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THE MAGAZINE THAT EDIFIES YOUR LIFE

March 2017 / Edition 758

Campaign against the Afro-American community was brought to light

GENOCIDE PUBLICACIÃ“N OFICIAL DEL

MOVIMIENTO MISIONERO MUNDIAL

TESTIMONY

HERO OF FAITH

DEVOTIONAL

The Reformed Policeman

Apostle of New Zealand

The Divinity of Jesus Christ

BIBLE The Bible told from another perspective Thursday

Bethel Television, the Worldwide Missionary Movement channel, broadcasts the Word of God’s message through

MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 2 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia cultural and educational programs from Lima - Peru to the world by 7 satellites and the Internet.

editorial

SED DE DIOS 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)

ome people are treated as if they were

then, so it seemed there was no hope for him.

humanity’s garbage, because they live

One day, this sick man found Jesus; he

in sin, in depravity, without moral principles

put his face to the ground and beg him for

and surrounded by vices. People do not want

help. And he was cured, because his heart

any kind of relation with them, because they

had overcome all barriers. He took the risk of

think it is impossible for them to redeem

looking for Jesus not minding people’s opi-

themselves; they think there is no solution for

nions. He decided to ask Jesus for help, so he

them and no chance they can improve their

did. He was saved. Glory to God!

behaviors. It is important to remember that,

Dear brothers, there are no barriers to

although these people live in sin and are so-

those who are thirsty for God and want a

cially excluded, they still deserve God’s mer-

miracle from Him. If you make the decision

cy and grace.

of looking for God, nothing and nobody can

The Word of God tell us the story of a le-

stop you. You can redeem yourself too. Let

per, excluded from society, abandoned by his

the Lord take away the sins, vices and chains

family, living alone far away from everybody

from your heart. If you decide to do it today,

to avoid infecting someone else. He was a man

those chains will turn into dust in the name

that had lost all his rights; he was considered

of Jesus Christ. He is our Lord and He says

filthy; his sickness was supposed to imprison

“Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast

him until death. There was no medicine back

out”.

March 2017 / Impacto evangelistic

www.impactoevangelistico.net

evangelistic Founder Director: Rev. Luis M. Ortiz MARCH 2017 / EDITION N° 758 (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

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

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 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.

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16 / INTERNATIONAL. The other planetary system

DEVOTIONALS 40 / THE DIVINITY OF JESUS CHRIST. Rev. Luis M. Ortiz 42 / JOCHEBED, A MOTHER FOR THE CRISIS. Rev. Alberto Ortega

Genocide against the AfroAmerican community

Life stories

30 / HERO OF FAITH. The apostle of New Zealand

Interview

28 / MUSIC. O for a thousand tongues to sing

latest news

REJECTION OF GENDER IDEOLOGY

he imposition of gender ideology in public schools in New South Wales, Australia, is over. Teachers will not be able to teach about it, as the Government has commissioned an independent organization to conduct a study of the content.

In the State of New Wales, southern Australia, students will not be taught again that “gender is a social construction.” The state-mandated sex education program for 11- and 12-year-

old students, which included postulates of gender ideology, was finally questioned by New South Wales Counselor Adrian Piccoli, who commissioned a review of the contents. Following the decision, an update was made urging not to use certain resources. A 17-page guide for teachers by which sexual diversity was taught to 10-year-olds is on the banned list. The guide includes the story of Jose, a married man with three children who confessed to masturbating thinking about men. It also talks about Alex, who has sex with girls, one being a teenager, to later have sexual relations with a man. The national Government has not spoken about this subject. It is also unclear whether the new Australian education minister, Rob Stokes, will endorse the recommendations on reviewing the content on gender ideology in public schools. The rejected decree established the teacher’ way of speaking, designed to teach about sex almost explicitly to students and share the idea that “there are infinite possibilities” of gender identities. New South Wales is the oldest and most populated state of the Commonwealth of Australia. It is in the southeastern part of the country. (Information from the Internet)

March 2017 / Impacto evangelistic

THE DREADED TUBERCULOSIS I t is one of the oldest and most known diseases in the history of medicine and one of the ten leading causes of death worldwide. It is transmitted through droplets of saliva carrying bacteria from the respiratory tract of the sick.

Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that usually affects the lungs. The disease is transmitted from an active (contagious) sick person to a healthy (exposed) person through microscopic respiratory droplets, which can dry while airborne and remain suspended in the air for several hours and reach the respiratory tract of another person when inhaled. Anyone with a cough for more than two weeks (respiratory symptomatic) must be evaluated by a doctor to rule out tuberculosis, especially in countries where the incidence of the disease is high. The delay in doing so is one of the main causes of tuberculosis infection, since it is estimated that patients with active disease may have infected 20 people before being diagnosed and treated. At the beginning, infection is usually asymptomatic in healthy people, as their immune system acts as a barrier around the bacteria (primary disease). However, people who have compromised or weakened immune systems are the most likely to get the disease. Diagnosis is made with a good clinical history (cough for more than two weeks and exposure to patients with tuberculosis) and important auxiliary exams, such as sputum microscopy or tissue biopsy. Other tests that take much longer are sputum culture, serological such as PPD (which has limitations) and radiological such as chest X-rays. More sophisticated and expensive tests are used when there is important clinical and epidemiological evidence, and when the previous ones have been negative or doubtful. Tuberculosis is, more often than not, a curable disease. Its treatment seeks to interrupt the transmission by fighting the infection, and to avoid complications and the death of the patient. The treatment of choice is pharmacological and it is based on four drugs in high doses and for relatively short times (two months), to then move to a second, longer phase (four months). Directly Observed Treatment Short-Course (DOTS) has proven to be the MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 20 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia

PHOTO: AFP

Walter Menchola Vásquez

best treatment of all, as it is performed by trained staff. One of the serious problems that the World Health Organization (WHO) has observed and warned countries about is the failure to comply with treatment—which is one of the causes of drug-resistant tuberculosis bacilli (secondary resistance). These germs can also mutate genetically and offer resistance on their own (primary resistance). Secondary resistance is a frequent and serious cause of mortality. Multidrug-resistant strains (MDR-TB) are more difficult to treat, require more medications and for longer periods and, in some cases, even surgery. Extensively drug-resistant strains

science

THE MOST AFFECTED

In Latin America, Peru and Guyana report the highest incidence rate (100 to 299 new cases per 100 000 inhabitants). In addition, it must be considered that for different reasons not all cases of active tuberculosis are reported; the detection of the disease only reaches about 60% of the patients reported. In general, the disease decreases in the world; the goal is that the epidemic be over by 2030 (WHO).

(XDR-TB) have few therapeutic options and a very poor prognosis. The WHO estimates that by 2015 around 480,000 people will develop multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in the world. Prevention is based on the isolation of the active patient and on early diagnosis and treatment. People who have had contact at home (three months prior to diagnosis, sharing the same environment on a daily basis) or close contact (sharing a closed space frequently for long periods, such as work, and for three months before diagnosis) with these patients must be treated with isoniazid for six months or longer, depending on the case

(chemoprophylaxis). Airborne isolation is important; the patient permanently covers the airway with a respiratory protection mask (FFP3) while in contact with other people, who must in turn be protected in the same way. Surgical masks (FFP1) prevent the person wearing it from transmitting infectious agents, but does not protect against the inhalation of bacteria. Source: Harrisonâ€™s Principles of Internal Medicine, the Washington Manual of Medical Therapeutics, the World Health Organization (WHO). (*) Internist, Master in Management and Public Policies

March 2017 / Impacto evangelistic

Foto: Roberto Guerrero MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 22 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia

Interview

GENDER IDEOLOGY T

he issue of gender ideology is controversial in many countries. Most raise their voice of protest against this initiative that violates the laws of God and nature. That is why WMM International Officer Rev. Margaro Figueroa envisions that this ideology will be rejected. International Officer Rev. Margaro Figueroa has traveled through many countries in his capacity as Christian missionary and has witnessed as many realities regarding the debate on gender ideology. In this interview, he talks about the topic, as well as the use of technology for evangelization and the growth of the Work in the world. How do you see the progress of the Work in the world? We have noticed a vertiginous growth over the last years. People call us from different countries to take the Work to where they are, but sometimes we ask ourselves: What can we do to reach so many places? People like to be talked to clearly, and when they are, when they notice that we are teaching the true Word, they welcome us and join the Worldwide Missionary Movement. What role have the media of the Work played in this progress? People listen to the programs and preaching, and immediately call us because they want to join the Worldwide Missionary Movement. As you know, Bethel began in Peru, but now all countries are connected, even the most remote ones. How did the Work reach those places? Through the media. This is also related to new communication technologies, such as social networks, is it not? What is the contribution of social networks to this growth process of the Work? They have helped us a lot. Networks are used for a good purpose, because, as we sometimes say, the product we sell is the Word of the Lord. When people listen to what we say through the networks, they come, they see, they are convinced and they feel happy and satisfied. Well, there are challenges every year. I was a business man, and I know we cannot stay still, we have to move forward. What are these challenges? Can you mention some of them? The Worldwide Missionary Movement has very strong challenges, such as competition, as some want to get there first without God’s direction...

What do you mean by “competition”? I mean than some people lighten the Word, lighten the message to achieve what we achieve. They try to say anything so as not to lose believers. They do not teach biblical and sound doctrine to try to keep up with us. Since this Work is guided by the Holy Spirit, we continue to move forward. Is this competition? When there is competition, someone sees you doing something and wants to do the same, but as it is nothing but imitation, they do not do it well. Our unique feature is the Word of God, and if we keep it and use technological means, we will reach many places. The history of the Work began in Puerto Rico. I am the fruit of that Work. I am 70 years old in the Gospel. At first, we were growing slowly, too slow because we had no technology. Now we use technology, but very in a sensitive way. Does technology contribute to the growth of the Work? Technology has always helped. As a parent, I weigh the contents. That is why I say that you have to know how to use it, so that those contents do not harm anyone. Let us use technology as we should, not to damage our minds, not to harm the next generation. Technology brings along all kinds of contents. If we use it to spread the Word, it will be a blessing. I believe that the words “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good” apply. There is an important challenge for the Work, for the Christian people, which is gender ideology. How can we deal with this offensive? This is a worldwide attack. Jesus Christ, through the Holy Spirit, already knew that this would come and so he gave us the antidote: the Words. The Bible says, “Woe to him who takes away and adds words to the Scripture! ...” “He who takes away or adds words ...” God created male and female. Gender ideology seeks to thwart God’s plans, to cast away what God says. As a result, a relationship without principles and without values would be created, and we grandparents would be contradicting what God established. We cannot allow a government without feelings or respect towards the family to apply those ideologies. Some people will not sell their values or principles. If these groups continue with this gender ideology, one day they will have to give account to God. In fact, it will not work, because people with morals and principles will not fall into that game of darkness. Gender ideology will not suceed.

March 2017 / Impacto evangelistic

SKETCHES OF JEWISH SOCIAL

LIFE IN THE DAYS OF CHRIST

ritten to describe the time and background in which Jesus Christ lived, the book by Alfred Edersheim provides relevant information for the worldwide evangelical community. Eighteen and a half centuries ago, and the land which now lies desolate—its bare, grey hills looking into ill-tilled or neglected valleys, its timber cut down, its olive-and vine-clad terraces crumbled into dust, its villages stricken with poverty and squalor, its thoroughfares insecure and deserted, its native population well-nigh gone, and with them its industry, wealth and strength—presented a scene of beauty, richness, and busy life almost unsurpassed in the then known world. The Rabbis never weary of its praises, whether their theme be the physical or the moral pre-eminence of Palestine. Written to describe the time and background in which Jesus Christ lived, “Sketches of Jewish Social Life in the Days of Christ” let us see clearly what was happening back in those days in Palestine, explore the thoughts of the Jewish community, and become familiar with their habits, teachings and beliefs. In addition, according to its author, Alfred Edersheim, a Jewish scholar converted to Christianity, it provides a better understanding of many New Testament expressions and references.

SPIRITUAL DEPTH If Galilee could boast of the beauty of its scenery and the fruitfulness of its soil; of being the mart of a busy life, and the highway of intercourse with the great world outside Palestine, Judaea would neither covet nor envy such advantages. Hers was quite another and a peculiar claim. Galilee might be the outer court, but Judaea was like the inner sanctuary of Israel. True, its landscapes were comparatively barren, its hills bare and rocky, its wilderness lonely; but around those grey limestone mountains gathered the sacred history—one might almost say, the romance and religion of Israel. Edersheim’s book, published in 1876, transports the reaMISSIONARY MOVEMENT 24 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia

literature

March 2017 / Impacto evangelistic

der to the Palestinian civil society in the time of the earthly passage of the Son of God. By means of a meticulous writing, it allows us to mingle with the men and women of that period and visualize them at home and with their families, to learn their habits and ways, and to follow them in their daily life. This book brings meaning, color and spiritual depth to the words of the Scripture. It may be safely asserted that the grand distinction, which divided all mankind into Jews and Gentiles, was not only religious, but also social. However near the cities of the heathen to those of Israel, however frequent and close the intercourse between the two parties, no one could have entered a Jewish town or village without feeling, so to speak, in quite another world. The aspect of the streets, the building and arrangement of the houses, the municipal and religious rule, the manners and customs of the people, their habits and ways—above all, the family life, stood in marked contrast to what would be seen elsewhere.

RELIGIOUS THOUGHT Structured in eighteen chapters, from the description of Palestine in the days of Christ to a brief outline of the ancient Jewish theological literature, “Sketches of Jewish Social Life in the Days of Christ” provides relevant information for the worldwide evangelical community. In that sense, Alfred Edersheim pointed out in his book that much remains to be done: to follow the progress of religious thought concerning the canon of Scripture, the Messiah, the law, sin and salvation. In order to accurately understand the position of woman in Israel, it is only necessary carefully to peruse the New Testament. The picture of social life there presented gives a full view of the place which she held in private and in public life. Here we do not find that separation, so common among Orientals at all times, but a woman mingles freely with others both at home and abroad. So far from suffering under social inferiority, she takes influential and often leading part in all movements, especially those of a religious character. Among Israel woman was pure, the home happy, and the family hallowed by a religion. Edersheim, a minister of the Lord born on March 7, 1825, devised his work with the main purpose of illustrating the history and teachings of the New Testament. In this regard, in the preface, the Christian writer says: “It embodies the results of

It may be safely asserted that the grand distinction, which divided all mankind into Jews and Gentiles, was not only religious, but also social. However near the cities of the heathen to those of Israel, however frequent and close the intercourse between the two parties, no one could have entered a Jewish town or village without feeling, so to speak, in quite another world.

MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 26 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia

many years’ study. Most earnestly then do I hope that these pages may be found to cast some additional light on the Scriptures, and that they will convey fresh evidence, and in a new direction, of the truth ‘of those things which are most surely believed among us’.” It would have been difficult to proceed far either in Galilee or in Judaea without coming into contact with an altogether peculiar and striking individuality, differing from all around, and which would at once arrest attention. This was the Pharisee. Courted or feared, shunned or flattered, reverently looked up to or laughed at, he was equally a power everywhere, both ecclesiastically and politically, as belonging to the most influential, the most zealous, and the most closely-connected religions fraternity, which in the pursuit of its objects spared neither time nor trouble, feared no danger, and shrunk from no consequences.

FRATERNITY TIMES Jews and gentiles in “the land”, Galilee in the time of our Lord, roads and inns of Palestine, Jewish homes, the upbringing of Jewish children, home education in Israel, elementary schools in Israel, mothers, daughters and wives in Israel, Jewish views on trade, tradesmen and trade’s guild, commerce, the “fraternity” of Pharisees, the relation of Pharisees to the Gospel of Christ, and synagogues are some of the main topics addressed by Edersheim. To realise the state of religious society at the time of our Lord, the fact that the Pharisees were a regular “order,” and that there were many such “fraternities,” in great measure the outcome of the original Pharisees, must always be kept in view. For the New Testament simply transports us among contemporary scenes and actors, taking the then existent state of things, so to speak, for granted. But the fact referred to explains many seemingly strange circumstances, and casts fresh light upon all. The Pharisees were avowedly a “Chabura”—that is, a fraternity or “guild.” Alfred Edersheim, who died on March 16, 1889, served the Lord since 1846 and gave his life for the expansion of Christianity. Virtuous preacher and author of several religious books, his greatest contribution to the worldwide evangelical community is, according to specialists in sacred literature, the publication of “Sketches of Jewish Social Life in the Days of Christ.” The book that points out that Jesus Christ, transformed into a man, was a character of his time who grew up in a religious home. On taking a retrospective view of Pharisaism, as we have described it, there is a saying of our Lord which at first sight seems almost unaccountable. Yet it is clear and emphatic. “All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do” (Matt 23:3). But if the early disciples were not to break at once and for ever with the Jewish community, such a direction was absolutely needful. For, though the Pharisees were only “an order,” Pharisaism, like modern Ultramontanism, had not only become the leading direction of theological thought, but its principles were solemnly proclaimed.

literature

In order to accurately understand the position of woman in Israel, it is only necessary carefully to peruse the New Testament. The picture of social life there presented gives a full view of the place which she held in private and in public life. Here we do not find that separation, so common among Orientals at all times, but a woman mingles freely with others both at home and abroad.

March 2017 / Impacto evangelistic

O FOR A THOUSAND TO SING

LENGUAS MIL T

his hymn was written by British reformer Charles Wesley in 1739. It stands out for its lyrical elegance and spiritual testimony. Written on May 21, 1739 by English reformer Charles Wesley to commemorate the first anniversary of his surrender to Jesus-Christ, the hymn “O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing” stands out for its lyrical elegance and spiritual testimony. Founder of the Methodist movement with his brother John, Charles was a prolific Christian composer who created this ode to praise and worship the Lord. Wesley, who was born on December 19, 1707 in England, wrote about six thousand gospel songs. His vast musical work, according to his biographers, was accomplished during his tours around the nation to preach the Word of God. Charles stood out in his time as a gifted poet capable of writing songs related to the Bible, the evangelical faith and the Creator. “O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing” has 18 verses and was first published in 1740 as part of a Christian hymn book. It is based on the words by missionary Peter Boehler, who once said that if he had a thousand tongues, he would praise the Lord with them all. This song radiates poetic richness and highlights the leading role of Christ. The lyrical testimony of Charles Wesley about his conversion stands out for its use of language. This servant of the Lord, who travelled through Great Britain spreading the good news, used the hyperbole in its composition to increase the emotional impact. He also made use of other poetic resources, such as oxymoron, which produces self-contradiction, and antithesis. “O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing” is still sung around the world and survives as an example of the lyrical skill of its author. In its current version, abridged to a lesser number of verses, the Word of God shines through clearly. Similarly, the poem shows the glory and triumphs of the love of God, as well as the liberating and restorative role of the Lord. In the US, Wesley’s hymn is usually sung with the musical arrangements by American composer Lowell Mason, MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 28 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia

music

O FOR A THOUSAND TONGUES TO SING 1 O for a thousand tongues to sing, My great Redeemer’s praise The glories of my God and King, The triumphs of His grace 2 My gracious Master and my God, Assist me to proclaim To spread through all the earth abroad, The honors of Thy Name 3 Jesus the Name that charms our fears, That bids our sorrows cease ’Tis music in the sinner’s ears, ’Tis life and health and peace 4 He breaks the power of canceled sin He sets the prisoner free His blood can make the foulest clean, His blood availed for me

while in Great Britain, it uses the music set by English Thomas Haweis. With more than 278 years of history, “O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing” still has a powerful international appeal and great impact. Charles Wesley, who died on March 29, 1788 in the city of London, is widely renowned in the gospel world. His intense sincerity and fervent compassion, his strength and intellectual wit, his incontestable culture and peerless spontaneity of his eloquence made him one of the most important British gospel poets. He left the hymn “O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing” as his legacy.

March 2017 / Impacto evangelistic

THE APOSTLE

OF NEW ZEALAND S

amuel Marsden lived among cannibals and savages with the sole purpose of preaching the Word of God. His work for the cause of the Lord is one of the most important in the history of Christianity. William Pakenham-Walsh

We have now to turn to the history of men who spent their lives amidst barbarians, and who won their noblest trophies among cannibals and savages. Foremost of the band stands Samuel Marsden, the “Apostle of New Zealand.” This sturdy Yorkshireman, whom no dangers could affright, and whom no difficulties could deter, like many of his fellow-heroes, was born of humble parents, at Horsforth, in the neighbourhood of Leeds, England, in 1764, and after having received an elementary education in his native village was transferred to the Grammar School of Hull. It is said that for a time he worked at the anvil, but that he evinced no ordinary literary promise seems certain from the fact that he was adopted by the “Eland Society,” which sought out young men of talent for the ministry, and by it was sent to complete his education at St. John's, Cambridge. Before, however, Marsden had taken his degree, and the offer of a colonial chaplaincy amongst the convicts of New South Wales was made to him; a post which as rough and arduous as it was noble and self-denying.

DISTANT BANISHMENT On 1 July 1793, the youthful chaplain was waiting at Hull, with his newly-wedded bride, for the sailing of the ship which was to carry them to their “distant banishment,” when just as he was entering the pulpit on Sunday morning, the signal-gun was fired, and he and his wife had to set out at once for the beach, accompanied by the whole congregation, to whom, instead of a sermon, he gave his parting benediction, and then set sail amidst their prayers and their farewells. It was a rough and in many respects an unpleasant charge that awaited Marsden at Paramatta. The colony was composed of the worst of felons and bush-rangers ... a vicious population who had been banished from their own land for every conceivable crime, and for whose reformation and instruction scarcely anything had been done. The work allotted to him was enough to appall the stoutest heart, but the heroic clergyman entered upon it with the faith of a man who believed in his mission. After his arrival in Sydney on 10 March 1794, the most important settlement of the first British colony in Australia, Marsden enMISSIONARY MOVEMENT 30 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia

dured various tribulations in his effort to spread Christianity. The missionary suffered an endless amount of personal mistreatments, countless attacks from local authorities, and many defamations from the Australian written media. Over and over again, Samuel had to appeal to the protection of the laws of his country, until he managed to overcome the opposition of his detractors and made

Hero of faith

them accept both his moral and spiritual suggestions.

FAITH YEARNING It was during a visit which he paid to England in 1807, for the purpose of laying his plans before the authorities, that he pleaded the cause of New Zealand with the Church Missionary Society, and

thus laid the foundation of one of the most remarkable missions of modern times. Fourteen years previously, when on his first voyage to New South Wales, he had read â€œThe Life of Brainerd,â€? and it had kindled in his bosom, as it has kindled in many others, a flame of missionary zeal. Whilst engaged in his projects for the colonists, he did not lose

March 2017 / Impacto evangelistic

sight of the despised Australian natives, and made frequent though abortive efforts for their good; but his attention was more particularly directed to the New Zealanders. They were feared and hated in New South Wales; but Marsden soon discovered them to be a noble type of savage, though constantly engaged in internecine wars. Marsden opened his hospitable doors to receive them, and soon gained a wondrous influence over them. One remarkable chieftain, Tippahee, with his four sons, visited the colony in 1806, and our hero found that the tattooed cannibal was a man of superior ability, anxious for the improvement of his people, and ready to adopt plans for the elevation of his race. Marsden sent him back to New Zealand laden with seeds and tools and useful gifts, and thus prepared the way for the nobler projects which occupied his thoughts. We can well imagine with what earnestness the vigorous and devoted man of God pleaded the cause of his protégés with the committee of the Church Missionary Society in London, and we know with what alacrity they responded to his appeal. No clergymen could at first be found to engage in the heroic enterprise; but two skilled mechanics were placed under Marsden's charge, to visit the islands, to establish friendly relations with the natives, and to use the arts of civilization as a means towards the promulgation of the Gospel.

After his arrival in Sydney on 10 March 1794, the most important settlement of the first British colony in Australia, Marsden endured various tribulations in his effort to spread Christianity. The missionary suffered an endless amount of personal mistreatments, countless attacks from local authorities, and many defamations from the Australian written media.

TURBULENT MISSION On Marsden's return voyage to Port Jackson, with his two associates, it so happened that a poor, sickly, emaciated New Zealander sailed with them in the same ship. Ruatara, like many of his countrymen, had been cruelly treated by English sailors, who, under delusive promises, had induced him to sail with them to England. The benevolent chaplain pitied the poor outcast stranger, and inquired into his history. Strange to say, he was nephew to Tippahee. The care and tenderness of his bluff but kindly friend soon re-established his health, and won him over to promise his valuable services in aid of Marsden's Christian enterprise. Upon their arrival at Paramatta, disastrous news awaited them. A large merchantman, the Boyd, having put into the harbour of Whangaroa, had been plundered by the natives, and all the passengers and crew had been murdered and devoured. Some whalers, hearing of the loss of the Boyd, determined to avenge it, and confounding the innocent with the guilty, came down upon Tippahee in his island home in the Bay of Islands, put him and his people to the sword, and burnt their village to ashes. The state of excitement was so great that Marsden wisely postMISSIONARY MOVEMENT 32 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia

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poned his missionary enterprise; and meantime Ruatara returned to his home, and began to enlighten his people by recounting what he had heard and seen. At length., the two mechanics visited New Zealand, and were joyfully received by Ruatara and his friends.

BOLD EVANGELIST On 19 November 1814, Marsden embarked with a motley crew of Christians and savages, Europeans and New Zealanders, women and artisans, together with a few horses, cattle, sheep, and poultry, and dropped his anchor in the Bay of Islands, close to the scenes of recent bloodshed and horror. The Whangaroans and the people of the Bay of Islands were still at war. Marsden saw at once that if he went at first to Ruatara's friends, it would be misinterpreted by the Whangaroans as an act of partiality; so he determined to show that he was the friend of both. Such was the first entrance of the Gospel into New Zealand, and such the heroic man who gained that entrance for it, no less by his kindness than by his courage. From that day onwards, throughout a quarter of a century, he made the mission his constant care. Seven times did this noble-hearted man cross over in his missio-

Such was the first entrance of the Gospel into New Zealand, and such the heroic man who gained that entrance for it, no less by his kindness than by his courage. From that day onwards, throughout a quarter of a century, he made the mission his constant care.

nary ship, and every time with blessing and advantage to the natives. At one time, it was to set the missionaries to work upon the language, and to compile vocabularies; at another it was to install fresh labourers and mechanics in some new settlement; at another it was to open schools and seminaries for the instruction of the people; at another it was to step in as mediator between hostile tribes, and to stay the fierce ravages of war; always it was to proclaim the Gospel of Christ, and to extend the Redeemer's kingdom. His seventh and last visit was a memorable one. He was now seventy-two years of age; he was bowed down with infirmity, and his sight was failing him; but he resolved once more to visit his beloved Maories. His advent was hailed with unutterable delight. Wherever the venerable patriarch appeared, he was greeted by the native Christians with tears of joy, while the heathen population welcomed him with firing of muskets, and the exhibition of their war-dance. On 12 May 1838, Samuel Marsden gave up the ghost. He was brave and vigorous to the last. And so â€œthe friend of the Maoriesâ€? and of the convicts died in the presence of all his brethren, having outlived the slander and opposition of all his enemies, and having successfully planted one of the grandest missions of this century.

March 2017 / Impacto evangelistic

“CHENCHO,” THE REFORMED POLICEMAN

uan Mosquera, a former Colombian policeman who served Pablo Escobar in Medellin, found in the Word of God a way out from a past full of crimes, blood and pain. He lives nowadays peacefully with his family. Johan Pérez Photo: Roberto Guerrero y Archivo familiar

Bellavista is one of the most crowded prisons in Medellin, Colombia, and home to 7000 prisoners who have lost their freedom as well as their human dignity. It is also the new home to Juan Mosquera for the next 39 years—not so different from the poor imitation of a family that he had when he became an orphan. Being a hired killer of Pablo Escobar and a former policeman become a thug and drug trafficker, Juan’s judicial records had every reason not to allow his release. Juan was born in 1967, in the department of Chocó, in the northwest of Colombia, and he knew but suffering and loneliness from his birth. His father, Pedro José abandoned him as he abandoned other 39 children he had with other women. At the age of 10, he lost his mother and remained under the care of his stepfather’s sister, who pitied him but also subjected him to a life full of harshness. Two years later, he started to grow bananas to provide for himself and one of his younger brothers. When he turned 14, Mosquera, known as “Chencho,” decided to study and moved to a nearby town, where an aunt welcomed him with affection. She revealed him that his father was living in the same jurisdiction and tried more than once to reunite father and child. The reunion happened thanks to one of his 39 brothers, whom he met by accident. Juan’s father asked for his forgiveness and welcomed him in his house. “Chencho” spent some time with his father and managed to study with his support. Nevertheless, one day when he was 17, he was mistreated by Pedro José because he went out to play soccer. Mosquera resolved to leave his father’s nest. Far from his father, he continued his studies and became an outstanding student. In those days, he dreamed of going to MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 34 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia

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university and studying Mathematics and Physics, and speaking English fluently. But his dreams shattered due to an unwanted pregnancy. He was in the 10th grade of high school when the girl he was dating became pregnant; he promised himself not to make the same mistakes as his father, so he assumed his responsibility gladly.

CRIMINAL POLICEMAN In 1988, with a baby girl of his own and full of dreams, he decided to move to Medellin, the capital city of the department of Antioquia, the most violent city in the world as a result of drug trafficker Pablo “The Boss” Escobar’s criminal activities. When he decided to enter the school of the National Police of Colombia, he met face to face with the insecurity of Medellin. As a countryside man used to a peaceful life, he realized that life was worth nothing to the hired killers of Escobar who had taken over the streets. He almost died more than once while performing his duty, but he kept on wearing the police uniform for many more years. Overwhelmed by the bloodsheds he had to witness, and after separating his child’s mother, he took up a course at the Carlos Holguín School and became a member of the marching band of the National Police of Colombia as bugle major, and so he worked far from violence. Nevertheless, after some peaceful time, a corrupted workmate convinced him to start working for “the Boss,” after which he got involved in robberies, extortions and murders.

In 1995, during and operation organized to break the criminal organization, Mosquera was captured by a former colleague who almost killed him. After his capture, he was sent to the Bellavista prison, charged with homicide, aggravated theft and illegal possession of weapons.

At the beginning of the 90’s, while serving evil, he met María Lilian Torres, his current wife, who fell in love with him and stoically put up with his wrong behavior. When he was involved in a case of extortion to a trader, Mosquera was expelled from the police and sentenced to spend 18 months in jail. After his release, and full of hatred towards the institution that he used to be part of, Juan became member of one of the most fearsome criminal gangs in the history of Medellin: “La Terraza.” This organization was made up of criminals and former militaries and policemen involved in drug trafficking. MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 36 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia

In 1998, after being sentenced in first instance to 39 years of prison, Mosquera asked for mercy. During the process, he defended himself and, based n the Colombian criminal code, he even managed to be acquitted on his worst crimes. Even though, justice sentenced him to 6 years in prison.

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Mosquera was now a thug who would commit all kinds of crimes for a monthly payment of 2 million Colombian pesos (about $ 3000); but as he got tired of getting only a handful of money, he left “La Terraza” in 1993 and sided with another 16 former policemen; they started a wave of thefts to banks, big companies and luxurious houses. In 1995, during and operation organized to break the criminal organization, Mosquera was captured by a former colleague who almost killed him. After his capture, he was sent to the Bellavista prison, charged with homicide, aggravated

theft and illegal possession of weapons.

ENCOUNTER WITH THE LORD He was used to have fun with working girls and drink milk with brandy, but he found a new world view in Bellavista: God’s Gospel. At the beginning, skeptic, he would mock the evangelical pastor, Óscar Osorio, who tried to teach him the Word. “Every fool is pleased with his own folly. You do yours and I will do me,” I would tell him. Little by little, the Christian faith entered his life. Juan did

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Treated as a crazy man by his neighbors and tempted to go back to his past activities by former accomplices, he never surrendered before adversity nor abandoned the Gospel. His faith in the Creator guided him to an evangelical church recommended by one of his grand-mothers, who converted at the age of 85.

not realize that, as he mocked the evangelical followers, JesusChrist was giving him love and dealing with his past experiences. Pastor Osorio had told him once, “I will see you one day among us.” Fearing the Lord, Juan Mosquera listened during a worship to the verse Romans 7: 7, which talks about sin, and his life changed ever since. A few days later, on November 25, 1995, he kneeled and resolved to devote his life to the Lord. He later sent a letter to his wife telling her, “I greet you in the name of the Lord, Jesus-Christ…” She could not believe her eyes. Juan was decided to change, and so he started to study the Bible day and night. He even asked his wife to look for God and find a church to worship Him. He was so into Christianity that he became a preacher of the good news in MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 38 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia

the Bellavista prison. Due to his many crimes, he had to attend many trials. He was also transferred to two of the most dangerous prisons in Colombia: San Bernardo, in Armenia, and Villahermosa, in Cali. In 1998, after being sentenced in first instance to 39 years of prison, Mosquera asked for mercy. During the process, he defended himself and, based n the Colombian criminal code, he even managed to be acquitted on his worst crimes. Even though, justice sentenced him to 6 years in prison.

SERVANT OF THE LORD In 2001, after surviving the earthquake that shook Armenia on January 25, 1999, he was freed and fought to erase the stig-

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ma of being a policeman gone bad. As he needed to work in order to provide for his four daughters and his wife, he had no choice but to sell lemons on the streets to make a living. Treated as a crazy man by his neighbors and tempted to go back to his past activities by former accomplices, he never surrendered before adversity nor abandoned the Gospel. His faith in the Creator guided him to an evangelical church recommended by one of his grand-mothers, who converted at the age of 85. Nowadays, Juan Mosquera Mosquera serves Jesus-Christ. His biggest goal is to spread the good news among those who do not know the Gospel. That dissipated life that led him to evil and buried him in prison belongs now to his past. His testimony, full of faith, shows that the Lord can do anything.

March 2017 / Impacto evangelistic

THE DIVINITY OF

JESUS CHRIST “When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, but whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 16:13-17. Rev. Luis M. Ortiz

This biblical passage shows that, in the village, there were different opinions about the person and identity of Christ, but they were all wrong and even malicious, like that of the Pharisees, who accused him of seditiousness to political authorities, and blasphemy to religious authorities. The only right answer came from the lips of the apostle Peter, as given to him by divine revelation.

EQUAL WITH GOD In his intercessory prayer to the Father, He said, “And all mine are thine, and thine are mine” (John 17:10). To redeem us, “... being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God. But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name. That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:6-11). Man killed Christ, because he made himself equal to God (John 5:18). But God brought him back from the dead, this vindicating Him as His Son (Romans 1: 4). “And set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come, and hath put all things under his feet” (Ephesians 1:20-22). Together with the Father and the Holy Spirit they form the Holy Trinity, whose biblical evidence is overwhelming. Christ’s equality with the Father is evidence of his divinity. HIS BIRTH AND LIFE The prophecies and miraculous details about the birth of Christ— around two hundred and seventy—would have been humanly impossible to fulfill if he was not the Son of the Most High God. These hundreds of prophecies and details that were fulfilled upon his birth were confirmed by the thousands of miracles and wonders performed by MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 40 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia

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Christ throughout his life and ministry that proved his divinity. For example, his victory over Satan’s temptation in the desert; John the Baptist’s introduction of him as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world; the audible testimony of the Father from heaven; his impeccable life; his love and patience perfectly counterweighed with his outrage caused by hypocrisy; his teachings, his doctrine, his wisdom, his certainty, his authority. There was no sickness of the body, mind or spirit that He could not heal; he cast out demons, and even them recognized that they were before the Son of God. He calmed the storm, multiplied the loaves, raised the dead. He knew perfectly well that he would be betrayed, arrested, tried, denied, condemned, mistreated, crucified and killed, but also that he would rise above sin, evil and death. For forty days he appeared to his disciples, and then ascended into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. With his flawless and victorious life, full

The determination of over two hundred million evangelical Christians willing to die as martyrs during imperial persecutions and religious inquisitions was equal to that of the early Christians who refused to acknowledge Caesar’s divinity and proclaimed Jesus Christ’s divinity. They could not accept a mediator who was not Christ. of supernatural deeds, he left more than enough evidence of being the Son of God.

THE EFFICACY OF HIS SACRIFICE “... as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned” (Romans 5:12), and “for all have sinned... come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Therefore, “none of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him” (Psalm 49:7). Then, to redeem man, a holy, faultless, divine person was needed, so that he might give his life and his blood as ransom for the sinful man (Romans 3:10, 23). And that person is our beloved Savior Jesus Christ, who, as set by the purpose of God, “was slain from the foundation of the world” (Revelation 13:8). It is because of the preciousness of his innocent, pure, immaculate, divine, incorruptible, eternal blood, presented as an offering for the sin of man, that He makes forever perfect those who believe in his name and accept his sacrifice, so God will never remember their sins (Hebrews 10: 14-17). The efficacy of Christ’s sacrifice proclaims his divinity. THE TRIUMPH OF THE CHURCH The determination of over two hundred million evangelical Christians willing to die as martyrs during imperial persecutions and religious inquisitions was equal to that of the early Christians who refused to acknowledge Caesar’s divinity and proclaimed Jesus Christ’s divinity. They could not accept a mediator who was not Christ, for the Bible says, “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5). All this is possible because Jesus Christ is the Lord, and all this proclaims the divinity of Jesus Christ.

March 2017 / Impacto evangelistic

JOCHEBED,

A MOTHER FOR THE CRISIS “And there went a man of the house of Levi, and took to wife a daughter of Levi. And the woman conceived, and bare a son: and when she saw him that he was a goodly child, she hid him three months. And when she could not longer hide him, she took for him an ark of bulrushes…and she laid it in the flags by the river's brink...” Exodus 2:1-10. Rev. Alberto Ortega

Moses, one of the most outstanding Jewish leaders, was born from parents who loved and obeyed God wholeheartedly. When Satan, through Pharaoh, king of Egypt, commanded the death of Jewish children (Exodus 1:22), some parents chose not to give in to the royal edict (Exodus 2: 1-2). This courageous decision saved the life of Moses, who came to fulfill one of the most extraordinary ministries. Moses defeated the power of Egypt, but how did all of this happen? Because of Jochebed’s surrender!

SURRENDER TO FAITH “By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment” (Hebrews 11:23). God gave them faith and, although the edict from Pharaoh required them to give up their son to death, they decided to hide him. They defied the intimidation, when many others let them take their children away. Although they were in danger of death, they put their baby in the hands of the living God. God takes care of our children and our family. We must not leave our children in the hands of Satan. Faith in God overcomes the world and its powers (1 John 5: 5). SURRENDER OF FEELINGS Jochebed had to surrender his motherly feelings to the Lord's feet. The Scripture says, “And when she could not longer hide him…” (Exodus 2:3). The time came when she could do no more for this child; her feelings would tear her mother’s heart every day, but she knew that there was something to be done, that what she felt could not save her son. Feelings cannot solve conflicts or sort out difficulties. Can a mother have a child and not name them even after three months? The name Moses, “saved from the water,” was not given to him by Jochebed, but by Pharaoh’s daughter. How terrible this must be for a mother. How did she manage to bear it? By surrendering her feelings to the hands of the Lord, letting God decide for her. MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 42 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia

SURRENDER TO THE WATERS “She took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and with pitch, and put the child therein; and she laid it in the flags by the river's brink” (Exodus 2:3). Jochebed made sure that the thing she put his child on was suitable, resistant to the waters of the Nile. Our children have to face impetuous waters at school, university, work; they are surrounded by a decadent and aggressive environment against any moral concept. Are we using what is suitable for this impetuous and polluted river? Jochebed was careful to choose the right bulrushes and apply the right amount of pitch and slime for the ark; she did not want the waters to seep into her son’s bed and made him drown. She surrendered to the Nile a child condemned to death by the King’s decree, but by faith she put him into the hands of God, so that He would guide the ark. The river was riddled with hungry crocodiles, but God would not let those beasts attack the tiny boat. The mighty hand of God was carrying the child to Pharaoh’s daughter. What better place than the house of Pharaoh, who had condemned Moses? There was no safer place in Egypt. Moses went from being under the threat of death to being under royal protection. Who would dare to kill the protege of Pharaoh in the palace of the king? God touched the heart of Pharaoh’s daughter, and so she gave the child back to his mother without even knowing it (Exodus 2: 7-9). Miriam, Moses’ sister, returned home and gave Jochebed the news that she must go to the palace to pick up Moses and raise him. In addition to the blessing of seeing her son grow, she received a payment from the Egyptian government fund to do it. “And the child grew, and she brought him unto Pharaoh's daughter, and he became her son. And she called his name Moses: and she said, Because I drew him out of the water” (Exodus 2:10). Jochebed held the child in her arms for a few more years; however, when the time came, she had to surrender him a second time. This is another beautiful key: she had to renew the surrender when the child grew up. Jochebed had to sacrifice her motherly love again so that the purposes of God were fulfilled with his son and the nation of Israel. The choice was hard, but, what was better, a living child in other hands or a dead child in hers? It is in the process of surrender and suffering that great liberations happen; an entire enslaved people was being set free through a mother who knew how to renew her surrender. Jochebed surrendered a condemned child to the river, an instrument chosen by God, and He gave Israel a liberator. How great are the

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things produced by the surrender to God! Moses never denied the name he received from the daughter of Pharaoh, but fully identified with it; he was fully committed to the purposes of God because his mother knew how to prevail in the crisis. We may not have had the best life, but we must not live bitter, resentful, frustrated, but open to the use that our God wants to give us. He can still do something with us and our children.

March 2017 / Impacto evangelistic

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).

LIVE THE CHANGE, FIND YOUR SAFETY IN

JESUS

he WMM in Bolivia held its 18th National Convention among praises, marches and impressive testimonies.

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Foto: Marcos Nina

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March 2017 / Impacto evangelistic

The city of Cochabamba, the third most important financially in Bolivia, welcomed, from January 26 to January 29, the members of the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Bolivia who attended the 18th National Convention. Under the motto “Live the Change, Find Your Safety in Jesus,” the event was held in two shifts MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 46 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia

in the facilities of the Coliseo Universitario Mayor de San Simón. With the attendance of the main international and local leaders of the WMM, the 18th National Convention of the Work of God in Bolivia started with a day full of spirituality, prayers and praises to the Lord. At the opening, Rev. Gustavo

Martínez, International President of the Worldwide Missionary Movement, preached the Gospel and urged the Bolivian people to follow the path of responsibility. On the second day, there was prayer and tears among the attendees. There were also testimonies by the faithful, workers and leaders of the Worldwide

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Missionary Movement. In addition, at an evangelization march, the people of God, led by the main ministers of Jesus Christ, proclaimed the Gospel of the Lord in the streets of Cochabamba. On the third day of activities, Rev. José Soto, International Vice President of the WMM, shared the good news through

a message that touched the hearts of many people. In his speech, Pastor Soto claimed that, “through the Word we receive sanctification, purification and restoration of our lives.” At the closing service of the 18th National Convention, the promotion of workers was held; 13 Lay Preachers, 5 Licen-

sed Preachers and 2 Ordained Ministers were promoted. Likewise, Rev. Gustavo Martínez, International President of the Work of God, acknowledged the work done by Rev. Ciro Soto, National Supervisor of the WMM of Bolivia between 2002 and 2016, and he appointed Rev. Mario Lima Vacaflor as his replacement.

March 2017 / Impacto evangelistic

LET US ALL MAKE

he WMM in Argentina held its 16th National Convention in the city of Rosario, with delegations from Paraguay, Chile and Uruguay. MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 48 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia

AN EFFORT The 16th National Convention of the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Argentina was held from February 9 to February 12 in the Atlético Newell’s Old Boy club stadium of Rosario. It gathered the followers of the Lord from

this part of South America in the capital of the province of Santa Fe. The convention was attended by Rev. Gustavo Martínez, International President of the Work of God; Rev. José Soto, International Vice President of

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Foto: Ricardo Benites

the WMM; Rev. Gerardo Martínez, National Supervisor of the WMM in Chile and Missionary Supervisor in South America; Rev. Luis Rivera, National Supervisor of the WMM in Paraguay, and delegations from Paraguay, Chile and Uruguay. At the opening service, Rev. Gustavo Martínez preached the Word of God through a message called “The Responsibility of the Decision.” Based on Matthew 27: 11-22, the Internatio-

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nal President of the WMM stated that, “responsibility is a value related to taking on the consequences that our decisions may have for our lives and those around or related to us.” In addition, Pastor Martínez said that, “to men of all times, ever since Adam, God gave responsibilities; He told them what they had to do, what they had to keep, what they had to abide by and what they did not have to do. As we all know, man has made poor decisions from the beginning and has paid the consequences. God has given all men responsibilities.” At the beginning of the second day, Rev. Luis Rivera, leader of the WMM in Paraguay, shared the good news of the Almighty. His message was “No Responsibility, No fire,” based on Daniel 1: 8. At

the evening service, Rev. José Soto, Vice President of the Work of God, preached the Word through a message titled “We Can Pray To Be Blessed,” based on 1 Chronicles 4: 9-10. At the morning service on the third day, Rev. Fabio Mosquera, pastor in Uruguay, presented the topic “The Responsibility of Being Called Kings and Priests,” inspired by Revelation 1: 6. Later, at night, Rev. Gerardo Martínez evangelized through a preaching called “The Destructive Effects of Hidden Sin.” On the last day, missionary worship was held with the participation of Rev. Soto, who presented the message of God entitled “Calling of a New Generation.” The promotion of workers was carried out as well; some brothers were recognized and promoted to the following rank.

March 2017 / Impacto evangelistic

Foto: Yessica Quechuyante

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SUFFER LITTLE CHILDREN TO

COME UNTO ME

he WMM in Chile held an evangelization campaign for children in the region of Los Ríos. A day full of sound doctrine. The Worldwide Missionary Movement of Chile held, on February 4, an evangelization campaign for children in the commune of Panguipulli, located in the province of Valdivia. The event took place under the motto: “Suffer Litt-

le Children, and Forbid Them Not, to Come unto Me.” At the campaign, several dynamics were carried out, including games and preaching of the Word of God. The children of this commune, which is part of the region of Los Rios, were Christianized and received the sound doctrine taught by the Work of God around the world. Thanks to the enthusiasm of Brother Francisco Saavedra and his wife, Sister Jane Flores, the children from Panguipu-

lli took part in an activity whose purpose was to make them aware of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the work carried out by the Worldwide Missionary Movement for the expansion of the Word. At the end of the evangelization aimed at the children from Panguipulli, the organizers thanked the support offered by members of the WMM in Chile and highlighted their commitment to the Lord. In addition, they promised to preach the Word of God again in the future to the little ones of the commune.

March 2017 / Impacto evangelistic

FAMILY, IT’S YOUR TIME NOW G

enoa hosted a Family Fellowship organized by the WMM in Italy. Many lives were saved. The Worldwide Missionary Movement in Italy, one of the most active branches of the Work of God, held a Family Fellowship in the main temple of MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 54 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia

the city of Genoa from January 20 to January 29. The church, located in Corso Ferdinando Maria Perrone 20, 16152, gathered a large number of Christian families who enjoyed this glorious event. Rev. David Echalar, National Supervisor of the WMM in Italy, shared the good news of the Lord and preaching of the Family Fellowship. Likewise, his wife, Sister Janeth Ibarra, also evangelized the people of God who gathered in Genoa.

At the Family Fellowship, organized by the WMM in Italy, many testimonies were shared to show the love and peace offered by Christ for all who trust in His Word. In addition, many lives were saved. The Gospel preached in the spiritual celebration allowed the conversion of several people living far from Jesus. The growth of the Work of God in Genoa was thus confirmed.

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Foto: Noemi Pacheco y Antony Paredes

March 2017 / Impacto evangelistic

LEADERSHIP MEANS ASSUMING

RESPONSIBILITY

he WMM in Puerto Rico held its Retreat of Leaders with a significant attendance. In an atmosphere of prayer and faith, the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Puerto Rico held its Retreat of Leaders on January 28 with the presence of its ministers in the city of San Juan. The activity was attended by Rev. Rubén Concepción, International Secretary of the Work of God, who encouraged the followers of Jesus Christ to continue working for Christianity and for the spread of the Word of the Lord. At the Retreat, the leaders of the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Puerto Rico were introduced: Brother José Villegas, leader of men; Sister Elizabeth Peña, leader of women; Sister María Alicea, leader of children; and Rev. Juan Casiano, leader of missions. The Word was taught by the National Supervisor of the WMM in Puerto Rico, Rev. Albert Rivera, who presented the theme “Leaders Who Assume Responsibility,” based on Ezra 10: 1-5. In his speech, Rev. Rivera affirmed that we must take responsibility through prayer.

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events

Foto: Grabaciones Impacto

March 2017 / Impacto evangelistic

RESPONSIBLE YOUTH WHO FLEES

FROM SIN

he Worldwide Missionary Movement in the Netherlands held its National Youth Fellowship in Amsterdam. The city of Amsterdam, capital of the Netherlands, hosted the National Youth Fellowship of the Worldwide Missionary Movement on January 27 and January 28. The event gathered many young people from the Work of God, who praised the Lord for two days. Brother Marcelo Echalar, from the Church of the WMM in Genoa, Italy, shared the Gospel of Christ through the message “Who am I?” Based on MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 58 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia

events Foto: Jackelyn Cuellar

the Holy Scriptures, Brother Echalar emphasized that God always thinks about all His children and how to protect them from evil. The Bolivian worker also talked about those who trusted

God and left everything to follow him and see the wonders that he has for everyone. The National Youth Fellowship of the Worldwide Missionary Move-

ment in the Netherlands allowed many young residents in Amsterdam to convert to Christianity and leave evil behind. God was present in the event and showed His infinite power.

March 2017 / Impacto evangelistic

SEVILLE

CELEBRATED ITS 14TH ANNIVERSARY

he event gathered the main leaders of the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Spain. One of the messages was to defend the territory. Backed by a permanent work for the Gospel, the Church of the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Seville celebrated its 14th anniversary on January 21. Rev. Wilfredo Alvarado and Sister Luisa Santiago organized an event to gather the main leaders of the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Spain. The city of Seville, located in the autonomous community of Andalu-

MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 60 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia

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Foto: Mary Zelada

sia, was visited by Rev. Carlos Medina, National Supervisor of the WMM in Spain and of Block A of Europe; his wife, Sister Marbelis Moya de Medina; and Rev. Ovidio Romero, Presbyter of Zone Sout of the WMM in Spain. The event was also attended by pastors and collaborators of the Work of God in the country. Rev. Medina shared the Word of the Lord. The servant delivered the message â€œRecover and Defend your Territory with Responsibilityâ€? and stressed that the WMM in Seville is an active branch of the WMM in Spain. Based on 1 Samuel 7: 12-14, the pastor claimed as well that the hand of God supports the Worldwide Missionary Movement.

March 2017 / Impacto evangelistic

PARAGUAY

HELD A NATIONAL CONVENTION

he Work of God in Paraguay gathered in the city of Itauguá. The power of Christ is present in South America. From February 3 to February 5, the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Paraguay held its National Convention in the city of Itauguá, located 30 kilometers from the capital, Asunción. A large group of followers of Jesus Christ came together to praise him. The National Convention of the WMM in Paraguay was attended by Rev. Rodolfo González, Treasurer of the WMM Board of Officers; Rev. Luis MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 62 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia

Meza Bocanegra, International Director of the WMM; Rev. Gerardo Martínez, National Supervisor of the WMM in Chile and Missionary Supervisor of South America; and Rev. Teófilo Estrada Maíz, Treasurer National Board of the WMM in Peru. During the convention, a march took place, and the members of the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Paraguay went to the streets of Itauguá to proclaim the Gospel of the Lord. The spiritual celebration held in Paraguay was also attended by indigenous tribes who showed their respect and love to God. The power of Christ was present, and so a great number of people converted to Christianity.

events

Foto: Vanessa Duarte

March 2017 / Impacto evangelistic

LIVING IN UPRIGHTNESS IN A WORLD OF ILLUSION

he WMM in Brazil held its 7th National Youth Convention. Days of reflection for the new blood. From December 16 to December 18, 2016, the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Brazil held its 7th National MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 64 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia

Youth Convention under the motto “Living in Uprightness in a World of Illusion.” It was a spiritual event based on Daniel 1: 8, in which the Word of God was shared with the Brazilian believers. The 7th National Youth Convention of the WMM in Brazil was attended by Rev. Marcos Rau, National Officer of the Work of God in Peru, who arrived

in Brazil for the second time since 2016. During the three days of the event, Pastor Rau shared the message of the Lord to the Brazilian youth. Supported by the Creator, the minister of God invited the young attendees to reflection through the stories of some young people described in the Bible, such as Daniel, David and Timothy.

Other Events

ENGLAND Worship in London

From February 3 to February 5, the Worldwide Missionary Movement in England held a united worship in the city of London, which was supported by the churches of Sweden and Denmark. On the first day, the Word of God was shared by Morten Christensen, pastor in the Danish town of Slagelse, who arrived in England with his family and a group of brothers from the WMM in Denmark. On the second day, Rev. Carlos Contreras, Presbyter of the Scandinavian Zone, shared the good news of Jesus Christ. Following Pastor Contreras’ preaching, a group of participants surrendered to the Lord. By the end of the united worship, the children of the WMM in England held a special activity. In addition, the group of ladies of the organizing church presented a missionary drama to show the reality of missionaries around the world. Later, Pastor Angela de Gala shared her testimony. Rev. Carlos Contreras evangelized the believers who came to the capital of the United Kingdom from various parts of Europe

INDIA Meeting of Leaders

On December 14, 2016, the Worldwide Missionary Movement in India held a meeting of pastors from all the churches of the WMM in the city of Panagudi, in the state of Tamil Nadu. Pastors from the Work of God in India gathered to seek the face of the Lord. The activity was led by Rev. Sam Jacob, National Supervisor of the WMM in India, who preached the Word. After the event of faith, the attendees were strengthened and renewed by the ministration of the Holy Spirit. It was a special treat of God so that ministers can continue to Christianize this nation that needs the Gospel of Christ.

events

MEXICO Retreat of pastors

The Church of Santa Inés Tecuexcomac, in the state of Tlaxcala, hosted a retreat of pastors from the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Mexico from January 6 to January 8. The event was attended by Rev. Francisco Mejía, Presbyter of Zone 1, and local pastors from the Work of God in Mexico. At night, worships took place to preach the Word of God. On January 6, Pastor Bonifacio Bautista shared the good news through the message “Spiritual Armor,” based on Ephesians 6. The following day, Pastor Sergio López presented the theme “Repentance,” based on Matthew 4: 16-17. On the last day, January 8, Pastor Joel Salas delivered a message entitled “The Word of God came to me,” based on Jonah 1: 1-3. The event by the WMM in Mexico ended with a baptism ceremony, in which three brothers surrendered to the Lord and promised to preach the Gospel.

URUGUAY Fellowship in Paysandú

On December 10 and December 11, 2016, the Worldwide Missionary Movement held a fellowship in the northern city of Paysandú, which belongs to Zone 3 of the WMM in Uruguay. The fellowship was attended by delegations from the departments of Montevideo, Artigas and San José. During the event, a march was held in the streets to preach the Gospel of Christ and invite the inhabitants of Paysandú to participate. The activity was led by Rev. Daniel Lapaz, who is in charge of Zone 3. The Word was shared by pastors Fabio Mosquera, missionary in the city of Bella Unión, and Freddy Pérez, from the church in the department of San José.

March 2017 / Impacto evangelistic

LETTERS TO US... cartas@impactoevangelistico.net RUBÉN BASTIDAS God bless you, brothers of Impacto Evangelistic. Go ahead and may the Lord continue to guide you in the publication of the magazine. Ever since the first time I read it, I loved it and I’ll continue buying it to see the wonders that God works in so many lives. With Christ, we are more than conquerors. From La Villegas, Ecuador.

blessing to my life. From Santiago, Chile.

JOHANNA GUILLÉN

MANUEL ORTIZ God bless you. I receive the Impacto Evangelistic magazine, and every issue comes full of blessings and interesting topics. In some previous number, the cover note helped me see more precisely what my Lord and King went through. Jesus gave his life for humanity. Love like that only God can give. Thank you for the magazine and for the ministry it represents. From Bayamón, Puerto Rico.

FRANCISCO AGUIRRE God bless you very much for this hard work. The Impacto Evangelistic magazine is a great blessing, not only for the children of God, but also the unconverted. I’m glad to know that through this magazine many lives have been and will be saved. From Lima, Peru.

CLAUDIA MARTÍNEZ Blessings. Every time I read the magazine it is a great

Greetings from the Windy City in the US. May the Lord bless you and keep you in His peace that goes beyond all understanding. I’m a 25-year-old missionary. I’d like to know more about your magazine and your working method. In my spare time, I write articles to edify young people, so I’d like to share them with you. From Chicago, USA.

GLORIA HERMOSILLO May our Lord Jesus Christ continue blessing you. I receive the Impacto Evangelistic magazine each month and it has been a great blessing. I have learned a lot through the teachings in it. I thank God and the ministry of the WMM for taking the time to send me such a blessed magazine. From Georgia, USA.

JOSÉ LÓPEZ God bless you greatly. I am Pastor José López and I belong to the Hermanos Unidos en Cristo council. Recently, our president Justino Collazo distributed at a worker meeting a very interesting magazine, Impacto Evangelistic. The magazine has been a great edification to my life. Thank you so much. From Toa Baja, Puerto Rico.

You can download the free QR code reader from these platforms:

GLOBAL AGENDA 2017 JANUARY 2-5 National in Puerto Rico 9-16 National Convention in Colombia 26-29 National Convention in Bolivia (Cochabamba) FEBRUARY 3-5 Convention in Paraguay (Asunción) 9-12 Convention in Argentina (Rosario) 25-28 Convention in Panama MARCH 2-5 Convention in Honduras (San Pedro de Sula) 9-12 Convention in Australia (Sidney) APRIL 13-16 Convention in Guatemala (Guatemala City) 13-16 Convention in the Guianas, Trinidad and Martinique (Surinam) MAY 4-7 Convention in Japan (Hamamatsu, Shizuoka) 17-20 Convention in India 26-28 Convention in Holland JUNE 21-24 Convention in Brazil (Manaos) JULY 4-8 11-14 13-16 16-18 27-30

Central American Convention in Costa Rica (San José) Convention in the United States (Woodbridge, Virginia) Convention in Netherlands Antilles (Curaçao) National Fellowship in Canada Convention in Mexico (Puebla)

AUGUST 3-6 Convention in Spain & Block A, Europe (Madrid) 8-11 Convention in Venezuela (Barquisimeto) 10-13 Convention in Italy (Milano) 16-19 Convention in Africa ( Equatorial Guinea) 24-27 Convention in Haiti (Port-au-Prince) 24-27 Convention in Ecuador (Guayaquil) 24-27 Convention in Belize SEPTEMBER 17-19 Convention in Peru (Lima) Saturday 30 Mission World Day OCTOBER 20-22 Fellowship in Madagascar 26-28 Convention in Dominican Republic 26-29 Convention in Chile (Santiago) 27-29 Convention in Mauritius NOVEMBER 9-12 Convention in El Salvador 16-19 Convention in Uruguay (Montevideo) 23-26 Convention in Nicaragua DECEMBER

n Past events n Future events

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MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 66 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia

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: Yomi Solórzano. Community manager: Juan Becerra, Denisse Barrientos. Distribution: Javier Arotinco.

March 2017 / Impacto evangelistic

Jesus says: If two of you agree as touching anything that they will ask, it will be done for them by my Father. Matthew 18:19

Monday to Friday 12AM

Bethel Television, the Worldwide Missionary Movement channel, broadcasts the Word of God’s message through cultural and educational programs from Lima - Peru to the world by 7 satellites and the Internet.

MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 68 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia

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Published on Mar 1, 2017

Magazine Evangelistic Impact Edition March 2017 English language

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