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THE MAGAZINE THAT EDIFIES YOUR LIFE

November 2018 / Edition 778

evangelistic www.impactoevangelistico.net

LIFE STORY

The solitude of the princess

DEVOTIONAL

Revelation, a book open for today

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE

God’s marvelous design for humanity

THE

BRAIN

WORLDWIDE MISSIONARY MOVEMENT

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editorial

THE SPIRIT OF GOD AMID

HIS PEOPLE Rev. José Arturo Soto B. International President of the WMM

“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.” John 16:13.

G

od always acts according to the guide-

true and triumphant faith. Love of money is

lines He Himself has established, and He

also a virus that attacks and weakens faith.

will never lower the standards He has set in His

When we put our faith in money, we turn our

Word but will keep them. Today more than ever

eyes away from the God who provides it to us.

there must be a deep movement of the Spirit of God amid His people.

Decadent faith can lead us to deny true faith.

Those who deny the true faith are apostates

The world is trying to wrap the Church, so

and are not holy, even if they sit on the pews

the heart of all believers must contain the solid

of the church or stand in the pulpits, preach-

knowledge of what it is to live a life in Christ. We

ing). These people attribute the Work of God

are in the last minutes of the day of grace, and

to the devil and resist the truth: “... these also

the Lord’s people needs to put things in order,

resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate

so as to be prepared to meet the Savior in the

concerning the faith. But they shall proceed no

clouds.

further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all

The victory of a church is not measured in

men...” (2 Timothy 3:8-9). These changes do

terms of the crowds it attracts, the social work

not happen overnight, but take months or even

it does, the influence it can exert in the corrupt

years to manifest.

world, or the wisdom about which some formal-

The devil cannot deceive those who know

ly trained ministers boast, etc. These churches

who they believe in. They can lose everything

have their eyes on the world, and they work for

and suffer the worst evils, but they will always

the world instead of working for the Kingdom

look up to heaven, to the hope of glory, with the

of Heaven.

certainty that our Redeemer lives.

Love of the world makes faith sick and de-

God bless you and take you from victory

stroys it gradually. When our faith is not healthy,

to victory, from triumph to triumph, and from

worldly stories and doctrines keep us away from

power to power. Amen.

November 2018 / Impacto evangelístico

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evangelistic Founder Director: Rev. Luis M. Ortiz NOVEMBER 2018 / EDITION N° 778 (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

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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

20 / PERSPECTIVES. The emblematic victim of war

music

18 / SCIENCE. Most species have a recent origin

cover

16 / INTERNATIONAL. Mukwege, doctor miracle

22 / INTERVIEW. “We are waiting for a powerful revival” DEVOTIONALS 40 / REVELATION, A BOOK OPEN FOR TODAY. Rev. Luis M. Ortiz 42 / I HAVE SET BEFORE YOU AN OPEN DOOR. Rev. Rodolfo González

hero of faith life story

Search us on

The solitude of the princess

34

The mysteries of the brain

6

“Swing low, sweet chariot”

Soldier of great faith

30 20

44 / THE POWERFUL WORD OF GOD Carmen Valencia de Martínez 48 / EVENTS.

14 / Infography.

64-65 / OTHER EVENTS.

November 2018 / Impacto evangelístico

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UNLIKE any man-made computer, the brain is made of living cells that must constantly change as we acquire new skills and information. It appears that the physical architecture of the brain itself changes in response to our experiences.

Dr. David A. DeWitt

Lang Lang was only three. Curious and awkward, he pressed an ivory key for the first time on the big wooden piano and loved the sound. With practice, the boy born in Shenyang, China, became a prodigy, winning international competitions by age 13. Lang Lang still amazes and inspires audiences, now playing with great symphony orchestras.

If we set our mind to it, we can do really amazing things. The more we practice, the better we become. In addition to music, we can learn to dribble a soccer ball, hit a softball, paint, sing, ride a bike, drive a car, fly a helicopter, or learn any other skill that requires precise muscle control and fine-tuned senses.

Yet acquiring skills would be impossible if our brains were “hardwired” at birth. To sort through all the data that our body’s sensors record, the brain has been designed to change. Our brain is not a computer, made of solid-state wires and silicon wafers. It is three pounds of living, growing cells that constantly form new connections and change old ones.

The brain’s flexibility enables us to quickly acquire new skills, learn new information, and create new memories.

Further, if our brain suffers certain types of injury, brain cells can take over the function of the dead or damaged cells.

Modern imaging tools can now look inside the brain while it is still at work.

For the first time, we are beginning to see just how marvelously God designed our brain to adapt to our ever-changing needs.

MOVIMIENTOMISSIONARY MISIONERO MOVEMENT MUNDIAL 6 WORLDWIDE América • Europe America Europa • Oceanía Oceania • África Africa • Asia

cover

THE MYSTERIES OF

THE BRAIN

November Abril 2018 / Impacto evangelĂ­stico

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MUSIC AND THE BRAIN

Neuroscience researchers have known for years that the brains of musicians have more grey matter in certain areas than most other people. Are they born with these differences, or do their brains change with experience? Neuroscientists have tended toward the latter view but lacked hard evidence.1 Recent studies have demonstrated that music training also improves skills in many areas, including fine motor skills and sound discrimination. Some researchers have even noticed improvement in attention, math skills, and geometry tasks.2 Imaging studies of the brain have confirmed that the networks of neurons associated with these abilities change physically, too.

Scientists have not been able to completely rule out the possibility of predisposition or innate structural differences in the brain that would account for musical ability, but the amount of tissue in different regions of the brain does tend to correlate with the amount of practice and training.

Musicians, for example, have more tissue in regions responsible for sound discrimination and finger control. This and other evidence strongly suggests that experience alters the architecture of the brain.

Such a marvelous design makes it possible for us to grow and adapt to our changing environment.

LOCATION

One aspect of the brain that triggered my own interest in neuroscience is how the brain is laid out. The neurons that control our senses and motor skills are arranged into an orderly map in the brain, called a “homunculus.”

The neurons responsible for touch are laid out in a three-dimensional sequence in the brain, known as a spatial trajectory. If two parts of the body, such as the thumb and index finger, are located next to each other physically, they also have corresponding neurons that are next to each other in the brain.

So when scientists attempt to map MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 8 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

cover

November 2018 / Impacto evangelĂ­stico

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the sensory neurons in the brain, they find neurons that respond to stimulation of the thumb next to neurons that respond to stimulation of the index finger and so on. The same holds true for neurons that control muscle movement.

Although the neurons in the brain mirror the arrangement of the body parts, they do not mirror the relative size of the body parts. For example, while our arms and legs are much larger than our MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 10 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

GOD’S DESIGN OF THE BRAIN The organization and layout of the nerve cells in the human brain is truly remarkable. The brain continues to change and adapt, as well as repair itself, throughout life. The brain follows an overall plan of development but then alters based on experience, stimulation, and the environment. Although I may be biased as a neuroscientist, I believe nothing provides greater testimony than the brain to how we are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalms 139:14).

cover

Behaviors or senses that are used more, receive a greater allocation of space in the brain. This explains why individuals who are blind or deaf seem to have heightened sensitivity in other areas.

thumb and lips, they occupy much less space in our brain. The fingers need more space because they require so many more neurons to control fine motor skills and delicate sensations.

Our other senses have similar orderly sequences in the brain. For example, the neurons involved in hearing are arranged by pitch, similar to the keys on a piano. Likewise, the neurons responsible for vision are arranged by sectors of our field of view.

Recent studies have demonstrated that music training also improves skills in many areas, including fine motor skills and sound discrimination. Some researchers have even noticed improvement in attention, math skills, and geometry tasks.

If a finger is amputated or the nerve to the finger is destroyed, the neurons that were allocated to that finger become reallocated to the adjacent fingers. For example, if the index finger is lost, the neurons shift to covering the thumb and middle finger. In contrast, if a musician decides to practice with one finger more than all the other fingers, the space allocated for that finger will increase at the expense of the other fingers.

The brain functions like a bookshelf with limited shelf space. If you need to add more pages to one of the books, then the increase needs to come at the expense of pages from other, nearby books on the shelf.

Behaviors or senses that are used more, receive a greater allocation of space in the brain. This explains why individuals who are blind or deaf seem to have heightened sensitivity in other areas.

November 2018 / Impacto evangelĂ­stico

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

cover

Initially, neurons send out fibers to a wide target area. Those connections that are repeatedly used become stronger, while those that are unused can be lost in a process called pruning. Neurons are constantly competing with each other for targets. Over time, each neuron becomes responsible for an increasingly smaller area.

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT

Neurons make an astonishing number of connections with other neurons. An adult brain has around 100 billion neurons, and just one of those neurons can make tens of thousands of connections.

Initially, neurons send out fibers to a wide target area. Those connections that are repeatedly used become stronger, while those that are unused can be lost in a process called pruning. Neurons are constantly competing with each other for targets. Over time, each neuron becomes responsible for an increasingly smaller area.

Both positive and negative changes can be reinforced. For example, excessive use of alcohol or drugs can lead to changes in neuronal connections. Indeed, drug addiction is likely to be related to changes in neural circuits caused by the drug use.

Since experience alters the brain in both positive and negative ways, it is all the more important to live a godly life. Perhaps this is one reason that the Apostle Paul admonished Christians how to think: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable; if anything is excellent or praiseworthy; think about such things” (Philippians 4:8).

References and notes 1. C. Gaser and G. Schlaug, “Brain Structures Differ between Musicians and Non-Musicians,” Journal of Neuroscience 23(27): 9240–9245.

2. B. Mauk, “Music Training Changes Brain Networks,” http:// www.dana.org/news/braininthenews/detail. aspx?id=21764.

Source: https://answersingenesis.org/human-body/brain/brainexperiences/

November 2018 / Impacto evangelístico

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Our

BRAIN

The organization and layout of the nerve cells in the human brain is truly remarkable. The brain continues to change and adapt, as well as repair itself, throughout life. The brain follows an overall plan of development but then alters based on experience, stimulation, and the environment.

“And God saw every thing that He had made, and, behold, it was very good…”

Genesis 1:31

The brain is a complex organ that is part of the central nervous system (CNS) and it is composed of the cerebrum, cerebellum and brainstem. It is protected within the skull and is present in all vertebrates. The brain produces a colorless liquid called the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which provides a basic mechanical and immunological protection.

What is the brain for?

Functions of the brain Controls vital body functions: temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, sleeping, eating.

Receives, processes and interprets all the information gathered from the senses: vision, hearing, taste, touch, and smell.

Controls movement and posture: walking, running, talking, standing.

Is responsible of our emotions and behaviors.

Allows us to think, to reason, to feel, to be.

Controls our superior cognitive functions: memory, learning, perception, executive functions…

MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 14 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

Is the brain a muscle?

It is often said that we must strengthen our brain, or else it could shrink as if it was a muscle. Nevertheless, it must be noted that the brain is not a muscle.

The brain is not made of muscle cells (myocytes) but of millions of neurons interconnected by axons and dendrites that regulate every single function in the body and mind, such as breathing, eating, sleeping, reasoning, falling in love, or discussing with someone.

Everything is controlled by the brain.

Parietal lobe

Occipital lobe

Frontal lobe

Temporal lobe

Cerebellum

The brain uses

20%

The brain is just

3%

of all the oxygen that we breathe.

of the body mass.

Mais de

70% do cérebro é água.

The objective of further study of the brain is to discover the location of the internal statistical system and how it processes data.

November 2018 / Impacto evangelístico

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THE Nobel Peace Prize 2018 was awarded to Congolese gynecologist Denis Mukwege as recognition to a man devoted to building a better world. Nevertheless, little has been talked about his work treating rape victims.

The Panzi Hospital, founded by gynecologist Denis Mukwege in DR Congo twenty years ago, provides treatment to hundreds of rape victims in a region ravaged by war and sexual violence.

Mukwege, known as “Doctor Miracle,” was born within a Pentecostal Christian family. He studied in different countries, among which Burundi, where he became a member of IFES University Bible Groups (GBU). He underwent his medical training mainly in France.

Soon after his return in DR Congo in 1996, war broke out. This first conflict caused a new pathology in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: extremely violent rapes.

“I started a hospital made from tents.

I built a maternity ward and an operating theatre. In 1998, everything was destroyed again. So, I started all over again in 1999,” he told to the BBC in 2013. He also talked about the impact of his experience with his first patient: “She had her vagina totally destroyed by a firearm being fired point blank at her genitalia.”

This event, which was initially thought of as the isolated act by madmen acting alone turned out some months later to be a planned systematic campaign of rape: “All the women in whole village were raped in a single night. Tribal chiefs and church leaders were raped in public.

Elderly people and babies were raped.”

Despite facing death threats, Mukwege has never stopped working against

MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 16 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

international

“The church of today – and of tomorrow – faces a number of challenges: climate change, terrorism, migration, refugees, sexual violence, and corrupt governments…”

MUKWEGE DOCTOR MIRACLE and reporting these acts. On October 25, 2012, a group of armed men broke into his house while he was not home and pointed their guns at his daughters.

Upon his return, they tried to kill him, but one of his security guards intervened and was shot dead.

“The church of today – and of tomorrow – faces a number of challenges: climate change, terrorism, migration, refugees, sexual violence, and corrupt governments, particularly in Africa,” he warned.

The surgeon knows that this path can lead to “adversity, opposition and persecution,” but the answer to it all is persever-

ance: “We must not give up. We must keep on fighting to liberate the captives, holding before us the Kingdom promises.”

In addition to the Nobel Peace Prize, Mukwege had been previously awarded the Sakharov Prize, given by the European Parliament in 2014.

Denis Mukwege is now part of the list of Nobel Peace Prize laureates, which has often fallen on people of Christian faith: Jean Henri Dunant (1901), founder of the Red Cross; the Lutheran missionary Albert Schweitzer (1952); civil rights leader Martin Luther King (1964); Anglican archbishop Desmond Tutu (1984); or Baptist pastor Jimmy Carter (2002).

Source: Information from the Internet

November 2018 / Impacto evangelístico

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NINE out of ten species alive today have arisen in the last 200,000 years, according to a new genetic study.

Ken Ham

This research looked at select portions of DNA from 100,000 different species, and “researchers found a telltale sign showing that almost all the animals emerged about the same time as humans.” Not only that, the study also found that species have very clear genetic boundaries, and nothing much in between.

Humans and animals arose at much the same time, and there are genetic boundaries. Sounds like what you’d expect to find based on the Genesis account of origins.

In an evolutionary worldview, which assumes an ancient age for many of the species we have today, the results of this study are shocking. Indeed, one of the researchers said, “The conclusion is very surprising . . . and I fought against it as hard as I could.”

Evolution doesn’t expect most of our species to have arrived at the same time, nor does it expect species to have these clear genetic boundaries. But this is what we’d expect in a biblical worldview—indeed it’s what creationists have been saying all along, although their timeframe of 100,000–200,000 years is inflated, due to evolutionary assumptions.

Researcher Dr. Nathaniel Jeanson, who has a PhD from Harvard University in cell and developmental biology and is the author of the book “Replacing Darwin, The NEW Origin of Species” says, “There’s a great danger to the evolutionary model in this study in ways they don’t quite realize yet.” He added, 1. The study suggests many, many species formed contemporaneously with modern human origins; MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 18 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

MOST

SPECIES

HAVE A RECENT ORIGIN

science

(…) we would expect most species to have a similar age since they have arisen in the past 4,350 years from the kinds that got off the ark after the global flood of Noah’s day.

2. We know from mitochondrial DNA clocks that modern humans formed within the last 6,000 years; 3. Therefore, this study implies that many, many species formed within the last 6,000 years.

All of the original kinds were created by God during creation week, about 6,000 years ago. This means all the original kinds are the same age (including humans). This doesn’t mean all the species we have today are the same age; species are still forming today. These species are simply varieties within a created kind. But it does mean all the kinds have the same age, and we would expect most species to have a similar age since they have arisen in the past 4,350 years from the kinds that got off the ark after the global flood of Noah’s day.

And we also expect groups to be genetically distinct. God created each kind to reproduce according to its kind (Genesis 1:11, 12, 21, 24, 25). So each kind is an independent unit, created

by God and unable to reproduce with other kinds.

Source: https://answersingenesis.org/natural-selection/ speciation/study-90-percent-of-species-have-recent-origin/

November 2018 / Impacto evangelístico

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ONE of the most iconic Vietnam War photos is the one showing a Vietnamese little girl running naked after a napalm bomb attack. In 1982, she believed in Jesus Christ and embraced the Gospel.

José de Segovia

Half a century ago, the Huế Battle –a surprise offensive launched by the North Vietnamese Army and the Việt Cộng– led to the eventual defeat of the United States in the first and last “television war.” No more bodies of women or children are shown at dinnertime that may result in demonstrations like those against Vietnam War. Thanks to those pictures, Ken Burns and Lynn Novick have directed an impressive 18-hour documentary series.

The images from this war recall horror.

Nam Vets are particularly reluctant to speak about it. These men experienced the dishonor of coming back to a nation horrified by the acts of brutality committed in massacres such as Mỹ Lai, where unarmed women were raped and then killed with their babies.

DOMINO THEORY

The origins of this war are particularly complex, as shown in episode one of the documentary “Déjà Vu,” that takes us back to 1858: the French occupation and the warning signals that the U.S. should have heeded.

When France decided to withdraw from their old colony in Indochina, after being defeated in the Battle of Ðiện Biên Phủ in 1954, an accord was signed that divided Vietnam into zones, while Cambodia and Laos were declared independent. Meanwhile, France let the United States take part into the longest and most unpopular war that America has ever had outside its borders.

In the beginning of the conflict, Americans considered it an extension of the Cold War that led to the Korean War in the 1950s.

According to the Domino Theory of General MacArthur, what at first was no more than a civil unrest had become a world threat. The theory posits that if one country fell to Communism, the neighboring nations would soon MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 20 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

follow just like domino tiles. After sending military advisors, Kennedy officially declared war in 1965.

When the troops abandoned the country in 1975 in the Fall of Saigon, after years of shameful defeats, the war had already cost 58,209 American lives. There were about 150,000 severely wounded/disabled and around 2,000 lost. Worst of all, the average age of the disabled was 19 years old. Almost nine million were “collateral damage.” This explains the start of demonstrations. The increase of protests, however, is due to the fact that Vietnam was the first and last television war.

KILL THE MESSENGER

Journalists moved around freely in Vietnam, filling American homes TVs with terrifying scenes at dinnertime. Hence the words of McLuhan: “Vietnam was lost in the living rooms of America—not the battlefields of Vietnam.” By “killing” the messenger, there were no more big demonstrations as in the past when conflicts such as the Gulf War broke out.

Unlike television, Hollywood was more reluctant to address the Vietnam War, except for some independent productions. It was not like in the Second World War, where cinema was used as propaganda. It is in the second half of the 1970s that the big films of Vietnam were produced.

The American Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), known for its critical role in the American society, was the only network capable of producing a series as the one filmed

by Burns and Novick.

THE HOPE OF FAITH

One of the most iconic and shocking Vietnam War photos is the one showing a Vietnamese

little girl running naked after a napalm bomb attack, arms thrown out in agony. This 1972 Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph depicts Phan Thị Kim Phúc, a 9-year old girl that suffered third degree burns in her body.

She received medical treatment, but doctors were not optimistic about her overall life expectancy. She was left in the morgue for three days, and that is where her parents found her.

She is still alive today after seventeen skin graft surgeries. She is one year older than me, 55.

Kim turned without success to the poly-

perspectives

THE EMBLEMATIC VICTIM

OF WAR theistic religion in which she was raised for inner peace, but at age 19 she found a Bible that she “could not stop reading.” In that year, 1982, she believed in Jesus Christ and read the Gospel. She asked God to forgive her sins and to help her forgive the people that dropped the bombs that had wounded her.

In 1986, she attended the University of La Habana, and in this city she met and married Vietnamese Bui Huy Toan. On the way to their honeymoon in Moscow, they made a stop in Canada, where they asked for political

asylum and became members of the Baptist Church, They now have two children.

In 1996, she made a public appearance on Veterans Day . She spoke to the soldiers that participated in the war and expressed her forgiveness. The most touching moment was when one of the soldiers involved in the bombing of her village, Trảng Bàng, asked her to forgive him and they both cried and shared an embrace.

“It filled me up with hatred, bitterness and anger… When I became a Christian, I just

have so much peace in my heart… The picture of Jesus Christ when they put Him on the cross and they kill Him, so Jesus say, Father, forgive them, they don’t know what they are doing… that picture, that words, Lord, help me to do the same thing. And I started to pray for my enemies, and the more I prayed for my enemies the softer my heart became,” said Kim Phúc.

Source: http://protestantedigital.com/blogs/45660/La_ultima_ guerra_televisada

November 2018 / Impacto evangelístico

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DESPITE the crisis in Venezuela, the Church of the Lord keeps marches to victory.

The goof fight of saving lost souls continues, and the Work keeps growing in a country afflicted by political and economic difficulties.

Susan Amau

Reverend Rómulo Vergara is a pastor in the south of the Maracaibo Lake, in the Venezuelan state of Zulia, and the director of the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Venezuela. He speaks about the critical situation in the country and the powerful revival for which the Church of the Lord is waiting.

What is the situation of the church given the current conditions of the country?

The economic, political and social crisis grows worse by the day and, in a way, it has also affected the Work. It has been years since we last organized an annual, youth or international convention. Nevertheless, we have sectorized the activities all over the country so that people may attend the worships.

Despite the obstacles, the Work is not stuck, but it is overcoming the difficult situation.

How is the Church of the Worldwide Missionary Movement doing its work in Venezuela?

People are doing their bit on the streets through evangelistic campaigns and on TV or the radio through owned or rented spaces. In general, we keep doing the work that the Lord has entrusted us to do. Unfortunately, some pastors have left the country due to the crisis, and many believers have migrated as well, but the remaining community is cheerful, ready and happy.

What is the disposition of God’s people in the face of the crisis?

God told us many years ago that a MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 22 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

interview

“WE ARE WAITING FOR A POWERFUL

REVIVAL” powerful revival would take place in Venezuela, and that it would have an impact on the whole world. It will be powerful and glorious, and we are waiting for it. Brother Ortiz was especially fond of Venezuela. God told him that something great would happen in the country, and that the revival would lead to the Rapture of the Church.

Is there persecution or are there laws against evangelization?

The President has said that nonprofit organizations will disappear.

They want but one socialist church. In other words, there will be a persecution against the Church, temples will be closed, and pastors will have to work in secrecy, or else they will be imprisoned or killed. The situation in Venezuela is getting worse and worse, but I believe that it is God’s process. He is angry with the corrupted missions that have become sinful, and the pastors

(…) there will be a persecution against the Church, temples will be closed, and pastors will have to work in secrecy, or else they will be imprisoned or killed.

and believers that have been involved in corrupt politics.

Have the communications of the Church been affected?

Yes. On one hand, the Internet is terrible. As optical fibers contain copper, they are stolen all the time for their sale in Colombia. On the other hand, blackouts are a constant problem throughout the country. In some places, electricity is shut off over the span

of a week, and in other places, power services are rationed in 4, 6 or 8 hours.

These electrical failures and shortages have damaged the equipment of our stations. We cannot go on air. This situation affects everything: television, internet and radio.

Has the crisis made Venezuelans more sensitive to God’s Word?

Sure. People have nowhere to look.

Even those who are not Christian ask for prayers and say that only God will lead us out of this crisis. The population is more receptive to God’s Word.

This crisis has led people to open up their hearts to God. Venezuela for Christ?

Yes, Venezuela for Christ and in the name of the Lord. May God help us and grant us victory. May He encourage us, because there is too much sadness, sorrow and pain, and people are depressed due to this situation.

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THE over-100-year-old hymn spreads a message of faith to the international Christian community. Sung by many artists in a number of genres, it offers a hopeful view on the deliverance from sin granted

by God.

Widely known in the United States and England, “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” is a representative Gospel song that shares a message of hope to the international Christian community. Sung in different American churches and sports events in England, the composition has a very peculiar history.

According to an official document from the US Library of Congress, published in 2002, this hymn was recorded for the first time in 1909 by The Fisk Jubilee Singers, a group of African-American singers and students from Fisk University that gained notoriety in Europe and North America by the end of the 19th century.

This document points out that the song has a mysterious origin. American musicologist John Wesley Work claims that the poem arose in 1851 from the tormented soul of the slave Sarah Hannah Sheppard –mother of composer Ella Sheppard– who worked at a plantation in Tennessee and was going to be sold and separated from her newly born daughter.

The article also states that other sources affirm that “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” was written by the slave Wallace Willis. According to them, Willis and his wife Minerva used to sing the spiritual song while they worked at an academy in Choctaw County, Oklahoma, where superintendent Alexander Reid furnished it to The Fisk Jubilee Singers.

ENCOURAGING MESSAGE

Today, with more than 100 years of history, this renowned hymn is part of countless Evangelical hymnbooks and many MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 24 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

“SWING LOW, SWEET

CHARIOT”

music

SWING LOW, SWEET CHARIOT REFRAIN Swing low, sweet chariot, Coming for to carry me home; Swing low, sweet chariot, Coming for to carry me home.

1 I looked over Jordan, and what did I see, Coming for to carry me home?

A band of angels coming after me, Coming for to carry me home.

2 If you get there before I do, Coming for to carry me home; Tell all my friends I’m coming too, Coming for to carry me home.

3 I’m sometimes up, I’m sometimes down, Coming for to carry me home; But still my soul feels heavenly bound, Coming for to carry me home.

4 The brightest day that ever I saw; Coming for to carry me home.

When Jesus washed my sins away, Coming for to carry me home.

music anthologies. Sung by renowned artists in a number of musical genres and chanted by English rugby fans, the song strengthens the trust of the followers of Jesus Christ and the optimism of all those who long for a better future.

“Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” was in-

cluded in 2001 in the Songs of the Century list prepared by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).

With an origin still in debate, this hymn refers to the biblical passage in 2

Kings 2:11-115, which describes a part of the succession of Eliseus to Elias and gives a positive view on the liberation from sin granted by Jesus. Official gospel song of Oklahoma since May 5, 2011, it constantly inspires humankind while on the earthly path.

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WRITTEN by the theologian Myer Pearlman, the book has provided an accurate biblical analysis for more than eight decades and still offers a panoramic view on the sixty-six books of the Bible.

THROUGH THE BIBLE BOOK BY

BOOK

In the book of Genesis, we read about the principle of redemption. In the book of Exodus, we read about the progress of redemption. In Genesis, this redemption is being carried out by individuals; in the Exodus, it takes place through a nation: Israel. The main thought of the book is redemption by blood. Around this thought emerges the history of a people saved by the blood, covered by the blood and having access to God by the blood. This redemption proves to supply every need of the nation. Israel, oppressed by the Egyptians, needs a rescue, and God replaces this rescue.

Through the Bible Book by Book provides a panoramic analysis of the most important Christian book, as well as useful knowledge about the content of the Holy Scriptures. Written by Jewish theologian Myer Pearlman, one of the main writers of the Pentecostal movement, the book has been since its publication in 1930 a necMISSIONARY MOVEMENT 26 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

essary and practical support material for biblical study.

In the Exodus, we saw Israel redeemed; in Leviticus, we saw Israel worshiping; and now, in Numbers, we see Israel serving. The Lord’s service was not to be done in a careless way, so the book offers us the view of a field where everything is done according to the first law of heaven: order. The people are numbered, based to the tribes and families; each tribe is assigned its place in the field; the march and the village camp are regulated with military precision; and in the transportation of the tabernacle, each Levite has its appointed task. Numbers is a book of rules regarding service and order.

It records Israel’s lack of confidence in God’s promises to enter the land of Canaan.

Divided into four parts, Pearlman’s book was written eight decades ago to promote the truths found within the Old

literature

and New Testaments. In this practical and concise book, the exegete evidences the main facts of the sixty-six books of the Scriptures and provides a number of personal comments.

ESSENTIAL DIGEST

Esther’s book has a peculiarity that distinguishes it from any other book in the Bible; the name of God is not even once mentioned , nor is there any reference to the Jewish law or religion.

But, while the name of God is not mentioned, there is abundant evidence of His work and care for His people. The book records God’s rescue of the people from a destruction that threatens them. As surely as He saved His people from the power of Pharaoh, he rescued Israel from the hand of the wicked Haman. In the first case, the rescue was carried out by a manifestation of His power and a revelation of Himself; but in the latter case, He remained invisible to His people and to His enemies.

In his first chapter, Through the Bible Book by Book reviews the Pentateuch and the historical books of the Old Testament.

Then, in its second part, it describes from Job to Malachi. In its third portion, it outlines the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John and the book of Acts. Finally, it explores from Romans to Revelation. The manual deals with each topic with surgical precision.

The book of Daniel is, for the most part, a prophetic history of the world gentile powers from the reign of Ne-

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buchadnezzar to the coming of Christ.

The prophets in general emphasize the power of God’s sovereignty over Israel, and reveal Him as guiding the destinies of His chosen people for all ages until the final restoration. Daniel, on the other hand, emphasizes the sovereignty of God in relation to the world gentile empires, and reveals Him as the ruler of their affairs until the time of their destruction upon the coming of His son.

With blunt style and simple language, Pearlman, who was born on December 19, 1898 in Edinburgh, presents in his biblical digest the core theme of all the parts of the Holy Scriptures. In addition, he thoroughly analyzes the stories and essential themes of the Bible from a particular view faithful to the Almighty. It also offers useful advice for the spiritual formation of believers.

DISTINGUISHED AUTHOR

The Gospel of Luke presents a historical narrative showing Jesus Christ as the divine and perfect man. Luke wrote especially for the Greek people, whose mission was to improve man

Esther's book has a peculiarity that distinguishes it from any other book in the Bible; the name of God is not even once mentioned , nor is there any reference to the Jewish law or religion. But, while the name of God is not mentioned, there is abundant evidence of His work and care for His people.

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literature

morally, intellectually and physically, and whose ideal was the perfect man.

In the same way that the Jews failed to obtain salvation through the law and its ceremonies, so the Greeks failed to obtain it by means of their culture and their philosophy. Education was for the Greeks what the law was for the Jews: it was their teacher to bring them to Christ. Seeing their inability to save humanity through their education, many philosophers among the Greeks saw that their only hope of salvation was the coming of a divine man. In order to satisfy the need of the Greeks, Luke presents Jesus as the perfect and divine man.

Myer Pearlman, who died on July 13, 1943 in the United States, studied at the Central Bible Institute of Springfield and stood out as one of the most prolific promoters of the spread of the Gospel.

He wrote and published seveal articles and documents that served to consolidate faith in the Lord and to position and strengthen Pentecostalism in the world.

The Epistle to the Romans is a complete, logical and inspired response to

Luke wrote especially for the Greek people, whose mission was to improve man morally, intellectually and physically, and whose ideal was the perfect man. In the same way that the Jews failed to obtain salvation through the law and its ceremonies, so the Greeks failed to obtain it by means of their culture and their philosophy.

the great question of the centuries: “How should man be just with God?” ( Job 9:2). In the Old Testament, the Gospels and Acts are scattered in different places in teachings concerning that great doctrine that forms the very basis of Romans: justification by faith.

It was the apostle Paul’s turn to bring these teachings together, and by adding the special revelations that were given to him, he has given us the most complete doctrinal statement found in the New Testament, incorporated into an epistle that has been called “the cathedral of Christian doctrine.”

Through the Bible Book by Book is the most renowned work by Pearlman. Written with the purpose of sharing general knowledge of the Scriptures with the followers of Jesus Christ, the manual is considered by the international evangelical community one of the most useful treaties for the learning of Christian faith. It is also valued for its accuracy in the presentation of the good news of the Savior.

The epistle to the Hebrews was written, as its name suggests, particularly to believing Jews, although it has permanent value and interest for all believers in all ages. The reading of the epistle will reveal the fact that the body of Christian Hebrews to which it refers was in danger of being led apart from the faith. Compared to the nation as a whole, they were a small group of little importance, considered traitors by their countrymen and the target of their suspicion and hatred. They felt their isolation, separated as they were from the nation. They were threatened by a great persecution. Oppressed by the present evidence and by the thought of future adversity, they had been defeated by discouragement.

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REVEREND Rubén Rosas Salcedo has just gone to be with the Lord. He preached the good news for more than sixty-six years, and fought for the salvation of countless souls. As co-founder of the WMM, he developed a passionate ministry that made him one of the most outstanding pastors of the Work of God.

For more than sixty-six years, Reverend Rubén Rosas Salcedo was a brave soldier that served God and with a Bible in his hands fought for the salvation of humanity.

He was co-founder of the Worldwide Missionary Movement, together with Reverend Luis M. Ortiz, and carried out a hard evangelizing work that led him to raise the banner of the Gospel of Christ.

Born on April 15, 1929 in Aguadilla, city of located west of Puerto Rico, Pastor Rosas grew up in a Christian home, where he learned to love the Creator above all things and read the Bible. His parents, Felipe Rosas and Eduviges Salcedo, preachers of the Gospel in the neighborhood of Aceitunas, in Moca Municipality, shared with him the sound doctrine of the Lord and guided him through the path of faith.

According to his own testimony, the Almighty began to deal with him ever since he was a child in order to make him one of the shepherds of his flock. On May 2013, at the 9th World Congress of the Work in Panama, he stated, “At family service, my mother would sit me on her left, my older brother on her right, take us by the hand and prayed: Lord, I give you my two sons.

Make them your workers.”

Chosen by Jesus Christ, just like Moses, Paul and other biblical figures, to fulfill a specific task in the Church, he was aware since age 9 of all the sufferings, struggles and tears that those who decided to preach MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 30 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

SOLDIER OF GREAT

FAITH

hero of faith

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the Word had to experience. Despite his doubts, he actively participated in the activities of the temple led by his parents, which made him become a prominent member of his congregation.

WARRIOR OF GOD

Determined to have a bright future and convinced against the idea of becoming a pastor, he enlisted in the American Army upon coming of age. In mid-1950s, he served in the Korean War, in which he would experience in the flesh the restoring love of Jesus.

Helead a unit of Texans and saw firsthand the horror of a conflict that killed more than three and a half million people.

With his back turned back on God, the explosion of a grenade left him on the verge of death when he was walking along with three detachment mates. As a result, the right side of his groin was destroyed, his femur was shattered, his bladder was perforated, his urethra was separated from the bladder, and his spine was seriously affected. However, the Lord did not leave his side and saved him with His infinite power.

After the bloody mishap, he experienced a painful trial period and the Lord put him to various tests before completely restoring him. He was taken to Seoul, where he was stabilized. Then he was taken to a private hospital in California. Later, due to the severity of his injuries, he was referred to a hospital in the city of San Antonio, where he underwent seven unsuccessful surgeries.

On December 14, 1951, after spending more than a year in the hospital, Rubén surrendered unconditionally to the Almighty and put his fate on His hands. His body was nothing but a rotten sack of bones and skin, but two days later, the Almighty healed him to the surprise of the doctors who were taking care of him. About this miracle, he once said, “God listened to my prayer and laid His healing hand over my body. Hallelujah!”

COURAGEOUS WORKER

Back in Puerto Rico, with his health restored, the servant Rosas devoted his life to Christ and decided to faithfully fulfill the will of the Redeemer. On July 11, 1953, he married Carmen Rodríguez, whom he MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 32 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

had met at the age of 18. With her, his loyal companion, he began to announce the good news and embarked on a passionate and energetic evangelistic mission.

One early morning at the beginning of 1963, the Savior spoke to him with an audible voice, “I want you next to my servant

Luis M. Ortiz.” Obedient to His mandate and willing to spread the Gospel, he founded the Worldwide Missionary Movement on February 13 that year with Brother Ortiz and together they built a denomination that would spread, over time, to the five continents.

hero of faith

WMM had an important evangelizing task for him. Together, they worked in the temple of Barrio Obrero, located in the San Juan Municipality, which became a source of salvation for thousands of souls who discovered the truths contained in the Bible thanks to him.

EMBLEMATIC PASTOR

Immersed in the message of the Lord, he fulfilled for more than six years various tasks that helped to cover Puerto Rico with the doctrine of Christ. On July 4, 1969, he travelled to Spain with the aim of establishing the first European subsidiary of the WMM. There he remained for three years, planting

the seed of the Gospel and building a congregation that stands out for having devoted sheep like Brother Alberto Ortega.

In 1972, he was summoned to return to the headquarters of the Work of God in Puerto Rico, where Pastor Luis M. Ortiz was waiting for him. The leader of the

With humbleness, abnegation, sacrifice and dedication, Reverend Rubén climbed the ladderof the Church created with the blessing of the Holy Spirit. In 1975, he was appointed International Secretary of the Christian organization. The following year, he was entrusted given to lead the Elim Biblical Institute (EBI), which he headed for eighteen years, as well as a temple in Bayamón mMunicipality.

Led by the Lord, he performed a fruitful work that is remembered still day. Under his leadership, the EBI extended its scope of action and consolidated its presence through branch offices established in Venezuela, Panama, the United States and Australia thanks to his courage and determination. In addition, from the pulpit of the church of the neighborhood of Hermanas Dávila, located in downtown Bayamón, he helped a large number of men and women to surrender themselves to Jesus Christ.

In 1995, after spending a decade as head of the congregation in the Canta Gallo, in Guaynabo Municipality, Pastor Rubén was appointed International President of the Worldwide Missionary Movement by Rev. Ortiz. As such, he carried out actions that enabled the Work to anchor in Cameroon, Italy, Jamaica, Romania, Switzerland, India and Hawaii. They were ten years of exemplary and bright leadership based on Christian faith.

The earthly life of servant Rubén Rosas, who always fought the good fight of spreading the Word of God, came to an end on September 14 in his hometown Puerto Rico. As the unconditional follower of Jesus he was, he went to be with the Lord at the age of 89. His broad and fruitful legacy will remain intact in each of the churches he helped to establish throughout his long life and in the hearts of the faithful who had the good fortune to know him.

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DURING all her childhood and adolescence, she ignored that she belonged to the nobility in a kingdom of Ghana, and that hers was not her real mother. As a young woman, she was miserable and became an alcoholic, but one day she found the way.

Susan Amau Photos: Family files

As a child, Selina Dansowah Kwafo faced a difficult situation at home and had to take care of her family for many years. Her mother suffered from a mental disorder whose most visible symptom was that she would talk to herself for hours. Her father left them and took refuge in alcohol.

Selina was born in Ghana, a country in West Africa whose inhabitants practice idolatry and sorcery since ancient times. Most people still believe in the power of the sun, the rivers, the trees, the sea, and animals. Many decades ago, before the founding of the Republic, the territory was divided into kingdoms that remain until today, but without the power of old times.

She went through many problems from an early age, but she managed to overcome them. She looked after her mother and older brother, both of whom suffered from the same illness, but this prevented her from receiving proper education. However, she made an effort to, at least, finish high school.

Before her mother lost her mind, they used to attend a Christian church and listen to the sermons on the radio.

Selina was only a child back then, but she clearly remembers those peaceful family moments.

Idolatry was practiced at home when the mental illness showed. Ill-advised and desperate as she was, Selina’s MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 34 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

THE SOLITUDE OF THE

PRIN

life story

NCESS

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mother went off the rails of the Word and turned to witchcraft, but, instead of getting better, she got worse and her lucid moments were gone.

The situation was so overwhelming to her father that he began to drink. He had been working as an engineer in an electricity company and he was doing fine, but alcoholism made him eventually lose his job and leave his family to their fate.

PAINFUL SOLITUDE

Years later, her father died and her mother passed away shortly after while giving birth to her youngest child. Selina was now in charge. It was very hard for her and her siblings, but she faced it with courage. Problems never seemed to end, but she struggled and kept going.

Selina seemed to have become a strong young woman capable of dealing with any problem that may have arisen, but one day she could not do it anymore. The crisis broke out when she was 18 and learned that the woman she believed to be her mother was not. It was such a hard blow. But that was not all.

Around the same time, she was also told that her family belonged to the nobility in the kingdom of Akwamufie, located east of Ghana. Nana Bekia, her mother’s great-grandfather, had been king and that made Selina a princess. However, when part of the king´s offspring gave up idolatry, they were deprived of their noble status, so they migrated to other cities and worked as ordinary citizens. Her family had hidden the big secret for many years.

The father was of noble origin as well, as he was the descendant of a king, but in Ghana matrilineality prevails. He was educated and worked as an engineer in an electricity company, where he was doing fine and earned enough to provide his family.

The two shocking news were a complete shock to Selina. She followed in her father’s steps and began to drink.

While drunk, she would think about her sad childhood and her real mother.

She believed that life had been very unMISSIONARY MOVEMENT 36 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

life story

Paternal grandfather of Sister Selina Dansowah Kwafo.

fair to her, that she did not deserve any of that, that nobody would ever love her or marry her.

Parties made her forget about her family and her pain. She would drink every night, but the next morning she

would sink into grief once again. Loneliness had blinded her and did not make her see that she was ruining her life. Her sister reprehended her and told her that she was disappointed in her. Everyone in the neighborhood criticized her attitude

and gossiped about the crazy things she did under the influence of alcohol.

LOOKING FOR GOD

Tired of her dissolute life, she tried to change, but she would always fall back

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life story

into her old habits. One day, she remembered a quote from the Bible: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). These words touched her heart.

Her need for a change was huge, and so she sought God with all her heart.

She did not consider herself a Christian because she did not practice holiness, as she did not even know its meaning. She knew that God existed and asked Him for forgiveness, but she needed to take the decisive step.

The desire to feel God in her life, to be close to Him, grew more and more as she confessed her sins. She did not know how to get to the Holy Truth, but she met a pastor and his wife and they guided her. That is when she began to understand, and truth made her free.

She began to look for God and to pray every night, and felt joy in her heart. She never felt the urge to drink again, go to parties, or sin. On the con-

Parties made her forget about her family and her pain. She would drink every night, but the next morning she would sink into grief once again.

trary, she treasured all things concerning the Lord and each day she sought more of Him, until she understood the purpose of her life and what He had chosen her for.

The baptism of the Holy Spirit was her greatest achievement, because it helped her understand God’s plans and purpose regarding lost souls. Selina defeated the darkness and everything in her life is different now.

Off was the weight of the problems she carried on her shoulders before she met the Savior. Her burdens were gone and, although her family still does not understand why she has chosen Christianity, they are happy with her change.

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“The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass… Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.” Revelation 1:1-3.

Rev. Luis M. Ortiz

After prophet Daniel received the great revelations of the time of the end as contained in his book, the prophet was told, “Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased” (Daniel 12:4). However, many centuries later, the apostle John was told, “Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand” (Revelation 22:10).

The Book of Revelation is also called the Apocalypse, which comes from the Greek apokalypsis, meaning “unveiling” or “revelation”. As suggested, the book reveals or unveils the unknown, showing the events of time of the end. The Lord says that this book aims “to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass” (Revelation 1:1).

In chapter 1, we see Christ glorified in the Heavenly Sanctuary as Priest and Judge (Revelation 1:13-16). Chapters 2 and 3 contain the message to the seven churches of Asia Minor: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea.

The messages are received by the pastor of each church: “Unto the angel of the church write”, that is, to the pastor. The emphasis of the messages is on work: “I know thy works.” The testing of messages is doctrine: “Thou sufferest that woman Jezebel.” The guide of the messages is the voice of the Holy Spirit: “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” The motivation of the messages is the coming of Christ: “Behold, I come quickly.”

The goal of the messages is victory: “Him that overcometh...”

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Chapter 5 mentions the sealed book with the list of the trials that are to fall on this unbelieving world after the Church is raptured. A strong angel asks, “Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?” (verse 2), that is, to initiate the trials. However, nobody was able to open the book, neither to even look at it. But then the redeemed Church is the first to say: “Behold,

the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book and to loose the seven seals thereof” (verse 5).

He is none other than our Lord Jesus Christ: “Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation” (verse 9). And then every

devotional

REVELATION, A BOOK OPEN FOR TODAY

creature in Heaven came together to glorify Christ.

In chapters 6 through 10, we find a detailed description of the trials that will fall on this unbelieving world, which will have to face the terrible consequences of its rebellion against God. As the world rejected Christ, the antichrist will emerge with the most dreadful and cruel government that

the world has ever seen. There will be war, hunger, death, devastation, earthquakes, thunders, voices, lightning, terror, hail mixed with fire and blood. Islands will disappear. A burning mountain will be cast into the sea, and half of the waters will turn to blood. The star called Wormwood will fall into the rivers, and the third part of the waters will be bitter. Legions of demons will come out of

the bottomless pit to torment the inhabitants of the earth. And two hundred million more demons will be freed to produce fire, smoke and brimstone, and one third of the population of the world will die.

“Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time” (Revelation 12:12).

They also describe the fall and ruin of the apostate church, called “the mother of harlots and abominations of the earth ... the habitation of devils and a hold of every foul spirit... God hath remembered her iniquities... And in her was found the blood of prophets and of saints... and of the martyrs of Jesus...” (Revelation 17:5, 18:2, 5, 24, 17:6, 18:19-20).

In chapter 19, the marriage of the Lamb and His redeemed Church is celebrated.

It reads: “Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready… Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God” (verses 7-9). Our Lord Jesus Christ is called in this chapter “Faithful and True” (verse 11), “Word of God” (verse 13), and “King of kings and Lord of lords” (verse 16).

Chapter 20 describes the ThousandYear Reign. The devil will be bound in the bottomless pit, and Christ will reign in Jerusalem and the entire world. The government will be a theocracy, with God Himself ruling.

The beasts will lose their fierceness, and the lion and the lamb will graze together. There will be longevity and many other blessings as registered in the Holy Scriptures for this socalled golden age.

Finally, chapters 21 and 22 talk about the New Jerusalem, the official and eternal abode of the redeemed Church. And the book of Revelation ends saying, “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still” (Revelation 22:11).

And the book ends with words by Christ: “Surely I come quickly” (Revelation 22:20). So be it!

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“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.” Revelation 3:7-8.

Rev. Rodolfo González

Philadelphia, the youngest of the seven cities, was located about 30 miles southeast of Sardis and about 80 miles east of Smyrna.

It was founded as a colony to spread the Greek language, writing and culture, and was famous for its vineyards. It was such a religious city that it was considered “a little Athens,” and the worship of Dionysus was its main pagan cult. The word ‘Philadelphia’ means “one who loves his brother” or “brotherly love.” The church of Philadelphia was known for the love among its brothers and for the presence of the Holy Spirit.

“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth…” (Revelation 3:7). The Lord introduces himself to the inhabitants of Philadelphia as “he that is holy” (1 Peter 1:1516). In Revelation, this divine title often refers to the Father (Revelation 4:8; 6:10; 16:5), but in this verse it refers to the Lord Jesus-Christ. He also introduces himself as “he that is true”, because He is real, trustworthy and faithful in His Word.

Jesus Christ has the key of David, a symbol of authority, because He has the last word in everything concerning His Work.

Furthermore, it is Him who will open the door of His messianic kingdom: “And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open” (Isaiah 22:22).

“I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 42 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

I HAVE SET BEFORE YOU AN

OPEN DOOR

shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name” (Revelation 3:8). God offers us way outs, solutions and opportunities to carry on, to move forward, to conquer and to preach (1 Corinthians 16:9; 1 Colossians 4:3). No force can stop the evangelistic work.

The believers of Philadelphia faced eco-

nomic, social, and human limitations, but despite everything, they were powerful in God because they remained holy and pure for Him. The true church of Christ deflects evil and corruption, and never gets ashamed of Him. All the opposite, it is full of God’s love for its brothers, keeps His Word and remains in communion with Him. So was Philadelphia, a church entirely devoted to

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the Lord, and just like Smyrna, was not censored.

“Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee” (Revelation 3:9). In this city, Jewish hostility against Christians was strong, but Jesus showed his

love for his believers by granting them victory over their enemies.

The Lord will intervene in the life of false Jews who serve Satan and not God. He will make them aware of their actions and change their attitude towards His people.

God deals with the enemies of His Work in different ways: He destroyed the Pharaoh (Exodus 16:19); He stopped the animos-

ity of the Syrians (2 Kings 6:8-23); and He converted Saul in His disciple (Acts 9:1-16).

“Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth” (Revelation 3:10). Keeping the Word implies suffering and waiting. Obeying God means devoting completely to His will as a leap of faith. Patience is the capacity of enduring without giving up even amid hardship and injustice.

The expression “I also will keep thee” means that the church will not be present during the big tribulation, not that He will protect it during this period (1 Thessalonians 5:9). With all due respect, I must point at the mistaken nature of the statements by some post-tribulationist scholars who think that the Church will experience the tribulation. This is an unacceptable point of view because the Lord said, “And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come” (1 Thessalonians 1:10; 2 Thessalonians 2:6-8; Deuteronomy 9:2427; Romans 5:9).

“Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown” (Revelation 3:11). In the Jewish and Greek worldview, the crown is a symbol of victory (James 1:12; 1 Peter 5:4). Similarly, “holding fast” refers to holding on to something so tight that nobody can take it from us, and it is an ongoing action. The Lord warns the church of Philadelphia to stay faithful, or else it will lose their award.

“Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name” (Revelation 3:12). God will grant safety, stability and determination to the overcomer. This means that we will always live in His presence and that we will never leave His heavenly home.

“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches” (Revelation 3:13). Philadelphia represents the faithful Church of all times.

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“Is not my word like as a fire? saith the Lord; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?”

Jeremiah 23:29.

Carmen Valencia de Martínez

There are millions of books around the world, but none is like the Bible, which is God’s message and true wisdom. The Word was written by simple men who were not approved by the society of their time, but were approved by God. It was written in a simple language that can be easily understood by everyone; both scientists and the uneducated can understand it.

The Word is different from others because of its author, our Lord Jesus-Christ.

This Word is a crook for the pilgrim, a compass for the pilot, a sword for the soldier, water for the thirsty, bread for the hungry, light in the darkness, comfort for the afflicted, mine of wealth for true happiness.

Before it was discovered that the Earth was round, the Lord had said in Isaiah 40:22, “It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth.” The Bible says that the Earth was in the space: “He stretcheth out the north over the empty place, and hangeth the earth upon nothing” (Job 26:7). Leviticus states that the life of people is in the blood: “For the life of the flesh is in the blood” (Leviticus 17:11). God foretold that, “The chariots shall rage in the streets, they shall justle one against another in the broad ways…” (Nahum 2:4).

God’s Word is amazingly powerful as He himself is acting through it. Therefore, He states, “Is not my word like as a fire? saith the Lord; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?” (Jeremiah 23:29). “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).

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THE POWERFUL WORD OF

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GOD

“For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater. So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it” (Isaiah 55:10-11).

His Word will not be preached in vain, it will bear fruit when the time is right.

His Word has survived all the enemies that have tried to destroy it: In AD 303, Diocletian ordered to burn all Christian scriptures; in the 2nd century BC, Antiochus Epiphanes sent to destroy all sacred books. The Holy Book has been threatened on many occasions, but God has always preserved His Word.

“The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever” (Isaiah 40:8). “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away” (Matthew 24:35). “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).

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). “For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater. So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it” (Isaiah 55:10-11). “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 4:4). “Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you” (John 15:3).

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A quick report of the work that Worldwide Missionary Movement is making in America and throughout the world. The Holy Bible states: “And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple... And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved”. (Acts 2:46,47).

EVENT: WORLD MISSION DAY. DATE: SEPTEMBER 29 - SEPTEMBER 30.

PLACE: AMERICA, AFRICA, ASIA, EUROPE AND OCEANIA.

LABORERS INTO HIS HARVEST Faithful to the sound doctrine of the Lord, the Worldwide Missionary Movement celebrated the World Mission Day on September 29 and September 30 with activities aimed to pray for the men and women who preach the good news of God in the five continents.

Churches and temples of the Work of God around the world opened their doors to welcome the people of the Lord. They got together and in one voice prayed for the people who bring the Gospel to the whole world.

In Lima, the WMM in Peru, one of the largest congregations in South America, celebrated the occasion with a special worship led by Reverend Rodolfo González.

For its part, the WMM in Puerto Rico, the cradle of the Work, held its central event in the church of Sabana Seca, located in Toa Baja Municipality, where the faithful of the God came together.

In Ecuador, under the motto “Laborers into His Harvest,” the local congregation carried out, in the main temple of Guayaquil, a special worship led by Reverend Eugenio Masías, National Supervisor of the WMM in Ecuador.

MORE ACTIVITIES

Meanwhile, the WMM in the Dominican Republic held a special meeting in the church of Bayonne, located in Santo Domingo Oeste Municipality, where Sister Nurys Mejía preached the Gospel.

In El Salvador, the WMM carried out several activities, and Reverend Edwin Parada, national supervisor of the WMM in El Salvador, shared the message “Our Missionary Responsibility.”

In the meantime, the WMM in the United States held a series of special events, one of which took place in Fort Worth, Texas, where believers worshiped Jesus.

Despite the political and social crisis in Venezuela, the WMM in that country celebrated this special day with services marked by the faith and commitment of the followers of the Lord.

The WMM in Argentina, for its part, celebrated the World Missions Day with a worship led by Pastor Ismael Parrado. The event took place in the main temple of Buenos Aires.

On September 30, the WMM in Guatemala carried out

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a mass fast that was led by Reverend Álvaro Garavito, international officer of the WMM, who also shared the Word of Christ.

MASS EVENTS

In Europe, the WMM in Spain also developed a series of activities. One of these was carried out in Barcelona, capi-

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tal of Catalonia, where Reverend Carlos Medina shared God’s message.

Another celebration of the Work in Spain was held Reus, city located in Tarragona Province. Sister Sandra Vizcaíno was the preacher in the event that was attended by a great number of believers of Christ.

The WMM in Italy organized many events to pray for

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the missionaries that preach in the whole world. One of the activities was held in Genoa, where Sister Jeaneth Ibarra shared the message of Jesus.

In addition, the Work in Italy carried out a special service in Busto Arsizio, city located in Varese Province. The event was led by Pastor Cecilio Reyes, who also had the privilege of sharing the good news.

Finally, our brothers of the WMM in Italy held an event of prayer, praise and fasting in Vimercate, city located in the province of Monza and Brianza. Sister Senaida Espinoza preached the Gospel.

CELEBRATIONS

In London, the WMM in England commemorated World

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Mission Day with a celebration led by Rev. Roberto Riojas.

He talked about the growth of the Work in the U.K. For its part, the WMM in Belgium developed a special activity in the temple of Antwerp, which was led by Pastor Urbano la Serna from the church in Brussels.

In the meantime, the WMM in the Netherlands held a service in the temple of Amsterdam established in the capital city, which was led by Reverend Sergio Veizaga.

The WMM in Portugal held a meeting of faith in Lisbon, located at the mouth of the Tagus River, where Reverend Carlos Teixeira was the instrument chosen by the Lord to share His Word.

In Cluj-Napoca, the historical capital of the region of Transylvania, the WMM in Romania organized a service where the leaders of the congregation thanked the Lord for the support given to the Work.

REST OF THE WORLD

In Africa, the WMM celebrated the World Mission Day in many churches and temples. In Uganda, for example, the church held an activity on the hill of Mulago, located in the city of Kampala, where God showed His greatness.

In Oceania, the WMM in Australia was one of the most active congregations and organized a faith meeting in Melbourne, capital city of Victoria, where Reverend Enoc Ramos announced the good news.

In Asia, the WMM in Nepal, a brand-new branch of the Work of God, held a worship in the town of Bardiya to thank Jesus Christ for allowing the spread of the Gospel in this nation located between India and China.

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EVENT: EVANGELISTIC CAMPAIGN AND 6TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CHURCH OF PAMPLONA DATE: SEPTEMBER 1, 2 AND 8 PLACE: PAMPLONA AND TERRASA, SPAIN

GET READY BECAUSE SOMETHING GREAT IS COMING FOR YOU In Terrassa and Pamplona, the WMM in Spain carried out two activities of faith that showed the growth of Christianity in the Iberian Peninsula.

With the support of the people of Jesus Christ, the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Spain organized two activities of faith in the cities of Pamplona and Terrassa that showed the increase of Spanish faithful in the Work of God. Under the motto “Get Ready Because Something Great Is Coming for You,” the congregation celebrated the 6th anniversary of the main temple in Pamplona on September 1 and September 2. The event was attended by Rev. Ramón Ortega, national officer of the WMM in Italy, who preached the Word.

On the first day, Pastor Ortega shared the good news of Christ with a message based on Isaiah 40:31 that touched the hearts of believers. In addition, the activity was attended by faithful from the temples in Oviedo, Irún, Lérida, Zaragoza, Barcelona and Madrid.

At the closing service, Pastor Ortega preached the Gospel again through two messages based on Acts 18:10 and Exodus 34:1. In addition, the children of the temple in Pamplona praised the name of God. To spread the sound doctrine, the members of the church in Terrasa, led by Pastor Francisco de los Santos, carried out an evangelistic campaign on September 8 at the Primero de Mayo square, located in the heart of this town in Barcelona Province.

With the permission of the Spanish authorities, the servants of the Work of God evangelized passers-by in this traditional square. Thus, men, women, children, adolescents and the elderly learned about the Word of Christ through leaflets and copies of Impacto Evangelistic.

At the end of the campaign, Pastor Francisco de los Santos, who was accompanied by his wife, Estela de los Santos, showed his happiness for the victory obtained in Terrasa by the WMM in Spain. He also said that the seed of the Gospel will soon bear great fruit.

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EVENT: BAPTISM CEREMONY AND 6TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CHURCH OF VERCELLI DATE: SEPTEMBER 15 AND 23 PLACE: GALLIATE AND VERCELLI, ITALY

THE LORD WILL PERFECT THAT WHICH CONCERNS ME The WMM in Italy celebrated the 6th anniversary of the church in Vercelli and held a baptism ceremony in Galliate, where new brothers surrendered to God. As part of its evangelizing work, the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Italy carried out in Galliate and Vercelli two activities that supported aimed to save souls and spread of the Gospel.

A baptism ceremony was held on September 23 in Galliate, town located in Novara Province, where nine new brothers surrendered to God and accept Him as their redeemer after being instructed in the sound doctrine.

The event in Galliate was led by Rev. Hugo Lope, national officer of the WMM in Italy, who baptized five members from the church in Lissone, two from the church in Novara, and two from the church Monza.

In addition, during the baptism ceremony, the attendees listed to the Word. Pastor Lope emphasized that the WMM in Italy is fulfilling the command as stated in the Bible of making new disciples in all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

ANNIVERSARY

Under the motto “The Lord Will Perfect That Which Concerns Me,” the Work in Italy celebrated the 6th anniversary of the church of Vercelli on

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September 15. The activity was attended by faithful from the temples in Vimercate, Novara, Saronno, Cassano d’Adda and Busto Arsizio.

The celebrations in Vercelli began with a morning service in which

Pastor Jorge Solano, member of the congregation in Novara, preached the Word of the Almighty with a message about God’s purposes for the lives of believers.

Later, in the afternoon service,

Brother Luis Huamaní, member of the WMM in Peru, announced the good news of God to the attendees.

In his preaching, based on Isaiah 58:1, he told how the Lord transformed his life.

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event EVENT: SUMMER BIBLE SCHOOL DATE: EVERY SUNDAY OF AUGUST PLACE: HAMAMATSU, JAPAN

ADVENTURES IN THE SEA WITH JESUS The WMM in Japan organized a Summer Bible School in the city of Hamamatsu to fulfill what is established in the Holy Scriptures: to preach the Gospel to children.

To fulfill the command in Deuteronomy 6:6-7, in which the Lord says that Christian fathers must share the Word of God with their children The Worldwide Missionary Movement in Japan established its Summer Bible School (SBS) in Hamamatsu, city located on the west of Shizuoka Prefecture.

The SBS, whose motto was “Adventures in the Sea with Jesus,” gave classes every Sunday of August in Hamamatsu.

In addition, the Work in Japan came to the Tobikko Park to announce the good news of Jesus Christ.

The evangelizing work done by the WMM in Japan through the SBS was carried out in four days, in which different biblical themes were developed in such a way as to awaken the interest of the children. In addition, hymns were sung to glorify the Lord.

On the first Sunday, the message “An Adventure in the Mouth of a Fish,” was shared. On the second day of Summer Bible School, the message “An Adventure in a Boat” was presented. Finally, on the third Sunday, the message “An Adventure on the Seashore” was developed.

At the closing ceremony of the SBS, the WMM in Japan, thanks to the evangelizing work of the members in Hamamatsu, staged a biblical drama entitled “With Jesus I Am Safe Even in Difficult Times!”

In addition, the participating children prayed God for their protection and care. In this way, the WMM in Japan had fulfilled the command stated in the Sacred Scriptures and preached the Gospel to the children who are part of the Work.

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EVENT: FELLOWSHIP / DATE: SEPTEMBER 14 AND SEPTEMBER 16 / PLACE: AYENBENG, EQUATORIAL GUINEA

THE SAVIOR WILL COME SOON The WMM in Equatorial Guinea held a fellowship in Bata, city located on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean, thus gathering the Equatorial Guinean faithful.

With an important attendance of followers of Jesus Christ and under the motto “Credibility,” the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Equatorial Guinea held a three-day fellowship in the facilities of the church of Ayenbeng, located in the city of Bata.

At the opening of the event, Reverend Nze Obama, national officer of the WMM in Equatorial Guinea, shared the message of the Lord. In his speech based on the Scriptures, he pointed out that the Savior will come soon and that many will then regret what they have done.

Later, in the second service of the spiritual celebration, Reverend Lorenzo Ndong, also a national officer of the WMM in Equatorial Guinea, preached the Gospel and shared biblical teachings with the believers who had gathered in the temple of Ayenbeng.

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In the third service, Reverend Edelmiro Ivina Dicombo, president of the Board of Officers of the Work in Equatorial Guinea, evangelized the people of God and touched the hearts of the attendees with the message entitled “What Is a Prophet?”

On the last day, the WMM in Equatorial Guinea held a special ceremony to appoint the new presbyter of Zone 2.

Reverend Cornelio Esono handed over control to his successor, Reverend Antonio Yombo, who thanked to the Lord for the opportunity to serve the Work.

In addition, in the ceremony, the work carried out by Pastor Benjamín Engono was recognized, as he has contributed decisively and courageously to the growth of the congregation in Zone 2 of the WMM in Equatorial Guinea.

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EVENT: 1ST NATIONAL CONVENTION OF NEPAL AND 3RD NATIONAL CONVENTION OF SRI LANKA. DATE: SEPTEMBER 26 TO 29 AND OCTOBER 4 TO 6 PLACE: GANGAPUR, NEPAL, AND RAJAPURAM, SRI LANKA

THE WORD IN NEPAL AND SRI LANKA The Worldwide Missionary Movement (WMM) held national conventions in two countries of the Far East. This means God’s Work is progressing throughout the world and His Word continues to be spread.

Language was not an obstacle for around three hundred people to listen God’s Word during the first National Convention of the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Nepal, a country of Southern Asia, located at the foot of the imposing Himalayas.

The Pastor Luis Meza Bocanegra, officer of the Work’s International Board, and Pastor Samuel Mejía, Missionary Supervisor of Asia, led the event held from September 26 to 29 in Gangapur, Nepalgunj. The worships were translated to Hindi, one of the most spoken languages among the population.

In this country, which has a thin and long territory that shares borders with India and China, the WMM has 17 temples. The Work in this country was born in the country but it has already expanded to the city. Next year new churches will be opened in Kathmandu and Khampara.

Some days later, from October 4 to 6, another important event was carried out in that part of the world: the 3rd National Conventional of Sri Lanka. More than two hundred people from different parts of the country, located in the Bay of Bengal, attended the event.

The worships performed in the church of Rajapuram were translated into Sinhalese and Tamil, the two official languages of this country with Buddhist majority.

Both pastors visited the WMM churches in the city of Batticaloa and Chenkalady, located 250 kilometers from Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital.

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EVENT: BAPTISM CEREMONIES DATE: SEPTEMBER 8 AND SEPTEMBER 29 PLACE: ZURICH AND BUCHS, SWITZERLAND

FREE ACCESS TO APPROACH THE LORD The WMM in Switzerland held two baptism ceremonies in the cities of Zurich and Buchs, in which new brothers decided to join the flock of the Savior.

Guided by the Lord to consolidate the presence of the Work of God in Europe, the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Switzerland held two baptism ceremonies in which five people surrendered to the Lord.

On September 8, the city of Buchs, located in the canton of St. Gall, hosted the first baptism ceremony under the motto “Free Access to Approach the Lord.” Reverend Elvis Chávez, national secretary of the WMM in Switzerland, baptized Sister Carmen Lidia.

Twenty-one days later, in Zurich, the largest city of Switzerland, four believers who chose to accept the Lord as their redeemer. The group of new members of the WMM were baptized by Pastor Chávez.

In this way, the WMM in Switzerland fulfilled the biblical command established in Matthew 28:19-20, which indicates that we have to make disciples in all nations.

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EVENT: BAPTISM CEREMONY / DATE: SEPTEMBER 22 / PLACE: VIENNA, AUSTRIA

GO THEREFORE AND TEACH ALL NATIONS The WMM in Austria baptized six followers of God who joined the army of Christ and promised to work for the consolidation of the Work in Europe.

In Vienna, capital of Austria, six followers of Jesus Christ were baptized after successfully completing their training in the sound doctrine. Now they are part of the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Austria.

At the ceremony, led by ministers Jimmy Ramírez and Humberto Arias, who preach the Gospel in Austria,

the new members of the Lord’s army descended into the baptismal waters and received the sacrament that sealed their union with Christianity.

After the baptism ceremony, Pastor Ramírez, leader of the Work of God in Austria, pointed out that the WMM works nonstop to fulfill what is stated in Matthew 28:19: “Go ye therefore,

and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”

In addition, the newly converted assumed the commitment of preaching the good news of the Lord until the last day of their lives and fighting for the consolidation of the Work in Europe.

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Other events

COLOMBIA

CURACAO

ECUADOR

Fellowship of Zone 64

Evangelistic Campaigns

Youth Vigil of Zone 2

The WMM in Colombia held the Fellowship of Zone 64 from August 31 to September 2. The event took place in Manizales, capital city of Caldas Department, where a great number of men, women and families got together to listen to the Word of the Lord.

The facilities of Lans School, located in the heart of Manizales, became house of God and the gate of heaven for three days. There, the WMM in Colombia held an event full of faith and God’s power that was attended by Reverend José Arturo Soto, International President of the Work.

In the morning worship of the second day, Sister Carmen de Jiménez, who preaches the Gospel in Pereira, shared the message “Turn Not to the Right Hand Nor to the Left.” In her sermon, she advised the people of the Savior to achieve balance. Hours later, in the night service, Pastor Soto presented the sermon “The Effectiveness of God’s Message,” based on 2 Kings 5:1.

On the last day, Pastor Soto evangelized the people of God on two occasions. In the morning, he shared the teaching “The Great Missionary, Our Lord Jesus Christ,” based on Philippians 2:5. Then, at night, he presented the message “Powerful and Global Events of the Second Coming of Christ,” based on Zechariah 14:3.

Under the motto “Jesus Loves You and Can Change You,” the WMM in Curacao held four evangelistic campaigns in Willemstad, capital city of Curacao, from August 30 to September 2. The event aimed to spread the good news and share the Gospel of God. Guided by the Lord, the evangelization activities of the Work began on August 30 in Seru Papaya Neighborhood with an open-air service.

Reverend Mario Cuero, presbyter of the WMM in Curacao, shared the message of Christ centered on the story of Zacchaeus.

Then, on August 31 and September 1, evangelization was carried out in the facilities of Marjorie’s Party Palace, with the messages “What God Needs to Manifest His Power” and “The Problems.” Then, on September 2, the campaigns ended with an event in the central church of Willemstad.

The WMM in Ecuador held the Second Youth Vigil of Zone 2 under the motto “Come, Arise and Shine.” The event took place on September 14 in the central temple of Santo Domingo, located on the left bank of the Toachi River.

Reverend Lorenzo Cuero preached the Word of God through the message “Young Man, This Is Your Time,” based on Joshua 1:1-9. He pointed out that Christian young adults must surrender completely to the Lord.

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MEXICO Anniversary of Monterrey, Nuevo León On September 15, the WMM in Mexico celebrated the 8th anniversary of the temple of Monterrey, capital city of Nueva León State. The spiritual activity was attended by faithful from the churches of Zone 4, who got together to worship the Lord.

The faith meeting was led by Pastor Ysidro Bello and his wife, Sister Yolanda Aguilar, and the good news of the Lord was shared by Norma Leal de García, who shared the message “Affliction Is Necessary on This Path,” based on Acts 14:22.

PUERTO RICO National Men Retreat On August 25, the WMM in Puerto Rico held its National Men Retreat in the church of Las Tres T, located in Rio Grande Municipality, with a service of prayer under the motto “The Greatness of the Service.”

In the morning worship, Brother Jaime Rodríguez presented the message “Stewardship,” based on Matthew 25:14-30, and said, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His justice.”

Afterwards, Reverend Albert Rivera, National Supervisor of the WMM in Puerto Rico, sent greetings from the congregation in Bucaramanga and spoke about the evangelizing work carried out by the Work in this Colombian city.

In the afternoon, Reverend Rubén Concepción, International Secretary of the WMM, shared “A Man with a Servant’s Heart,” based on 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12. Through the example of Jesus Christ, the pastor showed the way we have to serve the Lord. He said, “It is necessary that we become servants to help the needy.”

UNITED STATES Women Camp Under the motto “Women Who Leave Their Mark,” the WMM in the United States held in Florida, on September 14 and 15, the Women Camp of Zone 1 in Camp Owaissa Bauer park.

The event of the Work was attended by a large number of believers, and sisters Francisca Ortega and Priscilla Duarte shared the Word of God with messages of great impact.

GERMANY National Fellowship The city of Hamburg, located in Northern Germany, was the place chosen by the WMM in the country to hold, from September 7 to September 9, its 11th National Fellowship with the motto “Men of Credibility.”

The activity was led by Reverend Enmanuel Garzón, Supervisor of Block C of Europe, and was attended Reverend Roberto Rioja, leader of the congregation in London; Sergio Veizaga, leader of the temple of Amsterdam; Edwar Flores, leader of the church of Berlin; and Sister Ruth Paisible, leader of the congregation of Almere (Netherlands).

In the first service, Pastor Flores presented the message “Nothing Is Mine,” based on 1 Chronicles 27:28.

Then, in the second service, Reverend Rioja shared the message “Hardship, the Weapon That God Uses to Deal with Your Life,” based on Acts 12:1-5, Later, in the third service, Sister Paisible developed the message “Living under the Shadow of the Almighty,” based on Psalm 91. Then, in the last service, Pastor Veizaga shared the good news with the sermon “He Looks for Men of Credibility.”

NETHERLANDS Anniversary of the temple in Amsterdam The WMM in the Netherlands celebrated the 12th anniversary of the church in Amsterdam from September 13 to September 16. The event was held under the motto “Healing Wounds” and was attended by brothers from all over Europe.

The preachers of the spiritual event were Hugo Lope, National Officer of the WMM in Italy; Enmanuel Garzón, Supervisor of Block C of Europe; Josué Muñoz, leader of the WMM in Valencia; Pastor Elvis Chávez, leader of the church in Zurich; and Sister Janeth Ibarra de Echalar, from the WMM in Italy.

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LETTERS TO US... cartas@impactoevangelistico.net

JANUARY 3-10 CONVENTION COLOMBIA 25-28 CONVENTION BOLIVIA

BERTHA AGUIRRE This magazine is a great blessing for all of us. From El Progreso, Guatemala.

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

JOSÉ PRADO Thank you so much, brothers. This beautiful magazine is such a blessing.

There’s no work as precious as this one which helps families. Blessings. From Tingo María, Peru.

God bless you. I’d like to congratulate you for the great content that edifies our lives.

Keep up the good work. From Tolima, Colombia.

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

SONIA MIRANDA I love the magazine and the website, they are such a blessing! From North Carolina, USA.

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

LUZ DÍAZ

DINA PÉREZ God bless you. Your magazine has been a blessing to my life. Its articles have the support of Jesus Christ.

I’m happy to find out that, despite attacks of the enemy, we can constantly these means of edification at this time. From Panama, Panama.

ERNESTO ROCA Beloved brothers, keep working without faltering, because you already have your reward. Blessings.

From Lima, Peru.

CARLA BATISTUTA The messages in your magazine are edifying. In my congregation, that doesn’t belong your organization,

ELENA AGUILAR The magazine is a blessing for thousands of lives, especially young people’s. I encourage you to keep producing this magazine based on the Word of God. Blessings to all. From Cochabamba, Bolivia.

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

CAMILO DURAND

God bless you for the great work that you are carrying out in the whole world.

Thanks for Impacto Evangelistic. Many have surrendered to the Lord through this magazine. The Lord bless you, brothers.

Go ahead with this mission. From Callao, Peru.

GLOB AL AGENDA 2018

each month we look forward to the new issue of Impacto Evangelistic and we share it as the valuable treasure it is. Thank you, Impacto Evangelistic editors. Go ahead, may the Lord reward you. From Buenos Aires, Argentina.

LUIS RODRÍGUEZ God bless you, brothers. This magazine is a blessing and stands out among many others. I thank the Lord for this important material in these last times.

Brothers, I ask for prayers for the Church in Costa Rica. Thanks for everything. From San José, Costa Rica.

MARÍA FERRANDO God bless the editors of this magazine. You are a means of blessing and edification for the Christian community. The Lord bless you each day with growth and strength to move forward. From Cartagena, Colombia.

JUAN CARLOS MACHUCA Beloved brothers, I want to thank you all for the splendid work you do for our Lord Jesus Christ.

May God continue to bless you greatly. From Massachusetts, USA.

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

November 2018 / Impacto evangelĂ­stico

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