Lee Malauala-New Zealand Generations National Coordinator
How did you learn about Aglow? Through a friend working at Aglow (Salote Lesa).
What are your greatest needs as a young Christian leader? My greatest need is God, and then fruits. I need people to know Jesus and experience an authentic God.
How has Aglow challenged you to fulfill the role God has for you as a young Christian leader? I have a heart for young people, and Aglow has supplied that opportunity with full trust in me.
What excites you about Aglow’s Generations Initiative? Seeing young people influenced by ministry they can relate to.
From your perspective, why is it important for the older generation to invest in the lives of younger generations? The older carry so much experience, and they have been through things we may not have yet, so they are able to call us and lead us through the 'dark tunnel' situations when things become unknown.
Heather Barclay-Generations Leader in Great Britain:
How did you learn about Aglow? Through my mom, when I was 14 years old. I went to my first meeting with her. I was so amazed by the testimonies I heard about real relationships with God.
What is your Aglow group like (how often do you meet, what do you connect over, etc.)? Generations meetings are breakfast one Thursday then lunch the next Thursday. We take two weeks break then meet again. We hold family days every few months on a Saturday. Thursday morning we have a reading and a discussion. It has been amazing how the reading that’s been brought has had relation to the women present. At both meetings there is time for prayer, but lunch is more a social occasion with play time for kids and moms but always good conversation, building and supporting each other in the group.
What are your greatest needs as a young Christian leader? Our greatest need, I think, is support and a good team to work with.
How has Aglow challenged you to fulfill the role God has for you as a young Christian leader? Through Aglow I have been encouraged, guided, taught, loved and stretched into the gifts God has given me. Now equipped, I thought I best do something with it. So I have!
What excites you about Aglow’s Generations Initiative? It relates to me. We are part of this generation; it involves me, my friends, my kids and our future. The possibilities for us are endless, and it shows how we’re not forgotten. God is here for us too, for this time, with our destinies to fulfill.
How have you benefited from an Aglow-affiliated mentor? Having a mentor has been the best thing ever. It builds your confidence. She helps me through situations and gives wisdom and advice. I’ve made a new friend.
From your perspective, why is it important for the older generation to invest in the lives of younger generations? We are the generation that will take over from the one above. We respect their wisdom and advice. I feel there are a lot of lost young people with no hope or aspiration in life. I would hope that they would be encouraged still to take back their families and communities for God and for their family’s future.
What ministry opportunities are you considering (or are you pursuing) currently? Aglow has challenged me to be a part of my church and in all aspects of my life. I now know that He is with me wherever I go. I feel God is putting people in my path for those conversations and opportunities that you don’t get often, and I am recognizing the chances He has given me to share about Him.
What would you say to convince another young leader to become involved in Aglow? It’s a fantastic opportunity to reach out across the world and see what God is doing. Aglow tries to reach all aspects of people’s needs. You feel like you’re on the front line of what God’s doing. To be a part of a strong, loving and growing family is amazing.
What would you say to convince a more mature believer to invest in the lives of young people? The wisdom and teaching that a mature believer has is very valuable. For example my mom is a great and wise woman of God who I go to for advice and guidance. She has so much to give me that I hope I’ll get it all before she goes to be with the Lord. That’s when our generation will be at the forefront of all that goes on in the world.
Darlene Velasquez-Generations Regional Coordinator (California, Nevada)
How did you learn about Aglow? When I was 18, I was invited to an Aglow meeting by (a girl) I worked with.
How specifically are you involved in Aglow? What is your Aglow group like (how often do you meet, what do you connect over, etc.)? Right now I am Leader or President of AV Generations.
We are targeting youth who are involved in the arts. I am also currently Generations Regional Co-coordinator. (I have held many other positions in the past.) We meet once a week. We offer an hour study to those who can attend. 6-7 p.m. every Thursday. Then we connect through song and dance from 7-8:30 p.m. every Wed. We learn routines to perform or minister in the community or at churches. We also do a lot of other creative things to teach the youth to grow in their faith. This year we also added drama. They meet once a month.
What are your greatest needs as a young Christian leader? Aglow and God have always moved me in new directions, challenging me to do far beyond what I thought I could do. The ways are endless. I love the fact that there are new things to do and create. That has always kept me going. I love new things.
What excites you about Aglows Generations Initiative? Although I am not young anymore, the Spirit of God and Aglow in me is young. I feel privileged to help in raising up a generation who can go far beyond what my generation and others have done. To train them while they are young and to see them move out and just BE AGLOW and light their world is amazing to witness and be a part of. I feel like each one is my son or daughter and I am so proud of them all.
What would you say to convince another young leader to become involved in Aglow? I tell my youth that they have a stronger influence in their schools or among their generation than I do. I am someone older; they might not feel like they can relate to me. They are the ones right in the mix of things. To take that leadership and make a difference...BEING the difference is so important.
Stephen Nawa-Zambia Generations National Coordinator
How did you learn about Aglow? Through a congregational leader at church
How specifically are you involved in Aglow? What is your Aglow group like (how often do you meet, what do you connect over, etc.)? I am the youth coordinator. I am involved in coordinating meetings, arranging the programs and venue meetings, sending reminders of the meeting to the youth and sometimes sharing the word of God if we have no specific speaker chosen.
We meet every second Saturday of the month. We connect over real youth challenges we face here like HIV and AIDS, Relationships, Career prospects, how we can impact our community etc. with view of Christian youth.
What are your greatest needs as a young Christian leader? As a youth leader my needs are quite a lot. Firstly, Aglow is international so I have been thinking of having an integrated program of which all youths in Aglow follow as there guide in a year but not forgetting fusing in their way of fellowship in their individual countries.
Also, material to give to the youths about what Aglow is doing worldwide, its objectives and so forth. And as a leader I need to be very much informed so that whenever am asked questions I must be ready to answer.
Also finances, administration, concerts and booking of venues, advertising and many more need money so that's one of our constraints here. We can fund raise but we would need a support.
How has Aglow challenged you to fulfill the role God has for you as a young Christian leader? There are a lot of youths out there who need God in their lives here. Looking at the fellowship and love the women Aglow have, I would love that same union and love to be among us the youths.
What excites you about Aglow’s Generations Initiative? It’s awesome and I am looking forward for it to fully grow here. The elderly have wisdom and knowledge. They are equipping us for our time which is yet to come.
From your perspective, why is it important for the older generation to invest in the lives of younger generations? We are the future so we need to be fully equipped by the older generation.
How has Aglow challenged you to become more involved in ministry to your community (or sphere of influence)? I have learned a lot with interacting with the leaders in Aglow. To that extent as the youths, I feel we need to have an impact in our community as the women in Aglow have.
What would you say to convince another young leader to become involved in Aglow? Be part of a loving Christian group which has no congregational barriers but (exists to) love Christ and to equip you in becoming a true follower of Christ individually and in your community. So be Aglow!!!!
What would you say to convince a more mature believer to invest in the lives of a younger generation? As youths we have lost direction because of the drastic change in our culture and societies. For us to be restored we need to look back and see how the older generation has kept the faith and preserved it, that we are now benefiting from their works. Aglow has the heart for the young generation and has various biblical initiatives to impact and change the youths of today.
Interview with Elisabeth Gama-Generations Leader in Brazil:
How did you learn about Aglow? In the church when I was a teenager.
What is your Aglow group like (how often do you meet, what do you connect over, etc.)? I'm involved with Aglow on the Generation Group. We usually meet twice a month or on a special day
What are your greatest needs as a young Christian leader? It's difficult to get free time because of work and university, not only for me but for the entire group, so I need free time.
How has Aglow challenged you to fulfill the role God has for you as a young Christian leader? I'm excited with Generations because we can work for Jesus together with no differences of churches. We can work in unity, we can be one. (It didn't use to happen in Brazil).
What excites you about Aglow’s Generations Initiative? Watch the successful work Aglow has developed makes me believe that I can do the same in the name of Jesus.
How have you benefited from an Aglow-affiliated mentor? Our Aglow leader is a great person. She is always in contact with us. We work together in some projects of Aglow.
From your perspective, why is it important for the older generation to invest in the lives of younger generations? It's important because the work can never stop but it needs to grow up and multiply.
What ministry opportunities are you considering (or are you pursuing) currently? At first our group is helping a group in Chile. In Brazil, we are "dreaming" about a worship group of all America from Canada to Latin America.
How has Aglow challenged you to become more involved in ministry to your community (or sphere of influence)? I was praying to God for something different to do in this generation. So, God showed me the way I was asking for!
What would you say to convince another young leader to become involved in Aglow? I would call him to a meeting and show what we are, what we do and the most important, what Jesus can do through him.
What would you say to convince a more mature believer to invest in lives of young people? Well, I would show her capacity and her purposes about God's kingdom. I really believe that if a person believes in God in a real way and waits for His best, if this person has a broken heart and loves God above all, she or he is able to do anything and this mature believer will lose nothing but win in the reign of God.
News Corner
New Generations Coordinator AppointedJuly 22, 2009
NEW Generations Project National Coordinator appointed to Venezuela--Dora Lavadas! They have two groups in: Punto Fijo, Falcon State that are in process of beginning and intrest in the cities of: Barquisimeto, Estado Lara. ____________________________________________________________________________________
A Woman of Legacy goes to be with JesusJune 22, 2009
Ilah Stevens a woman who served the Lord and left a legacy behind, went to be with Jesus view her life here: http://www.goodbye2u.com/dahls2/data/Obituaries1.php?do=show&photoId=270 ____________________________________________________________________________________ Visit from Sarah Palin, Governor of Alaska, and former Nominee for Vice-President of United States May 31, 2009
The Governor of Alaska, Sarah Palin, stopped by an Aglow Retreat in Wasilla, Alaska. Here is what she wrote:
Twitter from Sarah Palin May 31st @ 1:08pm
Nice Sunday mtg before rtn to Juneau, honored to meet Aglow group; awesome faith-filled women seeking to serve & support. AK team is strong.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Generations in Britain
July 17, 2008
Generations Director, Evangeline Weiner, recently went to England to spread the vision of the Generations Project. Aglow Britain Leader, Glenys MacDonald, sent in the following report about the meetings that took place:
“60 young women attended the launch of Generations at a hotel in Manchester. Evangeline spoke powerfully about "dreaming God dreams and fulfilling your plans and purposes". Many lives were touched by the Holy Spirit. One young 16 year old atheist gave her heart to the Lord, and went to school the following day telling everyone what God had done for her. She is on fire for God and is regularly attending church events with the daughters of Aglow women.
Mirella, daughter of a Romanian Aglow leader attended and really connected with the Generations Project. She teaches English to Turkish speaking students and Turkish to English speaking students.
At a vision sharing evening in Merseyside, 17 year old Evangeline was baptized in the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues. Interestingly both Evangelines present were named after Evangeline Booth of the Salvation Army....no coincidence!
Two young Generations women have contacted me to say they were healed at the conference, one received healing in her knee, and the other had had complications following an operation 8 years ago which left numbness in her right leg and foot. She regained the feeling with pins and needles in her leg, and her toes started to straighten when she was dancing!
At the all the vision sharing evenings in Manchester, Southport, London and Scotland, God truly ignited hearts of Aglow women for this generation.
Lynne has a heart for single mums and has ideas on how to connect with them in the home.
Sarah and Amy who led the praise and worship, have contacted us to say they have a call and vision to start Generations in Newcastle where they live.
This is just the beginning and we have asked and expect a double portion for our new beginnings. Amen!”
2008 Aglow Israel Tour Personal Story
June 17, 2008
404 women and men from 25 nations went to the Holy Land in May on Aglow International's eighth tour in eight years. The trip was life changing for many of the participants. Following is a personal account from Victoria Moder, a young woman who was visiting Israel for the first time.
"Going to Israel wasn’t my life long dream. I always saw myself going to Africa and foreign countries, but not Israel. I was excited and definitely surprised when I found out that I had the chance to go, but I didn’t really know what to expect. Over the course of the trip I soon found out that this wasn’t simply a vacation. Living in the suburbs in Pittsburgh is like living “in a bubble”. I always heard of the problems and issues that were happening in the Middle East and the war, but I didn’t take it too seriously. The trip changed my view of how I see the world around me.
One day our group visited an “Absorption Center” for Jews from Ethiopia. They have lived in their nation with no electricity and maybe one suitcase full of belongings. Their homes were tiny huts and the children received no education. The nation of Israel brings them in and gives them a new life, teaching them Hebrew and skills. When I met the Ethiopian Jews I was welcomed with a bear hug. They were so sweet, but it wasn’t until after the presentation by the Jewish Center that I found out what they had been through. I also got the chance to see a school for special needs children that was bombed by katyusha rockets. The school was destroyed, and hearing about the fear the children experienced when trying to get to safety really broke my heart.
There were many touching memories on the trip, but it did have its quirks. I was astonished when I found out that they don’t use ice in Israel, especially since I use ice for everything. I was surrounded by the most amusing women. When you put fifty women on a bus together, it’s amazing how close you become in ten days. It’s also amazing when you put 400 women (and men) together to see the impact they have when they pray as one. I knew I had a purpose to go on this trip, and now I know that "my purpose was to stand for my generation"!
- Victoria Moder, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
King's High School, Texas
April 9, 2008
Melissa Perez, a member of the Aglow Texas Area Team, teaches at King’s High School, a public high school. She also leads the teen Aglow group that meets on campus weekly.
In March, a rumor that a former disgruntled student was going to cause a shooting was being passed around at the school. Due to the many recent school shootings across the nation, the rumor set off a furor in the community and caused much fear, anger, and confusion. However, the school administration did not place much credence to the threat and scheduled classes as usual, but with extra security. Regardless, many students decided not to come to school that day.
The morning of the threatened shooting, two girls from the teen Aglow group came very early to the school. When they told security their plan to pray over the school, they were allowed entrance. The two teens went to every corner, every hall, every classroom, every entrance, and every doorway. They prayed over the entire school, calling for God’s peace, protection, and wisdom. By the time they completed their task, students were beginning to arrive for the school day.
After their prayers, there was a palpable change in the school's atmosphere. The previous day had been almost riotous but the school was now a place of total peace. No shooting took place and the peace of God was felt all day.
Generations in Philadelphia
March 7, 2008
"God showed me a vision of 5 universities spanning all 5 counties of Philadelphia - Widener University, Temple University, St. Joseph's University, West Chester University and Pennsylvania State University. He told me to simply establish His presence on each campus and then He would do the rest. So I have been meeting with groups at each university. He has given me an open door that no man can shut.
At Widener University, there is an already established Christian group of students who have no oversight. They're hurt and in need of God's presence. They asked me to be the "adult on campus advisor". We study the Bible for an hour and then pray. God is beginning to penetrate their hearts. As we pray, their hurts bubble up to the surface and then God works. One girl, last night, saw a vision for the first time. God is so awesome!
At Temple University, I meet with a group of college students who are hungry for a move of God on their campus. They are not satisfied with where they are in their walk with Christ, and they want more. I meet with them once a week to worship and cry out for God to invade their campus. And God comes!
God is slowly allowing me entry into St. Joseph's University because of a student from St. Joseph's who attends the Temple University meetings.
At West Chester University, I work with a group of students who used to attend Sunday School - but don't have a personal relationship with God. They are very hungry for the truth.
Recently God showed me another vision of the 5 campuses in all the counties of Philadelphia. I saw the students linked together through prayer. They formed a wall around the city of Philadelphia. He told me to network them together through prayer requests on the internet when we don't meet together. He is beginning to weave this vision together. The students are excited - and so am I.
Pray with me as I ask God for an open door into Pennsylvania State University."
- Helen Joy Duperree, Generations Northeast Region Coordinator
The Aglow Prayer Network in the South Region prays for the Dawson McAllister Live show every Sunday night:
Kathy Cook, Partnership Development Director, states: "Partnering with Aglow is one of the most exciting things we have done. Since Aglow has been praying, we have seen more salvations and more teens wanting to go to church. We have it timed to when the Aglow Prayer Network started praying. Aglow women from the South Region are also signing up to be Hope Coaches."
Quote from a listener: "I am struggling right now and your show is helping me as I write this. I’ve been a mess these last few nights. Sometimes I don’t even think I am going to make it another day, but I keep fighting. Love your show. Keep up the good work." - Ashley
American Samoa
March 1, 2008
On March 1, 2008, Aglow in American Samoa celebrated the opening of their first Generations Group and Teen Aglow in Pago Pago. National President, Poulima Lagafuaina reports, "It was awesome to see how the Holy Spirit moved in the youth. I saw the hunger for the Lord in their hearts as they received Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Thank you God for the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the youth in our nation." The new Generation group has young people from different denominations. Their goal is "to win souls for the Lord and for the young people who are save to gain a passion for the lost to receive Jesus Christ as the personal Lord and Savior."
- Poulima Mamalu Lagafuaina, American Samoa National President
Armenia
February 11, 2008
On February 4, 2008 Aglow received affiliation papers for a Kids Aglow group in Armenia. The group wanted to be affiliated officially under the Generations Project. Their leader—Christiana (pictured left) is ten years old. She and her friends started the group because they needed a place “where we do Bible study, and prayer for the Aglow ministry and other needs. We also share our experiences with one another.” Christiana added, “I felt it was God’s will for me to begin this group and felt the leading of the Holy Spirit. My goal is to learn more about Jesus and grow deeper in the Christian life with other children.” In addition to praying for the ministry of Aglow, the children also collect offerings in order to directly impact the work in their country.
The Republic of Armenia is a small country bordered by Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Iran. Although small, it "has had and continues to have extensive sociopolitical and cultural connections with Europe." (from wikipedia.com)
Aglow Uruguay
November 13, 2007
"I want to tell you that we have almost tripled the number of young boys and girls who came to the Conference.
God really manifested Himself powerfully in each meeting. We saw the youth break down before God's power after each speaker's message. They are committed to the same vision of winning others against all obstacles--not an easy thing to do. They were happy and when the Saturday night meeting was over they listened to music and danced along with us adults and the children who were there.
Each speaker gave messages that came from God. The interpreters worked tirelessly. Even now we are receiving testimonies of those who attended the Conference in Salinas.
Please share this with Jane and the others at International. Tears, prayers and ceasless working are really worth it when we are talking about leaving an inheritance for future generations. They are going to imitate and follow us in this wonderful path God has chosen us to walk.
We certainly need to renew our mind each day in order to understand the way our youth think. We must break off the old paradigms. However, it's something worth doing... we were blessed to be able to witness what God is doing in this time."
- Nely de Bottino, Uruguay National President
From Evangeline Weiner, Generations Director
October 26, 2007
"I have just returned from Uruguay! It was an amazing time. Nancy McDaniel, Aglow's Prayer Director, and I traveled there to speak at South America's 2nd Conquerors' Generation Conference. There were over 100 young people gathered, with young men and young women leaders. Nely de Bottino, the National President for Aglow in Uruguay, and Inês Murad, the National President for Aglow in Brazil, together with their young adult children decided that they wanted something for young people in Aglow, and God birthed the vision for Conquerors' Generation. This movement is now an official part of Aglow's Generations Project.
There are Conquerors' Generation groups established in Uruguay and Brazil! There were people who came to the conference from a total of 5 South American countries. People from the three other countries are going to return home and begin the Conquerors' Generation groups there. The leaders there are amazing and each and every person who attended was so on fire for the Lord! It was an amazing time! They have done such a wonderful job!
Each and every speaker brought such an amazing word to the group. Nancy spoke on Faith and the Keys to the Kingdom. It was powerful and the Holy Spirit really showed up in a profound way. Pastors Fabiano and Claudia from Brazil spoke, and it was amazing. Fabiano spoke two times, but the one message I want to mention was on the importance of having a spiritual father and/or a spiritual mother. He really clarified that this person doesn't have to be a "pastor" but someone in your life to whom you are accountable to and who challenges you. I would encourage everyone to find someone to be this person for them! It is so important for spiritual growth. Pastor Claudia, spoke an awesome message as well, you can read a summary of it here. My message was on the topic of taking the Places of Influence of Society and the Message of Lordship - giving up everything to serve the Lord. It's a must if we really want to live for Him and influence society.
My greatest time was of course, playing soccer with our friends from Brazil. =) They told me that girls don't often play soccer in South America and they talked me into playing with them. I did really well, and they kept telling me how great I did, and so let's just say I was happy. It was one of the best compliments I have ever received. Brazil being the best soccer team in the World, made me feel like our Brazilian friends knew what they were talking about!. =) The Pastors also hosted a dance party one night, and it was so fun to learn so many different kinds of dances! One of the other nights, we had performances from all the different cultures. It was very good!
I so look forward to seeing everything that takes place in South America!! I know that South America will be changed through each and every one of the people that attended the conference!!!"
Corvalis MT Lighthouse
October 3, 2007
"I am very excited about this new season for Aglow MT! I feel great about what God is doing in my Young Women's Mentoring Lighthouse. These gals are so open and flow with love for one another. It's awesome to watch them, as I encourage them, see them grow, and practice their gifts, in a safe environment. We have grown from 2 or 3 each week to between 10 and 12.
One of the gals (she's 20) just received the Baptism last night and flowed in her gift of Tongues. It was cool because we had just watched the DVD of Lou Engles from Conf. She cried thru the entire DVD and then said..."I want what you've got". When asked what she meant, exactly, she said..."You know, the ability to pray like that and say stuff in tongues and everything." So we talked about it, anointed her with oil and she began to say the words that came into her head! Afterward she truly was "Aglow" and burning with the spirit. The other girls were so excited for her and felt that they had been a part of her experience!!! I LOVE it.
God is moving mightily among these girls. They range from 20 to 26. 2 are married and pregnant, one is engaged and the rest are in college or working full time. I know I'm doing what I'm called to do."
Aglow Zimbabwe
August 16, 2007
Zimbabwe has started a Generations Aglow. They already have 12 members and are excited to see what God is going to do!
Aglow Nicaragua
El Tablero
April 24, 2007
Bluefields RAAS –
"A new door has opened for us: a local group of Christian college students formed a “fraternity” with Greek letters and has enlisted 5 colleges and universities that will allow Bible classes. Sunday after church the leader introduced me to two of the other leaders. They asked if I would be willing to “share” our classes with them in their different colleges. I immediately said yes because I had prayed months before and asked the Lord to open that very door! God is good and His mercy endures for ever! Please pray that the Lord will provide everything that is needed to do His will with these students.
Our mission is to evangelize in Nicaragua. Our goal is to have thousands of young people so filled with the Word of God that they explode like a volcano all over Nicaragua, and all over the world. Thank you Lord that the goal is already a near-future reality!
Last fall Gibson Sylvestre, the hip hop artist, brought a team to Nicaragua. They were a blessing. Along with a lot of other things they brought in teaching materials. We began testing out one, Book of Life (Libro de Vida), in our class at the teaching college called Ricardo Aviles. We distributed the rest of the folders to our six teachers (13 a piece) to use when we finish covering the material, Jesus Christ Revolutionary or Savior? "
Aglow Bolivia
April 2007
Last December, "Aglow Youth" [carried out the] campaign called TATITUM MUNASIÑAPA (The Love of God) in order to collect clothes and toys for poor children and families in the rural area. They also organized a concert with Christian worshippers in the American Institute coliseum, on December 3. Several bands were invited.
They were able to collect clothing and toys and the concert was a success.
On April 12th, this project that was inititated by Aglow Youth was concluded.
On April 9th, Aglow Youth traveled by road to the Villarroel province (Pampa locality), a 5-hour drive from La Paz City. The Mayor of Villarroel met with them the following day. There was a fair going on and they met with 700 people of all ages. Our young people were able to preach the gospel of the Kingdom of God, hand out Biblical literature, pray and hand out the clothing, food, toys and blanket donations. 90% of those in attendance, upon listening to the Word of God, became Christians! Glory to God!
Aglow Bolivia chose this region of the country because it does not have a Christian Evangelical church, and is located in a poor region. They are praying for a Christian Evangelical church to open there.