Apostolic Internet USA Pentecostal Christians

Home for the Holidays!

Local soldier returns home for the holidays…

In January 2005 Spc. Richard Collins was deployed to Mosul, Iraq with US Army Stryker Brigade, 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry. It was a hot spot where previously, the US Army Mess Tent was blown up by terrorists at Christmas time just prior to his arrival. Sources say,a 122mm rocket had slammed into the tent ripping through the ceiling and spraying shrapnel as U.S. soldiers as theysat down to lunch. Officials said 22 people were killed in one of the most devastating attacks against Americans in Iraq since the start of the war.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/12/22/iraq/main662421.shtml

His unit routinely policed Mosul’s streets on patrol in their Stryker vehicles in search of IED’s, scoured Mosul neighborhoods to rout out terrorists, and engaged the enemy in combat.

After months of seeing so much death and destruction, he wondered if he was going to live through it all. After seeking the Lord for
assurance, two things happened. Firstly, his Army Chaplain gave him a bandana to wear in combat that had a scripture on it. Secondly, after praying one night for him, his wife’s mother felt impressed to send him the exact same scripture - Psalm 91. He felt the peace of God assuring him as he read, “…14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honor him.”

On April 28th while he was returning from a Stryker convoy mission where they had been engaged in a fierce firefight with insurgents, he was
defending the Stryker in the vulnerable position on the rear hatch when it was unexpectly struck by a vehicle suicide bomb. The explosion
blew him out of the Stryker and left him unconscious — but miraculously, still alive! The Lord had been true to His Word.

During a period of recuperation on May 15th, he was presented with a Purple Heart from General Rodriques at a special USO Tour by Toby
Keith who was performing for the troops in Mosul where he sang, ‘American Soldier’ in their honor. Later, he was also awarded the Army accomodation Medal.

http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/story/4869883p-4467887c.html

It was with a thankful heart that he returned safe and sound with the
21st Stryker Brigadeto Ft. Lewis at the end of September-for their
Welcoming Ceremony. As his unit marched into the stadium, his two
children, Dakota, age 5, and Montana, age 3, excitedly stood ‘at
attention’ all dressed in their red, white and blue outfits and
proudly holding their banner that read, “Welcome Home Daddy!” At that
moment, all pandemonium broke loose as they were dismissed from formation.
At the end of the ceremony,he was enthusiastically greeted by his lovely
wife, Angela and children, along with her parents and friends with
heart-felt hugs, balloons, and American flags waving in celebration!

Since then, the 21st Stryker Brigade has been highly honored by
President Bush presenting them with the Meritorious Unit Award for Valor. This
is a very prestigious award that has only been presented to one other
unit in the entire Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Although he has received various medals and awards for his honorable
service in Iraq, he sadly bows his head and points out that there are
many others who did not return home — who paid the ultimate
sacrifice.

Sunday, December 18th, he returned home to family and friends to
enjoy the Rock Church’s Family Christmas Service. It is with warm hearts
that Richard Collins; loving husband, proud father, dear son, loyal friend
and courageous soldier had finally come ‘Home for the Holidays!’

MUSIC FILE:
I’ll be Home for Christmas
http://my.homewithgod.com/heavenlymidis/Christmas/homeforcmas.mid

The Rock Church Of Elk Grove

By Lance Armstrong
Citizen Lifestyle Editor - The word ‘big’ may be an understatement when it comes to the new facility for Elk Grove’s The Rock Church, located just south of its current facility at the corner of Bradshaw and Calvine roads.
The new $14.5 million structure, which is scheduled to be completed in early 2006, has no trouble standing out in this area that includes no other buildings even close to its size.

The idea for the facility, said the church’s pastor Myles Young, came in 1998, as the church’s membership continued to increase.
“Seven years ago, we were beginning to tap out our facilities and we were running out of parking and running out of room,” Young said. “It was then that we started planning for a new church facility.”

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Listen To Happy Birthday To Bishop Wilson Audio

Bishop Curtis Young
The Rock Church, Elk Grove CA 10.23.05

The Man Who Changed Masters
Bishop Curtis Young

A powerful Message With Testimonies From:

1. Bro Pat Hart EX-Crankster (METHAMPHETAMINE)

2. Bro. John Allen EX-Drug Addict

3. Bro Ryan Caputo EX-Alcoholic

4. Bro Miguel Gallegos EX-Gang-Banger

Part 1