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THE MAGAZINE THATS EDIFIES YOUR LIFE
February 2015 / Edition 733
evangelistic
INTERNATIONAL
The Islam in Europe TESTIMONY
Milton, saved from pain DEVOTIONAL
Faithfulness demands honor, loyalty and gratitude
The web OFFICIAL PUBLICATION
WORLDWIDE MISSIONARY MOVEMENT
A dangerous phenomenon that threatens Earth
GLOBAL
WARMING February 2015 / Impacto evangelistic
1
is a virtue that requires fidelity and gratitude. The Scriptures, in 1 Samuel 26:23.
FAITHFULNESS
MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 2 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia
EDITORIAL
SEEKING GOD’S HELP Rev. Gustavo Martínez International President of the WMM
“And it came to pass, when he was in a certain city, behold a man full of leprosy: who seeing Jesus fell on his face, and besought him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And he put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will: be thou clean. And immediately the leprosy departed from him.” Luke 5:12-13.
Even though the world is full of religions, creeds and philosophies, there is a huge emptiness inside every man. This huge emptiness has not been filled with human delights such as pleasure, vices, family affection and so on, because this vacuum can be filled by God Almighty alone. No matter how hard man tries, it is impossible for his heart to be blessed, freed and edified, but through Lord Jesus’ redemptive work. Some people are treated like waste of humanity, because they have fallen into the depths of sin, depravity, immorality, vices. The others do not want to deal with them nor get close to them or help them get out of this condition, because they feel they are helpless, that there is no solution, no medicine, no improvement. Dear readers, I want to tell you that, although people may have fallen into this condition and be excluded from the rest of humanity, they are not excluded from the mercy and grace of God. God’s word shows us a leper. “And it came to pass, when he was in a certain city, behold a man full of leprosy: who seeing Jesus fell on his face, and besought him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean” (Luke 5:12). This man was considered a waste of society, he was cha-
sed out of the temple and the city and isolated from his family, he lost virtually all his rights and was seen as unclean. Lepers were isolated and confined for life until their death, so leprosy would not spread throughout Israel and neighboring villages. It was not an easy condition. Besides, back then there was no medicine that could even give them the slightest hope that someday they would recover. This man decided to lower the barriers in his heart. In his condition and need, he forgot about those around him and what his family would think, and focused only on Christ. He refused to be marginalized because of his condition by law or by what others might say, and so he decided to take the risk of approaching Jesus. He went to Him seeking God’s help and mercy and that is what he found. He was healed and made clean. Dear friend, there are no barriers for someone thirsty of God who wants a miracle from the Lord. You can also seek restoration. The Lord can remove from your heart sins, vice and the chains that have tied your soul for a long time, today these chains break into pieces in the name of Jesus Christ. He says: “and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out” l February 2015 / Impacto evangelistic
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evangelistic Founder Director: Rev. Luis M. Ortiz February 2015 / Edition N° 733 (USPS 012-850) OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE WORLDWIDE MISSIONARY MOVEMENT The World-Wide Missionary Movement, Inc. is a non-profit church with a vision to plant new churches in the United States of America and its territories, and also with a missionary vision to plant new churches wherever God opens new doors all over the World. PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY Movimiento Misionero Mundial, Inc World-Wide Missionary Movement, Inc San Juan, Puerto Rico Washington, D.C. Periodicals Postage Paid at San Juan, Puerto Rico 00936
POSTMASTER: send address changes to Impacto Evangelístico P.O. BOX 363644 San Juan, Puerto Rico 00936-3644 Phone (787) 761-8806; 761-8805; 761-8903
INTERNATIONAL BOARD MEMBERS OF WMM INC. Rev. Gustavo Martínez President Rev. José Soto Vice President Rev. Rubén Concepción Secretary Rev. Rodolfo González Treasurer Rev. Álvaro Garavito Director Rev. Margaro Figueroa Director Rev. Rómulo Vergara Director Rev. Humberto Henao Director Rev. Luis Meza Director CHURCHES ESTABLISHED IN: Germany Argentina Aruba Australia Austria Belgium Belize Bolivia Bonaire Brasil Cameroon Canadá Chile Colombia Congo Ivory Coast Costa Rica Curacao Dinamarca Ecuador El Salvador Spain United States The Philippines Finland
France Gabón Ghana Guatemala Equatorial Guinea French Guiana Guyana Inglesa Haití Holland Honduras India England St. Andres Island (Col.) Saint Martin Island Island of Mauritius Rodrigues Island Canaries Islands (Spain) Hawaiian Islands (U.S.A.) Israel Italy Jamaica Japan
Kuwait Madagascar Malaysa México Myanmar Nicaragua Nigeria Oman Panamá Paraguay Peru Portugal Puerto Rico Dominican Republic Romania Sri Lanka Sweden Switzerland South Africa Surinam Trinidad and Tobago Ukranian Uruguay Venezuela
Legal deposit made on the National Library of Peru Nº 2011-02530 Christian Pentecostal Church-Worldwide Missionary Movement: Av. 28 de Julio 1781 - Lima 13 - Peru Printout: Quad/Graphics Perú S.A. Av. Los Frutales 344 - Lima 03 - Peru MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 4 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia
The Worldwide Missionary Movement is a religious nonprofit organization duly registered in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and in the federal capital, Washington DC, with headquarters in both cities and in every state of the United States and other countries where we have established missionary Works. Important The offerings and donations in cash, equipment, real estate and bequests by will, in the benefit of the Worldwide Missionary Movement, Inc.’s Work, are deductible from the income tax, and receipts issued by the WMM are recognized by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) of the Federal Government of the United States of America and of the Free Associated State of Puerto Rico. n
Visit our website Obtain uplifting information about God’s Work and keep up with the latest news. A customized access from anywhere in the world: www. impactoevangelistico.net n
If you wish Write to us at our postal address: Worldwide Missionary Movement, Inc. PO Box 363644 San Juan, P. R. 00936-3644 n
Copyright © 2009 Impacto Evangelistic Movimiento Misionero Mundial, Inc. (World-Wide Missionary Movement, Inc.) All content of this magazine and each subsequent edition are duly registered at the Library of Congress, Washington, DC USA. All rights reserved. Total or partial reproduction in any form and translation into other languages without prior permission of the Director are prohibited. Under international copyright agreements, they are crimes punishable by law. n
Doctrinal Statement The Worldwide Missionary Movement adheres to the fundamental doctrines of Scripture, such as: n
• The inspiration of the Holy Scriptures: 2 Timothy 3:15-17, 2 Peter 1:19-21. • The Adorable Godhead in Three Persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit: Matthew 3:16-17, 17: 1-5; 28:19, John 17: 5, 24, 26, 16:32, 14:16, 23, 18:5, 6, 2 Peter 1:17,18; Revelation 5. • Salvation by Faith in Christ: Luke 24:47, John 3:16, Romans 10:13, Titus 2:11, 3:5-7. • The New Birth: John 3:3, 1 Peter 1:23, 1 John 3:9. • Justification by Faith: Romans 5:1, Titus 3:7. • Water Baptism by Inmersion, as commanded by Christ: Matthew 28:19, Acts 8:36-39. • The Baptism in the Holy Spirit subsequent to salvation, speaking in tongues according to: Luke 24:49, Acts 1:4, 8, 2:4. • Divine Healing: Isaiah 53:4, Matthew 8:16, 17, Mark 16:18, James 5:14, 15. • The Gifts of the Holy Spirit: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11. • The Fruits of the Holy Spirit: Galatians 5:22-26. • Sanctification: 1 Thessalonians 4:3, 5:23, Hebrews 12:14, 1 Peter 1:15, 16, 1 John 2:6. • Ministry and Evangelization: Mark 16:15-20, Romans 10:15. • Tithing and Maintenance of the Work: Genesis 14:20, 28:22, Leviticus 27:30, Numbers 18:21-26, Malachi 3:7-10, Matthew 10:10; 23:23. • The Rapture of the Church: Romans 8:23, 1 Corinthians 15:5152, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17. • The Second Coming of Christ: Zechariah 14:1-9, Matthew 24:30, 31; 2 Thessalonians 1:7, Titus 2:13, Jude 14, 15. • The Millennial Kingdom: Isaiah 2:1-4, 11:5-10, Zechariah 9:10, Revelation 19:20, 20:3-10. • New Heavens and New Earth: Isaiah 65:17, 66:22, 2 Peter 3:13, Revelation 21:1.
SUMMARY 6. 16.
Cover. The Global Warming Threat. Reality. Serious problems with
science.
18.
Well-being. Chronic, NonCommunicable Diseases (NCDs).
20. 22.
International. Islam in Europe.
History. The Destruction of Pompeii.
24. 28. 30. 34. 40. 42.
Literature. Hope in the Land of the Incas. Music. More like the Master. Hero of faith. Peter, a fisher of men . Biographies. Milton saved from pain. Devotional. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.
Devotional. Faithfulness requires honor, loyalty and gratitude.
44. 46. 48.
Devotional. The value of waiting. Interview. “Civil Union will disrupt the Chilean society�. Events. The presence of the Work in the world.
February 2015 / Impacto evangelistic
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MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 6 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia
THE GLOBAL WARMING
THREAT The environmental deterioration is a reality. The wealthier we are, the lesser we care about our environment; it can be seen in the amount of wastes that we produce, as well as in the changes in agriculture, water quality and the pollution of rivers and the sea. Seguir leyendo––
February 2015 / Impacto evangelistic
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Unfortunately, since those responsible of the problem delay in taking measures to resolve it, very negative effects that affect millions of people can be seen worldwide in the coasts and seasonal droughts.
MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 8 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia
The problem is that we are not aware of the consequences of such acts. Miguel Wickham denounces: “We see a great concentration of wastes in the northern part of the Pacific, where it accumulates. Plastic wastes will take 200 to 300 years to disappear; then we wonder why many diseases, like cancer, are so common. This also concerns the food chain. We live consuming without thinking in the consequences.” The effects of our actions can be also seen in the progressive global warming, a threat that could generate irreversible damages if no measures are taken in the following five years, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). He remembers: “Petroleum took hundreds of years to settle. Plants trapped the carbon dioxide, making life possible, but we burned all those fossil resources in 200 years, returning all that CO2 to the atmosphere. Thus, we have a global warming effect as it has never been seen in Earth’s history.” Scientists state that an increase of 1,5 centigrades imply risks of extreme weather and dangerous rise of sea levels. According to Wickham, the origin of the problem “is always the same.” He adds: “We almost get to a moral level: Our life style affects millions of people without even noticing it. Chris-
COVER
tians cannot just play the ostrich men before this injustice. We need both a change of consciousness and life.”
CONSUMPTION OF RENEWABLE RESOURCES The global warming has three effects: the increase of temperatures, the rise of sea levels and the alteration of meteorological conditions. Similarly, these effects provoke increasingly more and much stronger dangerous situations, such as hurricanes and floods, droughts and hydric resources shortage. The global warming is probably one of the most discussed subjects worldwide nowadays. The last very warm weeks of October in the prairies of the Continue reading–– February 2015 / Impacto evangelistic
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Continue reading––
Unfortunately, since those responsible of the problem delay in taking measures to resolve it, very negative effects that affect millions of people can be seen worldwide in the coasts and seasonal droughts.
U.S., the situation of Minnesota, similar weather conditions in the South Mediterranean and the extended summer season in Spain warned the international scientific community, always cautious when it comes to relate specific and extreme weather conditions with global tendencies. Despite the evidences resulting from the research of thousands of scientists comprised in the increasingly more alarming reports of the UN, supported by the IPCC since 1990 (the first three reports being directed by Sir John Houghton), many companies and countries opposed the thesis stating that the consumption of fossil fuels is the cause of the recent global warming. Houghton wrote: “Unfortunately, there are strong interests concerning this matter. Millions of dollars were spent to misinform people about the global warming. First, they rejected the scientific evidence and then, they recently argued that the impacts will not be that strong, that we can ‘wait and see’ and that, at last, we can always ‘fix’ the problem if it worsens.” Scientific evidence cannot support such arguments. While the scientific community rejected that response and it was known that the oil companies spent lots of money supporting most of those skeptical statements and documents, the developed world reacted very slowly against this increasingly darker scenario. That is because any acceptance of that thesis would have a great negative effect in the life standards of a few countries related to fossil fuel consumption. Even though it is too late to stop the anthropogenic global warming and its increasingly more dangerous effects for future generations, we must focus our efforts in the mitigation of such effects. Unfortunately, since those responsible of the problem delay in taking measures to resolve it, very negative effects that affect millions of people can be seen worldwide in the coasts and seasoContinue reading––
MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 10 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia
COVER
Wickham says that it is necessary to create a new ecologic consciousness. “We have to restart the right way in our society. This crisis is like a ceasefire. It is as if the Earth says ‘enough!’ Our relation with resources must change since there is a limit.”
February 2015 / Impacto evangelistic
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SOLUTION
re something we can do or there is no hope?
THE ECOLOGICAL CRISIS was attributed to Christianity by some historians and writers. Lynn White, Ian Mc Harg and others argued that the command of Genesis motivated the destruction of the environment. But a deeper read of the biblical text of Genesis, the laws and recommendations to Israel by God about social justice in the Leviticus and Deuteronomy, prevention of speculation, caring of poor men and immigrants, and the principles behind the lessons of the Sabbath and the Jubilee, as well as the life and lessons of Jesus, show us that the purpose of God for men and the environment are sustainable. We are “gardeners” or “administrators” before exploiters. However, it is fair to say that biblical principles were not a priority in the occidental Christian culture of the 18th and 19th centuries, which was dominated by the mercantilism, moreover in Great Britain. A wrong and partial interpretation of the Bible states that the Christian church did not care that much about the Creation, work of God, as it did with humanity’s salvation, His creatures; a type of gospel that is non-biblical for many. Christopher Wright proves it on his writings. Continue reading––
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nal droughts. We are before a flagrant and recurrent social injustice. Human beings have never faced so much deals concerning its own existence. What do we, Christians, guardians of the Creators book, have to say about this? Is the-
ECOLOGIC MENTALITY Miguel Wickham, author of the book “Ecología y Cristianismo” (Ecology and Christianity), thinks that men have lost their ecologic mentality. On the one hand, that is because we live isolated from nature, “between cement and crystal”, he states. This isolation has led us to lost contact with earth. We almost do not know where the food we eat come from. On the other hand, in a religious level, we have lost awareness of our spiritual relation with earth. He adds: “We no longer think about what earth gives us, we no lo longer appreciate it and we do not realize that it is related with God, who is the one maintaining it. It is as we would like to commit suicide since we want to break with everything.” Wickham says that it is necessary
COVER
to create a new ecologic consciousness. He suggests: “We have to restart the right way in our society. This crisis is like a ceasefire. It is as if the Earth says ‘enough!’ Our relation with resources must change since there is a limit.” Remember that God says “that the Bible speaks about recognizing Him and realizing that everything comes from Him.” It is not just about teaching how to recycle, but something deeper. “True ecologic action must come from the source of our faith. There must be a change towards a sustainable way of life (…). The ecologic crisis is a spiritual crisis, therefore, we need repentance and conversion towards God.” Wickham explains that this return to the Creator would serve as a way to recognize that earth “was not created for us, but for His glory.”
GOOD INTERPRETATIONS In Wickham’s opinion, it is necessary to return to the Bible to find the answers. The message is in the beginning. “We find in Genesis that God talks to men about stewardship, saying them to work the earth. There, the word ‘dominance’ must be understood in its context: It refers to the work of a loyal gardener”, someone commended to take care of “something that does not belong to him/ herself.”
He affirms that those Genesis verses “were misinterpreted, understanding that that dominance allows us to do whatever we want with earth” and that they are the key to change our mentality. “The Pentateuch states more commands related to the care of nature, like methods for earth recovery or its appropriate distribution, to avoid speculative exploitation.” He remembers: “Israel is a community that will live in the mounts to descend to the valleys to cultivate. And the judgment for their sin will come as droughts, as well the blessing for their obedience will come in better harvests. Thus, there is a message of restoration of nature that continues in the New Testament.” Wickham explains: “Creation cries for the abandonment of God. We have great hope because the book of Romans states that the creation will be set free as a part of a change of consciousness, a return to the Word of God, stating a relation with everybody and nature itself; a harmonic relationship.” In addition, the prophets insisted to keep talking about the “health of earth.” “We became the rulers of the creation, replacing God. We will give accounts to Him for how we treated His marvelous creation, both individually and ecclesiastically” l
“True ecologic action must come from the source of our faith. There must be a change towards a sustainable way of life (…). The ecologic crisis is a spiritual crisis, therefore, we need repentance and conversion towards God.”
(Taken from www.protestantedigital.net)
February 2015 / Impacto evangelistic
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THE DANGER OF GLOBAL WARMING The effects of humans are being felt through the progressive global warming, a threat that, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA) could cause irreversible damages if action is not taken within the next five years. This serious phenomenon has three effects: temperature increase, sea level rise and changes in weather conditions. As a result, there is greater frequency and magnitude of hazardous events, such as hurricanes and floods, increased droughts and scarcity of water resources.
What matters now is that, even though it is too late to stop global warming and its increasingly worrying effects on future generations, we must focus our efforts on mitigating these effects. Never before has the human race faced such number of challenges that question its own existence. What do we Christians, bearers of the Creator’s user manual, have to say about all this? Is there anything we can do or is there no hope?
EVERLASTING EXTINTION
Polar bears have been found drowned in the sea.
The ice where the polar bear lives is being threatened by global warming. Therefore, it is at high risk of extinction.
Deaths from air pollution The latest World Health Organization (WHO) report said that deaths from air pollution in 2012 accounted for 12.5% of deaths worldwide. Therefore, WHO warned people to take measures in order to reduce toxic emissions causing deadly diseases.
7
million 12.5% of deaths
of which
worldwide
GREENHOUSE EFFECT
3.7 million
are attributed to outdoor air pollution (industrial and agricultural emissions – diesel engines, solvents, metals)
It is a natural global warming. Greenhouse gases, present in the atmosphere, retain part of the heat of the sun and maintain a temperature suitable for life.
1
4.3million
are attributed to indoor air pollution (wood or coal stoves and heating systems)
1 8 in every
deaths
2
MAJOR EMITTERS OF CO2 There are many theories that seek to explain climate change and question to what extent this is due to natural processes or human activities. However, no one can argue that the concentration of greenhouse gases has increased and that industrial activity is one of the causes of this increase.
A part of the reflected radiation is retained by greenhouse gases…
3
UNITED STATES
6006.7*
GERMANY
835.1*
CANADA
589.9*
RUSSIA
1672.6*
INDIA
1400.7* MEXICO
453.0*
… and the other part is reflected back into space.
CHINA
6283.6*
INDONESIA
318.5*
BRAZIL
397.6* *Values expressed in million tons
Solar energy passes through the atmosphere. Part of it is absorbed by the surface and another part is reflected.
MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 14 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia
The richest countries in the world are the primary contributors to the atmospheric changes linked to global warming. Developing countries would be the most affected.
Gr ee nh
DEATHS FROM AIR POLLUTION
The surface of the Arctic Circle area is decreasing at a rate of 1% per decade.
s se ga e s ou
THE MELTING OF THE NORTH POLE
The melting of the Arctic reaches its minimum in September, but this year, due to climate change, the phenomenon will happen by the end of August and produce one of the greatest thaws registered to date.
2008
1996
Frozen sea
Thin ice
2014
4,47 million Km
7,9 million Km
3.6 million Km
Open ocean
39%
When the ocean melts, it absorbs more energy, which produces a faster rate of melting.
Reflects Absorbs
90% 10%
1
50%
6%
50%
94%
Rate of the Arctic melting, which is lower than the average recorded between 1977 and 2000.
Fuel combustion, deforestation, mining, ranching, etc., increase the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
SOL
Tro po sp he re
y
rg
r
la So
2
e en
GLOBAL WARMING
It is the long-term increase of the average temperature in the atmosphere. It is produced by the emission of greenhouse gases arising from human activities.
The modified atmosphere retains more heat. Thus, the natural balance is damaged and the temperature of the Earth increases.
World temperature variation The weather has warmed up by 0.5 째C over the last hundred years. The most important event in recent years is the end of the Ice Age. Since then, temperature has remained relatively stable, although with several fluctuations.
If we do nothing to reduce carbon dioxide production, it is estimated that this will double by 2015.
Ozon e lay er
Lower-bound estimate
In 2003, extreme heat waves caused more than 20 000 deaths in Europe and more than 1 500 deaths in India.
Years
1850
1875
1900
1925
Upper-bound estimate
1950
1975
2007
2025
February 2015 / Impacto evangelistic
2050
15
SERIOUS PROBLEMS WITH DATING
METHODS
The theory of evolution has become so ubiquitous in nowadays scientific world today that it even distorts the way geological formations are dated. However, these dating methods have significant problems that can lead to serious errors of interpretation.
One of the most popular dating methods, carbon-14 (14C), is used for dating plant or animal remains. The book The Dynamic Earth explains the basis for this method: “Radiocarbon is continuously created in the atmosphere through bombardment of nitrogen-14 (14N) by neutrons created by cosmic radiation. The 14C, with a half-life of 5730 years, decays back to 14N…” As long as the production rate remains constant, the radioactivity of natural carbon remains constant because the rate of production balances the rate of decay. “While an organism is alive and is taking in carbon from the atmosphere, it contains this balanced proportion of 14C. However, at death the balance is upset, because replenishment by life processes such as feeding, breathing and photosynthesis ceases. The 14C in dead tissues continually decreases by radioactive decay” (Brian Skinner and Stephen Porter, 1989, pp. 138-139). By measuring the amount of carbon-14 and comparing that amount to the original, scientists can obtain a date for the death of the organism. However, there are many problems with the dates obtained through this method. For example, dating living mollusks by the carbon-14 method often yields clearly errant results— for instance, finding the mollusks to be up to 2300 years old (“Radiocarbon Dating: Fictitious Results With Mollusk Shells,” Science , Vol. 141, p. 634). Carbon-14 dating methods are obviously affected by the environment. MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 16 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia
Archaeologist John McRay notes: “Unfortunately, several recent discoveries combine to indicate that carbon-14 is not as valuable as was once hoped: (1) radioactive carbon atoms may not have existed in the earth’s atmosphere before 2000 B.C.; (2) the natural concentration of carbon-14 in the atmosphere has varied in certain periods, and (3) there is a high probability of sample contamination” (Archaeology and the New Testament, 1991, p. 34). Recently a new method —accelerator mass spectrometry— has been used to date ancient items. This method has given a different date than previously accepted for the earliest Mayan civilization. “The oldest known Maya turns out to be younger than archaeologists originally believed. The remains of a woman found below a layered platform at a site called Cuello in northern Belize had been thought to be more than 4,000 years old… As a result of new dating methods, about a thousand years have been trimmed from the chronology.” Norman Hammond of Boston University, who began digging at Cuello in the 1970s, says the remains now are believed to be from about 1200 B.C., still earlier than any other known Maya settlement. “The accelerator mass spectrometer allows scientists to analyze the bones of the ancient Maya without severely damaging them. The new technique can date carbon samples weighing only a few milligrams; a specimen the size of a match head will do” (“Oldest Known Maya: Not Quite So
REALITY
Old”, National Geographic, November 1990). Here a new dating method has changed by 1000 years the earliest accepted date of Mayan civilization. Consider then. Radiometric dating methods (those measuring geologic time by rate of radioactive decay) have been used to date formations that could be associated with Noah’s Flood. These dates supposedly prove these formations are millions of years old rather than thousands. Yet we find that different methods can yield radically different results. As The Science of Evolution explains: “Several methods have been devised for estimating the age of the earth and its layers of rocks. These methods rely heavily on the assumption of uniformitarianism, i.e., natural processes have proceeded at relatively constant rates throughout the
earth’s history… It is obvious that radiometric techniques may not be the absolute dating methods that they are claimed to be. Age estimates on a given geological stratum by different radiometric methods are often quite different (sometimes by hundreds of millions of years). There is absolutely no reliable long-term radiological ‘clock’” (William Stansfield, 1977, pp. 80, 84). The potassium-argon [K-Ar] dating method, used to date lava flows, also presents difficulties, as shows it some studies of monte Santa Elena, in the State of Washington (USA), which erupted in a tremendous eruption of May 18, 1980. Such examples serve to illustrate the fallibility of the dating methods on which many modern scientists rely so heavily l February 2015 / Impacto evangelistic
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CHRONIC, NON-COMMUNICABLE
DISEASES (NCDS)
In the study of human diseases, there are different ways of classifying them. One considers duration and ability to spread among people and groups them in Communicable Diseases (CD) and Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs). Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs), also known as Chronic Diseases, are long lasting and usually evolve slowly. The four main types of Non-communicable Diseases are cardiovascular diseases (such as heart attacks and strokes), cancer, chronic respiratory diseases (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma) and Diabetes Mellitus. NCDs currently affect low- and middle-income countries disproportionately, where almost 75% (28 million) of deaths from NCDs are recorded. According to Dr. Oleg Chestnov, WHO’s Assistant Director-General for Non-communicable Diseases and Mental Health, NCDs are one of the biggest
(*) Wálter Menchola Vásquez, Internist, Master in Public Policies and Management
FACTS AND FIGURES
• 38 million people die from Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) each year. • Almost 75% (28 million) of NCD deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries (developing or underdeveloped countries). • 16 million NCD deaths occur in people under 70 years. 82% of these premature deaths occur in low- and middle-income. • Cardiovascular diseases make up most of NCD deaths (17.5 million each year), followed by cancer (8.2 million), respiratory diseases (4 million) and diabetes mellitus (1.5 million). • These four groups of diseases are responsible for about 82% of NCD deaths. • Tobacco consumption, physical inactivity, harmful use of alcohol and unhealthy diets increase the risk of dying from one of the NCDs MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 18 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia
twenty-first century challenges for health and development of countries, due to both the human suffering and the socio-economic damages they cause, especially in low- and middleincome countries. Dr. Margaret Chan, WHO Director-General, says that the world is at a turning point in the history of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and it has a unique opportunity to alter its course, provided that countries implement and
WELL-BEING fully achieve the nine goals set for 2025. Out of the 38 million deaths from NCD registered in 2012, over 40% (16 million) were premature deaths, i.e. occurring in people under 70 years. Most NCD deaths are easily preventable. The data are encouraging and show that premature NCD deaths may actually decrease considerably in the world. Deaths from cardiovascular disease have declined dramatically in many high-income countries due to government policies that facilitate the adoption of healthier lifestyles and the provision of equitable health care services. It is essential that this positive trend be maintained and, if possible, reinforced in developed countries and reproduced in low- and middle-income countries. NCDs are favored by the effects of globalization on marketing and trade, the rapid urbanization and the aging of the population; all factors over which the individual has little control and in which the traditional heath sector has very little influence. While changes in individual behavior are important to tackle NCDs, it is essential that the highest levels of government exercise their leadership, that public policies be formulated with the participation of all government departments and that progress toward universal health coverage be made.
PREVENTION AND CONTROL To reduce the impact of NCDs on individuals and society, it is necessary to implement a comprehensive approach involving all sec-
tors, including those related to finance, foreign affairs, education, agriculture and planning, in order to contribute to reducing the risks associated with NCDs and promote public health interventions that enable prevention and control. An important way to reduce NCDs is to decrease risk factors associated with these diseases. There are inexpensive solutions to reduce the most modifiable risk factors (mainly tobacco consumption, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity, and harmful use of alcohol). Education and public policies (taxes on unhealthy products) impact significantly on their consumption. Another way to fight NCDs is through health interventions, which strengthen early detection and prompt treatment. Such interventions are an excellent economic investment, because, if established early, they may reduce the need for more expensive treatments. These measures can also be applied in contexts with different levels of resources. It is necessary to develop healthy public policies that promote prevention and control of NCDs, and redirect health systems to meet the needs of people suffering from these diseases. In high-income countries, the likelihood that NCDs services are covered by health insurance is almost four times higher than in low-income countries. The countries with inadequate health insurance coverage can hardly offer universal access to essential interventions against NCDs l
February 2015 / Impacto evangelistic
19
ISLAM IN
EUROPE
The terrorist attacks in France raise questions about coexistence and freedom of expression and conscience in Europe that society will have to answer. Daniel Hofkamp
The seventeen deaths following the terrorist attacks in Paris, last January, have launched a debate that is currently growing in Europe. Due to migration movements since the second half of the twentieth century, especially from Africa, Arab communities have established a growing presence on this continent, which has brought about many challenges, including the coexistence of different worldviews. “What does the future hold? Are the predictions of Samuel Huntington about the wars of the twenty-first century caused by the clash of civilizations already being fulfilled?,” wonders Antonio Cruz in his article on Protestante Digital. A clash that, in the opinion of Pastor Michael Juez, “is a struggle of corrupt principles and religious fanaticism. Both corrupted. Both wrong. Both destructive.” Current circumstances generate an indepth debate that affects many aspects of our society and involves concepts that have not always been taken into account, such as freedom of expression, equality or freedom of conscience. COEXISTENCE OF DIFFERENT COMMUNITIES “The coexistence of different communities always poses some problems caused by diversity,” says Jaume Llenas, lawyer and General Secretary of the Spanish Evangelical Alliance. This coexistence “is possible”, if we consider that we are in a pluralistic society in which “there is no uniformity,” but “diverse communities.” This happens within the Muslim context as well, which, as “the rest of society”, contains “radical secular and MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 20 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia
extreme religious groups, and moderate secular and religious groups embracing reception.” “Coexistence - says Xesús Manuel Suárez, political analyst and vice president of the Public Participation Group of the AEE - requires respect for difference.” “It’s not about whether we are willing to coexist with Muslims, but if they are willing to coexist with us in a pluralistic society,” he adds, considering that “Muslims demand respect when they are a minority, but when they are a majority they do not.” “While they are in the minority - says Miguel Juez, who has a wide experience in dealing with Muslims - there will be no major problems.” The reason is that in countries where most of the population is Muslim there is a great restriction of freedom of conscience and expression, which is essential for the development of a plural and democratic society.
MUSLIM DOUBLE STANDARDS According to Manuel Suarez, we must ask ourselves whether Islam “allows freedom of conscience” and if “the values of Islam are compatible with democratic freedoms.” If the answer was positive, this would be evident in Muslim-majority countries of Islamic tradition,” but the reality is the opposite. The Arab Spring that awakened hope in all of us has become a fiasco in which the penetration of Islam in political power is accompanied by the end of democratic freedoms.” Therefore, Suarez welcomes the fact that “Muslims protest against Islamist terrorism. It is a hopeful novelty, as they must demonstrate that Islamists who persecute Christians
INTERNATIONAL
have an erroneous interpretation of the Koran and that there is a more edifying one. We want to hear them louder and louder, and not just when they fear an Islamophobic reaction.” “I think that Europe respects the Islamic identity, but this is not a reciprocal action. I believe that change will come – which we will never see – when the freedom and respect they demand in Europe are applied in their own countries,” adds Michael Juez.
HOW MAY CHRISTIANS CONTRIBUTE? Although we live in a post-Christian society, if anyone can embody the values of the Gospel in Europe, it would be Christians. The call to love our neighbor through the faith in Jesus is not negotiable, remind us our interviewees. “We do not love groups or religions, but people - says Jaume Llenas-. I cannot love Muslims, radicals or fans, whether secular or religious. But I can love Rashid, Mariamma, Rosa and Jose, even if they do not think like me or even if they have been affected by sin in a different way than me.” To Manuel Suárez, “it is necessary to
eliminate the hatred and stigmatization of those who are different from us: the parable of the Good Samaritan is very eloquent. At the same time, we have the responsibility to defend the freedoms that our Protestant ancestors settled in Europe. We are called to love our enemy, not to be unwary.” “Loving those who are different from us - explains Suárez - means recognizing them as responsible people, accepting them and demanding responsibility from them. Loving Muslims who are among us means preventing their alienation and demanding commitment to the society they live in. The model is in the Bible. Foreigners in Israel had many more rights than in any other society, but they were not allowed to act as Trojan horses: they were not forced to become Israelites, but they were required to be responsible and have a proactive attitude of coexistence – for example, they had to meet Israel social standards such as weekly rest. And thanks to this attitude, the people of Israel gave them the opportunity to develop freely among them and assume higher responsibilities: the greatgrandmother of King David was a Moabite and his most faithful guards were Cherethites and Pelethites” l February 2015 / Impacto evangelistic
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THE DESTRUCTION OF
POMPEII
The description of the disaster in Pompeii during the first century has been considered for generations an announcement of divine judgment. Alberto Angela’s book reviews the date and the volcano that caused its destruction. A new book in Italy reconstructs the last days of Pompeii. José de Segovia
Alberto Angela, popular paleontologist and science writer, reviews the date of August 24, 79 AD, and suggests that October 24 might have been the day of destruction. In addition, the volcano that erupted might not be Vesuvius, but an older one. The truth is that, in just two days, it completely buried Pompeii, Herculaneum and Stabiae. Their destruction under the ashes has preserved the remains of this important Roman center almost intact, which still fascinates us. “Pompeii was the miniature of the civilization of that age,” says Bulwer-Lytton in his classic “The Last Days of Pompeii.” “Within the narrow compass of its walls
was contained, as it were, a specimen of every gift which luxury offered to power. In its minute but glittering shops, its tiny palaces, its baths, its forum, its theatre, its circus—in the energy yet corruption, in the refinement yet the vice, of its people, you beheld a model of the whole empire. It was a toy, a plaything, a showbox, in which the gods seemed pleased to keep the representation of the great monarchy of earth.” The British Secretary of State for the Colonies, Edward George Bulwer-Lytton (18031873), wrote this book in the Bay of Naples between 1832 and 1833. He was an MP and author of several novels, as well as some plays, but it is thanks to this work that he has gone down in history. His work shows the decline of pagan culture and the birth of Christianity in an environment of corruption and cruelty that seems to awaken the divine judgment with the eruption of Vesuvius. Its ruins, even in these times of mass tourism, cause some concern.
A HORRIFIC SPECTACLE After long weeks of internal activity, the volcano erupted in the summer of 79 AD. A flood of lava and ash buried Pompeii and its inhabitants. This city, which competed with Rome, was one of the most modern cities of its time because of its paved streets, advanced system of water supply and public baths with underfloor heating. Pompeii, the latest novel by Richard Harris, has also described the days before the tragedy. Polanski tried to make a film MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 22 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia
HISTORY version of the description given in this book about the lives of these people, but eventually gave up the project. The Catalan archaeologist Rodá Isabel, who participates in the famous BBC documentary about Pompeii, praises Harris’ novel, saying it is well documented. He naturally takes some liberties, as in any historical novel, but his book is based on the new research by volcanologists as well as on the official account of Pliny. Gaius Plinius Secundus, known as Pliny the Elder, was the admiral of the Roman fleet anchored off the Bay of Naples. He was born in the city of Como, northern Italy, in 24 AD. He was a renowned lawyer and academic, an extraordinary man, a tireless scholar and a prolific author, who served as a cavalry officer in almost all of Europe. Pliny had such concentration that just a few hours of sleep a day were enough for him. Instead of walking around the city, he preferred to be transported, so he could continue studying. His most important work was The Natural History, an encyclopedia of natural phenomena divided into 37 volumes. Seeing the terrifying smoke cloud in the shape of an ominous pine on that August 24, he sailed from his base in Misenum out of sound scientific curiosity, but also with the mission of leading a rescue operation to the stricken city. He died in the attempt.
PETRIFIED BODIES His nephew, Pliny the Younger, was then a teenager follower of the Stoic philosophy. He was born in 61 AD and lost his father at the age of eight. He was adopted by his uncle, whom he refused to accompany in his rescue mission across the Bay of Naples. However, he made the best description of the events surrounding the eruption of the volcano, from his observation point in Misano. In two letters to his friend, the historian Tacitus, he narrates the eruption and the death of his uncle at sea. Two days later, “his body was found untouched, unharmed, in the clothing that he had had on. He looked more asleep than dead.” The description of this disaster has been considered for generations an announcement of divine judgment. Pliny the Younger said, “Many raised their hands to the gods, and even more believed that there were no
gods any longer and that this was one last unending night for the world.” By noon, a darkness, “blacker and denser than any ordinary night”, fell and ferocious lighting broke out. As the cloud of ash, poison gas and pumice collapsed, several waves of a burning high-density gaseous mass were produced, containing in suspension a large amount of solid particles. These monster avalanches sweep successively, to 300 degrees, everything in their path.
A FAITH RAISES AMONG THE RUINS Was it all completely unexpected? Did Pompeian not receive any sign warning them of the disaster? In his novel, Harris invents an oracle. Popidius, the villain of the story, makes a query to a sibyl. The answer is that when the Caesars have become dust and the empire has vanished, Pompeii will endure. It is thought that the oracle is predicting something positive, when in reality its residents will only endure... dead, in this horrific spectacle. While Pompeian regret not to be able to throw their own slaves to the beasts, according to a recent Roman law, Bulwer-Lytton describes a “new sect, which I am told has even a few proselytes in Pompeii.” They are the “followers of the Hebrew God, Christus.” They deny Venus and Jupiter, as if they were atheists. They meet in secret and it is not easy to know who they are. They are called “Nazarenes” in the novel. A priest of Isis believes that “this faith is but a borrowed plagiarism from one of the many allegories invented” by the Egyptians, as the story of Osiris refers to a death and a resurrection. Nothing new under the sun. Pliny the Younger was better informed. In 112 AD, while being governor of Bithynia, he writes a letter to the Emperor of Trajan about those people. “They were in the habit of meeting on a certain fixed day before it was light, when they sang in alternate verses a hymn to Christ, as to a god, and bound themselves by a solemn oath, not to any wicked deeds, but never to commit any fraud, theft, or adultery, never to falsify their word, nor to deny a trust when they should be called on to deliver it up...” Would they say the same about us today? l
“They were in the habit of meeting on a certain fixed day before it was light, when they sang in alternate verses a hymn to Christ, as to a god, and bound themselves by a solemn oath, not to any wicked deeds, but never to commit any fraud, theft, or adultery, never to falsify their word, nor to deny a trust when they should be called on to deliver it up...”
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HOPE IN THE LAND OF
THE INCAS Klaus-Dieter John dreamed of becoming a missionary doctor in far-off lands and, despite the difficulties, he succeeded in creating a world-class hospital named Diospi-Suyana, which serves impoverished Peruvians in the Andes Mountains.
The bakery on Rhein Street belonged to the Johns, and Klaus had lived there ever since his birth in 1960. One of his earliest memories was sitting on a stool in the corner by the big bakery oven to watch his father knead, roll and cut bread dough and place it into greased pans. His mother used to say that he had started asking questions to his father that very morning and never stopped. It was true. Klaus still loved to sit on the stool and talk while his father worked. Klaus-Dieter John grew up devouring books by the Australian Paul White, a Christian doctor who served God’s MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 24 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia
cause in Africa for two years and published, in the mid-twentieth century, a long series of literary works in which he shared his missionary experience. His testimony had such a great impact on young Klaus that one day, guided by the Almighty, he decided to emulate White and set the goal of achieving the best medical training to subsequently work as a missionary doctor for the rest of his life. Klaus sat in silence as he watched through the window a soldier pointing his gun at an elder. The man fell to his knees with his hands uplifted as a sign of surren-
LITERATURE der. Klaus was close enough to see the panic in his eyes. The soldier hit his back with the butt of the rifle while yelling at him. Klaus held his breath, praying for him not to shoot the old man. –Keep going– grunted a soldier. The driver started the van. Klaus looked back. He was relieved when he saw the old man standing up as the soldier walked away from him. ‘Hope in the Lands of the Incas,’ by husband and wife Geoff and Janet Benge, was presented at the Lima International Book Fair on July 24, 2014 and is a valuable test of faith that narrates Klaus-Dieter’s dream come true. An ideal that led John to stay away from material life and fully walk in the ways of the Lord. A notable earthly walk that initially led Klaus, and his girlfriend Tina, to go to hospitals in Ghana, South Africa and the rainforest of Ecuador, bringing the Word of the Lord. After their wedding, Klaus and Tina moved to a small loft in western Wiesbaden. Klaus was already twenty-six and was about to become a prestigious doctor. He had studied at six different universities in the United States, and during this time he had obtained nine certificates of excellence in different branches of medicine. However, Klaus, who wanted to be a surgeon at that time, decided to carry out further studies in surgery to get a doctorate, while Tina did the same but in the specialty of pediatrics. In 1991, Klaus and Tina, who got married in August 1987, went backpacking across Latin America, specifically Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador. This trip marked the course of their lives. Shocked and moved by the terrible humane and social conditions in which Peruvians in the Andes Mountains lived, Mr. and Mrs. John decided to do something about it. And so a dream was born: to build a modern hospital offering the best medical treatment, as well as love and respect, to the poorest, who only received scorn Continue reading–– February 2015 / Impacto evangelistic
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and abuse from society. The only capital they had was their faith. Klaus and Tina were very excited about the trip, but not everyone shared their enthusiasm, largely due to an organization called “Sendero Luminoso” (Shining Path). Just as when they traveled to Ghana, they were about to enter a highly flammable political environment. The more Klaus read about Sendero Luminoso and the situation in Peru, the more he could understand why people were worried about it. Sendero Luminoso was a terrorist group fighting to destroy the class structure of Peruvian society and replace it with a utopian
communist society. Author of “I have seen God,” a book that describes how his conviction in God led him to create a hospital impossible to build for the secular world, John always share the secret of his victory. From the Peruvian highlands, the German physician states that, “we needed ten million dollars to build and equip the hospital, a thousand faithful friends to make regular donations and at least thirty-five volunteer doctors as crazy as us. Without faith, all that was impossible. But we did it.” He was firmly convinced that the mis-
LITERATURE
sionary hospital could not only be built but that it would be built. It was the hospital of God, and He would make it happen. It was exactly the same feeling he had had three years earlier when talking to Wolfgang Hasselhuhn in the Bogota airport. Klaus was sure that something much bigger than anything he could have done with his own efforts was coming. Now he saw his exploratio trip to Peru and Bolivia with brand new eyes. He prayed and waited for God to show him the people that would help him overcome the maze of obstacles that he was about to face. Dr. Klaus, and his wife Tina, tirelessly
knocked hundreds, perhaps thousands, of doors to build a high-tech hospital in the Curahuasi hills, southeastern Peru, which would join health with spirituality. His experience around the world and specialized studies as a surgeon at the universities of Harvard, Yale, Johannesburg and Berlin, were applied to the design, construction and running of the hospital, which to date has received over USD 21 million in grants from about 180 companies and people worldwide. When it was his turn to take the floor, Klaus walked to the microphone and told the crowd about the passage in which Jesus, at the beginning of his public ministry, said, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed.” Then he explained that, thanks to the hospital, many would be healed and cured and, most importantly, many would listen to the Gospel and find spiritual freedom. John’s greatest desire, the Diospi Suyana Hospital, which in Quechua means “God is our hope,” was inaugurated on August 31, 2007. Currently, it has four operating rooms, an intensive care unit, a dental clinic, a heliport for emergencies, solar panels, a tomograph, laparoscopic surgery equipment and other supplies that place it at the level of any first-world hospital. In addition, it has doctors from nine countries who work for free for the most needy and forgotten in the Peruvian highlands. The hospital buildings need constant maintenance. Furthermore, they had not yet been entirely built when new rooms and consultation areas had already been planned. Most importantly, its work to transform the lives, both physical and spiritual, of the inhabitants in this region will never stop. The Diospi Suyana hospital is a link in a long chain, which at one end goes back two thousand years to the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and at the other end projects into the future, reaching the lives of our children, our grandchildren and all those who are not born yet l
When it was his turn to take the floor, Klaus walked to the microphone and told the crowd about the passage in which Jesus, at the beginning of his public ministry, said, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed.”
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MORE LIKE THE
MASTER The composition, which was published for the first time in 1907, revolved around the importance of trying to follow the example and the footsteps of Jesus of Nazareth. It was composed by the prolific Christian author Charles Hutchinson Gabriel. MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 28 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia
Leading figure of gospel music in the late 19th century and the early 20th century, the story of Charles Hutchinson Gabriel can be described as a perfect ode to the power of God. Born August 18, 1856, in Wilton, located in the US state of Iowa, Gabriel showed an inclination towards singing from a very young age and, throughout his long life, he wrote about 8000 compositions dedicated to exalt and glorify the love of the Almighty.
MUSIC his hometown, Charles Hutchinson Gabriel took the baton left by his father and became a singing teacher. Strengthened by the Lord, in the first instance, he replaced his father and then, due largely to his enormous musical ability, Gabriel started a private company that led him to travel across the United States sharing his knowledge and the Creator’s doctrine.
Charles, who spent his first 17 years of life in a farm, ate from the manna of the good news through the Christian education he received from his parents at home. He also built an early career in music due to his great interest in Christian melodies. Self-taught by choice and guided by his father Isaac Gabriel, he stood out in his homeland and always captured the admiration of his brothers in faith because of his precocious talent that led him to become one of the most famous figures in Wilton. At the age of 17, after his father’s death, who worked teaching music in
NOTABLE REPRESENTATIVE After much traveling, Gabriel returned to Wilton and, according to The Des Moines Register newspaper, he became a notable representative of sacred music. He was a firm believer that could play the piano, the trumpet and the violin and also stood out as a good singer. In 1890, Charles moved to San Francisco, the 4th most populous city in the state of California, where he worked as a music director at the Grace Methodist Episcopal Church. Then in 1892, he moved to Chicago and there, in the center of North America, he became passionate about the composition of religious music. Gabriel, who worked with the famous Christian publisher Edwin Othello Excell for some time, wrote the song “More Like the Master” in 1906. The composition, which was published for the first time in 1907, revolves around the importance of trying to follow the example and the footsteps of Jesus of Nazareth. Thus, in its first verse, Charles’ song reminds us that we must devote ourselves to God’s holy will. While in the second and third verses, we are invited to proclaim the kingdom of God and urged to be loyal to Christ unto death. Editor of about 100 musical books, Charles Hutchinson Gabriel was also passionate about evangelism and never stopped sharing the Word of God. In the last twenty years of his life, he collaborated with believer Homer Alvan Rodeheaver, composer and pioneer in the recording of sacred music, and had many of his creations be used in the christianizing campaigns of preacher Billy Sunday. His earthly life ended on September 14, 1932 in Hollywood l
MORE LIKE THE MASTER 1 More like the Master I would ever be, More of His meekness, more humility; More zeal to labor, more courage to be true, More consecration for work He bids me do. Refrain Take Thou my heart, I would be Thine alone; Take Thou my heart, and make it all Thine own; Purge me from sin, O Lord, I now implore, Wash me and keep me Thine forevermore. 2 More like the Master is my daily prayer; More strength to carry crosses I must bear; More earnest effort to bring His kingdom in; More of His Spirit, the wanderer to win. 3 More like the Master I would live and grow; More of His love to others I would show; More self-denial, like His in Galilee, More like the Master I long to ever be.
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PETER, A FISHER OF
MEN
He was an essential part of early Christianity and headed the list of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ. He is also mentioned in the Bible in the most important passages in the life of the Lord. Simon Peter was the stone chosen to build the Church. Robert Alan King
Essential part of early Christianity, the apostle Peter, also named Simon, was a tough and simple fisher of Lake Gennesaret who lived with his wife and his mother in law in the village of Bethsaida, Galilee. Peter, along with his brother Andrew (follower of John the Baptist) and his friends James the Great and John, the beloved disciple, were the first apostles of Jesus Christ. He changed his name to Peter, Kefa in Aramaic or Petros in Greek: “stone.” Peter, major character of firm theological value, always headed the list of the twelve friends of the Lord, especially due MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 30 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia
HERO OF FAITH
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to the ministry entrusted to him by Jesus Christ himself. He named himself “servant and apostle of Jesus Christ” and “witness of the sufferings of Christ.” Therefore, he became one of the most audacious witnesses of faith and the most mentioned apostle in the New Testament in general and in the four Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles in particular, in which he is presented under different aspects. He is also cited by Paul of Tarsus in his epistles, including the Epistle to the Galatians where he refers to him as one of the three pillars of the Church of Jerusalem, a “fisher of men.” The sources of information about the life of Simon are limited to the New Testament: the four Gospels, Acts, the Epistles of Paul, and the two letters named after Peter. According to the Scriptures, Simon was established in northwestern Sea of Galilee, Capernaum, where he lived with his mother in law at his home, worked as fisher with his brother and had the future apostles John and James as friends. It was at this time that the public ministry of Christ began. This man of stony faith, like all human beings before their call, was a sinner. In fact, he was ashamed of his condition before Christ.
FISHER OF MEN In the beginning of his ministry, while walking along the Sea of Galilee, Jesus looked at Peter and his brother Andrew throwing a net into the water. Then he called to them saying, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” He immediately left his nets, as did Andrew, and followed the son of God. A little later, Christ visited his house to pray for his mother in law who had a fever and she was healed once Jesus rebuke the disease. This was the first healing witnessed by Peter, who saw many other miracles during the ministry of the Redeemer, always listening, observing, questioning and learning. Then, when the Redeemer was preaching beside the Sea of Genesaret, Simon Peter was used by the Messiah to perform the miraculous catch of fish. In this regard, the Bible reveals that Jesus saw two ships standing by the lake; the fishermen, who had gone out of them, were washing their nets. Then Jesus said to Simon, MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 32 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia
HERO OF FAITH “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a draught.” The apostle answered, “At Thy word I will let down the net.” And having done this, they caught lots of fish. Seeing this, Peter said to Jesus, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man.” But He answered, “From henceforth thou shalt catch men.” Peter also took part in a series of episodes in which he plays a prominent role. One of them, when Jesus walked on the sea, describes the fear that seized him at the beginning of his new life. And it came to pass that one night Jesus went to the disciples walking on the sea. The followers of the Son of God were troubled and cried, “It is a spirit.” But Jesus told them, “It is I, be not be afraid.” Then, Peter replied: “Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water” And He said, “Come.” And Peter walked to go to Jesus but when he saw the strong wind, he was afraid and began to sink. Immediately, the Nazarene rescued him and said “O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?”
SERVANT OF JESUS CHRIST According to the biblical account, Simon denied Jesus three times on the night of His arrest, thus fulfilling the prophecy of the Master that said that he would deny Him three times before the cock crowed. Repented of his answer, his faith did not falter again and, after the crucifixion of Jesus, he devoted himself to spread His teachings. After the death of Jesus, Peter became the undisputed leader of the tiny community of the first Christians in Palestine: he led prayers, responded to the accusations of heresy launched by Orthodox rabbis and admitted the new faithful, including the first non-Jews. After the martyrdom of Jesus, Peter was the first one to enter the empty tomb and realized that the body of the son of the Almighty was not there. Later on, when the Messiah appeared to seven of his disciples, Jesus asked him to “feed” his sheep. The first miracle and the first sermon of the apostles, after the ascension of the Savior, are attributed to Peter. Just as he was a leader among the disciples, this apostle was also one of the great leaders of the early church. In the passages of Acts, it is
he who takes the lead in important moments, such as the election of the person who would take the place of Judas. In addition, Simon Peter was the apostle who spoke and addressed the crowd at Pentecost, when he gave his testimony to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem and punished the lie of Ananias and Sapphira, who tried to deceive the apostles. Likewise, the son of Jonas, along with the apostle John, appeared before the council of Israel and was imprisoned and persecuted by the Sanhedrin. He was also the first apostle who worked a public miracle: he healed a lame man at the gates of the temple of Jerusalem. On another occasion, he resurrected a disciple named Tabitha, who stood out for her good works and alms.
PILLAR OF THE CHURCH While he preached the Word of God in Samaria, Peter, seconded by the apostle John, was part of an event that confirmed his influence within early Christianity. A newly converted man named Simon, who beforetime in the same city used sorcery and bewitched the people of Samaria, offered money to the apostles in exchange for the power to convey the Holy Spirit. At that time, Peter rebuked him and said, “Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.” According to the Epistle to the Galatians, Simon moved to Antioch where Paul met him later. Indeed, the preacher of the Gentiles emphasized in his epistles the prominent place he occupied in the early church. At first, Paul, speaking on the rights of an apostle, mentioned in his first letter to the Corinthians that it was a right to eat, drink and bring a believing wife, “as well as the other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas.” Finally, in his letter to the Galatians, the apostle Paul noted that Peter was considered the “pillar” of the Church l
After the martyrdom of Jesus, Peter was the first one to enter the empty tomb and realized that the body of the son of the Almighty was not there. Later on, when the Messiah appeared to seven of his disciples, Jesus asked him to “feed” his sheep. The first miracle and the first sermon of the apostles, after the ascension of the Savior, are attributed to Peter.
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MILTON SAVED
FROM PAIN The alcohol consumed his existence. It devoured his dreams and became his dairy necessity. He stole, got drugged and seemed fine and happy within his criminal world. But he needed to escape from that pseudoparadise and he managed to. Even the longest night comes to an end.
Marlo Pérez
When they arrived to Los Angeles International Airport in California, they showed their tickets and sat down to wait as calm as possible to avoid any suspicion. They passed to the waiting room and stayed there until their flight announce to El Salvador. Meanwhile, they waited patiently the time to board their plane at 10 p.m., but the airline reprogrammed their flight for the next day at 2 a.m. When they heard that, one of the guys named Milton Flamenco, 21 years old, became desperate and anxious due to the delay of his departure and flee from that country, where he was being intensely chased due to his involvement in a homicide that he did not committed. During their waiting, each minuMISSIONARY MOVEMENT 34 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia
te seemed like an eternity. After their bags were checked, panic overwhelmed them until the point of acting paranoid with anybody that sat down, walked or stay in front of them. They expected to be intercepted or arrested at any time as delinquents. - “My Lord, if you get me out of here and take me to my country, I promise to serve you until my death”, prayed Milton from the bottom of his heart. When the time to board the plane arrived, Milton got on quickly and placed him near one of the windows on the left side of the plane. When he fastened up his seatbelt and left the U.S., he saw the lights of the city vanishing Continue reading––
BIOGRAPHIES
Milton Flamenco, transformed into a men of God after so much suffering
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in the distance, together with his desperation to be captured. In the heights, he promised to never return to that country and fulfill his promise to the Lord, who helped him to escape from a problem for the third time. Some minutes later, the flight attendant offered them something to drink and the three fugitives toasted for their liberty with “huaro” and liquor. Eight hours later, they landed in El
Salvador International Airport. The group descended from the airplane. Meanwhile, Milton smelled and looked the earth that he left four years ago. The memories came back to his mind.
ARMED CONFLICT Milton Flamenco was born in October 17th, 1973 in Los Aguilares city, placed in the northern part of El Salvador capital city. He was raised within a Chris-
BIOGRAPHIES tion of his country. The Armed Forces of El Salvador (FAES), started to recruit teenagers and adolescents like Milton to fight against the Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front (FMLN) in an armed conflict that began in 1970 and did not end until 1992.
Milton Flamenco with his family. The peace that the home offers arrived to his life. Now, they all serve the Lord.
tian home, where he was taught the biblical principles that made him and his brothers remain moderate with the mundane things. But at the age of 15 years old, Milton became independent from his family and like any emerging guy, he started to work in welding and industrial mechanics. As his chosen profession did not give him the desired stability, a menace started to threaten the young genera-
THE AMERICAN DREAM When he saw himself in that problem, Milton and many other young people decided to leave the country and go to the U.S., just as many Latin American immigrants did. Therefore, a 17 years old Milton had to falsify his documents and passport to leave the borders of his country with his compatriots. Some weeks after his departure, Milton and his companions crossed the border towards Guatemala and there they contacted a coyote who moved them to Mexico City, where Milton almost lost his life in an accident. Once there, they sheltered in a mining center but they were immediately found and captured by the local police, who deported them back to Guatemala. After many weeks, they returned to Mexican territory, but that time they sheltered in the Tamaulipas frontier state, on the east part of the country, to get to Matamoros-Brownsville, one of the binational-metropolitan areas between the U.S. and Mexico. Milton and the others crossed the border to Uncle Sam’s land through this zone of transnational connexion and placed themselves in Texas. Their American dream finally became a reality. VICES OF AN IMMIGRANT Afterwards, Milton settled down in Virginia, on the eastern part of the U.S. He lived there the following four years of his life together with other young people of Puerto Rico, Guatemala and two compatriots, with whom he lived and worked with in different professions that allowed them to survive. With them, he also learned about night life in discos for immigrants and how to drink alcohol, all of what he never did before. “I will never forget the first time I drank
Two years later, his disproportionate consumption of alcohol and lack of self-control turned Milton into an alcoholic anonymous and a tobacco dependent, smoking 48 cigarettes per day. He also tried cocaine, which gave him the guts to steal in the restaurant where he worked.
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Moments of a life marked by great suffering and shallow happiness. The saving encounter that took him out of the hole.
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a beer…,” Milton remembers. Two years later, his disproportionate consumption of alcohol and lack of self-control turned Milton into an alcoholic anonymous and a tobacco dependent, smoking 48 cigarettes per day. He also tried cocaine, which gave him the guts to steal in the restaurant where he worked. His dependence provoked an accident one afternoon by driving the car of the restaurant, after which he got seriously injured. Meanwhile, his mother at El Salvador knew by other believer that his son was in danger and that the devil would take him to hell. That is why she started to pray for Milton and his redemption. “I am grateful to God for my mother since she knew how to fight for me when I was between life and death”, he states. Two days later, a miracle happened when Milton woke up from a deep coma and a difficult operation to his stomach. When he realized his state, his
soul and spirit began to hurt more than his bruises and scars. God was his only protection and he promised to serve Him once recovered.
PURSUED BY JUSTICE Four months after his recovery, Milton woke up from his prostration and kept driving and stealing to survive. That is how he went one night with four friends to a disco for Latin Americans and after a few beers, a struggle began. Chairs were flying, as well as bottles and many other types of cutting objects that hurt them. Suddenly, one of Milton friends stabbed a rival and all of them remained arrested in a police station, accused of attempted murder. “Knowing the truth does not allow you to sin unpunished anymore”, says Milton. When they realized that they could remain in prison, Milton begged God and 24 hours later, all of them, except the guy responsible of the stab, were released. This made them pay the bail of
the guy that remain imprisoned. Unfortunately, the stabbed person died four days later and all the involved people, including Milton, received an arrest warrant. After that, they immediately flee to Los Angeles in California to take a flight to El Salvador. Police pursuit began in New Jersey, were Milton had relatives, but it spread to other states since they did not find him there. In Los Angeles, Milton contacted one of his uncles and offered him his car in exchange of money to buy tickets to fly to El Salvador. In a few hours, the three of them had their tickets to the Central American country. “The Word is true when it says: ‘The wicked flee when no man pursueth’”, he says.
HIS PROMISE BEFORE GOD He arrived to the capital city of El Salvador and finally to Los Aguilares city. The three men were well received by their relatives and acquaintances. None of
them suspected their precedents until Milton, with 21 years old, confessed the truth to his parents and siblings. Once free of that emotional load, he continued his normal life. One night, when he was about to go to a bar to get drunk with his friends and meet women, he passed near a Christian church. When he saw it, a supernatural force stopped him and he started to cry, remembering his promise to the Lord. When he entered the temple, he sat down in the last pews and listened a series of testimonies from different believer in the altar. He could not stand it and kneeled and offered himself to the Lord. It was 1994. Milton has no precedents until nowadays. He raised a big family and he never got involved in crimes again. He works now in a church of the Worldwide Missionary Movement in El Salvador, preaching the Gospel as he once promised to the Lord l
One night, when he was about to go to a bar to get drunk with his friends and meet women, he passed near a Christian church. When he saw it, a supernatural force stopped him and he started crying, remembering his promise to the Lord. When he entered, he listened a series of testimonies. He could not stand it and kneeled and offered himself to the Lord.
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EVERYONE DID WHAT WAS RIGHT
IN HIS OWN EYES “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes” Judges 17:6. Rev. Luis M. Ortiz
There was a time in the history of Israel, between the death of Samson and the ministry of Samuel, which was one of the most disastrous. This was a time of abuse, disorder, outrage, injustice, looting, crime, violence, immorality, apostasy, idolism, and religious and spiritual corruption. On the social side, the tribe of Dan robbed, looted and killed to take over large areas of land belonging to others. On the moral side, the tribe of Benjamin were sadistic; they robbed and raped women. In all aspects, the situation was chaotic; there was no law, order, respect or
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authority that was recognized. The Bible gives the reason for this chaos in a phrase that is repeated four times in the last four chapters of the book: “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 17:6). On the religious or spiritual side, the situation was even worse, it was deplorable and horrific; there was no order or respect for sacred things, but irreverence, confusion, and apostasy. Furthermore, as regards religion, “everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” Chapter 17 in the book of Judges says, “Now there was a man of mount Ephraim, whose name was
DEVOTIONAL Micah.” (v. 1). He stole from his mother the amount of eleven hundred shekels of silver (around 704 USD). Everyone did what was right in his own eyes and, in this case, it is the theft within the household. The mother uttered insults and curses against the thief, who was her own son, and he, frightened by the horrific curses, returned the money to his mother, “and his mother said, blessed be thou of the Lord, my son!” (v. 2). Since everyone did what was right in his own eyes, this woman might have as well blessed and cursed people in the name of Jehovah. To recover her money, this woman said that she had devoted it to Jehovah. It is easy to devote something lost to God. When she recovered the money, she only devoted a fifth of it and she did not consecrate it to God but to provoke God, to violate the commandment of God (v. 3). Since everyone did what was right in his own eyes, this woman “took two hundred shekels of silver, and gave them to the founder, who made thereof a graven image and a molten image; and they were in the house of Micah.” (v. 4). And since everyone also did what was right in his own eyes, “the man Micah had a house of gods, and made an ephod, and teraphim, and consecrated one of his sons, who became his priest” (v. 5). He used a room of his house to place idols, gods, and added the two images that were made with the money donated by the mother. This house of gods was an imitation of the holy house of God, the images were an imitation of the true God, the ephod was an imitation of the vestments of the true priests, the teraphim was an imitation of the cherubim, the priest appointed by Micah, his son, was an imitation of the true priesthood of Aaron. And since everyone did what was right in his own eyes, Micah set up his little church. Micah looked for a place, enabled it, equipped it with everything needed to imitate the genuine, and even appointed a priest and his little church started to operate. The Bible says, “And there was a young man out of Bethlehemjudah of the family of Judah, who was a Levite, and he sojourned there. And the man departed out of the city from Bethlehemjudah to sojourn where he could find a place: and he came to mount Ephraim to the house of Micah, as he journe-
yed” (vv. 7-8). This young Levite left his city to live where he could find a place. He was an adventurer, a footloose, a fickle person (capricious, changeable, unstable) who left his city and his siblings to stay there where he was received. The Bible says he came to the house of Micah. Well, it could not be otherwise. The idle would come to the house of Micah for sure, as they were of the same class. When Micah arrived, he asked: “Whence comest thou? And he said unto him, I am a Levite of Bethlehemjudah, and I go to sojourn where I may find a place” (v. 9). “And Micah said unto him, Dwell with me, and be unto me a father and a priest, and I will give thee ten shekels of silver by the year, and a suit of apparel, and thy victuals” People like Micah always offer things. The Bible says that “the Levite went in” (v. 10). “The Levite was content to dwell with the man… And Micah consecrated the Levite, and the young man became his priest, and lived in the house of Micah” (vv. 11-12). There, Micah was the one that gave ministry and offered and distributed gifts. He had ordered his own son as a priest, but now there was one who had credentials of Levite and so he left his son aside and preferred the newcomer. The traveling and footloose Levite became a mercenary and apostate Levite. He dishonored and trampled his Levitical origin, sold himself out to Micah and remained in his house. This is what happens to the footloose who do not want to stay in serious and spiritual churches: they do not subject to a consecrated pastor of clean testimony and they want to enjoy the privileges of all the churches they visit but do not want to assume responsibility for any of them. And then, out of profit or advantage, they subject to some Micah, with his unclear life, his house of gods, his house of consultation, his fraudulent messages and his vain imitations. Micah was glad about his place of worship, his house of gods, his images, his ephod, his teraphim and also the priest who was a Levite: “Now know I that the Lord will be good to me, seeing I have a Levite to my priest” (v. 13). But this was a false confidence, a false security, the kind of false confidence and security that insincere and dishonest things and people have. The Lord was not good to him in any aspect l
That happens to the andariegos, lest they remain in serious and spiritual churches, they are not subjected to a devoted pastor and clean testimony, they want to enjoy the privileges of all churches who visit, but they don't want to take responsibility in any church.
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FAITHFULNESS REQUIRES HONOR,
LOYALTY AND GRATITUDE
“The Lord render to every man his righteousness and his faithfulness; for theLord delivered thee into my hand to day, but I would not stretch forth mine hand against the Lord’s anointed” 1 Samuel 26:23.
Rev. Gustavo Martínez Garavito MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 42 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia
This part of the Scriptures describes the scene where David spares Saul’s life in the Desert of Ziph. Everybody was asleep, and David along with Abishai had come to the place where the king had pitched. Abishai asked him to let him kill Saul with a spear even to the earth, but David prevented him from doing it. David knew that he was the anointed of God. Although Saul was seeking him to kill him, David was loyal to the king until the last moment. For this reason, after taking the spear and the King’s cruse of water as evidence, David spoke to Saul and put Jehovah as witness of the act of faithfulness he had done. Faithfulness is the “conviction in affections and ideas that leads to not deceive or betray others. Behavior of a person or animal that is completely loyal and does not deceive.” “Faithfulness is a virtue that develops in consciousness and involves keeping a commitment, even against changing or adverse circumstances.” It is said that faithfulness has three ingredients: honor (moral quality which leads us to the most strict fulfilment of moral duties towards others and ourselves), loyalty (keeping the commitments undertaken), and gratitude (reciprocating and giving back). FAITHFULNESS “is the virtue that requires honor, loyalty and gratitude.” Hosea 2:19-20 talks about the faithfulness and love of God for His people, as He promises to betroth us unto Him in righteousness, judgment, lovingkindness, mercy and faithfulness. Unfortunately, God’s people has not kept the commitment and has been unfaithful; they have allowed sin and idolatry, which before God is treason, leading to the total collapse of the people of Israel. Faithfulness is an attribute of God and that is why He demands it from his people, because He is faithful. Today, the Church, as God’s people,
DEVOTIONAL should consider this reality and understand that it is an obligation for all Christians. Faithfulness is what identifies a Christian as a child of God. Faithfulness is a virtue that has to be recovered, so that the Lord’s church can meet the challenges of the days it lives in. From the beginning to the end of the Scriptures, faithfulness is always present. From God’s faithfulness to His word and promises, to the faithfulness of many men and women to God’s calling. Faithfulness to God is what led biblical heroes to fight difficult problems and not look back. Faithfulness enables us to snatch important triumphs from the hand of adverse times. Faithfulness allows the spirit of man to achieve what he thinks is impossible. Faithfulness promises no reward. A life based on faithfulness is built on a strong and immovable rock. Today, we live by a nature based on “going on only when everything is all right,” and that has led to major problems and shameful situations for societies. Regarding the foundations underpinned by years of history as relative, has caused chaos and moral and spiritual degradation. The Bible, the sound doctrine, the proper role of the Holy Spirit, and the faithfulness to absolute and original values and principles are fighting a great battle and a strong opposition due to postmodern influence. Elements such as individualism, relativism, humanism, empiricism, among others, have led to a greater distance between man and God. Today, man has forgotten to be faithful. We do not know how to be trustworthy or how to trust someone else. Many do not know the valuable meaning within this expression. This has led humanity to move away from its Creator, sinning and betraying Him with their behavior. Faithfulness does not arise from an emotional feeling, but it is the result of a mental deliberation to choose what is right. When we cover up for someone’s faults, whether a friend, a relative, etc.,
that makes us an accomplice and has nothing to do with faithfulness. Throughout the particular history of every nation, there have been men and women who have left indelible marks. Acts that were based on faithfulness to their country, their people, their principles, their family, among others. Today, that has been left behind and we see how man can easily betray what he once believed out of money, fame, position, possessions or anything else that brings personal benefits to him. However, in places like China, the violation of faithfulness is still punishable by death. As children of God, we cannot walk like everyone else. The Scriptures teach that the believer should be a light to the world. You cannot pretend to be loyal to God and behave unfairly to others. You must learn to be faithful to God and your brother. The Church should be a good example to the world of what it means to be faithful. The believer must leave evidence of faithfulness to God, His Word, His commands and His will. Beloved brother, faithfulness is a serious and real issue, faithfulness does not go on vacations or hesitate, but it must be lived and practiced, so that we overcome the attacks of the enemy and move forward with our heads held high. Without faithfulness, you will never understand how to truly live and be useful. The Church of the Lord needs faithful leaders and members, who are willing to preach and defend the truth of the Gospel, who are determined to remain firm in their spiritual convictions. Men and women who are willing to be loyal to God, His Word and His Work, who, regardless of the place, the hazards, the needs or the enemies they might face, can firmly hold the flag of the only and true Gospel of Jesus Christ. May God help us understand the great burden involved in being faithful. Let us fight to achieve the faithfulness that God demands. Let us not disappoint Him, let us not sin against Him by disobeying and forgetting His precepts. Be loyal to God and your brother. Let us stand up for Him who has given us everything l
Faithfulness to God is what led biblical heroes to fight difficult problems and not look back. Faithfulness enables us to snatch important triumphs from the hand of adverse times. Faithfulness allows the spirit of man to achieve what he thinks is impossible.
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THE VALUE OF
WAITING “Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation… Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us” Psalm 62:1, 8. Rev. Alberto Ortega
The heart must remain confident that God will come and change the whole situation. God always comes to the place where faith requires Him or claims divine intervention. Waiting in God is in itself a powerful statement of faith in His divine resources.
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The dominant feature of this Psalm is the absolute trust in God, despite hostility and persecution. The psalmist feels totally safe under the protection of God (vv.2-3, 6-8.), so he decidedly challenges his opponents (vv. 4-5), comforts himself (vv. 6-7) and calls upon all the faithful to share his sentiments (v. 9). The wise reflection of verses 10-11 and the divine plan of verse 12, serves to confirm his teaching. In the dictionary, the verb “to wait” means to “remain where it is believed that someone or something will come, that something will happen”. It also means “to stop acting”. This beautiful and inspiring definition clearly states that what determines our waiting against any adverse, difficult, uncomfortable and unbearable situation is our faith in God. The heart must remain confident that God will come and change the whole situation. God always comes to the place where faith requires Him or claims divine intervention. Waiting in God is in itself a powerful statement of faith in His divine resources. Waiting implies a second condition: “stop acting”. This second condition, “remain still,” is the most difficult to accomplish for humans. Usually, we despair at what is happening around us, and our innate tendency is to act under the pressure of what surrounds us. We have two ways to respond to any situation: move by reaction or by direc-
tion. Solving things through reaction is always harmful, because reaction does not measure the consequences of the decision. It just tries to appease what we feel, as it is based on a feeling, not on reason. In short, it is about acting without thinking. Through reaction, we may feel relieved and momentarily satisfied; however, sooner or later, we will have to face all the consequences of this reaction. All this leads us to understand that moving under the direction of God is the right answer. When we act under this direction, we have knowledge, analysis and guidance. David say that he waits in God, in other words, he awaits God silently. “Truly my soul waiteth upon God” (Psalm 62: 1). And verse 5 says: “My soul, wait thou only upon God.” We see that in this Psalm, David urges us to be still, waiting upon God. This stillness is profoundly significant. “Trust in Him at all times...” (Psalm 62: 8.) Psalm 46:10 says: “Be still, and know that I am God.” Here we see another powerful effect of waiting: it will lead us to a deeper knowledge of God, of His divinity and His supernatural power. That knowledge will influence our decision, so we will get an accurate direction at any situation. The Scriptures state in Isaiah 30:15: “For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confi-
DEVOTIONAL dence shall be your strength: and ye would not.” Knowing how to wait in God is a source of strength and power that can overcome anything we face. However, the wait to which the Scriptures call us is not a state of passivity or indifference, but an active state where we take precise steps. During this wait, this beautiful orientation is offered to us: “pour out your heart before Him.” This means that, during the waiting period in God, there must be an outpouring of the heart. Pouring out the heart means to incline it in the presence of God, so that what fills, moves and concerns our hearts gets within the heart of God. In other words, it means to transfer the problem of our heart to the heart of God, giving Him the burden and responsibility to act against our need. Beloved, do you live overwhelmed by the challenges around you? Is Do you have to take any major decision that may affect your whole life? Do you feel disoriented about the future, your home and your relationships? Why do you not wait in God, giving Him your burden and your decision, so that He guide and sustain you? Do you not know God personally and want to hold Him in your heart,
so that He can take your life and your future and lead you to a safe path? To make this possible, you must receive Jesus Christ right now as your only and sufficient Savior, and so God will guide you. God bless you l
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“CIVIL UNION WILL
DISRUPT THE CHILEAN SOCIETY”
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INTERVIEW Rev. Gerardo Martínez, National Supervisor of the WMM in Chile, conducted an analysis of the Christianizing work done by the work of God in South America. In addition, he criticized the approval of the Civil Union Law recently executed by the Chilean Chamber of Deputies.
Glad about the work done in 2014, Rev. Gerardo Martínez Gara vito, National Supervisor of the Work of God in Chile, analyzed from Santiago de Chile the evangelizing work done by the Worldwide Missionary Movement in southern lands. By a phone interview, Pastor Martinez explained how, day by day, the WMM in Chile has expanded its range, and also revealed the objectives set for this year. Likewise, the minister of the Almighty bitterly condemned the approval of the Civil Union Law or same-sex marriage law executed by the Chilean Chamber of Deputies on January 20. How do you see the work done by your church throughout 2014?
It has been a very fruitful work. First, we have had a great conquest of souls for the Lord in the last 12 months and we have also succeeded in spreading the Work’s presence in the cities of Santiago, Libertador General Bernardo O’Higgins and Araucania and the province of Valdivia. Likewise, we have recently established a church on the Big Island of Chiloe and in northern Calama. Regarding our activities, we have put special effort on the execution of spiritual events that help strengthening the faith of the members of the Movement. Which have been the main events conducted by the WMM in Chile last year? I can mention the National Youth and Pastors Retreat that took place in January, which was a great blessing. I should also refer to the execution of many evangelistic marches organized by us taking the example of the Church in Peru in this matter. Other high impact events were the National Fellowship, where financial offerings were promoted for the acquisition of the land
where we will build our new headquarters, and the 18th National Convention, which was attended by the International President of the Worldwide Missionary Movement, Rev. Gustavo Martínez, and was broadcasted by Bethel TV. What can you tell us about the evangelization carried out by the WMM in the indigenous villages of Chile? The Work is present in the Araucania region, where the oldest and most extensive Mapuche populations are located. There, mainly in the city of Temuco, new fields and dependencies have been opened, from where we preach God’s Word. In this regard, I note that the WMM in Chile, thank God, has brothers who are part of the Araucanian community and support us in the miss ion of sharing the good news. How did you feel about the approval of the Civil Union Law or same-sex marriage law executed by the Chilean Chamber of Deputies on January 20? I was really concerned about it, as this law will disrupt the Chilean society. This type of licentiousness is against God’s will. In that sense, I regret that a distorted, erroneous idea about what a marriage constitutes had prevailed. Now more than ever the Worldwide Missionary Movement and the Chilean evangelical community should raise their voices to proclaim the true gospel of Jesus Christ, which instructs and protects the institution of marriage. As the Lord’s work, we will always speak out against this Civil Union Law and other capricious laws that may appear. However, we have the biblical and prophetic knowledge that this is the moral, decadent and apostasy scenario before the return of Christ for His Church. Our challenge is to pray so that the Lord add those who will be saved l February 2015 / Impacto evangelistic
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Fotos: Edwin Portalatin
A quick report of the work that Worldwide Missionary Movement is making in America and throughout the world. The Holy Bible states: “And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple... And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved”. (Acts 2:46,47).
“God needs a people
full of his glory”
The 48th National Convention of the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Puerto Rico took place in Trujillo Alto. The spiritual celebration marked the beginning of many activities of the Lord's Work this year. The “Island of the Lamb,” home to the Work of God, hosted the presence of the Lord from January 1 to 4 on occasion of the 48th National Convention of the Worldwide Missionary Movement MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 48 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia
in Puerto Rico. The event, held in the facilities of the Rubén Zayas Montañez Stadium in Trujillo Alto, was attended by the Board of International Officers of the Movement and served to valida-
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te the impact of Christianity in Puerto Rico. In addition, this spiritual celebration marked the beginning of the worldwide activities of the WMM this year. On the opening day, Rev. Gustavo Martinez, International President of the Work, conveyed a message on the loyalty that we must have to God. Then, on the second day of the 48th National Convention of the WMM in Puerto Rico, Rev. Rodolfo González, Treasurer, was the main speaker of the Word of God. Through a message titled “Faithfulness to the Lord cleanses us from all sin,” the pastor said that “God needs a people full of his glory.” In his ministry, based on the Bible passage included in 1
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Samuel 26:23, Rev. Gonzalez also said that “those unfaithful to God will not enter the kingdom of heaven. The Lord wants faithful people. God is aware of all hearts and all the feelings in the soul of every man. The Bible says “do not err.” The Almighty cannot be fooled. People so reap as they sow. My brother, God’s love is great. No church will take you to heaven. You go to heaven if you are faithful to the Creator.” On the third day of spiritual mee-
ting, which was broadcast through Bethel Television’s international signal, Rev. José Soto gave a speech called “The King of the Universe,” and stressed the magnificence of the Creator. Inspired by the book of Daniel 4: 1-5, Pastor Soto said that “we must remember that our God is the master of history. Nothing takes him by surprise, he knows everything and has designed history. No matter how full of himself man is, no matter how large the human
domain and power on earth are, it is all nothing before God.” The International Vice President of the WMM also proclaimed that “faithfulness is not a fact, but a state, something that makes us be who we are.” When someone is faithful to God, God is there no matter what. We can be useful for the Lord no matter how strongly the winds may blow against us. If the Almighty has called us, we can be sure that He will take us until the end by his grace and blessing. I also want to say that there is no devil that can stop the plan designed by the Creator.” On the last day of the 48th National Convention of the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Puerto Rico, when the promotion of God’s workers took place, Rev. Luis Meza Bocanegra, International officer and Supervisor in Peru, shared the message of the Almighty
through a speech entitled “Reaffirming the pact.” With great excitement, Pastor Meza, who based his presentation on 2 Kings 23: 1-3, stated that “God demands as you have offered. If you do not want to continue the Work, back away!” By the end of the event, which took place in northwestern Puerto Rico, Rev. Humberto Henao, International officer of the WMM, was responsible for preaching the good news of the Most High. Based on Jeremiah 35: 1-7, God’s minister made a religious contribution entitled “Faithfulness put to the test”, in which he said that “faithfulness is a value, a principle, not an emotional state. It is not a product of the mind but of the heart. It is not temporary. God frees us from the increasing apostasy and worldliness. Give us the strength to defend our integrity with loyalty” l February 2015 / Impacto evangelistic
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“Our deeds
speak for us”
Divided into two zones, the 48th National Convention of the WMM in Colombia brought together around 30 000 followers of God from the north, center and south of the country. A date with the faithfulness to the Lord.
The 48th National Convention of the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Colombia, opened by Rev. Gustavo Martínez Garavito, International President of the Work of God, let the Power of the Almighty be present in Medellin on January 5-12. The spiritual meeting, held at the La Macarena Entertainment Center, by the Medellin River, was divided into two stages: the first brought together the brothers from the north and the second those from central and MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 52 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia
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southern Colombia. At the opening, Rev. Martinez was responsible for conveying the Word of God. His message entitled “Our loyalty to God cannot be divided” was based on Matthew 6:24 and focused on the need to remember that God’s grace and mercy keeps the Lord’s people on their feet. Pastor Martinez Garavito said: “It is a great privilege to be here and be spokesmen for the Word of God. Promoting the kingdom of heaven is a privilege.
Our deeds will determine whether we are or not faithful to God.” Before an expectant crowd, and accompanied by the main leaders of the WMM, the President of WMM also said that, “from the beginning until today, unfaithfulness has wreaked havoc, hit and destroyed societies, congregations, families. The Scriptures say that one of the characteristics of the last days is unfaithfulness. We all have to be honest not only with words, but also through
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actions. “Our deeds speak for us.”
NORTH ZONE From January 5 to 8, the facilities of the La Macarena Entertainment CenMISSIONARY MOVEMENT 54 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia
ter gathered the faithful coming from the departments of Casanare, Boyacá, Arauca, Santander, Antioquia, Bolívar, Córdoba, Sucre, Norte de Santander, Magdalena, Atlántico, La Guajira, Cesar
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and Archipelago de San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina. Covered by an immense faith, men and women from these 14 cities of Colombia conveyed their adoration and love for the Almighty through endless expressions and countless songs and praises. With a large audience, the word of God was preached by the most distinguished servants for three days. On the first day, Rev. Manuel García, Supervisor of Costa Rica, delivered a message titled
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“Faithfulness put to the test.” In the following days, Rev. Jose Soto, vice president of the Work, Rodolfo González Cruz, International Treasurer, and Officials Rómulo Vergara, Alvaro Garavito and Margaro Figueroa spread the teachings of the Creator. In the preaching of Pastor Soto, one of the most prominent ones, he urged us to stand firm in God.
CENTRAL AND SOUTH ZONES January 9, after the completion of the first stage of the 48th National ConvenMISSIONARY MOVEMENT 56 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia
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tion of the WMM in Colombia, set the beginning of the section destined for the faithful who arrived from the departments of Choco, Risaralda, Caldas, Cundinamarca, Quindio, Tolima, Valle del Cauca, Huila, Cauca, Meta, Nariño, Putumayo, Caquetá, Guaviare, Vichada, Amazonas, Vaupés and Guainía. Similar to the first four days, the Lord’s people from the 18 departments from central and southern Colombia cried incessantly for the love of Jesus Christ. During this stage of the National
Convention of the WMM in Colombia, the evangelization and indoctrination of participants were conducted by Rev. Gustavo Martínez, Rev. José Soto and international officers Rubén Concepción, Humberto Henao and Luis Meza Bocanegra. Furthermore, Rev. Eugenio Masías, Supervisor of Ecuador, and Rev. Arturo Hernandez, Supervisor of USA, shared the teachings of Christ. Pastor Martinez, who was in charge of closing the event, stressed that sin breaks the communion with the Savior l February 2015 / Impacto evangelistic
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Young man,
who will continue? The WMM of Chile held its 3rd National Youth Retreat. It was a well-attended event that helped to strengthen the faith in God of the new members of the Work of the Lord. Attended by approximately two hundreds of young members and over twenty two pastors, the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Chile held from January 21 to January 24 its 3rd National Youth Retreat in the Angostura del Ejército de Salvación Complex, located in the community of Paine, in the Metropolitan Region of Santiago. The event, where many activities oriented to strengthen the faith in God were developed, helped to introduce the theme that will govern the Chilean youth this year: “Young man, who will continue?” Led by Rev. Gerardo Martínez Garavito, National Supervisor of the Lord’s Work in Chile and Missionary Supervisor in South America, the National Youth Retreat was attended by a large delegation of brothers from Colombia, including pastor Walter Zambrano, Officer of the National Board in Colombia, and sister Alexia Sagardía, who shared and transmitted the Word of God and contributed with their messages to the manifestation of the power of the Holy Spirit. MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 58 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia
Throughout the four days of the 3rd National Youth Retreat of the WMM in Chile, many topics related to the search of the fullness of the Holy Spirit and a life consecrated to the Lord were presented to the attendees. In an atmosphere full of faith, the attendees listened to speeches of great impact, such as “Relinquish Yourself to Know What God Will Do”, “Transformed in God,” “Without Brokenness There is No Glory”, “The Anointing of God” “Service to God”, “Marked by God,” “Generation to Take Over”, among others. By the end of the event, Rev. Gerardo Martínez Garavito analyzed the most relevant facts and stated that “these have been four days filled with the presence of God, in which two messages have been shared in the morning services and one message in the evening services. The Lord renewed, strengthened, lifted, restored, broke chains, baptized with his Holy Spirit and marked many hearts, which were changed and transformed. We thank God for the results obtained. Words cannot tell everything that happened” l
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“Serving God is
worth it”
With the special participation of Rev. Humberto Henao, International Officer of the WMM, the Work of the Almighty in Guatemala held a National Youth Convention at the La Certeza camp with a great international coverage. Boradcast by Radio Remanente de Guatemala, Radio Luz de México and various stations of Central America, the National Youth Convention of the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Guatemala was held from December 5 to December 7, 2014, in the facilities of the La Certeza camp, located in the city of Guatemala. It was attended by about three thousand young Christians who came from the 21 departments of Guatemala and by delegations from Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico and NiMISSIONARY MOVEMENT 60 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia
caragua. At the beginning of the activities, Rev. Humberto Henao, International Officer of the WMM and main speaker of the Word of the Lord in this event held under the theme “Present in battle,” shared the biblical teaching through a message entitled “Three powerful weapons for victory.” In his speech, pastor Henao, who based his message on 1 John 2:12-14, said: “three powerful weapons for the youth victory in Christ are conviction, commitment and cha-
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racter. God needs young people who wield these three weapons to confront the evil.” Rev. Álvaro Garavito, Supervisor in Guatemala and Missionary Supervisor in Central America, hosted the National Youth Convention of the Work of God in Guatemala, which was full of faith from beginning to end. Along with him, other renowned participants were Rev. Alejandro Robledo, National Supervisor in Mexico; Ernesto Moreno, National Supervisor in Nicaragua; Edwin Parada,
National Supervisor in El Salvador; Alejandro Funez, National Supervisor in Honduras; and Anselmo Cooper, National Supervisor in Belize, who shared various religious teachings with the attendees. During the second day of the National Youth Convention in Guatemala, Rev. Henao preached again the message of God and shared a message called “Keep yourself pure.” Basing his speech on the Epistles to Timothy, pastor HeFebruary 2015 / Impacto evangelistic
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nao said that “those who have lived our youth in Christ can tell you, with all certainty, that serving the Lord is worth it. Christianity is not only conceptual or intellectual, but moral and ethical. Now, all that is good is censored and all that is bad is applauded. In the middle of that torrent of filth, young Christians should consider what they will do with their life.” The National Youth Convention of the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Guatemala ended with another inMISSIONARY MOVEMENT 62 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia
tervention by Minister Humberto Henao. The servant of Jesus Christ gave a speech called “The profile of young Christians” and claimed in his preach that “everything God is doing in Latin America through the Worldwide Missionary Movement has a purpose. It is no coincidence that it is here in Latin America where the Lord is strengthening his Work. The Gospel of Jesus Christ was not left on earth to please anyone. The nature of the Bible is opposed to sin and human evil” l
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Faithfulness cannot
be faked
The Worldwide Missionary Movement in Costa Rica held its Men National Convention in Guápiles. It was a great event where the Lord was present from beginning to end. Under the theme “Faithful to God,” the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Costa Rica held its Men National Convention from January 15 to January 18 in the city of Guápiles, in the department of Limón. The event was attended by about three thousand men of God, who came from different parts of Costa Rica. In the inauguration of the event, the exposition of the Word of the Almighty was given by Rev. Manuel Zúñiga Castillo, National Supervisor of the WMM in Costa Rica, who delivered a message called “Matrimonial Faithfulness.” On the second day of the Men National Convention, held in two shifts, the group of Worldwide Missionary Movement Church in the province of Guanacaste participated with a series of praises that moved the attendance. In the morning, in the middle of an atmosphere of great worship to the Almighty, Rev. Roger Campos, National Officer of the Movement in Costa Rica, shared the Word of Jesus Christ and encourage believers of the Almighty to renew their faith. In the evening, with a great attendance, the religious celebration continued and once again the power of God was poured through different manifestations that surprised the attendees. In the central part of the worship, under the watchful eye of the parish, Rev. Carlos Guerra Suárez gave a speech entitled “As in the beginning” and made the Holy Spirit reach the members of the Movement. Furthermore, the sermon of pastor Guerra won several souls for the Savior and made possible the reconciliation of many brothers with Christ.
The Men National Convention ended on January 18 with a day full of testimonies and certainty in the power of God. By the end of the activities, Sister Karla Figueroa shared a special intervention filled with God’s blessing. Rev. Manuel Zúñiga announced once more the good news and gave a speech entitled “Faithfulness cannot be faked” l February 2015 / Impacto evangelistic
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Other Events
BRAZIL BAPTISMS IN MANAUS On December 20, 2014, a glorious baptism in water was held in the city of Manaus, where 14 new members from the different churches in the city descended into the waters. It was a great blessing to see the conviction that they showed to serve Christ. Later, along with the pastors, a united prayer was made for the new members, so that the can face the hard battles and major commitments that will come in this new stage of spiritual life. Then, they shared a special moment with the brothers and pastors during the last supper. The Church in Brazil continues growing and advancing. This baptism was led by Rev. Henry Ramos Escobar, National Supervisor of the Work of the WMM in this country l
MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 64 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia
VENEZUELA
MADAGASCAR
CHOSEN INSTRUMENTS CHILDREN CAMPAIGN From last November 4 to AND FAMILY DAY November 7, the 3rd Pastors Convention was held in the city of Maracaibo, state of Zulia, under the theme “Chosen Instruments”, based on Acts 9:15. This activity led by Rev. Ricardo Manrique, National Supervisor of the Work in Venezuela, was attended by Rev. Rómulo Vergara, International Officer and Supervisor in Africa, and Rev. Clemente Vergara, Supervisor in the Netherlands Antilles coming from the island of Curacao. Approximately 700 pastors came from different locations to participe in this celebration. Parallel to this, the Work of the WMM in Maracaibo was turning 40 years from its establishment. The services were held as follows. In the morning, the Lord's servants gathered at a temple to receive teachings, such as “The Worker and the Christian Stewardship,” “Ministerial Ethics,” and “The Pastor as Priest of the Family”, which were given by the National Officers and the Supervisor of the country. In the evening, the activity took place at the La Cotorrera Sports Complex l
On Saturday December 27, 2014, the Work of God in Madagascar held the Children Campaign with an attendance of 170 children who came from Andranomena, Andavamamba and Ambhitrimanjaka. Thanks to all the prayers and offerings, they were able to rent buses and give gifts to all children. It was beautiful to see the divine support of our God in all things. The brothers worked unanimously and without sleeping to make the campaign for the children. Most kids do not have toothbrush and toothpaste, so they were given both. On Sunday December 28, they held the first family day. It was great! l
ARGENTINA COUPLES RETREAT
Under the theme “Families Strengthened by Biblical Principles,” the church of the Worldwide Missionary Movement in the autonomous city of Buenos Aires, held a Couples Retreat. The event was attended by 50 couples who were blessed by God's Word. Rev. Ishmael Parrado, National Supervisor and pastor of the Church, shared the message of God under the theme “Strengths and weaknesses of some families in the Bible”. He gave a profound reflection to the 50 couples who took part in this conference-study. In the afternoon, 90 minutes were dedicated to answer the questions of all the participants who, by the end of the event, felt very satisfied with this spiritual retreat based on the truths of the Bible and the divine methodologies to have a family led by the Lord's presence l
RESEARCH
Storage Capacity of DNA COMPUTER users generate enormous amounts of digital data that has to be stored for access as needed. Scientists are hoping to revolutionize current methods for digital storage by imitating a far superior data-storage system found in nature—DNA.
DNA means ‘deoxyribonucleic acid.’ DNA is the molecule that carries the genetic information used by a cell to create proteins. DNA contains the genetic instructions used in the development and functioning of all known living organisms. The main function of the DNA molecules is the long-term storage of genetic information. DNA is often compared to a set of plans for human beings. The genetic code was a mystery until biologists discovered the structure of DNA as a spiral staircase. The information is stored in the DNA as a code formed by four chemical bases: adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C) and thymine (T). Each rung of the ladder is a base pair: A only binds to T, and C only binds to G. DNA is a chemical sequence of these bases in two strands that are attached to form a double helix. The order of these bases along a chain of DNA is known as DNA sequence. In 1869, Friedrich Miescher discovered DNA, which he called “nuclein”, as it was in the nuclei of cells. Miescher was unable to fully appreciate the importance of his discovery. Scientific research has revealed ever since that DNA contains the biological instructions of form and function of all known living organisms. DNA is often referred to as a model for life. DNA remained a mystery until scientists discovered that DNA had the structure of a complex spiral staircase or double helix. The rails of the ladder are made
by alternating sugars and phosphates and each rung is composed of two bases of nitrogen and one hydrogen bond. An article published in Nature by James D. Watson and Francis Crick in 1953 first unveiled the secrets of the double helix of DNA. It is also claimed that Maurice Wilkins and Rosalind Franklin were the ones who made this discovery. Coincidence or design? DNA, found in living cells, holds billions of pieces of biological information. “We can extract it from bones of woolly mammoths… and make sense of it,” says Nick Goldman of the European Bioinformatics Institute. “It’s also incredibly small, dense and does not need any power for storage, so shipping and keeping it is easy.” Could DNA store manmade data? Researchers say yes. Scientists have synthesized DNA with encoded text, images, and audio files, much as digital media stores data. The researchers were later able to decode the stored information with 100 percent accuracy. Scientists believe that in time, using this method, 0.04 ounce (1 g) of artificial DNA could store the data of some 3,000,000 CDs and that all this information could be preserved for hundreds if not thousands of years. Potentially, this system could store the whole world’s digital archive. DNA has thus been dubbed “the ultimate hard drive.” What do you think? Could the storage capacity of DNA have come about by evolution? Or was it designed? l February 2015 / Impacto evangelistic
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THEY WRITE TO US... cartas@impactoevangelistico.net FRANCISCO AGUIRRE MEZA God bless you so much for this arduous and hard work. Impacto Evangelistic magazine is such a great blessing, not only for the children of God, but also for the unconverted. I am glad that this magazine had saved and will save many lives. From Lima, Peru.
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IRENE HERNANDEZ In this magazine, I found an excellent message on the virtuous woman today. I’ve been looking for it for a long time and hadn’t found a serious study on the subject. Congratulations. May God reward you for your work. From Guatemala.
APRIL 1-5 Convention in Guatemala 2-5 National Fellowship in Australia (Sydney)
RICARDO SANCHEZ
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Brothers, may the peace of Christ Jesus be upon you all. I want to tell you that I've read your magazine and I think it's great because it is edifying and a blessing. Glory to God for magazines like this! From Leon Guanajuato, Mexico.
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SAULO HERNÁNDEZ Dear brethren, I greet you in the love of Christ and the communion of
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Founder Director: Rev. Luis M. Ortiz Editorial board: Rev. Luis Meza Bocanegra, Jacqueline Rovira, Samuel Martínez, Rev. Andrés Espejo Editorial coordinator: Rev. Julián Morón General editor: Víctor Tipe Sánchez Editor: Jaime Tipe Sánchez Graphic editor: Roberto Guerrero Graphic design: Adolfo Zubietta Writers: Johan Pérez Landeo, Marlo Pérez. Designers: Lesly Sánchez, Jorge Cisneros. Web master and Infographics: Julio de la Cruz. Illustration: Pablo Vilca. Transcription: Fanny Vidal. Community manager: Juan Becerra, Denisse Barrientos. Distribution: Javier Arotinco.
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MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 68 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia