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THE MAGAZINE THAT EDIFIES YOUR LIFE

July 2018 / Edition 774

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OFFICIAL PUBLICATION

WORLDWIDE MISSIONARY MOVEMENT

LITERATURE

Twelve extraordinary women LIFE STORY

Faith defeated cancer DEVOTIONAL

Are you a giant killer or a grasshopper?

What does God say about sex?

SEXUALITY AND

THE BIBLE

National Convention

From 9 to 12 August Marriott Auditorium Hotel Av. de Aragón 400

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editorial

THE SOURCE

OF OUR POWER Rev. José Arturo Soto B. International President of the MMM

“This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.” Zechariah 4:6.

round the days God raised up the

power and the reason why God had freed them

prophet Zechariah, the people of

from captivity.

Israel were somewhat confused and

The source of the Church’s power is still the

had adopted a posture of ambiguity in the spiri-

presence of the Holy Spirit; without it, the ser-

tual sphere. Therefore, this prophet’s message

vice to God turns into a mechanical and mean-

to that people was based on a call to renew and

ingless action. We must bear in mind that the

establish a deeper relationship with God as well

Holy Spirit always instills the desire for meet-

as the need to answer His demands once and

ing God through prayer.

for all.

The prophet Zechariah had a vision in which

In the first place, the divine order to rebuild

Joshua was wearing filthy garments and Satan

the temple has many symbolic interpretations.

was standing at his right hand accusing him be-

It is the need to rebuild the abandoned spiritual

fore the angel of the Lord. Joshua’s battle was not

life. How could there be spiritual life, sacrific-

physical or earthly but spiritual; Joshua himself

es and worships without an altar? How could

did not understand what was happening. How-

there be priesthood without a holy place? How

ever, in that part of the vision, the angel of the

could people satisfy their spiritual, physical,

Lord looked at Satan and reprimanded him;

emotional and material needs without a proper

then, he ordered to give Joshua clean garments

place to get closer to God? In the second place,

(Zechariah 3:1-5). Joshua, the high priest, did

the reconstruction of the temple represents the

not stay motionless any longer as the devil had

thirst and hunger of God’s people and their ef-

been discovered and vanquished.

forts to reach those who do not know God and lead them to the temple. God’s people had forgotten the source of the

On the cross of Calvary, Jesus exposed the Devil publicly and put him under His feet. Victory is also ours and the Devil is under our feet. Amen.

July 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

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evangelistic Founder Director: Rev. Luis M. Ortiz JULY 2018 / EDITION N° 774 (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

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BOARD OFFICERS OF WMM INC. Rev. José Soto President Rev. Humberto Henao Vice president Rev. Rubén Concepción Secretary Rev. Gustavo Martínez Treasurer Rev. Álvaro Garavito Director Rev. Rómulo Vergara Director Rev. Luis Meza Director Rev. Clemente Vergara Director Rev. Carlos Guerra 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

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• 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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28 / HERO OF FAITH. Doctor of the Soul DEVOTIONALS 40 / YOU HAVE A NAME THAT YOU LIVE, BUT YOU ARE DEAD Rev. Luis M. Ortiz 42 / ARE YOU A GIANT KILLER OR A GRASSHOPPER? Rev. Jose A. Soto

What Does God Think About Sex?

What to Do During a Crisis

Life story

24 / LITERATURE. Twelve Extraordinary Women

Analysis

18 / INTERNATIONAL. Victory against Gender Ideology

Cover

16 / WELL-BEING. Gallstones

Fight for the Family

Faith Defeated Cancer

34 20

44 / WHERE ARE THOSE WHO DEFEND THE WORK OF GOD? Rev. Álvaro Garavito 48 / EVENTS.

14 / Infography.

64 / OTHER EVENTS.

July 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

The Bible contains a very noble opinion of human sexuality. God made sex to be performed by a man and a woman in the context of an everlasting love relationship. Human sexuality is not, as many secular models claim, simply an instinctive, physical, reproductive impulse.

David Jeremiah (*)

The Song of Solomon, a book of the Old Testament, contains a very noble concept of human sexuality. This book relates how Solomon meets the Shulamite, courts her, dates her, and asks her to marry him, bringing her to Jerusalem for the wedding. In chapter 4, the wedding had already happened and the honeymoon had started. In chapter 4, verses 1 to 7, and chapter 5, verse 1, there is a series of principles displayed by this couple. In chapter 4, verses 1 to 7, Solomon states: “Behold, thou art fair, my love; behold, thou art fair” (v. 1); “Thou art all fair, my love; there is no spot in thee” (v. 7). He tells the Shulamite three times how beautiful she is. His words in Hebrew are, “You are exquisitely beautiful.” In verse 7, Solomon tells her that there is no spot in her, that she is perfect. Verses 1 to 6 also show a continuation of Solomon’s song where he praises eight different parts of his wife’s body. 1) Eyes. “Thou hast doves’ eyes within thy locks” (v. 1). The word “locks” can also be translated as “veil,” a reference to the soft, sparkling energy that he saw in her eyes. In ancient Hebrew weddings, the bride used to wear a veil. 2) Hair. “Thy hair is as a flock of MOVIMIENTOMISSIONARY MISIONERO MOVEMENT MUNDIAL 6 WORLDWIDE América • Europe America Europa • Oceanía • África • Asia

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WHAT DOES GOD THINK ABOUT

SEX?

Abril July2018 2018/ /Impacto ImpactoevangelĂstico evangelistic

goats that appear from mount Gilead” (v. 1). When he mentions Gilead, he refers to a region that is more than a thousand meters above sea level and presents a stunning landscape of the Sea of Galilee. On the slopes that reach the Sea of Galilee were hundreds of goats with long MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 8 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia

wavy black hair, and Solomon tells the Shulamite that she has a beautiful black hair. 3) Teeth. “Thy teeth are like a flock of sheep that are even shorn, which came up from the washing; whereof every one bear twins, and none is barren among

them” (v. 2). When the sheep are shorn for their wool, all dirt is removed from it and the wool ends up white. Solomon admires the beautiful white teeth of her beloved one, as if they were cleansed. He also speaks about sheep that have twins, indistinguishable from one another. This

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of pomegranate, blushed with desire. Pomegranates were considered an aphrodisiac, attractive to the eye and pleasant to taste. 7) Neck. “Thy neck is like the tower of David builded for an armoury, whereon there hang a thousand bucklers, all shields of mighty men” (v. 4). In his analogy, he means that her neck was straight, majestic and decorated with beautiful layers of jewelry. 8) Breasts. “Thy two breasts are like two young roes that are twins, which feed among the lilies” (v. 5). He is talking about women’s grace, beauty and softness. He finally says, “Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, I will get me to the mountain of myrrh, and to the hill of frankincense” (v. 6). Myrrh and frankincense makes us remember that he is a man that has everything; he is rich, he is the king. But he has one thing in mind that has nothing to do with his wealth. He loves his woman and expects to spend the wedding night with her until dawn. This section emphasizes two things: time and tenderness. Both of them are key in the preparation for sexual intimacy.

is said to remark the symmetry of the Shulamite’s mouth. 4) Lips. “Thy lips are like a thread of scarlet” (v. 3). Commentators think that this was not the true color of her lips, but that she had used something to emphasize them.

5) Her speech. “And thy speech is comely” (v. 3). The way of speaking of the Shulamite attracted Solomon and enhanced her physical beauty. 6) Cheeks. “Thy temples are like a piece of a pomegranate within thy locks” (v. 3). Her cheeks are like a piece

EXPECTATION

Solomon says, “Come with me from Lebanon, my spouse, with me from Lebanon: look from the top of Amana, from the top of Shenir and Hermon, from the lions’ dens, from the mountains of the leopards” (v. 8).

July 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

If you pay attention, there is only one first person pronoun in all of the first seven verses. Solomon has mentioned her beloved one five times and in verses 8 to 12, he calls her “my spouse.” The key of intimacy lies in selflessness and a focus on the other’s pleasure. Paul is very clear, “The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife” (1 Corinthians 7:4). Marriage means to forget about ourselves and gladly devote to the other’s needs. “Thou hast ravished my heart, my sister, my spouse; thou hast ravished my heart with one of thine eyes, with one chain of thy neck. How fair is thy love, my sister, my spouse! How much better is thy love than wine! And the smell of thine ointments than all spices! Thy lips, O my spouse, drop as the honeycomb: honey and milk are under thy tongue; and the smell of thy garments is like the smell of Lebanon” (vv. 9-11). Solomon starts by saying to his wife that she has ravished his heart. The verb ‘to ravish’ means ‘to steal’ as in ‘to charm.’ This woman has stolen Solomon’s heart, his love for her has charmed him, his heart is hers. Besides, he calls his wife “sister.” In the ancient Near East culture, “sister” was an expression of affection and intimate friendship. They were not simply lovers, but friends. Verse 10 shows that Solomon is delighted by her wife’s fragrance. For men, smell comes after sight. Women know that they have great power over men for how they look, but they also rub some perfume behind their ears, and that adds up to romance. In verse 11, Solomon tells the Shulamite that her lips drop the same sweetness of a honeycomb, and that there is milk and honey under her tongue. He finds infinite pleasure in the deep, long and intimate kisses of his wife. Finally, it says that the Shulamite pours perfume not just over her body, but over her clothes as well. All senses: taste, touch, smell, sight, ear, have an important role in this senMISSIONARY MOVEMENT 10 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia

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sual bedroom symphony. APPRECIATION

Solomon speaks again in verses 12 to 15: “A garden inclosed is my sister, my spouse; a spring shut up, a fountain sealed” (v. 12). Solomon appreciates the virginity and purity of the Shulamite, describing her as a closed garden, a shut up spring, and a sealed fountain. She had saved herself for her husband. He then adds in verses 13 to 14, “Thy plants are an orchard of pomegranates, with pleasant fruits; camphire, with spikenard, spikenard and saffron; calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense; myrrh and aloes, with all the chief spices.” He resumes the garden analogy and describes his wife as an exotic arrangement of fruits, flowers, plants, trees and spices. She is attractive to him. Verse 15 relates, “A fountain of gar-

dens, a well of living waters, and streams from Lebanon.” Solomon goes back to the image of the fountain mentioned in verse 12. The Shulamite has unconditionally given herself to her husband, and Solomon’s desire has been unleashed like a spring of living water.

God does not get mad when a man and a woman have physical relations within marriage. It was Him who created one man and then said: “It is not good that the man should be alone.” What is more, marriages that serve God have the best sexual experience of all. That is the truth!

SATISFACTION

Verse 16 reveals the desire to be intimate, spoken this time by the Shulamite: “Awake, O north wind; and come, thou south; blow upon my garden, that the spices thereof may flow out. Let my beloved come into his garden, and eat his pleasant fruits.” The Shulamite gives two pieces of advice to her friends in chapter 2, verse 7, and again in chapter 3, verse 5, where she says exactly the same words: “I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, till he please.” The Shulamite advises her friends to wait until the right time to be intimate with someone. Chapter 4, verse 16, repeats the same: “Awake, O north wind; and come, thou south; blow upon my garden, that the spices thereof may flow out.” She invites Solomon to come and take her. She

July 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

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has been waiting for that moment. In chapter 5, verse 1, we see the joy of intimacy. Solomon answers the invitation of her exceptional wife and says, “I am come into my garden, my sister, my spouse: I have gathered my myrrh with my spice; I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey; I have drunk my wine with my milk” (v. 1). Solomon calls her “my garden” and uses the first-person possessive pronoun “my” nine times. They consummate their marriage; they are one flesh and belong to each other. That is the wedding night. The words of chapter 5, verse 1, are essential: “Eat, O friends; drink, yea, drink abundantly, O beloved” (v. 1). What does this mean? Who is talking? It cannot be their friends, as they do not know what happened that night. Experts believe that those are God’s words approving the relationship and their time of intimacy. God does not get mad when a man and a woman have physical relations within marriage. It was Him who created one man and then said: “It is not good that the man should be alone.” What is more, marriages that serve God have the best sexual experience of all. That is the truth!

Doctor in Theology by Cedarville University.

July 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

WHAT DOES GOD THINK ABOUT

SEX?

The Bible contains a very noble concept about human sexuality. God made sex to be performed by a man and a woman in the context of an everlasting love relationship.

TEETH

“Thy teeth are like a flock of sheep that are even shorn, which came up from the washing; whereof every one bear twins, and none is barren among them” (v. 2). When the sheep are shorn for their wool, all dirt is removed from it and the wool ends up white. Solomon admires the beautiful white teeth of her beloved one, as if they were cleansed. He also speaks about sheep that have twins, indistinguishable from one another. This is said to remark the symmetry of the Shulamite’s mouth.

LIPS

HER SPEECH

“Thy lips are like a thread of scarlet” (v. 3). Commentators think that this was not the true color of her lips, but that she had used something to emphasize them.

“And thy speech is comely” (v. 3). The way of speaking of the Shulamite attracted Solomon and enhanced her physical beauty.

EYES

NECK

“Thou hast doves’ eyes within thy locks” (v. 1). The word “locks” can also be translated as “veil,” a reference to the soft, sparkling energy that he saw in her eyes. In ancient Hebrew weddings, the bride used to wear a veil.

“Thy neck is like the tower of David builded for an armoury, whereon there hang a thousand bucklers, all shields of mighty men” (v. 4). In his analogy, he means that her neck was straight, majestic and decorated with beautiful layers of jewelry.

BREASTS

CHEEKS

“Thy two breasts are like two young roes that are twins, which feed among the lilies” (v. 5). He is talking about women’s grace, beauty and softness.

“Thy temples are like a piece of a pomegranate within thy locks” (v. 3). Her cheeks are like a piece of pomegranate, blushed with desire. Pomegranates were considered an aphrodisiac, attractive to the eye and pleasant to taste.

HAIR

“Thy hair is as a flock of goats that appear from mount Gilead” (v. 1). When he mentions Gilead, he refers to a region that is more than a thousand meters above sea level and presents a stunning landscape of the Sea of Galilee. On the slopes that reach the Sea of Galilee were hundreds of goats with long wavy black hair, and Solomon tells the Shulamite that she has a beautiful black hair. MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 14 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia

1. PREPARATION FOR SEXUAL INTERCOURSE In chapter 4, verses 1 to 7, Solomon states: “Behold, thou art fair, my love; behold, thou art fair” (v. 1); “Thou art all fair, my love; there is no spot in thee” (v. 7). He tells the Shulamite three times how beautiful she is. His words in Hebrew are, “You are exquisitely beautiful.” In verse 7, Solomon tells her that there is no spot in her, that she is perfect. Verses 1 to 6 also show a continuation of Solomon’s song where he praises eight different parts of his wife’s body.

2. EXPECTATION FROM SEXUAL INTERCOURSE

Solomon says, “Come with me from Lebanon, my spouse, with me from Lebanon: look from the top of Amana, from the top of Shenir and Hermon, from the lions' dens, from the mountains of the leopards” (v. 8).

3. APPRECIATION OF SEXUAL INTERCOURSE

4. SATISFACTION

July 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

GALLSTONES are more likely to be developed by women, Native Americans, overweight or obese people over 40, people under hormone replacement therapy, women with many pregnancies, people with positive family history.

Walter Menchola Vásquez (*)

Symptoms show when gallstones block the bile ducts, resulting in the inflammation of the gallbladder and episodes of abdominal pain in the right upper quadrant (hypochondrium) or mid-upper quadrant (epigastrium). Normally, gallstones are asymptomatic and may be discovered by accident in routine checkups or under any other circumstances. Gallstones manifest in the form of sudden and progressive episodes of pain that may stop spontaneously. Pain usually occurs 30 to 90 minutes after meals, often accompanied by nausea and vomiting, and can last for several hours and radiate to the right shoulder blade or the back. Antispasmodics (hyoscine) relieve the pain. In the final stage, there is a palpable mass sensitive to pressure, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite. If the event of complications, there might be chills and fever, and in the worst-case scenario it can lead to septicemia (generalized infection) and eventual death. Gallstones are normally found in overweight or obese women over 40 that have had many children. Risk factors are overweight/obesity, female gender, multiple pregnancies, use of oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy, MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 16 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia

GALLSTONES

well-being

Preventive measures should be taken at an early age, since childhood and adolescence. Keeping an appropriate bodyweight based on age and gender, a healthy diet and a daily basic exercise routine are fundamental to prevent gallstones.

diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, family history, etc. The prevalence increases with age. In developed countries, gallstones are the first cause of surgery in people over 65

and account for one third of all abdominal surgeries. TREATMENT

Drugs can be used to dissolve the stones.

In addition, antibiotics can be used for any suspected infection; the type of antibiotic will depend upon the severity of the cholecystitis. Pain management include the use of very strong painkilling drugs. In moderate and severe cases, oral food intake must be interrupted, and the patient has to be admitted into a hospital for the administration of IV fluids and parenteral antibiotics. Laparoscopic or open cholecystectomy is the preferred surgical treatment in case of acute cholecystitis. An initial non-surgical treatment is still a viable option for patients with delayed diagnosis, but it should be decided on a case-bycase basis. Laparoscopic surgery is the first preferred option; however, if this type of surgery is not possible, an open surgery is then performed. Laparoscopic surgery is preferred since it entails fewer complications, a lowest mortality rate, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery, and patients can resume their normal activities sooner. Preventive measures should be taken at an early age, since childhood and adolescence. Keeping an appropriate bodyweight based on age and gender, a healthy diet and a daily basic exercise routine is fundamental to prevent gallstones. In case of patients with diabetes and high cholesterol, these diseases should be controlled. Source: Harrisonâ€™s Principles of Internal Medicine. 19th Edition. Sabiston Textbook of Surgey. 20th Edition.

July 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

THE 48th General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS), held last June, rejected the terms proposed by supporters of gender ideology and approved resolutions in defense of life and family. Quite a victory!

VICTORY AGAINST GENDER IDEOLOGY

The effective participation of Latin American activists in favor of life and family prevented the Organization of American States (OAS) to embrace the pro-abortion and pro-homosexual marriage concepts that had been smuggled for a long time. Representatives of many evangelical and non-governmental organizations that defend life and family expressed their disagreement with the use of terms that may violate some freedoms or favor some groups over common rights. As a result, paragraphs from the final OAS resolutions that referred to gender ideology were unanimously removed, thus dismissing the language proposed by pro-LGTBI groups. In addition, the advisory opinion of Costa Rica to the Inter-American Court of Human Rights was rejected and the term “sexual and reproductive health” was eliminated due to its connotation to abortion. One of the many approved resolutions, entitled “Promotions and Protection of Human Rights,” does not consider the theses on gender ideology, as intended by some countries and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights. The effective participation of pro-life and pro-family activists from all over Latin America is something new in the General Assembly of the OAS, and therefore worth mentioning. The involvement in the 48th General Assembly, which took place on June 4 and 5, was considered by MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 18 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia

international

many evangelical participants a “victory,” shared with the pro-family and pro-life groups that attended the annual meeting. During the sessions, that also included a discussion on Venezuela’s situation, the debate on topics concerning the family was heated up by the groups that were in favor or against abortion or the role of

the State and institutions in matters of education and religion. “I’m eight weeks and I have the right to live,” was on a banner of an anti-abortion participant, while a group of women displayed posters requesting its legalization. Luis Losada, director of the Citizen-

Go campaign in Spanish, which includes the “Hazte Oír” (Speak Up) Group platform, defended the so-called “bus of freedom” and assured that the objective is to guarantee the right of parents to educate their children far from gender ideology. “Gender ideology doesn’t align with reality and biology. Telling 5-year-old boys that they could be girls despite causes a gender confusion in them,” he highlighted. The General Assembly was usually monopolized by progressive organizations and self-proclaimed representatives of the Latin American people, marginalizing institutions that differed from their agenda. Last year’s Assembly in Cancún, Mexico, hosted the “uprising” that had been developing for some years. Prolife and pro-family associations flooded the event and neutralized the one-sided speech that had prevailed until then. Things seemed to have changed now. (Based on excerpts from different websites)

July 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

THERE will always be times when we will feel overwhelmed and subdued by trial and crisis. However, we are reassured by the fact that these situations are only temporary, and by God’s promises, which do not change. Even if we cannot see it, God always keeps His word.

Carmen Valencia de Martínez

2 Kings 3:16-17 says, “And he said, Thus saith the LORD, Make this valley full of ditches. For thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not see wind, neither shall ye see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, that ye may drink, both ye, and your cattle, and your beasts.” The life of Christians is a life of mountains and valleys, and there will be times when we will feel tried and tested. However, we are reassured by the fact that these situations are only temporary. Paul tells us in his Epistle, “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18). GOD’S GUIDANCE

We read in 2 Kings 3:4-17: “And Mesha king of Moab was a sheepmaster, and rendered unto the king of Israel an hundred thousand lambs, and an hundred thousand rams, with the wool. But it came to pass, when Ahab was dead, that the king of Moab rebelled against the king of Israel. And king Jehoram went out of Samaria the same time, and numbered all Israel. And he went and sent to Jehoshaphat MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 20 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia

WHAT TO DO DURING A

CRISIS

analysis

the king of Judah, saying, The king of Moab hath rebelled against me: wilt thou go with me against Moab to battle? And he said, I will go up: I am as thou art, my people as thy people, and my horses as thy horses. And he said, Which way shall we go up? And he answered, The way through the wilderness of Edom. So the king of Israel went, and the king of Judah, and the king of Edom: and they fetched a compass of seven days’ journey: and there was no water for the host, and for the cattle that followed them. And the king of Israel said, Alas! that the Lord hath called these three kings together, to deliver them into the hand of Moab! But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the Lord, that we may enquire of the Lord by him? And one of the king of Israel’s servants answered and said, Here is Elisha the son of Shaphat, which poured water on the hands of Elijah. And Jehoshaphat said, The word of the Lord is with him. So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom went down to him. And Elisha said unto the king of Israel, What have I to do with thee? get thee to the prophets of thy father, and to the prophets of thy mother. And the king of Israel said unto him, Nay: for the Lord hath called these three kings together, to deliver them into the hand of Moab. And Elisha said, As the Lord of hosts liveth, before whom I stand, surely, were it not that I regard the presence of Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, I would not look toward thee, nor see thee. But now bring me a minstrel. And it came to pass, when the minstrel played, that the hand of the Lord came upon him. And he said, Thus saith the Lord, Make this valley full of ditches. For thus saith the Lord, Ye shall not see wind, neither shall ye see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, that ye may drink, both ye, and your cattle, and your beasts.” The passage talks about Mesha, king of Moab, who paid tribute to the king of Israel, Ahab. But when the latte died, Mesha’s intention became to rebel against the new king of Israel and be independent. Jehoram, king of Israel, talked to Jehoshaphat, king of Juda, about the situa-

July 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

tion and asked him to go to battle against Moab with him. And so the two kings, together with the king of Edom, went through the wilderness of Edom to face the king of Moab, but they ran out of supplies on the way. Going on without water meant sure defeat and even death. The situation was out of their hands. Jehoshaphat said, “We cannot continue, we need to be guided, we need God’s Word, his guidance.” They called for God’s servant, Elisha, and they communicated with God through him. He was God’s instrument to guide them. The first words of Elisha were, “As the Lord of hosts liveth, before whom I stand…” (2 Kings 3:14). This man of God knew very well who he was talking to. He knew that God was not dead, that He was a real God, and that He was by his side. There are moments where we cannot continue without God’s Word, without his guidance. Making a move without his direction means sure defeat. Therefore, some steps to take during times of crisis are: HAVE FAITH IN GOD

In times of crisis, the first step to take is to be fully aware that our God lives and that He is by our side. In the middle of a crisis, Job said, “For I know that my redeemer liveth” ( Job 19:25). We find the following recommendation in Hebrews 11:6: “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” WORSHIP GOD

When Elisha declared his conviction, God was right there. He asked for a minstrel to play and they all worshipped and praised the Lord. Not even amidst anguish and affliction can you stop worshipping, praising and singing to God. Worshipping God changes everything: the soul is comforted and the faith strengthened. When we worship Him, God takes the situation in his hands. When we worship Him, we MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 22 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia

honor Him (Psalms 34:1; 50:23). During the war between the king of Judah and Moab and Ammon, the first

made his people to worship God before the battle. As a result, God took control of the situation and made the Moabites

analysis

streams and ponds and it was not rain season, so apparently everything was in its favor. But amidst this apparently sure defeat for Jehoshaphat and Jehoram, God told them that He would provide water in the desert and that the valley would be full of water for them to drink, as well as for their beasts and cattle (2 Kings 3:17). Probably, circumstances are telling you now the same thing: you have no chance to face this problem. The enemy is stronger and you are doomed to ruin and failure. But do not forget that God makes the impossible possible, as there is nothing impossible for Him. BELIEVE IN GOD’S PROMISES

This third step is very important. Internalize God’s Word and promises with the faith of Christians: “For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7). God’s promises do not change. Even if we cannot see it, God always keeps His Word. ACT ON YOUR FAITH

Faith must come with actions. What did they have to do? God told them to make ditches. “And he said, Thus saith the Lord, Make this valley full of ditches” (2 Kings 3:16). It seemed crazy and nonsensical, as there was no rain or wind and nothing could made them think that water would come soon. They were not even near Jordan River. So the order seemed foolish, but if God had given it, it had to be obeyed. We must believe in God! WAIT FOR THE RESULT

and Ammonites kill each other, thus giving the victory to Israel and Judah (2 Chronicles 20:21-22). After Elisha’s

worships to the Lord, God’s Spirit came upon him. Moab was in possession of the water

Mark’s Gospel says, “For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith” (Mark 11:23). We also read in Proverbs, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof ” (Proverbs 18:21).

July 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

THIS hymn by Charles Wesley talks about the conversion to Christianity and the joy experienced by a newly converted soul. Its impact lives on until the present day although it was written centuries ago.

AND CAN IT BE THAT I

SHOULD GAIN?

One of the six thousand hymns by preacher Charles Wesley, “And Can It Be That I Should Gain?” describes the experience of converting to Christianity and the joy of the newly converted soul. Written in England on May 21, 1738, this song was composed after the servant of God—founder of the Methodist movement along with his brother John Wesley—had decided to devote his life to Jesus Christ. Based on German theologian Martin Luther’s Commentary on Galatians, the song by the English evangelist makes several references to the Holy Scriptures in five stanzas. In a direct style, Wesley’s poem shows moving images about the love that the Creator offers to men to save them from evil and sin. As a renowned Evangelical poet that served the Almighty with his fruitful pen, Wesley explored in “And Can It Be that I Should Gain?” the depths of the mystery of the death of God’s Son through a profoundly theological language. He was an agent of great religious change who used his composition to portray the state of men before knowing the infinite power of the Gospel. God’s fervent composer, born on DeMISSIONARY MOVEMENT 24 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia

cember 18, 1707 in the English county of Lincolnshire, created a song for the joy of salvation that is still sung today by the people of the Most High. Published for the first time in a book of sacred poetry in 1739, the chant is part of hymnbooks in most Evangelical denominations in the world. MAGNIFICENT COMPOSER

Wesley studied at Westminster School in London and then at Christ Church College in Oxford. He was a righteous believer that addressed in his poetry aspects related to the faith in Christ. His poems were often written while he preached the Gospel with great zeal: while traveling on horseback or in a carriage and even on his deathbed. As an important part in the history of Christian music, this singer of the Lord became the spiritual head that led for more than five decades the spiritual revival that covered England with the good news. Convinced that what people sing is what people believe, he devoted his life to worshipping and praising the Savior with odes of profound Evangelical and Christian content, which have accompanied many generations of Christians. Missionary Charles Wesley, who died

on March 29, 1788 in London, made musical and doctrinal contributions during his lifetime to encourage the growth of faith in God and, as a result, emerged as one of the most renowned evangelists in

music

AND CAN IT BE THAT I SHOULD GAIN? 1 And can it be that I should gain An interest in the Savior’s blood! Died he for me? who caused his pain! For me? who him to death pursued? Amazing love! How can it be That thou, my God, shouldst die for me? 2 ‘Tis mystery all: th’ Immortal dies! Who can explore his strange design? In vain the firstborn seraph tries To sound the depths of love divine. ‘Tis mercy all! Let earth adore; Let angel minds inquire no more. 3 He left His Father’s throne above, So free, so infinite His grace; Emptied Himself of all but love, And bled for Adam’s helpless race; ‘Tis mercy all, immense and free; For, O my God, it found out me. 4 Long my imprisoned spirit lay, Fast bound in sin and nature’s night; Thine eye diffused a quickening ray; I woke, the dungeon flamed with light; My chains fell off, my heart was free, I rose, went forth, and followed thee. 5 No condemnation now I dread; Jesus, and all in him, is mine; Alive in him, my living Head, And clothed in righteousness divine, Bold I approach th’ eternal throne, And claim the crown, through Christ my own.

the last three centuries. A well-deserved honor achieved thanks to “And Can It Be That I Should Gain?” which is proof of his absolute and undeniable commitment to the Almighty.

July 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

THE book portrays the life and faith of twelve important female servants of the Lord from the Old and New Testaments. Their struggles and temptations are told by Reverend John MacArthur.

Eve must have been a creature of unsurpassed beauty. She was the crown and the pinnacle of God’s amazing creative work. The first female of Adam’s race was the last living thing to be called into existenceactually fashioned directly by the Creator’s own hand in a way that showed particular care and attention to detail. Remember, Eve wasn’t made out of dust like Adam, but carefully designed from living flesh and bone. Adam was refined dirt; Eve was a glorious refinement of humanity itself. She was a special gift to Adam. She was the necessary partner who finally made his existence complete-and whose own existence finally signaled the completion of all creation. “Twelve Extraordinary Women,” published in 2005 by Thomas Nelson Publishers, was written by preacher John MacArthur as a basic study to strengthen God’s believers’ faith and personal growth. It contains a series of spiritual lessons based on the suffering and victories of Jesus-Christ’s female ancestors and first supporters. Let’s be honest: there are times in the biblical account when Sarah comes off as a bit of a shrew. She was the wife of the great patriarch Abraham, so we tend to think of her with a degree of dignity and honor. But reading the biblical account of her life, it is impossible not to notice that she sometimes behaved badly. She could throw fits and tantrums. She knew how to be manipulative. And she was even known to get mean. At one time or another, she exemplified almost every trait associated with the typical caricature of a churlish woman. She could be impatient, temperamental, conniving, cantankerous, cruel, flighty, pouty, jealous, erratic, unreasonable, a whiner, a complainer, or a nag. By no means was she MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 26 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia

TWELVE EXTRAORDINARY

WOMEN always the perfect model of godly grace and meekness. MacArthur’s book includes sections about Eve, mother of us all; Sarah, Abraham’s wife; Rahab, a prostitute who lived in Jericho and was redeemed by God; Ruth, a Moabite woman blessed by the Lord; Hannah, Samuel’s

Of all the extraordinary women in Scripture, one stands out above all others as the most blessed, most highly favored by God, and most universally admired by women. Indeed, no woman is more truly remarkable than Mary. She was the one sovereignly chosen by God-from among all the women who have ever been born-to be the singular instrument through which He would at last bring the Messiah into the world.

mother; Mary, Christ’s mother; Lydia, the first convert in Europe; Mary Magdalene, witness of the crucifixion; Anna, a widow who lived in the temple; and sisters Martha and Mary, as well as the Samaritan woman. POWERFUL STORIES

The Old Testament book of Ruth is a flawless love story in a compact format. It’s not an epic tale, but a short story (the entire account is given in only eighty-five verses). Still, it runs the full range of human emotions, from the most gut-wrenching kind of grief to the very height of glad-hearted triumph. Ruth’s life was the true, historical experience of one genuinely extraordinary woman. It was also a perfect depiction of the story of redemption, told with living, breathing symbols. Ruth herself furnished a fitting picture of every sinner. She was a widow and a foreigner who went to live in a strange land. Tragic circumstances reduced her to abject poverty. In the foreword, the author states that his selection of female characters from the Bible is a complete sample of the different types of per-

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sonality, as well as an interesting list of women who became exceptional thanks to the transformation they experienced after knowing the Savior. He also highlights their importance in the Almighty’s Plan as revealed in the Holy Scriptures. Of all the extraordinary women in Scripture, one stands out above all others as the most blessed, most highly favored by God, and most universally admired by women. Indeed, no woman is more truly remarkable than Mary. She was the one sovereignly chosen by Godfrom among all the women who have ever been born-to be the singular instrument through which He would at last bring the Messiah into the world. Mary herself testified that all generations would regard her as profoundly blessed by God (Luke 1:48). This was not because she believed herself to be any kind of saintly superhuman, but because she was given such remarkable grace and privilege. The women selected by the author were ordinary women, in some cases, with a very humble and questionable social background, but they all were greatly valuable and shared spiritual qualities. In the author’s opinion, they are the best proof that the Almighty can save and redeem human beings who fall into evil and transform them with His infinite love in victories of His grace in spite of their sins. AN ESSENTIAL BOOK

In John 4, we meet an unnamed Samaritan woman with a rather sordid background. The apostle John devoted forty-two verses to telling the tale of this woman’s amazing encounter with the Lord. Such a significant section of Scripture would not be given to this one episode unless the lessons it contained were supremely important. Jesus, traveling through the region on His way to Jerusalem, was rest-

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ing near the well. Jesus, having no utensil or rope with which to draw water, asked the woman to fetch Him a drink. It was not the stuff of great drama, and this was certainly not a scene that would lead us to expect one of the most profound theological lessons in all the Bible was just ahead. When asked about the women presented in his book, Reverend MacArthur, born on June 19, 1939 in the United States, answered that, “all of them were extraordinary not because of their natural qualities, but just because the only and true God refined them like silver and redeemed them through the acts of his own divine Son.” Mary Magdalene is one of the bestknown and least-understood names in Scripture. Scripture deliberately draws a curtain of silence over much of her life and personal background, but she still emerges as one of the prominent women of the New Testament. She is mentioned by name in all four gospels, mostly in connection with the events of Jesus’ crucifixion. She has the eternal distinction of being the first person to whom Christ revealed Himself after the resurrection. Pastor John MacArthur, author of more than fifty books that have transformed the lives of millions of people, is a servant of Christ committed to spreading Christianity. Therefore, his work on the twelve female characters from the Old and New Testaments aims to revalue the hope in Jesus and to discover the joyful future promised in the Gospel for those who devote themselves to the Lord. Lydia is best remembered as the original convert for the gospel in Europe. She was the first person on record ever to respond to the message of Christ during the Apostle Paul’s original missionary journey into Europe. Her conversion marked the earliest foothold of the church on a continent that ultimately became the hub of the gospel’s witness worldwide. Ironically, however, Lydia herself was not European. Her name was also the name of a large Asian province, which was probably the region of her birth. The capital city of Lydia was Sardis. That territory’s last and bestknown ruler was Croesus, who ruled in the sixth century BC and whose very name is synonymous with wealth. MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 28 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia

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Mary Magdalene is one of the bestknown and least-understood names in Scripture. Scripture deliberately draws a curtain of silence over much of her life and personal background, but she still emerges as one of the prominent women of the New Testament. She is mentioned by name in all four gospels, mostly in connection with the events of Jesusâ€™ crucifixion. She has the eternal distinction of being the first person to whom Christ revealed Himself after the resurrection.

July 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

WALTER Lewis Wilson, pioneer in Christian radio, allowed for the salvation of a great number of people in the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe and the Near East. As the doctor he was, he came up with some questions to determine the most appropriate spiritual treatment for the future followers of Jesus. Faris Whitesell

Walter Lewis Wilson, a tenacious messenger of our Lord and pioneer in Christian radio, surrendered his life to the Almighty and devoted more than 72 years to the task of preaching the Gospel to every creature and winning souls to Jesus Christ through the good news. He was a doctor who, guided by the Holy Spirit, humbly served God. Wilson, who was born on May 27, 1881 in Indiana, developed a deep passion for the Holy Scriptures from a very young age. He was raised by his grandmother, as his mother had died one year after his birth. On December 21, 1896, when he was fifteen, he accepted the Messiah and decided to embrace the Christian faith. From then on, he spent his time reading Christian books and listening to messages of faith. In 1897, motivated by his interest in the Gospel, the follower of the Savior began to preach on the streets in Kansas City. Two years later, he attended the University of Kansas School of Medicine and the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. SPIRITUAL DOCTOR

Having received his M.D. in 1904, Walter Wilson set up practice as a doctor in Webb City, Missouri. However, he recognized that it is not enough to heal the body. Many of his patients also needed healing of soul. And so he told people about Christ. MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 30 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia

hero of faith

DOCTOR OF THE

SOUL

Although never ordained, Walter led many to put their trust in Jesus, winning his audience with wit and homely stories that illustrated what it meant to be saved and how to know one was truly a reborn child of God. Always kind and humble, he conveyed a powerful message of hope describing the Lord’s love, greatness and omnipotence. In 1905, at request of his seriously ill father-in-law, Wilson came back to Kansas City with his wife, Marion Baker, and took over his wife’s family business. He was both General Manager of Baker Lockwood Manufacturing Company, makers of awnings and tents, and part-time doctor. Faithful to Jesus Christ, he continued to submit to God’s plan. On January 14, 1914, in his personal search to find eternal salvation, the evangelist heard Pastor James Martin Grey, who ran the Moody Bible Institute, preach a sermon on Romans 12:1. That is when his life changed, as he decided to surrender his life to the Lord, so that He could guide him in the path to holiness. Once he said, “I asked the Lord of the harvest to guide me during the day and to use me for His glory. I prayed thus: … Here is my body. Wilt Thou… speak through me Thy words of light and life?”

COMMITTED BELIEVER

After surrendering his life to Christ, Brother Walter became God’s fisher of men. In 1920, he helped found the Central Bible Hall, later known as Central Bible Church, where he preached for more than four decades. This Bible scholar stood out thanks to his work to spread Christianity and became an authorized voice of American evangelism. In 1924, he became one of the first evangelists to preach God’s Word on the radio. He carried on a daily Bible exposition broadcast from WOQ, WDAF and WHB until the 1940s, which rated as one of the most popular radio programs in the area. In it, he announced the good news, talked about medical issues and preached about God’s eternal salvation plan for humanity. Along with other believers, the physician founded in 1932 the Kansas City Bible Institute, currently known as Kansas City Bible College, of which he was president. In June 1948, he helped start the Flagstaff Mission to the Navajo in Arizona. Aware of the spiritual needs of the American Indians, he fed them with the Word of God. PREACHING METHOD

Supported on his vast scientific and doctrinal knowledge, the preacher created his own method to preach the Gospel. He claimed

July 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

that most conversions could be achieved through personal conversations directed by the Holy Spirit. He also believed that winning souls to God requires diagnosing each particular case and relying on the Holy Scriptures. As the doctor he was, he came up with twenty basic questions aimed to define the most appropriate spiritual treatment for the future followers of Jesus. When did you receive the eternal life? Are you bad enough to go to Hell? Have you a lawyer to defend you in eternity? Have you prepared the proofs of your innocence? Why should God take you to Heaven? These were some of the questions made by Wilson. After making certain of the diagnosis, the next step is the application of the remedy. The Bible tells us what the remedy is. The remedy is Jesus Christ. Dr. Wilson firmly believes not only that Jesus saves, but that He does all the saving. The lost sinner must turn away from everything else and trust Jesus Christ alone. OUTSTANDING MINISTRY

With a true interest in the salvation of humankind, this physician achieved the conversion of a great number of people who wandered aimlessly. His sharp mind and knowledge made him an efficient spokesperson of the divine message. As a master in the art of conversation, he knew how to catch the attention of those that crossed his path. Helped by the Lord, he kindled the flame of the Gospel in the United States. This sower of the seed of the Almighty carried out a thorough work for the dissemination of the Gospel through twenty-two books and pamphlets that tell his experience in preaching God’s Word. In his written work, which is inspired in events that had happened to him, he urges believers to devote themselves to save lost souls. An instrument of the Lord for the redemption of many sheep, Walter Lewis Wilson died after a stroke on May 24, 1969. He preached the Gospel not only in the United States but also in the United Kingdom, Europe and the Near East, and became one of the most popular bible conferences speakers. In his earthly life, he showed the wisdom, power and goodness of Jesus Christ. MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 32 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia

hero of faith

July 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

A terrible disease seized her to weaken her faith, and it was as if the years of suffering and alcoholism were not over yet. On the verge of death, she cried out to God and He answered. She now lives to thank Him. Susan Amau Photo: MMM Colombia and family files

FAITH DEFEATED

CANCER In December 2014, Lina Gaibor Zurita was given very bad news. An aggressive cancer had spread all over her stomach and she had to be immediately operated. As the doctor explained the diagnosis, she thought, “I know my Redeemer lives.” She left the hospital with her daughter by the hand and went home. Once there, she locked herself in her room, fell to her knees, and cried out to God with all her strength. She asked the Lord for a chance to keep taking care of her children and to serve only Him for the rest of her life. With her husband imprisoned and an emotionally troubled son, she had to go through all of this with her two little girls. But was she alone? She never was, MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 34 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia

because the Lord’s army in Rome was praying and fasting for her. There, she found words of encouragement, and her faith grew stronger and stronger. At some point, Lina thought that the disease was a punishment for the licentious life she used to lead and the sins she had committed when she was ignorant of Christ. In search of answers, she would often go to the altar and cast her burdens on the Lord. VIOLENT CHILDHOOD

Lina was born in 1963, in a very violent home. Her father, Adán Gaibor Gaibor, used to beat her mother until she would lose consciousness. The terrified little girl would run down the streets asking for help, but everyone was too afraid of

her father to help her. She even had one of the most horrible experiences when she was 10 years old. Adán gave his oldest son a brutal thrashing when he dared to protect her mother from him. Alcohol had turned Lina’s father into a deranged savage, but when sober, he was kind, funny, friendly and good to his wife and others. They lived off agriculture and had a humble abode in the canton of Montalvo, in Ecuador. Despite their situation, both parents always tried to give their children the education they never had. Lina used to sell yucca with her father and helped her mother at the food stall. BAD ROMANCE

Her father quit drinking when she was

life story

July 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

13 and started to spend more time with his family. Lina, for her part, liked to hang out with her friends. She almost dropped out, but a good scolding was enough to change her mind and she finished her studies. Some months later, she fell in love with some young man named Franklin. She thought she knew him well, until she found out that he was a drug addict. Her parents disapproved of their relationship, but they continued dating. After two years of secret relationship, Lina got pregnant and moved with her boyfriend. After the baby was born, they managed to buy a piece of land and led a peaceful life for some time. Then came the problems. Franklin would leave to use drugs and then come back to lock himself in with his wife and beat her. He would even threaten to kill her pointing a shotgun at her. Worried for her son’s safety, she left MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 36 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia

life story

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life story

never to come back again, but Franklin found her and explained her why they had such problems. He told her that his stepmother had cursed them so that they would be miserable. To break the curse, they resorted to a witch. They last session with the witch was on October 31. Franklin died the following day in an accident. Lina was so afflicted that she turned to alcohol, and even after getting her degree as teacher, her addiction got worse. TERRIBLE VICE

In one of her constant visits to Babahoyo, Guayaquil, she got a severe alcohol poisoning. Her groaning and whining at the pub caught the attention of Sandra Aguilar. Sandra had been Lina’s drinking friend some time before, and she was a lesbian, but Christ changed her. When she saw Lina, she preached to her about the Lord and gave her three video tapes with life lessons. Still hangover, Lina got home and played one of the tapes. She could not help but cry. It was as if the story recorded was telling her life. The message was that only God has the power to heal. The Lord worked on her life and she started to go to a free church, but it did not last long. A division in the congregation made her leave the house of God and take another path. Some months later, she gave birth to her second child, as a result of an unrequited love, and she finally moved to Italy in 2000, in search of a better future. Two years passed by and it was enough time to make her drink again. Anxiety, pain and her memories would overwhelmed her and pushed her to take refuge in alcohol. She married Vincenzo Cento, an Italian who in vain tried to change her life. Her oldest son was already married and had also become an alcoholic. One day, he jumped from a third floor. Fortunately, he was immediately taken to the ER and survived. Lina blamed herself for her son’s misfortunes and looked for a church to at-

tend. If she had been invited to any place where she would be talked to about God that day, she would have gone without hesitation; but nobody did, not even the brother that preached to her about Christ at the train station. She searched among her belongings and found the very old leaflet of a church. She went there and that is when her life changed. She went to Ecuador to see her sick father. She was exhausted, unhappy, sad and lonely. She called her old pastors to pray for her family. Her father devoted himself to Christ and died in the Lord’s presence. Her son’s situation improved and Lina devoted to God with all her heart. Her urge to drink disappeared as she attended more and more worship services and she became a loyal supporter of Jesus-Christ. She got baptized in 2012 in a church of the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Rome and her life was never the same. Christ changed her, restored her and worked a miracle in her life. O DEAD, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY?

It was then that she learned she had cancer. The doctor told her that the tumor had affected a big part of her stomach and that the best course of action was to operate. Aggressive as it was, it could have roots and spread to other organs, which would lead to her death. Lina pleaded for God’s mercy and she had a dream the night before the operation. A hand was taking black and white shapes out of her chest, and a serpent was extracted from the affected zone and then crushed. Trusting God, Lina entered the operating room and prayed out loud with the doctors. The surgery was a success. When they opened Lina, it was as she was already clean and there was not much more to do. The doctors were amazed by her faith and discharged her. God healed her, restored her life, strengthened her faith even more, and now she serves Christ with a bigger devotion thanks to the miracle performed in her life.

July 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

“I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.” Revelation 3:1-2.

Rev. Luis M. Ortiz

Ever since its founding on the day of Pentecost, the Church of Jesus Christ has experienced periods of both victory and defeat, periods of both success and loss, periods of both prosperity and persecution. About year 51 of the Christian era, after the vision of the Macedonian man, the Apostle Paul invaded Europe with the powerful message of the Gospel, when the continent was plunged into the thick darkness of moral and political corruption of the pagan empire of the Caesars. The apostolic and post-apostolic message anointed with the Holy Spirit’s power transformed lives, towns and cities, and thanks to the many Christian martyrs, made the Roman Empire shake. Around year 500 AD, the religious Roman Empire developed and flourished. However, there were millions of Christians in European countries that did not accept nor obeyed this other religious Roman Empire, and so they had to suffer great persecution, flee to the mountains, hide in catacombs, and suffer martyrdom. The wars of the Crusades took place over 500 years later, promoted by the religious Roman Empire to snatch the cities of Jerusalem and Palestine from the hands of the Muslims who had invaded it. Despite the wars that took over a century and cost the life and fortune of many, the seven European expeditions did not achieve their goal. It is clear to see why true Christians did not get involved in these war and political efforts. Nearly 500 years after the Crusades, Europe was in the Dark Age, under the oppression of the religious empire. But MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 40 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia

YOU HAVE A NAME THAT YOU LIVE,

BUT YOU ARE DEAD

the empire was shaken to its foundations by the courageous preaching of the gospel faith by Martin Luther and its Reformation in 1517 AD. The Reformation prevailed, although with millions of evangelical Christian martyrs killed in the inquisitions. Today, 500 years after the Reformation, there is in Europe and around the world a Protestantism without, or with very little, spiritual life and with large Ecumenist sectors. This kind of Protestantism believes, as does the World Council of Churches (WCC) in Geneva, that there is no longer need to send missionaries and that everyone should keep their own religion, because they say that Christ is asleep in pagan religions and he only needs to be awaken. To top it all, today Protestant Lutherans and other Protestant denominations are in talks with Roma for a fatal union. If Luther came back from the dead, he would not reform the Roman church, but the Protestant church. What is even sadder, more serious, more depressing and more alarming is that only 14 years

after the 21st-century outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the Church, most Pentecostal churches and councils are losing their fire and baptism in the Holy Spirit. And they are replacing the fire with the strange fire of prefabricated, studied, learned and repeated languages of language teachers who are in that sense intruders, outsiders and deceivers. The only baptizer in the Holy Spirit is the Lord Jesus Christ, and languages are spoken as given by the Holy Spirit. Remember that the Holy Spirit does not need language teachers, and those who make use of them will suffer the loss of fire of the Holy Spirit and the true work of the Holy Spirit and all it represents. In addition, by letting this fakeness in, other things come in as well: worldliness, ungodly fashions and pagan customs, superficiality, coldness, looseness in practice and doctrine, carnality, materialism, sin, divorce and remarriage, spiritual death. What a tragedy!

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It is important to pay attention to the exhortation of the Lord: â€œI know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon theeâ€Ś He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angelsâ€? (Revelation 3:1-5). Keep in mind that there will be many surprises, that today many names are being erased from the Book of Life. May the Lord send us the authentic fire of Pentecost in these last days. Amen.

July 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

“So all the congregation lifted up their voices and cried, and the people wept that night. And all the children of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron... Now the glory of the Lord appeared in the tabernacle of meeting before all the children of Israel. Then the Lord said to Moses: “How long will these people reject Me? And how long will they not believe Me, with all the signs which I have performed among them?” Numbers 14: 1-11.

Rev. José A. Soto

When Israel reached, after the departure from Egypt, the border of the Promised Land, God said to Moses, “Send men to spy out the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the children of Israel; from each tribe of their fathers you shall send a man, every one a leader among them” (Numbers 13:2). And so twelve princes, one from each tribe, were sent according to God’s command to spy out the land. They were quite excited. The twelve spies explored the Promised Land and found it as God had described it: good, cultivable, fertile, beautiful, nice, and fruitful. Remember that a couple of years before they had been slaves in Egypt and they had lived in extreme poverty, and then they had lived for two years in the desert under no comfortable conditions. Now they saw a beautiful land where to live and settle. Then, the people listened attentively to their report: “Then they told him, and said: “We went to the land where you sent us. It truly flows with milk and honey, and this is its fruit” (Numbers 13:27). But the problem came afterwards, when ten of the twelve spies returned in fear, and fear was greater than their excitement. Even worse, fear was passed on to many among the people, who believed the ten and not the two who said, “Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it” (Numbers 13:30). Two years after leaving Egypt, God wanted the people to enter and take possesMISSIONARY MOVEMENT 42 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia

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ARE YOU A

GIANT KILLER OR A GRASSHOPPER?

sion of that land. What was it that they had to do? One thing only: believe. Those ten men were very impressed by the difficulties they would have to overcome to possess the Promised Land. They could only see problems: walled cities, strong people, and the sons of Anac, who were almost three meters high. Their view on the possession of the Promised Land was negative, worldly, “logical.” But faith is beyond all that. The ten spies saw nothing but obstacles and complications. Their vision of God Almighty was a blur, and so they felt fear and cowardice, and that is what they shared with the people. In the meantime, Joshua and Caleb acted based on the principle that God is greater than the circumstances. They saw what the Lord had promised them: a land flowing with milk and honey. The ten spies sank so low, that they said, “...and we were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight” (Numbers 13:33), while the brave two said, “Let us go up later, and let us take possession of it; because we can do more than them” (Numbers 13:30). Ten spies believed they were grasshoppers because they had no faith, and two spies, Joshua and Caleb, believed themselves to be giant killers because they had faith in what God had promised, and they tried to convince the people. We know that God punished those

ten spies, who died by a plague on the same day, and then God said, “But your little ones, whom you said would be victims, I will bring in, and they shall know the land which you have despised. But as for you, your carcasses shall fall in this wilderness” (Numbers 14: 31-32). God spared Joshua and Caleb because they did act by faith. Forty more years had to pass for the people to reach the border of the Promised Land once again. However, it was not be the same people, because in those years, everyone above 20 died; and this is not a blessing, it is a defeat, as they had marked their paths with graves, with death. It could not be any other way, because they did not want to believe in the life that God promised them. Joshua led the conquest of Canaan; he was the general of the forces of Israel who entered the Promised Land, he commanded the armies of the people of God and divided the land. At least seven military campaigns led him to a great victory, although he did not occupy all the land. Joshua saw the walls of Jericho fall. This man who trusted God did not make a war against those walls, he only obeyed what God told him. If you have a problem, just believe that God will give you the victory, not tomorrow, today. The Bible says: “We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (Romans 8:37).

July 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

“For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves.” Acts 20:29-30.

Rev. Álvaro Garavito

This passage from the book of Acts tells us about the farewell of the apostle Paul, who was leaving the Church in Miletus, a city of Asia Minor, after three years teaching the Word day and night, in the temple and in every house. Paul said his goodbyes to the city and to the men and women there with these words: “And indeed, now I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more” (Acts 20:25). Not only was he saying goodbye to the city, but also to this world, as he would soon go to eternity. Then he said, “For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves” (Acts 20: 29-30). The word “savage” (“… savage wolves will come in among you...”) refers to people who are violent and cruel. Paul was speaking what the Holy Spirit was warning him about concerning the purposes of Satan: that from the beginning, Satan would infiltrate savage wolves into the Church, that is, instruments of evil among the Lord’s people. Unfortunately, history has not been able to deny that evil people have indeed risen up from among the people of God and have not spared the flock. The enemy infiltrated into the rising Church in the form of evil leaders and evil members lurks and hides, waiting for the moment to make their appearance or to be expelled by the Lord. MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 44 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia

Among the people of God there have always been false prophets and false teachers. The apostle Peter says in his second epistle, “But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber” (2 Peter 2:1-3). Within the people of Israel and Judah there were thousands of false prophets. History has it that there were schools of so-called prophets that were mostly false prophets, instruments that Satan had infiltrated into the Church to destroy it. Evil infiltrated men and false teachers with great communication skills

WHERE ARE THOSE WHO DEFEND THE

WORK OF GOD?

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and charm are spreading their poison to people and sinners all over the world, on TV and on the radio. For that reason, we need people who will defend the Work that they represent and the inheritance that God has placed in their hands. The Lord says, “But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep.” ( John 10: 12-13). The hireling is there only for the salary; he never felt the God’s call in his heart, soul or womb. When that kind of false shepherds and evangelists see the wolf of worldliness, idolatry and pollution coming into the Church, they flee, they crouch, they pretend to be deaf and blind. But the true shepherd will rise up to defend and wield the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. He who has been called by God will defend the flock and will not allow the savage wolves, the false prophets and the false teachers to get in; the pulpits cannot be given to just anyone. We are living in a time when many will no longer endure sound doctrine. The Word of God says, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.” (2 Timothy 4:3-4). Amen.

July 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

IN a series of talks held in Peru, the distinguished Spanish historian César Vidal stated that the Lord's people must fight for life, the family and freedom of conscience. The biblical expert also reminded us that political leadership is linked to evil and offered five recommendations for the building of a better world.

In his recent visit to Lima, where he has held a series of conferences, the renowned biblical expert César Vidal Manzanares spoke about the participation of Christians in social and political issues. The Spanish historian pointed out that the followers of God must defend life, the family and freedom of conscience. He also highlighted the work done by Christians in Latin America against gender ideology and their ongoing fight against abortion. In the capital of Peru, Vidal, who is also a journalist, gave several pieces of advice for the international evangelical community concerning the duty of building a better world. CHRISTIANITY AND POLITICS

In his presentation “New Ideologies”, Vidal claimed that, “the New Testament doesn’t have a positive view on political powers and, in fact, links them to a force not at all kind or benevolent. The power and glory of all the kingdoms of the world are in the hands of the devil. Don’t put your faith in worldly rulers, but pray for them so that we can live quietly and peacefully.” He explained that the Bible contains two limits in submission to human power. He said, “Acts 5: 27-29 establishes that we must obey God rather than men. MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 46 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia

FIGHT FOR THE

FAMILY

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This is a principle throughout history. The first limit in our submission to higher authorities is that there’s a law superior to any human, religious or political government, that is the law of the Lord.” He stressed that the second limit is found in Acts 4:18: “We’ll never stop preaching what we have seen and heard.

We might not obey the laws of transit, pay taxes or submit ourselves to the authorities, but we’ll never stop preaching the Gospel and we’ll never obey laws that force us to disobey the law of God.” KEY RECOMMENDATIONS

Vidal made five recommendations for

the followers of Christ to achieve a social change with the Gospel. “My first piece of advice is to support an agenda that defends life, the family and freedom of conscience. Don’t be fooled by politicians or parties. Stand up for an agenda with the values of the kingdom of God”, he said. “Don’t fight someone else’s fight, don’t let yourselves be used as useful idiots. There are millions of evangelical Christians in Latin America who are the biggest potential bag of useful idiots that politicians can ask for, and you have to be wise and prevent it. Fight the good fight of the Gospel and don’t get involved in the causes of others”, he recommended. The third suggestion was not to enter into politics without experience or preparation1. “Take the “No te metas con mis hijos” (Don’t mess with my children) Campaign, carried out in Peru. It went well because there were people who knew what they were doing, or does anyone here think that the bridges were spontaneously covered with banners? That was due to the organization of people with experience. Without them, the campaign wouldn’t have had as much impact”, he added. In his fourth recommendation about the involvement of Christians in social affairs, he said, “Use your social weight. The reason why many people suddenly wonder who the evangelical Christians are, what they want, what they intend, what they aspire to is because you have a social weight, you have a weight in votes, you have a weight in mobilization, you have a moral weight, you have a weight in society. Use that social weight but don’t let them use you as a social weight.” By the end of his conference, César Vidal made one last recommendation: “Invest in all that can change your society. Fight for your children to receive theological and secular education. Remember to show Jesus’ compassion wherever and whenever you are. Make use of the media to reach every person on Earth because that is what Jesus told the apostles to do before his ascension.”

July 2018 / 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).

EVENT: 2ND NATIONAL CONVENTION. DATE: MAY 24-MAY 27. PLACE: DELDEN, NETHERLANDS.

RESOURCES USES BY GOD TO CARRY OUT HIS WORK With the attendance of faithful from Block C of Europe, the WMM in the Netherlands held its 2nd National Convention, with pastors José Arturo Soto, Humberto Henao and Carlos Medina as main preachers. The Worldwide Missionary Movement in the Netherlands held its 2nd National Convention in the facilities of Kroeze Danne Convention Center, located in the city of Delden. Under the motto “Credibility”, the event brought together the main world leaders of the Work, and the Lord revealed all His power. At the beginning of the Convention, Rev. Humberto Henao, International Vice President of the WMM, preached the Word with the message “The Useless Staff,” based on 2 Kings 4:31. In his speech, the missionary said that in ancient times the staff was used as a symbol of authority. At the second service, Rev. Jimmy Ramírez, National Supervisor of the WMM in Switzerland, shared the good news and talked about “Credibility.” Based on Exodus 4:1-5, the servant of God stressed that credibility is a key that opens the window to heaven. At the third service, Rev. Carlos Medina, National Supervisor of the WMM in Spain and Supervisor of Block A of Europe, preached to the followers of Jesus Christ through the

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July 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

sermon “Madness that Harms Credibility,” based on Ecclesiastes 10:1. SOUND DOCTRINE

At the fourth service, Rev. José Arturo Soto, International President of the Worldwide Missionary Movement, was the instrument chosen by the Lord to reveal His message to the believers gathered in the celebration. The leader of the Work delivered the speech entitled “Principles,” based on Genesis 1:1-2.

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Pastor Soto said that, “we people of faith believe in the creation of man. We don’t believe in any other theory, much less in the rusty theory of evolution. I believe in what God says, not in what man invents... If the plan of God had failed, the redeemer of the world would not have been born in Bethlehem.” At the closing ceremony of the 2nd National Convention of the WMM in the Netherlands, the brothers from Block C marched with flags and tra-

ditional costumes. In addition, Pastor Henao spoke about “The Need, Instruments and Resources Used by God to Carry Out His Work,” based on Jonah 1:1-4 The event brought together delegations of believers from Germany, Luxembourg, Belgium, England, Spain, Italy, Switzerland and Sweden, and was broadcast live on the five continents by the media (radio, television and digital) of the Worldwide Missionary Movement.

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July 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

EVENT: EVANGELISTIC CAMPAIGN. DATE: MAY 19. PLACE: BERLIN, GERMANY.

PREACH THE GOSPEL TO EVERY CREATURE The WMM in Germany held an evangelistic campaign. The good news of Jesus Christ was shared in Berlin after a long wait for the permission of local authorities. The Hermannplatz Square, located in the heart of Berlin, was the place chosen by the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Germany to fulfill the biblical mandate established in the Holy Scriptures: “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). The evangelistic campaign, long awaited by the members of the WMM in Germany, was held thanks to the procedures carried out by the leaders of the Work of the Lord and after a long wait to obtain the corresponding permission from the Berlin authorities. Thanks to the grace of God, the event passed off without incident in this city. With the use of speakers, the members of the WMM in Germany preached the good news in German, to the astonishment of the people in Berlin, which is home to many Muslim people from Turkey, Syria, Morocco and Arabia. Under the protection of Jesus Christ, the Gospel caught the attention of the passersby at the Hermannplatz Square. In addition, the faithful of the Work shared Christian teachings through brochures and treatises.

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They also sang gospel hymns and songs that pleased the multicultural public. Pastor Edwar Flores, a minister of the WMM in Germany, had the opportunity to preach the Word with a message about the duty of Christians to fight for the salvation of souls.

July 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

EVENT: INAUGURATION OF TEMPLE IN CERDANYOLA DATE : JUNE 12 / PLACE: CERDANYOLA DEL VALLÉS, SPAIN.

READY FOR THE KING’S DECISION The WMM in Spain inaugurated a new church in Cerdanyola del Vallés, Barcelona. The event was attended by brothers from the congregations of Lérida, Hospitalet, Mollerusa, San Juan Despí, Gerona, among others. With the special attendance of Rev. Carlos Medina, National Supervisor of Work in Spain and of Block A of Europe, the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Spain inaugurated a church in the municipality of Cerdanyola del Vallés, in the province of Barcelona. The inauguration of the new house of God and gate of heaven was attended by faithful from the congregations of Lérida, Hospitalet, Mollerusa, San Juan Despí, Gerona and Zona Franca. The group of believers took the opportunity to thank the Creator for all the blessings granted to His people. In addition, the faithful of the WMM in Spain sang hymns and songs to Jesus Christ and showed their love for the Most High with prayers and praises. This proved the importance of

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the Gospel in their lives. At the inauguration service, Rev. Medina, who is glad for the progress of the Work in Spain, preached the Word of the Savior with the message “Ready for the King’s decision.” Based on 2 Samuel 15:14-22, the minister spoke about King David. In his preaching, servant Medina said a prayer for workers Mario Alzate and Lucely de Alzate, who are now in charge of the brand-new house of Christ. He asked Jesus to fill them with blessings and protect them from evil and all dangers. On their part, the Alzate undertook to lead the new temple of Cerdanyola del Vallés, located thirty minutes from the city of Barcelona, and promised God to never stop preaching the Gospel in this place.

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July 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

EVENT: OPENING OF NEW CONGREGATION. DATE: MAY 20. PLACE: MAPUTO, MOZAMBIQUE.

THE DANGER OF LIVING A DIFFERENT GOSPEL Maputo, capital of Mozambique, opened its doors to the Lord. Missionary James Delgado inaugurated a house of God and started a new battle in favor of the Gospel. Mozambique, located on the southeast coast of Africa, opened its doors to the Worldwide Missionary Movement. On an unforgettable day, the Work of the Almighty inaugurated a new house of God in the city of Maputo, capital of the country. Peruvian missionary James Delgado led the inauguration of this new branch of the WMM. The servant of the Lord, who is Presbyter of the temple in Puerto Maldonado, city in the Peruvian Amazonia, took the reins of the brand new congregation. Willing to kindle the flame of Christianity in the Mozambique, Servant Delgado welcomed the more than sixty people who answered to the call of the WMM. The preacher spoke about the love of Jesus and the power of the Gospel. At the opening service, the Latin American missionary preached the Word of Christ and shared the message “The Danger of Living a Different Gospel.” Based on Matthew 7:21, the servant of the Lord said that only those who are willing to do the will of the Savior will enter heaven. This messenger of God talked to the God-fearing attendees who came to listen to His Word and told them that the Bible is the only foundation of faith. In addition, he exhorted them to give up their pagan traditions and rituals, as they are useless to achieve salvation. Finally, Pastor Delgado emphasized that God is merciful and is willing to forgive those who believe in Him. His preaching, eloquent and touching, opened the hearts of the unconverted and made many souls repent of their sins.

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July 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

EVENT: SETTLEMENT OF WORKERS. DATE: JUNE 13. PLACE: KAMPALA, UGANDA.

AFRICA WITH CHRIST Rev. Clemente Vergara, International Officer of the WMM, settled Pastor Samuel Espinoza and his wife Elizabeth de Espinoza in Kampala, capital of Uganda, where they will preach the Gospel. As part of his commitment to the missionary work of the Worldwide Missionary Movement, International Officer Clemente Vergara arrived in the city of Kampala, capital of Uganda, to settle missionaries Samuel and Elizabeth Espinoza. The Peruvian young couple is now in charge of preaching the Word of the Almighty in Uganda, located in East Africa, where the WMM hopes to kindle the flame of the sound doctrine and aims to establish a local congregation. Upon his arrival in Uganda, Rev. Vergara, Missionary Supervisor of Africa, prayed for the Lord to bless Pastor Espinoza and his wife and give them victory in their battle for the expansion of the Gospel. As for them, Samuel and Elizabeth committed themselves not to waver in their mission to share Jesus Christ’s message of salvation. Likewise, they asked the faithful of the Work around the world to pray for them, so that they can achieve a great triumph for God.

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EVENT: 10TH NATIONAL WOMEN FELLOWSHIP / DATE: MAY 18-MAY 20 / PLACE: MEYRIN, SWITZERLAND.

The Worldwide Missionary Movement in Switzerland held its 10th National Women Fellowship in Meyrin, a municipality of the Canton of Geneva. The event was attended by more than two hundred believers who worshipped the Lord with hymns and songs. On the opening day of the event, whose motto was “Edifying My Home,” Pastor Madeleine de Garzón preached the Gospel through the message “Then Cried a Wise Woman,” based on 2 Samuel 20:1 and 16. The following day, at the first ser-

EDIFYING MY HOME With the attendance of over two hundred believers from different parts of the country, the WMM in Switzerland held its National Women Fellowship. vice of the spiritual event, which was broadcast by the media of the WMM in Switzerland, Pastor Patricia Almache

presented the sermon “She Is Good to You, Not Bad, Every Day of Your Life,” based on Proverbs 31:10. Then, at the night service, Pastor Janet Ibarra shared the good news of God with the message “My Husband Does Not Answer Me, Does He Really Listen to Me?” At the closing service of the event held by the WMM in Switzerland, which brought together the faithful in that country, Pastor Brunela Cabrera, a missionary from Torino, presented the message “Today I Came to Edify My Home.”

July 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

EVENT: EVANGELISTIC MARCH. DATE: MAY 20. PLACE: VIMERCATE, ITALY.

ONLY IN CHRIST THERE IS SALVATION The WMM in Italy organized a march through the main streets of Vimercate that caught the attention of the Italian population. The event aimed to spread the Gospel and sound doctrine. The seed of the Gospel is going through Europe. The WMM in Italy held an evangelistic march in the city of Vimercate, located in the province of Monza and Brianza. The event had as its motto “Only in Christ There Is Salvation.” With banners about the Gospel and Christian songs, the members of the Work of the Almighty took to the main streets of Vimercate, which is 16 miles from Milan and 6 miles from Monza. The march had a great impact on the population of the city, and the faithful from the churches of Monza and Lissone not only supported the local initiative but also helped proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. The evangelistic march allowed the message of salvation and sound doctrine to be shared with those who still do not know the love of the Lord. In addition, our brothers preached the Word of God contained in the Holy Scriptures.

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events EVENT: 1ST NATIONAL FELLOWSHIP / DATE: JUNE 1-JUNE 3. / PLACE: CLUJ NAPOCA, RUMANIA.

O LORD, REVIVE YOUR WORK

The WMM in Romania held its 1st National Fellowship with the special attendance of a group of pastors and brothers from the Work in Italy. With the presence of reverends Galo Flori and Hugo Lope and brothers Marcelo Echalar and Stefano Beltrari, from the Work in Italy, the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Romania held its 1st National Fellowship under the motto “O Lord, Revive Your Work.” On the first day of the spiritual event, which was led by Pastor Stefano Jozsa and

his wife, Marcela Espinoza, Minister Flori preached the Word of God with the message “Revival,” based on Habakkuk 3:1-2. At the first service of the second day, which took place in the city of Cluj Napoca, Servant Beltrari preached the Gospel of the Lord with the sermon “The Process is Purpose,” based on Hebrews 10: 35-36. Hours later, at the night ser-

vice, Pastor Hugo Lope had the privilege of sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. Based on Habakkuk 3:2, the missionary spoke about the prophet Habakkuk. Finally, at the closing of the 1st National Fellowship, Servant Echalar, based on Habakkuk 3: 2, evangelized the people of the Almighty with the message “Do You Want a Revival?”

July 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

EVENT: YOUTH AND PASTORS NATIONAL CONVENTION. DATE: JUNE 1-JUNE 3. PLACE: DANLÍ, HONDURAS.

INSTRUCTING THE NEW GENERATION The WMM in Honduras appointed its new National Supervisor, Pastor Heriberto Chacón, at the Youth and Pastors National Convention.

With the attendance of Rev. José Arturo Soto, International President of the Work of God and member of the Board of International Officers of the WMM, the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Honduras held its Youth and Pastors National Convention in the city of Danlí. The event had as motto “Instructing the New Generation.” At the morning service of the second day, Pastor Juan Francisco Cerón, member of the WMM in El Salvador, shared the good news of Christ. In his message, the servant spoke about the six questions that the Creator has for young Christians. Hours later, at the night service, Rev. Gustavo Martínez, International Treasurer of the Work, held the speech entitled “The Danger of Relying on Our Achievements.” Based on Joshua 7:1-5, the preacher spoke about the importance of being pure before the Almighty and submit to His will and Word. NEW SUPERVISOR

At the closing of the event, which took place on the campus of the Francisco Morazán Pedagogical University, Rev. Edwin Parada, National Supervisor of the WMM in El Salvador, shared the message “Leadership in Youth,” based on 2 Timothy 2:1-2, and pointed out that a good leader puts himself in the hands of God. Later, Pastor Soto preached to the attendees based on Isaiah 48:10. Bible in hand and before the watchful eye of the faithful, the International President of the WMM announced the Gospel and pointed out that to be a good minister of Jesus Christ it is important to have wisdom. The Youth and Pastors National Convention of the WMM in Honduras ended with a ceremony in which Rev. Heriberto Chacón was appointed as National Supervisor of the Work in Honduras in place of Pastor Alejandro Fúnez.

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July 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

Other events

ECUADOR Vigil of Youth from Zone 2 With the attendance of over eighty believers, the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Ecuador held a vigil for young people to pray and worship the Lord. The event took place in Buena Fe, a city located in the province of Los Rios. Pastor Verónica Guerra shared the Word of God with the message “Abel and Cain. Do Not Let Him Kill Your Dreams,” based on Genesis 4:1-8, John 3:12 and Hebrews 11:4. Inspired in the Scriptures, the servant pointed out that Abel was a righteous man and Cain represented evil.

MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 64 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia

CHILE Regional Women Fellowship of South Zone From May 18 to May 20, the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Chile held the Regional Women Fellowship of South Zone in the city of Osorno. At the opening, Pastor Jennie Duarte, wife of Rev. Marcelo Quintana, National Officer of the WMM in Chile and Presbyter of South Zone, shared the message “A Wounded Heart Must Forgive to Move On,” based on Psalm 103:8-11. The next day, at the morning service, Pastor Karina Fica, from the church of Chiloé, preached to the people of the Lord with the message “God Clears Up My Vision to Move On.” Afterwards, Servant Duarte shared the message “Woman, God Tests Your Faith.” In the afternoon, Pastor Betzabeth Fica, from the church of Oscar Bonilla de Rancagua, proclaimed the good news with the message “Rise and Shine,” based on Isaiah 60:1. The Regional Women Fellowship of South Zone ended with a worship in which Pastor Jennie Duarte preached the Gospel with the speech “Woman, What’s Your Burden?”

PUERTO RICO Workers and Pastors Retreat Under the motto “Pastors and Workers Who Reflect Credibility,” the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Puerto Rico held its Workers and Pastors Retreat, from May 31 to June 2, in the municipality of Rio Grande. Rev. Clemente Vergara, Missionary Supervisor in Africa and International Officer of the WMM, who was accompanied by his wife, Servant Gladys de Vergara, was the instrument that God used to present His Word. On the first day, Pastor Vergara spoke about the life of the prophet Elijah, based on 2 Kings 4: 8-11. In his preaching, the servant affirmed that, “in order to shine, we must be in the presence of God and seek Him from the heart.” At the first service of the second day, Minister Vergara talked again to the Lord’s people. In his message, based on 1 Timothy 1:12-14 and Acts 20:24, the preacher encouraged believers to rise from the dead, and warned them not to waste time. Later, at the night service, Sister Gladys de Vergara called the faithful to join the missionary work done by the WMM throughout the world. At the closing of the Workers and Pastors Retreat of the WMM in Puerto Rico, Pastor Clemente Vergara, based on Joshua 24:15 and Genesis 18:19, urged the attendees not to live to keep up appearances, to take care of their families, and to stay away from apostasy.

UNITED STATES United Worship in Kansas On May 28, the Worldwide Missionary Movement in the United States held a United Worship that brought together the believers of Zone 3 in the city of Wichita, the largest city in Kansas. The meeting was attended by faithful from the churches in the cities of Sumter, Charlotte, Monroe and Conyers, and the state of Alabama. The opportunity was used introduce the new pastors that will be in charge of the congregations of this part of the U.S.

ITALY

SWEDEN

GERMANY

JAPAN

Anniversary of the Temple of Lodi

Fellowship in Scandinavia

Worship of Children in Berlin

Father’s Day Worship

On May 5, under the motto “The Process,” the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Italy celebrated the first anniversary of the church in the municipality of Lodi, in the region of Lombardy, where the Work of God begins to win souls for the flock of the Almighty. Pastor Jorge Solano, from the church of Novara, was the first to share the message of God. Afterwards, Rev. Hugo Lope, Presbyter of Lombardy, Veneto and Trento, preached the Gospel and thanked the Lord for the progress of the Work in this country.

With the participation of faithful from Norway, Sweden and Denmark, the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Sweden held the Fellowship of Scandinavia on May 25 and May 26 in the city of Stockholm. On the first day, Rev. Carlos Contreras, Presbyter of Scandinavia, preached the Word of God through the message “Incentives for War.” The following day, at the closing of the spiritual event, the servant shared the Gospel with the sermon “You Cannot Run from the Work.”

On April 28, the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Germany held a special service for the children of the Work of the Lord in the city of Berlin, under the motto “With Christ I’m Brave.” The members of the WMM in Germany had the opportunity to teach the Word of the Almighty through biblical examples and short reflections that caught the interest of the little followers of Jesus. In addition, with the support of Pastor Edwar Flores and his wife, Servant Karin Uceda, the teachers of the Work’s Sunday School sang Christian hymns and songs and performed missionary plays.

To celebrate Father’s Day, the WMM in Japan held, on June 17, a special service in homage to the fathers of the Work of the Lord in the empire of the rising sun. The youth and women of the WMM in Japan celebrated the day with the family men of the Work. A message based on Genesis 22 was shared to show the obedience of Patriarch Abraham, an exemplary father in the history of Christianity.

July 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

LETTERS TO US... cartas@impactoevangelistico.net

JANUARY 3-10 CONVENTION COLOMBIA 25-28 CONVENTION BOLIVIA

FRANCISCO SOTO God bless the brothers and sisters that work in this great magazine. From Massachusetts, USA.

FEBRUARY 9-11 10-13 22-25 22-25

LIDIA QUISPE God bless you so much. This magazine has been edifying to my life and the life of many people. God bless the hard work of the brothers. From Sucre, Bolivia. God bless you, brothers of Impacto Evangelistic. Keep up the good work. May God continue to guide you in the publication of the magazine. I loved it since the first time I read it and I’ll keep reading it to see God’s wonders. From Esmeraldas, Ecuador.

MAY 4-6 CONVENTION JAPAN, Shizuoka (Hamamatsu) 24-27 CONVENTION THE NETHERLANDS

MAIRA TAMARA

JUNE 1-3 CONVENTION OF YOUNG PEOPLE AND PASTORS (HONDURAS)

I thank God to allow me to serve in His Work. Thanks to the Lord for His infinite mercy and for Impacto Evangelistic, such an edifying magazine to our life. From Sucre, Colombia.

ELENA BELLIDO

I thank God for the blessing that Jesus Christ is pouring out in this Work that is growing thank to the effort of all the people of the Lord. From Pennsylvania, USA.

CARLOS ALVA God continue to bless you. I wanted you to know that this magazine have helped me a lot. My family and I are part of the Worldwide Missionary Movement and I am a witness of the support that God has given me. Beloved brothers, keep up the good work. From Monagas, Venezuela.

God bless you, brothers of Impacto Evangelistic. I thank the Lord for belonging to the Church of the WMM and for the magazine that allows us to learn about the great things that God does in other parts of the world. May God bless this edifying website and its social networks. From Asunción, Uruguay.

NELLY MARTÍNEZ God continue to pour out great blessings. You’re a great blessing to me life, thank you very much. From Barcelona, Spain.

PEDRO ROMERO God bless you and keep giving you wisdom and grace for this ministry that is a blessing for many brothers. The magazine and its doctrinal contents have motivated many to go to church. I encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ to hand out this magazine in popular public places. Let’s share this spiritual instrument and invest in the salvation of souls. God will reward you. From El Progreso, Guatemala.

ALEX CASTRO I thank our Lord Jesus Christ for this cuttingedge magazine. The honor and glory be to our God. God bless you richly. From Cauca, Colombia.

CONVENTION PARAGUAY, San Lorenzo CONVENTION PANAMA CONVENTION ARGENTINA, Cordova CONVENTION BELIZE, Orange Walk

MARCH 7-11 CONVENTION OF PASTORS AND WOMEN, (AFRICA) 28-1 (APR) CONVENTION GUATEMALA, Guatemala City 29-1 (APR) CONVENTION GUYANA, FRENCH GUIANA, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, AND MARTINIQUE, French Guiana (Georgetown) 29-1 (APR) CONVENTION AUSTRALIA

RUBÉN BASTIDAS

JUAN LUNA

GLOB AL AGENDA 2018

LUIS RAMÍREZ Blessings. I thank God for this blessed magazine that has managed to maintain the sound doctrine. I am part of the Work of the Lord. From San Pedro, Paraguay. God bless you, brothers, because through this magazine God has blessed my life. I’ve learned a lot from the great testimonies about the things that the Lord has done in people who are today at His service. Congratulations. May the Creator continue to bless you. From Barrancabermeja, Colombia.

JULY 4-7 CONVENTION COSTA RICA, Heredia 5-8 CONVENTION BRAZIL, Manaus 5-8 CONVENTION NETHERLANDS ANTILLES, Aruba 10-13 CONGRESS USA, Virginia (Woodbridge) 18-21 CONVENTION UNITY OF PASTORS, MEN, WOMEN AND YOUNG PEOPLE, (Puerto Rico) 26-28 CONVENTION DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 26-29 CONVENTION MEXICO AUGUST 9-12 CONVENTION SPAIN AND BLOCK A OF EUROPE Madrid 9-12 CONVENTION AFRICA, Equatorial Guinea (Bata) 15-18 CONVEGNO VENEZUELA 16-19 CONVENTION ITALY, Milan 23-26 CONVENTION HAITI, Port-au-Prince 23-26 CONVENTION ECUADOR, Guayaquil SEPTEMBER 10-12 CONVENTION PERU, Chiclayo 13-15 CONVENTION PERU, Arequipa 16-18 CONVENTION PERU, Lima 26-29 CONVENTION INDIA 30 WORLD MISSION DAY, simultaneous activity in all the countries OCTOBER 4-7 CONVENTION HONDURAS 5-7 NATIONAL FELLOWSHIP CANADA 19-21 FELLOWSHIP MADAGASCAR 24-28 CONVENTION MAURITIUS NOVEMBER 1-4 CONVENTION CHILE, Santiago 8-11 CONVENTION EL SALVADOR 15-18 CONVENTION URUGUAY, Montevideo 29-2 (DEC) CONVENTION NICARAGUA DECEMBER

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July 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

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