OUR VISION

We are a community of young Christians from various churches and ministries in Houston, Texas. Our name, Christian Youth United 4.12, comes from the Bible verse:

"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity"

1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV)

Our main goal is to create a safe and supportive space where young people can develop their relationship with Christ and strengthen their spiritual lives. We believe that our annual youth camp, a three-day event, is a perfect opportunity for young people to take a break from their busy lives and focus on building their connection with Christ and other young believers.

We strongly believe that when we are united, we stand stronger.

Our community is open and inclusive, and we would love to have you join us on this journey of faith and growth.

WHAT WE BELIEVE

The Trinity

God has existed in relationship with Himself for all eternity. He exists as one in three persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Although each member of the Trinity serves different functions, they each possess equal power and authority.
(1 John 5:7; Genesis 1:26; Matthew 28:19, 3:16-17; Luke 1:35; Isaiah 9:6; Hebrews 3:7-11)

The Father

God is great because He is all-knowing, all-powerful, constantly present, unchangeable, wholly deserving of our confidence, and most importantly, holy. We breathe, move, and exist because of Him. As our Father, God is good. He is love, compassion, and faithful to His people and His promises.
(Exodus 3:14; Numbers 23:19; Leviticus 11:44-45; 19:2; Psalm 11:4-6; Malachi 3:6; John 3:16; 4:24; 5:26; 14:1; Acts 17:28; Romans 3:3-4)

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

The Son

Jesus Christ was fully God and fully human at the same time. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit inside of Mary, a virgin. Jesus is the only way for reuniting those who have drifted from God. Christ led a perfect life in order to fulfill God's requirements for perfection in place of us. Christ overcame death by rising from the dead so that we can have life.

(Isaiah 7:14; 53; Matthew 1:18-23; 3:17; 8:29; 14:33; 16:16; 28:5-6; Luke 1:27-35; 22:70; 24:46-47; John 1:1, 14; 10:30; 11:25-27; 17:1-5; Acts 1:9; 2:22-24; 7:55-56; Romans 1:3-4; 3:23-26; 8:1-3; 10:4; 1 Corinthians 8:6; 2 Corinthians 5:19-21; Gal 4:4-5; Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 1:15; 2:9; 1 Timothy 2:5-6; 3:16)

For I have come down from heaven... I and the Father are one ... Whoever has seen me has seen the Father ... I came from the Father ... I am leaving the World and going to the Father ... I will come again and will take you to myself. John 6:38, 10:30, 14:9, 16:28, 14:3

The Holy Spirit

His presence confirms our connection to Christ. He exalts Christ while guiding followers toward all truth. He brings conviction of sin, of God's righteousness, and of impending judgment. He soothes us, bestows spiritual talents upon us, and refines us into the image of Christ. The fruits of the Holy Spirit are tangible proof of the presence of the Holy Spirit.

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. John 14:16-18

The Word of God/ The Holy Bible

The Bible is God’s Word to all people. It was written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. Because it was inspired by God, the Bible is truth without any mixture of error and is completely relevant to our daily lives.

(Deuteronomy 4:1-2; Psalms 119:11, 89, 105; Proverbs 30:5; Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 22:29; John 5:39; 16:13-15; 17:17; Romans 15:4, 16:25-26; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Hebrews 1:1-2; 4:12; 1 Peter 1:25; 2 Peter 3:16)

The Church

The Church is a local community of baptized believers unified through faith in Christ. It is committed to the teachings of Christ and obeying all of His commands, and it seeks to bring the Gospel to the world. The Church works together in love and unity, intent on the ultimate purpose of glorifying Christ.

(Matthew 16:18-19; 18:15-20; Acts 2:41-47; 5:11-14; 13:1-3; 14:23; 16:5; 20:28; 1 Corinthians 7:17; 9:13-14; 12; Ephesians 1:22-23; 2:19-22; 3:10-12; 5:22-32; Colossians 1:18; 3:15; 1 Timothy 4:14; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Revelation 21:2-3)

Mankind

Man is made in the image of God and is the supreme object of His creation. Man was created to have fellowship with God but became separated in that relationship through sin. As a result, man cannot attain a relationship with God through his own effort alone. Every human personality is unique, possesses dignity, and is worthy of respect and Christian love.

(Genesis 1:26-30; 2:7, 18-22; 3; Psalms 8:3-6; 32:1-5; 51:5; Isaiah 6:5; Jeremiah 17:5; Acts 17:26-31; Romans 1:19-32; 3:10-18, 23; 5:6; 6:6; 7:14-25; 1 Corinthians 1:21-31; 15:19, 21-22; Ephesians 2; Colossians 1:21-22; 3:9-11)

Sin

But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear. Isaiah 59:2

For there is no distinction, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3: 22, 23

So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin. James 4:17

Death

Physical

And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment. Hebrews 9:27

Spiritual

But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death. Revelation 21:8

Salvation

The blood of Jesus Christ, shed on the cross, provides the only way of salvation through the forgiveness of sin. Salvation occurs when people place their faith in the death and resurrection of Christ as sufficient payment for their sin. Salvation is a gift given through the grace of God, and it cannot be earned through our own efforts.

(Isaiah 1:18; 53:5-6; 55:7; Matthew 1:21; 27:22-66, 28:1-6; Luke 1:68-69; 2:28-32; John 1:12; 3:16, 36; 5:24; Acts 2:21; 4:12; 16:30-31; Romans 1:16-18; 3:23-25; 5:8-10; 6; 1, 10:9-10; Corinthians 1:18; 2 Corinthians 5:17-20; Galatians 2:16, 20; 3:8, 13; Ephesians 2:8-10; Philippians 2:12-13; Hebrews 9:22-28; Revelation 3:20)

Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9

Prayer

Prayer is our ability to talk to God. Through Jesus’ salvation, we no longer need an intercessor to go between God and us; we can address Him directly. We believe that no monumental thing can be done without prayer preceding it and continuing through it.

(Psalms 145:18; Proverbs 15:29; Matthew 7:11; Luke 18:1; Romans 8:26; Philippians 4:6; Colossians 4:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; 1 Timothy 2:8)

Baptism

Baptism is a symbolic act to publicly profess one’s salvation. God commands it, but our salvation is not reliant upon it. We practice full-immersion baptism, symbolizing the process of death and resurrection that Jesus went through for us.
(Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38)

Communion

Communion (The Lord’s Supper) is a unique time when the elements of bread and juice express, in a spiritual way, the body and blood of Christ. Communion is taken by believers in remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.
(Matthew 26:26-28; Mark 16:16; Acts 8:12, 8:36-38, 10:47-48; 1 Corinthians 10:16, 11:23-25)

His Return

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. John 14:3

Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. Matthew 24:30

For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 1 Thessalonians 4:16

Eternal Life

Man was created to exist forever; either eternally separated from God by sin or in union with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally with Him is Heaven. Heaven and Hell are places of eternal existence.

(Matthew 5:3, 12, 20, 6:20, 19:21, 25:34, 41; Mark 9:43-48; John 3:16, 36; Romans 6:23; Hebrews 9:27, 11:16; 1 John 2:25; 5:11-13; Revelation 14:9-11, 20:12-15, 21:8)

Heaven

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. And he who was seated on the throne, "Behold, I am making all things new." Also he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." Revelation 21:4-5

Hell

Get to Know the CYU Team

Working Together in Christ

Sarai Velasquez-Palacios

Director

Sarai was born in Houston, TX,

and is the daughter of the pastors of Centro
Cristiano Nueva Vida de Katy TX,
Pastors Valentín y Ana Jemima
Velásquez. Since childhood, God has separated her as a worshiper and at the age of 8, she gave her life to Christ. Recently graduated with a degree in Psychology from Mary Hardin-Baylor University in TX, she traveled to Guatemala as a missionary to help in the areas of volcán de Fuego. Today she takes on the role as
Coordinator and Organizer of CYU, while also being
one of our conference speakers.

Jose Cepeda

Co-Director & Director of Outreach

Pastor Jose Cepeda was born in the Dominican Rep. and called to the gospel at age 18. He was also the Director of Youth in The International Movement Council in the Eastern Region of the United States and has traveled as a missionary to the countries of Costa Rica and Honduras. Today, he and his wife, Anaivis Cepeda, direct the ministry May I Pray For You, and the international event "Grace and Mercy". He currently congregates in the church Christ is the Fountain in Houston TX, Pastors Alex, and Julie Colon. There they work as Associate Pastors. Finally, he is a student of the New Vision University Theological University with offices in the Church Christ is the Fountain.

Pastor Jose Cepeda was born in the Dominican Rep. and called to the gospel at age 18. He was also the Director of Youth in The International Movement Council in the Eastern Region of the United States and has traveled as a missionary to the countries of Costa Rica and Honduras. Today, he and his wife, Anaivis Cepeda, direct the ministry May I Pray For You, and the international event "Grace and Mercy". He currently congregates in the church Christ is the Fountain in Houston TX, Pastors Alex, and Julie Colon. There he serves as Associate Pastor, along with his wife Anaivis. Finally, he is a graduate of the New Vision University Theological University with offices in the

Church Christ is the Fountain.

Dhelis Cepeda

Media & Content Director

Dhelis was born and raised in the city of Brooklyn, NY, of Christian parents. Since childhood, she has been a lover of the word of God and of worship. She currently congregates in the church Rey de Gloria in Brooklyn, NY, Pastors Ismael and Gladys Benítez. There, she is the Worship Group Leader and in recent years has performed the role of youth president, secretary, and treasurer. She is an active member of the ministry “May I Pray for You”, or MIPFY, and today is the Public Relations Director of the CYU4.12 ministry. She is currently attending Hunter College in New York. Her passion and dedication to the work of the Lord lead her to be the youngest of the group of directors for this ministry.

She is an active member of the ministry “May I Pray for You”, and today is the Media Director of the CYU 4.12 ministry. She is currently attending Hunter College in New York, hoping to graduate May of 2023. Her passion and dedication to the work of the Lord lead her to be the youngest of the group of directors for this ministry.

Adalee Abreu-Colon

Secretary

Pastor Adalee was born on the island of Puerto Rico and of Christian parents. Since childhood, she has developed a great passion for worship. She was part of the New Renaissance Christian Church in Pennsylvania, Pastors Eddy and Annie Aybar, and worked as Youth President. Today, she congregates in the Church Christ is the Fountain in Houston, TX, Pastors Alex, and Julie Colon. There she is currently the Youth Pastor, along with her husband Jonathan, as well as part of the Worship Group and the Ministry of Prayer. She also serves as secretary for the CYU ministry. She graduated with a degree in Psychology from the University of Houston Downtown.

Anaivis Cepeda

Special Events Coordinator

Pastor Anaivis was born in the city of Manhattan NY, to Dominican parents and raised in the Gospel. From an early age, God separated her as a worshiper and later became a youth leader. In 2015, God allowed her to record her first record production “Déjame Terminar" through DGU Records. Today, she congregates in Christ is the Fountain Church in Houston, TX, Pastors Alex and Julie Colon, where she is the Director of Worship & Associate Pastor with her husband Jose Cepeda. In addition, she is the Director of the MIPFY Ministry. God has taken her on mission trips to different countries around the world, such as the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Cuba, and Honduras. Finally, she is a student at the Theological University Christ is the Fountain, affiliated with New International Vision.

Jonathan Colon

Treasurer

Pastor Jonathan Colon was born in Pennsylvania, raised by Christian parents. Today, he congregates in the Church Christ is the Fountain in Houston, TX, Pastors Alex, and Julie Colon. He now serves as Youth Pastor along with his wife, Adalee. He also serves on the media team and worship team as a drummer. Jonathan recently graduated with a degree in Accounting. He is the newest member of our team, joining us officially in 2021 as our Treasurer. God has blessed him with a powerful ministry in word and leadership with his beautiful family.

Have Questions? Contact Us

Aaron Velasquez

Sound & Music Director

Aaron was born in the city of Houston, TX, and is the son of the pastors of Centro Cristiano Nueva Vida de Katy TX, Pastors Valentín, and Ana Jemima Velásquez. He was elected a Levite in the house of God. In his musical repertoire, he has the knowledge of several musical instruments such as piano, bass, drums, and saxophone. This dedication led him today to become the director and founder
of the band Kingdom Come Worship, or KCW, and Music Director of his church. Today, he is the Director of Sound and Music of the CYU4.12 ministry.