C28 Stands for Col. 2:8. We're a Christian lifestyle retailer who's mission is to preach the Gospel through our products & stores. Learn more @ http://www.c28.com
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by Aurelio Barreto, C28 Founder & CEO
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Dear Praying Friends,
By God's grace I was able to preach the gospel at Rancho Community Christian School to
140 kids during "Say No To Drugs" week, using the scripture of 1 Corinthians 6:9-11:
"Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God."
My first point was that sin does not work, it never fills the emptiness we are looking to replace. Rather, sin leads us into the pit of despair and ultimate destruction. My second point was that while these things are terrible in God's eyes, far worse is dying without a saving grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. By God's grace over 30+ kids responded and prayed the sinners prayer to place their faith and trust in Jesus Christ that morning. God's Holy Spirit was huge that morning :-)))
Here's some background about 3 of the kids who made decisions:
- Tomas - a 15 year old boy came up to me afterward to pray. He told me that both of his parents had just recently died and he was trying to kill the pain through smoking pot. He then asked me how he could stop smoking pot, admitting to me that he was now addicted to getting high. We prayed together to turn away from his friends and to simply stop smoking in the name of Jesus. The pastor of the school is working with him. My heart goes out to Tomas and his struggle. He is still on my mind a week later.
- Jackie - a 13 year old girl addicted to pornography. Can you just imagine the pain in her heart as she looked for attention and to be accepted. Both of her parents were never home and she had to take care of her self. My heart was crushed as a group of her friends prayed for her. The friends were also experiencing Jackie's pain vicariously in different ways.
- Jeremy - a 16 year old boy sobbed as I held him in my arms. His best friend who led him to Christ passed away. His best friend was his grandmother! He wept over his loving grandmother. He told me that she was the only Godly influence in His family and how they loved each other so much. I hugged Jeremy and prayed with him.
- Others - There were 4 others that I was able to physically pray with. Each struggling with burdens of different kinds. I was amazed at how these kids opened up to God's Holy Spirit so quickly, and all I could think was of how you guys must of prayed for the event and those kids. I know that for me one of the hardest things to do is to pray. To pray without ceasing and to pray and stay focused is most difficult. My mind often wonders away distracted as I begin to pray. Prayer is the hardest work, but it yields the greatest results :-)
I love you guys for joining us through prayer in this ministry. Because prayer is so difficult to do, so difficult to stay focused and to pray diligently, we know that prayer yields the most fruit of all. When we pray, we communicate with God! Please pray for me that I would be a man of prayer, not because of need, but because of desire and greater yearning for Him :-)
Aurelio F. Barreto
C28 Founder & CEO
---------
Dear Praying Friends,
By God's grace I was able to preach the gospel at Rancho Community Christian School to
140 kids during "Say No To Drugs" week, using the scripture of 1 Corinthians 6:9-11:
"Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God."
My first point was that sin does not work, it never fills the emptiness we are looking to replace. Rather, sin leads us into the pit of despair and ultimate destruction. My second point was that while these things are terrible in God's eyes, far worse is dying without a saving grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. By God's grace over 30+ kids responded and prayed the sinners prayer to place their faith and trust in Jesus Christ that morning. God's Holy Spirit was huge that morning :-)))
Here's some background about 3 of the kids who made decisions:
- Tomas - a 15 year old boy came up to me afterward to pray. He told me that both of his parents had just recently died and he was trying to kill the pain through smoking pot. He then asked me how he could stop smoking pot, admitting to me that he was now addicted to getting high. We prayed together to turn away from his friends and to simply stop smoking in the name of Jesus. The pastor of the school is working with him. My heart goes out to Tomas and his struggle. He is still on my mind a week later.
- Jackie - a 13 year old girl addicted to pornography. Can you just imagine the pain in her heart as she looked for attention and to be accepted. Both of her parents were never home and she had to take care of her self. My heart was crushed as a group of her friends prayed for her. The friends were also experiencing Jackie's pain vicariously in different ways.
- Jeremy - a 16 year old boy sobbed as I held him in my arms. His best friend who led him to Christ passed away. His best friend was his grandmother! He wept over his loving grandmother. He told me that she was the only Godly influence in His family and how they loved each other so much. I hugged Jeremy and prayed with him.
- Others - There were 4 others that I was able to physically pray with. Each struggling with burdens of different kinds. I was amazed at how these kids opened up to God's Holy Spirit so quickly, and all I could think was of how you guys must of prayed for the event and those kids. I know that for me one of the hardest things to do is to pray. To pray without ceasing and to pray and stay focused is most difficult. My mind often wonders away distracted as I begin to pray. Prayer is the hardest work, but it yields the greatest results :-)
I love you guys for joining us through prayer in this ministry. Because prayer is so difficult to do, so difficult to stay focused and to pray diligently, we know that prayer yields the most fruit of all. When we pray, we communicate with God! Please pray for me that I would be a man of prayer, not because of need, but because of desire and greater yearning for Him :-)
Aurelio F. Barreto
C28 Founder & CEO
Thank you to everyone who has been praying for the family of our C28 Concord store manager, Giuseppe Ciccone, who recently lost his baby son Solomon. Below is an update from Giuseppe's mother, Leann. You will be blessed after reading this.
The Ciccone Family
"Hannah Joy was my grand-daughter to-be. The doctors claimed that she
wasn't developing kidneys or bladder and encouraged my son Giuseppe &
daughter-in-law Katie to terminate the pregnancy. Through their faith,
that was not an option. They stood strong proclaiming Gods mighty hand
to be at work to save their baby and if the decision was no, that
believers and non-believers alike would be touched and those who are
lost, come to Jesus through this experience. We have since been
praying for God's mercy upon our baby.
Tuesday evening around 8:15p.m. Katie delivered by c-section. Our
Hannah Joy was now our "Solomon", yes a beautiful baby boy. Solomon
lived until 11:15 p.m. and went to be with our Lord while being
cradled in his daddy's arms. I now come to you for prayer for not only
for a emotional road ahead, but mostly for Katie who is in critical
condition. She had 6-blood transfusions and in order to save her life,
had to have a hysterectomy. Katie is only 24 years old, however, my
son Giuseppe stands tall proclaiming that glory be to God through this
situation.
Wednesday Update:
Katie is still in critical condition. She has had twelve (12) blood
transfusions as of 7:00pm Wednesday night. This afternoon Giuseppe put
on "Facebook" that he was asking for a prayer vigil to be held at the
hospital tonight at 6:00 p.m. About 50 people showed up. Giuseppe
updated everyone on exactly what had gone on in the past 24 hours. He
professed seven (7) miracles from God just since Katie went into
labor, then prayer started. Afterward he did a "call to Christ" and
five (5) people accepted Jesus in the heart. Praise the Lord!!!!! He
then directed them to people who could help them along their new
journey. I am so very grateful to God.
Thursday Update:
Katie was doing so well they have moved her out of the ICU. She is now
eating and walking on her own. God is good!
Saturday Update:
Katie was released from the hospital and is now in the comfort of her home.
Please keep praying for Katie's healing & that we raise enough money
to cover the costs that lay ahead
Leann Ciccone
====================
Below is a message from Giuseppe
====================
Many people have asked about the amount of money that we are trying to
raise and also about how they can give to the Baby Solomon Ciccone
Memorial Fund. We are trying to raise $5000.00 for the funeral and
memorial and about $2000.00 for medical bills. We have raised about
$1300 so far. Below is a couple of ways that you can help us do this.
1. Bill Pay through your personal bank's Online Banking program.
If you call and ask your bank, they will help you in sending money to
the memorial fund as a Bill Pay when you give them the routing and
account number. The routing number is 511406216 and the account number
is: 7913556788
2. You can give money through your PayPal account.
With this option you would have to go to www.paypal.com, set-up an
account (Very quick and secure process), link your new PayPal account
to your checking account, and transfer money via email addresses. Send
money to gcicconebiz@gmail.com and the money is linked to the memorial
fund automatically.
3. Transfer money from your Wells Fargo Bank Account.
With this option you would go online and make the transfer or call in
to make the transfer by giving Wells Fargo the Name of the Fund, the
routing number, the account number, and the amount you would like to
transfer. The routing number is: 511406216 and the account number is:
7913556788 and the name of the account is Baby Solomon Ciccone
Memorial Fund.
4. You can send check's or money orders to Bay Summit Church/
Crossroads Church Address:
Baby Solomon Ciccone Memorial Fund
Crossroads and Bay Summit Church
5353 Concord Blvd
Concord, CA 94521
Katie and I just want to say thank you for your prayers and your
financial support. We would not be able to do any of this without your
support. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Blessings,
Katie, Giuseppe, Rocco, and Solomon Ciccone
by Aurelio F. Barreto III, C28 FOUNDER & CEO
A few days ago as I was walking out of the Home Depot parking lot as I was approached
by a "Will Work For Food" man in his thirties. My flesh said "all this man wants is my money", my flesh said "why does he not just get a job" But my Lord Jesus in His spirit told me "leave that up to me, just tell Him about me".
As I proceeded to share the gospel (by faith in Jesus alone), my flesh screamed out
reasons why not to. Satan quickly distracted me with his host of usual doubts, his list
of accusations against me (my many sins, my lack of obedience and poor motives). I was then clearly inadvertently placed in the balance of either obeying Jesus, or obeying Satan. The fight between the spirit or God, or my deceitful flesh was on. My reasoning mind screamed "no...don't do it, be honest with yourself, you really don't want to"
Jesus then told me "it's okay son, you have had a long day, you know I never force you, I still love you no matter what you decide today :-) " It was then that God's most powerful grace spoke out to me. You are right Jesus, I don't have to do anything to earn your grace, you never force me into doing things, but its because of your loving grace in my life, that I want to do for you. Okay, I will do it :-) "Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!" Isaiah 6:8
Our flesh will always discourage us from the will of our father, because our flesh is so deceitfully sinful. I praise the Lord for His abundant grace in my life, His grace that leads me to humble myself into repentance and simply be grateful that He loves me so much. "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good." I Titus 2:11-14
Are you eager to do what is good, to do what will most often go against your selfish needs and desires? Then pray real hard right now that God graces you into doing good works.
Oh, and yes, the man did pray to receive Jesus with me in front of many skeptical doubting onlookers. I invited Rob to place His place his faith and trust in Jesus, and he said yes. He was 36 years old and had never heard about Jesus, imagine that! I also paid the man for a bus ticket home back East. Whether a good motive or a bad motive, what matters is that God's word moves forward allowing people to hear the truth, in order for them to chose Jesus. "But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice." Phil 1:18
So here is the the moral of this story, whether the man actually did receive Jesus is only for the Lord Jesus to truly know, my job was to simply obey the leading of God's Holy Spirit, and to trust in Him. This is exactly what a faithful man taught for me 12 years ago. He shared the gospel and invited me to the one I was not even looking for. "I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me; I was found by those who did not seek me. To a nation that did not call on my name, I said, 'Here am I, here am I.' Isaiah 65:1
Please pray for "Rob"
In His Grace,
Aurelio F. Barreto III, C28 FOUNDER & CEO
A few days ago as I was walking out of the Home Depot parking lot as I was approached
by a "Will Work For Food" man in his thirties. My flesh said "all this man wants is my money", my flesh said "why does he not just get a job" But my Lord Jesus in His spirit told me "leave that up to me, just tell Him about me".
As I proceeded to share the gospel (by faith in Jesus alone), my flesh screamed out
reasons why not to. Satan quickly distracted me with his host of usual doubts, his list
of accusations against me (my many sins, my lack of obedience and poor motives). I was then clearly inadvertently placed in the balance of either obeying Jesus, or obeying Satan. The fight between the spirit or God, or my deceitful flesh was on. My reasoning mind screamed "no...don't do it, be honest with yourself, you really don't want to"
Jesus then told me "it's okay son, you have had a long day, you know I never force you, I still love you no matter what you decide today :-) " It was then that God's most powerful grace spoke out to me. You are right Jesus, I don't have to do anything to earn your grace, you never force me into doing things, but its because of your loving grace in my life, that I want to do for you. Okay, I will do it :-) "Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!" Isaiah 6:8
Our flesh will always discourage us from the will of our father, because our flesh is so deceitfully sinful. I praise the Lord for His abundant grace in my life, His grace that leads me to humble myself into repentance and simply be grateful that He loves me so much. "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good." I Titus 2:11-14
Are you eager to do what is good, to do what will most often go against your selfish needs and desires? Then pray real hard right now that God graces you into doing good works.
Oh, and yes, the man did pray to receive Jesus with me in front of many skeptical doubting onlookers. I invited Rob to place His place his faith and trust in Jesus, and he said yes. He was 36 years old and had never heard about Jesus, imagine that! I also paid the man for a bus ticket home back East. Whether a good motive or a bad motive, what matters is that God's word moves forward allowing people to hear the truth, in order for them to chose Jesus. "But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice." Phil 1:18
So here is the the moral of this story, whether the man actually did receive Jesus is only for the Lord Jesus to truly know, my job was to simply obey the leading of God's Holy Spirit, and to trust in Him. This is exactly what a faithful man taught for me 12 years ago. He shared the gospel and invited me to the one I was not even looking for. "I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me; I was found by those who did not seek me. To a nation that did not call on my name, I said, 'Here am I, here am I.' Isaiah 65:1
Please pray for "Rob"
In His Grace,
Aurelio F. Barreto III, C28 FOUNDER & CEO
Notas de C28 Christian Clothing
Please pray for Tomas, Jackie, & Jeremy!26 de octubre de 2009
Update on the Ciccone Family - Please Continue to Pray!12 de octubre de 2009
Jesus at a parking lot05 de octubre de 2009
Who Are You?01 de septiembre de 2009