Leadership Connexion Q1 2022

PennDel Ministry Network | Spring 2022
“Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD”

DON IMMEL
PennDel Network
Superintendent
WILFREDO “CHOCO”
DE JESÚS
AG General Treasurer
AL TOLEDO
Lead Pastor
Chicago Tabernacle
CHRISSY TOLEDO
Author, Pastor's Wife
Chicago Tabernacle
ARIA WALKER
Worship
PennDel Worship Lead
WHEN May 2-5, 2022
WHERE Christian Life Assembly, Camp Hill, PA
REGISTER penndel.org/summit22

“I was in the
Spirit on the
Lord’s Day…”
Rev 1:10
What a tremendous statement
given by the Apostle John.
Of course, John was also in
exile on the Island of Patmos!
Despite his less-than-desirable
circumstances of being cut off
from fellowship, relationships
and freedom to move about
as he wished, John exercises
a prerogative that no one can
take from him: the freedom to
worship in Spirit and in Truth.
The scene is set: physically on
the Island of Patmos, but “in
the Spirit” John finds himself
in the Lord’s presence on this
particular Sunday.
ASCEND
Of particular interest were the visions that John experienced on this “Lord’s
Day.” These are the kind of experiences we Pentecostals believe for – a Sunday
experiential occurrence of the Spirit-filled, Spirit-baptized life! On the typical,
traditional day set aside for worship during the early days in the church’s history,
John is having “church!” And what a day in church John was having! While in the
Spirit, John’s vision continues with a call or an invitation to “come up here” to an
open door in heaven (Rev. 4:1-2). John is promised to receive further revelation
and vision of events which must take place “after this.”
It is not entirely uncommon for visionary leaders to find themselves “in the Spirit,”
receiving revelations of Jesus Christ and visions of God’s preferred future for
their ministry, their church or their life-trajectory. God calls us to higher plains of
experience where we can see further and clearer than if we remain at ground
level with all of life’s obstacles blocking our view. What is the vision that God
is developing in your life? I believe that God is calling us to new
heights “in the Spirit” so that we can see through eyes of
faith “things which must take place…”
John’s alone time on Patmos was not a waste of time. Even though it was
imposed because of John’s connection to the Word of God, John was not
disconnected from a vision that continues to inform and guide believers into
the future. Several encouraging truths can be received from John’s revelation
experience:
FIRST, John chose to be “in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day,” even though
circumstances were not ideal for a feel-good day in and with the church.
SECONDLY, John followed the voice of the Lord to ascend to a higher
plain where he would receive a vision and a revelation of God’s preferred and
prescribed future.
FINALLY, John heard what the Spirit was saying to the church. John had to be
spiritually astute and discerning that this experience was coming from God and
was coming for the church.
As we approach Summit22, our theme is ASCEND. Let’s hear the Spirit’s call to
Come Up Here. Let’s find ourselves “in the Spirit” and believe God for a word
(or many words) to inspire vision for moving forward in His will for His church.
Let’s reach the SUMMIT!
NETWORK SUPERINTENDENT | Donald J. Immel | 717.795.5921 | don@penndel.org
LEADERSHIPconnexion | Spring 2022
3

ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT | Steve DeFrain | 484.686.4843 | sdefrain@penndel.org
Working Through
Hard Seasons
You and your leadership team would probably agree that COVID-19 has been one of your most
challenging seasons by far, maybe even one that has lasted longer than you expected. One of
David’s stories gives us some steps to help us journey through these challenging times. You can
find it in 1 Samuel 30:1-8. The story is about David and his men returning home to Ziklag to find
everything burned to the ground, and their loved ones are taken away as captives. I encourage
you to read the entire story sometime, but I’ll give you the steps and the highlights for now.
The First Step
They GRIEVED.
“…they wept until they could weep
no more.” 1 Samuel 30:4
David and his men felt the deep pain
of loss. There is a connection between
hard seasons and losses. The truth is,
we have lost some things over the last
two years, and it has affected us and the
church. Here are a few examples: We
lost momentum. We lost people who still
haven’t returned. We have lost our sense
of risk and adventure because everything
may seem shaky and uncertain. We
have lost credibility, as every decision we
make seems questioned.
It matters how we handle grief. In David’s
story, we see that his men were not
managing their grief well. “David was
now in great danger because all his
men were very bitter about losing
their sons and daughters, and they
began to talk of stoning him.”
1 Samuel 30:6 If we don’t watch our
words, conversations and emotions, we
can become bitter and angry. I believe
the secret to getting to the other side is
talking to God about our grief more than
talking to people. At least that’s what
Joseph Scriven said when he wrote,
“What a friend we have in Jesus, all our
sins and griefs to bear!” I believe God
can handle our negative conversations
and our frustrations. I also believe that
whatever helps us move toward faith is
good with our heavenly father. That is the
next step in David’s journey.
The Second Step
David ENCOURAGES himself in the Lord.
“But David found strength in the
Lord his God.” 1 Samuel 30:6
How do you strengthen (encourage)
yourself in the Lord? David starts
reminding himself about all the victories
God brought his way in the past. I
remember being in the car traveling with
a missionary friend several years ago. I
was talking nonstop about all the great
things that God was doing at Morning
Star Fellowship. He turned and said,
“You should write a book.” I pointed my
finger to my head and said, “I don’t need
to – it’s all right here.” But, the older I
get, the harder it is to recall the stories.
“Rehearsing yesterday’s miracle stories –
sets us up for a tomorrow miracle!”
The Third Step
David ASKED for God’s direction.
“Should I chase after this band of
raiders? Will I catch them…?”
1 Samuel 30:8
David’s focus is on God now. God,
what are you saying about my present
situation? I love this step in the journey
because my heart is now open to hearing
him speak again. I have discovered
what He says next will usually require
some level of risk. God, what is my next
step? How do I lead my team and the
congregation forward?
The Fourth Step
David OBEYS and takes action.
“…Yes, go after them. You will surely
recover everything that was taken
from you!” 1 Samuel 30:8
The fourth step is obedience. It’s action
time! Step out and don’t stop doing what
He has asked you to do until the victory
comes! The future increase will be more
significant than what you lost. Pastor and
church leadership, I BELIEVE “…you will
surely recover EVERYTHING that was
taken from you.”
4

Welcome to the PennDel Team!
Children's &
Discipleship
Ministries Director
Jeremiah Gruber
As many of you are aware, George Krebs has
announced that he will be retiring as of March
25, 2022. We are pleased to introduce our
new and Children's and Discipleship Ministries
Director, JEREMIAH GRUBER. Jeremiah has
served as the Family Life Pastor at Living Waters
Chapel in Lebanon, Pennsylvania for the last
twenty years. He has been an integral part of
our PennDel Ministry Network Kid’s Camps, Kid’s
Breakaways and sectional leadership teams.
He and his wife, Candice, and their family have
been featured speakers at numerous District
Kids Camps in our Assemblies of God fellowship.
Jeremiah and Candice have three children:
Emma, Averee, and Westyn.
Around the Network
Pastor Ryan & Robin Martinez
Anchor Church • Milford, DE
Pastoral Installations
Tom & Amanda Alderson
Faith Outreach Center • Mount Joy, PA
Worship Lead
Aria Walker
We would also like to welcome ARIA WALKER
to our Network Ministry Resource Team! Aria
will be serving as our Worship Lead, providing
connections between worship leaders looking
for ministry opportunities, and churches looking
for worship leaders and resources. Aria is no
stranger to the PennDel music and worship
community, having grown up as the daughter of
Kristian and Shannon Walker, and granddaughter
of Duane Nicolson of the Couriers. Aria is serving
as the Director of Worship and Creative Arts
Pastor at Calvary Church in Dover, Delaware with
Pastor and Presbyter, Ryan Coon. Aria’s love
for the Lord and Spirit-driven worship gifts are a
welcome addition to our team.
Pastor Maureen (Mo) &
Rich Gregory
Faith Church • Nanticoke, PA
Pastor Nathan & Alissa Palisoc
Christian Life Church •
Chambersburg, PA

SECRETARY/TREASURER | Jeff Marshall | 717.795.5921 | jeff@penndel.org
Steve’s Going Fishing
That’s right, our Business Manager Steve Provard, has
decided to spend his days fishing as of April 2. Steve has
served the PennDel Ministry Network for the last nine years as
our Business Manager. He has served us well, making sure
all is correct, overseeing our Network finances. Steve will join
Lynette, his bride of 45 years, who retired a year and a half
ago from the Network where she served as administrative
assistant to the Secretary/Treasurer. Steve grew up in a ministry
family and graduated from Evangel University with a Business
Administration Degree. His previous positions include: Business
Administrator at UVF, Business Analyst at Cardone Industries,
Business Administrator at Teen Challenge and here at the
Network office since 2013. Steve will spend his retirement years
enjoying time with Lynette, their two daughters and especially
with their six grandchildren. But when he has time, you will be
sure to find him fishing at a near-by lake. Well done Steve, you
have served the Lord and PennDel with dignity and excellence.
Stepping in to fill his shoes will be Crystal Hoffman. Crystal is a
graduate of Southeastern University, and earned her MBA from
Penn State University. Her previous positions include: Bursar at
Messiah University, payroll coordinator with Cerran Enterprises,
treasurer at Celebration Community Church (Dillsburg) and with
the Polar Bear Foundation. Crystal joined the PennDel Ministry
WITH THE LORD
Network in 2019 as the Bookkeeper, Accountant and is currently
the Assistant Business Manager. Crystal is married to Jack, and
they have two children, Taylor (20), attending Evangel University
studying Graphic Design and Marketing, and Joshua (17), a
senior in high school and will be attending Evangel University this
fall. Crystal loves spending time with her family, most of all, but
also enjoys hiking and traveling.
ANGELINE ANTIN, 89, passed away on November 26.
She was born to Italian Immigrants from Prezza, Italy. After
Angeline’s first husband passed away, she remarried the late
Edwin Antin. She was a faithful pastor’s wife to Edwin and
supported him in every phase of ministry in Enola. Angeline
was extremely gifted in music as a pianist.
FRED W. TOMLINSON, 77, passed away on January
12. He was preceded in death by his faithful wife, Rose.
Together they served the PennDel Ministry Network at Mount
Morris Gospel Tabernacle and he was the Lead Pastor from
1982 until his retirement in 2005.
PennDel School of Ministry is a PennDel Ministry
Network sponsored and operated ministerial training
program that enables individuals to fulfill the
educational requirements of the Assemblies of God
for credentialing. It also provides a learning forum
for laity interested in increasing biblical and doctrinal
knowledge as well as developing ministry skills. PDSOM
features live instruction at four campus locations.
THE NEXT STEP
The most exciting leadership training tool in the Assemblies of God!
REGISTRATION:
One-time registration fee - $75
Tuition per class - $75
Internship - $100
Textbooks - Students are responsible
for purchasing their own textbooks
LOCATIONS:
Bethlehem
Monroeville
Philadelphia
Camp Hill
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
penndelsom.org
6

For our 2022 World Missions Tanzania Project this year, we are teaming
with world evangelist Christopher Alam. Christopher has held crusades
around the world, where he has seen thousands saved and filled with
the Holy Spirit. He is active in evangelism, discipleship and church planting
around the world as well. Christopher will be hosting crusades in partnership
with Barnabas Mtokambali, the General Superintendent of Tanzania. It
is the heartfelt goal of Barnabas to see thousands of churches planted
all throughout Tanzania. Christopher and his team will be hosting
six crusades in Tanzania throughout the summer, where most of the
population is Muslim. With the thousands saved at the crusades, there is
a need for churches in every area of this country, to assist in discipleship
and training.
This year, we are presenting a one-year World Mission’s goal of $60,000 to
assist with the crusades and church planting. We are trusting the Lord for
lives to be transformed and churches to be planted in these Muslim occupied
areas of the world. Would you consider joining with us? Commitment cards
will be available at Summit22 in May. Let’s take back the souls of people
around the world that the devil is trying to destroy.
2022 Project: Tanzania
Goal: $60,000
Your gift will assist in planting churches in Tanzania.
PennDel Ministry Network
ATTN: World Missions
Project Offering
4651 Westport Drive
Mechanicsburg PA 17055
WORLD MISSIONS | Jeff Marshall | 717.795.5921 | jeff@penndel.org
SUMMIT22 ASCEND – OUR WORLD
International Food Connection Event
Join us for an evening of fellowship as we kick off SUMMIT22 with
an interactive tour around the world. Experience the food and culture
of the seven regions reached by Assemblies of God World Missions
(AGWM). Connect with our PennDel AG World Missionaries and
discover how God is moving in their cities, countries and regions as
they reach people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Location: Christian Life Assembly, Camp Hill, PA
Date: Monday, May 2, 2022
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Register: penndel.org/summit22
LEADERSHIPconnexion | Spring 2022 7

GUEST CONTRIBUTOR | Al Toledo | Lead Pastor Chicago Tabernacle
Jesus and The Co
There is a common propensity
that lives in all of us. It lives in
us ministers, even when we
know better and teach living the better
way. Comparison. It is a propensity
that can be traced all the way back to
the first disciples whom Jesus handpicked.
It was alive in them even when
Jesus honored them with His physical
presence for three full years. If any
group of men should have felt special
in the eyes of God, it was them. It was
those twelve whom Jesus graced with
unlimited face-time. Even after He rose
from the dead, fulfilling prophesy and
displaying unprecedented power and
glory, He returned to them to love,
encourage, and commission into His
future will. Think about that – these
were the people that Jesus wanted to
see after carrying and conquering the
sin of the world. One of the individuals
he focused in on was Peter, who had
betrayed him just a few days prior. Yet,
in the kindness, mercy, and compassion
of Jesus, He designed an entire
scenario for His dismayed disciple to be
comforted and encouraged.
First, through a miraculous fish catch,
Jesus performs a familiar miracle to
remind Peter that He is still willing to
meet all his needs and is able to help
him when his efforts are not enough.
Then, as if that wasn’t a full enough
expression of his love and acceptance,
Jesus makes a meal for them to
fellowship together and share their
hearts. Yet, how does Peter respond to
this attention and revelation from God?
With comparison. Peter wants to know
8

mparison Trap
what was going to happen for the other guy. Peter falls for what plagues everyone from
junior highers to pastors. The force behind Peter’s question in that moment is what drives
our culture into a state of depression. What comparison robs us of is something our entire
society feels collectively, but is manifested in a deeply personal and unique way for each
individual.
Back then it was Peter’s question. Today, it’s tabulating our likes on social media, inflating
the numbers in the seats that we preach to, or over-extending ourselves financially to
maintain appearances. We see the scene unfold like we’re engrossed in a binge-worthy
Netflix series and shout to the screen, “don’t do it, don’t miss it, He’s right there in front of
you! Don’t fall for the comparison trap!”
But when we have our moment, all too often we take a bite of the cheese in the trap.
We compare and we miss the special things that Jesus is proclaiming, promising, and
preparing specifically for us. There’s a better way. Jesus wants to have a conversation with
us. Christ invites us into intimate encounters like He had with Peter. Encounters where
Jesus, by His Spirit, focuses on His love for us, unfolds some of His mission for us, and
gives us a fresh revelation. Jesus will provide everything we need so that we can walk in
the newness of our closeness and the reality of our revelation.
One of the most interesting points of the exchange between Peter and Jesus is that Peter
was focusing on someone else when God was focusing on him. This isn’t a scripture
episode where the enemy is disputing something that God has said, or putting one of
God’s children under such intense pressure and attack that they can’t see with eyes of
faith. This was a flat-out, five-star devotional opportunity where Jesus is speaking directly
to one of His children, and they just can’t receive it.
I hate to admit that this has happened to me dozens of times over the years, where I’ve
missed what could have been glorious moments with God, moments that were meant to
encourage, heal, and even propel me forward for the Lord’s sake. And I missed it because
I was longing for my life to look like someone else’s.
The truth of the matter is, God is way too original and creative to make our lives a replay of
someone else’s. If he were a painter, He would never paint the same thing twice. But each
painting would be equally a masterpiece. If He were a musician, He would never have to
sing the same song more than once, because He would always have something freshly
beautiful to sing. It is crazy to think that our faith disposition could so limit or miss what
God really wants to do in us and through us.
Go back and get what he was offering you and forget about what he’s offering others. Take
advantage of the opportunity you have today to experience your own face-time with Jesus
and receive your own sense of His love and purpose for your life and ministry. He wants to
show through us that it really is possible to live life out of the newness of His closeness.
And when you get a hold of what God has for
you, your days will be richer and your house
will be filled with fruit that lasts, with “rare
and beautiful things” (Proverbs 24:23).
Lead Pastor AL TOLEDO and
his wife, Chrissy, pioneered
the multi-ethnic, vibrant
Chicago Tabernacle in 2002.
Al spent his early years in
NYC preparing for a career
as a Major League baseball
player and gave his life to
Jesus while on a baseball field
at the age of 17. Shortly after
being drafted by the Chicago
White Sox, God started to
direct Al toward ministry.
He left baseball and began
attending a church near the
apartment where he grew
up, The Brooklyn Tabernacle.
It was there he met Chrissy,
daughter of Lead Pastor Jim
Cymbala and his wife, Carol.
Al served in various ministries
and soon responded to the
call to full-time ministry. This
led Al to Omaha, Nebraska,
where he pastored a thriving
A/G church. Al and Chrissy
returned to The Brooklyn
Tabernacle before, finally,
moving to Chicago.
Pastor Al desires to see
people become all God has
called them to be. In 2012, he
launched DNA of a Leader, a
leadership training emanating
from over 25 years of personal
experience in ministry. Since
then, DNA has been taught in
seminaries and cities across
the globe.
Al and Chrissy Toledo have
three children – Susie,
Annie and Tommy – and four
grandchildren – Wesley,
James, Roman and Joel.
LEADERSHIPconnexion | Spring 2022 9

MINISTER CARE & CHURCH RECALIBRATION | Jason Tourville | 717.795.5921 | jason@penndel.org
Ascending
from the Valley
What Psalm 23 teaches us about
Anxiety and Depression
The stakes are high!
Most of us have a complex web of relationships from our
families, friends, co-workers and those in our community. For
those of you who have leadership positions at work or in the
church, your effect on others is amplified. Ignoring depression
and anxiety doesn’t help. The “Suck-It-Up-Buttercup”
approach doesn’t work. Depression and anxiety are affecting
our families, churches and culture at a large and alarming rate.
Recently the American Psychological Association released
the following statement, “Rates of anxiety and depression
among U.S. adults were about 4 times higher between April
2020 and August 2021 than they were in 2019. Some of the
sharpest increases were among males, Asian Americans,
young adults and parents with children in the home, according
to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data.*”
Did you catch that…4 TIMES HIGHER! That is staggering!
This has translated into higher suicide rates among both men
and women. Additional strain has been experienced by families
and marriages. Addiction and substance abuse is exasperated
because of the anxiety and depression felt by so many.
The Psalmist described a similar experience that many
are having in Psalm 23:4, “Even though I walk through
the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
your rod and your staff comfort me.” This “dark valley” is
a great description of what depression and anxiety feels like.
This short Scripture verse provides three realities and three
directions for us as we pass or walk through valleys.
Let’s start with the Three Realities:
1WALK THROUGH: Here the Psalmist doesn’t describe a
deliverance or a rescue, but rather the process of walking
through this dark valley. We are not about to run from this
valley or leap over it. When it comes to depression and
anxiety, it is something we MUST walk through.
2
WITH ME: We are not alone. It is hard to remember this
when our valleys are dark. It is a challenge for the soul to not
retreat from our relationship with God and others, but rather
lean into them. While I am slightly getting ahead of myself,
the important portion here is the reality…“YOU ARE NOT
ALONE.”
3
COMFORT ME: Anxiety and depression can cause us to feel
like there is no way out and there is nothing that can sooth our
souls. The Psalmist provides the reality that there is comfort
available to us, even in the darkest of valleys. There is hope!
Even when we can’t feel it, we can believe it! The God of all
comfort meets us in our current state, and we can discover
His strength in our weakness.
10

Now let’s turn to the
Three Directions:
1FIND YOUR WAY THROUGH: Walking “through” this
valley tells us that we do not have to get “stuck” in this
valley of darkness. While each person’s journey may look
a bit different, it will always involve healthy relationships
with self, others and God. Interestingly enough, these
three relationships (self, others, God) are also the source
through which we receive grace. Your way through will
involve the giving and receiving of grace.
2
LEAN INTO RELATIONSHIPS: The Psalmist writes, “I will
fear no evil, for you are with me.” The dark valley is often
a place of isolation. When we feel vulnerable because of
our experience of depression and anxiety, we retreat from
relationships. While there are certain relationships you
may need to distance yourself from, the safe and healing
relationships are those you need to lean into. If they are
absent, then you need to seek them out. You can find
these life-giving relationships with mature friends, spiritual
parents (those who are older and wiser) or perhaps you
can find that with a Christian counselor. Pride will say, “I’ve
got this,” all the while the anxiety and depression tightens
its grip on us. Humility says, “I need others.” Humility
recognizes that Christ’s grace flows through relationships,
described in Scripture as the “BODY OF CHRIST.”
3
TRUST GOD: When the Psalmist writes, “your rod
and your staff comfort me,” he is referencing God’s
protection and leadership. A healthy approach to dealing
with depression and anxiety is loosening our grip on the
steering wheel (control) and trusting that God will protect
and guide our steps. When life seems overwhelming and
scary, it will comfort your soul when you are reminded
that God has you in the palm of His hand, and He will
not lose his grip on you. He is faithful to protect and to
guide us through even the darkest valleys in our lives. He
understands and He is able to sustain.
When it comes to depression and anxiety (the dark valley),
there are no easy answers or solutions. However, there are
both healthy/productive ways to respond and unhealthy/
unproductive ways to respond. As you consider your own
dark valleys, YOU ARE NOT ALONE!
HEALTHY PASTORS.
THRIVING CHURCHES.
Individual, Couples and Family
Counseling available to you,
your family and your church.
Accepts most forms of insurance • Online or In-Person
www.Emerge.org/PA • 800-621-5207
Marriage
Tune-Up
Two days to
refresh your
relationship
The Marriage Tune-Up for pastoral,
missionary and ministry couples is
a 2-day personalized and private
consultation to refresh your
relationship. After completing
an online assessment, your
unique relationship challenges
are addressed and strengths are
enhanced.
www.Emerge.org/TuneUp
THRIVING CHURCH CONSULTING
Consultants will come alongside a church in a 2-phase
process, which includes an assessment, strategic
recommendations and implementation coaching.
www.recalibratechurch.org/Consulting
*www.apa.org/monitor/2021/11/numbers-depression-anxiety
BOOKS 4 YOU
These books clearly describe what is happening
in our churches and communities and offer a fresh
perspecitive of what we can do about it.
Managing Leadership Anxiety by Steve Cuss
The Epidemic of Loneliness by Susan Mettes
DISCOVER MORE
www.recalibratechurch.org/consulting
LEADERSHIPconnexion | Spring 2022 11

GUEST CONTRIBUTOR | Wilfredo De Jesús | AG General Treasurer
“Security isn’t our
biggest priority;
outreach is…”
For a number of reasons, going into the ministry didn’t
make sense. The church was small, but an associate
pastor had served there for over twenty years; surely
he was a better candidate than I was. And I was so close to
becoming a state trooper. The trajectory of my life was set.
The other issue weighing on me, frankly, was that if I became
the pastor, my salary would be cut to $35,000 a year. How
could Elizabeth and I and our kids live on that? Those were
very good reasons to say “Thanks but no thanks.” No, it just
wasn’t going to work.
I didn’t want to offend my father-in-law, however, so I came
up with a plan to guarantee that I wouldn’t be the next pastor:
I was willing to let him put my name up for consideration, but
I’d accept only if all sixty-eight members of the church voted
for me.
There was no way that could happen. I was so confident
in the outcome that I continued to move forward with the
process of becoming a state trooper. A couple of weeks
later, when the church held a meeting for the members to
vote, to my utter shock, all sixty-eight people voted for me!
In an instant, my vision of being a state trooper vanished and
my income would be cut by almost two-thirds. Being called
into ministry was something I didn’t take lightly, and I clearly
understood that God was leading me in this direction. It’s just
that I had been sure that the prophetic words given to me
years earlier - “I’ve called you to be a great leader. Stay in My
path.” - were directing me to a career in law enforcement so
I could stand against injustice. After the church vote, though,
I slowly realized that my role as a pastor was another way to
stand against injustice.
I was being asked to become the pastor of a church where
a riot had destroyed the community, where gangs ruled the
streets and drugs ruined lives. I had grown up here. This was
my community. The more I thought about the opportunity, the
more confident I became that I could move outside the walls
of the church to connect with people in the neighborhood.
After much prayer and consideration, I accepted the Lord’s
call on my life and agreed to take on the role of pastor.
Early on, we made two important decisions. First, we changed
the name of the church, which was called the Palestine
Christian Temple of the Assemblies of God—a name that
doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue. Some people assumed,
quite naturally, that we were a church for Palestinians. In fact
the Chicago Tribune newspaper called our office every time
there was conflict in the Middle East, seeking a quote or two
regarding the latest crisis. My standard answer to reporters: “I
don’t really have an opinion. We’re Puerto Ricans.”
Since I wanted the church to reach out to the community with
a new, inclusive message, we renamed our congregation the
New Life Covenant Church and got to work.
12

WILFREDO “CHOCO” DE JESÚS
served in the Humboldt Park neighborhood
of Chicago as Lead Pastor of New Life
Covenant Church for over 19 years (2000-
2019). The church has seen a tremendous
amount of growth and influence through
the planting of multi-site campuses,
effective urban and community outreach,
and through world missions.
Today, Pastor Choco serves as the General
Treasurer of the Assemblies of God. A
pentecostal denomination serving 13,017
churches in the U.S., with over 3 million
members and adherents and with more
than 69 million members worldwide.
The second decision we made was about the building. One day as I walked up to
the church, I stared at the strong gate in front of the entrance. Instantly, I realized
that this formidable gate was more than a physical barrier; it was also a spiritual and
psychological roadblock that screamed “Stay away!” I remember telling some of our
leaders, “This gate has got to go!”
An older member asked, “But what about the stealing? Aren’t you afraid people will
break in?”
“Security isn’t our biggest priority; outreach is,” I replied. “And that huge gate
sends the wrong message to the people we want to reach with the gospel.
It’s time to move beyond fear and beyond
convenience so everyone feels welcome here.”
These two decisions changed the narrative of our church. We were no longer selffocused
and fearful; we were committed to be open, loving, and welcoming. Before, we
sent competing messages to the community. Our words were loving; but the name of
the church was confusing, and the physical barrier spoke of anything but love. Now we
were open for God’s business, open to love the people He loves—all of them, not just
some of them.
We weren’t going to remain secluded in an armory; we had our arms open to hug
those who’d never been to church and those who’d been coming for years, the downand-out
and the up-and-coming, those who had no resources and those who had
more than enough. No matter what they’d done, they could find forgiveness. No matter
how devastated they were, they could find healing and hope. They could be from the
Humboldt ’hood - black, white, Asian, or any other background - and be welcomed.
No one was off-limits to God’s love. No divide, no separation, no suspicion. And that’s
how we got started at New Life Covenant Church.
Pastor Choco has a heart to reach even
the most marginalized with the Gospel
and the saving power of Jesus Christ. In
April 2013, he was named one of Time
Magazine’s 100 most influential people in
the world and recognized for his leadership
and influence within the Evangelical and
Latino community, to the Glory of God.
Pastor Choco is also the author of five
books: Amazing Faith, In the Gap, Stay
the Course, Move Into More and Love
Them Anyway. In December of 2018,
he graduated with his doctorate from
Southeastern University in Lakeland,
Florida.
He and his wife Elizabeth have three
adult children and five pretty amazing
grandchildren.
Reprinted with
Permission from
Love Them Anyway:
Finding Hope in a Divided
World Gone Crazy
by Choco De Jesús,
Charisma House. 2021.
LEADERSHIPconnexion | Spring 2022 13

CHURCH PLANTING | TOM REES | 717.795.5921 | tom@penndel.org
FISH
FINDERS
Written by Duane Goodling
People who are really into fishing will often install a fish finder on their boat. You can spend a little
bit of money and get a basic one that will give you a general idea of where the tree stumps,
rocks and fish may be located or you can spend a couple thousand dollars (really!) and get one
that allows you to see all the fish and all the structure around you in incredible detail. You can even
watch the fish to see how they react to the lure you are using. Some will even tell you what type of
fish you are looking at (really!). Fish finding technology for sport has advanced to an astounding level.
Jesus says in Matthew 4:19 “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” While technology has
greatly advanced to help us find fish in the water, being a fisher of men has not, it is simply about
being intentional about seeking out and making yourself available to pray for them and guide others
to Christ. It is being the initiator of relationships to break down the barriers between them and Christ.
Are you following Him? Looking at Matthew 4:19, this is the initial question that must be asked in the
context of Men’s Ministry. Before we can minister to other men, we need to first look at our own walk
with Christ and ensure He is our Captain. Are we relying on Christ to guide us through our daily lives?
We cannot be a good leader or mentor to others if our own walk is not squarely grounded in Christ.
Are you even fishing? As Christians, we are directed to “Go into the world, preach the Gospel and
make disciples.” (Matthew 28:19) To further refine this, as men and men’s leaders of the church, we
should specifically be reaching out to other men, young and old, through relationship building. Some
may need a strong man of faith to lean on in tough times, others need someone to just listen and
pray with them and still others need a good mentor to guide them and answer their questions.
What are you using to find fish? We cannot just sit back and hope that the fish (men) will come to
us. Yes, that may happen depending on our position; however, this is not the direction given to us
in Matthew 4:19. This verse says that we will be made fishers of men. When fishing, do you sit in
the boat and hope the fish jump in? Of course not! We use, at minimum, a rod, reel, line, bait and at
times, a fish finder. So, what kind of equipment are you using? A ‘fish finder’ can come in all shapes
and sizes: men’s group meetings, intentional mentor relationships, trips to a ball game, a fishing trip,
a side conversation after work or just a phone call when you sense someone may be struggling.
When is the last time you’ve gotten your ‘fishing’ tackle out and made a cast?
If it has been a while, it’s time to go fishing!
DUANE GOODLING
is the Light for the Lost
coordinator for PennDel
and Missions Director for
Think Missions. Duane
serves churches by
helping them spread the
Gospel and fill the globe
with life-giving churches.
Duane is available to
speak at your church,
men’s ministries, and
missions events. You can
reach him at duane@
thinkmissions.org.
14

GOSPEL
CONVERSATIONS
The good news is that four out of five people are ready and
willing to engage in spiritual conversations. Sadly, many do
not believe Christians are ready or willing to participate in a
conversation with someone with a different point of view. Many
have experienced Christians talking at them rather than listening
or engaging in a meaningful dialogue.
To change the way we fish, we would do well
to develop these starting points for Gospel
conversations:
1. BE PRESENT AND LISTEN : Follow the
conversation and not your agenda
2. FIND COMMON GROUND : Build a relational
bridge
3. WALK IN THEIR SHOES : Understand their story
4. TALK LIKE A REAL PERSON : Use words meant
for real people and not the pews
5. SHARE A BETTER STORY THAN THE ONE
THEY’VE HEARD
Adapted from Send Institute
LAUNCH TRAINING
We plant churches because we believe that
effective new churches are great at reaching
new generations, new residents and new people
groups. In fact, effective new churches are great at
reaching the de-churched and unchurched.
To learn more about how you and/or your church
can start a new church that is true to the Biblical
mandate to reach people with the Gospel, you
are invited to attend LAUNCH in Columbus, Ohio
on June 21-23. The PennDel Ministry Network is
offering scholarships for the registration ($599).
Contact Tom Rees at tom@penndel.org
for the Launch code. Details are available at:
churchmultiplication.net.
CMN
ROUNDTABLES
Church Multiplication Roundtables
have been created to provide a space
and place for church pastors to grow
and connect with others and their
teams. It’s CMN’s opportunity to
add value to you and your team and
bring you together with others with
who you can collaborate and grow. A
huge perk is that it is completely free.
The next CMN Regional Roundtable
in our area is in Columbus, Ohio on
June 21.
RURAL PASTORS
PennDel is partnering with Kim and Laurel Harvey
from Convoy of Hope’s Rural Initiatives to come
alongside our rural and small-town pastors with
a renewed vision for reaching our rural areas for
Jesus. Whether it is shoes for kids in school,
sports drinks for local teams, or paper products
for first responders, the resources and training will
help you partner with your local community.
Join us on Thursday, May 5 and Convoy of Hope
will send you home loaded up with products to
bless you and bless your community!
Register at penndel.org/summit22
To find out more, go to
churchmultiplication.net/regionalroundtables

YOUTH MINISTRIES/DYD | Lee Rogers | 717.795.5921 | lee@penndel.org
5
Five Emerging Challenges and
1 2 3
CHALLENGE #1
IDENTITY FRACTURING. The challenges of
transgender and same-sex attraction (SSA)
identification are combining with cancel culture
and leading to the fracturing of youth ministries.
This challenge began to emerge last year and
has continued to present itself in 2022. Generally,
a student will publicly identify as transgender or
SSA and demand the youth ministry accept and
affirm their lifestyle choice. Should leadership
refuse, the student threatens to stop coming to
youth group and also to deter as many students
from attending as possible. This scenario has
already played out in a few youth ministries within
our Network.
THE OPPORTUNITY in this challenge is to clarify
a Biblical view of these matters with grace and
humility. Additionally, there is a great opportunity
to challenge the dominant cultural narrative by
pointing to the various studies that demonstrate
happiness is not increased, nor are problems
solved, by changing genders. Help students
understand they are made in the image of God,
and by narrowing their identity to simply their
gender or sexual orientation, they are robbing
themselves of a fuller life in the Spirit.
CHALLENGE #2
META/VR WORLD. The meta or
virtual reality (VR) platforms are growing
exponentially. These next level social
networking systems will continue to
grow in popularity. The challenge for
the average youth worker comes when
students start to delve into these worlds.
Just as social media is of primary nature
to Gen Z, so the VR universe will be to
Gen Alpha. Are you ready for the next
evolution of social networking?
THE OPPORTUNITY presents itself
when several students in a youth ministry
dive into VR; there are opportunities to
participate, game and hang out together
in these VR spaces. There is also the
chance to create Christ-centered and
Spirit-empowered culture even in the
meta spaces. Several pastors and
churches have already launched into
VR/Meta church services and activities,
which are generally far more robust than
livestreams.
CHALLENGE #3
THE POLITICAL CLIMATE.
Two major political events will
happen that will apply great
pressure to the church and
youth ministries in 2022. First,
mid-term elections will occur
in November, meaning that
campaigning has already begun.
The term “white evangelical” will
be thrown around quite a bit,
and not in a complimentary way.
Secondly, the Supreme Court
will issue its current findings on
abortion rights in May or June.
Many analysts have speculated
the court’s ruling will likely limit
Roe vs. Wade by confirming the
power of the States to impose
limits on abortions. Given the
passions on both sides of this
issue, it is likely that some
churches, youth groups, and
Christian students could be
targeted when these rulings are
released.
16

Opportunities in Youth Ministry
THE OPPORTUNITY comes
to biblically define the value of
life, as well as other social issues
that tend to define political
stances. There is a further
opportunity here to define the
church and youth ministry as a
Biblically aligned and founded
body that is Spirit-empowered.
The church is not a political
entity, nor is it the weapon or
arm of any political party. We
view all things through the lens
of Scripture and the Spirit, not
through the lens of politics. It’s
more important than ever that
students have this fundamental
understanding of the church.
4 5
CHALLENGE #4
COMMUNITY. This challenge is the result of the Covid
pandemic and the disruption that isolation, distancing and
masking have brought to Generations Z and Alpha. To be
clear—community is not a challenge for the church, but
it has become a challenge for those outside the church.
Not only has it been a challenge, but more than ever
influential voices in culture are starting to call it out. The
next three to five years will be inundated with secular calls
for community and community forming activity in an effort
to compensate for the losses of the last two years.
THE OPPORTUNITY for the church is obvious. We have
tended to specialize in community, so this shouldn’t be
hard. At the same time, the church and youth ministry
must ensure that the community of the body of Christ is a
missional community. Youth ministries must create formal
and informal opportunities for students from outside the
church to join in the community of the Body of Christ.
CHALLENGE #5
INFLATION. This is not a
challenge that youth pastors and
leaders typically think about, but
the severity of inflation will create
a challenge in the near future.
Everything is going to cost more,
starting with food and gas. It will
cost more to do normal youth
group activities.
THE OPPORTUNITY here is
to focus the financial resources
of the youth ministry on the
moments that matter. Spend
your money where it matters
most. Trim the fat from your
budget, and do not spend
money on youth ministry
activities that are not aligned
with your core values.
Hear more about these challenges and other relevant
youth ministry topics on our podcast & YouTube channel
LEADERSHIPconnexion | Spring 2022
17

Going H
PENNDEL WOMEN | Liz DeFrain | 484.686.4554 | liz@penndelwomen.com | penndelwomen.com
Have you ever been to an area where the elevation is
higher than you usually live? For example, Steve and
I traveled to Quito, Ecuador, where the elevation is
9,350 feet above sea level. When you compare this to
Philadelphia, with an elevation of thirty-nine feet above
sea level, that is a drastic difference.
When the atmosphere is very different, and if not prepared,
you can experience altitude sickness, which Steve did. Altitude
sickness symptoms can be mild, causing nausea, a slight
headache or fatigue. However, they can also be severe, including
shortness of breath, inability to walk, confusion, and even fluid
buildup in your lungs that can be life-threatening. Thankfully,
Steve’s symptoms were mild and passed relatively quickly.
Truthfully, those who love mountain climbing prepare their bodies
for the adventure. There is a spiritual parallel to this for all of us
who want to go higher spiritually. I read some interesting facts on
preparing to take up mountain climbing, which include exercise,
endurance, and water.
“Therefore, since such a huge crowd of witnesses surrounds
us to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us
down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us
run with endurance the race God has set before us.”
Hebrews 12:1-2
EXERCISE. For those that love to climb, training is essential.
However, having extra physical weight becomes a detriment to
climbing. As leaders, it’s always a good idea to take inventory
and discover what is weighing you down spiritually and then do
the work to change it. What energizes you and what weighs you
down?
ENDURANCE. This word makes me anxious because it is
easy to begin something and much more challenging to keep at it!
Think of all the New Year’s resolutions you’ve made and not kept! I
DELAWARE DREAM CENTER
JUNE 3-4
PHILLY DREAM CENTER
JUNE 10-11
18

igher
often wonder what I have missed because I gave up. We know
that if you plan to climb a mountain, your training needs to be
consistent, right? One training session isn’t sufficient. Spiritually,
it’s the same. Our spiritual training takes time and endurance.
The good news is, we have what we need!
“By his divine power, God has given us everything we need
for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming
to know Him, the one who called us to Himself by means
of His marvelous glory and excellence. And because of his
glory and excellence, He has given us great and precious
promises. These are the promises that enable you to
share His divine nature and escape the world’s corruption
caused by human desires. In view of all this, make every
effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your
faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and
moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with
self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and
patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with
brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for
everyone.” 2 Peter 2:3-7
Finally, WATER. You would never climb a mountain without
bringing a sufficient water supply! Water replenishes our bodies
and helps remove toxins! If you lose more than two percent
of your body weight when you climb, your brain’s ability to
think correctly is affected. Spiritually, if you are not continually
drinking from the living water, you won’t think correctly, and
discouragement can set in. It’s happened to me!
“So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t
be doing what your sinful nature craves.” Galatians 5:16
We are continually climbing this side of heaven because we are
continuously growing in our relationship with Jesus. The best
news is that the view is better the higher we go!
Climb
the Tree
Since the time I was very young, I have enjoyed
climbing trees. There is something very freeing and
very rewarding about getting above the everyday
stressors of life. High above everything and everyone else,
there is a calm, a different perspective, an ability to look at
situations and just think.
Many years ago I decided I would like to climb a tree on
every continent. So far, I have checked off North America,
Central America, South America, Europe, and Asia. I still
need Africa, Australia, and Antarctica. (I know - I will have to
take a tree with me to that last one!) Realistically, I probably
will not be able to fulfill this item on my bucket list. But it is
sure fun trying!
As Pastors,
Leaders and those
involved in walking
through the most
difficult situations
and decisions, it
is imperative to
be able to remove
ourselves from the
immediate stress
and look for a
clearer perspective.
Rise above the
feelings and biases
that cloud the
ability to see as
God sees.
GIRLS MINISTRIES | Sharon Poole | sharonp@pdgirlsministries.com | penndel.org/girls
PITTSBURGH DREAM CENTER
JUNE 17-18
It requires us to ascend into the heavenlies, to spend
time with our Lord and trust Him, His perspective and His
answers. Our American perspective is to “trust your gut,”
follow your heart and do what is best for you. But Jesus
Himself prayed, “Father, if you are willing, please take this
cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be
done, not mine.”
I pray for you today to have the ability and
courage to “climb the tree of clearer
perspective” and trust our Lord for His will,
His way and His decision.
LEADERSHIPconnexion | Spring 2022
19

God’s Story
CHILDREN AND DISCIPLESHIP | Jeremiah Gruber | 717.795.5921
Pride and Prejudice, Little Women,
Aesop’s Fables, A Christmas Carol and
Cinderella: these all made the BBC’s
List of the 100 Stories That Shaped the
World. While these stories have powerful
plots and have been read by many, as
followers of Christ, we truly know the
greatest story to shape the world…
God’s story. We read in Scripture the
stories of God’s creation, Abraham’s
faith, Joseph’s perseverance, Daniel’s
steadfastness, Esther’s bravery, David’s
courage, Peter’s Spirit-empowered life
change, and most importantly, Christ’s
sacrificial love. Each of these people are
important parts of His-story.
In Deuteronomy 6, God reminded the
Israelites the importance of passing on
His story from generation to generation.
Specifically, in verse 7 this command is
given: “Impress them on your children.
Talk about them when you sit at home
and when you walk along the road, when
you lie down and when you get up.” (NIV)
I personally have had God’s story passed
down to me by my parents, pastors
and teachers. The Assemblies of God
ministries of Kids Church, Kids Camps,
Sunday School, Junior/Teen Bible Quiz,
Royal Rangers, Youth Group/Camp/
Convention, Fine Arts and more have all
played pivotal roles in Scripture coming
alive in my life. I have clearly seen God’s
hand all throughout the chapters of
my story: salvation, receiving a call to
ministry, Holy Spirit baptism, education,
marriage, fatherhood, pastoral ministry
and now the newest chapter our family
is stepping into the role of Children’s and
Discipleship Ministries Director at the
PennDel Ministry Network.
One of the joys I look forward to the most
will be watching the Holy Spirit work
and move in our summer kids camps.
It was at a PennDel Kids Camp where I
felt God’s call on my life, and then later
received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. I
believe and know that God’s story is still
being written today and that the lives of
many children and chaperones will be
changed this summer. We would love to
have your church join us as we share the
life-changing stories of Scripture at KIDS
CAMP 2022.
I look forward to partnering with each of you as we continue sharing
God’s story from generation to generation.
20

PennDel Royal Rangers
TESTIMONY
Jonathan Paredes,
Sectional Coordinator for Greater Philadelphia Area and Buckskin Rep
Since I was a freshman
in high school, Royal
Rangers has been part
of my life. The challenge
and fun of Ranger of the
Year testing is something
I remember well. Leaders
helped me and brought me
to Sectional, District and
Regional testing. It was a
great time to meet with other
Ranger boys who had also
honed their skills. During
preparation and travel, my leaders poured into my life, helping
to disciple me into the man I am today. We had plenty of time
to talk about life, religion, Christianity, church, leadership and
manhood which had a deep and formative impact on my life.
There are countless examples where men and women
simply stepped up and volunteered to fill a need in a ministry
working with boys. Granted, from their own perspective these
individuals probably considered themselves “average church
members” and did not see themselves as more than lay
people in the church. Little did they know that they filled crucial
roles, specifically the men, as they served as the example of
a Christian man. Royal Rangers gave them an opportunity
to model the Christian male/father role to a captive audience
THE PENNDEL ROYAL RANGERS are excited to
see a number of new outposts starting — our goal is
to see more boys across Pennsylvania and Delaware
discipled into godly servant leaders. There are
scholarships available, so if your church has a desire
to see your boys effectively discipled and men refine
their servant leader skills, please consider contacting
us to find out more about Royal Rangers.
Work continues at the PennDel Royal Ranger camp
in Honey Grove, PA, and we need your help to finish
the shower house. The walls are up and the trusses
and the roof will go on in the next couple of months. If
you can help, or have a home missions’ team that can
assist, please contact Steve Steffel. We have indoor
accommodations and RV sites.
of boys that were looking for an identity and a place to fit in.
Discipleship, mentoring and modeling are difficult practices to
engage in at a deep level within the four walls of the church.
When you go on a weekend hiking trip in the pouring rain,
or drive in a van for a two week trip across the country to
attend Camporama, relationships will be forged unlike any
other in the church community. I can probably write a book
full of experiences where different men, either for a season or
extended time, have poured into my life and modeled the Fruit
of the Spirit and shaped my personality as a Christian. As a
child, I only understood these experiences as trips or activities
but as an adult I can see the value in being able to do life side
by side with a Christian role model.
Today, I am immersed in the mission of Royal Rangers,
to evangelize, equip and empower the next generation of
Christlike men and lifelong servant leaders. I have continued
to be involved in Royal Rangers as an adult for almost twenty
years because I believe in the ministry and the fruit it bears on
the church and its families. It provides men with the tools to
model Christlike manhood as they mentor boys on a Biblebased,
Christ-centered, Spirit-empowered journey to maturity
in the faith. In a few years, my sons will be old enough to
become involved in Royal Rangers and without hesitation I
want them to experience the ministry for themselves as they
grow into Christlike men.
ROYAL RANGERS | Steve Steffel | 302-379-1580 | Follow us: Website: pdrangers.org | Facebook: PennDel District Royal Rangers
LEADERSHIPconnexion | Spring 2022 21

BONGIORNO CONFERENCE CENTER | Carl Redding | 717.243.7381 | credding@bccretreats.com
FriendsOFBONGIORNO
To “Ascend” means to go up or climb or rise through
the air. It leads me to think about the Christian life. As
we grow in our faith and glean from God’s Word, we
eventually come to the understanding that one day we will rise
into the clouds to join Jesus for all of eternity. The triumph that
He offers all Christians, through faith in Him, is that we get to
ascend and take part in what the Creator has prepared for His
people. The great reminders that we have of this throughout
our lives are amazingly evident if we will just take a moment to
stop, listen, look around and observe the beauty of creation.
As we ascend this hill from Carlisle up to BCC, I’m just amazed
at the sheer beauty of this place. It is overwhelming and we
should not take it for granted. Also, God has blessed this place
with His very Spirit. It always amazes me that our Creator
gifted us with His presence and power, and He is still leading
and empowering believers today. Lastly, in His infinite wisdom,
He has brought us here to lead people toward His presence
and has given us the tools necessary to be the light of His love
to our culture.
As we work to make this Conference Center what He wants it
to be, we have so many things happening that are fulfilling this
plan for improvement and moving forward. This past year has
been a year of change at BCC: George Krebs’ retirement, a
new Food Service Director, the completion of the Shepherd’s
Prayer Walk, the opening of our 18 hole professional disc
golf course, a new David Center deck and outdoor meeting
spaces. We have been busy, to say the least. It is our desire
to continue to grow in vision and realities as we move BCC
forward. We have several projects that will be completed this
year as well, including a new hardscape outdoor meeting
space with firepit and seating, two “super sites” in the RV park,
the renovation of several buildings, and many other projects.
We are so thankful for the ability to make improvements to this
property. We can only do this through the generosity of our
“Friends of Bongiorno.” It’s because of faithfulness in giving
that we are able to move forward on our campus. We thank
our faithful partners and ask you, if you are not yet part of this
program, to please consider joining us in moving BCC to the
next level of ministry.
We truly count it a privilege to serve our Network churches
and ministers. Please contact us if we can help you plan
your Leadership Retreat, Women’s Escape, Men’s Weekend
or Youth Retreat. We are here to help and serve you! Please
know that our Network churches and ministers are our highest
priority as your conference center. We will work to find you the
best dates and times for your retreat or conference and will do
our best to meet and exceed your expectations. It would be
our honor to serve you, your family and your church.
22
For more info: Bongiornocc.com • 717-243-7381

Pennsylvania-Delaware Ministry Network
4651 Westport Drive
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
Read online: penndel.org/connexion
Editor: . . . . . . . . . . Donald J. Immel
Managing Editor: . . . . . Carole Bongiorno
Volume 68 Number 1–(USPS 165-700) is the official periodical published
quarterly by the Pennsylvania-Delaware District Council of the Assemblies
of God. Periodical postage paid at Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.
Circulation Stands at Approximately 5,000. POSTMASTER, Send address
changes to: Pennsylvania-Delaware District Council, 4651 Westport Drive,
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055-4887
Executive Presbytery
Superintendent . . . . . . . . Donald J. Immel
Assistant Superintendent . . . Steven DeFrain
Secretary/Treasurer . . . . . .Jeff Marshall
Timothy Bunney Southwest Suburban–SWS
Mark Caston East Central–EC
Ryan Coon At-Large Under 40
Jeff Dyer Delaware–DEL
James Goodman North Central West–NCW
Wayne Jackson Southwest Metro–SWM
Brad Leach Greater Philadelphia Area–GPA
Dwan Newsome South Central–SC
Kwaku Owusu-Boachie At-Large Ethnic
James Pentz North Central–NC
Randall Rhoads South Central East–SCE
Lisa Rodriguez At-Large Female
Wayne Schaffer South Central West–SCW
Allan Thorpe Northwest–NW
David Twiss Northeast–NE
General Presbyters
Donald J. Immel
Jeff Marshall
Jason Lamer
Honorary General Presbyter
Philip Bongiorno
PennDel Superintendent Emeritus

Pennsylvania-Delaware Ministry Network
4651 Westport Drive
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
Find us online: penndel.org
Join us on Social Media:
PennDel Ministry Network
PennDelMinistryNetwork
#penndelag
Ascend HIGHER!
As a Christ-follower, your decision about where to invest is
spiritual, as well as financial, and you want your investment
to bless not only yourself but others too. An investment with
HIS Fund is an investment that achieves a “Higher Purpose”
because of what Jesus declared as recorded in Matthew 16:18,
“…upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers
of hell will not conquer it.” If you want your investment to be
used in the building of the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ and
produce a blessing that will last for eternity, contact HIS Fund
and we’ll help you ascend to “Higher Purpose” investing.
Investment Interest Rates
5 Year Note 3.75%
4 Year Note 3.25%
2½ Year Note 3.00%
1 Year Note 2.75%
6 Month Note 2.50%
Demand Note 1.50%
($500 minimum investment for all notes)
www.hisfund.com • 866-219-0820 (toll free) • 717-796-9784
THE INITIAL INTEREST RATE ON ALL NOTES WILL DEPEND ON EFFECTIVE INTEREST RATES AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE. TERM NOTES PAY INTEREST AT A RATE FIXED AT THE TIME OF ISSUANCE. ONCE FIXED, THE INTEREST RATE ON
A TERM NOTE WILL NOT BE CHANGED UNTIL THE NOTE MATURES. AT LEAST THIRTY (30) DAYS PRIOR TO ANY DECREASE IN THE INTEREST RATE ON A DEMAND NOTE, HIS FUND WILL NOTIFY THE HOLDER OF SUCH CHANGE. HIS FUND
INTEREST RATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. FOR MORE INFORMATION OR ADDITIONAL FORMS, VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.HISFUND.COM.
THIS INFORMATION IS NEITHER AN OFFER TO SELL NOR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY THE SECURITIES ISSUED BY HIS FUND. THE OFFERING IS MADE ONLY BY THE PROSPECTUS. THE UNSECURED SECURITIES OF HIS
FUND ARE NOT OFFERED OR SOLD IN ANY JURISDICTION WHERE NOT PERMITTED. THE NOTES ARE NOT SAVINGS OR DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS OF A BANK AND ARE NOT INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT
INSURANCE CORPORATION, ANY STATE BANK INSURANCE FUND, THE SECURITIES INVESTOR PROTECTION CORPORATION OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY.