Transcript
1
00:00:00,070 --> 00:00:03,370
Dr. William T. Choctaw: We want to
formally welcome Pastor Jose Rivas to
2
00:00:03,620 --> 00:00:05,600
the Health and Wealth and Wise podcast.
3
00:00:06,480 --> 00:00:10,000
And we're absolutely excited with
the information that he's going to
4
00:00:10,000 --> 00:00:13,420
share with us and with our audience.
5
00:00:13,850 --> 00:00:17,879
But what are some of the ministries
that you're involved with in addition
6
00:00:17,879 --> 00:00:21,849
to the overall pastoring part of
it, but individual ministries?
7
00:00:23,070 --> 00:00:28,950
Pastor Rivas: Well, I'm, uh, with
the mans at our church, the, uh,
8
00:00:30,340 --> 00:00:37,630
Um, and, uh, ministry, um, uh, now,
you know, um, most, a lot of the
9
00:00:37,630 --> 00:00:43,110
ministries fall under servants arm, uh,
ministry that we have on these things.
10
00:00:43,150 --> 00:00:45,550
And, uh, and we're part of that too.
11
00:00:45,550 --> 00:00:45,880
We're volunteers.
12
00:00:45,880 --> 00:00:48,220
We're helping that too.
13
00:00:48,540 --> 00:00:50,379
So service arms is the food bank.
14
00:00:50,615 --> 00:00:51,395
It's a food bank.
15
00:00:51,595 --> 00:00:51,915
That's St.
16
00:00:51,915 --> 00:00:52,285
Dr. William T. Choctaw: Stephen's.
17
00:00:52,315 --> 00:00:52,785
Okay.
18
00:00:52,885 --> 00:00:53,325
Pastor Rivas: Yeah.
19
00:00:53,905 --> 00:00:54,625
It's a food bank.
20
00:00:54,665 --> 00:00:58,394
And, uh, under that, uh, there are
some other ministries too, too.
21
00:00:58,685 --> 00:00:59,225
Okay.
22
00:00:59,605 --> 00:01:03,895
Like, uh, Hands of Mercy that we
had sometime, you know, that we
23
00:01:03,895 --> 00:01:10,464
help the community, uh, around to
do, uh, let's say elderly people
24
00:01:10,474 --> 00:01:12,314
who, who need stuff to be done.
25
00:01:12,585 --> 00:01:13,015
Okay.
26
00:01:13,145 --> 00:01:13,505
Okay.
27
00:01:13,655 --> 00:01:15,534
There is that ministry that we used to do.
28
00:01:15,695 --> 00:01:22,244
Um, I hope to, I mean, the pandemic
came and, uh, we'll stop doing that set,
29
00:01:22,665 --> 00:01:28,685
uh, and that's, uh, we call it gotas
de bendición, which means, uh, drop of
30
00:01:28,685 --> 00:01:31,315
blessings in English to translate it.
31
00:01:31,955 --> 00:01:35,819
Uh, and that is a mission that we
do for the kids in El Salvador.
32
00:01:36,740 --> 00:01:38,949
Dr. William T. Choctaw: Okay, so
you have a mission that you go
33
00:01:38,949 --> 00:01:43,320
to El Salvador with a group for
individuals in who live in El Salvador.
34
00:01:43,570 --> 00:01:44,190
Pastor Rivas: Yes.
35
00:01:44,300 --> 00:01:44,820
Dr. William T. Choctaw: Okay.
36
00:01:45,000 --> 00:01:49,940
Pastor Rivas: Yeah, every every
February first week of February on
37
00:01:50,230 --> 00:01:54,680
and we've done it for I think it's
going to be the This, this coming
38
00:01:54,690 --> 00:01:56,960
year, we have done 18 years already.
39
00:01:57,280 --> 00:01:57,700
Okay.
40
00:01:58,310 --> 00:01:59,000
18 times.
41
00:01:59,300 --> 00:02:02,890
And last year we, we went there twice.
42
00:02:03,589 --> 00:02:04,030
All right.
43
00:02:04,240 --> 00:02:08,320
Because of the, uh, the event that
we have and also for Christmas.
44
00:02:08,970 --> 00:02:11,150
Dr. William T. Choctaw: And what,
what is the purpose of that mission?
45
00:02:11,750 --> 00:02:12,920
What's your goal there?
46
00:02:13,320 --> 00:02:19,260
Pastor Rivas: Uh, the purpose
is just, the thing is to give
47
00:02:19,570 --> 00:02:22,049
to the kids of the village.
48
00:02:22,239 --> 00:02:22,700
Yes.
49
00:02:23,630 --> 00:02:26,920
Um, a happy day.
50
00:02:27,025 --> 00:02:27,375
Uhhuh.
51
00:02:28,285 --> 00:02:28,575
. Okay.
52
00:02:29,090 --> 00:02:29,450
You know what?
53
00:02:29,630 --> 00:02:31,310
To celebrate their birthday.
54
00:02:32,220 --> 00:02:37,829
That, that, that, that, that was our
goal when we started it, you know?
55
00:02:38,280 --> 00:02:38,310
Okay.
56
00:02:38,310 --> 00:02:44,580
Let's cut a cake, get some pinatas,
and let's celebrate our village.
57
00:02:44,670 --> 00:02:48,270
Uh, the kids, the children's of our,
our village are, you know, where
58
00:02:48,270 --> 00:02:50,495
we, uh, where, where I was born.
59
00:02:51,135 --> 00:02:55,925
You know, to, to, uh,
to bring this happy day.
60
00:02:55,925 --> 00:02:59,435
You know, this is a joyful
day on this, on these things.
61
00:02:59,765 --> 00:03:01,445
But then this thing grew.
62
00:03:02,395 --> 00:03:02,665
Okay?
63
00:03:02,665 --> 00:03:04,585
I mean, from, from 25 kids.
64
00:03:04,585 --> 00:03:07,615
The next times, uh, we had 250.
65
00:03:07,965 --> 00:03:08,415
Wow.
66
00:03:08,505 --> 00:03:15,485
So we saw the need, you know, to be
more, more logistic and more, uh, and
67
00:03:15,545 --> 00:03:18,145
with the, uh, we need to do something.
68
00:03:18,415 --> 00:03:19,525
That's when we started to do.
69
00:03:19,525 --> 00:03:22,555
So what we do now is just evangelize.
70
00:03:22,930 --> 00:03:23,109
Okay.
71
00:03:24,310 --> 00:03:28,370
And we have like, uh,
we have like a retreat.
72
00:03:28,760 --> 00:03:35,380
That day is a retreat that, uh,
according to the, their ages, uh,
73
00:03:35,420 --> 00:03:43,849
they, uh, we separate them, you know,
kids, children's kids, uh, uh, young
74
00:03:43,849 --> 00:03:49,899
people, young adults and, and older
people, all those, we, we do sessions.
75
00:03:50,609 --> 00:03:51,079
Got it.
76
00:03:51,975 --> 00:03:57,030
And which teach them
and, and, and help them.
77
00:03:58,320 --> 00:04:03,790
And, uh, the goal is just to let them know
that there is somebody who loves them.
78
00:04:04,230 --> 00:04:04,710
Understand
79
00:04:05,160 --> 00:04:07,500
Dr. William T. Choctaw: How large
is your team that you take with
80
00:04:07,500 --> 00:04:09,899
you from the US to El Salvador?
81
00:04:10,320 --> 00:04:12,240
Uh, to work with these kids.
82
00:04:12,245 --> 00:04:15,660
When, when, when you do go on your
mission trip, how many people go with you?
83
00:04:15,660 --> 00:04:17,850
Is it just you or, uh, just two.
84
00:04:18,315 --> 00:04:18,534
Uh,
85
00:04:18,875 --> 00:04:21,275
Pastor Rivas: it, there're usually five.
86
00:04:22,145 --> 00:04:30,745
My people who have been going with
us from here, right, right, uh, there
87
00:04:30,755 --> 00:04:36,494
have been times that were, there's
about seven go with us because the
88
00:04:36,494 --> 00:04:39,164
team, the bigger team is over there.
89
00:04:40,105 --> 00:04:40,535
Got it.
90
00:04:41,205 --> 00:04:41,894
On this thing.
91
00:04:41,895 --> 00:04:46,825
So, um, we have a church that
we have, uh, uh, the help us.
92
00:04:47,860 --> 00:04:50,000
Dr. William T. Choctaw: So the five
that go with you, you work with
93
00:04:50,000 --> 00:04:54,676
the existing church in El Salvador
to provide these services to
94
00:04:54,676 --> 00:04:55,769
Pastor Rivas: this on this thing.
95
00:04:55,770 --> 00:05:04,189
So, uh, when we go over there, kind
of like, uh, um, um, when we take it,
96
00:05:04,259 --> 00:05:07,999
are the teachers who are, who are the
one that are coming with me, right?
97
00:05:08,189 --> 00:05:08,759
All those things.
98
00:05:08,819 --> 00:05:13,210
And then, and then all the,
you know, because it takes.
99
00:05:13,975 --> 00:05:19,815
To move 300 to 500 people, it
takes a lot of, uh, volunteers
100
00:05:20,245 --> 00:05:22,275
to go around on this thing.
101
00:05:22,275 --> 00:05:27,335
So, uh, most of the volunteers
come from, from over there.
102
00:05:27,694 --> 00:05:32,464
And also, and, and a good,
uh, good, uh, uh, thing too.
103
00:05:33,105 --> 00:05:37,554
Uh, there are volunteers who,
they're not even Christian.
104
00:05:38,500 --> 00:05:46,110
Okay, just part of the village, and,
uh, and then they're part of it on
105
00:05:46,110 --> 00:05:51,060
this thing, because this is one of
the things to the way we try to to do.
106
00:05:51,090 --> 00:05:52,719
It's a community event.
107
00:05:53,745 --> 00:05:54,135
Okay.
108
00:05:54,585 --> 00:06:00,304
Also, we, uh, we preach the word of God in
that, but if you wanna be a volunteer, you
109
00:06:00,304 --> 00:06:06,215
know, helping, guiding people that hey,
it's this way, or, or helping, assisting,
110
00:06:06,245 --> 00:06:09,784
uh, the kids in a classroom set, you know?
111
00:06:11,505 --> 00:06:17,275
And because that's how they have
been, uh, able to witness how we work.
112
00:06:18,615 --> 00:06:20,415
And now they are Christian.
113
00:06:21,260 --> 00:06:22,590
And now they are teaching.
114
00:06:23,409 --> 00:06:23,560
Amen.
115
00:06:24,500 --> 00:06:25,039
Amen.
116
00:06:25,289 --> 00:06:29,219
So, uh, it's, it's, it's, it's,
uh, it's a beautiful thing
117
00:06:29,220 --> 00:06:30,650
that has happened in that way.
118
00:06:30,890 --> 00:06:33,510
So we have learned in the
way, in the journey on this,
119
00:06:33,510 --> 00:06:35,990
on this thing, uh, you know.
120
00:06:36,500 --> 00:06:36,930
Okay.
121
00:06:37,469 --> 00:06:41,455
So right now it's, um, To do that.
122
00:06:41,455 --> 00:06:45,645
And our goal is to keep
multiplying disciples.
123
00:06:46,325 --> 00:06:46,535
Okay.
124
00:06:46,910 --> 00:06:47,200
Okay.
125
00:06:47,435 --> 00:06:53,155
In other words, to, for us to get out
of the way so they can work on it.
126
00:06:53,865 --> 00:06:53,985
Okay.
127
00:06:53,985 --> 00:06:55,335
So we can move somewhere else.
128
00:06:55,985 --> 00:06:56,495
Got it.
129
00:06:56,885 --> 00:06:58,805
And that's what we, uh, been doing.
130
00:06:59,165 --> 00:07:05,035
Uh, we've been, uh, we went to Costa
Rica too, uh, to do an event like that.
131
00:07:05,275 --> 00:07:05,455
Yes.
132
00:07:05,905 --> 00:07:07,885
Uh, we went to, uh.
133
00:07:08,675 --> 00:07:10,765
Um, did you go to Ecuador?
134
00:07:11,695 --> 00:07:12,135
Not yet.
135
00:07:12,145 --> 00:07:14,765
Ecuador, we're going this, uh, next month.
136
00:07:14,975 --> 00:07:15,535
Ah, okay.
137
00:07:15,555 --> 00:07:16,345
In June.
138
00:07:17,275 --> 00:07:20,395
Dr. William T. Choctaw: So, so you're,
you're doing work, I was just trying
139
00:07:20,395 --> 00:07:23,904
to get my head around this, you,
you're doing international work, you're
140
00:07:23,904 --> 00:07:29,974
doing intra US work, you're doing
intra church work at your own church.
141
00:07:30,895 --> 00:07:33,104
How do you have time to do all that?
142
00:07:33,145 --> 00:07:38,145
You know, they're, they're 24 hours in
a, in a day and seven days in a week.
143
00:07:38,155 --> 00:07:41,035
How do you, how, how do
you get that strength?
144
00:07:41,085 --> 00:07:43,094
How, how, how did you learn that?
145
00:07:43,094 --> 00:07:44,385
I guess is what I'm trying to say.
146
00:07:45,105 --> 00:07:51,315
Pastor Rivas: Well, um, one
thing is that I, I am blessed to
147
00:07:51,315 --> 00:07:54,485
be, uh, staffed for the church.
148
00:07:54,485 --> 00:07:56,124
Okay.
149
00:07:57,684 --> 00:08:01,574
So that gives me the
opportunity to go outside.
150
00:08:02,114 --> 00:08:02,604
Dr. William T. Choctaw: Got it.
151
00:08:02,685 --> 00:08:02,935
Pastor Rivas: Got it.
152
00:08:02,935 --> 00:08:07,655
You know, because if I were, uh, like
all my, all the pastors that I know,
153
00:08:07,815 --> 00:08:12,914
you know, and they are be vocational,
uh, you know, that they, that they're
154
00:08:12,914 --> 00:08:17,865
pastors, but they also work in the,
uh, they work in the, uh, And, uh,
155
00:08:18,195 --> 00:08:23,325
the workforce outside, you know, so
that, that will be very hard to do.
156
00:08:23,345 --> 00:08:23,795
Got it.
157
00:08:24,235 --> 00:08:24,385
So
158
00:08:24,385 --> 00:08:25,915
Dr. William T. Choctaw:
you're full time at St.
159
00:08:26,694 --> 00:08:30,125
Stephens as a part of the staff,
and that gives you the time, the
160
00:08:30,125 --> 00:08:34,314
time, flexibility, and the resources
to broaden the scope that you're
161
00:08:34,315 --> 00:08:36,225
able to provide to the community.
162
00:08:36,755 --> 00:08:37,325
Correct.
163
00:08:37,365 --> 00:08:37,914
Yes.
164
00:08:38,445 --> 00:08:42,205
Let me circle back to, you had
mentioned about Servants Arms and the
165
00:08:42,515 --> 00:08:44,075
work you were doing at the food bank.
166
00:08:44,365 --> 00:08:45,415
I had heard.
167
00:08:45,770 --> 00:08:49,350
That not not all that a major
part of the part of the work that
168
00:08:49,370 --> 00:08:52,270
you do at the food bank is that
you're in charge of the water.
169
00:08:52,780 --> 00:09:01,280
Explain to me, explain to me, explain
to me how that works at a food bank and
170
00:09:01,620 --> 00:09:03,250
and just just just tell me about that.
171
00:09:03,269 --> 00:09:03,860
Tell me about that.
172
00:09:05,805 --> 00:09:10,255
Pastor Rivas: Well, um, you,
you can't, you can't charge
173
00:09:10,255 --> 00:09:11,785
that account to your wife.
174
00:09:14,514 --> 00:09:21,635
Um, one of our, um, uh, uh,
representatives, uh, in, uh, for
175
00:09:21,644 --> 00:09:27,865
the city of La Puente or the county
of LA, you know, donated, donated
176
00:09:27,865 --> 00:09:29,795
a vending machine, a water machine.
177
00:09:30,250 --> 00:09:31,030
A water machine.
178
00:09:31,100 --> 00:09:31,460
Okay.
179
00:09:31,720 --> 00:09:32,350
On this thing.
180
00:09:32,830 --> 00:09:34,310
It's professional.
181
00:09:34,310 --> 00:09:40,370
It's, I mean, it has, um, all the
filters needed to have, uh, purify
182
00:09:40,430 --> 00:09:42,500
drinkable water on this thing.
183
00:09:42,810 --> 00:09:47,730
Out of, from the house, you know,
from, from, from the street water,
184
00:09:48,009 --> 00:09:52,400
you can see that vending machine and
all the filtration that is going on
185
00:09:53,120 --> 00:09:57,190
when it comes to the, to the other
end, you know, it's drinkable water.
186
00:09:58,265 --> 00:10:00,604
Dr. William T. Choctaw: So the
people who come to the food bank
187
00:10:00,634 --> 00:10:05,604
to get food, because they can't
afford, they can also get water.
188
00:10:05,874 --> 00:10:08,765
Pastor Rivas: So we can do, what
we do is, that vending machine, you
189
00:10:08,765 --> 00:10:12,874
know, every day that we have a food
bank, we brought it, we bring it out.
190
00:10:13,490 --> 00:10:14,040
Okay.
191
00:10:14,939 --> 00:10:22,769
And is available to everyone to everyone
who wants water, free water on this thing.
192
00:10:22,770 --> 00:10:27,009
So uh, and you know, that,
that's how we see it.
193
00:10:27,009 --> 00:10:30,829
We connected, uh, you know, in
the morning and then after the,
194
00:10:31,225 --> 00:10:32,954
Food bank, uh, service is over.
195
00:10:33,055 --> 00:10:34,505
We'll put it back in.
196
00:10:35,204 --> 00:10:37,625
Dr. William T. Choctaw: So people come
and get free food and then you're in
197
00:10:37,625 --> 00:10:39,535
charge of the free water part of that?
198
00:10:39,795 --> 00:10:40,644
Pastor Rivas: Right, right.
199
00:10:40,694 --> 00:10:42,364
Dr. William T. Choctaw: Okay, okay, okay.
200
00:10:42,985 --> 00:10:43,355
Interesting.
201
00:10:43,384 --> 00:10:43,694
Once
202
00:10:43,695 --> 00:10:47,964
Pastor Rivas: the vending machine has
sat, you know, it has already just a
203
00:10:47,965 --> 00:10:49,655
knob to turn it on and turn it off.
204
00:10:49,655 --> 00:10:51,224
So they, they themselves do that.
205
00:10:52,515 --> 00:10:58,825
Oh, they, uh, and it has been a blessing
because there are some people who said,
206
00:10:59,925 --> 00:11:08,504
uh, excuse me, can I bring my five
gallon water bottle and fill it up?
207
00:11:08,944 --> 00:11:09,244
Yes.
208
00:11:09,425 --> 00:11:09,955
It's yours.
209
00:11:10,175 --> 00:11:10,475
Free?
210
00:11:10,755 --> 00:11:11,544
Yes, it's free.
211
00:11:16,364 --> 00:11:21,185
Yeah, it's, it's, It's, it's,
it's a blessing in there too, so.
212
00:11:21,975 --> 00:11:24,355
Dr. William T. Choctaw: And, and I
think that, and I, I agree with you,
213
00:11:24,365 --> 00:11:29,154
it, it is a blessing, and if, if one
has ever been hungry, if one has ever
214
00:11:29,155 --> 00:11:33,715
been thirsty, uh, then I'm sure one
can appreciate how important it is to
215
00:11:33,715 --> 00:11:38,275
be able to go to a place where, where
you can get free food and free water.
216
00:11:38,750 --> 00:11:40,810
You know, for yourself and your family.
217
00:11:41,060 --> 00:11:42,330
It's a big, big deal.
218
00:11:42,360 --> 00:11:47,660
And, and, and God bless you and all those
who, who work with you and the food bank
219
00:11:47,660 --> 00:11:50,260
and who, who, who, who do that mission.
220
00:11:50,820 --> 00:11:56,619
So, if you were advising a young
minister, uh, and let's say this
221
00:11:56,620 --> 00:11:58,760
is a young minister from Guatemala.
222
00:11:59,560 --> 00:12:05,050
And he, he's, he's, uh, he's just
finished school and he's, he's in
223
00:12:05,050 --> 00:12:12,030
the U S and he wants to get involved
with, um, uh, service and, and, and,
224
00:12:12,319 --> 00:12:14,760
um, and let's say he started a church.
225
00:12:15,150 --> 00:12:16,720
Maybe has about 10 people.
226
00:12:17,370 --> 00:12:20,580
What, what advice would you give
him just starting out since you've
227
00:12:20,580 --> 00:12:24,619
been doing a lot of this stuff
both locally and internationally?
228
00:12:25,030 --> 00:12:29,460
What, what direction would you give
him to, uh, to be effective as a
229
00:12:29,460 --> 00:12:32,580
leader, uh, of, of individuals?
230
00:12:33,910 --> 00:12:38,900
Pastor Rivas: Um, the first
thing I will say Uh, is that,
231
00:12:39,230 --> 00:12:42,040
you know, two is better than one.
232
00:12:43,850 --> 00:12:46,640
So, you have to get connected.
233
00:12:47,709 --> 00:12:49,079
Mm hmm.
234
00:12:49,120 --> 00:12:53,679
It doesn't matter how much you
have or how much power you have.
235
00:12:53,699 --> 00:12:56,890
I mean, it is a need to, to have somebody.
236
00:12:56,960 --> 00:13:01,970
And if it's young, Even though
sometimes we believe, and especially
237
00:13:01,970 --> 00:13:15,370
today's age, we know it all, it's
uh, how to say it, it's super vital,
238
00:13:15,550 --> 00:13:17,770
it's important to have a mentor.
239
00:13:18,990 --> 00:13:20,030
Okay, a mentor.
240
00:13:20,080 --> 00:13:20,760
Okay, got it.
241
00:13:21,815 --> 00:13:23,715
The two hours to go to on this.
242
00:13:23,725 --> 00:13:24,235
Yes.
243
00:13:24,435 --> 00:13:24,755
Yes.
244
00:13:24,965 --> 00:13:26,725
I agree on that.
245
00:13:27,425 --> 00:13:32,375
And just see the, uh, I mean,
246
00:13:35,705 --> 00:13:38,675
I think God is the one who opens doors.
247
00:13:38,735 --> 00:13:39,235
Okay.
248
00:13:39,840 --> 00:13:44,959
You know, and if your desire is that,
then God is the one who's going to
249
00:13:44,959 --> 00:13:53,520
be open, opening doors for that, you
know, and so you will have to, uh, see
250
00:13:53,520 --> 00:13:58,030
what it's, see, I had a mentor, uh,
just to give an example, my, my pastor
251
00:13:58,099 --> 00:14:01,340
that I grew up with on this thing.
252
00:14:01,350 --> 00:14:07,060
So, uh, and now when I came to be
a pastor, uh, to plant the church.
253
00:14:07,715 --> 00:14:14,885
You know, even that, uh, there was a,
uh, uh, distance from my previous pastor.
254
00:14:15,135 --> 00:14:15,615
Yes.
255
00:14:15,694 --> 00:14:17,645
And I was working with this pastor.
256
00:14:18,014 --> 00:14:18,405
Okay.
257
00:14:18,464 --> 00:14:23,885
So I needed to contact this pastor to
have more connection with this pastor.
258
00:14:24,870 --> 00:14:25,160
Okay.
259
00:14:25,635 --> 00:14:31,495
In other words, it is more, uh, you
have to be, uh, you have to have a
260
00:14:31,495 --> 00:14:33,265
mentor person that you have to go to.
261
00:14:33,715 --> 00:14:34,135
Okay.
262
00:14:34,225 --> 00:14:34,944
Makes sense.
263
00:14:34,944 --> 00:14:38,815
And probably that's, that's
because of also who I am.
264
00:14:39,255 --> 00:14:41,855
What gets you to be a pastor.
265
00:14:42,145 --> 00:14:42,685
Yes.
266
00:14:42,819 --> 00:14:48,065
Um, and I became a Christian.
267
00:14:48,355 --> 00:14:49,405
I was a leader.
268
00:14:49,555 --> 00:14:53,255
I was serving as a, uh, in church.
269
00:14:53,575 --> 00:14:56,395
But to become a pastor,
it was not in my mind.
270
00:14:57,000 --> 00:14:57,490
Got it.
271
00:14:57,930 --> 00:15:03,680
You know, um, but it was a point
that, uh, and that's what, uh, I,
272
00:15:03,680 --> 00:15:10,150
I knew I had a calling because of
the, of the way God revealed to me.
273
00:15:10,609 --> 00:15:11,060
Okay.
274
00:15:11,319 --> 00:15:11,889
On this thing.
275
00:15:11,889 --> 00:15:19,289
So I, I, I went from the, the youth,
uh, from the youth being, being in
276
00:15:19,470 --> 00:15:28,020
the youth group, you know, to Asher,
Deacon, to be a pastoral assistant.
277
00:15:28,595 --> 00:15:29,075
Dr. William T. Choctaw: Okay.
278
00:15:29,435 --> 00:15:34,195
Pastor Rivas: And then one day the pastor
said, um, what are you waiting for?
279
00:15:35,715 --> 00:15:40,734
I mean, uh, cause the next thing is
just to, you know, uh, how do you
280
00:15:40,734 --> 00:15:42,544
say when the government is overtaken?
281
00:15:42,575 --> 00:15:44,145
You know, they take away the president.
282
00:15:44,745 --> 00:15:45,035
Right.
283
00:15:45,104 --> 00:15:45,404
Right.
284
00:15:45,965 --> 00:15:49,134
That's the next just
to overthrow, you know.
285
00:15:49,814 --> 00:15:50,154
Dr. William T. Choctaw: Right.
286
00:15:50,874 --> 00:15:52,595
You're the designated survivor.
287
00:15:52,595 --> 00:15:54,425
I understood.
288
00:15:55,925 --> 00:16:01,335
Pastor Rivas: But, um, I was so
comfortable serving, you know,
289
00:16:01,335 --> 00:16:03,234
that I, uh, I didn't see that.
290
00:16:03,865 --> 00:16:07,945
But then I start, uh, start
playing and the same need of Yes.
291
00:16:08,520 --> 00:16:18,360
Uh, you know that there is a point in my
life that there's a need to do more so
292
00:16:18,370 --> 00:16:20,650
that that's when God start opening doors.
293
00:16:21,870 --> 00:16:27,449
And the way I didn't see it, uh, to be
a pastor because I was completely 100
294
00:16:27,449 --> 00:16:32,319
percent comfortable and I will love my
job, my, my, what I was doing over there.
295
00:16:32,635 --> 00:16:33,045
Right.
296
00:16:33,125 --> 00:16:34,085
That was my family.
297
00:16:34,085 --> 00:16:39,105
I mean, in my, my church, uh,
like I said, I mean, I, I grew
298
00:16:39,105 --> 00:16:41,835
up just in one, in that church.
299
00:16:42,275 --> 00:16:42,654
Uh huh.
300
00:16:42,805 --> 00:16:44,185
I converted there.
301
00:16:44,375 --> 00:16:45,714
I was baptized there.
302
00:16:45,905 --> 00:16:49,704
My girlfriend there, uh
huh, she's now my wife.
303
00:16:49,704 --> 00:16:50,265
So I.
304
00:16:50,444 --> 00:16:50,564
Okay.
305
00:16:51,329 --> 00:16:52,450
Got married there.
306
00:16:52,649 --> 00:16:54,329
My kids were born in there.
307
00:16:54,589 --> 00:17:00,040
So that was my family
for me to see me outside.
308
00:17:01,079 --> 00:17:04,789
But like I said, it is the
relationship that God has with you.
309
00:17:05,899 --> 00:17:06,709
It comes to that.
310
00:17:06,710 --> 00:17:12,829
So it's very important to have a, uh,
uh, a mentor that you can go to and to
311
00:17:12,839 --> 00:17:17,030
be honest with God in that relationship
that you have, and that will be open.
312
00:17:17,119 --> 00:17:18,220
That will open doors.
313
00:17:18,415 --> 00:17:18,685
You know,
314
00:17:18,865 --> 00:17:21,575
Dr. William T. Choctaw: but isn't that
the way it appears to happen a lot
315
00:17:21,575 --> 00:17:26,474
of times that we, we get comfortable
wherever we are, whatever we're doing.
316
00:17:26,474 --> 00:17:29,724
And God says, you know, I
understand all that, but I've got
317
00:17:29,725 --> 00:17:31,115
some other work for you to do.
318
00:17:31,765 --> 00:17:35,045
And a lot of times that
work, at least initially, uh,
319
00:17:35,045 --> 00:17:36,774
involves getting uncomfortable.
320
00:17:37,214 --> 00:17:43,115
And then that uncomfortability,
comfortability is a part of growth.
321
00:17:43,695 --> 00:17:48,135
That, that, that if you, um, and I'll
just make a general say if everybody,
322
00:17:48,135 --> 00:17:52,815
you know, if you comfortable and
everything is perfect, maybe you aren't
323
00:17:52,815 --> 00:17:57,825
moving in the direction that you wanna
move in, or that may not last forever.
324
00:17:57,830 --> 00:18:01,545
And I, and I think that that's
certainly a good message, uh, to,
325
00:18:01,545 --> 00:18:03,615
to have and, and to understand
326
00:18:04,365 --> 00:18:09,035
Pastor Rivas: and, and let, and
let me throw you, uh, uh, one
327
00:18:09,035 --> 00:18:11,525
of the things personally that.
328
00:18:11,985 --> 00:18:14,715
Because we're coming from a
church, a planter churches,
329
00:18:14,755 --> 00:18:16,465
you know, uh, from our church.
330
00:18:17,035 --> 00:18:24,485
Uh, they're, uh, the pastor planted
like about 12 to 14 churches.
331
00:18:24,935 --> 00:18:25,355
Dr. William T. Choctaw: Okay.
332
00:18:25,515 --> 00:18:27,334
Now, what is the planter church?
333
00:18:27,654 --> 00:18:28,204
I'm not familiar.
334
00:18:28,204 --> 00:18:34,335
Pastor Rivas: Planter church, it's a
church who sends out, uh, ministers.
335
00:18:34,830 --> 00:18:35,200
Okay.
336
00:18:35,470 --> 00:18:35,930
Church.
337
00:18:36,450 --> 00:18:37,100
Oh, okay.
338
00:18:37,149 --> 00:18:37,550
Okay.
339
00:18:37,550 --> 00:18:37,989
Got it.
340
00:18:37,989 --> 00:18:38,429
Got it.
341
00:18:38,430 --> 00:18:39,680
So they plant a church.
342
00:18:40,160 --> 00:18:40,460
Got it.
343
00:18:40,460 --> 00:18:41,730
A daughter church.
344
00:18:42,030 --> 00:18:42,420
Right.
345
00:18:42,420 --> 00:18:42,670
Right.
346
00:18:42,730 --> 00:18:42,930
Right.
347
00:18:42,930 --> 00:18:44,370
Uh, from the mother church.
348
00:18:44,540 --> 00:18:45,030
Okay.
349
00:18:45,100 --> 00:18:45,500
Okay.
350
00:18:45,790 --> 00:18:50,779
So it sends, uh, you know, he, he
will train us and then it start
351
00:18:50,820 --> 00:18:55,560
going, uh, you know, you go to,
uh, this city, go to that city.
352
00:18:56,175 --> 00:18:57,435
You know, starting a church.
353
00:18:57,705 --> 00:18:58,605
Got it, got it.
354
00:18:58,940 --> 00:19:00,195
On, on, on, on that.
355
00:19:00,525 --> 00:19:07,005
So, um, when I was there, like in
my life, said, uh, and the, and
356
00:19:07,005 --> 00:19:12,235
the pastor said, your wife and you,
you know, you guys are ready to.
357
00:19:13,100 --> 00:19:14,360
to go to go.
358
00:19:15,060 --> 00:19:20,410
And it says, and I tell the
pastor that that time is it?
359
00:19:20,650 --> 00:19:23,240
Well, God hasn't say anything to me yet.
360
00:19:30,249 --> 00:19:31,599
Because it's the same thing.
361
00:19:31,650 --> 00:19:33,480
You know, I mean, I'm being honest.
362
00:19:34,010 --> 00:19:36,860
Um, but, uh, you know, Pastor
363
00:19:36,860 --> 00:19:39,500
Dr. William T. Choctaw: Rivas,
he was whispering to you.
364
00:19:39,895 --> 00:19:40,524
Pastor Rivas: Yeah, yeah.
365
00:19:42,110 --> 00:19:47,450
, I was praying, but, uh, you
know, uh, that, that, how,
366
00:19:47,470 --> 00:19:48,730
how many years ago was that?
367
00:19:49,409 --> 00:19:51,125
I, I, I'm not a man of faith.
368
00:19:51,125 --> 00:19:55,895
I mean, I have to, all you have
to do, just put it in my heart.
369
00:19:56,610 --> 00:19:57,000
Uh huh.
370
00:19:57,590 --> 00:20:03,660
But when I do it, there is a
conviction, you know, and not
371
00:20:03,660 --> 00:20:05,525
a convincing thing, right?
372
00:20:05,525 --> 00:20:06,144
Right.
373
00:20:06,144 --> 00:20:06,762
Right.
374
00:20:06,762 --> 00:20:14,330
Conviction that I can give my life to
it, you know, uh, and I will ask for
375
00:20:14,825 --> 00:20:20,125
Uh, for lifetime, not, not only for
a, a, a, a period of time on this.
376
00:20:20,195 --> 00:20:20,625
Got it.
377
00:20:20,675 --> 00:20:21,035
Got it.
378
00:20:21,065 --> 00:20:27,804
So, uh, I know that was, uh, it
was, uh, like getting married and,
379
00:20:27,805 --> 00:20:32,165
and, and being in the ministry,
it's one of the biggest decisions.
380
00:20:32,590 --> 00:20:33,280
They got it.
381
00:20:33,280 --> 00:20:33,910
I missed it.
382
00:20:35,300 --> 00:20:38,180
Dr. William T. Choctaw: So, so what
is, so you, you, you've come from
383
00:20:38,180 --> 00:20:42,729
El Salvador, you got married there,
you, you grew, you come to the U.
384
00:20:42,729 --> 00:20:42,979
S.
385
00:20:42,979 --> 00:20:47,389
and you've done sort of great things from
bringing people to Christ to actually
386
00:20:47,389 --> 00:20:49,740
passing out free water at the food bank.
387
00:20:50,199 --> 00:20:52,880
Uh, what, what, what is your next?
388
00:20:53,120 --> 00:20:53,780
Big step.
389
00:20:56,850 --> 00:20:56,860
Pastor Rivas: Oof.
390
00:20:58,530 --> 00:20:59,670
Dr. William T. Choctaw: I
think I'm comfortable now.
391
00:20:59,739 --> 00:20:59,949
Nah.
392
00:21:03,650 --> 00:21:05,230
You're still waiting on that whisper.
393
00:21:05,230 --> 00:21:05,900
Okay.
394
00:21:05,900 --> 00:21:08,280
Yeah.
395
00:21:08,685 --> 00:21:17,485
Pastor Rivas: My, my big step,
uh, what I, what I am trying to
396
00:21:17,495 --> 00:21:19,925
do now, you know, is make St.
397
00:21:19,925 --> 00:21:25,344
Stephen Espanol, uh, to grow.
398
00:21:26,094 --> 00:21:26,464
Okay.
399
00:21:27,020 --> 00:21:27,870
And disciple.
400
00:21:28,770 --> 00:21:29,200
Okay.
401
00:21:29,200 --> 00:21:34,280
Disciple and to be a teacher,
to be a, that's why I'm in
402
00:21:34,280 --> 00:21:36,850
the way of doing the ministry.
403
00:21:37,330 --> 00:21:43,979
I, you know, I, uh, my teaching
is a very, very big part of it.
404
00:21:43,980 --> 00:21:54,119
In other words, if I do a synergy group,
uh, my next step is to get somebody who
405
00:21:54,119 --> 00:22:01,160
can assist me, but in a due time that he
can replace me so I can do something else.
406
00:22:01,400 --> 00:22:04,869
So, uh, and leave that
synergy group with this group.
407
00:22:04,869 --> 00:22:11,959
So, um, my, my next step
is, uh, do this foundation.
408
00:22:11,959 --> 00:22:16,739
You know, and.
409
00:22:17,700 --> 00:22:19,280
to multiply.
410
00:22:19,950 --> 00:22:20,400
Got it.
411
00:22:20,750 --> 00:22:26,770
That's my work and my, my, my,
my, my desire and my whole thing
412
00:22:26,780 --> 00:22:29,710
that I do locally on these things.
413
00:22:30,129 --> 00:22:35,349
Um, that I can have teachers coming
out of the Spanish ministry, they
414
00:22:35,349 --> 00:22:38,090
can have people with convictions.
415
00:22:38,419 --> 00:22:40,050
Yes, people converted.
416
00:22:40,129 --> 00:22:41,699
I know what they can make.
417
00:22:42,220 --> 00:22:48,929
Uh, they can shape, you know, like you
said, uh, in your program, you know, to
418
00:22:48,940 --> 00:22:53,600
be the change they wanted to be the world.
419
00:22:53,769 --> 00:22:53,879
Okay.
420
00:22:54,100 --> 00:22:54,269
Okay.
421
00:22:55,499 --> 00:22:56,840
That kind of things.
422
00:22:57,320 --> 00:23:05,600
To, to, to promote that on this
thing and, and, and also to, um, uh,
423
00:23:06,510 --> 00:23:15,419
merge in, uh, uh, more in a multi
ethnic, uh, kind of, uh, service.
424
00:23:15,679 --> 00:23:16,090
Okay.
425
00:23:16,289 --> 00:23:16,369
Okay.
426
00:23:17,129 --> 00:23:24,189
On, on this thing, so, uh, different
events, uh, uh, things like that nature
427
00:23:24,830 --> 00:23:29,720
to, to make that foundation solid.
428
00:23:29,870 --> 00:23:32,069
Okay.
429
00:23:32,730 --> 00:23:33,120
Dr. William T. Choctaw: Okay.
430
00:23:33,680 --> 00:23:34,230
Pastor Rivas: That's
431
00:23:34,490 --> 00:23:34,710
Dr. William T. Choctaw: okay.
432
00:23:35,160 --> 00:23:36,550
And that's definitely a need.
433
00:23:36,590 --> 00:23:42,840
You know, if certainly there was any time
to have multiethnic service and growth
434
00:23:42,900 --> 00:23:47,149
in teaching is now, you know, with with
some things trying to go in the opposite
435
00:23:47,149 --> 00:23:49,294
direction, and I certainly abroad you.
436
00:23:50,235 --> 00:23:55,445
for your leadership, and I applaud
you for the team that you've assembled
437
00:23:55,445 --> 00:23:59,915
and those who are working with
you to take on this awesome task.
438
00:23:59,934 --> 00:24:04,444
You know, many are running in the
opposite direction, but you're,
439
00:24:04,445 --> 00:24:07,975
you're, you're running toward the fire
instead of running away from the fire.
440
00:24:08,375 --> 00:24:12,125
But I think that's because God has
anointed you as a leader and, and
441
00:24:12,125 --> 00:24:14,835
has put on your heart to do this.
442
00:24:15,165 --> 00:24:16,995
We want to be respectful of your time.
443
00:24:17,025 --> 00:24:21,899
Is there any Any, any last words
or any, any words of wisdom you'd
444
00:24:21,899 --> 00:24:23,639
like to leave our audience with?
445
00:24:24,090 --> 00:24:29,080
Pastor Rivas: I think God is perfect.
446
00:24:30,669 --> 00:24:37,760
I think God is omniscient and omnipotent.
447
00:24:39,799 --> 00:24:48,029
And the reason I want to say that is
that, um, if he made us, he made us
448
00:24:48,574 --> 00:24:51,815
With the purpose because he is perfect.
449
00:24:52,445 --> 00:24:58,075
And every single one of us has
a purpose and he equipped us.
450
00:24:59,300 --> 00:25:00,530
For that purpose.
451
00:25:00,960 --> 00:25:01,390
Yes.
452
00:25:01,470 --> 00:25:10,180
So, uh, it is us, uh, that we need
to find that purpose in the sense.
453
00:25:10,180 --> 00:25:15,650
But once we know him, we're going to
obviously by by default, we're going to
454
00:25:15,650 --> 00:25:18,630
know what we were made for on this things.
455
00:25:19,229 --> 00:25:28,010
Um, and what would I say is
that there is, you know, What
456
00:25:28,020 --> 00:25:33,709
we need is to be who we are.
457
00:25:34,309 --> 00:25:34,529
Yes.
458
00:25:34,830 --> 00:25:36,920
Whoever we are.
459
00:25:38,580 --> 00:25:42,219
I'm talking about to be who we
are, not who we think we are.
460
00:25:43,370 --> 00:25:44,019
Dr. William T. Choctaw: Understood.
461
00:25:44,929 --> 00:25:47,560
Pastor Rivas: Because who
we are is who God made us.
462
00:25:47,699 --> 00:25:48,179
Yes.
463
00:25:48,590 --> 00:25:49,140
Understand?
464
00:25:49,500 --> 00:25:54,590
So, to, to be who God,
uh, who God made us to be.
465
00:25:55,505 --> 00:25:56,645
, you're not gonna be wrong.
466
00:25:57,965 --> 00:25:58,415
Understood.
467
00:25:58,415 --> 00:26:02,995
We're gonna make, we're gonna, we're
going to make mistakes, obviously, right?
468
00:26:02,995 --> 00:26:07,035
Uh, but you know,
everything is going to be.
469
00:26:07,685 --> 00:26:11,935
For the right reason, for the right
purpose, you know, uh, all things
470
00:26:11,935 --> 00:26:17,065
come, I mean, work for good, says,
says Romans, uh, chapter eight, right?
471
00:26:17,335 --> 00:26:22,974
So, uh, don't try to be anybody else.
472
00:26:23,915 --> 00:26:24,315
Right.
473
00:26:25,094 --> 00:26:30,764
Imitate their faith, but
not their personality.
474
00:26:31,345 --> 00:26:31,845
Got it.
475
00:26:32,165 --> 00:26:37,655
You know, because, uh, um, if you
imitate somebody's personality,
476
00:26:37,865 --> 00:26:39,564
you're in the wrong direction already.
477
00:26:39,565 --> 00:26:39,584
Right.
478
00:26:41,755 --> 00:26:50,175
There is no power as to be
honest and to be who you are in
479
00:26:50,225 --> 00:26:51,995
terms of influencing somebody.
480
00:26:53,005 --> 00:26:59,445
You're not going to influence the whole
world, but if you're honest, if you're,
481
00:27:00,095 --> 00:27:06,714
uh, if you're truthful to yourself, even
with our mistakes, even with our faults,
482
00:27:07,524 --> 00:27:10,485
you're going to make the most influence.
483
00:27:11,115 --> 00:27:13,165
Whatever you are on those things.
484
00:27:13,685 --> 00:27:18,185
And one of the things is,
uh, I will say too, is
485
00:27:22,655 --> 00:27:26,355
not to worry so much for the past.
486
00:27:27,530 --> 00:27:27,990
Okay.
487
00:27:29,330 --> 00:27:31,090
And don't be anxious for the future.
488
00:27:32,949 --> 00:27:34,060
God is in control.
489
00:27:34,540 --> 00:27:34,960
Right.
490
00:27:35,879 --> 00:27:42,770
Because if you worry for the past, or
you be anxious for the future, this
491
00:27:42,770 --> 00:27:48,250
day is going to pass, and you're not
going to, you're not going to delight.
492
00:27:50,540 --> 00:27:56,860
So I heard somebody say that he
decided not to have any bad days.
493
00:28:00,190 --> 00:28:03,809
So, and that's my philosophy,
if philosophy, we're going
494
00:28:03,810 --> 00:28:05,279
to call it philosophy too.
495
00:28:06,210 --> 00:28:07,459
You know, God is perfect.
496
00:28:07,935 --> 00:28:13,574
Yes, I submission and he gave
me the strength to get up
497
00:28:13,574 --> 00:28:16,195
this morning for a purpose.
498
00:28:16,725 --> 00:28:19,495
So I will say this is the
day that the Lord has made.
499
00:28:19,504 --> 00:28:22,054
I shall be glad and rejoice in it.
500
00:28:22,304 --> 00:28:23,655
Even though it's cloudy.
501
00:28:24,105 --> 00:28:24,905
Praise God.
502
00:28:25,445 --> 00:28:25,775
Amen.
503
00:28:26,385 --> 00:28:28,004
And that's okay.
504
00:28:28,005 --> 00:28:35,554
I'm just saying, so only see
the, the heart is the only one
505
00:28:35,554 --> 00:28:37,395
who can talk to another heart.
506
00:28:37,965 --> 00:28:38,605
Dr. William T. Choctaw: Understood.
507
00:28:39,054 --> 00:28:39,494
Great.
508
00:28:39,825 --> 00:28:43,915
Thank you so much, Pastor Rivas, for
sharing your valuable time with us.
509
00:28:44,274 --> 00:28:48,294
Um, just even thinking about all the
things that you've discussed this
510
00:28:48,294 --> 00:28:52,805
morning with us and the things that
you're doing makes, Uh, us appreciative
511
00:28:52,805 --> 00:28:55,545
of even how more valuable your time is.
512
00:28:55,575 --> 00:28:58,745
But thank you for stopping by
and sharing your words of wisdom.
513
00:28:59,165 --> 00:29:02,565
May God continue to bless and keep
you and your members and your church.
514
00:29:02,575 --> 00:29:09,245
And, um, um, and I am convinced that there
are going to be great things even more.
515
00:29:09,545 --> 00:29:12,965
That we're going to be hearing
from you and, and, and, uh,
516
00:29:13,004 --> 00:29:14,675
our team, including you.
517
00:29:15,315 --> 00:29:15,905
Okay.
518
00:29:16,145 --> 00:29:18,425
Well, Pastor Rivas, you
have a wonderful day.
519
00:29:18,694 --> 00:29:22,584
Uh, and in any last comments,
I, I'll give you the last word.
520
00:29:23,224 --> 00:29:24,325
Pastor Rivas: Oh, thank you.
521
00:29:24,344 --> 00:29:25,474
Thank you for having me.
522
00:29:25,474 --> 00:29:27,374
And it's really been a pleasure.
523
00:29:27,474 --> 00:29:33,445
And obviously we look forward to, uh,
you know, to be in contact and to work.
524
00:29:34,450 --> 00:29:35,790
With you and by you.
525
00:29:36,580 --> 00:29:37,070
Dr. William T. Choctaw: Okay.
526
00:29:37,180 --> 00:29:37,660
All right.
527
00:29:38,140 --> 00:29:43,330
Well, God bless and, uh, be the
change you want to see in the world.
528
00:29:43,330 --> 00:29:46,520
All right, take care.
529
00:29:46,520 --> 00:29:47,160
Bye bye.
530
00:29:47,500 --> 00:29:47,719
Thank you.
531
00:29:47,720 --> 00:29:48,840
Thank you Pastor Rivas.
532
00:29:49,130 --> 00:29:49,670
Bye bye.
533
00:29:50,029 --> 00:29:50,379
Bye.
