The Berthoud Bugle: An Interview
- berthoudfoursquare
- Mar 1
- 11 min read
Volume 2025: Edition 35
Food for thought: Be Kind
Hello everyone. We thank you for your love and support for our Church and our family. Please continue to pray for our church, our pastor and his leadership, and our church leaders as we move forward into this year. We are so blessed and grateful for the growth in our church, the ability to share our messages and newsletters with our viewers, and the strengthening of our church family and viewers as a congregation and as individuals. We strive to bring encouragement and connection through this newsletter, which we will continue to post every 1st of the month. So, we hope you will continue to learn and grow in God's word with us.
As I pondered what subject to write about this month, it made me think of the past few weeks and what I’ve been going through. The thoughts that have run through my mind, and the daily experiences that make me, me.
I found myself thinking: how much do we really know the people we surround ourselves with? The people in our daily lives and the people we work with.
Over the past few weeks I have listened to many podcasts, many bible-based messages, bible clips, and many social media posts. Out of all the listening and watching, how people interact on social media, and the comments left on the social media posts; The one thing you hardly see is people trying to communicate with each other respectfully.
You can go on any social media post, YouTube video, Instagram reel, podcast comment board and see that people don’t want to get to know each other. They only want to give their opinions/thoughts and tear one another down instead of actively listening and having an open mind towards others.
I’ve been guilty of the same thing, but a few months back, I realized, “what good is it to hurt another person? Why can’t I just have a conversation? Why can’t I just listen to that person's point of view?”. It was like a light bulb came on.
Don’t get me wrong. I am, by no means, perfect. I still find myself slipping up on social media.
But now, I often catch myself and try to stop so I can do the right thing.
So, how much do you really try to get to know others? How often do you ask "how are you" to strangers or even the people closest to you? Or just have a conversation with them about their daily life without making it all about yourself?
So, this month’s newsletter is about getting to know our pastor; His perspective on his walk with God, and the world we live in. I hope you enjoy this quick Q&A with our Pastor Esteban Salazar jr. (Steve).
Me
Pastor Stevie
Growing up with you and knowing you for 48 years, and of course you being my oldest brother, my first question will be something I’ve always wanted to know:
Question 1: Have you always known growing up that one day you would be a pastor?
Well, not really. I’ve always been curious about God and about other religions. I remember after school I would hurry home to listen to Walter Martin, the bible answer man on the radio. It wasn’t until we went to Fort Worth, Texas that God started to work on my journey that he had before me. It was a youth conference. I remember it to this day; it was a full auditorium when the district youth leader talked about being called. He said some will be called to be pastors, youth leaders, and teachers. I felt Gods calling from that moment on, but I never spoke about it to anyone. That was in 1988
Leading into the second question, your journey has always been intriguing to me. I think mostly in seeing the man you are today, which is not surprising to me, that you would follow in our father’s footsteps. But also, the fact that those footsteps are a path that our big family has, for some reason, followed the path of being teachers of God’s word.
Question 2: Why do you think we have what seems to be a line of pastors (ministers), men and women of God, teachers, in our family tree?
I believe it’s God's hand on our family that has steered us to be examples to one another. To follow his path that he’s set before us all to teach or preach his word, but, most of all, we must lead by example by the way we live and treat one another and live by what the scripture is teaching every one of us and by the blessings that we've seen through all our lives in our family and the miracle’s. And throughout my life I’ve learned that you can never turn away from GOD after he has chosen you to bring his word.
Being chosen for a position of leadership and teaching people God's word has to obviously be a heavy burden... Not only are you looked upon to lead, but to lead by example in all aspects of life. You will always be under a microscope even when you think no one is watching.
Question 3: How do you balance your daily life and God’s word?
This is a difficult task. I’ve changed a lot about myself. I believe God has softened my heart. I've learned to treat people with respect and kindness more than ever before. I don’t hide who I really am. I believe God chose me for who I am. I don’t hide anything about myself. I still struggle with sin like everyone else, but I’ve learned to lean on God for his everlasting kindness and mercy. I’ve never prayed so much like I do now. I believe when God calls you, it’s because He sees something special about you no matter all the faults and weakness that you have, because we lean on his understanding and guidance. There are times I feel unworthy, but He reminds me I am never alone, He will always be with me through all the storms that I will face in the ministry. That’s how I balance my daily life.
I have the great advantage of knowing you and being your brother, and seeing your journey play out. It still amazes me how God uses people in our lives to mold us.
Question 4: Who are the people that most influenced you on this journey to becoming a pastor (teacher of God’s word)? And why?
My parents, grandparents, and I remember my Sunday school teachers growing- up they all played a huge part. They influenced me to want to learn more about the scripture and really want to know who God is. I also believe it played a part to see how they lived and treated one another that has an influence on my upbringing in the church. That’s why it’s so important with your interaction with people because of the influence that you may have on them in their lives.
I thank God I was surrounded by people that genuinely cared and loved me and taught me what God's love was all about.
We are living in a time in history where you carry a computer in your pocket. You can order something you have always wanted from your favorite store online now and get it in days or in some cases hours.
The world is constantly moving, evolving, and creating. It feels like everyday something new is being made or being improved in this world. But the one thing I’ve noticed in just opening up social media sites and listening to multiple podcasts, God has been a much bigger topic of discussion than ever before.
For years it has felt like talking about God openly leads to a topic of discussion on social media, the work place, and on any podcast that will be surely be greeted with ignorance and hate.
Don’t get me wrong. The hate is still there, but more and more each day, there are more posts, reels, podcasts , and people speaking up about God, and wanting to know the truth about Him.
I know that you, pastor, listen to a lot of podcasts and see a lot of social media posts. And with your life experiences and long journey you had to get to this moment in time, this leads me to my final question.
Question 5: Why do you think, at this moment in our world, that people are now more willing to talk openly about God?
I believe everyone is searching for something. I believe the huge question everyone is searching and seeking is: "What is the purpose of life?". Everyone, I believe, is asking WHO is GOD? And "what can He do for my life?". I think that’s the reason that people are more open and willing to talk about God. I also believe it’s the fear of what happens after death and wanting to find the truth about our Savior. What do you think?
I believe some are seeking the truth, but others are seeking misinformation and fall into being deceived by what they think is the truth. It’s hard to find a podcast that actually speaks the truth on who Christ is, so many want to fit their sin for what they think is true about Christ, on what he actually taught.
I believe Satan uses this platform to cause deception, to mislead you from the truth, but on the other hand, it’s reaching the lost and the hurt; it’s a double-edged sword. If you really want to find the truth, open your heart and mind and read God’s word, and the truth will be revealed to you. The scripture is like living waters to the soul.
And why now is the topic that was once a topic that would surely bring backlash now a heavy topic of discussion and debate on all public forums?
I believe it’s because a lot of people are fearing what tomorrow has in store; their fear of the unknown, their fear of death, especially what happens after death.
I also believe there’s lots of people who are walking around with an emptiness, a void in their life that no matter what they do, cannot be filled.
Also, I believe that the time is near for the return of Christ and what they have to do to prepare for that day when he calls each one of us home .
Thank you, Pastor Stevie, for participating in this short Q&A.
"He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end. I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives, I know that whatever God does, It shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, And nothing taken from it. God does it, that men should fear before Him. That which is has already been, And what is to be has already been; And God requires an account of what is past."
(Ecclesiastes 3:11-12,14-15)
Don’t pass on opportunities to have a conversation with someone. A family member, a friend, a co-worker, or just a person you run into and have an opening to just chat. Take that opportunity. You never know what you may learn.
God has a plan for us all. We might never see the impact we make in striking up a conversation with someone or just having that brief moment chatting with someone or engaging with them. But I guarantee that someone is watching, someone is listening, and how you act and what you say does have an impact on the people around you.
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the LORD and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones. Honor the LORD with your possessions, And with the first fruits of all your increase; So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine."
(Proverbs 3:5-10)
I know this is a hard thing to do, but we must be kind to one another. This life is short, and we all share this moment in time together, don’t waste it. Trust me. I have daily reminders to myself on how I waste my time that is so precious, but I take it for granted. Don’t live with regrets, push forward and let our Lord lead the way.
"Likewise, you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud,
But gives grace to the humble.” Therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen."
(1 Peter 5:5-11)
As this newsletter continues to grow and expand, please don’t be afraid to let us know if you are in need of prayer or support. And feel free to share your stories, your testimony, or just a quick question in the comments section below any of our links. We truly want to hear from you and do what we can to help because we are meant to be here to love, encourage, and support one another.
We are grateful to have you with us as readers, church members, and interested guests and we are always open to any suggestions and volunteers for our website, newsletter, and future activities. We hope to see you at our Sunday service and stay tuned for our coming newsletters and updates at church, at bible study, on Facebook, on our YouTube Channel, on the Wix App, and on the website.
Upcoming Events:
Special Prayers:
Pray for Rachel Salazar that the Lord provides her with comfort, Love, and peace
Pray for Lucy that the Lord continues to watch over and protect her, and that her family is able to have a relationship with the Lord
Pray for Gloria and her family for guidance and strength
Pray for our Newsletter that we can continue to write through the Holy Spirit
Pray for our Pastor and our church that we may be blessed to continue to grow and share the word of God
Weekly Devotional: The Greatest Love Story Ever Told
Verse of the Week:
" Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."
(Colossians 3:12-17)
Announcements:
Easter is on its way! If you would like to participate in Easter service this year by presenting one of the 7 words, playing/performing a song special, reading a poem or speech, or helping us to prepare and set up breakfast; please let Pastor Stevie or Taylor know by April 13th.
We will be opening the church for a prayer hour every first Friday of the month! Join us at the church for an hour of prayer, coffee, tea, soft music, and sweet refreshments. You can pray individually, or we can pray with you, either way this is your time with the Lord.
We are excited to say that this newsletter will be the first newsletter to be printed and MAILED to our subscribers. All active Church Members will automatically be mailed the newsletter, but they will have the option to opt out of mailed newsletters with the slip sent in this month's first mailed edition. If you are not an active Church Member but you would like to join our mailing list, please sign up here:
We would love to send out the newsletter personally to every member as well as pray for and celebrate birthdays and anniversaries together as a church family. We are asking for all of our members to fill out the member information card either in church or through the mail after they've received their mailed newsletter.
Questions?
For any questions or suggestions regarding our newsletter please email berthoudfoursquarechurch@gmail.com
Hi Everyone,
Warm greetings to all. I hope everyone is doing well. It is my privilege to connect with all Church members for a prayer request for our ministry in Bangladesh.
Please pray for our Education Program for slum community children, where both parents and children are engaged with the Good News. Pray for the provision of all necessary resources to support this program.
Thank you, and best wishes.
Pastor Jagodish Karmokar