785_English by Impacto Evangelistico

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THE MAGAZINE THAT EDIFIES YOUR LIFE

June 2019 / Edition 785

evangelistic www.impactoevangelistico.net

DEVOTIONAL

WORK DIGNIFIES MAN LIFE STORY

OVERCOME BY HER ALCOHOLISM INTERNATIONAL

WHY ARE CHRISTIANS PERSECUTED?

A teaching of Jesus that many have forgotten

BEING

HUMBLE

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE

WORLDWIDE MISSIONARY MOVEMENT

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

EDITORIAL

WHAT WILT THOU HAVE ME TO DO? Rev. José Arturo Soto B. International President of the WMM

“And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.” Acts 9:5-6

The conversion of Saul of Tarsus marked a

is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before

key moment in the history of the Church and rep-

the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

resented a decisive event that opened the door to a

For I will shew him how great things he must suffer

wider view on God’s purpose through His Work.

for my name’s sake” (Acts 9:15-16).

Convinced of doing the right thing, Saul of

In His call to service, God covered every aspect

Tarsus mercilessly persecuted Christians to root

of Paul’s life, even his suffering. It maybe seemed too

out their faith in Jesus Christ (Acts 8:3). Saul was

important and elegant to preach to the kings of those

unaware that the Devil was using him as a puppet

times, but he did so and paid a high price: chains,

through his religious zealotry to attack the Church

prison, punishment, torture and even beheading.

of the Lord.

The road to a life of service and devotion is nar-

God was waiting for the right time to mani-

row, and obstacles and opposition will be met by

fest Himself to Saul. And the moment came when

those who are willing to follow it. When Saul of Tar-

he was heading for Damascus to attack and arrest

sus began his ministry, he was rejected by the Jews,

Christian refugees. When Jesus Christ appeared to

some of which even planned to kill him, and by the

him, Saul opened up his heart and asked a question

Church, which did not trust him or his conversion.

that changed his life forever: “What wilt thou have me to do?” (Acts 9:6).

Dear brothers and sisters, can God count on you? Are you using your full potential for God’s glo-

Meanwhile, God asked Ananias to pray for Saul.

ry and for the benefit of the world and the Church?

God revealed to him what the ministry of Paul would

It is time to get on with it and take out the talent we

be. “But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he

all have in store. Amen

June 2019 / Impacto evangelistic

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evangelistic Founder Director: Rev. Luis M. Ortiz JUNE 2019 / EDITION N° 785 (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. Rómulo Vergara Director Rev. Luis Meza Director Rev. Clemente Vergara Director Rev. Carlos Guerra Director CHURCHES ESTABLISHED IN: Germany Argentina Aruba Australia Austria Belgium Belize Bolivia Bonaire Brasil Cameroon Canadá Chile Colombia Congo Ivory Coast Costa Rica Curacao Dinamarca Ecuador El Salvador Spain United States The Philippines Finland

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Legal deposit made on the National Library of Peru Nº 2011-02530 Christian Pentecostal Church-Worldwide Missionary Movement: Horacio Cachay 388 - La Victoria - Lima 13 - Perú Printout: Quad/Graphics Perú S.A. Segedinski put 72 / 24000 Subotica / Republic of Serbia WORLDWIDE MISSIONARY MOVEMENT office@rotografika.rs / www.rotografika.rs

4 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.

DEVOTIONAL

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6.- Cover WHAT IS HUMILITY Humility is the quality of those who do not feel more important than others. 14.- Infography DIFFERENCES BETWEEN A HUMBLE HEART AND A PROUD HEART 16.- International WHY ARE CHRISTIANS PERSECUTED? The massacre of Christians in Sri Lanka has proved that followers of Christ around the world are persecuted. 18.- International CORRUPTION RESISTS TIME Since 2012 only twenty countries in the world have improved their scores in the fight against corruption 20.- Technology THE CYNICISM OF THE INVENTOR OF THE WEB Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the web has warned about the risks of the network 22.- Youth YOUNG CHRISTIANS AND WORK 24.- Music PRAISE TO THE LORD, THE ALMIGHTY This hymn written by Joachim Neander in 1679 to revitalize Church 26.- Literature BIBLE COMMENTARY This study was written by theologian William MacDonald throughout four decades of patient work. 30.- Hero of faith DEFENDER OF THE WORD Juan Pérez Pineda was an efficient promoter of the Gospel who stood up for Christianity during cruel times

34.- Life story OVERCOME BY HER ALCOHOLISM She wasted her best years drinking alcohol until an accident made her seek God. 40.- Interview “EUROPE IS IN MORAL DECAY” Reverend Carlos Medina, Supervisor of the Block A of the WWW, believes that the end of times is near. 42.- Apologetics SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISM Seventh-day Adventism believes that worship services should be conducted on Saturday instead of Sunday. 44.- Devotional ENDUED WITH POWER 46.- Devotional WORK DIGNIFIES MAN 48.- Devotional MESSAGE TO THYATIRA 50.- Event THE EVANGELIZING WORK DONE BY THE WMM IN THE WORLD 66.- Letters LETTERS FROM OUR READERS

June 2019 / Impacto evangelistic

COVER

WHAT IS HUMILITY Humility is the quality of those who have a modest opinion of their own importance, no matter how successful they may be. It is a virtue attributed to people who have developed awareness of their own limitations and weaknesses.

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June 2019 / Impacto evangelistic

COVER

“He who follows the path of humility can never proclaim it,” said Reverend Luis M. Ortiz, founder of the Worldwide Missionary Movement (WMM), in his announcement of the 1990 motto: “Humility.” “Those who say that they are meek and humble of heart are, at that very moment, contradicting their own

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words, because when someone has such virtues, they do not proclaim it. These virtues cannot be played as trumpets, but rather they are lived out,” he added. According to Reverend Samuel Mejía, missionary supervisor of the WMM in Asia, humility, as a Christian value, is very important, but most people do not understand its im-

“Those who say that they are meek and humble of heart are, at that very moment, contradicting their own words, because when someone has such virtues, they do not proclaim it. These virtues cannot be played as trumpets, but rather they are lived out,”

portance and some even ignore what the word means. “Many believe that being humble is being poor. They think that those who live in the slums are humble and those who have wealth are pride. We mistake the meaning of humility,” he says. Humility has nothing to do with the things we have,

use or wear, but with the reasons of the heart. Humility begins in the heart and it is there where it bears fruit. In the Christian world, humility does not urge people to avoid success, but pushes them to be better in every aspect of both their material and spiritual life. Humility is sometimes mistaken with humiliation,

June 2019 / Impacto evangelistic

Being submissive and humble in no way means that we have to let others mistreat us. Paul was very clear when he said that we must serve God and only God: “Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men”

but they are two different things. Humiliation is to make someone ashamed or reduce someone to a lower position in others’ eyes. Reverend Carlos Guerra, international officer of the WMM, emphasizes that humility is a virtue that unfortunately some have lost. “We have met many important, MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 10 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

admired people who have fallen to their ruin because they have let success get to their head,” he says. When people are humble, God supports them, blesses them, makes them thrive. And if people are admired and applauded by others, they must be careful, because glory is not of people, but all glory is of God.

COVER ity and can be dangerous. False humility is masked pride, repressed ego. Truly humble people recognize their own limitations, use modesty as a way not to exclude others, do not to seek attention, and treat everyone equally. TRUE HUMILITY

True humility is about respecting and valuing others and goes hand in hand with submission. The Word of God says that men and women must submit to each other with humility: “Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5). Submission and humility lead to peace and unity with others. We must not be so proud so as to think that we cannot receive advice from others. We must not believe that our opinions are better than those of others. Thinking like this does not lead to unity in Christ. Being submissive and humble in no way means that we have to let others mistreat us. Paul was very clear when he said that we must serve God and only God: “Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men” (1 Corinthians 7:23). He also wrote, “For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ” (Galatians 1:10). Although it is important to remain humble and submit to others so as to accept their advice and constructive criticism, as Christians we must also please the Lord with our life. We must be fearful of God and keep His Word. This should be our goal: to be humble under God’s will, to commit ourselves to keep His commandments, and not to live by human needs and expectations. HUMILITY AND PASSIVITY

FALSE HUMILITY

False humility is the act of pretending to be humble. It is very common among those who want to belong, as they realize that if they are themselves they will not be accepted in a certain group or in society. Pay attention to these people because they usually adopt a dual personal-

Having an affable and kind spirit does not mean that we should be passive. God also requires action and zeal in our lives. Jesus teaches us that, “the kingdom of heaven… the violent take it by force” (Matthew 11:12). All those who want a deeper life in Christ must be zealous and humble in their hearts. If we are humble and want to do God’s will, we will do everything we can to keep our mind and heart pure. Paul wrote, “Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord” (Romans 12:11). Similarly, although we must always have a quiet and humble spirit before the Lord, sometimes God wants us to speak out, to set our honor, reputation and expectations aside, and to obey Him in all reverence. We must not question, with our own authority or possibility, what God wants to do through us. Instead, we must let God use us exactly as He wants.

June 2019 / Impacto evangelistic

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COVER

TALENTS AND SKILLS

Having a humble mindset means thinking of ourselves with prudence, without boasting about our skills and abilities, recognizing that they come from God (2 Corinthians 3:5). However, this does not mean that we have to ignore the gifts and talents God has given us. God wants us to use us for His glory and purpose, and each of us must be aware of it. Humility is using our talents and skills under the direction and guidance of God and, thus, giving Him the glory for what He has done in and through our life. KEY TO PROGRESS

It is a natural law that if we are humble under the powerful hand of God and subdue our will and honor, He will give us the grace we need to live a true Christian life. Jesus is the ultimate example of humility. He did not put his reputation or honor first, but volunteered so that

God’s would be fulfilled and glorified forever. If we share his humble mind and abandon our reputation and honor to be obedient to God’s Word and will, then we will be able to thrive in Christian life. God knows our heart well and is willing to strengthen those who want to live for His glory. Biblical passages taken from King James Version

June 2019 / Impacto evangelistic

Differences

corazón humilde y Humble Heart They seek to do God’s will.

They keep a low profile.

No expresa opiniones sin necesidad; escucha las opiniones de los demás, acepta que no tiene todas las respuestas.

Humility, which is the awareness of the place we hold before God, is always in their heart.

They treat everyone with respect.

If they have special qualities, they give credit to God. They do not flaunt, but use them only when needed.

They are modest.

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between a

un corazรณn orgulloso Proud Heart Only their will can be done.

They love and seek to be the center of attention.

They practice false humility and they say they have a humble heart. They are nice only to their closest circle; they ignore those they regard as insignificant while they flatter those who may be useful to their interests.

If they have special qualities, they make sure everyone knows.

They boast about their ideas and their thoughts.

June 2019 / Impacto evangelistic

INTERNATIONAL

WHY ARE CHRISTIANS PERSECUTED? The massacre of 250 Christians in Sri Lanka has proved, once more, that followers of Christ around the world are still persecuted.

Christians have suffered persecution from the

beginning. Jesus-Christ himself was victim of jealousy, slander, betrayal and the most vicious hatred when He was disgracefully condemned to die on the cross. Christians have been persecuted ever since. Let us remember what Jesus said in John 15:18: “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.” He added in John 15:20: “If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you.” His words are true even now, more than two thousand years later. Why Christians are persecuted today? Below are some reasons. Radical Islam states that the Sharia, or Islamic Law, have to be equally applied to both Muslims and non-Muslims. Those who do not comply with such law must suffer the consequences: marginalization, discrimination and perseMISSIONARY MOVEMENT 16 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

A new threat has emerged with the rise of gender ideology. It is common to witness on social networks the persecution suffered by those who make Christian statements. Attacks can be so vicious that they sometimes raise genuine concern. cution, including kidnappings, bombings in temples and murders. In countries ruled by totalitarian communism, such as China, Vietnam, North Korea or Cuba, there is a war declared to all doctrines, following the Marxist principle that “religion is the opium of the people.”

In some cases, authorities even promote the creation of alternative churches to divide the people, declaring illegal those that do not follow their rules, as in the case of China, which openly violates freedom of religion or expression. In other countries, political nationalism has merged with certain religions, ostracizing opposing doctrines, performing brutal attacks against dissidents, and forbidding conversions to any religion other than the dominant one. Such was the situation during the Bosnian war between 1992 and 1995, and in the Indian state of Odisha in 20072008, when radical Hindus unleashed a wave of anti-Christian violence that destroyed hundreds of churches and killed 84 Christians. A new threat has emerged with the rise of gender ideology. It is common to witness on social networks the persecution suffered by those who make Christian statements.

Attacks can be so vicious that they sometimes raise genuine concern. According to the World Watch List 2018, one out of twelve Christians are persecuted worldwide, which makes Christianity the most persecuted religion in the world. Freedom of religion is in danger due to the attacks performed against Christians or their temples, not only in Sri Lanka or Nigeria, where 2000 people were killed last year, but in Spain and France as well, countries that are supposedly more tolerant. Only from a radical worldview, only from deep jealousy, intolerance or blind hatred, we can we understand the reasons of the persecution against Christianity.

(*) With information from the Internet

June 2019 / Impacto evangelistic

INTERNATIONAL

CORRUPTION RESISTS TIME Since 2012 only twenty countries in the world have improved their scores in the fight against corruption according to a recent survey presented by International Transparency.

Each year, International Transparency publishes the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI). This index, which ranks countries by their perceived levels of public sector corruption according to experts and businesspeople, uses a scale of 0 to 100, where 0 is highly corrupt and 100 is very clean. The 2018 top countries are Denmark and New Zealand, considered the “cleanest” countries of all, which means that their perceived levels of public sector corruption are low. Meanwhile, the lowest-scoring countries are Somalia, South Sudan and Syria, whose public sectors are perceived as highly corrupt. “Our research makes a clear link between having a healthy democracy and successfully fighting public sector corruption,” says Delia Ferreira, Chair of International Transparency. “Corruption is much more likely to flourish where democratic foundations are weak and, as we have seen in many countries, where undemocratic and populist politicians can use it to their advantage,” she adds. This is what the data shows. Of the two thirds of countries scoring below the global average established by International Transparency to assess the levels of perceived corruption in the world, most of them have unstable governments or have suffered significant changes over the last years, but the presence of other factors such as organized crime should be taken into consideration as well. On the other hand, this survey informs that only 20 countries have significantly improved their CPI scores since 2012. Some of these countries are: Argentina, that although it ranks 85th, has seen an eight-point increase since 2015, reaching a score of 40; Estonia, ranking 18th in the list with a score of 73; and Ruanda, which keeps showing progress by earning one point since 2017 and reaching position 56. On the other hand, the United States lost four points since last year, dropping out of the top 20 countries on the CPI. The low score comes at a time when the country is experiencing threats to its system of checks and balances as well as an erosion of ethical norms at the highest levels of power, according to International Transparency. Brazil dropped to 35, earning its lowest CPI score in seven years in spite of Bolsonaro’s promises to end corruption. The country’s new president has made it clear that he will rule with a strong hand, threatening many of the democratic milestones

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The 2018 top countries are Denmark and New Zealand, considered the “cleanest” countries of all, which means that their perceived levels of public sector corruption are low.

achieved to date, as stated by the organization. Also very clean countries such as Iceland or Germany have lost one point since last year. Of the highest-scoring countries on the CPI, seven are European. New Zealand (2nd), Singapore (3rd) and Canada (9th) are the only exceptions to the top group that is headed by Denmark this year, beating New Zealand that has lost two points since 2017. With 32 points, Ukraine is the European country

with the lowest score, ranking in position 120. The continents with the most perceived corrupt countries are Asia and Africa. Burundi, Libya, Afghanistan, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Sudan, North Korea, Yemen, South Sudan, Syria and Somalia are at the bottom of the CPI list, with 10-17 points.

June 2019 / Impacto evangelistic

TECHNOLOGY

THE CYNICISM OF THE INVENTOR OF THE WEB Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the World Wide Web, has warned about the risks of the network that has managed to connect the entire world for almost three decades and change social relationships.

What is the current situation of the internet in its 30th anniversary? Tim Berners-Lee seems wary

and even cynical: “The threats to the web today are real and many, from misinformation and questionable political advertising to a loss of control over our personal data.” This insight is shared by an ever-increasing number of experts. Even governments show their concern about phenomena such as fake news or the presence of political advertising in media, especially social networks. For instance, the European Union has condemned the Russian practice of spreading lying propaganda and interfering in recent foreign elections, such as in Italy. As regards personal data, disarray comes from social MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 20 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

networks, with the overexposure of people’s lives that is increasingly blurring privacy boundaries. Berners-Lee is a firm advocate of the “free internet,” but he considers that the power is concentrated among so few companies that the web is now a control weapon.

This insight is shared by an everincreasing number of experts. Even governments show their concern about phenomena such as fake news or political advertising, especially on social networks.

He warns that, although some companies are making efforts to fix these issues, they “have been built to maximize profit more than to maximize social good.” Berners-Lee’s concerns also shed light on possible solutions for these problems. Without saying it bluntly, Berners-Lee points to a certain state control and the passing of laws, particularly “a legal or regulatory framework that accounts for social objectives.” MORE PLURAL

Berners-Lee believes that the web needs to be more democratic in terms of global access and visibility. He supports reducing the digital gap, since the Internet is still a privilege for 50% of the world’s population. “We must support policies and business models that expand access to the world’s poorest through public access solutions, such as community networks and public WiFi initiatives,” he points out. Another concern of the founder of the web is related to the concentration of power: “The web that many connected to years ago is not what new users will find

today. What was once a rich selection of blogs and websites has been compressed under the powerful weight of a few dominant platforms. This concentration of power creates a new set of gatekeepers, allowing a handful of platforms to control which ideas and opinions are seen and shared.” These thoughts, which some may consider apocalyptic or conspiratorial, imply no easy solution. Berners-Lee points to democratization for the best web’s future. “Today’s powerful digital economy calls for strong standards that balance the interests of both companies and online citizens. This means thinking about how we align the incentives of the tech sector with those of users and society at large.” For the inventor of the WWW, we must debunk two myths: “The myth that advertising is the only possible business model for online companies, and the myth that it’s too late to change the way platforms operate. I want the web to reflect our hopes and fulfil our dreams, rather than magnify our fears and deepen our divisions,” he says.

June 2019 / Impacto evangelistic

YOUTH

YOUNG CHRISTIANS AND WORK Steven López

Everything you do, you must do thanking God. If you have a job, you have a way to honor God through it. Christian life is not dualistic: Christians do not lead a certain life at church and then another at work. Christians have only one lifestyle and one mindset.

Once there was a young lumberjack who showed up to his first day of work in a timber company. The salary was good and the working conditions were even better, so he set out to carry out his duty as well as he could. The first day he introduced himself to the foreman, who gave him an ax and assigned him an area of the forest. The young man, excited as he was, went down the forest and began to fell trees. In just one day, he cut eighteen. “Good job, keep it up,” said the foreman. Encouraged by his boss’ words, the lumberjack decided to outdo himself the next day. That night he went to bed early and when morning came, he got up before anyone else and went to the forest. Despite all his efforts, however, he failed to cut more than fifteen trees. “I must be tired, I’ll go to bed earlier,” the young man thought. At dawn, he rose determined to break his personal record of eighteen trees. However, that day he did not reach even half. The next day there were seven, then five, and on the last day, he spent all afternoon trying to cut down his second tree. Concerned about what the foreman would say, the lumberjack went to tell him what was happening and swore that he was trying his best to the point of exhaustion. It was then that the foreman asked him, “When was

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THE MEANING OF WORK • Our needs are fulfilled through work. Work allows putting the gifts and the skills that God has given us into practice. God expects young people to provide for themselves and not to live at others’ expense. The Bible says, “If any would not work, neither should he eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10). • The livelihood of the family is guaranteed through work. God advises young people to support their family with love and selflessness. This financial support makes home a nicer place and pleases the Almighty. • God is loved through work. One of God’s languages is obedience. When you work, you obey two great commandments: “Love God” and “Love your neighbor as yourself.” To love God is to obey from the heart, and to love our neighbor is to serve other people with respect and commitment.

the last time you sharpened your ax?” The young man replied, “Sharpen? I have no time for that, I’m too busy cutting down trees.” The moral of the story is that sometimes young people rush to meet goals without noticing the most important thing: how they are doing it. Young Christians must do their secular job in an efficient and responsible way, but above all, they must do it thinking of God rather than men. This is the only way you can handle the frustration and unfair treatment that may sometimes occur at work. When you remember that work is done for the Lord and that He promises a reward, the heart becomes calm and the attitude changes. Doing a good job is a reflection of our good behavior as believers of God. It must be always remembered that positions, jobs and opportunities are given by the Lord and must be a light in the midst of darkness. Pastor Jorge Espinoza, treasurer of the WMM in Peru, says that, “young Christians must be responsible,

Doing a good job is a reflection of our good behavior as believers of God. It must be always remembered that positions, jobs and opportunities are given by the Lord and must be a light in the midst of darkness.

punctual and upright in their daily activities, as well as an impeccable role model to other coworkers.” Work among young Christians is one of the highest forms of human growth: it allows our expression and affirmation of individual qualities, the exercise of social responsibilities, the personal and community improvement, the openness and solidarity with the world. “The time given to work should not hinder our communion with God. Everything must be balanced,” emphasizes Reverend Espinoza.

June 2019 / Impacto evangelistic

MUSIC

PRAISE TO THE LORD, THE ALMIGHTY This hymn written by Joachim Neander in 1679 to revitalize Church has been praising the name of Jesus Christ for over 300 years. Based on Psalms 103 and 150, “Praise the Lord, the Almighty” has more than three centuries of history and legacy. Published for the first time in 1680 in Germany as part of a Christian hymnbook, it is the most famous piece of composer Joachim Neander, born in 1650 in Bremen. This praise to God was written to worship the Lord for His many blessings. Featured in the reduced yet everlasting poetic work by Neander, this composition was originally edited in German and was inserted into a popular German melody from the 17th century. The hymn is widely reknown in the Christian Evangelical community and it was the favorite song of King Frederick William III of Prussia, a follower of Christ that spread the Gospel in his nation. “Praise the Lord, the Almighty” has four stanzas inspired in the Old Testament. It was translated into English in 1863 by Catherine Winkworth, a well-known British translator of Christian hymns from German to English. Thanks to her translation, the praise became popular icon of gospel music worldwide. A MAN OF FAITH

Neander was a pastor, poet and teacher in Heidelberg and Frankfurt. Theologians Philipp Spener and Johann Jakob Schütz, who preached the sound doctrine in Germany at the time, encouraged him to strengthen his faithfulness to the Lord’s teachings and become a more pious man. He also spread the message and announced the good news in Düsseldorf, where he composed around seventy songs. MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 24 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

PRAISE TO THE LORD, THE ALMIGHTY 1 Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation! O my soul, praise him, for he is your health and salvation! Come, all who hear; now to his temple draw near, Join me in glad adoration. 2 Praise to the Lord, above all things so wondrously reigning; Sheltering you under his wings, and so gently sustaining! Have you not seen all that is needful has been Sent by his gracious ordaining?

3 Praise to the Lord, who will prosper your work and defend you; surely his goodness and mercy shall daily attend you. Ponder anew what the Almighty can do, if with his love he befriends you. 4 Praise to the Lord! O let all that is in me adore him! All that has life and breath, come now with praises before him. Let the Amen sound from his people again; Gladly forever adore him.

Known as the most important Christian poet during the German Reformation, this minister of the Redeemer spent his last days in his hometown after leaving Düsseldorf. He died of tuberculosis on May 31, 1680. After his demise, his hymns were included in the most important hymnbooks edited by German reformers and the Lutheran Church. Joachim Neander, who was a Bible scholar and staunch champion of God’s Word, wrote many biblical poems filled with joy and happiness. In his efforts to help consolidate the Reformation of the Church through music, he became a role model for millions of Christians around the world who have found inspiration in his faith. Created by Neander in 1679 to revitalize the Church, “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” has been praising the name of the Lord for more than 300 years. Despite the passage of time, his spiritual contribution has maintained its relevance as it reaffirms that the fire of the Gospel is a source of peace and joy, and Jesus, the source of eternal life and redemption.

June 2019 / Impacto evangelistic

LITERATURE

BELIEVER’S BIBLE COMMENTARY This complete Bible study, written by theologian William MacDonald throughout four decades of patient, hard work, aims to provide essential knowledge about God’s message.

Before launching out into the deep seas of OT studies, or even the comparatively small area of studying a particular book, it will prove helpful to outline briefly some general facts about the Sacred Book we call “The Old Testament.” Our word “covenant” translates the Hebrew work “berîth.” In the NT, “covenant” and “testament” both translate the same Greek word (diatheke). In the title of the Scriptures, the meaning “covenant” seems definitely preferable because the Book constitutes a pact, alliance, or “covenant” between God and His people. Believer’s Bible Commentary was published after four decades of patient, hard work. This thorough analysis of the Holy Scriptures aims to provide the average Christian with the basic knowledge about Christ’s message. Written by American exegete William MacDonald, the book encourages the reader to devour and carefully study the Bible to discover its endless treasures. For the millions of people who love a good story, especially a “true” story, the second main division of the OT is unusually captivating. It picks up the story of God’s people where Deuteronomy left off and takes it forward a thousand years to the end of OT history. (The poetical and prophetic books fir into this same framework but they do not advance the “story” any). For those who do not like “history” (by nature or by faulty exposure to dull history teachers), we can only say that “this” history is unique. First of all, Bible history is truly, to use an old saying, “His story” in every sense of the word. It is not a complete account of any period of Hebrew history, but a divinely selected continuous story. William MacDonald’s book is enriched with maps of biblical lands, pictures of biblical characters and events, as well as images and drawings of relevant places and objects. According to theologians, Believer’s Bible Commentary is one of the best MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 26 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

works on the Scriptures ever written, as it is a very useful and valuable theological tool. “Poetry,” someone has said, “is that which is lost in translation.” Fortunately for us, this is not true, or at best it is a great exaggeration when speaking of OT Hebrew poetry. Classic English or French poetry, on the other hand, being so dependent as a rule on rhyme, strict meter, and special forms, is most difficult to translate into other languages with real success. Hebrew poetry has meter to a certain extent, uses techniques of alliteration (words beginning with the same sound), and other devices common to our own poetry. Though much of the Prophets are written in poetic form, five books in the OT are considered poetical as such: Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Songs. READER FRIENDLY

Originally published in two volumes, in 1989 and 1992, the book combines analytical explanations with devotional thoughts from the view of the Lord’s sound doctrine. It also wisely explores and examines the most challenging topics of the Bible and complex theological ideas and turns them into clear, easy-tounderstand concepts. Everyone who has studied literature is familiar with the story, the novel, the play, the poem, and the biography, as well as other literary forms. But when our Lord JesusChrist came to earth, a whole new category of literature was needed – the Gospel. The Gospels are not biographies, though they have strong biographical material. They are not stories, though they contain parables such as the Prodigal Son and the Good Samaritan that are as interesting as any story in all literature. Some parables have even been adapted into novels or short stories. The Gospels are not documentary reports, yet they contain accurate, though obviously condensed, accounts of many conversations and discourses of our Lord. In the introduction, the publish-

June 2019 / Impacto evangelistic

LITERATURE

ers advise all the enthusiasts of the Holy Scriptures to read MacDonald’s book at their own pace, leafing through its pages while appreciating the general sense expressed by its author, who was born on January 7, 1917 in Massachusetts. The Acts of the Apostles is the only “inspired” church history; it is also the “first” church history, and the only primary church history to cover the earliest days of the faith. MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 28 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

Everyone who has studied literature is familiar with the story, the novel, the play, the poem, and the biography, as well as other literary forms. But when our Lord Jesus-Christ came to earth, a whole new category of literature was needed –the Gospel.

All other merely draw on Luke’s work with a few traditions (and many conjectures!) added. We would be at a total loss without this book. To go from the life of our Lord in the Gospels right into the Epistles would be a tremendous leap. Who were the congregations being addressed and how did they come to be? Acts answers these and many other questions. It is a bridge not only between the life of Christ and the Christ-life taught in the Epistles, but it is also a transitional link between Judaism and Christianity, between Law and Grace. ESSENTIAL BOOK

The Acts of the Apostles is the only “inspired” church history; it is also the “first” church history, and the only primary church history to cover the earliest days of the faith. We would be at a total loss without this book.

William MacDonald, author of more than eighty Christian books, has highlighted the importance of the Gospel in the preface of the book: “More important than any commentary is the Word of God itself, as illuminated by the Holy Spirit of God. Without it, there is no life, growth, holiness, or acceptable service. We should read it, study it, memorize it, meditate on it, and above all obey it.” Romans has always stood at the head of Paul’s letters, and rightly so. Since Acts ends with Paul’s arrival in Rome, it is logical to have the Epistle section of the NT begin with the apostle’s letter to the Roman church, written before he visited the Christians there. More decisively, Romans is the most important book theologically in the whole NT, being as close to a systematic presentation of Christian theology as will be found in God’s word. Historically, Romans is the most influential of Bible books. Augustine was converted through reading Romans 13:13 and 14 (A.D. 380). The Protestant Reformation was launched when Martin Luther finally understood the meaning of God’s righteousness, and that “the just shall live by faith” (1517). Believer’s Bible Commentary is an essential, solid and well-documented study of the Bible for preachers, pastors, teachers and students. It also contains quotes and viewpoints from some of the best Christian writers of all times, such as Martin Luther, John Calvin, Charles Wesley, J. N. Darby, J. C. Ryle, C. H. Spurgeon, Gidet, Lang, Meyes, Ironside, and Robertson. The uniqueness of the last book of the Bible is apparent in the very first word –“Revelation,” or in the original, “Apokalupsis.” This word, meaning “unveiling,” is the origin of our word “apocalyptic,” a type of writing found in Daniel, Ezekiel, and Zechariah in the OT, but only here in the New. It refers to the prophetic visions of the future that use symbols, figures, and other literary devices. Jude does not mince words! He pulls out all the stops, as it were, to unmask these notorious heretics, drawing illustrations from nature, the OT, and Jewish tradition (Enoch) to stir up the faithful.

June 2019 / Impacto evangelistic

HERO OF FAITH

DEFENDER OF THE WORD Juan Bautista

The New Testament was translated into Spanish by Juan Pérez de Pineda for Spaniards to read God’s Word in their own language. This brave man accomplished his mission at a time when any act of boldness against the Church was punished with death.

Juan Pérez de Pineda was a Bible scholar, editor of Juan Valdés, author of many Christian treatises, and translator of the book of Psalm and the New Testament into Spanish. As far as we can tell –there is no certainty regarding his origins and first years of life, as it happens with many of those condemned by the Inquisition– he was born in Andalusia, Montilla, province of Córdoba, in the beginning of the 14th century. About his early life there is not much information, except for his birth in Montilla, his studies and ordination in Seville, and his appointment under unknown

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Pérez de Pineda, known as Doctor Juan Pérez, actively spread the Gospel during his stay in Geneva. In 1556, he published his first work, The New Testament of our Lord and Savior Jesus-Christ, a translation of the New Testament from Greek to Spanish. It was printed by the printing house of Jean Crespin with a false imprint: “In Venice, in the house of Juan Philadelpho.”

circumstances in the Spanish Embassy in Rome, which probably happened in 1526. This enthusiast of the Reformation was very critical of the negligence existing in the pontifical curia. He even came to consider that the pillaging of the Eternal City by imperial troops, which he witnessed first-hand, was God’ doing. Soon after his return to Spain around 1530, he was appointed director of the Colegio de la Doctrina of Seville, a Protestant education center. As its director for two decades, he met doctors Juan Gil, known as Egidio, and Constantino Ponce de la Fuente, with whose reformist Lutheran ideas he sympathized. RESILIENT CHRISTIAN

When the existence of a dissident group in Seville was exposed following the process of the Inquisition against theologian Egidio in 1550, Pérez escaped involvement and stayed in the city while his friends escaped to France and Flanders. Nevertheless, he went to Geneva with another group of believers in 1555. Other more numerous groups would soon follow. In the city of Calvin, Pérez de Pineda and his friends met other Spaniards who believed in the sound doctrine. Together with them and those who came afterwards, he formed a Spanish-speaking congregation appointed to the temple of Saint Germain, as authorized by the Genevan magistrates in 1558. As a defender of God’s Word, Pérez de Pineda led the flock –with the occasional support of Casiodoro de Reina, the later famous translator of the Bible– until 1560, when it was disbanded. Pérez de Pineda, known as Doctor Juan Pérez, actively spread the Gospel during his stay in Geneva. In 1556, he published his first work, The New Testament of our Lord and Savior Jesus-Christ, a translation of the New Testament from Greek to Spanish. It was printed

June 2019 / Impacto evangelistic

HERO OF FAITH

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by the printing house of Jean Crespin with a false imprint: “In Venice, in the house of Juan Philadelpho.” The work was dedicated to Philip II to remind him of his responsibility as a Christian prince to protect and spread the Holy Scriptures. Pérez de Pineda’s translation, written in good Spanish, with a sober and dynamic prose but a moderate knowledge of biblical languages, did not have the quality of the one published by Francisco Enzinas thirteen years before in Antwerp. Certainly, Pérez de Pineda’s translation was based on this and other previous Spanish versions available, including an anonymous version that appeared in Geneva some time after his arrival.

II, that Christians hoped would grant them a satisfactory legal status. Both books were printed by J. Crespin under the false imprint “In Venice, in the house of J. Philadelpho.” In 1557 in Geneva, Crespin also printed Pérez de Pineda’s Letter Sent to Our Lord and Prince Philip, king of Spain, which, among other things, contained an statement on the causes of wars and disasters. The separation of King Philip and Pope Paul IV due to the latter’s antiSpanish policy in Italy and the entrance of Duke of Alba in Rome were saluted by all the European Protestant community as the end of the Roman pontificate.

PROLIFIC AUTHOR

Pérez de Pineda returned to Geneva after a short stay in Frankfurt, land of Philip Melanchthon, German reformer and scholar. There, he actively worked in favor of the Gospel both as a pastor and a writer. He published three books in just two years, which were printed by J. Crespin with fake imprints or no imprint at all. These three books were Two Very Useful Pieces of Information (1559), in which the author demanded Philip II to protect Christians that were insulted, declared heretics and instigators of rebellions, persecuted and killed; “Letter to Comfort Jesus-Christ Believers that Suffer Persecution for Preaching His Name (1560), published at a time when terrible news came from Spain; and Brief Treatise on the Ancient Doctrine of God (1560), which was a summary of the Latin work by U. Regius for Spanish-speaking readers. Though the Spanish Protestant community in Geneva disbanded in 1560, Pérez de Pineda remained in the city, which was a very active center for the dissemination of Christian publications aimed to Spain. For his own work for the Gospel, he had the support of Julián Hernández, another refugee. In 1562, Pérez de Pineda accepted to lead a community in Blois, France, as the conditions and tolerance of Protestants there had improved. He then moved to Montargis Castle as presbyter of princess Renée of France, daughter of Louis XII and widow duchess of Ferrara, who had converted to the Gospel. He was in France together with Antonio del Corro and other refugees when he was called by the Christian community of Antwerp on May 28, 1566 to become their pastor, but he declined due to his old age. However, he moved to Paris that same year to reprint his “New Testament” and spread it in Spain. The preparations had started when he died in the French capital in 1567. Del Corro supported him on his last moments. The death of Juan Pérez de Pineda meant the loss of one of their most active and efficient promoters of the Reformation in Spain.

In that same year and with the same printer, Pérez de Pineda published Brief Summary on Christian Doctrine, also with a false imprint: “In Venice, in the house of Pietro Daniel.” The publication consists of questions and answers for children and adults and is very similar to Calvin’s Doctrine. In the presentation, the author

states that the book was approved by the Spanish Inquisition, which must have enraged Spanish inquisitors as it was immediately listed it in the Index Expurgatorius. The following year’s publication, David’s Psalms was superior in quality and projection. The printer was once again J. Crespin, although it said to have been published in Venice by P. Daniel. The book was dedicated to Queen Mary of Hungary, Governor of the Netherlands. This excellent translation was unanimously praised by the critics. In 1556 and 1557, Pérez de Pineda published Brief and Summarized Statement or Commentary on Paul’s Epistle to the Romans and Brief and Summarized Statement or Commentary on Paul’s Epistle to the Corinthians. The latter was dedicated to Maximilian, king of Bohemia and future emperor Maximilian

EFFICIENT PROMOTER

June 2019 / Impacto evangelistic

LIFE STORY

OVERCOME BY HER ALCOHOLISM She wasted her best years drinking. She would lock herself in her place for several days in the company of her only friend: alcohol. Her life was falling apart, but an accident made her seek God.

STEVEN LÓPEZ PHOTOS: FAMILY FILES

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Rudy Villaroel was told that she would never walk again. She had fallen from a great height while she was drunk. Surgeons had placed six screws and two plates in her spine and she was in intense pain. At only 19, she was paying the price of leading an immoral life, having bad friends and drinking to excess. Only a miracle could fix her hopeless life. Despite her poor health, Rudy did not quit drinking. As soon as she could, she bought a bottle of alcohol to drink her pain away. The young woman had begun drinking with her friends from college, but some time later, she would do it mostly alone in her room. While drunk, she would remember her childhood. Rudy was born on June 2, 1993, in Cochabamba, Bolivia. She had been raised into a Christian family, and she attended church since she was a little girl. It could be said that she was happy. Her father, Modesto Villaroel, worked hard to provide for his family. Half of his time he was at church and the other half at work. He was a very strict man when it came to the things of God and he tried to involve his children in His cause. Her mother, Albertina Delgado, shares her husbandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beliefs. At age 12, however, Rudy gave herself up to worldly passions. She met young people like her who introduced her to the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wild nights and she took a liking for earthly pleasures. Her brothers followed in her footsteps and, like her, turned away from the way of Jesus Christ. Tired of her parents preaching her and insisting that she would go back to church, the young woman decided to run away at 16. She was about to finish school, when she met a boy and they eloped. Shortly after, she returned home. Their parents suffered for the erratic behavior of the girl. Rudy barely finished high school. Alcohol was her number one priority, and God was last. A CHANGE OF ENVIRONMENT

Rudy was given the opportunity to pursue a professional career at the University of Oruro. She did not think twice. She thought that a change of environment would maybe allow her to quit alcohol and to focus on her studies. She was wrong; things went from bad to worse. She tried many times to stop drinking, but she failed. Her classmates were heavy drinkers as well and she wanted to belong. She would waste several days drinking with her friends at her place. She also started to skip classes. Her more responsible classmates advised her to give up alcohol for her sake, but she ignored them.

June 2019 / Impacto evangelistic

LIFE STORY

At age 12, however, Rudy gave herself up to worldly passions. She met young people like her who introduced her to the city’s wild nights and she took a liking for earthly pleasures.

Rudy could not live without a bottle of alcohol within reach. There was always one in the closet, in her kitchen, or under the bed. She even began to drink pure alcohol, because other drinks no longer quenched her thirst and she needed to feel numb. Her life was falling apart. VOICES FROM THE DARK

There came a time when she dropped out of college altogether. Her addiction was stronger, and she began to be absorbed by darkness. A voice pushed her to end her life. In the loneliness of her room, with empty bottles of alcohol as her only company, she watched as dark silhouettes in the shape of animals entered her body. The voices telling to commit suicide echoed in her mind. “Kill yourself, you know there is no other way,” they said. MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 36 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

“Maybe drunkenness makes me listen to these voices and want to kill myself,” she thought. Several days passed by and the voice kept encouraging her to kill herself. One night, when she was on her way home, she saw a bridge and thought about suicide. However, she remembered God and ran in search of a church to ask for forgiveness. She walked the streets in despair and looked for a temple, but could not find any. It seemed that her fate was suicide. “Not even God loves me,” she told herself. Not finding help led her to continue drinking to let herself go. Her days were full of hopelessness and her nights were a collection of nightmares in which she would dream of being chained and on fire. GOD NEVER FORGETS

The fear she felt made her look up at the Lord. She knelt by her bed and asked God for a miracle in her life, but nothing happened.

In the darkness of her lonely home, Rudy asked God for help once again. One day, the pastor of an evangelical church knocked on her door. A light of hope seemed to have come. The preacher shared God’s message with her, but she had a terrible headache and decided not to listen anymore. Another day, while she was drinking with her friends, one of them pushed her from the top of the

June 2019 / Impacto evangelistic

LIFE STORY

house where they were. The young woman fell onto the road and lost consciousness. She was taken to the nearest hospital and the doctors performed an emergency procedure. They saved her life, but her condition was delicate: she had three broken vertebrae. Her family went to the hospital as soon as possible to accompany Rudy. When she woke up, her father wanted to preach the Word, but she rejected it. “If God loved me, He wouldn’t have let me go through this,” Rudy argued. A few days later, they took her to the operating room. The surgery was long and strenuous, and the recovery was slow. She got better after some time, but doctors were not hopeful about her walking again. What is more, her withdrawal symptoms added more pain to her pain. One morning, while on the hospital bed, Rudy turned on the radio and began listening to Radio Bethel at her father’s suggestion. The preaching of Pastor Enrique Valenzuela touched her heart. “God loves you regardless of your mistakes. He wants to see you well,” the preacher repeated. A short time later, she was discharged, and her family decided to take her back to Cochabamba. The parents took her in again and took care of her with love. She felt better and started walking with a broomstick as cane. However, her thirst for alcohol made her stand up MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 38 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

The servant of God urged her to surrender to Christ. Her answer was yes. The prayer of faith made a radical change in the life of young Rudy. Her wounds began to heal, her pain was over and, above all, her desire to drink disappeared completely. and drink again. Within a few days, the scars of the operation began to open up and become infected. Their parents did not know what to do with her anymore. Rudy decided to look for the pastor she heard through the radio. They talked and he invited her to visit the House of God and Gate of Heaven of the Worldwide Missionary Movement. She accepted and came the next day. In the prayer service, the servant of God urged her to surrender to Christ. Her answer was yes. The prayer of faith made a radical change in the life of young Rudy. Her wounds began to heal, her pain was over and, above all, her desire to drink disappeared completely. During a vigil, God baptized her in the Holy Spirit, thus sealing her conversion to Christ. She was saved. Now Rudy can run, make physical efforts and walk without any pain. Doctors diagnosed that she would not walk again, but God gave her a new life. Young Rudy Villaroel has been serving God in the central church of the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Oruro, Bolivia, since 2015. Alcoholism could not defeat God.

June 2019 / Impacto evangelistic

INTERVIEW

“EUROPE IS IN MORAL DECAY” Despite its first world status, Europe has abandoned Christian values and replaced them with licentiousness. Reverend Carlos Medina, Supervisor of the Block A of Europe, believes that the end of times is near. Reverend Carlos Medina has preached the Word in Europe for many years and has been to almost all the Old World countries, so he is well aware of the European society. His statements are categorical and call for reflection. In an interview with Impacto Evangelistic, he has talked about the situation of Christianity in Europe. He has denounced the moral and spiritual decay of Europe and shown his concern for those countries that were once Christian but now shy away from God’s Word. Are Christian values disappearing in Europe? This is a very important question; unfortunately, the answer is yes. Christian values have been disappearing in Europe from a while now. There is moral chaos, and licentiousness is so widespread that what we see today on the streets would shock past generations. Families are broken as adultery and divorce increase. We live in the end of times, in the dangerous times foretold by Apostle Paul. Evil and depravity are reaching insanely high levels. Many Christian websites state that Europe is in a post-Christian period, that a non-Christian Europe is emerging. What do you think? It is true. Europe has lost its Christian heart as has distanced itself from God. Scientology, misguided progress and wealth have brought about spiritual lukewarmness. What is more, the apostasy in some evan-

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gelical churches has led to a loss of good testimony, credibility and faith. The Roman Catholic Church is also responsible, because people are disappointed and now reject anything related to God. The Lord has been excluded from everyday conversations, universities and schools, as it is said that God has no place in modern Europe. This is a critical post-Christian period where people live in deadly lukwarmness and former Christian countries now reject God. It is said that many churches are being closed and temples, abandoned. Are these reports true? They are. The temples of many churches are empty, especially Catholic ones. They are even rented to other denominations for different kinds of events, such as parties and balls. This is the sad reality of temples that do not serve their real purpose. In these times of spiritual decay, there is no respect for the temples that were used to honor God.

Gender ideology has been implemented in the post-Christian Europe. How deep is its influence? Europe has embraced gender ideology as if it were the ultimate solution to its problems. We have made some research and we have learnt that one of its main promoters is the United Nations (UN). They have financially contributed to the introduction of this ideology to European countries. In my opinion, everything is ready for the Anti-Christ’s coming, as everyone rejects and hates all that has to do with God. Now we know why many people accept laws that have no biological or scientific grounds. Such ideologies have no other way to survive other than approving convenient laws and aggressively spreading their message at school. Children are shown videos with explicit sexual content and this is damaging the God-fearing people. Many of our children suffer bullying, persecution and mistreats for refusing these ideologies.

There is still a faithful remnant of believers in Europe. Is there a persecution against those Christians who refuse gender ideology? The situation is certainly tense. We must be careful while telling the truth. We cannot just march down the streets without being authorized, or they will not let us do it ever again. We have received threatening phone calls; there was this person who even threatened to sue us. We preach against homosexuality but we have made it quiet clear that we are not homophobic. We are careful and wise when we express our ideas. The Holy Spirit will help us continue to preach and, if there is persecution, I am sure that the Lord will be by our side, as such was His promise. If we must leave, we will do so, always with the power of God with us. We are prepared to give our lives if necessary. How is the Worldwide Missionary Movement (WMM) getting ready for this reality? Our main strength is Christ. He is the only one who can help the Church survive. We are growing with people who come to our temples from dead churches. We are moving forward with a generation of pastors that understand the vision. The sound doctrine is fundamental. We must prepare the people so that future generations have a safe haven. Keeping God’s Word will give us the strength to spiritually survive what is to come. As a pastor, I tell the Church that this is the time to obey the Scriptures, as stated in Deuteronomy 6:6-9: “And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up… And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.” Christian education at home is a essential in Europe to prevent the earthly contamination of our children. We must take care of them as they are our greatest treasure and the generation that will follow in our steps. Pastor, your final thoughts… As God’s people, we must understand that we live in the end of times. Prophet Jeremiah said: “A wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the land.” My advice is that we must not replace the sound doctrine under any circumstances. Let us keep holiness and invest our efforts in our family and home. May we never lose our love for lost souls. Let us pray for the European family, marriage and children. We must prepare a Church with strong families and couples. I believe that the power of family will help us survive the last days.

June 2019 / Impacto evangelistic

APOLOGETICS

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISM Seventh-day Adventism is a sect of Christianity that believes, among other things, that worship services should be conducted on the “seventh day” (the Sabbath) instead of on Sunday. Other Adventists, however, go much further into aberrant doctrine. Seventh-day Adventism has its roots in a 19thcentury movement that anticipated the imminent appearance (or advent) of Jesus-Christ. The Adventists were also called Millerites because their group was founded by William Miller, a false prophet who predicted Jesus would return in either 1843 or 1844. When Miller’s prediction of Christ’s second coming failed to come to pass, the Millerites disbanded in dismay; this event became known as “the Great Disappointment.” But then a couple of Miller’s followers claimed to have visions to account for the failed prophecy. Instead of coming to Earth, Jesus had entered the heavenly temple—thus, Miller was right, after all, they said, except his prophecy had a spiritual fulfillment instead of a physical one. One of the seers who covered for Miller was 17-year-old Ellen G. Harmon, who had her first of 2,000 purported visions in a prayer meeting shortly after Miller’s disgrace. With her vision, Ellen soon became a beacon of hope for disillusioned Millerites. She united Adventist factions and became the spiritual guide for a new religious group. In 1846, Ellen married James White, an Adventist preacher. Soon they became convinced that Sabbathkeeping was for all Christians. In 1847, Ellen G. White had another vision—this one confirming her new belief that Sabbath-keeping was to be a primary doctrine. The Adventists under Ellen G. White’s influence became Seventh-day Adventists. Ellen G. White’s many visions and writings—she was a prolific writer— greatly shaped the doctrine of Seventh-day Adventism.

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Today, most Seventh-day Adventists still consider Ellen White to be a prophetess of God, even though many of her prophecies failed to come true. In fact, Seventh-day Adventists consider Revelation 19:10 (“the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy”) to be a reference to Ellen G. White’s writings. In 1855, the Seventh-day Adventists settled in Battle Creek, Michigan, and in May 1863, the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists was officially incorporated. In the next five decades, Ellen G. White wrote nearly 10,000 pages of prophetic material. Included in the visions was the doctrine of “The Great Controversy,” a cosmic war being waged between Jesus and His angelic army and Satan and his. Other visions dealt with healthy eating habits, which Mrs. White called “the gospel of health” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, p. 327). Seventh-day Adventism places restrictions on consuming meat, or “flesh food,” as Adventists call it. It is

When Miller’s prediction of Christ’s second coming failed to come to pass, the Millerites disbanded in dismay; this event became known as “the Great Disappointment.” But then a couple of Miller’s followers claimed to have visions to account for the failed prophecy. no surprise that, after requiring Sabbath-keeping, Adventists began to add other elements of legalism into their creed. Meanwhile, Mrs. White kept having visions, and she began teaching the unorthodox doctrines of soul sleep and annihilationism (which contradicts Matthew 25:46). Other problematic doctrines in Seventh-day Adventism include the teaching that Satan is the “scape-

goat” and will bear believers’ sins (The Great Controversy, p. 422, 485)—this is the opposite of what the Bible says about who bore our sins (1 Peter 2:24). Seventh-day Adventism also identifies Jesus as Michael the archangel, a doctrine that denies the true nature of Christ—and teaches that Jesus entered a second phase of His redemptive work. And, of course, the Adventist promotion of Sabbath-keeping as a primary doctrine goes against the teaching of Scripture on the matter (see Romans 14:5). Seventh-Day Adventism is a diverse movement, and not all SDA groups hold to all the doctrines mentioned above. But all Seventh-Day Adventists should seriously consider the following: a recognized prophetess in their church was a teacher of aberrant doctrine, and their church has its roots in the failed prophecies of William Miller. Source: https://www.gotquestions.org

June 2019 / Impacto evangelistic

DEVOTIONAL “And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.” Luke 24:49. Rev. Luis M. Ortiz

ENDUED WITH POWER When my wife, our girls and I returned to Puerto Rico from Cuba in 1960, we founded a small Work in Santa Juanita, Bayamón, through which God saved many souls. There was a group of brothers there, including Rubén Rosas, his wife Armen and their children. The Rosas have been with us since before the birth of the Worldwide Missionary Movement, which was not actually founded by me, but by God. It was not until later when I realized what God had done through me in seven years (1956-1963, four in Cuba and three in Puerto Rico). Once, some neighbors sent for us urgently. The reason was Bolívar Marín, a man who had gone astray. He was married and had two girls. The devil, who had turned him away from God, would constantly tell him things like, “You’re useless. Kill yourself and all your problems will go away.” Bolívar drove a large truck to deliver goods throughout the island. One day, when he was on the main road across the mountains, the devil told him: “Look down the cliff, throw yourself.” But he had a wife and a mother who were always praying for him, and prayers are never left unanswered. However, the devil insisted: “Go up the hill, in two minutes another truck will drive your way. Calculate its speed and clash into it. Your problems will be over.” Bolívar, dominated by Satan, was about to do it when he heard a voice: “The police.” As there was no police car in front of him, he looked in the rearview mirror to see if it was behind. As he did it, the other truck drove away. At the first chance, the man swerved to go home. Satan once again began to attack him by saying, “Go

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home, then. Take a knife and kill your wife, your children, your mother, and then kill yourself. Everything will be over soon.” Before his arrival, the Holy Spirit had told Bolívar’s wife, “Hide all the knives and all pointed object that can be used to cut.” Fortunately, she obeyed. She did not know that Bolívar was coming home, but the Holy Spirit did. When Bolívar arrived, his wife had already hidden everything. He went into the kitchen, looked for knives, but found nothing. When the devil saw that the man had not done what he had asked him to do, he threw him against the walls like a basketball. He wanted to kill him. In that very moment, my wife and I were on our way. After the event, Bolívar told me, “Brother Ortiz, when they sent for you, Satan threw me against the floor and against the walls. When your car pulled over, Satan told me to “Kill yourself before the pastors come.” And when you got out of the car, I heard your footsteps approaching the house like those of a giant, and then the demons came out.” Rebecca and I noticed that as soon as we entered through the kitchen door, from which we could see the living room and Bolívar, the legion of demons came out. Bolívar came to his senses, sat down and looked in the direction of the kitchen. He said, “Brother and Sister Ortiz, what a surprise! What has happened, why am I lying on the floor? “We prayed for him, but he was already free. What had happened, indeed? The glorious manifestation of the fire of the Holy Spirit. The Lord stated once that the baptism in the Holy Spirit was like being endued with power, clothed with power. When a judge is in civilian clothes, no one knows he is a judge, except for someone who knows him. But when he is sitting in his chair wearing a toga he can judge and condemn and everyone knows that he is the judge. How do they know? Because he is clothed with his power. When we arrived at Bolívar’s house, clothed with the power of the Holy Spirit, the legion of demons heard our footsteps. And when we crossed the door, the demons were already gone. Brother Bolívar was totally free!

June 2019 / Impacto evangelistic

DEVOTIONAL “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.” John 9:4.

Rev. Rubén Concepción

WORK DIGNIFIES MAN There was a time in human history when work was considered a curse; to be more precise, in the days before the great Protestant Reformation. It was said that work was a scourge, a punishment imposed on man as a result of original sin, a means of discipline to curb evil ways. The only work considered worthy was that of priests, monks and nuns. However, according to the Bible, the Eternal Creator works tirelessly. Jesus said, “My Father worketh hitherto, and I work” ( John 5:17). The Scriptures present God as the creator of the universe, as the great manager of life, as the architect, engineer and first worker of His creation. Because God himself is the first worker of His creation, not only in the creative act, but also in the work of preservation and conservation, work cannot be considered a curse. • When man and woman were created, the Head of the human family assigned a place to man, the best on Earth. “And God blessed them, and God said unto them, be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth” (Genesis 1:28). • He also assigned man a job to do: to take care of the garden and work it. “And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it”, Genesis 2:15). • Man was also commissioned by God to watch over the animals and to name each species and was given the authority over all earthly creation. “And out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field, and every

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fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof. And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field” (Genesis 2:19-20). Every person has a divine commission to fulfill in their short stay in this small world. The term ‘work’ refers to everything we do with our talents that result in the profit that we use to provide for ourselves, our family and the Work of God. Blessed be God who made us for work. We were created to be fruitful and useful (Genesis 1:28). The people of God is hardworking. The whole Bible shows the culture of work as a blessing. Work improves the living conditions of the individual, the family, the community and the country. Two big branches of knowledge were in the hands of the first two men who were born after the Creation: agriculture in the hands of Cain, the eldest son of Adam and Eve, and livestock farming in the hands of Abel, their youngest son. These two pioneers of work were successful in their jobs and produced enough to thank the owner of the company, God, the Creator of the universe. They would bring offerings and sacrifices to show their gratitude. The entire Old Testament shows God’s people working: Noah was a great builder, farmer and stockbreeder; Abraham was a stockbreeder, farmer and trader; the Jews were stockbreeders, farmers, artisans, builders, engineers and excellent managers. The culture of work is so rooted in the seed of Abraham that it is and has been an economic strength in the world, in every country and its history. We must work while it is day, because the night will come and no one will be able to work. Let us work for the Work, the lost souls and the Lord. Only then, we will receive the reward. Dear reader, work dignifies man and is a blessing. Amen.

June 2019 / Impacto evangelistic

DEVOTIONAL “And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; these things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass; I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first. Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.” Revelation 2:18-20. Rev. Rodolfo González Cruz

MESSAGE TO THYATIRA Thyatira was a small yet populous city located more than 30 miles away from Pergamon. It was famous for its textiles and dyeing and was a center of the indigo trade. Revelation 2:18-19 reads, “And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; these things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass; I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.” Referring to Jesus, the Bible says, “His eyes were as a flame of fire” (Revelation 19:12; 2:18), because He knows people’s mind and heart. “And his feet are like fine brass” (Revelation 2:18) refers to God’s wrath and judgement. This church was always diligent in good deeds; therefore, the Lord stated that its last works were more than the first. What a great testimony! However, Revelation 2:20 adds, “Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.” Jezebel, King Ahab’s wife, was a deviant witch, idol worshipper and criminal who in the end was eaten by dogs (2 Kings 9:30-37). God abhorred her because she killed His prophets and replaced them with Baal’s prophets. Jezebelism represents the manipulation of the church’s authority, the abuse of power, the persecution of God’s people, and the perversion of the sound doctrine, as it promotes lust, worldliness, lukewarmness and chaos within the church (2 Peter 2:1). Revelation 2:21 says, “And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.” God does not want the death of the sinner (Ezekiel 33:11), and so He gives them time to repent (2 Chronicles 36:15-16; Romans 2:4). Unfortunately, those who were seduced by Jezebel’s doctrine refused to take the opportunity granted by God (Romans 2:5; Revelation 9:20-21; 16:9).

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Revelation 2:22 states, “Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.” In the Old Testament, Israel was referred to as a fornicator and adulterer whenever it sinned because it had been unfaithful to the Lord by worshipping Baal and adopting the images of neighboring peoples ( Jeremiah 3:8-9), and also because the people committed literal fornication and adultery. And the punishment goes on in Revelation 2:23: “And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.” A curse will fall upon any follower of Jezebel. God states in Exodus 20:5, “For I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me.” Similarly, in Numbers: 14:18: “… By no means clearing the guilty…” We read in Revelation 2:24-25: “But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden. But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.” This church was not completely rotten. There was a remnant who did not follow Jezebel’s doctrine and did not know the “depths of Satan,” that is, heretical and occultist practices. The Lord asked them to keep His truth, the purity of the Gospel, and a true devotion and faithfulness until His return ( Job 34:23; 1 Corinthians 10:13). Revelation 2:26 states, “And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations.” All the believers that keep their faith and purity will rule over nations with Christ a thousand years (Revelation 20:4). “But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved” (Matthew 24:13).

Revelation 2:27-28 states, “And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. And I will give him the morning star.” With Christ we will rule over the nations (Psalm 2:8), we will rule a world free of the devil and his demons. We will be like angels, sin will not be permitted, and any nation refusing to submit voluntarily to Jesus-Christ’s kingdom will be completely destroyed (Isaiah

30:14). Jesus is called “the bright and morning star” (Revelation 22:16; 2 Peter 1:19); and a morning star announces the beginning of a new day after the darkest hours. Christ will come soon for His people. Finally, we read in Revelation 2:29: “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” It is wise to listen to the Lord’s warning to avoid any harm. Amen.

June 2019 / Impacto evangelistic

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

PLACE YOUR FUTURE IN THE HANDS OF JESUS Event: Evangelistic campaign Date: April 25 - April 27 Place: Panama City, Panama

The Worldwide Missionary Movement in Panama held an evangelistic campaign in the parking lot of the central church of Panama City, located in the heart of the neighborhood of Parque Lefevre. During the event, whose motto was “Place Your Future in the Hands of Jesus,” Reverend Eugenio Masías, national supervisor of the WMM in Ecuador, preached the Word with the people of the Lord through a beautiful message. The event, led by Reverend Epifanio Asprilla, national supervisor of the WMM in Panama, began with a service in which Christ was praised and worshiped from beginning to end. Pastor Masías shared the message “Do Not Be Deceived by the Enemy,” based on 1 John 3:8. He urged the faithful who answered to God’s call to not be fooled by the enemy. He also stressed that those who commit sin belong to the devil, and that what science cannot do, Jesus can. MEANINGFUL WORD

On the second day, Pastor Masías announced the good news. Based on Luke 16:19-31 and Hebrews 9:27, the

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pastor developed the message “Life after Death.” Under the attentive eye of the members of the Work in Panama, the Peruvian preacher stressed that, “We have to acknowledge one truth: the only living being that knows that they will die is the human being.” In the closing ceremony of the evangelistic campaign organized by the WMM in Panama, Pastor Eu-

genio Masías offered his third preaching, “The Final Judgment,” based on Revelation 20:5-6 and 20:11-15. The national supervisor of the WMM in Ecuador said that, “We already feel that the end of times is approaching. The book of Revelation speaks about the final judgment in which millions of people will be judged and condemned.”

June 2019 / Impacto evangelistic

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STAYING HUMBLE Event: 18th anniversary of the church of Genoa and 14th anniversary of the church of Busto Arsizio Date: March 14, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23 and 24 Place: Genoa and Busto Arsizio, Italy

From March 21 to March 24, the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Italy celebrated the 14th anniversary of the church of Busto Arsizio under the theme “Here It Is.” In the first service, Pastor Jonathan Cajahuaringa, head of the church of Vercelli, preached the Gospel with a message based on Matthew 18:20. In the second worship, Pastor Carlos Daniel Medina, leader of the church of Barcelona, presented the topic “Rely On He Who Is Invisible,” based on Hebrews 11:24-27. In the third service, Pastor Medina shared the Word of God once again. Based on Habakkuk 2:2-4, the missionary offered the message “Reaching the Vision.” In the fourth worship, Reverend Hugo Lope, pastor of the church of Busto Arsizio, announced the good news of Jesus Christ with an impressive preaching based on Genesis 28:16-17. In the last service of the 14th anniversary, Minister Lope preached the Gospel for the second time with the message “Here It Is,” based on Luke 7:11-17. 18 YEARS OF HARVEST

With the presence of Pastor Luis Meza Bocanegra, international officer of the Work of God, the WMM in Italy celebrated the 18th anniversary of church of Genoa under theme “18 Years of Harvest.” The event began with a worship in which Reverend Galo Fiori, national officer of WMM in Italy, shared the preaching “Praising and Worshiping amid Sadness.” In the second worship, Pastor Meza presented the biblical teaching. Based on the book of Revelation, the servant of the Lord developed the message “The Five Crowns.” In the third worship, Pastor Enmanuel Garzón, supervisor of Block C of Europe, was the instrument chosen by God to preach His Word. Based on Galatians 6:9, he presented the message “Let Us Not Dismay.” In the fourth service, Minister Meza was the MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 52 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

preacher of the Gospel once again. He shared a message based on 1 Corinthians 15:58. In addition, the WMM in Italy’s bible institute was inaugurated. At the closing ceremony of the 18th anniversary, Pastor Meza preached the Gospel for the third time. His message, based on Esther 6:1, was entitled “The Night King Ahasuerus Could Not Sleep.”

June 2019 / Impacto evangelistic

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PERSEVERANCE IN THE LIFE OF BELIEVERS Event: Marriage vow renewal ceremony and 1st anniversary of the church of Leeds Date: March 30 and April 6 Place: London and Leeds, England

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With the participation of a great number of be-

lievers of the Work, the Worldwide Missionary Movement in England celebrated the 1st anniversary of the church of Leeds on April 6. At the meeting of faith, Reverend Roberto Riojas, head of the church in the U.K., announced the good news with the message “Perseverance in the Life of Believers,” based on Job 31:35. In his preaching, Pastor Riojas motivated the faithful to persevere in the path of the Lord. He also assured that the Lord is the solution to earthly problems. In the commemoration ceremony for the first anniversary of the church of Leeds, it was revealed that the Work is making steady progress in the United Kingdom, and that God is supporting the workers who preach the Word in the north of England. IMPORTANT EVENT

True to the purposes of Christ, on March 30, the WMM in England held a marriage vow renewal ceremony in the central church of London, with the presence of Reverend David Echalar, national supervisor of the WMM in Italy. In the event aimed to strengthen Christian couples and families, the leaders reminded that what God has joined together, no man can put asunder, as established in the Bible. It was also stressed that the Savior established marriage. Pastor Echalar, who is also the supervisor of Block B of Europe, was the instrument chosen by the Father to preach the Gospel. Based on Songs of Solomon 8:7, the missionary presented the message “Many Waters Cannot Quench Love.” At the end of this important event of the Work, Reverend Echalar made a prayer for the seventeen wedding anniversary of Pastor Roberto Riojas and his wife Ana, who preach the Word of God in London.

June 2019 / Impacto evangelistic

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PRESENCE OF GOD TO SERVE HIM Event: 2nd National Convention of Women and Pastors Date: April 18 - April 21 Place: Malabo, Equatorial Guinea

With the attendance of around six hundred faithful, the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Equatorial Guinea held its 2nd National Convention of Women and Pastors in the central church of Malabo, under the theme “Presence of God to Serve Him.” In the opening service, Reverend Clement Vergara, international director of the WMM, shared a message based on 2 Samuel 22:13-14. In his speech, he said that the fire of God cleanses, purifies, sanctifies and burns the fallen leaves. In the second service, Reverend James Delgado, who preaches the Gospel in Mozambique, preached the Word of God with the message “It’s Time to Wake Up,” based on Romans 13:11-12. Then, in the third service, Reverend Henry Millán, member of the WMM in Venezuela, preached to the flock of the Lord. Based on Leviticus 6: 8-13, he shared the message “The Importance of Fire.” Later, in the fourth service, Pastor Rómulo Vergara, international officer of the Work of God, was God’s messenger with “Shekhinah,” based on Romans 1:16. He stated that the Gospel is the power of God for the salvation of all who believe in Christ. Then, in the fifth service, Pastor Clemente Vergara announced the good news for the second time. In his message “The True Face of History,” based on 2 Corinthians 12:1-10, the missionary mentioned that the growth of the Work in Africa has been very difficult. In the last service of the 2nd National Convention of Women and Pastors of the WMM in Equatorial Guinea, Pastor Rómulo Vergara had the privilege of preaching the Gospel one more time with a message based on Daniel 4:1-3.

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June 2019 / Impacto evangelistic

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LISTENING TO GOD’S VOICE Event: 19th National Convention Date: May 3 - May 5 Place: Narita, Japan

The Worldwide Missionary Movement in Japan held its 19th National Convention at the Narita International Cultural Center, under the theme “Shekhinah.” Reverend Carlos Guerra, international officer of the Work of God, preached the Word of the Lord. In the opening service, Pastor Francisco Correa, missionary in the Philippines, announced the good news of Jesus Christ. Based on Psalm 142:1-7, he shared the message “Take My Soul Out of Jail,” and explained that believers have to trust in the Lord. In the second service, Pastor Guerra shared the good news of Christ. Based on 2 Chronicles 15:1, 2 and 8, he developed the preaching “Take Courage, God

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Will Be with You,” and remarked that what the Savior wants to do with us cannot be prevented by the enemy. GOD’S VOICE

Then, in the third worship, Pastor Jack Cabrera, member of the WMM in Panama, was chosen by God to preach the Gospel. Based on Jeremiah 1:4-8, he presented the message “The Destiny of Our Faith,” and said that the purposes of the Lord will be fulfilled and that without the Holy Spirit nothing can be done. Later, in the fourth service, Reverend Juan Castillo, member of the WMM in Costa Rica, was Jesus Christ’s messenger with “Reasons to Overcome Fear,” based on Isaiah 41:9-10. In addition, the worker promotion ceremony was held, and pastors Andrés Marchán and Eraldo Hokama were promoted. In the last service of the 19th National Convention of the WMM in Japan, Reverend Guerra, whose birthday was that same day, announced the good news. Based on 1:1-5, he shared the message “Listening to God’s Voice” and said it is important to listen when God calls.

June 2019 / Impacto evangelistic

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MORE THAN AN EXPERIENCE Event: National Pastors Retreat of Block A of Europe, special services, 5th anniversary of the church of Irun and National Youth Camp Date: March 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20 and 31, and April 6, 18, 19 and 20 Place: Arnedo, Segovia, Valencia, Irun and Tarragona, Spain.

From April 18 to April 20, the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Spain held its National Youth Camp at the educational complex of Tarragona. The meeting of faith, whose theme was “More Than an Experience,” brought together youth from all the churches of the Work established in this country. Reverend Alexander Montes shared the opening message, “A Young Man of the Tabernacle.” The second

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preaching, “Called to Make a Difference,” was shared by Brother Renato Lezama. The third message, “Fan or Disciple,” was offered by Pastor Josué Muñoz. The fourth preaching, “The Young Victor,” was presented by Reverend Carlos Medina. HE OPENS THE DOORS

On April 6 , the WMM in Spain celebrated the 5th an-

niversary of church of Irun, located near the border with France. The event was attended by a great group of faithful from the churches of Oviedo, Santander, Pamplona and Lleida (Zone 5 of the Work in Spain), as well as by Reverend Edward Flores, head of the church of Berlin. Pastor Flores shared the message of Jesus Christ with the preaching “He Opens the Doors,” based on Revelation 3:7-8. He spoke about the importance of enduring pain and trials. THE REALITY OF HELL

On March 31, the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Spain held a special worship in the central church of Valencia. The meeting was organized by the Work of God and supported by the church of Alicante. Pastor Olman Reyes shared the biblical teachings and the sound doctrine. Pastor Reyes, head of the church of Alicante, presented the message “The Reality of Hell,” based on Matthew 10:26-28. In his analysis of the Holy Scriptures, he pointed out that the soul is immortal with only two destinations for eternity: heaven or hell. GOD’S HONEY

With the presence of Reverend Carlos Medina, na-

June 2019 / Impacto evangelistic

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tional supervisor of the Work in Spain, the church of Segovia held a special service on March 31 that brought together faithful from the churches of Ávila, Valdemorillo, Salamanca, Entrevías and Useras (Zone 8 and Zone 2) to worship and praise the Lord. Pastor Medina shared the message “God’s Honey for His People,” based on 1 Samuel 14:24-31, In his preaching, he highlighted that disobeying God leads to worry and confusion. THE POWER OF HIS PRESENCE

The National Pastors Retreat of Block A in Europe took place from March 14 to March 16 in the church of Arnedo, in the autonomous community of La Rioja. The event aimed to consolidate and strengthen the faith of the ministers of Jesus Christ. At the opening service, Reverend Juan Castaño presented the message “The Path of a Man of God uUnder the Power of His Presence.” Then, Reverend Carlos Medina shared the message “Do Not Lose His Presence.” Afterwards, Reverend Salomón Rodríguez talked about “Ministries in the Oven.” Finally, Pastor Medina shared the message “It Is Time to Take Down the Wall.”

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CALLED TO BE PEACEMAKERS Event: Missionary Trip Date: March 11 - March 17 Place: Accra, Alajo, Akwamufie, Kasoa and Achimota, Ghana

In order to support the work carried out by Pastor Gerardo Uribe in Africa, the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Spain sent brothers José Barrera and Israel Hoyos on a missionary trip to the Republic of Ghana. Pastors Hoyos and Barrera, who brought many gifts and educational material for the children of the WMM in Ghana, arrived on March 11 to the city of Accra. The following day, they went to the church of Tabora and preached the Word of God. On their second day, the missionaries moved to

Alajo, where the Work spreads the sound doctrine. In this city, located in the metropolitan district of Accra, both led an emotional service. On their third day of work, they visited the church of Tabora, where they shared the message “Called to Be Peacemakers.” The next day, they went to the city of Akwamufie and resumed their evangelizing work. After the activity in Akwamufie, they visited Akwamu, where they were welcomed by Queen Nana Afrakoma II, who showed interest in the evangelistic efforts of the Worldwide Missionary Movement. On their penultimate day, Brothers Barrera and Hoyos held a Children Campaign in Kasoa which was attended by around 150 children. Then, on the last day of their missionary trip, they held a united worship in the city of Achimota.

June 2019 / Impacto evangelistic

OTHER EVENTS

BOLIVIA

ECUADOR

ARGENTINA

BRAZIL

3rd Fundraising Opening of the Elim Baptism in La Plata March in Guayaquil Bible Institute

National Pastors Retreat

On March 31, with the aim of spreading the Work of God in Ecuador, the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Ecuador held its 3rd Fundraising March at the River Oeste stadium of Guayaquil. A large group of faithful gathered to worship the Lord. Reverend Eugenio Masías, national supervisor of the WMM in Ecuador, shared the message of Jesus Christ “As in the Days of Noah,” based on Matthew 24:35. It should be noted that the three fundraising activities have allowed the Work to pay the rent and improvements of the new churches of the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Ecuador located in Colinas de la Florida, Portete and Cristo del Consuelo, in the province of Guayas.

From April 18 to April 20, the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Brazil held its National Pastors Retreat in Manaus, capital city of the state of Amazonas. The event took place under the theme “Training Workers in Every Good Work,” and was attended by Reverend Gerardo Martínez, national supervisor of the WMM in Chile, and his wife, Diana de Martínez. In the first service, Pastor Martínez shared the message “The Failure of a Leader,” based on 1 Chronicles 10:1314. Then, in the second worship, Sister Diana de Martínez talked about “The Role of the Christian Wife.” In the third service, Pastor Martínez shared the message “Aspects of the Christian Life,” based on Acts 20:24. Then, in the fourth worship, Sister Diana held the preaching “What You Are Feeling in Your Heart”, based on Joshua 14:6-12. In the fifth service, Reverand Martínez preached the Word with the message “Do Your Work Well,” based on Colossians 4:17. Then, in the sixth worship, Sister Diana presented the message “Examining Ourselves,” based on 2 John 1:8. Finally, at the closing ceremony of the event, Pastor Gerardo offered the preaching “Negative Signs in a Leader,” based on 2 Corinthians 13:5.

Thanks to the Lord, on March 11, the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Bolivia held the opening ceremony of the Elim Bible Institute in nine cities. The event marked the beginning of a blended course aimed at pastors, leaders and brothers of Work. About the opening of this course aimed at teaching and sharing the sound doctrine, Pastor Ramiro Campos, leader of the Elim Bible Institute in Bolivia, stressed the importance of training men and women with spirit of service who are interested in missionary work. Likewise, Reverend Campos said that, “the harvest is plenteous, but the labourers are few. There is a wide need for the Word of the Lord in different places. This is just beginning. In a few years, we will see great results because the Word does not return void.”

MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 64 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

On March 30, the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Argentina held a baptism ceremony in La Plata, capital city of the province of Buenos Aires. 18 believers converted to Christianity and publicly declared their love for Jesus Christ. The spiritual celebration, full of faith and hope, was led by Reverend Ismael Parrado, national supervisor of the WMM in Argentina. He talked about the life of the son of God and the importance of the act of faith of baptism.

FRENCH GUAIANA

Visit to White Field in Cayenne On April 1, Reverend José Arturo Medina, missionary of the Work of God, visited the white field located in Village Chinois, in Cayenne, capital city of French Guiana. The pastor used the occassion to announce the good news of Jesus Christ. Pastor Medina, along with his wife María, observed the work done by Sister Cándida Javier, head of the flourishing congregation that preaches the Gospel every day. In addition, he shared the message “What is Your Need?” based on Luke 19:1-6.

MEXICO Youth Campaign and Fellowship From March 1 to March 3, the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Mexico held an Evangelistic Campaign and Youth Fellowship under the theme “Approach God.” The event took place in the town of Valtierrilla, in the state of Guanajuato, where the people rejoiced in preaching the Gospel. At the opening of the event, attended by faithful from Zone 2 of the WMM in Mexico, Pastor Óscar Ramírez shared the message “Ready to Meet God,” based on 2 Kings 20:1-6. In the morning service of the second day, Sister Yanely Cruz, member of the Board of Youth of the Work in Mexico, preached the Word with the message “The Presence of God Will Make Me Different,” based on Daniel 1:19. In the evening worship, Pastor Ramírez shared the message “Who is God?” based on Exodus 5:1-2. On the last day, Pastor Óscar Ramírez held his third preaching with the message “Crossing God’s Lines,” based on Isaiah 1:2-5. During the event, 16 people accepted Christ as their Savior. In addition, 12 believers reconciled with the Lord and renewed their faith.

SPAIN 14th Anniversary of the Church of Mollerusa On March 23, the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Spain celebrated the 14th anniversary of the church of Mollerusa, a city located in the province of Lleida. The event took place under the theme “Covered by the Cloud of the Lord.” At the meeting of faith, which was attended by faithful from the temples of Reus, Lleida and Girona, Sister Sandra Vizcaíno preached the Gospel with the message “Opportunities Without God’s Presence,” based on 2 Samuel 12:5.

PERU Do Not Mess with My Children To fight the advance of gender ideology in Peruvian education, on May 24, thousands of Christians marched through the main streets of important cities of Peru. In Lima, protestant came to the Congress of the Republic to demonstrate against this totalitarian imposition. The march, aimed to condemn the Peruvian Government for promoting gender ideology, was organized by the “Do Not Mess with My Children” Collective. In Lima, thousands of people took the streets of the historic center to demand respect for life, family and the right of parents to educate their children according to their moral principles. They also supported a commission of congressmen who delivered a letter addressed to President Martín Vizcarra so that he respects the dignity of the Christian people. In the rest of the Peruvian territory, the march resumed the fight that has been fought by the local population since 2017 for the family and against the ideas that undermine the values of Peruvian society. All over the country, people showed their disagreement about the underlying interests of some non-governmental organizations that seek to impose their gender ideology agenda.

June 2019 / Impacto evangelistic

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June 2019 / Impacto evangelistic

United as on Pentecost

June 7 to June 9

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

4th Fellowship of Block A of Europe Køge - Denmark