Mission Statement To empower people to lead more abundant lives through understanding and applying God’s Word. Listen to our 27-Second Audio Clip ~Click the left arrow button~ What do I do? 1. I teach kingdom principles ~ a principle is a truth which is a foundation for other truths "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Mat 6:33 How do I do this? 2. Unlock hidden treasures of truth in the Bible with practical keys of understanding ~ “Therefore every teacher of the law who has been instructed about the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.” Mat 13:52 Why do I do this? 3. To empower people to lead more abundant lives through the understanding and application of God's Word. ~ Jesus said, "I came that you might have life and have it more abundantly." John 10:10 Meanings of Abundance ~ more than enough ~ rich ~ abounding in ~ ample ~ bountiful ~ sufficient ~ adequate ~ full measure ~ luxuriant (fertile) ~ affluence ~ wealth ~ inexhaustible ~ satisfactory ~ have enough ~ plenty ~ copious ~ affluent (wealthy) ~ to the good ~ fat of the land ~ very plentiful Who is my audience? 4. Whoever has ears to hear ~ "A farmer (preacher of the Word) went out to sow his seed (Word of God). As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop--a hundred, sixty, or thirty times what was sown. He who has ears, let him hear." Matthew 13:3-9, 18:23; Luke 8:5-15 What is my ultimate goal? 5. That hearts be changed. ~ "For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved." Romans 10:10

How Treasures from the Heart Began "I remember walking the neighborhoods and placing flyers in the mailboxes inviting neighbors to my home." I believe with all of my heart that this ministry began in the heart of God. Treasures from the Heart started as a Bible Study in my home in the fall of 1990 when my family and I lived in Virginia on the outskirts of Washington, DC. I shared what I felt God was calling me to do with my Pastor at Burke Community Church. With his support, I forged ahead with much fear and trembling. I remember walking the neighborhoods and placing flyers in the mailboxes inviting neighbors to my home. I thought surely people would want to know how Jesus could help them as He had helped me. And so they came! I shared each week how God had helped me through trusting in His Word. I encouraged them to do the same. One woman even brought her husband and it grew! They liked the teachings so much, they began to pressure me to put them on tape so they could listen to them again. I thought they were nuts! But, I did! I went to K-Mart, bought a tape recorder and some tapes and began to record the teachings. Not only did they want them, but they offered to buy them. Imagine that! Now, many years later, Treasures from the Heart is still a focus of God’s heart. His desire is to heal the brokenhearted by unlocking the things that hinder people from experiencing more joy in their lives. Reaching people’s hearts with the message of the Good News of Jesus Christ is my desire as Treasures from the Heart continues to grow. I believe God has lead this ministry step by step to where it is today. I’m always amazed how He continues to use me. At the heart of it all, my desire still continues to be to simply share how God can empower people to lead a more abundant life. I know what He has done for me and I want others to experience this, also. God doesn’t have favorites. We’re all His favorites! May you truly be blessed as you partake of this ministry and may you be encouraged to keep being obedient to God's direction in your life. The Bible says not to despise the days of small beginnings. God knows what He is doing in your life. You just may be surprised where He takes you. So, don't give up. Each step is important and necessary. Do each step with all your heart as unto the Lord! Blessings as you continue your walk with the Lord, Rev. Forshia Ross

Treasures from the Heart Ministry Embraces The Foursquare Church Doctrines of Faith as Stated Below. (For your information, Forshia and her husband, Eric, are members of Faith Fellowship Uxbridge Foursquare Church in MA. She has also received her minister's license through The International Foursquare Church.) The Foursquare Church The Holy Scriptures We believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God: true, immutable, steadfast, and unchangeable (2 Timothy 3:16, 17). The Eternal Godhead We believe that God is triune: Father, Son and Holy Spirit; the Three are coexistent, coeternal, and equal in divine perfection (1 John 5:7). The Fall of Man We believe that man, created in the image of God, by voluntary disobedience fell into the depths of sin and iniquity, bequeathing sin’s nature and consequences to all mankind, with their accompanying loss of intended meaning and purpose (Genesis 1:27; Romans 5:12). The Plan of Redemption We believe that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us, took our place, and with His life’s blood purchased the pardon for all who believe in Him (John 3:16; Titus 2:14). Salvation Through Grace We believe that salvation is wholly through grace; that no human righteousness or merit can contribute to our receiving God’s love and favor (Ephesians 2:8). Repentance and Acceptance We believe that, upon sincere repentance and a whole-hearted acceptance of Christ, we are justified before God through Jesus’ sacrificial death (Romans 10:6-10; 1 John 1:9). The New Birth We believe that the change that takes place in people at conversion is a very real one; that having received righteousness in Christ and having received of His Spirit, people will have new desires, interests, and pursuits in life (2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 2:20). Daily Christian Life We believe that it is the will of God that those who have been born again grow in sanctification, become partakers of His holiness, and daily grow stronger in the faith, power, prayer, love, and service (2 Corinthians 7:1). Water Baptism and the Lord's Supper We believe that being baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is an essential response to Jesus’ command, testifying to His lordship as Christ and King (Romans 6:4). We believe in observing the Lord’s Supper, receiving the broken bread and the fruit of the vine with joy and faith as we partake anew of the life and triumph of Christ’s Cross (1 Corinthians 11:24-26) Baptism in the Holy Spirit We believe that the baptism in the Holy Spirit empowers believers to exalt Jesus, to live lives of holiness, and to be witnesses of God’s saving grace; we expect the Spirit’s incoming to be after the same manner as that in which He came upon believers in the days of the Early Church (Acts 1: 5, 8; 2:4). The Spirit-Filled Life We believe that it is the will of God that believers walk in the Spirit moment by moment, serving the Lord and living lives of patience, love, truth, sincerity, and prayer (Ephesians 4:30-32; Galatians 5:16, 25). The Gifts and Fruit of the Spirit We believe that the Holy Spirit bestows enabling ministry gifts upon believers, and that these gifts will build up the Body of Christ through edification and evangelism(1 Corinthians 12:1-11); as evidence of a Spirit-filled life, believers should show spiritual “fruit”: love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance (Galatians 5:22-25). Moderation We believe a Christians’ moderation should be obvious to others and that relationship with Jesus should never lead people into extremes of fanaticism; their lives should model that of Christ in uprightness, balance, humility, and self-sacrifice (Colossians 3:12, 13; Philippians 4:5). Divine Healing We believe that divine healing is the power of Jesus Christ to heal the sick in answer to the prayer of faith; He, who does not change, is still willing and able to heal the body, as well as the soul and spirit in answer to faith (Mark 16: 17, 18; James 5:14-16). The Second Coming of Christ We believe that the second coming of Christ is personal and imminent; the certainty of His coming and the fact that no man knows the hour of His coming prompt our evangelistic efforts; that the Lord Himself will descend from Heaven, the dead in Christ shall rise, and the redeemed will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air (Matthew 24:36, 42, 44; 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17). Church Relationship We believe that it is our sacred duty to identify ourselves with a congregation of believers with whom we can worship God, observe the ordinances of Christ, exhort and support one another, labor for the salvation of others, and work together to advance the Lord’s Kingdom (Acts 16:5; Hebrews 10:24). Civil Government We believe that civil government is by divine appointment and that civil laws should be upheld at all times except in things opposed to the will of God (Acts 4: 18-20; Romans 13:1-5). Judgement We believe that all shall stand before the judgment seat of Christ: the redeemed to be delivered unto everlasting life, and the unrepentant unto everlasting punishment (Revelation 20:11, 12; 2 Corinthians 5:10). Heaven We believe that heaven is the glorious habitation of the living God and the eternal home of born-again believers (John 14:2; Revelation 7:15-17). Hell We believe that hell is a place of darkness, deepest sorrow, and unquenchable fire, which was not prepared for man but for the devil and his angels; yet it will become the place of eternal separation from God for all who reject Christ as Savior (Matthew 13: 41, 42; Revelation 10:10, 15). Evangelism We believe that soul winning is the “one big business” of the Church on earth, and that every hindrance to worldwide evangelism should be removed (James 5:20; Mark 16:15). Tithing and Offerings We believe that tithing and offerings are ordained of God to sustain His ministry, spread the Gospel, and release personal blessing (Malachi 3:10; 1 Corinthians 16: 1, 2).

Forshia’s Thoughts on the Local Church The Bible says in Hebrews 10:25 that “...we should not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (the day of the Lord’s coming) I am one who strongly believes that we need to be a part of a local church. When we gather together, we are strengthened in our faith. God did not create us to do life alone and He doesn't expect us to. We need each other. The local church provides a place where we can receive spiritual nourishment, teaching about God, and encouragement from other believers in Christ. Let’s face it, we need help and God knows that. The local church can be like a family providing closeness, hope and purpose. As many of you know, the world can be a lonely place. God can provide the things that have been missing in our lives and bring healing through the local church. Some of us need help now. God can provide that. He hooks us up with those within the Family of God that can encourage us towards God’s answers. I’ve found in my life that His answers really work and are lasting. Consider the local church again - be committed. In Acts 2:42, it says, “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Get involved! It takes our minds off of ourselves. It helps us not be so self centered and introspective. It’s healthy. I know there are different seasons of our lives in our commitments. God knows that, too. When my children were little, I couldn’t do as much in the church. There were seasons when I just needed to listen and receive. God knows your frame and knows just what will bring you joy and fulfillment. But God will not have you just listen and receive forever. He wants you to be involved. It’s healthy! Blessings to you as you discover God’s best for you in the local church. Rev. Forshia Ross