WORLD IMPACT BIBLE INSTITUTE
S U P M A C O G E I D N SA 4! — OPENS 201
Is God Calling You?
Gospel Campaigns make history!
Salvation call, Jayapura, Indonesia 2013
World Impact Bible Institute...
San Diego Campus
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Pastors Mike and Jane Walker have served as senior pastors for 27 years. They will work with Peter Youngren at the WIBI - San Diego Campus. Mike will serve as Dean of Students and Jane as WIBI Registrar. Both have a Bachelors Degree in Biblical Studies.
Pastors P astors t Mike Mik ike a and nd d Jane Jane W Walker alk lker
Scan to visit online
For more information, visit www.wibi.com or call WIBI at 760-751-3374, or call the Grace Prayer Center at 1-877-974-7223.
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CONTENT 04
AN AWAKENING IS COMING
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MIKE WALKER AND NATHAN THURBER DISCUSS WORLD IMPACT BIBLE INSTITUTE
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7 VITAL QUESTIONS ABOUT BIBLE SCHOOL
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STEP INTO YOUR DESTINY!
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DISCOVER A WORLD OF GOD'S GRACE
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CHARACTERISTICS OF A GRACE BASED BELIEVER
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DRAMATIC VICTORY FOR THE GOSPEL
Dear Friend, Taina and I and our ministry team are reaching out to you because God has put His compassion in us to see you enjoy His very best. We love, because God, who is love, first loved us, and His love compels us. This issue is about the Gospel in us and to the whole world. You will find articles about how defeat turned to victory in two of our recent Gospel campaigns. Without Pharaoh and the Red Sea, there would be no Moses. Without Goliath, there would be no David. Negative circumstances are but a set up for God’s grace to be revealed. For more than thirty years I have been privileged to take the Gospel to the secular world. Today reality is staring us in the face. America and the western world are rapidly becoming secularized. Performance based religion masquerading as Christianity has in many instances replaced the simplicity which is in Christ Jesus. We are in a critical time when the good news of what Jesus Christ has done must be reintroduced.
26 That’s why we are launching the San Diego Campus of World Impact Bible Institute, and re-launching the Toronto campus.
ADVANCING THE GOSPEL IN ISRAEL
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EXPECT YOUR HUNDREDFOLD RETURN
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BOOK OF ACTS REVISTED You will find exciting information about WIBI in this magazine and also more at WIBI.com. I am excited about the teachers that will join me in imparting the revelation of Jesus Christ and His Gospel to students from all over the world. I believe many of you who are reading this have had a prompting from the Lord to be equipped for your destiny. WIBI is ready to welcome you. Thank you for the opportunity to work with you, to believe with you and to bring the Gospel of God’s grace to the world together with you.
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TAKING THE GOOD NEWS TO THE CRADLE OF HINDUISM EDITOR IN CHIEF: Peter Youngren PRODUCTION MANAGER: Melanie Mowat ART DIRECTION & DESIGN: Samantha Goh DISTRIBUTION: Howard McFazden World Impact Magazine is published by World Impact Ministries. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Postmaster: In US send change of address to WIM, PO Box 462770, Escondido, CA, 92046. In Canada, send to 190 Railside Rd, Toronto, ON Canada, M3A 1A3. Publications Mail Product Agreement No. 40011290
Your partner in the Gospel
If you enjoyed this issue of World Impact Magazine and would like to receive additional copies, they may be ordered at a cost of $5.00 per issue plus shipping expenses. Please call 1-877-974-7223, or e-mail info@ peteryoungren.org.
Peter Youngren
Send any comments or questions to the attention of The Editor.
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"AN AWAKENING IS COMING ...JESUS CHRIST WILL BE
IN FOCUS"
Peter Youngren shares the word God spoke as he was praying beside this rock, and about the vision for World Impact Bible Institute.
aina and I often go for walks together, but one morning I went by myself, praying quietly as I often do, when suddenly I felt compelled to stop beside some rocks at the roadside. I was completely unprepared for what happened next.
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I believe God speaks guidance and encouragement in our spirit daily, but then there are rare times when we receive a word from God that turns our world upside down. The words I heard that started a thunder in my spirit went like this: An awakening is coming to America and it will impact the western countries and the whole world. Jesus Christ will be in focus. It will affect believers across all denominational barriers, and large number of secular people 4
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will receive Christ. Prepare yourself for you will have a part in this move of My Spirit. I stood there frozen, I don't know for how long. Suddenly I saw in my heart what my head already knew – America has become a very secular country. Europe has been secular for a long time, and Canada has been somewhere in between USA and Europe. The pendulum will only swing so far and then God has an answer. For thirty years, I have spent my energy and resources to share Christ with non-Christians, Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus and secular people… and now God was talking to me about North America. I didn’t make any quick decisions. A year and four months have passed since that early morning when I stood beside those rocks, and until now I only shared
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televised on the National Broadcasting Corporation.
with a few people what God spoke. The expansion of World Impact Bible Institute is in response to the word from the Lord. It is time to take the revelation of the Gospel of grace and impart it to another generation. There are two parts to this: 1.
God’s grace must first transform our own lives. WIBI is designed for that to happen. During the first year, course after course will reveal Christ's life and potential inside the students.
2. Once we are changed, we become world-changers. At WIBI students will receive insights in how to communicate the Gospel with the secular world in the power of the Holy Spirit.
POSITION YOURSELF FOR IMPARTATION World Impact Ministries Bible Institute is designed to be a place where you can be impacted by God, and by people who have walked with God? The students will find themselves in a hot house of revelation, which will result in a new passion for Christ. Paul wrote to Timothy; “You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others” (2 Tim 2:1-2). That’s the mandate of WIBI, and you are invited.
à
GOD SPEAKS THROUGH PEOPLE Impartation happens when God speaks like I experienced, but God also uses people to impact our lives. Timothy received impartations from his mother and grandmother. Moses imparted to Joshua. Early in my life, three people made a profound impact on me. The first one is T. L. Osborn who is a household name in some parts of the world, especially in East Africa. At one time, his magazine, Faith Digest, reached more than 1.5 million households across America. Osborn preached Jesus in a way that appealed to the unlearned person as well as to the academic. He taught me that you don’t need to be especially gifted; you just need to believe the Gospel. That’s why I tell people, "if Peter Youngren can do it, you can do it too." Billy Graham called Dr. Oswald J. Smith the greatest missionary statesman of the 20th century. He coined phrases like; “Why should anyone hear the Gospel twice before everyone has heard it once”, and “You must go or send a substitute”. I was fifteen years old when I read Oswald J. Smith’s life story. He had been weak and sickly as a young man, but God empowered him to inspire thousands to take the Gospel to the world. The third person who impacted me is Aril Edvardsen, largely unknown in America. He deeply influenced my life. I have never known a preacher with a greater gift to communicate the Gospel to the secular world. He understood the thinking of unchurched people, raised in a post Christian era. In his own country, Norway, his funeral was
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One of those who had a profound impact on my life is Dr. T.L. Osborn who went to be with the Lord last year.
When the Lord led me to WIBI it was one of the most important decisions in my life. The teachers allow the Spirit of God to move in the class. Pastor Peter Youngren has made an impact in my life about reaching people without Christ. WIB has changed my life completely, giving me the tools and the training to be a successful minister. –Rody Larose
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Q&A
Mike Walker [San Diego Campus] and Nathan Thurber [Toronto Campus] discuss how the Gospel of God’s grace has prepared them to be a blessing to the students at World Impact Bible Institute.
How has the Gospel of grace affected your life? Nathan: I once viewed God as harsh and domineering. I grew tired of who I thought God was and what He wanted me to do. Thankfully, I discovered the Spirit of grace, and met our loving Savior. I came to see God as a loving Father. Now I enjoy a journey of growth in God’s grace. I no longer “serve” God out of fearful obligation, but with joy in a loving relationship. The fruit is much better, and I am more effective. His grace has set me free from hang ups and addictions. I was once afraid to talk in a public group of 2 or 3 people. Now, God has given me boldness as a pastor. Jesus Christ has radically changed my life. Mike: The transformation in my life since coming into the understanding of the Gospel of Grace is so dramatic that I could describe it as being "saved" all over again! Once Grace went from what I "thought" it was to what I now know Jesus Christ to be in me, my entire perspective of life, people, ministry and the world changed. Now I understand that Jesus is grace and God's unconditional love is free to not only have its perfect work "in me" but also "through me" to all who I encounter. How does this influence what you do as a Dean of Student at WIBI? Mike: It will have a very positive impact on the students. 6
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I believe each school year will be much more than an experience of gaining head knowledge, but this will be a "grace encounter", which in turn will ignite the lives of students to enter into their destiny fully equipped. I see Ephesians 4:15 as description of my role at WIBI; that (I) might speak the truth in "LOVE" that they might grow up in all things into Him who is the head, Christ! Nathan: My motivation is to help everyone enjoy this same positive life transformation I found. We follow the pattern found in Jeremiah 1:10. First, we root out wrong views of God that keep students in a slavish fear of Him, and pull down erroneous beliefs of God’s nature that keep people bound in fear, sin, sickness, anxiety and poverty. This involves destroying the lies, guilt and condemnation the accuser of the brethren hurls at God’s beloved children, and to throw down the negative mindset that selfeffort brings blessing and success. Then as Jeremiah described, we build a solid foundation of God’s grace in each student, to be effective ministers of Christ to the world.
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To attend WIBI often means relocation from one end of the country to another. This is a big decision?
tue. That includes financial provision. When students take a step of faith, they will find this to be true.
Nathan: I made the decision 17 years ago to relocate thousands of miles and attend WIBI. At the time I did not have the finances, nor did I know anyone at WIBI. God went ahead of me, and prepared a way. He provided a job when I arrived, and I was never late on a tuition or rent payment. The friendly staff of WIBI helped me find an inexpensive place to stay, and helped me relocate. That’s the kind services all prospective students can expect. God will prepare a way. Steps of faith are initially scary, but in hindsight, they really don’t appear hard. I encourage prospective students to go for it! This step of faith that may seem very big right now, but will one day seem small.
Nathan: God’s word promises financial provision and favor in Jesus (2 Corinthians 9). It encourages us not to grow weary, but keep strong in faith for financial prosperity. The Apostle Paul says in Romans 10:14 that it takes finances to preach the Gospel. The finances necessary to attend WIBI is one small step of faith on the road to many more financial steps in your ministry and life. The first thing God taught me about finances was to be a generous giver. I began to give generously, before I attended WIBI, and before I had much money. God has always been faithful, and has always met all my needs. I would encourage all prospective students to start giving to God generously right now. Then take a step of faith, decide to attend WIBI, and see God provide for all your financial needs. à
Mike: To re-locate in the natural sense is merely a physical exchange of where a person lays their head. Many times this can ignite our passion for life and for God because we are now "out of our comfort zone" . Relocation for the sake of the Gospel will prepare you to successfully lead others from their current "spiritual address" called darkness into the address labeled "the Kingdom of God's love" Bible School involves a financial commitment. Does God’s grace affect this area? Mike: The grace and peace of Jesus Christ in you will dominate over thoughts of fear and lack. It is all about knowing Christ and focusing on His righteousness. When we see that Jesus alone has made us acceptable to God we also see that the provisions we need for all areas of life are ready for us to be received by faith. Grace has supplied and faith takes what has already been supplied by Jesus Christ. The apostle Peter wrote that ALL THINGS that pertain to life and godliness are ours through the knowledge of Him who has called us to glory and vir-
Mike Walker has served as Pastor for 27 years in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. He has also worked extensively in international missions. Mike and his wife, Jane, are relocating to San Diego where Mike will serve as Dean of Students at WIBI San Diego. Nathan Thurber is the Dean of Students at WIBI Toronto. He has worked with Peter Youngren for the past 14 years, as a Gospel Festival Director, and as Administrator of Grace Tv. Together with his wife, Megen, Nathan now serves as pastor of the Toronto International Celebration Church.
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7 Vital Questions
About Bible School 2. If I want to receive a ministerial license or become an ordained minister, how does W.I.B.I. help? With one year of WIBI, students are eligible to apply for a Ministerial License, while those who have completed two or three years are eligible to apply for an Ordination. The graduate’s association with World Impact Ministries facilitates a network of contacts around the world for WIBI graduates.
3. If I want to pursue a Masters or Doctoral degree, how does W.I.B.I. help me?
1. What is my long-term goal? Are you planning to pursue a career in vocational ministry or in a secular vocation? Are you interested in Bible school for personal restoration and healing, or do you want to be prepared for leadership and ministry opportunities? Regardless of our individual long-term goals, it is important to have a solid foundation in Jesus Christ. The one year “Grace Foundation” at WIBI provides the opportunity for students to become deeply rooted in Christ. The “Christian Ministry” Diploma is a two or three year program, providing intensive academic training, for those pursuing vocational ministry. The third year has a strong focus on practical ministry.
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World Impact Bible Institute is an Institute, not a university. However many of our courses are accredited with certain Christian universities and colleges, and students have the option of choosing the Honors program in each course to be able to transfer credits.
4. What is the main thrust of the school? Academic? Spiritual? Some Bible schools have little academics and emphasize the spiritual experiences, while others focus almost entirely on academics. At World Impact Bible Institute you will be challenged academically, while at the same time having many opportunities to encounter the Lord Jesus Christ in a personal way. The two major thrusts of WIBI are that each student will have a personal revelation of Jesus Christ and His grace, and a strong awareness of the local and global harvest field where Jesus invited us to become laborers.
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5. Who is on the faculty? Some schools require that all teachers have a Masters or Doctoral degree, regardless of whether or not the teacher has practical ministry experience. Other Bible schools have teachers without formal training. At WIBI, we value the academic achievements of our faculty. The founder of the school, Peter Youngren, has an earned Doctorate in Biblical Studies, as well as an honorary Doctorate of Christian Philosophy and Business Administration. Several other teachers have earned Doctoral degrees, while others have Bachelor or Master’s degrees. Most importantly, all of the teachers have practical ministry experience.
6. How can W.I.B.I. help me once I graduate? WIBI will help graduates to receive a Ministerial License and Ordination. Those in the Ministry program and the Apprenticeship program will have practical experience to transition from the Bible Institute into full-time practical ministry.
Once God gives you peace that Bible school is for you, there may still be many obstacles; lack of finances, geographical distance and even discouraging words. The faith of Christ in us will cause us to rise above those obstacles. Once you make the decision to apply for World Impact Bible Institute, God will make a way and open doors beyond our expectations. Where He guides, He provides. à
Studying at WIBI propelled me into my calling and destiny. I have now spent 10 years as a missionary. After opening a WIBI branch in Indonesia I can see the same teaching having the same effect on the students here as well. Our lives are transformed to bring transformation to the world! There is no other ministry in the world I’d rather work with than one that truly loves the lost, those forgotten or deemed impossible and brings a clear Gospel message of Jesus that saves to the uttermost! –Susan Hoover
7. What is Jesus speaking inside of you? The focus is on Jesus Christ who lives by His Spirit in us. He gives us peace concerning the decisions we make, even if everything around us is storming. W W W. P E T E RYO U N G R E N . O R G | G R AC E P R AY E R C E NT E R : 1. 8 77.974.7223
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“Sometimes you have to let go of the life you pictured, in order to have the life that God has planned.”
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od made you one of a kind. There is nothing about you that surprises God. He knew your end before your beginning, your thoughts, desires, dreams, strengths, weaknesses, your failures and successes. Nothing is hidden, and yet God believes in you and Jesus wants to express Himself through you. Is God calling you.... ...........To look beyond what you’ve known so far? ...........To see the impossible become possible? ...........To take a step of faith? God’s destiny will not just happen as if by accident. It happens to people who dare to believe that Christ is in us, and that His faith and ability will flow through us.
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God's purpose does not fall out of the sky into your lap. Instead, motivated by God's love you take one step of faith at a time into His purpose. World Impact Bible Institute is designed to help students to step into what God has prepared before-hand for you (Ephesians 2:10), to be everything God intended for you to be. Is God calling you to join World Impact Bible Institute this coming September? Maybe God has already been speaking to you, because He works in us “both to will and to do His good pleasure”. Send for the information package, and allow God to speak to you. He will confirm in your heart what you are to do. à
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Some off the Instructors at World Impact Bible Institute
Age Aleskar
Mary y Felde
Jim Hockaday
Susan Hoover
Daniel King
Jessica King
Scott McIntyre
Johan Olehall
Megen Thurber
Nathan Thurber
Jane Walker
Mike Walker W
Taina Youngren
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Discover a world of god's grace!
WORLD IMPACT M AG AZI N E 2014
By Peter Youngren
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any today ask, “Does Christianity have a future”? The Christian faith and the Church are no longer as popular as they once were. In most places, the social and economic benefits of being a church member are gone. Christianity is criticized and often ridiculed. Instead of a much hoped for spiritual awakening, we are on a slippery slope of moral decay where Christianity is increasingly irrelevant. This of course doesn’t mean that God has stopped saving people. No, many are coming to Christ, but the overall trend is obvious. No wonder there is a call to righteousness. Preachers lament the current spiritual situation, and prescribe remedies to bring our nation back to God. Lumped together these ‘steps to revival’ can be summarized as: Stop doing wrong - Start doing right. Stop same sex marriage, abortion, nudity on television, infringement on the rights of churches. Let’s get back to the 70’s, 60’s or 50’s, or whenever our nation was sufficiently godly. Start living holy, righteous and dedicated to God. There is a problem because, “Stop the wrong Start the right”, is at the core a humanistic effort. The very idea that righteousness comes by Christians getter better at doing what’s right and refusing the wrong is not only deceptive, it is “filthy” to God. Isaiah called it “filthy rags”. What then is the answer? It is time to re-introduce the Gospel of the Grace of Jesus Christ.
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Is Grace Weak? Some think that grace is weak. Others condescendingly call it ‘hyper grace’ and suggest it is a license or a cover up for sin. While almost all Christians agree that God’s grace saves us, many suggest that the successful pursuit of the Christian life is through much effort. In short, we are saved by grace, but holiness comes by our performance. Let me be quick to interject that every grace preacher I know desires high morals, holiness and right living. The question is how do we experience these? How does morality come? What causes holiness? Does it result from preaching morality, or does it happen by believing in the finished work of Jesus Christ, and by allowing Him to live through us? There is really only one ‘good’ Christian – Jesus Christ. And God’s genius is that the Christian life if not us trying to be ‘good Christians’. That will always fail. Rather, it is that Jesus Christ lives through us. When we can’t forgive, love or have faith as we ought to, we yield to Jesus, who loves, heals and forgives through us. This is all by grace. The book of Galatians makes it clear that any Gospel that is not based on God’s grace, is not a Gospel at all; it’s a perversion (Gal. 1:6-10). The derogatory term “hyper grace” is to be expected. The Gospel of grace was highly contentious already 2,000 years ago. Jesus’ first sermon is described as “gracious words proceeding out of his mouth”, and it caused such rage that the religious leaders wanted to throw Jesus over the cliff.
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A few years later the Gospel of grace almost split the church in Jerusalem as one group wanted more of a “yoke” of religious rules and rituals on the “neck of the disciples”. Thankfully those who believed that salvation was through “the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ" carried the day (Acts 15:10-11).
The derogatory term "hyper grace" is to be expected. The Gospel of grace was highly contentious already 2,000 years ago. Radical Grace To give a list of things that people must do to please God makes us feel like we can make it happen for ourselves. Grace is truly radical, because it gives no credit to self. All we have is because of another - Jesus Christ. This is a death blow to religious elitism. Religion always wants to take credit for itself, while the Gospel gives all credit to Christ, “that no flesh should glory”. We normally gain understanding of a topic by common sense or academic studies, but the Gospel of grace requires illumination by the Holy Spirit. Paul wrote, “I neither received it by man nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ. Once received, Paul’s focus was to keep people in this revelation. He had a godly jealousy towards any distraction, ”For I have betrothed you to one husband that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ, but I fear somehow that as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds might be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ (2 Cor 11:2-3). The real danger is clear. It is to be drawn away from the simplicity in Christ. To be ‘married’ to traditions, spiritual disciplines or experiences, however wonderful, if these cause us to de-emphasize Jesus’ finished work, Paul calls it corruption. He continues that self-effort and religious performances look like “righteousness”, but they are really from Satan, who transforms himself into an angel of light. Strong wording!
Christ’s Righteousness or Self-Righteousness? We must be careful to not call people to self-righteous-
ness. When Christianity becomes a religion of rules and principles, it’s all up to you – your ability to pray, fast, make good choices, etc., then your end will be “according to your works”. In contrast, the end of a Gospel person is according to the finished work of Jesus Christ. Christ’s righteousness is a foundation of “gold, silver and precious stones”, a picture of that which only God can produce. On the contrary, “wood, hay and straw” are by man’s performance. God made trees and grass and we cut them off from their root supply and turn them into wood, hay and straw. The lesson is clear - the only thing that will endure is what’s rooted in Christ, everything else is ultimately burned. Self-righteousness will disappoint in the long run, where Christ’s righteousness endures.
More rules and law means more sin. More grace means more victory. Does Grace Lead To Sin? Back to the illogical suggestion from some that abundant of grace causes people to sin. This idea is in opposition to the Scripture, which tells us that the strength of sin is the law. More rules and law means more sin. More grace means more victory. I’m not suggesting that religious works are powerless, because they can modify human behaviour. We can pray, worship, witness, carry a Bible under our arm, lift our hands in worship and look very Christian, while our hearts remain unchanged. Religious rules adjust the outside, while grace transforms from the inside out. Once the heart is changed it empowers us to live godly. The abundance of grace causes us to reign in life (Romans 5:17). Living under grace means that sin no longer has dominion (Romans 6:14).
Get Out From Under ‘the curse’! I hear a lot of talk about curses; reversing the curse, breaking the curse, etc. A curse in the New Testament is anything that opposes God’s grace. To mix law and
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Whoever preaches that blessings, healing, church growth, abundance and salvation come by our HɅRUW EULQJ D FXUVH RI XOWLPDWH IDLOXUH RQ SHRSOH grace is to be “accursed”. People think of a curse as being connected with things; a non-Christian building, certain kinds of clothing or insignias, but the real curse according to the book of Galatians is to mix the grace of Jesus Christ with selfeffort. This ‘path’ to holiness will always fail. Ultimately it leads to self-loathing, low self-esteem, cover ups, hypocrisy and everything that is contrary to true holiness. The Pharisees were under such a curse, teaching others to perform duties they themselves were not able to do. To mix law and grace, is to work against the Holy Spirit, because He is grieved by words that do not “impart grace to the hearers” (Eph 4:29). What does it mean to preach “another Gospel”? Whoever preaches that blessings, healing, church growth, abundance and salvation come by our effort, by doing things right, bring a curse of ultimate failure on people. On the contrary we are accepted, blessed, healed and loved by grace. Believe it, and you will have it.
Jesus From A to Z Grace is indiscriminate. All God has is available equally by faith. Jesus’ disciples thought they could get an edge over others and asked, “What must we do that we must work the works of God?” Jesus responded, “Believe in the one God sent”. The Philippians jailor received the same answer when he asked, “What must I do to be saved?”, and the answer was, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ”. This is offensive to some because it seems too simple. Have you ever thought that someone, who is less holy, seems to receive more of God’s blessings than you? Remember, people don’t receive because they are worthy, but because they believe. So, believe that Jesus has provided everything you need for “life” and for “godliness”. It’s yours! The Law of Moses made it clear that if you are guilty in one area, you are guilty in all. No cherry picking of your favourite commandments. Jesus reiterated this by reminding those who tried to achieve righteousness by law that they
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have to keep every “jot and tittle”. (Mt 5:18) Thank God, that old order of religious rules was finally overturned when Jesus Himself had fulfilled the law. “It Is Finished” - means that every requirement, every hand writing that was against us has been nailed to the cross. All the promises of God have become “yes and amen” in Jesus Christ. This is not a joint effort, where the “yes” is in Jesus and the “amen” in us. No, “all the promises of God in Him are yes and in Him amen to the glory of God through us”. It is Jesus from “A” to “Z”.
Christianity's Future?! Our destiny is tied to what we do with the Gospel. Does Christianity have a future? It depends. Modern day Turkey was at one time the place where the Gospel flag flew the highest. Cities like Antioch, Lystra, Derbe, Smyrna and Ephesus are all in modern day Turkey. Christianity came to an end there and now we pray for open doors to bring the Gospel again to a place where it once flourished. I pray this will never happen here.
“It Is Finished” - means that every requirement, every hand writing that was against us has been nailed to the cross. We are at the crossroad. Will the Gospel be re-introduced to our nation? Do we call our nation to self-righteousness or to the gift of righteousness - Jesus the righteous one? Do we tell people to deal with their sins, or do we point them to the One who has dealt with every sin? The Gospel of grace is the message of Jesus Christ. Some are concerned that we preach God’s grace balanced. How can you? This would mean that Jesus needs to be balanced with something or someone else. No, God’s grace encompasses everything. More grace means more Jesus, and more Jesus means more holiness. Are you ready to give Jesus to our generation? I hope you answer is “YES”. Welcome to a world full of God’s grace. First, you discover the Gospel of Grace in your world and then take it to the whole wide world. à
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BY PETER YOUNGREN
There is an array of misinformation about the meaning of God’s grace. What does it mean to be a ‘grace-person’, or a ‘grace-church’? Here are some characteristics: The finished work of Jesus Christ is in focus. What we need for ‘life’ and ‘godliness’ has been provided by the death and resurrection of Christ. Just like Adam and Eve had everything they needed in the Garden of Eden, so Jesus has provided all for us. Our response is to “open” our eyes to see the riches of the inheritance we have. The cross divides the Old and New Covenant. In the Old, believers looked forward to that which would come, while in the New we look back at what Jesus Christ has already accomplished. Believers before the cross were involved in spiritual activities in order to receive God’s blessing. New Testament believers pray, worship, give and serve because the blessing is already provided. A new love for the Old Testament. Jesus instructed, “all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me. And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures” Grace preachers value the Old Testament, and preach from it much like the apostles and early Church Fathers — to discover beautiful truths about Jesus Christ. The study of the Old Testament becomes a “treasure hunt” to know Christ better.
A recognition of the true power of sin. Some suggest that grace makes ‘light’ of sin, but the opposite is true. Sin is so powerful that no effort, discipline or struggle can defeat it. Our only hope is in believing that Jesus took all sins - past, present and future - “once for all”. Victory over sin happens by yielding to the indwelling Christ. The good news is that our sins cannot stop God’s grace, but grace stops sin. True repentance. The Greek word 'metanoia', translated repentance, means to “change one’s mind after”. Repentance happens when we turn our thinking from “dead works” [Heb 6:1], — our religious efforts. Realizing the futility of our own struggle against sin we turn to Christ, who alone can save. The Book of Acts calls this ‘repentance to life” [Acts 11:18]. Faith that Jesus Christ is at work inside believers. In a grace-based church, pastors are not trying to micromanage people’s lives, but trusting that God’s grace is at work in each one. When we let Jesus live big in us, true holiness will result. The Law of Moses was for a purpose, not to make us holy, but to show our inability to become holy by our own effort. By the law every mouth of self-righteousness is stopped, and it becomes clear that God's grace is our only hope.
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WORLD IMPACT M AG AZI N E 2014
The law was until Christ [Gal 3:24]. As of 2000 years ago, Christ has come, and his coming was "the end of the law for righteousness." Now all God's promises have their "Yes" and their "Amen" in what Christ has done. Righteousness instead of sin-consciousness. When we focus on sins, those sins get a stronger hold, but when our attention is on Christ righteousness, sin’s power is broken. The New Covenant promises “no more consciousness of sins” [Heb 10:2], “for sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace” [Rom 6:14]. Resting in Christ. To rest in faith means that we have ceased from our own works [Heb 4:10], and rest in what God’s grace has provided. Our focus is on allowing Christ to express Himself through us. Holiness is by grace. God’s grace teaches us to deny “ungodliness and worldly lusts”, and to “live soberly, righteously and godly in this present age” [Titus 2:11-12]. Not only holiness, but spiritual maturity, miracles, prosperity, healing and the abundant life are all by God’s grace [Gal 3:2-5].
Paul is important. He received the message of grace from Jesus Christ, so there is never a contradiction between Paul and Jesus. Christ is the source of Paul’s revelation of the mystery, previously hidden, namely “Christ in us”. Paul taught this revelation to the other apostles, and they added nothing to what he had received [Gal 2:6]. More than looking to past revivals and movements, a grace-based Christian looks to the revelations of the New Covenant given by Jesus, Paul and the other apostles. Passion to reach the world around us. A grace church is not lazy or passive but instead the grace of God causes us to “labor more abundantly” (1 Cor 15:10). Our ministry is to give the word of reconciliation to the world, that “God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself” [2 Cor 5:19], and therefore we implore people, “be reconciled to God” [v.20]. A new way to live. Once the demand for Bible reading, prayer, church attendance and giving because you have to do it is over, we discover a new way to be a “Christian’, not by constraint or compulsion, but because you want to.
Preaching Jesus, instead of lessons of morality bring real results. The preachers who lived before the cross focused on the sins of the people, while those after the cross, like Paul, Philip and John preached the finished work of Jesus. Morality is important, but good morals do not come from lessons of morality, but from Christ's power in us. Corinth was a particularly immoral city in ancient times. No wonder Paul preached nothing except Jesus Christ crucified [1 Cor 2:2]. 16
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My experience with World Impact Bible Institute has been amazing in my own personal life and in ministry. The teaching is always Jesus Christ centered. Thanks WIBI! – Kapil Sundaralingam
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My sister had a massive stroke, and was left in a coma. Doctors said even if she woke up the damage to her brain was so massive she would never recover. They said we should prepare for her to die. We called the Grace Prayer Center. You prayed for her from the finished work of the cross. Today she is restored and !
her speech is 100%
I called for prayer. My husband had prostate cancer. He had tests done and they came back
negative!
You prayed with me for my tu tuition fees. God miraculously answered and fees an all my
financial needs were met.
God is Good!
I had an urgent
financial need
I had lost hope and was under extreme oppression. I called the Grace Prayer Center and
and no possible means to see it met. I called the Grace Prayer Center and the very
all oppression had left! immediately
God answered that prayer. next day
We had marriage problems. My husband didn’t understand my relationship with Jesus. Out of desperation I called the Grace Prayer Center and today my husband is a changed man because of the
love of Jesus!
Grace Prayer Center Miracles Happen when you know you are loved! Prayer Partners are ready to take your call: 1.877.974.7223
S Punduran healed (see article). 18
S Father of top politician healed from cancer. His son verifies the testimony, and tells how tumors in the chest and stomach disappeared during prayer. S Deaf for 15 years, now healed. Both belong to a political party well known for hostility toward Christianity. This miracle had a profound effect on the multitude of people.
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S
on the yer. for d a
S Young Hindi girl tells how Jesus appeared to her in a vision.
S Paralyzed in arms and shoulders, now lifting her arms for the first time in 10 years.
S One of 26 people healed from blindness on the night Peter preached "The Blind Can See again!"
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WORLD IMPACT M AG AZI N E 2014
Miracles prove that
Jesus is alive
Johan Olehall
Peter Youngren was charged with the “crimes” of “mass-conversion” and “practicing medicine without a license”. In spite of it all, God gave victory.
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verything was going according to plans until two days before the Nagpur Gospel Campaign, when the local organizing committee was called to Police headquarters. Militant antiChristian groups, claiming that the crime of mass conversion was about to be committed, had filed a complaint to stop Peter Youngren from preaching. They threatened to stop the meeting with violent means if necessary. Under pressure, the police first ordered that Peter would not be able to speak the name of Jesus in sermon or in prayer. After 24 hours of negotiations, and about an hour before the press conference was to start, the ban on Peter’s preaching and prayer was finally lifted. Still, the secret police demanded that every word spoken would be recorded and later analyzed by them. Not surprising, the press conference was filled with curious journalists, who wanted to ask Peter about the
sensational developments. The militant anti-Christian groups were not deterred, and filed an injunction in the High Court to stop the Gospel campaign. After another tense 24 hours, again with just an hour to go before the first service was to start, the case was dismissed. Peter preached a Jesus centered message that all things are possible with God. Regardless of sickness or circumstances, with God every situation can change. It sounded like mighty waters when the multitude received Christ and confessed Jesus as Lord. Then Peter prayed for the sick, especially the deaf, but all kinds of sicknesses were healed. The newspapers reported the next day that at least 10 deaf had been healed the first night.
T Press conference attracted many journalists. T
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T Sharing the Gospel with Budhist leaders.
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WO RL D I MPAC T M AGA Z INE 2 014
Babita, 29, deaf since birth heard for the first time in her life. Shahid, 5, had never been able to speak but was now able to form words. His Dad had brought him to the platform and verified the miracle. Patru, a 60 year old man came with a large cancerous tumor in his mouth, showed everyone that it had vanished. The next morning the seminar started and Peter focused on 2 Corinthians 3:6 that “God has made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant”. As believers, who live after the cross we have our identity in Christ and He himself has qualified us. Our lives are hidden with Christ in God and we are complete in Him. The message of the Gospel revolution began to sink into the pastors’ hearts from the first session.
"Practicing medicine without license" By the third day the same militant anti-Christian groups that had tried to stop the Gospel Festival earlier, now used the media and the courts to accuse Peter Youngren of practicing medicine without a license. When the courts refused to listen to this charge again the militants used newspapers, radio, and television to offer 1.5 million Indian rupees (approximately $30,000 CAD) if Peter could prove that his prayers cured the sick. That night in typical style, Peter told the crowd that his prayers in themselves are not very powerful, but then he quickly added “I have a very strong Jesus who heals and delivers, you'll see that tonight”.
S Another tumor gone. S Tumor in mouth disappeared.
Newspapers Report Breakthrough By the second night of the Gospel Festival the crowd had almost doubled. Local newspapers carried headlines like “Peter Youngren mesmerizes crowds on Day 1 in Nagpur” and “Great breakthrough for Peter Youngren Event”. This together with the healing testimonies spreading throughout the city contributed to the increase. Again the response was enormous as people confessed Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. There were too many testimonies to remember. In my mind I think of Renuka, 35, who was healed from cancer, back problem, and deafness, all at once. Sarita, 15, could hear clearly after being born with deafness. Raju, 42, received full sight after 10 years of visual impairment.
The next morning at the seminar, suddenly security guards surrounded the teaching tent and the platform. According to police, militant religious extremists had infiltrated the seminar with plans to attack. We thank God that there was no incident. The police expected the same groups to send people to the platform to fake healing and then use the microphone to denounce what we were doing. One such infiltrator succeeded to get up on the platform but he was never allowed to the microphone. God’s protection was evident.
A Healing Demonstration On the third night we saw Jesus really glorify Himself by healing the blind. Peter preached from several scriptures about how God heals both physical and spiritual blindness. It was much more than a sermon. It was a demonstration of Jesus’ healing power.
T Pastors seminar with 1,400 participants.
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WORLD IMPACT M AG AZI N E 2014
An Open Door in India The next day in the seminar Peter taught for 3.5 hours, and the pastors kept asking for more. The Gospel of Grace really captured their hearts. Peter exhorted from Galatians where Paul tells us to “cast out Hagar” (a picture of the law and the old covenant). He pointed out how ‘Hagar’ comes into our prayer life, our worship, to the offering, in the healings ministry, etc. The seminar ended with a prophetic message that brought great jubilation that “God has opened a door in India that no man can shut”.
God raised up Mandha who had been crawling on arms and legs for 24 years.
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Local organizers counted 26 people who came to the platform to testify of healing from blindness. Since no attacks had occurred the first two nights there was a greater sense of freedom as people were praising God. Sushil, 9, had been totally blind since birth. He and his mother demonstrated how he could now see everything. It seemed the joy would never end. Bharty, a 60 year old woman had a tumor in her left breast for 7 years, now the tumor was gone. Annan, a 70 year old man was healed from cancer tumors across his stomach and chest. Both he and his son are prominent politicians within the large political party and were both allies with the various militant groups who were attacking us. To the amazement of all the Christians, now he had been miraculously healed. At first, many could hardly believe it, but when they realized what had happened, the joy was incredible.
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The fourth night of the festival Peter preached that we were born to be loved, and how Adam and Eve separated themselves from God’s love. Once again, there was an enormous response to salvation, followed by a flood of testimonies. Punduran, a 40 year old Hindu man, had not been able to walk without his crutches for 22 years, now he was walking freely. The next day we met Panduran, and he described how he had been hateful towards Jesus Christ and the Gospel, now he was at the Festival 4 hours before the service telling everybody what Jesus had done. Oarcy, a 6 year old girl had been lame with polio since birth. Abhinav, 10, had been unable to walk for 6 years now healed. Aniket, 20, deaf since birth now healed. Neha, 21, blind for 16 years now seeing. By Sunday night the crowd had grown enormously. Peter spoke about, “How I know Jesus is alive”. The miracles so abounded in Nagpur that we had long ago lost count. This really proved that Jesus Christ is alive. What looked so dark just one week earlier now seemed almost forgotten. The militant opponents had been attending the service and many of them had become convinced of the reality of Jesus. God had turned what looked like sure defeat into a great victory. à
Here a group of 11 people all healed from blindness. So many got healed there was no time to interview each and every one individually.
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Young lady's sight is restored.
I couldn’t have ever imagined how powerful the Gospel is until I’ve been lovingly taught it here at WIBI. Since learning and growing in grace, I’ve noticed a significant increase of favor and opportunity. God has opened doors I never even dreamed of. – Dave Asis
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This verse by verse study through the book of Galatians will leave an indelible mark on your spiritual life. The apostle is more “in our face” in his writings to the Galatians than any other time. Truly a revolutionary teaching that not only changes our thinking, but also transforms our lives.
The grace of Jesus Christ is the key element to your success in life. Grace severs, heals, sanctifies and matures us. Miracles are by the grace of God. Learn how God's grace works and why grace is the key to everything. (6 CD Set)
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Advancing the
Gospel in Israel
Way of Peace was founded by Peter Youngren in 2005 to advance the Gospel in Israel and the Middle East
How Way of Peace Works: 1. A strategic approach to advancing the Gospel among Jews and Arabs in Israel and the Middle East. 2. Sponsors ongoing ministries in ten locations across Israel. 3. Gospel television available to every home in Israel, five times per week. 4. Outreach to Jews and Muslims in different parts of the world. 5. Supports special projects like Gospel book stores in Israel. 6. Educates the Christian public about the needs in Israel and the Middle East.
Your donations make these outreaches and more possible! HAIFA
Netanya - Sasha & Lillian coordinate both men’s and women’s Bible studies, along side a counselling center, where spiritual and practical training are provided.
Tel Aviv - Israel’s largest city is home of Adonai Roi church, where Pastor Avi leads Gospel and humanitarian outreaches weekly.
NETANYA TEL AVIV RAMLA
RAMALLAH JERUSALEM
GAZA
BETHLEHEM
Way of Peace Gospel workers in these cities
Gaza - Pastor Hanna leads the only evangelical church in this devastated area.
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Haifa - Immanuel Church, led by Pastor Najeeb & Elizabeth, run a dynamic church and Gospel outreach center in the heart of downtown Haifa.
NORTHERN ISRAEL
Ramla & Ramallah Pastor Victor seen here conducting street evangelism. He oversees one church in three locations running many services a week.
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Northern Israel Evangelists Salvator & Sana cover the North of Israel with the Gospel through Jesus film presentations in schools, markets and churches. Many respond to Christ.
Jerusalem - Beit Hayeshua Drug Rehabilitation Center led by Pastor Zvi, provides the Gospel to hundreds of hard core drug addicts.
Bethlehem Pastor Nihad oversees Immanuel Evangelical Church, where Bible school training, humanitarian help and an outreach center reaches many.
WO RL D I MPAC T M AGA Z INE 2 014
God’s promises for Israel are in Yeshua by Peter Youngren
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he Jewish people have a rich heritage and history, but the best is yet to come. All of God’s promises for Israel are in Yeshua — Jesus Christ. Many have been fulfilled, but there are also many promises yet to come. In the book of Zechariah, we find a beautiful prophecy pertaining to Israel’s future. God promises to pour His Spirit of grace on Israel, (Zech. 12:10). Israel has known the Law of Moses, legalism, religion of human effort, but Israel too, will discover God’s grace.
Israel shall look to Him, who was pierced, (Zech. 12:10). The grace that Israel will discover is exactly the same as the grace available for the rest of the world, namely Jesus Christ Himself. Grace is not a separate entity; it is all wrapped up in Jesus. Zechariah foretells that Israel will turn its attention to Jesus, who was pierced for the sins of all the world 2000 years ago.
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A great mourning shall come upon Israel, (Zech. 12:10-14). This mourning is associated with how Israel has viewed Jesus. The word “repentance” means to change our mind, and here Zacharias prophecies that Israel will change its mind concerning their Messiah. God will see to it that Jesus will be revealed to the Jewish nation. They will be crying, mourning, and in bitterness. This describes a national spiritual awakening in Israel. Zacharias makes it clear that this season of sorrow will affect everyone, from the house of David to the house of Nathan, the house of Levi, the house of Shimei, and then every family in the nation. David represents the political leadership while Nathan, Levi and Shimei depict the prophets, the priests and the scribes — the religious leadership. Finally every family in Israel will be affected.
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God promises a fountain for sin and uncleanness for Israel. The Jewish people will discover that Christ is the final sacrifice for their sins (Zach. 13:1).
False spirituality and false prophets will be cut off (Zach. 12:3-4). Anyone, who visits Israel today, will recognize the influence of New Age spirituality. While Jerusalem is the center of religion, Tel Aviv, with twice the population, is a city that never sleeps; a city of commerce, night clubs, wild living, fortune tellers, palm readers and psychics. I don’t condemn people for these activities, but instead I see it as a symptom of the hunger that the people of Israel have for the truth. When we do not partake of Him, who is the true Bread of Life, stale bread will tempt us. When Israel discovers Jesus, the true Bread of Life will be their satisfaction. When Way of Peace was birthed ten years ago, the purpose was to step into God’s prophetic purpose for Israel. Way of Peace enables the workers in Israel to reach out with the Gospel. It is sad that in the very place where the light of the Gospel first shone, it is dim today. But God has not forgotten the people of Israel. Even as the Gospel goes to the whole world, God’s purposes for Israel shall also be fulfilled. As always, God works His plans through willing and available people, people like you and I. You are needed to help bless Israel!
à
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WORLD IMPACT M AG AZI N E 2014
EXPECT YOUR HUNDREDFOLD RETURN Peter Youngren shares why those who support Gospel advancement can expect the greatest reward.
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n Biblical thinking, a hundredfold is not about mathematics, like 100 x 1 = 100, or 100 x 2 = 200. Hundredfold means fullness, the maximum, the very best. To receive a hundredfold return, like Jesus promised, is to receive the maximum, the optimal “life more abundant”. When Simon Peter asked Jesus what those who follow Him would receive, Jesus replied: “There is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the Gospel’s, who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time —houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecution, and in the age to come, eternal life” (Mark 10:29-30). “NO ONE” means this is an absolute iron clad guarantee for everyone no one is exempted. It is for you! “Houses” and “lands” makes it clear that we are talking about God’s blessing in our everyday life. Jesus said “in this time”. It is crystal clear - God wants you to enjoy maximum life now. “With persecution” means that
when you walk in God’s blessing, some won’t like to see you blessed, and will try to put you down. Who receives the hundredfold return? There is a 30-fold and a 60-fold return, but the choicest blessing – the 100fold return - is for those who believe in Christ’s Gospel to such a degree that they respond by giving something of great value for the sake of both “Jesus” and the “Gospel”. I think everyone who has read the words of Jesus and the Book of Acts will agree that to give the Gospel to “every creature” is the cause of Jesus Christ. Paul, the apostle understood this, and said “For the love of Christ compels us” and “We are ambassadors for Christ”. The partners of World Impact Ministries participate in giving and receiving. In the report from our Gospel Campaign in Allahabad, India, you will see the caption, “You Were There”. That’s true for anyone who participates in a Gospel campaign, or outreach through television. You are there with your giving, your prayers and your faith. Your finances come from your sweat and labor, and from God’s blessing on your life. When you put
these finances into the Gospel, you are there with me. When you respond to become a partner in this great cause of Jesus Christ, please consider the following: 1. Your seed (offering) must be planted. "Except a corn or wheat fall into the ground………it abides alone" (Jn 12:24). 2. Render your seed (offering) useless to you. "Except a corn or wheat fall into the ground and dies, it abides alone" (Jn 12:24). 3. The size of your seed determines the size of your harvest. "He who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully" (2 Cor 9:6). 4. Your seed must be planted in good ground. "Other seed fell into good ground and brought forth…hundredfold" (Mt 13:8). Your seed offering to World Impact Ministries will fall in good ground - ground anointed with the FAVOR OF GOD to win SOULS. Give because of what Christ has done for you and expect your hundredfold return! à
Please use the enclosed envelope to send your seed gift, or use the contact information provided on the back cover. 28
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REPORT FROM ALLAHABAD, INDIA
YOU WEREE THERE! THERE e th in ip d to d ba ha lla A to e m co Millions
... n si f o ss e n e iv rg fo r fo s e g n a river G
Your prayers and love offerings were there, as we announced:
“Your sins are forgiven”!
FACT:
Allahabad hosts the world's largest religious gathering, with more than 100 million worshippers, who came to seek forgiveness of sins last year (Associated Press). World ,PSDFW 0LQLVWULHV KHOG WKH ÀUVW HYHU RSHQ *RVSHO &DPSDLJQ LQ WKLV ODUJH FLW\ W W W. P E T E RYO U N G R E N . O R G | G R AC E P R AY E R C E NT E R : 1.877.974.7223
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s more salvation asees, s, courtt cas ion i trat ons dem d s, riot s, acle mir ed, sav nds usa Tens of tho was like a page out of the Book of Acts. bad aha All in gn pai Cam l spe Go the , Yes s. and healing d
ed. ingg what happened orrdin ord d Journalists were busy rec d
d More than 100 news articles in all major papers.
d Sharing the Gospel with a Hindu guru.
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d Police were everywhere.
d No wonder she is beaming with joy — Jesus opened her deaf ears.
Yo u ha m pp a d en e ! it
d For 7 days militant Hindus tried to stop people. Still tens of thousands come to Christ.
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en Everyone was shocked wh c Miracles abounded. photo) was healed. the police officer (middle
y guilt, ever y er ev , n si y er ev ok to n put away. Jesusago. Your sins are forgiven.” “Your sins have beeecr llahabad oss 20 00 years shame at th – Peter Youngren in A
c Joy in the city.
c Deaf heard.
c The blind see.
c Lame walked.
WIBI has helped mould me into the person Christ destined me to be. To discover who I am in Christ has become the foundation for my confidence. WIBI prepared me for the next chapter of my life. – Isabella Gnanachchandran
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c Tumors vanished.
Learning about God's grace has been the best experience of my life. The most outstanding truth is that "Christ lives in me". Because of His sacrifice, I have His love, His peace, His wisdom, His joy and everything in Him! – Susanna Sutus
WO RL D I MPAC T M AGA Z INE 2 014
Militant extremists blocked every road to the stadium , not only the first night , but for a whole week — still tens of thousands came to Christ.
By Tainaa Youngren
ith just a couple of weeks to go we received a message, that all needed permits had been received. Finally! You can just hear the long sigh of relief. Allahabad – here we come with the Gospel! Our local coordinator, Manoj, had lived in India’s capital, New Delhi, for the past three weeks, moving from one government office to the other. We needed permits from seven levels of government. That’s A LOT anywhere, never mind in India. A few days before the Festival, some militant Hindu groups became very anxious. Our billboards and posters were constant targets of vandalism. These extremist claimed Peter didn’t have a proper visa to enter to India. Naturally this was not true, and at the Press Conference about 70 journalists eagerly photographed Peter holding up his conference visa. Upcoming national election in 2014 made journalists curious about Peter’s political views. He wisely directed attention to other topics, mainly the reason why we had arrived in Allahabad – to tell people about God’s love through Jesus Christ. After the press conference we held a ‘Friendship Dinner’ for Hindu, Muslim, Christian leaders and local politicians. They listened to Peter’s presentation of the Gospel and welcomed us warmly to the city. Still, at this point we couldn’t predict what the next days would bring.
In the eye e of f the storm The morning we arrived in Allahabad, militant Hindu groups had launched a court case against the Festival. The Court dismissed their case and the Festival began on the following night. By now, it had become crystal clear to us that conducting a full Gospel Campaign in Allahabad would be a miracle itself! Never before had this kind of an outreach happened in the city, and the opposing forces did everything to stop us. Every day we read newspaper articles about us and the Festival. There were constant threats and riots. We even saw funny headlines, claiming that we were “superstitious”. Each day, we never knew for sure whether we could continue the Festival or not! One morning, we received a letter from the District Magistrate seriously claiming that healings in the name of Jesus were “offensive to Hindus”, and that Peter must stop using Jesus’ name. Of course, this was non-negotiable – we are powerless without the name of Jesus. The police backed off from this demand, but asked that we not bring healed people on the stage to testify. Healings
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are important, as they become proof that our message that Jesus is alive is true. We circumvented this latest restriction, by sending ‘miracle reporters’ on to the field to interview people who were healed, and their testimony was projected onto a huge screen, everyone could see and hear clearly. d Every night there was a long line up of Hindus, who wanted to testify what Jesus had done.
Hindus participated in “Kumbh Mela”, a ritual bath for the forgiveness of sins. The belief that the waters of Allahabad is where you find forgiveness of sins has a big financial impact and the Gospel of Jesus is an enormous threat to that income. This is not unlike Ephesus, when Paul preached Christ – manufacturers of Diana figurines were furious about the loss of income. It was heartbreaking to see sincere people search for forgiveness for their sins in the river. d Brothers seek forgiveness of sins in these waters.
It was a strange sight to see Hindus try to come on the stage to give their testimony of what Jesus had done, only to be blocked by the police.
What about u hu uman rights? Repeated attempts to stop us at the Allahabad Court proved unsuccessful. The Judge dismissed claims that Peter was mass converting people, practicing medicine without a license etc. Freedom of religion is a part of the Constitution of India, although we have sadly experienced, how difficult it has been to actually enjoy this basic human right. The militant groups became increasingly violent when they realized they weren’t able to stop the Festival by court action. The rioting in the streets escalated and became more aggressive.
We saw human and animal remains, dirt, and burning coals from the Hindu funerals floating in the river, while the pilgrims took the same water into the bottles to drink later at home. To witness this 2000 years after Jesus died to take away the sins of the world makes us even more eager to reach people. After all, Jesus came, not to condemn, but to save, and to proclaim, “Your sins are forgiven”. à
We couldn’t move anywhere without armed police escorts in a car in front of us, a car behind our vehicle, and one armed officer in our car.
The "holy riv ver r" experience Against all odds, tens of thousands heard and received the Gospel, and there were many fantastic testimonies of Jesus doing wonders and miracles. After the campaign was over, Peter and I visited in the “holy place”, where Hindus bathe in the confluence of the rivers Ganges, Yamuna and an invisible, mythical river, Saraswati, believing that this can wash away their sins. The convergence of these rivers has made Allahabad a center for Hindu worship. In early 2013 about 100 million 34
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