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THE MAGAZINE THAT EDIFIES YOUR LIFE

September 2018 / Edition 776

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DEVOTIONAL

The glory of being a missionary

ANALYSIS

How important is faith? LIFE STORY

The terminal patient saved by God

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION

WORLDWIDE MISSIONARY MOVEMENT

The temptation to know the future and challenge God

OCCULTISM

MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 2 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

editorial

GLORY

TO GOD Rev. José Arturo Soto B. International President of the WMM

“Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake”. Psalms 115:1

ear brothers and sisters, I must highlight the

a Colombian missionary, was in Philippines, so we

great news: God’s Work continues growing.

commissioned him as he was only one hour away

This year we have reached more African countries:

from Hong Kong. Additionally, we commissioned

Ivory Coast, Uganda and Mozambique.

our brother David Veramendi, Supervisor of the

God allowed us to reach the Ivory Coast thanks

Work in Japan. Both of them work together now.

to the hard work and effort of a Colombian missio-

David travelled to China with me and it was a bles-

nary. And a married couple has moved there from

sing; worships are already being held via internet.

Equatorial Guinea to lead the mission.

All the brothers are excited; three days a week they

The Work has also expanded to Uganda, a cou-

use their computers to watch the worships. All

ntry with backward politics. However, God used

of this is edifying them; and the visit of the mis-

another sister and sent a missionary married couple

sionaries from Japan and Philippines has helped

from Peru.

them even more. There is no temple nor several

God has also allowed us to establish the Work in

attendees, but it is a start. With the help of God, we

Mozambique through a pastor that heard about the

will continue working there in the name of Jesus

work of WMM and joined us. Two months ago, this

Christ.

mission was entrusted to a Peruvian married couple.

Furthermore, there is a Peruvian couple both

Their first task they performed was to build a house

professionals who love God’s Work and are cu-

for the Lord with a capacity for 250 people, where

rrently working for the mission in China. God

several worships have already been carried out.

made possible for them to travel to Beijing, Chi-

In addition, God opened the doors of China

na, for a year to learn and improve their Mandarin,

for us. At the beginning of May, we held the Con-

the most spoken language in China and the enti-

vention of Japan, after which we felt we needed to

re world, as the Chinese population is the largest

go to China to visit a sister who used to attend our

with 1,400 million people approximately, followed

Church in Panama. God made possible for us to

by Indian population with 1,350 million. God con-

travel from Japan to China. We held worships and

tinues moving forward; we must pray for the Work

many souls responded. Several days ago, Francisco,

to continue growing. Glory to God!

Sepyember 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

www.impactoevangelistico.net

evangelistic Founder Director: Rev. Luis M. Ortiz SEPTEMBER 2018 / EDITION N° 776 (USPS 012-850) OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE WORLDWIDE MISSIONARY MOVEMENT The World-Wide Missionary Movement, Inc. is a non-profit church with a vision to plant new churches in the United States of America and its territories, and also with a missionary vision to plant new churches wherever God opens new doors all over the World. PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY Movimiento Misionero Mundial, Inc World-Wide Missionary Movement, Inc San Juan, Puerto Rico Washington, D.C. Periodicals Postage Paid at San Juan, Puerto Rico 00936

POSTMASTER: send address changes to Impacto Evangelístico P.O. BOX 363644 San Juan, Puerto Rico 00936-3644 Phone (787) 761-8806; 761-8805; 761-8903

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

France Gabón Ghana Guatemala Equatorial Guinea French Guiana Guyana Inglesa Haití Holland Honduras India England St. Andres Island (Col.) Saint Martin Island Island of Mauritius Rodrigues Island Canaries Islands (Spain) Hawaiian Islands (U.S.A.) Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Kuwait

Madagascar Malaysa México Myanmar Nicaragua Nigeria Oman Panamá Paraguay Peru Portugal Puerto Rico Dominican Republic Romania Sri Lanka Sweden Switzerland South Africa Surinam Trinidad and Tobago Ukranian Uruguay Venezuela

The Worldwide Missionary Movement is a religious nonprofit organization duly registered in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and in the federal capital, Washington DC, with headquarters in both cities and in every state of the United States and other countries where we have established missionary Works. Important The offerings and donations in cash, equipment, real estate and bequests by will, in the benefit of the Worldwide Missionary Movement, Inc.’s Work, are deductible from the income tax, and receipts issued by the WMM are recognized by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) of the Federal Government of the United States of America and of the Free Associated State of Puerto Rico. n

Visit our website Obtain uplifting information about God’s Work and keep up with the latest news. A customized access from anywhere in the world: www. impactoevangelistico.net n

If you wish Write to us at our postal address: Worldwide Missionary Movement, Inc. PO Box 363644 San Juan, P. R. 00936-3644 n

Copyright © 2009 Impacto Evangelistic Movimiento Misionero Mundial, Inc. (World-Wide Missionary Movement, Inc.) All content of this magazine and each subsequent edition are duly registered at the Library of Congress, Washington, DC USA. All rights reserved. Total or partial reproduction in any form and translation into other languages without prior permission of the Director are prohibited. Under international copyright agreements, they are crimes punishable by law. n

Doctrinal Statement The Worldwide Missionary Movement adheres to the fundamental doctrines of Scripture, such as: n

Legal deposit made on the National Library of Peru Nº 2011-02530 Christian Pentecostal Church-Worldwide Missionary Movement: Av. 28 de Julio 1781 - Lima 13 - Peru Printout: Quad/Graphics Perú S.A. Av. Los Frutales 344 - Lima 03 - Peru MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 4 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

• The inspiration of the Holy Scriptures: 2 Timothy 3:15-17, 2 Peter 1:19-21. • The Adorable Godhead in Three Persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit: Matthew 3:16-17, 17: 1-5; 28:19, John 17: 5, 24, 26, 16:32, 14:16, 23, 18:5, 6, 2 Peter 1:17,18; Revelation 5. • Salvation by Faith in Christ: Luke 24:47, John 3:16, Romans 10:13, Titus 2:11, 3:5-7. • The New Birth: John 3:3, 1 Peter 1:23, 1 John 3:9. • Justification by Faith: Romans 5:1, Titus 3:7. • Water Baptism by Inmersion, as commanded by Christ: Matthew 28:19, Acts 8:36-39. • The Baptism in the Holy Spirit subsequent to salvation, speaking in tongues according to: Luke 24:49, Acts 1:4, 8, 2:4. • Divine Healing: Isaiah 53:4, Matthew 8:16, 17, Mark 16:18, James 5:14, 15. • The Gifts of the Holy Spirit: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11. • The Fruits of the Holy Spirit: Galatians 5:22-26. • Sanctification: 1 Thessalonians 4:3, 5:23, Hebrews 12:14, 1 Peter 1:15, 16, 1 John 2:6. • Ministry and Evangelization: Mark 16:15-20, Romans 10:15. • Tithing and Maintenance of the Work: Genesis 14:20, 28:22, Leviticus 27:30, Numbers 18:21-26, Malachi 3:7-10, Matthew 10:10; 23:23. • The Rapture of the Church: Romans 8:23, 1 Corinthians 15:5152, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17. • The Second Coming of Christ: Zechariah 14:1-9, Matthew 24:30, 31; 2 Thessalonians 1:7, Titus 2:13, Jude 14, 15. • The Millennial Kingdom: Isaiah 2:1-4, 11:5-10, Zechariah 9:10, Revelation 19:20, 20:3-10. • New Heavens and New Earth: Isaiah 65:17, 66:22, 2 Peter 3:13, Revelation 21:1.

SUMMARY www.facebook.com/impactoevangelistico

28 / HEROES OF FAITH. Taylor and the second great awakening DEVOTIONALS 40 / THE GLORY OF BEING A MISSIONARY. Rev. Luis M. Ortiz

42 / DO YOU WANT GOD’S BLESSING? Rev. Gustavo Martínez

The temptation of occultism

The importance of having faith

Life stories

26 / LITERATURE. Israel and the nations

Analysis

18 / SCIENCE. Our God-given eyelids

Cover

16 / WELL-BEING. The dreaded migraine

Interview

Search us on

“It is time for Africa”

The miracle of a terminal patient

34 20

44 / GOD’S WORD IS QUICK AND POWERFUL. Rev. Álvaro Garavito 48 / EVENTS.

14 / Infographic.

64 / OTHER EVENTS.

Sepyember 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

OCCULTISM, the temptation to know the future, keeps men away from the path of the Lord due to religious weariness and disappointment in traditional religions. But only God knows and decides about the future of men. Juan Antonio Monroy

The experts’ justification for the growing number of people devoted to occultism is religious weariness and disappointment in traditional religions. Christianity is divided into four main blocks: the Catholic Church, the Orthodox Churches, the Anglican Church and the Protestant Churches. These four branches of a single trunk are going through a serious crisis: disaffiliation. In Europe and America, Protestant countries are becoming agnostic. Young people are not into religious topics anymore and adults are tired of religion. In Catholic nations, the rate of religious practice is quite low. According to statistics from the Center for Sociological Research, only 17 in 100 Spaniards go to church; and the level of commitment is even lower: only 3 out of 100 devote to some kind of work in the local church. The situation is similar in traditionally Protestant countries in Europe. In an extensive report on the Época magazine, journalist María Corisco said, “After so many years of inquisitive repression, Spaniards are nowadays eager for anything that has no rational explanation, anything smelling like spiritualism, witchcraft, magic and supernatural powers. The official God has been put aside and people are looking for other gods, other rituals and, in short, a different light that helps understand the mysteries of men.” Religious disenchantment should not be a reason to abandon the Christian faith and enter the dark world of the occult. If a certain religion is disMOVIMIENTOMISSIONARY MISIONERO MOVEMENT MUNDIAL 6 WORLDWIDE América • Europe America Europa • Oceanía Oceania • África Africa • Asia

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THE TEMPTATION OF

CCULTISM Sepyember Abril 2018 2018/ /Impacto ImpactoevangelĂstico evangelistic

appointing, then we must do some research, gain some insight and find more pure forms of Christianity. There are. That is why the Bible advises, “Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein” ( Jeremiah 6:16). TURNING TO OCCULTISM

In the book of prophet Jeremiah there is a passage that can be perfectly applied to those who join occult organizations: “For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water” ( Jeremiah 2:13). The first evil of the people is that they have abandoned God. “God is dead,” said German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche in 1887. “God is dead,” repeated French philosopher Jean Paul Sartre in 1945. And Europe believed them both. If God is dead, then leave the corpse. What do we want a dead God for? Are not the tombs of the pharaohs enough? So the first evil of the people is that they are abandoning God because they believe He is dead or because they do not want Him alive. The second evil of the people is that

Religious disenchantment should not be a reason to abandon the Christian faith and enter the dark world of the occult. If a certain religion is disappointing, then we must do some research, gain some insight and find more pure forms of Christianity. There are.

they are looking for a substitute. There are no atheists. Atheism is a biological impossibility. Human beings are made to believe. Faith and belief are imprinted in their soul, rooted in their mind, MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 8 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

engraved in their heart. Such is the great opportunity of occultism. It is gathering in its bosom all the spiritual refugees who have abandoned God. So the second evil of the people is that they are

hewing cisterns that hold no water. FALLING INTO TEMPTATION

Forsaking God and throwing oneself into the arms of the occult is like stop

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navigating the river of living waters and walking through marshy swamps. Forsaking God and throwing oneself into the arms of the occult is like putting the cistern of living waters aside and hew-

ing another that holds no water, no soul and no life. Occultism has an extremely tempting offer: the knowledge of the future. People want to know what their life will

be like tomorrow, next month and next year. And the occult â€œguaranteesâ€? this knowledge by stating that it is possible to know the future through a series of means that go from card and hand read-

Sepyember 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

ing to the invocation of the spirits. In Occultism, a Window to the Future, published in New York, American occultist Gary Jones says on page 113: “Christianity affirms that the destiny of men is in the hands of God. However, through the supernatural forces of occultism it is possible to know the future. The occult has shown that man can know what will be of his life on Earth in the years to come, so that he can prepare in advance to face the events. The occult is a window open to the future on Earth and this window should be MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 10 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

There are no atheists. Atheism is a biological impossibility. Human beings are made to believe. Faith and belief are imprinted in their soul, rooted in their mind, engraved in their heart. Such is the great opportunity of occultism. It is gathering in its bosom all the spiritual refugees who have abandoned God.

explored without fear and without religious complexes.” With this offer, it is not surprising that thousands and millions of people fall into the arms of the occult. To know the future has been the eternal dream of men in all times. Almost three thousand years ago, the psalmist David made this request to God: “Make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days” (Psalm 39:4). KNOWING THE FUTURE

It would be insane to know the future.

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If men were able to know their future on Earth, it would be necessary to build more madhouses, prisons, hospitals and cemeteries and restructure the entire society. We would walk the streets in our sleep. We would bite and eat each other. Only God knows the future of men. The Bible, which evokes the future from its first to its last page, not once records the noun ‘future’ applied to man. Christ gives us the reason: “Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof ” (Matthew 6:34). Life and the future are in the hands of

God. When James teaches us to say “...If the Lord will...” ( James 4:15), he is giving us the key to interpreting our future: God. “The future of God,” says GrabnerHaider in his Practical Wordbook of the Bible, “is the promise that the ultimate reality is not death and destruction, but that there is a permanent human being and a valid and true life, and there is a God that comes out to the encounter of the world.” Nothing attracts as much as secrecy. Digging out secrets is a human sport.

Sometimes we delve into the most hidden part of people until we discover their secrets. The afterlife is a world closed to the knowledge of man, and occultism aims to discover it. French author Julian Tondrian, in his book Enigmas of Occultism, said, “The secret that has surrounded and still surrounds the operations of occultism is a powerful stimulant for curiosity. From the earliest times and at all levels, secrecy has always exerted a powerful attraction, a true fascination on the human spirit... Deep inside [of

Sepyember 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

We must choose between the absolute light of the Bible and the absolute darkness of occultism. In the occult, there is psychic derangement, degradation of personality, condemnation of God. In the Bible, there is mental and emotional balance, return to dignity and the lost spirituality, blessing of God.

MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 12 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

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occultism] there is an immense ambition: trying to reach the essence of what is deeply hidden, to reach the secret of secrets. Total knowledge and total power. With regard to this murky zone of occultism, we can speak, like Goya, of ‘monsters conceived by the dream of reason’.” CHOOSING RIGHT

Occultism forgets that the secret things belong only to God. We only know what the Bible tells us about the great beyond. Our knowledge is limited. “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part” (1 Corinthians 13:12). What happens in the other world, as Jesus said to Peter, “thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter” ( John 13:7). No matter how serious the pretensions of occultism may be, no one can go beyond what the Bible reveals. Between Heaven and Earth, there is a border barrier that we cannot cross while alive. Isaiah said, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9). Moses is more explicit: “The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law” (Deuteronomy 29:29). We must choose between the absolute light of the Bible and the absolute darkness of occultism. In the occult, there is psychic derangement, degradation of personality, condemnation of God. In the Bible, there is mental and emotional balance, return to dignity and the lost spirituality, blessing of God. We can choose to plunge into the darkness of the occult or to light up our soul with the light of the Bible.

Taken from: www.protestantedigital.com

Sepyember 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

THE

DANGERS OF OCCULTISM

God’s Word expressly warns about what occultism practices mean for the Lord. God says in the Holy Scriptures that “…there shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or

an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch. Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the Lord…” (Deuteronomy 18:11-13).

In different passages, the Bible warns of the highly dangerous risks of occultism, which can even be hidden in innocent songs.

The 7 countries where occultism is practiced the most India

Congo

Ghana

Haiti

Indonesia

Cuba Brazil

According to BBC News Online, popular TV series with witchcraft and vampirism as main topics “awake the interest of children in the occult”. Heavy metal songs are also related to violent or demonic topics. The journalist Tom Harpur stated in ‘The Sunday Star’ newspaper of Toronto (Canada), “I must use the most categorical terms in this warning about what is happening [with music]. […] I have never seen anything so degrading. Songs are obsessed with insanity, possession, demons, blood, cursing, violence of all kinds, such as sexual abuse, self-mutilation, murder and suicide. Death and destruction, apocalyptic prophecies, the rejection to anything good, the acceptance to all that is repugnant and mean… those are the topics”. MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 14 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

Most used occult practices

Tarot It is a deck of cards used as a mean for the fortune-telling of the past, the present and sometimes the future of the person asking. Fortune-tellers’ technique is based on the random selection of some tarot cards. Once the cards are chosen and placed on the table, their meaning is interpreted using the cards per se and their relation to the others.

Horoscope The word “horoscope” comes from “hora” (hour) and “scope”, which means “the observation according the time of birth”. It is a chart of the sky showing planets and zodiac signs. The horoscope has the same meaning of an astrology chart, which has many types; the main one is a basic astrology chart called “natal chart” representing the time and position the sky had when a person was born.

Ouija board

It is a board with all the alphabet, numbers from 0 to 9, and the words “yes” and “no”. Everything can be obviously changed; for example, some participants add phrases to shorten the time it takes to make sentences and have a faster session. How does it work? People gather together around the Ouija board and invoke a spirit that is supposed to answer the questions about participants’ lives and future.

Sepyember 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

HEADACHES disorders are among the most common disorders of the nervous system. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than half of the adult population have had a headache at least once within the last year.

Walter Menchola Vásquez (*)

Headache disorders are characterized by recurrent moderate to severe pain, which may cause no significant discomfort or otherwise be disabling. They are classified as primary or secondary. Primary headaches are not symptoms, but they themselves are the illness; e.g. migraine. On the other hand, secondary headaches are symptoms caused by an underlying condition, disease or injury; e.g. high blood pressure or brain tumor. WHO states that half to three quarters of adults aged 18-65 years in the world have had a headache in the last year, and among those individuals, 30% or more have reported migraine. Headache on 15 or more days every month affects 1.7-4% of the world’s adult population. Headache disorders impose a recognizable burden of sufferers, including sometimes substantial suffering, impaired quality of life and financial cost. INFLAMMATORY SUBSTANCES

Migraine and tension-type headache are the most common primary headaches in the daily clinical practice. Migraine is ranked globally as the third most common disease and the sixth most disabling disease. It may start in childhood but most often begins at puberty and most affects those aged between 35 and 45 years. It affects up to 12% of the adult population, especially young MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 16 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

THE DREADED

MIGRAI adults. It is three times more common in women because of hormonal influences. Migraine is caused by the activation of a mechanism deep in the brain that leads to release of pain-producing inflammatory substances around the nerves and blood vessels of the head. It is recurrent, often life-long, and characterized by recurring moderate to severe onesided pain that can last from 2 to 3 days. It is aggravated by routine physical activity and is often accompanied by nausea, its most char-

acteristic symptom. Attack frequency is anywhere between once a year and once a week; and in children, attacks tend to be of shorter duration and abdominal symptoms are more prominent (WHO). It is known that genetic factors play a role in the onset of migraine, but environmental factors may also constitute a trigger: physical and psychological tension, loud noises and bright lights, hormonal changes in women or menstruation, alcohol intake, insomnia or certain medications (contraceptives, vasodilators).

well-being

physical exhaustion, lightheadedness or even fainting. d) Post-drome: Symptoms that occur after the attack and normally last 24 hours: extreme exhaustion, sleepiness, euphoria, depression, confusion, bad mood, weakness, and sensitivity to light and noise. WHAT TO DO?

INE

Migraines present neurological symptoms such as extreme sensitivity to light and noise, blind spots, tingling in face, arms or legs; nausea or vomiting, which may result in intense disabling headaches. SYMPTOMS

Migraines tend to peak during the 30s or 40s, but gradually become less severe and less frequent, or even disappear in some cases. Migraines normally progress through four stages:

a) Prodrome: Warning symptoms for an upcoming migraine attack: sudden mood swings (depression, euphoria, hyperactivity, irritability), food cravings, constipation, frequent yawning, increased thirst. b) Aura: Symptoms occurring before or during migraines: visual disturbances such as flashing lights or zigzag vision, and touching sensations, movement and speech disturbances. Most patients do not experience this stage c) Attack: Attacks usually last 4-72 hours and may be a one-time episode or repeat once or twice a year to a few times a month. It is a throbbing or pulsating moderate to severe pain that often affects one side of the head, but it could switch from one side to the other. It is accompanied by extreme sensitivity to light and sound, nausea and vomiting,

Diagnosis: Migraines are diagnosed based on the most common symptoms of migraine and the patient’s personal and family history. In late cases (older than 30), other pathologies should be ruled out and supplementary tests should be run. See your doctor immediately or go to the emergency room if the headache get worse with coughing or physical exertion, or if it is accompanied by fever or, after a head injury, by seizures, breathing difficulty or double vision. Prevention: Avoid migraine triggers, although it is not always possible. Experts from the Mayo Clinic recommend the “Learn To Cope” strategy, where patients are gradually exposed to headache triggers that they usually face, so they can learn to desensitize. To prevent migraines, it is important to eat properly, sleep well, avoid too bright or noisy spaces, and handle physical and psychological tension. Treatment: The treatment is basically preventive to reduce the severity and frequency of the attacks. Pain-relieving medication, also known as painkillers, can be taken during or before migraine attacks and are designed to relieve the symptoms. Aspirin, paracetamol and ibuprofen are recommended for mild migraines, especially headaches. There are other medications such as ergotamine and caffeine that are used for other migraine symptoms. For severe headaches, stronger pain relievers with medical prescription are recommended. Some are taken to prevent migraines such as beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, tricyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, anti-seizure drugs and pain relievers such as naproxen.

(*) Internist, Master’s Degree in Public Management and Policy Source: WHO, Migraine Diagnosis and Treatment - Mayo Clinic.

Sepyember 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

Imagine if windshield wipers had only two settings: fast and slow. That was the case until one day a disgruntled inventor was inspired by the superb design of our eyelids.

Dr. Don DeYoung

OUR GOD-GIVEN

EYELIDS

Engineer and inventor Robert Kearns (1927–2005) lived near Detroit, the hub of America’s auto industry. While driving across town one rainy day, Kearns was bothered as his wipers scraped and vibrated across his semi-dry windshield. The misty rain was too heavy for him to drive with his wipers off but too MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 18 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

light to leave them on. At that time, most windshield wipers offered just two settings, one for normal rain and the other for heavy downpours. Neither speed fit his situation. Kearns also had only one good eye, and the smearing motion of the wipers did not help. What happened next was

an insight that changed Kearns’s life. He simply asked himself whether windshield wipers could mimic the blinking of our eyes. That is, could the wipers be programmed to operate intermittently when the rain is light? This irregular speed would slow down and quiet the wipers, while it still cleared the

science

windshield and avoided the hypnotizing effect of the other settings. Back home, Kearns tinkered with wiper motors until they could work at intervals. This adjustment was a technical challenge because he did not have the compact integrated circuits that we have today. When he demonstrated the off-andon wiper behavior to auto engineers, they initially thought he must be using a hidden switch. But he was clearly on to something. In 1964, he patented the first intermittent windshield wiper with an adjustable delay. Unfortunately, his effort initiated a string of legal battles with major carmak-

ers who developed similar features. His patent infringement lawsuits reached the U.S. Supreme Court, and he eventually won millions of dollars, but at the cost of his job, his marriage, and his mental health. The 2008 film Flash of Genius tells the story of Robert Kearns and his invention. The blinking of our eyes is automatic and essential. Its saline washer fluid moistens and protects the outer cornea of the eye while removing dust. Other protective features include our eyebrow “umbrellas” and recessed eyeball sockets. The average eye blinks one to two times each minute for infants and ten

times faster for adults. The actual mechanism, however, is not well understood. It may involve a “blinking center” in the brain. Today billions of windshield wipers duplicate the eye’s intermittent blinking. Yet none last as long or work as efficiently as our God-given eyelids. Proclaiming the wonders of God’s handiwork in creating the human body, the psalmist asks us to think about their source, “He who planted the ear, shall He not hear? He who formed the eye, shall He not see?” (Psalm 94:9). Source: www.answersingenesis.org

Sepyember 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

HAVING faith is a condition to reach God. Faith is about certainty and conviction. It provides peace, rest and assurance. A person without faith will never please the Lord.

Carmen Valencia de Martínez

Human life revolves around the faith that is placed in someone or something. Faith is an imperative need. Faith is the basis of every science, every breakthrough, every discovery. Most of those who have achieved something had at some point the certainty and conviction that their efforts would not be in vain; in some cases, their ideas were even considered nonsense, but they stood their ground because they had a clear picture of what they wanted to achieve. The world called them crazy, but today they are known as geniuses. We will take about faith, but not the one we put in human things, but the one we put in the author of such faith: God. Faith is unerring and wonder-working. “For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness” (Romans 4: 3), because “without faith it is impossible to please him...” (Hebrews 11:6). FAITH IN GOD

Believing and relying on God is both an imperative need of the soul and a privilege, “for we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7). Faith is a condition for the just. We are living today in very difficult times, in times of crisis. But we are told that the just shall live by his faith, therefore, it is necessary to truly believe in God (Habakkuk 2:4, Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11, Hebrews 10:38). Faith is a condition to reach God. It is MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 20 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

THE IMPORTANCE OF HAVING

FAITH

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Faith sees the future in the present. Faith sees what is not seen. Faith makes the impossible possible. Faith is the certainty that we will get what we hope for and achieve what is still not visible on the horizon. Faith allows us to lean on and rest in God. Faith is the hand of the soul. Faith is a shield (“Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked”, Ephesians 6:16) covering the body, especially the heart, preventing it from being damaged and doubt from getting in. DIVINE MANIFESTATION

Faith invites God to manifest Himself, to reveal His power, His dominion, His presence. Faith puts God in control of circumstances, no matter how serious or catastrophic. Faith gives us peace, rest and the assurance that there is no need to fear. During a strong earthquake in a small city, a Christian old woman stood at her door watching her neighbors run by in panic from one place to another to save their lives. When they saw that old woman smiled at them and her face showed nothing but peace, they asked her, “Lady, aren’t you afraid?” The Christian old woman answered, “No, I’m not. I’m lucky because I have the help of a God who can, if He wants, shake the world...” ACT BY FAITH

essential for men to have faith so that they can be close to God. “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.” (Hebrews 11:6). Faith is evidence and substance. We are told that faith is “... the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). “Substance” refers to something that is real, visible and

tangible. “Evidence” refers to certainty and conviction. Therefore, faith is being sure that we will receive what we hope for and expect, even if we cannot see it now. Faith is to trust in God, to believe in God and to believe God. God is pleased when men trust in Him, believe in Him and believe Him. Because of faith, God acts in our favor. We are told that faith sees what is not seen as something it can become (Hebrews 11:1).

God take the part of those who act by faith. Throughout biblical history, we see how men and women of God became extraordinary people because of their faith. For instance, Abraham, who was called the “father of the faith,” was chosen by God to be a role model and a living example for all of us of what it is to believe in God and to take possession of His blessing, not because of merits, but because of a full trust in God’s words. “By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went” (Hebrews 11:8). Abraham trusted in God and accepted His word without question. His promise was enough for him to get up and do what God had told him. Faith

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preceded his obedience: he believed and then obeyed. THE SOURCE OF FAITH

Abraham believed in God directly (Romans 4:17). True faith cannot be based on men or circumstances, but on God (Mark 11:22, Hebrews 12:2). Faith cannot rely on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God (1 Corinthians 2:5). Abraham knew that his God was not just any God, but the One who raises the dead, who has all the power in heaven, on Earth and in the abysses, who can create from scratch with just words (Romans 4:17). Abraham believed that, if necessary, God could create life in the organs of his and his wife’s body. “Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, so shall thy seed be. And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about a hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah’s womb” (Romans 4: 18-19). Abraham was beyond hope, beyond any human possibility, but he “staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God” (Romans 4:20). DO NOT STAGGER

Abraham did not stagger. Disbelief has made many fail to hold on to what God has spoken to them. Disbelief has hindered prayers that, as a result, get no answer. Disbelief keeps many stuck. Disbelief has dried up and withered the resolutions and purposes that God has placed within the heart of every human being. Disbelief is the basis of all sin. Disbelief makes our hands empty and leads to ruin and stagnation. Disbelief arises when the enemy take away the Word of God out of our heart. “Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved” (Luke 8:12). Satan fights to remove the faith in God’s Word and promises. “... So, then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17), “for the word of MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 22 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

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Disbelief has hindered prayers that, as a result, get no answer. Disbelief keeps many stuck. Disbelief has dried up and withered the resolutions and purposes that God has placed within the heart of every human being.

God is quick, and powerful...” (Hebrews 4:12). TRUST IN THE WORD

For Abraham only one promise was enough. It is not the amount of words we hear, it is the amount we believe. “Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee; and I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing” (Genesis 12: 1-2). Job claimed, “For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth.” (Job 19:25). “I know” conveys security, conviction and firmness. Knowing the power of the Word of God gives you the authority to believe it; that is why your heart must be full of it. WE BELIEVE, AND WE SPEAK

When the Word of God is in our hearts, faith makes us speak the language of God. Faith confesses, affirms, creates possibilities and believes in miracles. “We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak” (2 Corinthians 4:13). Finally, the book of Proverbs 18:21 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” You have to say what you believe, so that what you say is done. You have what you confess. Believe in God!

Sepyember 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

THIS iconic hymn was used in the fight against racial segregation in the United States. Written by Harry Dixon Loes, it is still popular in Sunday schools from different Christian denominations.

Written in 1920 as a children’s song, “This Little Light of Mine” is a simple yet substantial hymn for those in the search of eternal salvation. Its author, Harry Dixon Loes, an American musician devoted to the service of Christ, has conveyed through the 98-year-old song a message of trust in God. Known today in Sunday schools from different Christian congregations in the world thanks to its children’s version, this hymn is based on specific passages of the Holy Scriptures. Some experts in gospel music, such as Spanish historian César Vidal, consider that this poem implicitly refers to Matthew 5:1416, John 8:12 and Luke 11:33. Discovered by musicologist John Lomax, who devoted his life to preserve classical American folk music, “This Little Light of Mine” was sung in 1939 by soloist Doris McMurray in the Goree State Farm state prison. The talented inmate told that she had learned the song from her grandmother in the city of Waco. CIVIL RIGHTS ADVOCATE

In 1952, the song was popularized with a gospel tune by “The Famous Ward Singers.” Then, with the support of American civil rights leaders Zilphia Horton and Fannie Lou Hamer, it became an iconic hymn in the fight against racial segregation in the U.S. between 1955 and 1968. The song reached the Old Continent in 1964 thanks to “The Seekers,” who included it in their album Hide & Seekers. From its first appearance it has been MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 24 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

THIS LITTLE LIGHT

OF MINE

music

THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine 1 The light that shines is the light of love, Lights the darkness from above, It shines on me and it shines on you, And shows what the power of love can do. I’m gonna shine my light both far and near, I’m gonna shine my light both bright and clear. Where there’s a dark corner in this land I’m gonna let my little light shine. 2 On Monday he gave me the gift of love, Tuesday peace came from above. On Wednesday he told me to have more faith, On Thursday he gave me a little more grace. On Friday he told me just to watch and pray, On Saturday he told me just what to say, On Sunday he gave me the pow’r divine To let my little light shine.

interpreted by numerous Evangelical and secular artists such as Brenda Lee, Etta James, Neko Case, Odetta, Roger McGuinn, Sam Cooke, Son House, Mavis Staples, Bruce Springsteen, Mike Farris, Rosetta Tharpe, Ralph Stanley, Joss Stone, and Buick Audra. Born on October 20, 1892 in Michigan, Harry Dixon Loes made a name for himself thanks to the significant impact of “This Little Light of Mine.” He was a man of God that helped promote the Gospel with his musical compositions aimed to glorify the power of the Cre-

ator. This servant of God, who wrote more than one thousand five hundred hymns, studied in the Moody Bible Institute (MBI) and worked for many churches. In 1939, Loes, who preached the Word of God for twelve years, was hired as a folk music teacher by the MBI, and from that moment on he pursued a long academic career that extended until his death on February 9, 1965. His name, still associated with his masterpiece, involves a ministry that still shines just as his most representative song.

Sepyember 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

THE book presents the history of the Jewish people, from their exodus until the destruction of the Second Temple of Jerusalem. It was written by Scottish theologian Frederick Fyvie Bruce based on the Old Testament.

Actually, Moses was the first and most important of a long succession of prophets whose influence in the religious life of Israel was, in the long run, very crucial: men who spoke in the name of the God of Israel and interpreted the events of the past, the present and the future in terms of the character, and the will of God revealed to people. But there was no prophet whose influence in life was as crucial as Moses, so much so that it has been rightly said that if Moses had not existed, it would have been necessary to create him in order to understand the ascending trend of the nation of Israel. Israel and the Nations presents the history of the Jewish people from their exodus to the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, and includes rich information that helps place biblical stories in their historical context. Written by theologian Frederick Fyvie Bruce, the book also analyzes the interaction of the Jew with neighbor nations. Israel and Judah enjoyed peace throughout the reign of Solomon, but the prosperity and joy that accompanied that peace turned into disillusionment towards the end of the reign. The King imposed too heavy burdens for the subjects to carry, and the kingdom crumbled when he died. However, the memory of his early years, before the imposition of forced labor and onerous taxes, was cherished by the people for a long time. And in the last days, when Israel and Judah fell into worse situations, the glories of a future golden age were founded on the memory of the days of peace and prosperity, under an Israelite King with his kingdom located between the Wadi and the Euphrates River. Enriched with genealogical and chronMISSIONARY MOVEMENT 26 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

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ISRAEL AND THE NATIONS ological tables of the kings of Judah and Israel, as well as photographs and maps, Bruce’s work was based on information available in the books of Tanakh, the Hebrew Bible, which today are part of the Old Testament. The author highlighted, in the introduction to his text, that these books are excellent historical documentary sources. REVEALING HISTORY

The Jewish people lived about two hundred years under Persian sovereignty. During this period, they were exposed to very important Persian influences in various forms, but especially in their religious thinking. The official religion of Persia from the reign of Darius I onwards was that of Zoroaster, and several aspects of this religion have left their mark on Judaism, without changing the essence of the Jewish faith. Zoroastrianism or zaratustrism was completely dualistic: above the god-spirit Ahura Mazda (the wise lord) with the other six Amesha Spentas (immortal saints) who supported him in the cause of light and truth, his rival Angra Manyiu (the hostile spirit) and the Daevas, their assistant spirits, were found. Bruce, born on October 12, 1910 in Scotland, also used as references for his book other sources of information that were never given the character of canonical. According to his own testimony, he

used various documents and writings by secular historians and the inscriptions of ancient cultures contemporary with the life of Israel between its dawn and the war with Rome. According to the second book of the Maccabees, someone caught the attention of Apollonius, governor of Celesyria, about the wealth stored in the temple of Jerusalem. We are told that his informant was Simon, captain of the temple, probably the son of Joseph the Tobiad; Simon acted like this due to a quarrel with the high priest Onias III. This could be a partisan story. In any case, the story continues: Apollonius passed the information to the king, and he instructed his chancellor Heliodorus to go to Jerusalem and take possession of the gold inside the temple. When Heliodorus arrived in Jerusalem, he was graciously received by the high priest, and when he asked about the treasures of the temple he assured him that they consisted mainly of widow’s and orphan’s deposits. Published for the first time in 1963 by The Paternoster Press, the book is one of the most valuable when it comes to the origin of the history of the Jewish people, according to the opinion of various biblical scholars. Chapter after chapter, Bruce reveals the most relevant events of the past of the people chosen by the Lord and their internal connections.

Sepyember 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

GOD’S PEOPLE

In the seventh year of John Hyrcanus, the independent State of Judea was firmly established. Forty years had passed since Antiochus Epiphanes abolished the ancient constitution of Jerusalem and the surrounding territory as an autonomous Temple-State, inside the Empire. The spirit of sacrifice and devotion of the Hasidim people, the strategic genius of Judas and the great value of Simon as a statesman (combined with the growing division and weakness of the Seleucid imperial power) had won more for the Jewish people (at least, it looked like that) than what they had lost at the hands of Antiochus. Therefore, it is not surprising that the first years of independence and security under John Hyrcanus had the appearance of a small golden age. With a degree in Philosophy and

The Jewish people lived about two hundred years under Persian sovereignty. During this period, they were exposed to very important Persian influences in various forms, but especially in their religious thinking. The official religion of Persia from the reign of Darius I onwards was that of Zoroaster, and several aspects of this religion have left their mark on Judaism, without changing the essence of the Jewish faith. Liberal Arts from the University of Cambridge and a PhD. in Theology from the University of Aberdeen, Bruce contributed in a serious and effective way to the revelation of the origins of God’s people. In his book, the author offers a complete guide to learning about the New Testament in a practical way, and presents the main events and characters of the dawn of Israel. For thirty three years, Herod reigned over the Jewish people, displaying an unusual political understanding throughout this period. Josephus has preserved a detailed report of these years, derived mainly from the work of the chronicler of Herod’s court, Nicolaus of MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 28 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

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Damascus, and partly from other sources not as close to Herod as his own chronicler. The kingdom of Herod covered all of Palestine and a good part of Transjordan. He ruled under the title of rex socius; in theory, he was an independent king who enjoyed an alliance with the State of Rome. In fact, he was obliged to respect and obey the will of the Roman people in all his commands, since otherwise he would have found himself immediately without a crown. Without heavy dissertations and with a witty style, Dr. Frederick Fyvie Bruce, who taught Exegesis and Biblical Criticism at the University of Manchester, has built in Israel and the Nations a relevant exhibition that is still valid fifty-five years later. Based on the Scriptures, the text is a vehicle that leads, without much effort, to understanding the Word of the Almighty. After the seventy or eighty years of

For thirty-three years, Herod reigned over the Jewish people, displaying an unusual political understanding throughout this period. Josephus has preserved a detailed report of these years, derived mainly from the work of the chronicler of Herodâ€™s court, Nicolaus of Damascus, and partly from other sources not as close to Herod as his own chronicler.

independence enjoyed under the Hasmoneans, the Jewish people felt very badly about the imposition of a new foreign dominance. The last Hasmoneans had been quite oppressive to their subjects, but looking back they would overlook the bad behaviors, and only the fact that the Hasmoneans were a national dynasty that had liberated Israel from foreign domination was the memory prevailing. As the High Priesthood had been held by a Hasmonean, the situation had not become intolerable. Even Herod was technically Jewish, although of Edomite and Roman roots for his aspirations and education.

Sepyember 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

REVEREND Nathaniel William Taylor was one of the most remarkable characters in the history of Protestantism in the United States. He was a promoter of revivals, an innovative preacher, and a professor of Theology at Yale University. Sidney Mead

As a member of a renowned family of believers in the state of Connecticut, Nathaniel William Taylor turned, under the protection of the Lord, into one of the most prominent theologians in the history of American Christianity. Born on June 23, 1786, he played a leading role in the creation of Yale School of Divinity, and in the promotion of the Second Great Awakening. Son to Nathaniel Taylor and Ann Northrup, Nathaniel William grew up under the influence of his grandfather, Reverend Nathanael Taylor, who taught him to love Christ above all. Nathanael was a well-respected servant of the Lord who studied at Yale University and preached the Word for more than fiftytwo years in New Milford. He awakened in his grandson the enthusiasm for knowing the doctrine that governs the Gospel.

TAYLOR AND THE SECOND GREAT

AWAKENING died soon after but not without congratulating him and giving him his blessing. Due to health issues, the future theologian failed to attend Yale regularly. However, with effort and dedication, he graduated in 1807. At some period during his college time, he served as the secretary of Phi Beta Kappa, then a literary and debating society, whose members were selected for the ground in excellency in scholarship.

RIGOROUS TRAINING

In preparation for college, Taylor was sent to a school conducted by Pastor Azel Backus at Bethlehem, where Joseph Bellamy, an outstanding eighteenth-century preacher, had “preached and reigned.” Although one of the youngest students in the school, Nathaniel became a general favorite, and friendships were formed that lasted through life. In the fall of 1800, Taylor was just 14 years old but, because he was comparatively forward in his studies, he was admitted to Yale University, one of the most recognized educational institutions in the world. His grandfather Nathanael MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 30 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

On the Yale campus, alma mater to famous figures in American economy, finance and politics, Taylor had an active involvement in spiritual topics that contributed to strengthen his faith in the Lord and the good news and to place his expectations in the resurgence of Christianity through the Gospel. DILIGENT DISCIPLE

At Yale University, founded on October 9, 1701, Nathaniel met an evangelistic figure that would be decisive for his future: Reverend Timothy Dwight. Grandson to theologian Jonathan Edwards, the minister of the Lord presided the institution with a renewed focus on evangelization. After his graduation, Nathaniel spent four years studying with Dwight, being employed for the first two as his personal secretary. On August 21, 1810, after having been with Dwight for slightly more than two years, Taylor was licensed to preach by the West Association of Ministers of New Haven County. He continued his studies with Dwight for nearly two years more and in Febru-

hero of faith

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ary 1812, he received a call from the First Church in New Haven to assume the position of pastor of the congregation. Soon after, on April 8, he was ordained reverend in a moving service where Dwight himself preached the ordination sermon. The president of Yale stated that the young minister has been appointed by the Lord to watch His flock. From the most prominent pulpit in Connecticut, Taylor became a powerful preacher who combined the solidity and clarity of his thought with an outstanding eloquence. A pious man and an expert in biblical topics, he focused on attracting

The Christian educator provided a real perspective of the Gospel at Yale that his disciples spread throughout the United States in missions of faith that resulted in great conversions. As an influential person among his fellow citizens, he became part of the Second Great Awakening, a spiritual movement that took place between 1790 and 1840.

sinners to the Kingdom of the Savior and made them new creatures. The results of his evangelizing work were evident. In the more than ten years as pastor in New Haven, the preacher transformed many who had been caught in the grip of evil by leading them to accept God as their shepherd and redeemer. Between 1815 and 1822, he played a major role in a series of revivals that encouraged his community to have faith in Jesus Christ and to fight the traps of the infidels. RENOWNED EXEGETE

An important leader of the Christian community of Connecticut, the Bible researcher was appointed Professor of Theology at Yale on September 14, 1922. His appointment, which was supported MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 32 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

hero of faith

by the academic authorities, was part of the foundation of a Theological Department that would later become the Yale Divinity School. In the following years, the exegete developed a remarkable teaching and Christianizing work, which lasted until the last day of his earthly life. With his oratorical ability and orthodox convictions, the servant promoted an innovative vision of the Scriptures that would influence the thinking of missionary Charles Grandison Finney and revitalize congregations in the Northwestern United States. The Christian educator provided a real perspective of the Gospel at Yale that his disciples spread throughout the United States in missions of faith that resulted in great conversions. As an influential person among his fellow citizens, he became part of the Second Great Awakening, a spiritual movement that took place between 1790 and 1840. Nathaniel Taylor was an advocate of repentance as the ideal way to reach the Lord. He also repeatedly offered his public support to the itinerant missionaries and preachers who, after the independence, were stirring the American nation with the message of Jesus. He focused on the conversion and transformation of humanity to obtain the long-awaited salvation. As the prolific writer, amusing talker and wise man he was, Nathaniel showed an extraordinary enthusiasm for being close to those lacking in faith and hope, whom he inspired with his trust in Christ. He never left the Sunday preaching as long as he lived and was constantly surrounded by believers who, like him, wanted to worship the Lord. Pastor Nathaniel William Taylor is now remembered for being key to American evangelization. He died on March 10, 1858, in New Haven, but his figure remains intact in Christian history thanks to the efforts he made in the 19th century to consolidate the faith in God. As a role model of faithfulness to Jesus, he courageously and eagerly served the cause of the Lord.

Sepyember 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

HE was told that he would die of the same genetic disorder that had killed his mother and brother. Antonio Gabriel Yumbo Mofuman, from Equatorial Guinea, miraculously survived a disease that was consuming his kidneys. He became preacher of the Word of the Lord, and he is alive to tell about his miracle.

Photo: Víctor Tipe and family files

Antonio was given only months or maybe days to live when he was diagnosed with the same disorder that had killed his mother and brother. In the cold ward of a hospital he had been given a death sentence. Leaning on his sister’s shoulder, the young man burst into tears as he learned the news. His condition was critical; his kidneys were completely compromised, and the doctors were surprised that he was still alive. It was 2003, and Antonio was already a servant of God, so he faced the disease in silence and on his knees before the Savior. Antonio Gabriel Yumbo Mofuman was born in Equatorial Guinea, an African country hit by corruption and extreme poverty. He was the youngest child of a humble family living in the district of Mokoga, Bata. Abandoned by his father, who was a foreigner and had another family, he went through a difficult childhood. Every day was a constant struggle for his mother, who had to raise her little children alone. Extreme poverty forced his older brothers to work to put food on the table. At 12, Antonio took his own path, and providing for his family became his MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 34 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

THE M OF A TERMINAL PATIENT

life stories

MIRACLE Sepyember 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

motivation. He dropped out of school and started to work as stevedore. The weight of the sacks would hurt his back, but the payment, whether in cash or in kind, was his painkiller. He would spend his days carrying sacks of snails, fish and other species, or helping the fishermen throw the nets. There was no other way to survive back at home. ANTONIO THE THIEF

The streets taught him not only to work. Along the way, the young man met bad MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 36 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

people who led him astray and covet what belonged to others. He became a member of a gang named “the mogdoni,” who shoplifted at supermarkets. The police was after them and captured one by one of his accomplices, but Antonio was never arrested. He kept on shoplifting for some months until his older brother took him to study in Malabo, capital city of New Guinea, so that he could have a better future. Tired of his criminal activities, he accepted the proposition.

When his sisters returned from Spain to inform of the state of their mother, they told their brothers to undergo an examination to discard the disease. One by one, all of them were diagnosed with the same disease.

life stories

THE PRESENCE OF DEATH

The change did not last long. Antonio abandoned his studies after a few months and came back home to take care of his mother, who had gotten ill and was bedridden. Discarding medical assistance, his mother had followed the indications of healers and sorcerers who blamed her bad state to the anger of his already-dead grandfather. She had been to more than 10 sorcerers, but none had a cure for her illness.

Antonioâ€™s sisters, who had migrated to Spain, managed to get their mother to a hospital in Europe. There she was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease, which would not only threaten her life, but her childrenâ€™s as well. This kidney disease became a curse for the family. Before learning the news, Antonio decided to devote himself to the Lord. A group of Christians used to visit him in Malabo and introduced him to Godâ€™s Word. He treasured the biblical texts, as they soothed the pain in his life and led

him to join the church of the Worldwide Missionary Movement in 1994. When his sisters returned from Spain to inform of the state of their mother, they told their brothers to undergo an examination to discard the disease. One by one, all of them were diagnosed with the same disease. Their mother died in 2002. Griefstricken, Antonio asked to be transferred as Pastor in the city, and his request was accepted. Brothers and sisters were constantly worried about the disease.

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A few years later, his older brother died of the same disorder. That is when his sisters invited Antonio to go to Spain to undergo another examination and he learned the terrible news. His kidneys were full of cysts. “Will my brother survive?” asked his sister to MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 38 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

the doctor. “Due to the conditions in Africa, I’m afraid he won’t live long,” said the doctor. Both siblings burst into tears. FAITH WINS

According to the doctors, a person in such condition as Antonio was had to be

dead already. Nonetheless, Antonio was alive. He returned to Equatorial Guinea to attend a pastoral retreat in Malabo. It was 2004. Frustrated, he entered the temple and made a deep prayer. Kneeled before God, he cried, “Lord, my mother and my older brother died of

life stories

He learned the terrible news. His kidneys were full of cysts. “Will my brother survive?” asked his sister to the doctor. “Due to the conditions in Africa, I’m afraid he won’t live long,” said the doctor. Both siblings burst into tears. While everyone was praying, he had a vision. Two people dressed in dazzling white carried a stretcher and approached him. “Antonio, you have been operated. Your disease has been healed by God,” they told him. He started to shake upon hearing these words.

this disease. Now that my other brother and I have been diagnosed too, please make a miracle in our lives.” While everyone was praying, he had a vision. Two people dressed in dazzling white carried a stretcher and approached him. “Antonio, you have been operated.

Your disease has been healed by God,” they told him. He started to shake upon hearing these words. After the experience, Antonio said to himself, “Lord, I’ll never tell anyone, not even a pastor, what you’ve done to me.” Pastor Edelmiro Ivina Dicombo, leader

of the church in Equatorial Guinea and officer in Africa, continued the worship and called him from the altar: “Antonio, the Lord tells me that he has done something in your life, come up here and testify.” Unfortunately, his brother, despite witnessing the miracle done in Antonio’s life, did not accept God because he still resented the death of his mother and brother. He died in 2015. Antonio went to Spain again in 2016 to visit one of his sisters who also had the disease. By the grace of God, she received the Lord as her Savior. She was waiting for a transplant, and some months later she was called for the surgery. She is currently healed, as well as her brother. “I am completely healed by the grace of God. The tummy pain and the swelling are a thing of the past,” says Antonio. The man of God has moved on without taking his eyes off the Lord. He trusts Him with all his heart. He had given him a wife and six children, who are his blessing. He asks himself now, “What would the doctor that examined me say if he saw me alive and healed? He would probably say, “Here comes a dead man, a ghost…”

Sepyember 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

“They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” Psalm 126:5-6

Rev. Luis M. Ortiz

No venture in the world faces as many obstacles as the Work of God, but it is also true that no other obtains more victories and eternal results. No task in the Work of God is more hindered, fought, persecuted, unrecognized and unrewarded than the Missionary Work in foreign fields. From the moment a person says that they have a calling to go to a foreign country, they are misunderstood, rejected, hindered, fought and persecuted. When they set off to the mission field, leaving their family, their place and their friends, they find themselves alone and forgotten, facing the toughest jobs, without proper encouragement, without adequate means, without necessary funds. They might spend weeks eating poorly, without company, wearied by indifference, beset by homesickness, hurt by ingratitude. When they return home, expecting to find encouragement and understanding, they are treated like strangers. They are relegated, seen with suspicion and mistrust, treated with disrespect and even considered a threat. • If they do nothing, they lack action. • If they do something, they overreact. • If they say nothing, they lack expression. • If they say something, they are not right. • If they come back young, they lose vision. • If they come back mature, they stand no chance. • If they come back old, they are sent to the firing line. While these things are, for the shallow, the opportunists and the greedy, disadvantages that they despise and run away from, for the true missionaries, they are precisely MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 40 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

devotional

THE GLORY OF BEING A

MISSIONARY their glory, their wealth, their fortune. Glory, wealth and fortune that they would not trade for the positions or the hierarchies of those who scorn and harass them. The true missionary cannot be anything else. Their life and activities revolve around that call and that passion. The truest missionary can take it all, but will not allow to be diverted from their divine vocation. The true missionary is willing to give up on things, but will not give up their calling. The truest missionary knows that God has called them, and that this call and ministry is beyond men and things. The true missionary lives their mission, which “for necessity is laid upon him” (1 Corinthians 9:16), so he can neither avoid nor give it up. The truest missionary understands that the ultimate task of the Church is the evangelization of the world, and to that purpose they have devoted their life. The true missionary puts no other interest or relationship before their ultimate task, which is the salvation of souls and the building of a relationship with their Master, whom they love, serve and obey. Because of these firm convictions and powerful reasons, the truest missionary cannot hide or be silent, they has to suffer, but such suffering is their glory, because “the disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord” (Matthew 10:24). Like his Lord, they are also judged and clothed in unhealthy criticism. They are spit at with insults, forced to carry the

cross of disrepute, and buried in the tomb of contempt and oblivion. But, just as his Master rose on the third day, the truest missionary rises every day, as every day they are judged, crucified and buried, thus fulfilling the words of another great missionary, the apostle Paul: “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. So then death worketh in us, but life in you” (2 Corinthians 4:8-12). That is why the true missionary rises every day with a new life, new strength, new enthusiasm, new vision, new determination, sharing their vision, strength and life with those to whom he ministers. When Alexander the Great asked the Greek philosopher Diogenes: “Ask of me any boon you like,” he replied, “Stand out of my light.” The apostle Paul said, “But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ” (Philippians 3:7-8).

Sepyember 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

“If thou prepare thine heart, and stretch out thine hands toward him.” Job 11:13.

Rev. Gustavo Martínez Garavito

The Bible says, “If thou prepare thine heart…” ( Job 11:13). Blessings depend on our willingness, on the room in our hearts for God’s Word. The Lord was looking for those empty of him to fill them, but they were already full of other things. In Nazareth, there was nothing he could do because they did not believe. In Gadara, he healed two demoniacs and, as a result, he was asked to go away from the region. However, in Samaria, he was told to stay, and so he stayed for a few days, healing the sick and working wonders. Some people are full of theological misconceptions that come from the spiritually dead. And those who receive that which comes from the dead are dead too. “The word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12), but those who shut their heart will receive no blessing. In contrast, those who are thirsty for God and expect great things will not be the same again, because an encounter with God brings change and holiness. Moses wanted more from God: “And he said unto him, If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence. For wherein shall it be known here that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight? is it not in that thou goest with us? so shall we be separated, I and thy people, from all the people that are upon the face of the earth. And the Lord said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name. And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory. And MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 42 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

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he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy. And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live. And the Lord said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou

shalt stand upon a rock: And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by: And I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen” (Exodus 33:15-23). The psalmist said, “They go from

strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God” (Psalm 84:7). He did not say that they went from weakness to weakness. As years pass by and preachers grow old, they end up with no message, withered, as if they had never been anointed with oil. Why? Because there was a moment when they thought that they had everything, that they no longer had to look for God. Achsah, daughter of Caleb, came to his husband Othniel and “moved him to ask of her father a field…” ( Joshua 15:1819). She asked for fields, but also for springs of water, because the land is no good without water. And so I ask myself what good is a ministry or position if it is dead, if there is no water. We have to ask the Lord for springs of water. Fill me, my Lord, do not let me be sterile and dead. How much can you receive and hold? Some have the ability to receive but cannot hold. Paul says, “Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions” (2 Thessalonians 2:15). The Spirit states, “Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown” (Revelation 3:11). The Bible talks about two blind men: “And, behold, two blind men sitting by the way side, when they heard that Jesus passed by, cried out, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou son of David. And the multitude rebuked them, because they should hold their peace: but they cried the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou son of David. And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I shall do unto you? They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened. So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him” (Matthew 20:30-34). The blind men wanted a blessing, a touch from God, and they were sure that something would happen. God wants to enhance and broaden your vision. How much do you want to grow? Where do you want to go? How high do want to get? Some people want God’s blessing but they have no room to receive it because they have in their heart things that must be removed. God bless you!

Sepyember 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12.

Rev. Álvaro Garavito

The Bible states that Paul and some of his friends were battered, wounded and imprisoned. Nevertheless, at midnight, and in spite of their circumstances, they prayed and sang hymns to God, and the foundations of the prison were shaken because of God’s presence. There is freedom where there is the Spirit of God. However, Israel’s captivity was another story. The situation was so critical that they set aside their instruments, shut their mouths, and when they were asked to sing, they answered: “We cannot sing in foreign land!” When Israel was held captive, the spirit, soul and heart of the people withered. Today we face very difficult times. There are many mediocre, fainthearted, fearful, weak and even coward teachers of the Word. They do not teach God’s Word, but half-truths, therefore we end up with half-believers. As these people were not taught the full Word, they have not been fully changed. The true Gospel produces a true inner and outer transformation. How wonderful when we listen to the true Word that makes great changes! Jesus said, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” ( John 8:32). The Lord did not send the prophet to speak nonsense or make jokes, but to preach the true Word to the people. The true Gospel is the power of God. Paul said, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16). Nowadays many preach an adjusted, powerless MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 44 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

GOD’S WORD IS QUICK AND

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Gospel that produces no change. How will the faithful understand the Word if they are within a mundane and liberal congregation where the leaders do whatever they want? They believe that is the true Gospel, when the Gospel is in fact

a power that produces explosion and transformation within us. The Bible talks about an Ethiopian servant that came to Jerusalem and was reading the Book of the prophet Isaiah: “And Philip ran thither to him, and

devotional

heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him” (Acts 8:30-31).

“And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.

And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him” (Acts 8:34-38). It is interesting when the Scriptures say: “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). When we listen to the true Word, we come to life, from the thickest darkness to the brightest light. Our Lord Jesus-Christ was fighting the good fight in the desert and fasted for 40 days. His fasting was a true one, not like those that many do in their rooms with air conditioning, carpets, and orange or carrot juice. Some say that Daniel fasted with carrot juice. That is a lie from Satan! The true fasting as shown in the Bible was days and nights with no food or water. But no one has fasted o will ever fast like the Lord. Our Lord fasted and prayed in a desert, among thorns, hot sand and scorching heat. At night came the terrible cold of the desert, while the day brought a blazing sun. “And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:3-4). Men shall live by every word that comes out of the mouth of God, reanimating our body and nourishing our spirit. Dear readers, with this divine revelation, no storm and no demon can stop us. There is a power within us: the power of the Lord’s Word.

Sepyember 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

AFRICA is a very difficult continent for Christian missionaries. It takes time to overcome the strong cultural barriers, but the Worldwide Missionary Movement is getting there. We have churches in the continent since 1983.

Pastor José Clemente Vergara, International Officer and Missionary Supervisor of Africa and the Netherlands Antilles, talks about the growth and revival of the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Africa. He states that the time for Africa has come and we must use the opportunity. Pastor Vergara, you came to Africa 35 years ago, what is the continent’s situation? We started the Work in Africa on December 24, 1983. It was a bit slow in the beginning, as it usually is. First, it was me, then came my brother Rómulo; more and more people joined, and we eventually gave up our positions to new people. In 2000, we became supervisors; by then, the Work had significantly grown in the continent and some places had missionaries. The vineyard of the Lord has spread, especially in Equatorial Guinea, where most of the inland towns have churches. All pastors are locals, and missionaries have been sent from Guinea to Cameroon, Gabon, São Tomé and Príncipe, and the Republic of the Congo. We have a Guinean missionary in Brazzaville, Pastor José Misini, who together with his family is spreading the Work in the territory. In how many African countries is the Worldwide Missionary Movement? There was a time when the Work was at a standstill, but people have opened up. We call it a revival. In fact, past conventions have been extraordinary. We MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 46 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

“IT IS TIME FOR

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are in Guinea, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (former Zaire), Ghana, the Ivory Coast, Mozambique, and Uganda. In Mozambique, the Work has grown thanks to God and the efforts of a Peruvian missionary. In Uganda, it all began with the visit of a Colombian sister who felt the missionary call and started to work with children and some adults. What are the future projects for the progress of the Work in Africa? We have many projects for the short and medium term. We want to reach Angola and other countries. Some Peruvian missionaries who are in the border with Brazil have been feeling God’s call for some years now. We also pray for South Africa; we would like to start the Work there, and so we are networking to start the evangelization. South Africa is key to reaching the whole region. We hope to be there soon. We also want to enter Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, which are neighboring countries, and Togo, where there is a family that wants to assume the responsibility. Finally, we are

working to reach South Sudan. The goal is to evangelize all of Africa. How is the situation of the Church in Africa? Africa is not the same as it was years ago. It used to scare people, but now it is like any other place. There are difficulties, of course, but as I have said before, someone has to do the job, and now it is time for God. Many South-American pastors have felt God’s call to become missionaries in Africa; for example, in Peru, which is an important source of missionaries, many are eager to come to

Many South-American pastors have felt God’s call to become missionaries in Africa; for example, in Peru, which is an important source of missionaries, many are eager to come to Africa.

Africa. Their will is very strong. Such is the case of Henry and Amparo Millán, a Peruvian marriage that will soon travel to Equatorial Guinea as pastors. We believe that the time for this continent has come, so we have to use the opportunity. I see this movement in Africa as a river that has suddenly risen and overflowed but is returning to its normal level. Africa’s tide is on the rise, and my desire is to make good use of such opportunity. Some requirements must be fulfilled to open a church, is this a difficulty? In Africa, each country has its laws, but that is not the problem. Bureaucracy and corruption are the true obstacles preventing the legalization of the Work or the residential stability of missionaries. This is a very complex problem. Everything is about money, and when authorities do not get their share, they keep making things impossible. It is a terrible mafia. Thank God, some countries make it easier to legalize the Work.

Sepyember 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).

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events EVENT: NATIONAL CONVENTION DATE: AUGUST 9 - AUGUST 12 PLACE: MADRID, SPAIN

THE CHURCH MUST SHINE NOW The WMM in Spain held its 27th National Convention. The event was attended by President of the Work José Arturo Soto, two International Officers, and over two thousand people. The 27th National Convention of Spain was held at the Marriott Auditorium Hotel in Madrid from August 9 to August 12, and was attended by more than two thousand people. Reverend José Arturo Soto Benavides, President of the Worldwide Missionary Movement (WMM), preached the Word and urged the members of the Work to do their best to strengthen the Church, especially now that principles and values are in crisis. “Credibility is a word that is becoming less and less applicable in today’s world. It’s a principle in crisis in all aspects of human life. It has been bent by human deceit, human hypocrisy and human lies, and by the disrupted order of moral and ethical values,” he said. Reverend Soto said that the loss of values has become a common thing around the world: “It doesn’t matter anymore if you have to trample someone to climb the ladder. It doesn’t matter if you have to lie or cheat. If someone seeks fame, money and power, then the end justifies the means.” He also pointed out that many people claim to be faithful to God when things are fine, but in times of trial, they complain and go from making a prayer to making noise. “We can’t be like that, we have to be credible,” he added. The President of the WMM said that the Church has a testimony to keep that is precious to God. “To do God’s work we have to set an example. We have to watch our steps and words. We’ll never be perfect, but we have to be people with credibility,” he said. Pastor Soto preached for over one hour and used the opportunity to stress that the world is getting tired of human deceit and hypocrisy. “The Church has to shine with the powerful light of credibility, because the Church possesses God’s truth. Keep your example, keep your testimony,” said the pastor. The message of the Lord shared by Rev. José Arturo Soto was entitled “Perspective of Credibility,” based on Genesis 18:17-19: “The world has to see God’s power move in our lives, so that the ministry of the Church is credible.”

Sepyember 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

HUMILITY

For his part, Rev. Gustavo Martínez Garavito, International Treasurer of the WMM, called all the members of the Work to not waste the best of their lives and to keep searching for God. “When we stop searching for God, we fill ourselves with pride and arrogance. We believe that we can do anything. But make no mistake. Regardless of the position the Lord has given us, we must remain humble in our soul and heart. We have to submit to God,” he said. Reverend Martínez Garavito preached the Word in the third worship and his message was entitled “How to Receive and Maintain God’s Anointing in Our Lives,” based on Acts 10:38 and Luke 4:19. “If we want God’s power to manifest in our life and His anointing to last and grow throughout the years, our heart must remain simple, humble. Don’t allow praise and acknowledgment or questioning and criticism to erode our character or spiritual life. We need to lower the head before the Lord,” he said. UPRIGHTNESS

Reverend Luis Meza Bocanegra, International Officer of the WMM and Supervisor of Peru, shared the Word of

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God in the last service. His message was “Job, an Upright and Credible Man,” based on Job 1:1-11, 30:30-31 and 31:1-4. “God hates lying. You can’t be a Christian and a liar, or Christian and manipulative, especially if you’re a pastor. Some people lie, deceive, manipulate, take advantage, make fun of other, but they can’t fool God,” he said. He highlighted the importance of the Christian people and said that it is the only one with true possessions on Earth: “Some may have wealth, but it’s worth nothing, because we come into this world naked and we die naked. But Christians have God’s blessing and the salvation of the soul. Christians have been transferred from darkness and sin to the kingdom of God.” During this four-day convention, the Word was also preached by Sister Carmen Valencia de Martínez, with the message “Young Man, an Encounter with God Will Determine Your Future” (Isaiah 6:1). He emphasized the importance of having an encounter with God and urged to appreciate the privilege of having God in the heart and

Sepyember 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

to passionately seek the fire of the Lord, which leaves an indelible mark on Christians. For his part, Reverend Andrés Espejo, National Officer of Peru, shared the message of the Lord based on Matthew 3:1-2, and spoke about salvation and God’s call. “Many want God’s blessing, but they don’t want to pay the price. When God calls, he does so in places where we’re alone with Him,” he said. Reverend David Echalar, Supervisor of the Work in Italy, shared the message entitled “Sin Takes Away Our Credibility,” based on 1 John 2:1 and said that forgiving is part of being a Christian: “Repentance is a change of direction and way of thinking and it’s the path to salvation.” At the closing service, our brothers were recognized for their effort, submission and work for God. Seven lay workers, three licensed preachers and two ordained ministers were promoted.

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Sepyember 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

EVENT: 22ND NATIONAL CONVENTION DATE: AUGUST 9 - AUGUST 12 PLACE: BATA, EQUATORIAL GUINEA

BE FAITHFUL TO GOD’S PATH More than a thousand people gathered at the National Convention of the WMM in Equatorial Guinea. It was the confirmation of the growth of the Work in Africa. Reverend José Clemente Vergara, Supervisor of Africa and the Netherlands Antilles, preached on three occasions during the Convention. In his first sermon, he urged the faithful to stay faithful to the path plotted by Christ and resist the temptations of sin. “We have to remain firm and make straight paths for our feet. This is a call to examine how we are doing,” he said during the opening message of the 23rd National Convention of Equatorial Guinea, a country located on the west coast of Central Africa. Pastor Vergara held a sermon based on Hebrews 5 and said that we can fool other people, but we can never fool God, and that pastors, workers, leaders and all members of the WMM must be clean and keep their path straight as the Word teaches: “The discarded cannot serve God. In sin you cannot serve.” The Convention was held in the church of Ncolombong, in the city of Bata, from the night of Thursday, August 9, to the morning of Sunday, August 12. It was attended by delegations from different parts

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of the country, as well as by James Delgado, missionary pastor of Mozambique, who has recently opened a beautiful temple in that African nation. 35 YEARS

During his second preaching, the Supervisor of Africa and the Netherlands Antilles emphatically questioned those pseudo-Christians who infiltrate the Church and take advantage of people’s faith by pulling off deceptive shows. He listed the practices of the alleged pastors that make a show to deceive believers and have nothing to do with true Christianity,

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NEW NATIONAL BOARD In the 33rd National Convention of Equatorial Guinea, the new National Board of Officers was elected for the next three years. President: EDELMIRO IVAN DICOMBO, who was reelected for the position. Secretary: PAULINO NGUEMA NASUE Treasurer: PASTOR NZE OBAMA Member: LORENZO NDONG MBA Member: ANTONIO GABRIEL YOMBO.

and criticized the media and social networks that spread these kinds of heresy. “Some perform the anointing of the stomping, the anointing of the cornet, the anointing of the saliva or the anointing of gasoline. This is not but filthy and heresy against which we have to fight,” he said. He also mentioned that some false pastors claim that they cannot touch the contaminated floor, that they talk to God on the phone, and that they can do the anointing of the cigar, the breath or the salt. “This is all deception, lies,” said the pastor. The WMM is 35 years old in Equatorial Guinea and it was pre-

cisely Rev. Clemente Vergara who founded the first church in this country, in the city of Malabo. Ever since then, the Work has grown gradually, spreading to Bata and then to other towns in the country. FOR UNITY

The Convention was followed by thousands of people from all over the world through Bethel Television, which broadcast live all the worships. For his part, Reverend James Delgado shared God’s message twice and questioned those who rebel against the Word and think themselves powerful: “They only

Sepyember 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

NEW TEMPLE The Worldwide Missionary Movement in Ncolombong opened a new temple in Bata, thanks to the efforts of the local pastors and brothers. The new building is 30 meters long and 10 meters wide, and houses more than 800 people. It was built in two years with own resources on a land that used to be an “aguajal”, in accordance with the geographic and climatic conditions. The temple was inaugurated on Wednesday, August 8, by Reverend José Clemente Vergara, who congratulated the members of the WMM in this country for their work.

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seek recognition and fame, and fall into sin because they do not understand God.” In the closing sermon, on the morning of Sunday, August 12, Reverend Vergara encouraged all the pastors and brothers to do their best to maintain the unity of the Church. “Let’s be alert to en-

emy attacks. Only then will we continue advancing,” he said. The church of Ncolombo could not accommodate the great number of brothers who attended the Convention, so a giant screen was installed for all the attendees. The National Convention ended with a great parade of delegations who

wore their typical costumes. The WMM is established in nine countries in Africa: Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Congo, Ghana, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, South Sudan, Madagascar and Mozambique.

Sepyember 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

EVENT: GRADUATION CEREMONY DATE: JULY 15 PLACE: LONDON, ENGLAND

TEACHERS WHO LEAVE A MARK The Work of the Lord held a graduation ceremony in London. Four servants got accredited as teachers at the Sunday School of the WMM in England. The Worldwide Missionary Movement in England held a graduation ceremony in London, capital of the United Kingdom, in which four servants of Christ were recognized as Gospel teachers for children and were empowered to work for Christianity. The new teachers received a certificate and thus got accredited as part of the faculty of the Sunday school of the WMM in England. They were previously prepared through a series of training sessions called “Teachers Who Leave a Mark.” In addition, the occasion was used to hold the closing ceremony of the Sunday School for children and teenagers of the Worldwide Missionary Movement in England. It should be noted that the Work in this country offers training courses on the good news and the Gospel on a permanent basis.

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EVENT: WOMEN CAMPAIGN DATE: JULY 20 - JULY 22 PLACE: AMBOHIBAO AND ANTANANARIVO, MADAGASCAR

WOMEN OF FAITH The WMM in Madagascar held a Woman Campaign with the special participation of preacher Rosanna Roggeband from the WMM in the Netherlands. In order to train the servants of the Work of Jesus Christ, the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Madagascar held a Women Campaign in Ambohibao, town located in the commune of Antehiroka, and in Antananarivo, capital of Madagascar. The Campaign took place under the motto “Women of Faith,” and Sister Rosanna Roggeband, member of the WMM in the Netherlands, shared the message of the Lord. In her preaching, listened to attentively by the Malagasy faithful, the missionary taught the sound doctrine. Based on Hebrews 11:1-11, Matthew 21:21-22, Proverbs 31:1, 2 Kings 2 and Matthew 15:21-28, the preacher developed the following topics: “There Are Different Kinds of Faith,” “Unshakable Faith,” “How to Overcome Obstacles and Enemies of Faith,” “Virtues and Effects of Faith,” and “Double Portion.”

Sepyember 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

Other events

GUATEMALA

PUERTO RICO

Special Worship of Children in Floridablanca

10th Anniversary of Radio Remanente Escogido

Installation of Pastors in Caguas

Under the motto “Obedient Children,” the WMM in Colombia held on May 19 a special worship for children in the temple of La Ronda, a neighborhood located in the municipality of Floridablanca, in the department of Santander. Rev. William Cañas preached the Word through the message “The Example of Jonah,” based on Jonah 1:17. In his speech, the servant of God motivated the children to consider the consequences of and differences between disobedience and the blessing of obedience. Through a group of brothers committed to the spread of the Gospel, the congregation of the WMM in La Ronda carries out actions for Christianity in different neighborhoods around the temple, especially those with a large population of children.

On July 23, the WMM in Guatemala celebrated the 10th anniversary of Radio Remanente Escogido in the central temple of the city of Guatemala with a special activity led by Rev. Álvaro Garavito, International Officer of the Work of God. Pastor Garavito, who is also General Director of Remanente Escogido, stressed that the Christian radio station, which is part of the media of the WMM, does a remarkable work for the spread of the good news of the Lord. The event, held under the motto “I’m Too a Remnant,” was organized by sisters Verónica Zúñiga, head of Radio Remanente Escogido, and Lina Lasso, as well as the staff of the station. In the celebration, marked by the faith and hope of the members of the WMM in Guatemala, the Word was preached and the promoters and creators of the radio station were congratulated for the achievements made since its foundation.

COLOMBIA

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On July 31, a touching ceremony was held by the WMM in Puerto Rico to install the new pastors of the church in the municipality of Caguas, located in the eastern central region of the country, where the WMM works in favor of Christianity. Reverend Albert Rivera, National Supervisor of the WMM in Puerto Rico, welcomed pastors Edwin Torres and Sandra Huertas as the new leaders of the congregation of Caguas in replacement of servants Federico Cabrera and Elizabeth Peña, who will continue their ministerial work in the United States. Reverend Luis Ayala shared the good news with the message “Collaborators and fields of God,” based on 1 Corinthians 3:5-10, that touched the hearts of the attendees. In addition, the faithful of the Work made a prayer for both families.

MEXICO Inauguration of the Temple of La Independencia With the presence of Reverend Alejandro Roblero, National Supervisor of the WMM in Mexico, the Work of the Almighty inaugurated on June 18 a new house of God and gate of heaven in La Independencia, located in the state of Chiapas, where the Gospel begins to gain ground. At the event, led by Servant Rosendo Velazco, Pastor Roblero shared the Lord’s message based on Matthew 8:1-4. Among the expectation of the faithful of the Work, he presented the topic “Turning Ethics into Reality.” Then, from June 19 to June 21, a Bible seminar was held by three servants: Reverend Roblero taught about Christian ethics; Reverend Audiel Alcántara, Presbyter of Zone 5 held a course on pastoral and homothetic management; and Sister Carolina Romero conducted the course on pastoral counseling. On June 22, the training session came to an end with a ceremony that strengthened the faith of the members of the WMM in Mexico. Pastor Alcántara shared the message entitled “Let’s Finish Our Course with Joy,” based on Acts 20:24.

SPAIN Children’s Campaign The WMM in Spain held a children’s campaign on May 7 in Plaza de la Marina, located in Zona Franca, Barcelona. The event was attended by a large group of believers from the Work of the Lord and many people who were eager to know Christ. The activity was aimed at the children of the WMM in Spain, but caught the interest of young people, adults and the elderly. It was attended by members from the temples of Barcelona, San Juan Despí, Lleida and Castellón, who supported the efforts of evangelization of the Work. At the event, whose motto was “Marks that Change Lives,” Reverend Alexander Montes, Presbyter of Zone 3 of the WMM in Spain, preached the Word. In addition, the children took part in special activities and six people accepted God as their Savior.

SWEDEN AND DENMARK Evangelistic Trip Faithful to the mission of spreading Christianity, the WMM in Sweden and Denmark received, from June 8 to June 10, the visit of Pastor Carlos Teixeira, from the WMM in Portugal, who shared the Gospel of Christ. On June 8, in Malmö, Reverend Teixeira led a special worship and announced the good news of the Almighty. He developed the topic “God’s Process for the Sinner,” based on 2 Kings 5:1. On June 9, Servant Teixeira went to Denmark, the southernmost of the Nordic countries, to continue his work to spread the Word. In his first activity, he presided over a meeting of faith in the city of Thisted. The following day, Pastor Carlos Teixeira traveled to the city of Slagelse, located on the island of Selandia, to carry out a special worship with the brothers of the local congregation. In the event, the messenger of Jesus Christ delivered the sermon “Integrity,” based on Genesis 39:6.

GERMANY

ITALY

Anniversary of the Church of Munich

Anniversary of the Church in Monza

Under the motto “Ebenezer, Hitherto Has the Lord Helped Us,” the WMM in Germany celebrated, from June 22 to June 22, the 4th Anniversary of the temple of Munich. The event was attended by Roberto Rioja, from the WMM in England; Elvis Chávez, from the WMM in Switzerland, and Edward Flores, from the church in Berlin. They all preached the Word of God. In the opening service, Reverend Rioja developed the topic “Hitherto Has the Lord Helped You,” based on 1 Samuel 7:12. Then, in the second service, Pastor Rioja preached to the faithful who gathered in the capital of Bavaria. Based on Matthew 15:28, he shared the message “A Woman Rewarded for Her Faith.” In his speech, the preacher said that the solution to all the problems of humanity is to go to Jesus Christ. In the third service of the event of the WMM in Germany, Pastor Flores announced the good news through the message “The Secret of Our Victory,” based on 2 Chronicles 16:11. The servant of God said that the secret to obtaining victory is to remain firm in the Word of the Lord. On the last day, Reverend Rioja shared the teachings of Christ once again with his message “Though It Was Turned to the Contrary,” based on Esther 9:1.

With the participation of reverends Galo Fiori, Hugo Lope and Ramón Ortega, National Officers of the WMM in Italy, as well as over a hundred believers, the Work of the Lord celebrated the 9th Anniversary of the Church in the city of Monza from June 14 to June 17. On the first day of the event, which brought together the congregations of the Northern Presbytery of Italy, Pastor Fiori preached the Gospel. Then, on the second day, Pastor Lope developed the topic “Faith, Key to See the Glory of God.” In the morning service of the third day, Pastor Jorge Solano, from the church of Novara, shared the message “Full of Faith.” Later, in the night service, Servant Ortega was the instrument used by God to transmit His divine message. The 9th Anniversary of the Church of Monza ended with a service where Sister Senaida Espinoza, from the temple of Vimercate, shared the Word of the Lord.

Sepyember 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

LETTERS TO US... cartas@impactoevangelistico.net

JANUARY 3-10 CONVENTION COLOMBIA 25-28 CONVENTION BOLIVIA

JULIO LÓPEZ Greetings to all the readers. I never thought God had the power to change and restore until I read the testimonies in this magazine. Thank God and this ministry for saving me. Brothers, keep moving forward in God. Blessings. From Central Florida Reception Center, Orlando, Florida, USA.

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

Dear brothers, your magazine is enriching. I love it and share it with a group from church. I have magazines from 2014 and didn’t want to let them go, but their topics are for sharing. Keep forward. God bless you. From Camuy, Puerto Rico.

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

KARINA SOTO God bless you. This magazine is a beautiful blessing. It’s been very helpful for me and those I’ve shared it with. From Arica, Chile.

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

DÉBORA HERNÁNDEZ

LAURA CARBALLO God bless you. This magazine has been edifying for my life and that of others. God bless the hard work of its editors. From Sucre, Bolivia.

ANA VALENCIA God bless you for such great work. Impacto Evangelistic touches the hearts of men, as it’s God Himselfspeaking to the whole world every day, every hour and every minute. From Mérida, Venezuela.

RAQUEL C. SUÁREZ God bless the WMM and Bethel TV. God’s mercy on me has been great since I first read Impacto Evangelistic. What a blessing! There’s no doubt it is guided by the Holy Spirit of God. This magazine corrects, exhorts and guides to the path of holiness. God continue to bless you so that you can continue to share this great blessing with the people of God! From Gainesville, Florida, USA.

MARÍA GAUTHIER God bless you. Thanks for the magazine. It’s very interesting, with precious and edifying information, messages and testimonies that lead us to the path of the Lord and strengthens us spiritually. I always look forward to the next issue. God continue to give you knowledge and revelation! From Buffalo, New York, USA.

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

EVA RIVERA

Brothers, God bless those who make Impacto Evangelistic. Its content, good word and sound doctrine are a great blessing. You’re all in my prayers. Thank you. From Kissimmee, Florida, USA.

GLOB AL AGENDA 2018

ZAULO HERNÁNDEZ Dear brothers, I greet you in the love of Christ and in the communion of the Holy Spirit. Ever since I began to receive Impacto Evangelistic, my spiritual life has been straightened with sound doctrine and edified with personal testimonies. I’ll be forever grateful. From Woodbourne, New York, USA.

ESTER VARGAS I thank God because He’s given me the opportunity to read this magazine. It’s very valuable for my life and that of those close to me. Thanks to God and Impacto Evangelistic. I am a reader and collector of these beautiful issues. God bless you. From Arauca, 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

You can download the free QR code reader from these platforms: n Past events n Future events MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 66 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

Sepyember 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 68 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia