Testimonies

I wanted to share this testimony with everyone....God has kicked my life into hyper speed in regards to sharing his message of salvation through his Son Jesus, don't getting me wrong I did share the gospel with folks but its was difficult for me at times to start the conversation. Being a partner of Unto The World Ministries with the two most amazing brothers in Christ Todd Smith & Keith Dease and God drawing us together to do his will in local and global level is the biggest blessing in the world. You see, this has been my dream sense I was a child...I have always wanted to serve the Lord and tell the world about him, but how? How can I reach the world? For 37 years the Lord has been preparing me for this purpose, he knows my heart, and my love for him....Through our Christ First product line it has given me the ability to share God's truth in a whole new way, I wear the my Christ First bracelet everyday and people walk up to me asking "What is that?"or "Can I have one?"...What a blessing! What an Honor! That God allows me to speak about him and his Son! So I tell you this my friend with all my love "Share Jesus with everyone"! Be bold!...I have told people about Jesus from all walks of life and beliefs...One of the pictures attached is of a gentlemen by the name of Charlie Walker a well known music artist here in Jacksonville. I was doing an escort for him at a big event and God not only granted me the opportunity to share the gospel, but also pray for him right on the side of the stage where everyone could see God's love for this young man. As you will see in the picture we were both sporting our Christ First bracelets. On the other picture attached is of me and a great friend by the name Darren Lee a former Clay County Deputy Sergent and now my Regional Vice President for the company I currently work for...this picture speaks for its self!...I pray for you friend and hope that this testimony touches your heart and you  serve the Lord with everything you got! God bless you!

Unto the World Ministries
aedo@untotheworld.org

When you think you are going to work and its going to be typical day, God has other plans...While at work I was in the office with a gentleman by the name of Myrle Perry, he is a Hampton Police Officer and also the second in command at one of my properties here in Jacksonville Florida. Perry kept looking at my Christ First bracelet throughout the day, but would not say a word...I asked him if he would like to go to lunch and take a break, he replied "Sure, I need to talk to you Aedo"...I responded "Okay". We went to a restaurant on the property where he began to tell me of a few personal issues he was going through and wanted to know how he could be a better father to his daughter and a better husband to his wife. I explained to him that without Christ in a mans life this is impossible. I began to share my testimony and that him and I are not so different...He reminded me of how I use to be before the Lord saved me...Then I continued to share with him about my marriage and that God is the center of both our lives. We put him first before anyone or anything. I asked him if he knew about God and his son Jesus? He replied "No, not really"...I then asked him if he wanted to know...he replied "Yes!, I have been wanting to ask you"...We had to go back to the office and we continued the conversation there, I told him about Jesus and the sacrifice he did for him, me, and the whole...That the only thing he needs to do is to confess his sins to Jesus, ask him for forgiveness, confess with his mouth and believe in his heart that Jesus is the Son of God, died on the cross for his sins, and rose on the third day...The Bible, the living breathing word of God promises that anyone "Who ever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life! I asked if he wanted to receive the gift from God? He replied "Yes"...I then asked to bow his head and to believe in his heart & mind what he was about to pray. We held each others hands and I led him in prayer to receive the Lord Jesus as his God and Savior. This is my reason and purpose in life..to share the gospel to the world! I have below a picture of Myrle and I...

Aedo Morin
Unto the World Ministries
aedo@untotheworld.org

A 6 hour business trip that I did not want to go on, but the Lord had other
plans for me as you will read. Well it started off by me receiving a call from
my boss telling me to go down to Miami to help a property get in line. I had a
ton of things I needed to take care of up here in Jacksonville and really did
not want to go, but at the same time the Holy Spirit told me that I need to
deliver the message of God's love and gift of salvation to "Ariel Fuentes"a
great friend of mine, which also works for the same company as I do...So as a
faithful servant of the most high, I packed my suitcase and drove down to Miami
with a mission. The drive down was awesome! I spent 6 hours of uninterrupted
time with Jesus, listing to his word on CD, Singing Praise & Worship Music, and
Praying. Once there it was a typical day at work, but things changed when it was
time for lunch...Ariel, Myself, and another Director which is also a brother in
Christ went to eat lunch at a local Spanish restaurant. We ordered our food and
both the Director and I prayed over our food thanking the Lord. The Director
asked me about my "Christ First"bracelet and I told him about what it meant and
about "Unto The World Ministries."Ariel was sitting there all this time
listening to the conversation, you can tell that the Holy Spirit was preparing
his heart because after we had finished speaking he stated "I want to know more,
can I get involved?"I turned to him and said "I have a message for you, but I
will tell you soon."Ariel looked at me with a puzzled look, but said
"Okay"....Later on that night around 10:15PM we left the office heading to the
parking lot to our cars. The Lord opened my mouth and it began...I shared my
testimony and what the Lord had done for me, Ariel stood there listening to
every word...It was amazing to see, as if time stood still and the only thing
moving was Ariel heart opening to the Lord. I told Ariel that the Lord has a
gift for him and asked him if he wanted to receive it? and he said "yes"...We
prayed together the sinners prayer, at times he would stop and start crying...he
said "I do not deserve this gift!"I told him that non of us do, but because of
his great love for us he is gives it freely. We continued to pray and Ariel
received Jesus as his Lord and Savior that night. I then took out a "Christ
First"bracelet, put it on his wrist, and welcomed him to God's family.

Aedo Morin

About 2 months ago we had some friends over for dinner. After dinner we were sitting around and sharing a good time with good friends. All night though the teenagers (Angel and his sister Ismarie) kept looking at my bracelet. After just a little while of hanging out , they asked : "What is that bracelet of ? What does it mean ? I proceeded to tell them that this bracelet represents who is first in my life and that it serves as a constant reminder of what Christ did for me and how much it means to me. They asked if they could have one and I told them no. In order to wear this bracelet you have to be a believer in Christ and mean it, because in wearing this bracelet you are representing the kingdom. I asked them if they knew Christ (we had already been told by the parents that they had tried talking to them about Christ but never really got through). They gave some wishy-washy type answers like, yeah, we know that he's the son of God, and we've heard them talk about him in Church. Angel in particular had gone a bit further and decided that most of what he had heard wasn't as true as others tried to make it. I asked them if they wanted to know the TRUTH. Without hesitation they simultaneously said yes. We went up to my loft where it was more quiet and I spent the next 3 hours ministering and witnessing to them both. The more they heard, the more they believed, the more they knew of the love of Christ. After sharing with them about God's grace, and mercy and love and the sacrifice that he did for me and the world, the asked how they could have this love for them as well. I led them in prayer of salvation, and they both repented and accepted Jesus as their personal savior. I reached into my pocket and pulled out two bracelets and put one on each, and they were so overwhelmed with joy and peace that it was evident in their faces and their eyes. We had been talking for so long that their mom had gone home (they are our neighbors). I walked them over at about 1:30 am and told their mom about what had happened. But it didn't compare to watching them tell her themselves. They were elated with joy ! The Holy Spirit was flowing out of them. Their mother .... in tears giving God all the glory. Since then, they have never taken off the bracelets and have been sharing their faith and testimonies to all who will listen ... and some who don't...

Aedo Morin

Hello, my name is Sergio Ponce, I and my beloved wife Silvia have the honor to be part of Christ First.
We love Jesus and live for Him. We have two wonderful sons, Stephen and Rebecca, they love Jesus and are preparing to serve you with excellence.
We are part of a ministry called Operation Rescue, planted churches in Brazil, today we have 9 churches planted and established and we are off to one of the greatest challenges of our lives.

We're underneath a word and direction that God has planted in our spirit. We love the poor, symptoms completely attracted to preach the gospel to the poor and brokenhearted. In Isaiah 61 the prophet says that he was anointed and anointing that God was on purpose. We have been anointed by God to preach the Gospel of the Good News of salvation to the poor. There is one area in Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where approximately 100 000 people live there, we have all sorts of violence and misery, called "Gaza Strip". A constant war between rival drug gangs and corrupt cops. amid all this, drug trafficking and violence prevail in an atmosphere of misery and exploração.Esse is the common framework in the favelas in Rio de Janeiro. Children living under constant abuse and many of them end up going away to live in the city streets, where they assemble and live in terrible conditions.

Apparently, the problem seems unsolvable. Seems that everything tends to worsen more ... But we believe in change, we believe in transforming the new birth. We believe in the Power of the Word of God that transforms man and society all around him.
God gave us a vision, put in us a passion. Gave us a strategy, a way to get there, amid all this and explode from within the evil system that dominates thousands of people there in that place.
Let's plant the church there. When you walk through the Favelas of Rio de Janeiro, we can find many churches, but something God showed me that these brothers are often there as soldiers fighting a war almost impossible to win if there is a change in strategy and especially the support of a reinforcement in battle.

God called me to prepare a building, train an army to enter this battle and helping those who are there fighting so long against the empire of darkness.
Will initially be a training center for pastors, workers, missionaries, preachers ... Anonymous warriors of God who are now living in the Favelas of Rio de Janeiro risking their own lives, preaching the gospel of Jesus. These need to be supplied, many of them have no recourse, they suffer the basic financial needs, many live in places without any requirement of security, they need financial help urgently. Moreover, lack of outreach material, they lack resources for Bibles, printed, the places where they congregate most often is poor, with no structure. In fact most of these warriors of God, are going through many difficulties which causes the message they preach is just a message that console, which carries the hope of changing the social and spiritual to heaven, away from this dying in which they live. God called me to help these warriors of God, come and take me for physical resources and also spiritual resources. Let's create a training center, from there, men and women of God will minister in the lives of Warriors of God. They are totally committed to preaching the Gospel, someone who undertakes am being supported, supporting them to fulfill God's purpose there. I need partners in this great venture. We will need lots of resources, we need people who are prepared to go and spend time there at the Training Center, training them and giving in their lives. We will need much coverage of prayer and intercession. However, believe that by getting involved in something so special, you're getting involved with something that God loves.

So I want to thank my partners in Christ First and declare that "We are more than conquerors through him who loved us and gave Himself for us"Rom. 8:37

Sergio Ponce - Niteroi, Brazil

Ok, so if you have not purchased Todd's "Christ First"bracelets yet, GET THEM NOW! Adults and youth alike are attracted to these things like a magnet. Tonight, someone in our downline told how this morning he was having such a rough day, but whenever he looked at his wrist, it reminded him of what was important. He made sure he had his bracelet on while he was flippin his chart. Everyone I have given one to, has it on all the time, PROUDLY! Also, I am starting to include one around the top of every bottle I place. It looks really cool. It's a great testimony. I'm going to be ordering some more very soon as I just want to pass them out everywhere! Todd, if your website is up and running, can you post the link on your facebook page?"

Tina Apostolou

"You must have been reading my mind! Paul and I have been wanting to get in touch with you and your husband. Thank you so much for the shirts, hats, and bracelets. The people here LOVE them and it is such a blessing to be able to give them out. You guys have blessed us!!!"

Olivia Sweet - Equador

Hello Todd,
This is Kim. I met you at Rays Food Place last weekend. You gave me a bracelet that says ChristFirst on it. I haven't taken it off since you gave it to me. Lots of people like it. I was wondering if there was a way to get more of these? My grandsons would love to have one. They are 6years and 3years old and have been hot after God since birth. It would be so great if I could get a hold of some so I could send them out as gifts to friends and family.
Thanks so much for your time.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. COLOSSIANS 3:15

Kim

Hey Keith,
Good to hear that you will have the site up and running soon, I'll be watching for it. I was at Rally to Ridge Crest and bought some items at the Christ First booth. I was going to buy some 4"vinyl decals and some motorcycle patches for me and my wife. I really like the Christ First products. I will be buying more from you in the future. Thanks for getting back with me.

Kenny Hayden - Immokalee, FL.

Look out for our next order for patches and decals. Folks love your stuff!

Candy Jones - Lakeland, FL.

Youth Pastor Roger Sumner,

 

I really appreciate your ministry.  I am the youth pastor at FBC of Dowling Park.  We have alot of older people in our church and one of the older ladies gets bracelets from me that she gives to new people who move into her retirement community.  She uses the bracelets to witness to them and invite them to our church.  I also give them to new youth who come to our church.  My older youth use the presentation to witness to them.  So again thank you for your help in my ministry.

I purchased 4 of the Christ First stickers (about 4"long. I put the first one on my black helmet and it was gray. AWESOME, I LOVE IT! I put the next one on my black fender and it was black.

Tony

I received the decal! Thanks for going the extra mile and getting it to me. It looks great on my bike. It was worth the wait.

Dean Snoddy - Richland Springs, Texas

Thanks Keith! I left a message for Sean and will certainly see him on Sunday to remind him. It’s fun sharing "God moments"with other Christians and I look forward to seeing your businesses continue to grow and prosper.

Blessings to you and your family!

Tim Chandler - Jacksonville, FL.

I'm very happy and excited about the "Ministry in Slums". Did you see in the last week, the report about the violence in Rio that is exploding? Oh my God! Only Jesus, my friend, only Jesus can change it. The More Project is doing great, we're doing our best to change the next generation and I believe we will but, I'm excited about the "Rescue Operation Ministry"& "Christ First ".
I have to tell you that the time when you came to see us was much, much more than you think. The Abba Father, used you, my brother, to talk to me very strong and it makes me remember the vision that He gave to me many years ago. In that vision, He showed me a bridge, and told me that He will build a bridge using my life to connect USA/Brazil. I think in the beginning that was about bringing American pastors and teachers to preach in the Brazilian church or something like that.
I need your help to help me share the vision with other men and women of God that want to be used to help and support missionaries and pastors that are preaching the Gospel inside the favelas in Brazil. THAT WILL BE AMAZING. We will send reports, pictures, and testimonies, and more, if someone wants to come and spend some days there, sharing the Jesus love and power inside the favelas. We’ll do it, and Jesus will change lives. Oh my God Todd, I can see it, I can see it!!!
First of all, my brother, thank you for coming and being available to Him to restore the vision and to give the start.
Thank you for being a real man of God and not just another religious man.
Thank you for your love and support.
Thank you, thank you, and thank you. Let's do it! Let's make a difference in this side of eternity!

Sergio Ponce - Niteroi, Brazil

Todd,

Please thank your partner for the shirts and goodies. I had a number of people ask where they could get the merchandise. Also, as you get information on how the company will work with teams to help raise money for mission trips, please pass it along. I spoke with the missionaries in Guatemala and also our church’s mission team about the possibility of raising money via the Christ First site. They both would like to know more and need to know what percentage of the proceeds go directly to missions. I know your heart, but they will want to see something on paper. I will help you guys promote any way I can.

We are currently looking into sending 35 of our youth to Guatemala in 2010.

Dean Snoddy - Richland Springs, Texas

Hi,
Our good friends, John and Kim Brown, attend Hibernia Baptist with you. I saw your bumper sticker and loved it. How can I order some?

Barbara - Tallahassee, FL.

While in Brazil, I gave out over 50 wrist bands. When I gave the wrist bands to the EMME group, I shared the fact that they were a tool for witnessing as well as for being held accountable before God. Pastor Jeff also gave a couple of wrist bands to some teens in the churches where we were. Even my dad was using one. Everybody loved them! Once the teens saw the EMME students wearing them, they wanted to have one as well. I did a limited survey among the teens and initially they prefer the English version. Most Brazilians are drawn to logos in English. I think a Portuguese version would also be well accepted.

Petie ( Stephen Peterson ) Word of Life Curitiba, Brazil
Word of Life

Thanks for a great product - we love the ChrisTfirst logo on our car. Jet wears the hat, too! Remember - "until the whole world hears".

Tallahassee, FL

Barbara and Jet Thompson - Tallahassee, FL.

Thanks for the info. I was on a CMA ride in Houston, TX and several men loved the decal and wanted me to get this info to them. I did! Thanks again.

Dean Snoddy - Richland Springs, Texas

Remember: "It is only GOOD NEWS if they hear it in time"

David Burton - Dir. of Evangelism, Florida Baptist Convention
Florida Baptist Convention

I do believe that "Christ First"will be an amazing blessing for us here. I have a passion to help the pastors inside the slums and now because of you and your vision I believe that we will do something effective and real to support ours brother that are there giving their lives and taking a big risk to preach the Gospel. So let's do it!
One More time:
Thank you for being one special instrument and God's hands of ministry in my life.
I love and respect you my brother.
Be blessed in Jesus Name.

GLORY… GLORY ….AMEN!
GOD IS GOOD.
NOW GO FOR IT!

Sergio Ponce - Niteroi, Brazil

I’m all on-board with your ministry. Count me in! Have a great day, and talk to you later.

Mike

Mike & Tina Apostolou

I noticed the decals while attending the Men's Event and I liked what they said. What a great reminder! So many times we forget to keep Him first in ALL we do and say. Anyway, whatever info you can provide would be appreciated. We really enjoyed the Real Men's Event. This was our first year attending. I say "we"because I am the Men's Ministry Director at First Baptist Church Lake Butler. We came with 43 guys, young and old. One of them made a decision that day to make Jesus Lord of his life. It was a great day! Thanks again for all your hard work. Looking forward to hearing back from you.

David Stirrat - Lake Butler, FL.