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.

I'm Free

WOWgroup Global Fellowship NJ
had an awesome time worshipping the Lord and thanking Him for making them FREE.

Minister Richard Altreche delivered a powerful message about knowing the truth and understanding that when Jesus sets you free ~ JOHN 8:32, 8:36 you are free indeed!

The following are just some highlights of that anointed message:

1. Many believers have read these versus John 8:32 "Then you will know the truth, and the truth shall set you free." John 8:36 "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed," yet many still have not grabbed hold of its meaning.

2. Although many do believe and have confessed Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior they are still living their life in bondage to many other things. For example, going back to old traditions, old practices, habits, customs (Religion)which the apostle Paul addresses in Galatians 4:8-11.

3. Religion has somehow infiltrated our lines of defense and has stationed itself within our ranks. Christians that follow the law or anything that pertains to it are therefore neglecting the Gift of Salvation, which is given to us through Grace by God for all who believe.

4. The Body of Christ must awaken; we have lost so much valuable time. We are Free and we must understand that emotions can lead us to a life of slavery.

We must stand, be watchful, and learn to recognize the chains that would steal your liberty away.

Bible References: 2 Cor. 3:17, Galatians 5:22

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

WOWgroup Global Network NY ~ Women's Group ~ Gelasia

Wowgroup Global Network NY ~ Women's Group ~ Gelasia had their very first Gelasia Game Night.

Gelasia is Greek for Smiling Lady. Many of us have different relationships in our lives, and of course that is important. Yet it's the women in our lives who add silly laughter, endless hours of conversation, caring for us when we are ill, and a loving ear when we are hurting. The truth is we are more relaxed when we are amongst women friends. There is a need to make connections with other women.

Wowgroup Global Network NY ~ Women's Group ~ Gelasia understands that each one of us can build stronger lives on the strength of our connections with other women. Why not gather in one room, each member bringing their unique selves to share with others, so all of us can grow and build stronger lives. In today's busy world, we need to find a place that is there for us, and building a community of women adds a love of value to our lives.

GOD HAS YOUR BACK

WOWgroup Global Fellowship NY & WOWgroup Global Fellowship NJ

Both Fellowships gathered and rejoiced as Worship Leader Melisa lead worship with her acoustic guitar. Lord your Amazing echoed in the air and the sweet sound of Melisa's strumming helped us stay in tune. Next, we sang King of Glory and this time the Holy Spirit joined us as we rejoiced and worshiped our King of Kings. It was absolutely glorious.

We were then blessed by Princess Cortes as she worshiped our Lord in a sweet song in Spanish. We were reminded that Princess began ministering at the sweet age of 3. I love how God is molding Princess into a beautiful young lady.

Minister Lillian Altreche then Ministered in song. While Minister Lillian Altreche worshiped the Lord the room was saturated with His anointing. Truly an amazing moment.

WOWgroup Global Fellowships had a small task and that was to observe Dry Sand and Wet Sand. They were to observe the Dry Sand when it moved and when it was damp and then they were to observe when the Sand was saturated with water and observe if an imprint could be made. WOWgroup Global Fellowships broke up into partnerships and shared their ideas.

Jeremiah 5:22

I made the sand a boundary for the sea,
an everlasting barrier it cannot cross.
The waves may roll, but they cannot prevail;
they may roar, but they cannot cross it.

Minister Tanya Merced brought forth the message and reminded WOWgroup Fellowships that God is totally in control and that we have nothing to fear.

Intercession Changes Lives

WOWgroup Global Fellowship NY was reminded of the greatest intercessor of them all ~ Jesus Christ. Minister William Merced and son Andrew created a skit based on Carmen's song The Courtroom: Mission 3:16 and Revelation.

WOWgroup Global Fellowship NY's mission is to build up families and communities where everyone feels accepted, supported, challenged, and affirmed. In addition, our special needs population is proving time and time again that all of us have gifts and talents that God can use. Thank you Andrew for showing us that no matter what All things are possible with God!

If you would like to see Andrew's Skit click here: The Courtroom

Minister Tanya Merced mentioned 3 points we could learn from Abraham's Intercessory Prayer.

1. Boldness (Confidence) we need to be confident before the Lord in order to ask God to change His mind or His action. Ephesians 2:18

2. The Lord's Character and Word - In order to appeal on behalf of others we need to know God's attributes.

For great examples of intercessors in the bible read:
Exodus 32:9-14 Daniel 9:4-19 Amos 7:2-6

3. Persistence-Continue praying until the answer is given. Luke 11:5-13; Luke 18:1-8

Maintaining a Relationship during the Mountaintops &Valleys

Maintaining a relationship with the Father when things are going great is easy, but what happens when we find ourselves deep in the crevices of the valleys?

Minister William Merced Jr. shared a powerful word with WOWgroup Global Fellowship NY and gave us great examples from the Word of God.

David a great king led his army, but they were losing and he was afraid. We learn from the scriptures that David had to speak the Word and remind himself that God was dependable. God never let him down before. God knew that David was afraid, but through David's sacrificial praise and thanksgiving even when he was at the lowest was acceptable to the King of Kings. The Lord's Word was something that David knew he could hold onto no matter what. Today we learned that as long as we have a firm foundation on the Word of God we can make it through the valleys and on the mountaintops.

1 Chronicles 29:10
David praised the Lord in the presence of the whole assembly, saying, "Praise be to you, O Lord, God of our father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting.

Psalm 56:3
When I am afraid, I will trust in you.

Psalm 56:4
In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?

1 Chronicles 29:11-13
Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. [12] Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. [13] Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.

WOWgroup Fellowship NJ - 7/11/10

By Minister Tanya Merced

WOWgroup Fellowship NJ was privileged in having guest speaker Johnny Rivera and wife Carmen Rivera teach on the topic of Conquering and Drawing Close to the Heart of God. Guest Speaker Johnny Rivera referred to Esther 2:17 and Esther 2:13 and showed how Esther and Mordecai represent Christ and His divine plan.

After listening carefully to this message we learned that we have a divine purpose. We are the channel that God uses to draw others to the kingdom. Esther used her inner and outer beauty to persuade the King and to save her people. Esther did not rush, but she observed, she studied and learned that the King loved banquets and therefore used her request wisely.

An intelligent leader knows the heart of the King (Jesus) we not only talk like Jesus, but our walk reflects Jesus both inside and out.

Focus on Perfection - May 30, 2010

By Minister Tanya Merced

Hurricane Harbor was a blast! Willie, Andrew and I worshiped in our car on our way to Six Flags Great Adventure. The journey about 45minutes to an 1hr without traffic. Since we didn't have any particular praise music planned, my son Andrew requested that we sing What it means? By Jeremy Camp. I am going to post the lyrics to this beautiful song so that you too can experience the power that transpired in our old beat up 1993 Black Le Toyota Camry :)

What it means By Jeremy Camp

I’ve been here a thousand times before...
Face down on the floor
Wondering how I even reached this place again

But you’ve shown so endlessly,
How your love pours over me,
No picture can re-create the beauty that I see

Show me What It Means,
To live my life a sacrifice,
If only I would realize how much
It took to pay the price,
I know I’d always give,
Everything to you

I want this world to always see
Your perfect majesty,
Reflecting from my life this brilliant poetry

Written all over this place,
The signs of all creation that you breathed,
Words can’t even state how much you mean to me

I want to face my very crime,
Of not always giving all of mine,
But I can feel the hope you bring to me

---------------------------------------
Perfect Creation

Since we were on the road and I did not plan a message ahead of time I decided that we needed to be very sensitive and have God lead us through the scriptures. Andrew and Willie waited patiently as I turned the pages of my IPHONE. I was about to begin with Daniel, but I felt the Holy Spirit tugging at my heart and say go to the very beginning. Next, I asked Andrew to turn to Genesis Chapter 1 and we each took turns reading the scriptures aloud. We focused on the different things that God created and how He blessed them and commanded each one to be fruitful and increase. God reminded us that there was a conversation in the heavens and that when He created us in His image and likeness He said it was good. Not only did God say we are good He blessed everything He made and commanded it to be fruitful, multiply and increase. We are called to worship God and produce fruit not only in us, but others.

Freedom to Love Him

The following paragraphs might cause several eyebrows to raise or heads to nod in agreement, but the truth of the matter is that I have made up my mind. Reading Beth Moore's Get Out of The Pit kind of gave me more of a push. I am not being prideful, but honest. I have to admit that years ago I would not have dared to go to an outing on a Sunday for fear that I was committing a great sin against God. I thought that I was not keeping the Sabbath and that I was backsliding. Then reading the scriptures, studying the scriptures and spending time with other believers who were free to worship the Lord helped me to realize that I wasn't really free to Love Jesus at all. Christians are saved by grace. When I read Romans 14:5-6 and Colossians 2:16 I understood that the bible has no explicit biblical command that either Saturday or Sunday be a day of Worship. These scriptures tell me that Christians have the freedom to observe a special day, or to observe every single day not just Saturday and Sunday.

Why am I taking the time to write this? Many of us feel that if we miss a day of "Church" or do not enter a building we are not right with God. Again when I read the scriptures it tells me that whenever two or more are gathered in His name that is where Jesus abides (Matthew 18:20).
Jesus said "I will build my church" (Matthew 16:18) Jesus believed the church was so valued and important to Him that He gave His life for it (Ephesians 5:25) We too are called to love the church as Jesus did. The Greek word for "church" is ekklesia, which means assembly. Among Christians the word means all who believe in Christ.

Theologians use Luke as example, the first time Luke uses it He writes, " great fear seized the whole church (Acts 5:11). Luke did not have to explain to the people of that time what the word church meant, because the readers used it in their everyday language. It meant all Christians, not just those who were present there. "The Church" means all disciples of Christ. It refers to people, not a building.

It is important to note that I am not advocating that we should be Lone Rangers, or that " The Church" not meet with other believers. On the contrary, (Hebrews 10:25) tells us that we should meet with one another. Believers need to fellowship so that we can encourage one another, have a sense of belonging, we need to be accountable to one another. God has given each person unique and different abilities so that we can work as one body (1 Corinthians 12:4-7). Together we can accomplish the great commission that Jesus commanded us to do and that is to go out and make disciples of all the nations.

WOWgroup Global Fellowship NY invites you to freely love Jesus with all of your might and understand that " We are the Church" and together we can make a difference.

Building Leaders Who Can Lead and Serve ~ May 16th 2010

by Minister Tanya Merced

WOWgroup Fellowship NY

It was a beautiful day at WOWgroup Fellowship NY. Minister William Merced Jr. and Minister Tanya Merced welcomed family and friends into their home. One of the most amazing things that happened during our meet was that WOWgroup Fellowship NJ and WOWgroup Fellowship NY both collaborated as one unit.

WOWgroup Fellowship NY was expecting 10 people at the meet, but the Lord doubled that number. One of the guest asked me if that was a bad thing? I replied of course not it is an absolute blessing! Truly it was a blessing.

Grace Flows Down

Truly this part of the meeting was very special to me. Let me explain why. First, I decided that although I am a plus-size woman now that I should not let that hinder my worship. Why do I say that? When I was younger and did not serve the Lord I was a dancer. I was not a professional dancer, but new every single street dance, club dance and modern jazz movement there was at the time. I was not a plus-size young girl and so I was very comfortable moving my arms, waist, legs, and every other part that could move to music. Then I met a christian plus-size woman who taught me how to praise dance. Truly I learned that the size didn't matter, but my heart in other words, my true worship was the key factor. I must admit that ministering in dance in front of people still makes me very nervous, but it's not about me. I want to thank Unashamed Outreach Services director Olga Robinson for inspiring me to dance. Thank you Ruthy and Melisa for making me excited about praise dancing again.

If you would like to see the praise dance " Grace Flows Down," Click Here.

Noah's Ark Story

WOWgroup Fellowship NY knows that everyone is accepted into the kingdom of God. Special Needs people are able and capable of sharing the gospel of Christ. Andrew in his unique way blessed our hearts. Although it was difficult to catch up with his speed reading and singing. He showed us that he was a team player.

Building Walls Activity

WOWgroup Fellowship NY gave a mini assignment to each team. Before we began the assignment 2 lovely assistants Briana age 3 and Cami age 5 gave each team a bag filled with wooden blocks. Each team was also given a sheet of paper and markers. The task was to build a wall sturdy enough to resist natural disasters and outside intrusion, however, everytime they heard a train whistle they had to come to a complete halt. The teams soon learned that the whistle was a bit annoying, but what was frustrating was rebuilding the wall everytime an outside force came. Thanks to my assistants who kicked a few planks. After the activity each team chose a speaker to share their experiences.

Building Leaders Who Can Lead and Serve
This message was truly a collobarative team effort. I taught on Nehemiah Chapter 2:17-18 and spoke about the importance about having leaders identify with the people. In order to rebuild or build as a team, a leader must first learn how to guide and inspire. A leader must also motivate others to see the vision. What better way of identifying with a leader who has a servant's heart first.

Then Minister William Merced Jr. spoke about using our giftings and talents to serve and lead the people. Minister William Merced Jr. shared his personal testimony and how he was able to make a difference at his job without speaking about Jesus. You see the presence of the Lord is inside of us and wherever we go we shine.

Dr. Sandrie S. Smith also taught us how Nehemiah created jobs for the community. Nehemiah was a business man and applied biblical principles and succeeded. Dr. Sandrie S. Smith reminded us that our first business is our home and that Nehemiah is a great example of man of God who put a plan of action in place. We were also reminded of God's plan for each one of us.

" 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." Jeremiah 29:11

Unashamed Outreach Worship Conference ~ 5/15/10

Unashamed Outreach Worship Ministry invited WOWgroup Global Fellowships to teach on the topic of Esther and Mordecai. Keynote Speaker was our very own Dr. Sandrie S. Smith and Minister Richard Altreche. It was an awesome collaborative team effort.

Mercy Seat
Minister Lillian Altreche ushered us closer to the mercy seat of the Father. What a sweet reminder that we can run to Jesus and find mercy and His grace, which covers us and provides the healing that we need each and everyday.

If you would like to listen and experience Minister Lillian Altreche's worship, "Mercy Seat" Click Here.

Esther
Dr. Sandrie S. Smith spoke about the importance of our first ministry, which is our home. Our first ministry is our family (Spouse and Children) " You want to be loved ~ You have to love," were the words shared by our keynote speaker. Dr. Sandrie S. Smith compared a patient husband on his wedding night waiting for his lovely bride to the relationship of Jesus. Moreover, Dr. Sandrie S. Smith emphasised that "God doesn't want to change who we are, however, He wants to sharpen us". Using personal stories and real experiences is something Dr. Sandrie S. Smith does proficiently and eloquently. The heart of the message is that God is consistent, patient and is always working in us. One of the questions that was posed to the congregation was the following: Are we perfect? You could have heard a pin drop. But then the word reminded us that we are indeed perfect, created in His image. The righteousness of God. Therefore we are His prescence. We must let God reign. Esther had the right identity. We learned that she knew how to function and when to move. Esther had the right character.

Mordecai
Minister Richard Altreche demonstrated how some of us don't get the position, because we did not act upon it. We are in a beautification process. "You have been put in a position it's time to act". Minister Richard Altreche reminded us that maybe we have a Mordecai who is telling us that is time. Do not let fear set in~righteous are we.

The important key ~ we have to be courageous, plan and make time. Esther did not move on her own.

If you would like to hear some of the highlights of Minister Richard Altreche's message
Click Here