The Herald Special Edition 2014

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Why do we have Conventions”

4 Eleven Days to Tulare 6 Selected Convention Programs 8 Signs, Wonders

and Miracles 9 Antonio Castañeda Nava Architect of the General Convention 10 Timeline of Conventions 12 The Spiritual Power

of Unity 15 First General Convention

Circular 1925

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The Apostolic Herald is the Official Gazette of the Apostolic Assembly of the Faith in Christ Jesus.

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Central Texas Bishop Frank Balboa

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New Mexico Bishop Mark Domínguez North Central CA Bishop Agustine Hoyer III Northeast Coast Bishop Daniel Lofton Northern Golden Valley Bishop Joe Mendoza Northern Pacific Coast Bishop Joseph Rodríguez Northern Texas Bishop Armando Tamez Northwest Texas Bishop Leonardo T. García Oregon Bishop Moises Carrillo South Central, CA Bishop Isaí Montoya Southern California Bishop John Sánchez Southern Texas Bishop Arcadio Peña Utah & Idaho Bishop Cesar A. González Washington Bishop Alfredo Muñoz West Texas Bishop Saúl Rocha

Why do we have Conventions?

Dear brothers: upon transcribing these convention treatises, we permit ourselves to enter upon a clarification that will serve as an exhortation for us all, and for our brothers who have begun the race.

As we have been saying: Convention is the mutual accord between two or more people. Our ancestors left us an example, according to the book of the Acts of the Apostles, chap. 15:1-29; in which we can see the contentions that arose, and the manner in which they were solved.

The enemy of our souls wanted to destroy the nascent Church, which would manifest to the entire world the power and love of her Progenitor, through different creeds, but our Father, through his Holy Spirit, inspired them to hold a Convention by which, communicating between all the followers of Jesus, the great and stupendous wonders that he had wrought through them, they would see the need to found the doctrine of the Kingdom of God and the preaching of their Beloved Teacher. The different interpretations of this doctrine cause the death of thousands of souls; and for this reason it was, is, and will be pressing to attend with all diligence the things said by the word of our God, as our ancestors felt by experience.

Our conventions have been verified without interruption, and the blessing of the Most High has been felt in the midst of our congregations. And now, more than ever, we expect that every laborer of the Lord, strives to comply with that accorded in our Convention, so that “endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Eph. 4:3).” We need to know that in these days of conflicts, only effort and spiritual solidarity will keep us, and keep all our brothers: as it is written: “they will keep yours also” Jn. 15:20. That is, that if the word of God is always our guide, triumph will be on our behalf.

To all the laborers and the rest of the believers, like children of God, he gives us these beautiful promises: “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. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation” Ps. 91:14-16.

General Secretary Bernardo Hernández.

Introduction to the XI General Convention Treatise.

November 23-30, 1941.

Los Ángeles, California.

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Eleven Days Until Convention Memories of Pioneer José Ortega At the time, the country was going through a deep economical depression, there were few working opportunities, and they were poorly paid. Assistance coming from the Churches to the General Treasury was insufficient to support the needs of the General Pastor and the Secretary. Thus, there were not enough funds to send some help to the delegates of the Church in Mexico and, as a consequence, they needed to consider how they would travel from El Paso, Texas, to the city of Tulare, California.

They commissioned Brother Pablo Garcia Chavez to manage the issue, who worked in Santa Rita, New Mexico and was near the border. Brother Garcia didn’t have a car to comply with the orders, and knowing that some ministers and Brothers wanted to go to the convention, he came to the idea of getting a bus or a truck that could take at least8 people. So, he managed to get a 1 ton, 1926 Chevrolet truck.

He adapted a wooden trunk and fitted it with seats. The engine was in poor shape, as well as the tires, so the only option was FAITH. Filling the tank and entrusting the Lord, he drove to El Paso, Texas. In those times, all roads were unpaved and in poor condition. Some were just dirt trails. Any road travel constituted a true feat. A 1000-mile journey would take a week travel, at least. Being at the border, he found Brothers Felipe Rivas and Jose Ortega. Brother Ortega was newlywed and brought his wife, sister Esther Rivas de Ortega. They were accompanied by Brother Felipe Coronado, Pastor in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico.

To this group also incorporated Brothers Nicolas P. Castillo, pastor in Garfield, New Mexico; Brother Elias Chavez, Pastor of Deming, New Mexico; Brother Dionicio Trujillo and his wife, and young Arcilia. At Santa Rita they met Cirilio G. Leyva, who also joined in. So far, they were 11 people with their luggage. At night they celebrated a rite to ask God to bless the travelers. And they collected an offering that was barely enough to buy a used tire for spare, as well as a little gas and oil. There was nothing left to buy anything else, or to give something to the passengers on the road.

Upon arriving in a small town called Silver City, the car broke, and run out of the little gas in it, due to the frequent stops they made whenever the engine failed. Everybody was

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hungry and there were still 40 miles short of Lordsburg. No one had any money and those Brothers who knew some mechanics tried with all their technique and knowledge to fix the engine of the car, which seemed to be cowed to continue with so many passengers on it.

Need brought thought, and Brother Ortega came up with a good idea. He called on his wife and the young ones, and taking a guitar, which he had brought to sing on the road, he told them to bring their hymnals and a bible. No one knew what he was about to do. Upon arriving to one of the most centric streets, he ordered them to form a semicircle and, after a prayer, they started singing the anthem called “Ya se Acerca el Tiempo de Pruebas” (The Time of the Trials is Upon Us). While they were singing, some people started gathering around them and liked the hymn, then someone asked for another “song”. They sang “El Tren del Evangelio” (The Gospel Train) and two more anthems. When they finished, Brother Ortega started preaching them of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Next, he told the people they were pilgrims travelling to the city of Tulare, California, to a Convention, and that they were scarce of resources and asked for help, while they sang other anthems. God touched the hearts and will of the listeners, and while the group sang new anthems, including “El Tren del Evangelio”, coins poured into the hat that Brother Ortega had placed in the ground.

When it was all over, he thanked everyone sincerely and they left. Their joy was great when they counted the offering and saw that it was almost 40 dollars. They thanked God and –in the first opportunity- they bought food to appease their hunger. The other Brothers, who were waiting for them, were worried because they hadn’t returned. Yet, they were amazed when the others came with food and money for gas and oil. They were all happy, praised God and –while they were eating- Brother Ortega narrated what had happened.

When they arrived in Lordsburg, New Mexico, Brother Pablo R. Soto, who was the pastor of the place, was greatly surprised upon seeing so many Brothers. He was also worried because of how he would feed them. The few Brothers in the little town cooperated to feed such a large convoy. In Lordsburg lived Brothers Hernandez, Soto and Arredondo, as well as other faithful. Let’s remember that it was the time of the depression and the situation was very difficult for

Pioneer Epifanio Cota the Brothers. Brother Soto remembered there was some cold bread, which had not been sold. After wetting it, he warmed it again in the oven of the wood stove, so it was ready for eating moments later. Many experiences such as this one happened on the road to Tulare, it would be tiresome to tell them all. Nevertheless, there was one notable thing: everywhere the voyagers arrived, they were greeted with “La Paz de Cristo” (The Peace of Christ), hugs and the holy kiss. Sometimes, it could also be heard ¡La Sangre de Cristo! (The Blood of Christ), meaning: what shall we do to feed so many?

In Lordsburg, they were joined by the ladies Carmen Hernandez and Ethel. Now they were 13 passengers. Later, in Tucson, Arizona, they were joined by Brother Arturo Y.

Hermosillo. The burden was excessive for the little truck, and it came to a forced halt several times, in protest for the heavy load. Everybody admired the resistance of the truck and the tires, which carried it through those narrow roads of old. Sometimes, they were so covered in dust, that it was impossible to determine who was who, or the color of their clothes.

In Phoenix, Arizona, the Brothers were in better conditions to help the travelers. Pastor Brother Santos Bracamontes, donated a set of spark-plugs for the engine. After this life injection, they moved on. Upon entering California, everything improved. In Imperial Valley there was more food and a little more prosperity, so that the Brothers got stomach sick. Not because of the food, but because of the large quantity of it, for they ate more than they should.

After 13 days of venturous travel, our Brothers arrived in Tulare, California, on the eve of the celebration of the Convention. They were welcomed with hugs, holy kiss and a fervent prayer, praising the Lord for their safe arrival and for providing them the basics to survive. By the time, the Pastor of the place was Brother Epifanio M. Cota who was also the Elder of the region.

The Seventh General Convention of the newly-born Assembly was inaugurated during a rite on the night of December 25th, 1993, and they took the opportunity to instruct the participants of the programme to follow during the celebration of the Great General Party. Happily, all the issues and problems presented for their study were solved.

Source: “Fiftieth Anniversary of the Apostolic Assembly.”

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Selected Convention Programs

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Signs, Wonders and Miracles Apostolic Testimonies in Convention First Baptisms in the First Convention of 1925

“In the same night (December 1, 1925) the services of revival began, this being the first one to start at 7:30 P.M. with an attendance of twenty-four laborers and ninety-four attendees.

In this beautiful service, two persons asked for the baptism in the name of Jesus Christ that was verified, after the service of preaching, in the city’s river at 12:30 A.M.

With this act the meeting ended.”1 Pioneer José Aguilar, baptized after the first convention

“He heard the Apostolic doctrine in the first Convention of the Apostolic Church in the city of San Bernardino, CA. God led him to understand what was the true doctrine and from that moment on he decided to belong to her. He was baptized with the Holy Spirit before he was baptized in water on December 26, 1925.”2 1927 Convention at the Border

“During the days of Convention, baptisms in water were celebrated and many brothers and sisters received the Holy Spirit. New ministers were ordained and others initiated.”3 Jewish Youth in the 1928 Convention

“The first group was baptized and all believed the celebration to soon end, but this service prolonged itself until 2 in the morning, because upon making the altar call again to the souls, new candidates presented themselves and among them, two Jewish youth. In this way it became 2 in the morning, all were dismissed, and all went to the dining hall, because the kitchen commission had prepared a tasty menudo.”4 The Holy Spirit, peak of the 1929 Convention

“A good number of ministers were Ordained and Initiated and the Convention culminated with numerous baptisms in water and with the Holy Spirit.”5 Esther Valdez, first Dorcas President, reached in 1930

“In the year 1930 my uncles converted to the Lord

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… in that same year the Convention of the Apostolic Assembly was celebrated in San Bernardino, California, being at the same time that Church’s building dedication, and there for the first time I approached the altar to be prayed for. God spoke to my heart and on March 25 of the following year of 1931, I was baptized in the glorious Name of the Lord Jesus Christ in the river of Jimtown.”6 Great Number in 1933

“This Convention was unique for the many issues dealt with and for the great number of water baptisms. According to records, 64 persons were baptized in water and nearly 40 of the brethren received the Holy Spirit.”7 Salvation after World War II

“On this occasion (1946 Convention) the Lord rescued 62 souls for His Kingdom, 59 of these, young people.”8 Healing on the first night of the 1956 Convention

“I asked the Lord to allow me to go to the convention in Phoenix, Arizona held December 1956. Glory to God, He is faithful to his promises. That night December 28, 1956 as I sang with the brothers in the Varones choir, the Lord healed my asthma. He also healed my sight that I was losing because of the same illness. Glory to God, now I see well.”9 Maintaining aflame the Pentecostal fire at the 2005 Youth Convention

“At the end of that message, the preacher made an invitation to the altar. The response was overwhelming; to see our youth weeping in search of God, it was a marvelous experience. Prayer at the altar quickly became a powerful cry, originating from the voices of the youth seeking God with all their strength; while a great number of them spoke in other tongues, maintaining aflame the Pentecostal fire.”10

Antonio Castañeda Nava Architect of the General Convention

(1892 – 1999)

United thee shall Triumph

We extended ourselves through the Imperial Valley, Westmorland, Brawley and El Centro in unity with brothers Marcial de la Cruz in El Centro, Filomeno Carranza in Brawley and Miguel C. García in Westmorland. Our brother Jesús P. Torres worked in Indio, California. By 1924, the work established, the Lord showed me through a vision that we needed to organize. One night as I was reading the Sacred Bible, in chapter 1 of the Acts, I saw in red letters, a sign: “United thee shall triumph, and divided thee shall fail.” I read that and rubbed my eyes, but I continued to see the same. Feeling my body quake, I started to pray. I analyzed the matter thinking perhaps that this was about one local church but the Lord declared that I wasn’t just responsible for a church, but for all: “Glory to God!” As I supervised the new fields, I was constantly presented with the spiritual work. Brother Donaciano Duran invited me to visit some brothers of San Bernardino and Redlands, which I accepted. It had been four years since I had last seen these brothers whose pastors knew me since my conversion. According to brother Duran these same brothers requested my presence. I spoke to them of how the Lord was working in different places of the Imperial Valley. My discussion with the pastors of San Bernardino and Redlands was greatly significant to them. I discovered that they were far from the Apostolic doctrine, that they were not agreed upon the Divinity of the Lord and we had a long discussion about the Scriptures, first with one pastor and then with the other. Only by entreating into a more concise study did I realize that we would speak the same thing and be of one mind as the Apostle Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 1:10. This experience served me to understand that

we needed to organize and fellowship, based on the Apostolic order.

Beginning with the Old Testament

Those who taught us doctrine at the beginning taught that organization in the manner of other groups was not good and that we should not follow in the same order. For this reason we remained isolated and incommunicative with each other. Then I decided by myself to see if this was so or not, and beginning with the Old Testament, I started to search what our ancestors had done and how they had obeyed the mandates of God. I confirmed that in the multitude of counselors there is safety.

The manner that God taught Moses organization is the same we must imitate, for example: The counsel of Jethro, father-in-law of Moses: “What is this thing that thou doest to the people? why sittest thou thyself alone, and all the people stand by thee from morning unto even? And Moses said unto his father in law, Because the people come unto me to enquire of God: When they have a matter, they come unto me; and I judge between one and another, and I do make them know the statutes of God, and his laws. And Moses’ father in law said unto him, The thing that thou doest is not good. Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee: for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone. Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God: And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do.

Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of

thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens: And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee. If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee so, then thou shalt be able to endure, and all this people shall also go to their place in peace. So Moses hearkened to the voice of his father in law, and did all that he had said (Exodus 18:14-24 KJV).”

“And Moses let his father in law depart; and he went his way into his own land (Exodus 18:27 KJV).”

First Organization in Jerusalem

This first example serves us as a basis toward his chosen people, and later He continues with those of his Name, which he calls Apostles, the twelve he taught doctrine to for three years and a half and sent forth to preach two and two, he appointed another seventy also. After his sacrifice he manifested Himself to them resurrected, and gave them commandment, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” Lastly, he sent them forth to the Upper Room in Jerusalem that they might be invested with power from on high. Another hundred and twenty were added to them, which were those who formed the first organization in Jerusalem, from which they extended themselves. This is explained in the book according to the Acts of the Apostles in reference to the first believers, Acts 2:42-27, Acts 6:110 and 13:1-4, and lastly what is shown in the rest of the bishops like Titus 1:9.

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THE SPIRITUAL POWER OF UNITY

THE SPIRITUAL POWER OF UNITY SAINT JOHN 17:21 As it is well known by all, for the present year, the administration I’m honored to preside, has declared the annual theme to be, “THE SPIRITUAL POWER OF UNITY,” this thinking emanates and establishes itself in the Priestly Prayer, also called Pontifical, contained in the Gospel according to Saint John chapter 17.

Some exegetes have outlined this beautiful and singular biblical passage in three parts:

of this prayer. At the same time this implies a great responsibility, for personal experience and living that should motivate us to faithfully fulfill such fervent and powerful prayer. Though within the scope of administration there are material interests that are part of human nature and of this world with its corresponding laws which we must comply with, yet these are incomparable, with the spiritual dimension, and the communion that takes us to that SPIRITUAL UNITY. For I’m sure that the priestly prayer has as its main focus eternal life and this should be fed and strengthened here, just as the Apostle Paul warned in Ephesians 4:3 and 13, “... Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace ... till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.”

It is necessary to unite verses 20 and 21 of the cited passage, “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word.” The reaching out of this verse extends throughout the ages and embraces each and every one of us and those whom we share the Word and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. What is it that Jesus is asking in His prayer for his followers? The greatest blessings, which are: unity, peace, eternal love and glory, all of which upon exami-

PRAYER OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST FOR HIMSELF (v. 1-5).

PRAYER OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST FOR HIS DISCIPLES (v. 6-19).

PRAYER OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST FOR HIS CHURCH (v. 20-26).

And as many have believed in His Name, by the preaching of the Apostles, and their successors in which space we find ourselves in, for which we should give wholeheartedly a “Glory to God!” for the faithful fulfillment

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nation are petitions that make up this prayer. These petitions should provoke in us a profound reflection and upon examination it should prove in which of these blessings we are currently living, to which end the world can verify

the life of the Christian and believe in Christ Jesus and thus fulfill verse 21, “...

That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou host sent me.”

This prayer was fulfilled literally with the first Christians, who were “one heart and soul” (Acts 4:32). Why then do present day believers have not the same spirit? The answer to this question is somewhat difficult but something could well be said: Occupying oneself in material things, even those things for the church, the materialism that social life demands of the family with the goal of surpassing others, it is an ability which eclipses and hinders, not placing attention to the truth and example of Christ. It is necessarily to reread the context of the pontifical prayer where it states: “THESE WORDS SPOKE JESUS, AND LIFTED UP HIS EYES TO HEAVEN,” it is time for us too to lift our eyes to heaven, so that the material things will not interpose with the spiritual things. This must happen at all levels, local, district and national, it is time to prove THE SPIRITUAL POWER OF UNITY. Christ proclaims it and the world demands it of us.

I would like to tie together Chapter 16 with what I have been commenting on the last verse: “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer I have overcome the world.” With these words Christ closes a series of discourses on his departure and glorification thus strengthening the spiritual communion between himself and his disciples. The words “I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD,” are truly triumphant, words of victory expressed to the congregation of his disciples. What

a prayer that must have been, truly ardent and serene wherein Christ shares in the presence of God and his disciples his own soul. There isn’t anywhere else, not in Scripture, or in secular literature some sort of prayer or words that could equal the simplicity, the profoundness, the magnitude, and the intimacy of this prayer. What an impression must have been left in the minds and hearts of his disciples, that John records it in his mind and heart and transmits his experience faithfully, which ought to cause us to tremble and cry “Hallelujah!” and “Glory to God!” From the center of our soul, our presence and fellowship in our services, meetings, and the rest of our activities are the result of this singular and effective prayer.

It has been rightly called the Priestly or Pontifical prayer, because upon delivering it, it perfectly occupies the place of the High Priest or Pontifex, “... But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.

Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. For such a high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself (Heb. 7:24 -27).” Jesus is conscious of his intercessory sacrifice for his disciples and his church. Upon doing this dissertation, I do so for the purpose of reaffirming the need to work for the UNITY of the church and naturally for the fellowship which should characterize us as the people of God.

had a culmination, and this culmination was the cross and the glory of life, the path to the glory of eternity, that’s why he said, “the hour is come.” “THE HOUR IS COME, THAT THE SON Of MAN SHOULD BE GLORIFIED,’ (Jn. 12:23). In what laid the glory of the cross? What is Jesus trying to communicate to us over and over again about the cross being his glory and glorification? There are several answers to this question:

also resurrected, something that has not happen to the other examples already cited.

One of the greatest facts that history records of men who occupied a significant place, in their historical lives, is that when they died, the way and form that they died their generation was then able to prove and tally the worth of that man. During the years they were alive it was not possible to recognize their deeds until after they died.

For example: Abraham Lincoln, had enemies; but they who criticize him,

THE SPIRITUAL POWER Of UNITY is strengthened in the application in our relationship and daily living with the Lord “I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one” (In 17:23). These words reaffirm the royalty, the oneness and unity with God in an eloquent way to present Jesus as being one with God to the point of exerting the same prerogatives and powers of the only sovereign God. We being ministers of God having this oneness with him have also power to do powerful deeds and acts so that the world can see that we too are one with Christ. The success of our evangelization inside and outside of our country will be fruitful on the basis of the power of spiritual unity.

THE SPIRITUAL POWER Of UNITY, transcends from material and structural values of which of course we are responsible and should work zealously to observe the rules we already have for, we have to give an account to) the church on a local, district and national level.

The spirit and soul of our Lord Jesus Christ’s prayer is centered in that we live not like “units”, but like One Unit!

THE SPIRITUAL POWER Of UNITY is obtained through prayer and obedience, is amply and perfectly portrait in Christ’ s life and deeds registered in Saint John chapter 17; ‘FATHER, THE HOUR IS COME.’ In the hour of sacrifice is about to be fulfilled for Jesus, life

and did not give him the worth he was due, yet were able to see many great things after his death. Someone came out from the place where Lincoln was assassinated and said, “he now belongs to history.” Edwin Stanton, Lincoln’s Secretary of War who had considered him cold and distant and had never hidden this from him, observed Lincoln’s body with tears in his eyes and said, “the greatest ruler that the world has seen.” The English burned Joan of Ark at the stake like a heretic witch and within the multitude that witnessed the burning was an Englishman who had made a vow to add a log to the fire said, “how wish my soul could be where hers is at.” One of the secretaries of the King of England left the place where Joan of Ark was burned and said, “We are all lost for we have burned an innocent saint.” There are other historical examples, and of course they can teach us lessons, but they can never compare to the death and crucifixion of Jesus Christ, because he not only died but

The spirit and soul of our Lord Jesus Christ’s prayer is centered in that we live not like “units”, but like ONE UNIT. Where there are divisions, exclusiveness, competition between churches, disunion and internal struggles, these will always hinder the cause of Christianity and shall frustrate Jesse’s prayer.

Churches who compete like this will not be able to evangelize the world.

Jesus prayed so that his disciples could be one in the most profound way, just as was Jesus and God. I asked myself, are we responding to such a sacred petition?

THE SPIRITUAL POWER OF UNITY, To obtain it, demands the sanctification of our lives, in a personal was and in the surrender to the work which he has given us. “SANCTIFY US IN THY

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TRUTH; OUR WORD IS TRUTH (vs.

17).” Furthermore, Jesse’s prayer was not just for unity, but also included the necessity of our sanctification. Sanctified by means of the Word of Truth.

The term sanctify, comes from the Greek Word “hagiazein” which denotes two beautiful ideas: (a) It signifies to separate for a special task.

When God called Jeremiah he said, “Before I formed you in the belly I knew you; and before you came forth out of the womb I sanctified you, and I ordained you a prophet unto nations” (Jer. 1 a5). Before his birth God had already prepared Jeremiah to fulfill a special task. When God instructed the priesthood in Israel he said to Moses to CONSECRATE the sons of Aaron and he will SANCTIFY them to serve as priests (Ex. 28:4 1). There was a need to separate the sons of Aaron from the rest for a task and special obligations. b) Nevertheless, “hagiazein” does not just mean to separate for a special task; it also implies to “equip” someone with mental, heart and character qualities that are to complete that task.

If someone wants to serve God, he needs to have a measure of goodness and wisdom of God. Let us remember that in the genesis of the church era,

the first deacons to begin service of tables were to be “men of a good testimony, full of the Holy Spirit, and wisdom,” this was required for a modest service. What should be expected for other types of work with much higher responsibilities? Who ever wants to serve the Holy God must he himself be holy too. This way God will not limit himself in selecting someone for his special service, He shall separate him from the rest, but will also equip him with the qualities that he needs to do His will. We should always be conscious that God called us, sanctified us and dedicated us to his special service. For this reason it is necessary to love and obey him and though this example we will be encouraging others to respond to this calling even doing more. We must remember that God will never abandon nor leave us alone to finish a task and carry out the responsibility that he gave us, and much less should we confide in our personal strengths. By his grace he has prepared and equipped us, if only we learn to place our lives in his hands, all will be possible; “... and lo I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Mt. 28:20). These sacred words of Jesus place us in time and space, inside said parameters that we now find ourselves in.

I appropriate this priestly prayer, because administratively we are coming to an end, it was four years ago you granted my colleagues and I through your vote to become members of this honorable General Board of which we are currently presiding. We bid you farewell and success in the Lord to whomever God chooses through the election process by the pastors, missionaries, bishops, and elders. Our prayers and exhortations are that we maintain ourselves living the words that Apostle Paul declared in 1 Cor. 1:10, “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” By practicing this we will prove that we live in “THE SPIRITUAL POWER OF UNITY.” Bishop President Manuel Vizcarra.

1986 – 1994.

General Electoral Convention.

July 25-30, 1994.

Phoenix, Arizona.

Antonio Castañeda Nava | Architect of the General Convention...continued from page 7 Success

All this information made me think on organization giving due credit to the teaching of the Lord in the vision, after feeling sure that my initiative was valuable before my companions of the time.

I set myself to the task of particularly propagating this by letters, which I had not done so because of a lack of inspiration of the teaching of the Lord. This came quickly and in little time I already had a good response by those pastors and ministers who loved the work of the Lord. My propaganda consisted in inviting them to a meeting, which we could call Convention or Conference of Apostolic Ministers. All assented, with the exception of brother Llorente, whom we recognized as the senior most minis-

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ter, and who extended to us credentials with the American corporation till this day denominated, “The Pentecostal Assemblies of the World.” Since our brother Llorente was not in agreement, I corresponded constantly with him, but I couldn’t convince him. For a whole year he struggled and six months left his wife died and after three months he gave us his word that he would be with us in the meeting that we had agreed upon.

The date that we looked forward to meeting was January 24 in San Bernardino, California. Our brother Llorente was the first to arrive. We began upon our first Convention meeting (that is how we called it in the end and at all times have called thusly), which was a success. Later we nominated our brother Llorente president that he would pre-

side in all our ministerial meetings and at all other times.

Great was the Joy

During our first convention great was the joy in all our brothers who congregated for the first time. Perhaps it was because we had a complete reconciliation, not only of the ministers but of the members as well, and all of us were filled with the Holy Spirit in this convention of 1925.

In all the meetings we dealt with doctrine, and discussed the Divinity of our Lord and his attributes. We did this in all our ministerial meetings and conventions.

First General Convention Circular 1925

General Convention special edition 2014

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General Convention | December 22, 1927 | Colonia Zaragoza | Baja California, Mexico.

General Convention | December 26-31, 1950 | Phoenix, Arizona.

General Convention | June 29 – July 3, 1976 | San Diego, California.

Legislative Convention. | November 25 – 30, 2013. | Long Beach, California.

Apostolic herald 16 The Ministerial