts.

The Giver

WOWgroup Global Fellowship NY had the opportunity of examining their spiritual gifts.  WOWgroup first began their meeting by watching a clip from the movie XMEN, if you would like to see the clip click here.  After watching this clip Minister Tanya Merced shared on how difficult it is to use the gift of prophecy ~ speaking forth the word of God for the building up of others.  Just like the mutants in the movie XMEN we can feel out of place and uncomfortable if we are not sure where our spiritual gifts belong.  Therefore it is important that we study the scriptures carefully and apply the Word in our churches so that our "gifts" can be used to edify and build the church.

WOWgroup Global Fellowship NY had the opportunity of taking a Spiritual Gift Analysis Survey online and discovered that many of our strengths were actually our spiritual gifts.

Other Gifts	The 5 Fold Ministry	The 9 Spiritual Gifts
Romans 12:6-8	Ephesians 4:11	1 Corinthians 12:1-14
Prophecy Ministry Teaching Exhortation Giving Leading Showing mercy (compassion)	Apostolic Prophetic Evangelical Pastoral Teaching	Wisdom Knowledge Discerning various spirits Speaking in tongues Interpretation of tongues Prophecy Faith Working of miracles Healing

It is important to note that some of us may not be gifted in evangelism as others, but in Matthew 28:18-20 it states that we are called to evangelize whether or not we have the gift.  The Lord commands us to witness, love and to disciple the nations.  Our God will supply and equip us according to our need.

You Can Do Anything with God by your side!

WOWgroup Global Fellowship NY had an awesome time learning and studying God's Word.

Minister William Merced Jr. brought a timely message about how we can become more effective in our walk with God. Not only are we to read His word, but we are to truly be doers of God's word. Minister William Merced Jr. gave personal accounts on how we can be instruments of God. At times sharing the gospel is enough, but clothing, feeding, and helping those in need is the heart of God. Moreover, we must be compassionate like Jesus. God is all about love and we too must be love.

John 3:16-17 (New King James Version)

¹⁶ For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. ¹⁷ For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

WOWgroup Global Fellowship NY also had the privilege of having Andrew W. Merced teach Sunday School. Andrew W. Merced first began his lesson with a Sunday School Song called Clap Your Hands. After the song he told the children the story about a giant and a shepherd boy named David. Andrew handed out coloring pages and asked the children to point to the boy and the giant.

Andrew then read the following Memory Verse: " And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord's and he will give you into our hands." 1 Samuel 17:47

Andrew asked the children what they learned and they said they learned that a little boy named David defeated a giant. Andrew told them yes, but the most important thing for us to remember is that it doesn't matter how old we are or how we look. God looks in our hearts. God fights our battles and therefore we are not alone. We can do anything with God by our side. Andrew then showed the children a special God Rock film with David and Goliath. What a fantastic lesson.

WOWgroup Global Fellowship NY is so proud of Andrew W. Merced. Andrew does not allow autism to stop him from achieving the very best. God wants our best.

Using God's Approach

WOWgroup Global Fellowships NY

At times it may be very difficult to do it God's way. Minister William Merced shared such a powerful message about using God's approach instead of ours.

We were asked to look at two pictures and discuss how these pictures made us feel. One of the pictures made us think of relaxation, joy, fun and the other made us feel sad, depressed, gloomy.

Matthew 6:22-23 (NLT)

²² “Your eye is a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is good, your whole body is filled with light. ²³ But when your eye is bad, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is!

Minister William Merced Jr. gave us examples about his childhood and shared how many of the things he saw he adapted, because he thought they were good. Moreover, examples such as smoking, becoming an abuser, drugs stems from what our eye sees and then internalizes it.

It is our responsibility as believers to represent the light and not to fill our eyes with things that are in darkness. One great example that was used by Minister William Merced Jr. was a conversation that he had at his place of employment. Minister William Merced Jr. stated " I found myself talking negatively about my employer and quickly I knew I had to stop and say instead of talking badly let us pray for that person". The conversation was quickly stopped, but Minister William Merced learned a valuable lesson he (the light) had the power to change the atmosphere from (darkness) back to light.

Spring Garden Party

WOWgroup Gelasia Women's Group Gelasia welcomed Spring with a Garden Theme Party. Throughout the evening the Gelasia ladies enjoyed words, sounds, laughter and food that welcomed Spring. Gelasia ladies played seed games, flower power games, relay races and as the night quieted down each Gelasia lady decorated her own flower pot. At the end of the evening prizes were won, flowers were sent with cards crafted with kindness. “Spring makes its own statement, so loud and so clear that the gardener seems to be only one of the instruments, not the composer.” Geoffrey Garsworth

The Church Must Become as One

WOWgroup Global Fellowships NY had the privilege today in having Andrew W. Merced share his gift of song with us. Moreover, Andrew W. Merced reminded us of the importance of unity within the Body of Christ.

Andrew a teen with Asperger Syndrome does not let that stop him. I am so amazed at how God uses Andrew to capture our attention. Andrew began his lesson with a song from the Disney movie " Tangled". If you would like to see some of Andrew's singing click here.

After the song Andrew showed another clip from the movie "Tangled". If you would like to see some of the clip click here. Then WOWgroup Global Fellowship was asked to describe what was the message in the movie. Andrew then stated that the church must focus on becoming as one. Today many churches are divided and are not following the Word of God. We must learn to work as a team. It doesn't matter what church we belong to, or how we praise God, what matters is that we have salvation in Christ Jesus.

Then Andrew led us to the following scripture verses: Acts 2:42-47 (NIV)

The Fellowship of the Believers

⁴² They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. ⁴³ Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. ⁴⁴ All the believers were together and had everything in common. ⁴⁵ They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. ⁴⁶ Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, ⁴⁷ praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Luke 10:27 (NIV)

²⁷ He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’, and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.”

After the reading of the scriptures Andrew shared a personal testimony about a friend he met at Park Slope Christian Center who no longer attends, but that made a great impact on his life. Andrew told us that he was sitting by himself at a table while all the other teens were busy talking to their friends and that Anthony came to his table. Andrew told us that Anthony didn't look at his color or race nor that he was different than the other kids. Anthony started speaking with him and reached out to him. Andrew finished his experience by stating that Anthony made him feel happy and accepted.

Truly God was speaking to us. Andrew finished his message by reminding WOWgroup Global Fellowship that we must do our very best to be like the disciples from the early church.

Phil 2:2
² then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.

God Wants You to Hold On!

WOWgroup Global Fellowship NY started it's celebration with worship and praise. Minister Tanya Merced and son Andrew performed a mime called Hold on (Toby Mac). The mime reminded WOWgroup Global Fellowships that we must not give up, but keep on going no matter how difficult it may get, because at the end we are victors.

If you would like to see the mime (Hold On) Click Here

Following the mime WOWgroup Global Fellowship NY was asked to describe a horse. Many of the words that were used to describe the horse were the following: loyal, fierce, smart, stubborn, fast, powerful, etc. After this 2 minute exercise we read the following scripture:
Job 39:19-25(NIV)
¹⁹ “Do you give the horse its strength
or clothe its neck with a flowing mane?
²⁰ Do you make it leap like a locust,
striking terror with its proud snorting?
²¹ It paws fiercely, rejoicing in its strength,
and charges into the fray.
²² It laughs at fear, afraid of nothing;
it does not shy away from the sword.
²³ The quiver rattles against its side,
along with the flashing spear and lance.
²⁴ In frenzied excitement it eats up the ground;
it cannot stand still when the trumpet sounds.
²⁵ At the blast of the trumpet it snorts, ‘Aha!’
It catches the scent of battle from afar,
the shout of commanders and the battle cry.

Minister Tanya Merced than shared a clip from "Secretariat". If you would like to see the clip from the movie click here. Key Points we learned from watching the clip. We see God's awesome's power through one of His most majestic and mighty creatures. God wants us to be all those things we described loyal, fierce, powerful, steadfast, courageous, etc.

So many times we stop short of fulfilling our potential, because we put limitations on ourselves. Would the Lord place these limitations on us? Or instead, we like the horse can run the race , forget about the limitations and realize our full potential is in Jesus Christ our Lord.

The Power of One

WOWgroup Global Fellowship NY ~

Today is the 2nd day of 2011 a brand New Year! Isn't it wonderful that we can start brand new. I love the fact that the past is just that it's over and done with. Today is a brand new day and God wants to pour into us something new.

Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV
" Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up: do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

WOWgroup Global Fellowship NY ~ Celebrated it's first meeting of the year with new worship songs by Israel Houghton and William McDowell. We then had Holy Communion. WOWgroup Fellowship NY was reminded that when we partake in Communion, we are in fellowship with Christ Jesus. In John 6:53:56 we read the Words of Jesus and He is saying that by partaking in Communion we are in a fellowship that allows God to impart His very life on us.

The Power of One~Minister Tanya Merced delivered the message of "The Power of One". "The Power of One," can change and transform people. It's not about church buildings and all the things we associate with "church". It is the Power of the living Word living inside each believer that can alter and change lives. If you can change just one person that person in turn empowers and transforms a whole generation ~ their family and so on. We can not get caught up in the number game.

We then gathered the children and adults together to complete the following activity " Image of God". We had the girls give a definition of what an "Image" was and had the adults also give a definition. Next, we gave the dictionary definition: " a physical likeness or representation of a person, animal, or thing, photographed, painted, sculptured, or otherwise made visible."

Then I hid two pictures of each girl in my hand and described the girls using a vague description. Each girl guessed correctly and was asked if the picture was the actual person? They responded "NO!" Minister Tanya Merced explained in the same way, we are created in the "Image of God". We are not God, but created to be like Him and reflect what He is like.

2 Cor. 3:18
"And all of us have had that veil removed so that we can be mirrors that brightly reflect the glory of the Lord. And as the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like Him and reflect His glory even more".

Minister Tanya Merced then took a mirror and had everyone look at themselves. Each person was asked what do you see and the children were the first to respond" The Glory of God".

WOWgroup Global Fellowship NY understood 2 things from this lesson:

1. We can use words to describe Jesus, but if we can show others His image in us, they will be able to recognize Him more easily.

2. How can we do this? We can be mirrors!

By us reflecting God's image, others will be able to recognize Him. We can use words to describe Jesus, but if others can see an image of Him in us, they will be able to recognize Him more easily.

WOWgroup Global Fellowship NY ended their Sunday celebration with personal declarations and decrees for the New Year 2011!

Can We Continue to Have Faith in Change?

WOWgroup Global Fellowship NY had the privilege of listening to Wandy Dargan's testimony. Wandy shared how the Lord brought her to a retreat and how her life was changed in that weekend.

Below you will read some of Wandy's testimony and how God met her that day. It is amazing to know that God meets us right where we are at. I love the fact that I am witnessing a miracle right before my eyes. I thank the Lord for Wandy and her family. I know that this is just the beginning ~ the best is yet to come.

Can we continue to have faith in change?
It all started around a year ago. I was invited to a retreat with a spiritual co worker. I had been feeling out of it... Not in tune with myself... and in actuality ready to give everything up. I had been thinking where am I going and what was my purpose? I went along for the ride with a lot of doubt and not knowing what was I in store for. The weekend of June 26th - 28th changed my life as I would know it forever. I considered this weekend my rebirth. The 1st song that I listened to was Wrap Me In Your Arms......and I cried and cried......I cried out and asked Him to bring me back to Him.

Psalms 40:1-3 (The Living Bible)
I waited patiently for God to help me; then He listened and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out from the bog and the mire, and set my feet on a hard, firm path and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, of praises to our God. Now many will hear of the glorious things He did for me, and stand in awe before the Lord, and put their trust in Him.

After this weekend I knew that my true battle would begin. Walking righteous is never an easy thing to do. I try to keep my cool and stay in faith but one can have many people around trying to bring down one’s faith. I always felt that I was in a pit and I could never get out. I’ve complained, I’ve cried but one thing I have never done was call out for help. Now that I walk on a new path I know that I Trust in the Lord with all my your heart; do not depend on my your own understanding. Seek his will in all that i you do, and he will show me you which path to take.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)

Recently I had a student who lost everything to a house fire. A month later, my in-laws lost almost everything to a house fire....Would they give up faith? Would they question why? NO! My mother in law cried out and prayed as we all prayed. Slowly but surely they are receiving blessing after blessing.

So my questions to everyone is this can you have faith in change?? Can you continue to keep faith in change? And my answer to this is Yes! Never give up faith, never give up on a good change ….. Seek, and Cry out your prayers will be heard and answered! Remember He never leaves us alone!

A Heart of Thanksgiving

WOWgroup Global Fellowships enjoyed a wonderful evening with friends and family.
We rejoiced and gave thanks to the Lord for reminding us of all His goodness.

The evening began with Minister Richard Altreche welcoming us to the Thanksgiving Feast. Then Worship Leader Melisa Altreche ushered us into the sweet presence of the Lord reminding us of His amazing love.

Our Pastor Dr. Sandrie Serrano Smith and Rev. Erick Cruz Smith greeted us with love and encouraged WOWgroup Global Fellowships to forge forward and that together we can reach the nations.

Our special speaker for the night was Richard Altreche Jr., who I must say did an excellent job in reminding us that everyday should be a day of Thanksgiving. We should be thankful, because everything the Lord makes is good. Psalm 92
We should rejoice just like that one man from Samaria who was healed from Leprosy. Luke 17:11-19 Why did the others not come back? Do we take things for granted? Do we take God's generosity for granted? Surely we want the Father to look upon us with His love at all times ~ in the good and the bad.

WOWgroup Global Fellowships Ministers then prayed for the Hand-Made baby blankets that will be donated to mothers in need. If anyone would like to be part of this amazing ministry (Heartfelt Treasures) please contact:

1-856-982-1559
1-443-801-7454
e-mail: wow@wowgroup.info

Rejoice In the Lord Always

WOWGROUP GLOBAL FELLOWSHIP NJ ~ WOWGROUP GLOBAL FELLOWSHIP NY

Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice. WOWgroup Global Fellowships gathered and reflected and thanked the Lord for His faithfulness, mercy, grace, favor,love and goodness.

The testimonies we heard today propelled each one of us and reminded us that God is in the business of restoration, multiplication, and transformation.

WOWgroup Global Fellowships have determined to forge forward and remain focus in the race.

Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, gladden yourselves in Him]; again I say, Rejoice!
Philippians 4:4

In Order for God to Show Up ~ You have to Give Up Something!

WOWgroup Global Fellowship NY

Minister William Merced Jr. delivered a powerful message and helped us understand that in order for God to show up in our lives we must be willing to give up those things that stop God from helping us. Minister William Merced Jr. used Genesis 22:1-12 as an example of a man who was willing to give up his son. Abraham trusted and obeyed the Lord and as a result God sent an angel to intervene on his behalf. We were reminded that we must be willing to give up those things that get in the way(pride, resentment, jealousy, anxiousness, bitterness, and fear) in order to allow God to intervene and bring us to the next level. Many of us are stuck and are not seeing God's hand, because we are not willing to give up those sinful natures. We were reminded that we cannot expect God to do everything. We must first do our very best and then God does the rest. What are you willing to give up in order to see God intervene in your situation?

WOWgroup Global Fellowship NY ~ Children's Church

It was truly a blessing watching the Lord move amongst the children. First the children gathered together and played with one another. They shared and interacted very quietly. Afterwards TAG ~ Truly Anointed Girls gathered together to dance and worship to Mary Mary Shackles Off My Feet. It was amazing to see how Brianna a 4 year old girl helped to choreograph their first praise dance and how Cami and Mykayla followed her lead.

Afterwards Andrew gathered the girls and read them a bible story the Ten Commandments. Andrew then showed a God Rocks DVD video that showed the girls about the Ten Commandments. Andrew then gave each girl a coloring page with the scripture about obeying God's Commandments (RULES). He told them when you follow God's rules you are showing Him that you love Him and then He is pleased and makes you happy. Andrew then prayed for the girls and blessed them. WOW!

If you would like to see the highlights of children church click here

Matt 11:25 At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.