795_English

SPECIAL EDITION

THE MAGAZINE THAT EDIFIES YOUR LIFE April 2020 / Edition 795

evangelistic www.impactoevangelistico.net

LIFE STORY

MARTHA’S DIFFICULT JOURNEY HISTORY

THE TRUTH ABOUT THE EMPTY TOMB DEVOTIONAL

PHOTOGRAPHY COMPOSITION EVELYN ÁNGELES

CHRIST’S RESURRECTION

Myths and facts about the coronavirus that has shaken the world

PANDEMIC

April 2020 / Impacto evangelistic

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF

THE WORLDWIDE MISSIONARY MOVEMENT

1

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

EDITORIAL

PANDEMIC Rev. José Arturo Soto B. International President of the WMM

“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalms 91.

TRUST OUR GOD The world is under the attack of a pandemic. And this serious, unprecedented situation has

tions established by the authorities that the Lord has put in this world according to His plan.

put the whole world on alert. Three months ago, no one

Let’s pray for our health personnel – many of whom

would have imagined that the entire world would be dis-

members of our churches – that is on the front line of

rupted by such a threat.

the pandemic, risking their own lives to help others. Let’s

Spiritually speaking, we as Christians have to trust our God, the Kyrios, the Lord of the Universe, who has control over every single thing and from whom nothing can hide, not even a virus invisible to our eyes. I urge you to rest on God. We should not despair as those who have no hope.

Psalm 23 says, “He maketh me to lie down in green pastu-

pray for our scientists to find a vaccine for this disease.

Let’s pray for the earth and our countries.

Those who understand spiritual life are aware that some situations are brought about by human disobedience and indifference to the Almighty. There is so much abuse in the world that no one should be asking God why.

res: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my

Some people believe that God sends these things as

soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his

punishment, but they are wrong. It is our lifestyle that

name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the

leads to death. Everything has a limit and when our sins

shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me;

step over God’s presence, our actions cause the further

thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”

decomposition of already existing elements.

We must be responsible in the face of this scourge. We

That is why we who are following in the Lord’s steps

must follow the rules set by health and other authorities,

have to pray for the world, so that God has mercy, not

because they know what they are doing. If they say that

only now that we are facing COVID-19, but also in the

we cannot hold meetings, then we will not meet; if they

event of any other threat to this world.

say that we are to be in quarantine, then we will stay at home. The people of God must comply with the regula-

God will bring us through. Let’s trust His power and mercy. God bless you all, my dear brothers and sisters.

April 2020 / Impacto evangelistic

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evangelistic Founder Director: Rev. Luis M. Ortiz APRIL 2020 / EDITION N° 795 (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.

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POSTMASTER: send address changes to Impacto Evangelístico P.O. BOX 363644 San Juan, Puerto Rico 00936-3644 Telephone (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. Luis Meza Treasurer Rev. Rómulo Vergara Director Rev. Clemente Vergara Director Rev. Carlos Guerra Director Rev. Alberto Ortega Director Rev. Albert Rivera Director CHURCHES ESTABLISHED IN: Abu Dhabi England Argentina Equatorial Guinea Aruba Finland Australia France Austria French Guiana Belgium Germany Belize Ghana Bolivia Greece Bonaire Guatemala Brasil Haiti British Guiana Hawaiian Islands (USA) Cameroon Holland Canada Honduras Canaries Islands India (Spain) Island of Mauritius Chile Israel Colombia Italy Congo Ivory Coast Costa Rica Jamaica Curacao Japan Denmark Kuwait Dominican Republic Madagascar DR Congo Malaysa Ecuador Martinique El Salvador México

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The Worldwide Missionary Movement is a religious nonprofit organization duly registered in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and in the federal capital, Washington DC, with headquarters in both cities and in every state of the United States and other countries where we have established missionary Works.

Important The offerings and donations in cash, equipment, real estate and bequests by will, in the benefit of the Worldwide Missionary Movement, Inc.’s Work, are deductible from the income tax, and receipts issued by the WMM are recognized by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) of the Federal Government of the United States of America and of the Free Associated State of Puerto Rico. n

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

If you wish Write to us at our postal address: Worldwide Missionary Movement, P.O. 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 n

Scripture, such as: • The inspiration of the Holy Scriptures: 2 Timothy 3:15-17, 2 Peter 1:19-21.

• The Adorable Godhead in Three Persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit: Matthew 3:16-17, 17: 1-5; 28:19, John 17: 5, 24, 26, 16:32, 14:16, 23, 18:5, 6, 2 Peter 1:17,18; Revelation 5.

• Salvation by Faith in Christ: Luke 24:47, John 3:16, Romans 10:13, Titus 2:11, 3:5-7.

• The New Birth: John 3:3, 1 Peter 1:23, 1 John 3:9.

• Justification by Faith: Romans 5:1, Titus 3:7.

• Water Baptism by Inmersion, as commanded by Christ: Matthew 28:19, Acts 8:36-39.

• The Baptism in the Holy Spirit subsequent to salvation, speaking in tongues according to: Luke 24:49, Acts 1:4, 8, 2:4.

• Divine Healing: Isaiah 53:4, Matthew 8:16, 17, Mark 16:18, James 5:14, 15.

• The Gifts of the Holy Spirit: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11.

• The Fruits of the Holy Spirit: Galatians 5:22-26.

• Sanctification: 1 Thessalonians 4:3, 5:23, Hebrews 12:14, 1 Peter 1:15, 16, 1 John 2:6.

• Ministry and Evangelization: Mark 16:15-20, Romans 10:15.

• Tithing and Maintenance of the Work: Genesis 14:20, 28:22, Leviticus 27:30, Numbers 18:21-26, Malachi 3:7-10, Matthew 10:10; 23:23.

• The Rapture of the Church: Romans 8:23, 1 Corinthians 15:5152, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17.

• The Second Coming of Christ: Zechariah 14:1-9, Matthew 24:30, 31; 2 Thessalonians 1:7, Titus 2:13, Jude 14, 15.

• The Millennial Kingdom: Isaiah 2:1-4, 11:5-10, Zechariah 9:10, Revelation 19:20, 20:3-10.

• New Heavens and New Earth: Isaiah 65:17, 66:22, 2 Peter 3:13, Revelation 21:1.

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6.- COVER NOTE THE FEARSOME DAYS OF A PANDEMIC During the 21st century, at least six epidemics with high death rates have hit various parts of the world. The novel coronavirus, with fewer victims, has, however, caused greater alarm and extreme security measures.

20.- CURRENT NEWS THE VIRUS IN OUR POCKETS The chinese market has been affected by the novel coronavirus. It is obvious that, in the short or medium term, the global economy will suffer the crisis. The pandemic will not only affect people's health but also their pocket.

24.- CURRENT NEWS QUARANTINE AND ITS EFFECTS Since the coronavirus outbreak started in China in December 2019, more than 100 million people around the world have been forced to be in quarantine. Authorities are beginning to realize that quarantine has consequences on people’s mental health.

28.- INFOGRAPHIC

16.- CURRENT NEWS TECHNOLOGY FIGHTS BACK THE VIRUS All types of technologies are being deployed in China to fight against COVID-19: disinfecting robots, smart helmets, thermal camera-equipped drones and even an advanced facial recognition software.

22.- CURRENT NEWS THE CHURCH IN THE TIME OF A PANDEMIC Live streaming, WhatsApp groups and video conferencing. Technology is becoming the main solution to keep providing Evangelical services in the time of the coronavirus pandemic.

26.- CURRENT NEWS TELEWORKING AND CORONAVIRUS The need to continue working in the time of quarantine has led to the increased use of an already existing way of working using technology: teleworking.

KEY INFORMATION ABOUT COVID-19 The spread of the novel coronavirus is causing great alarm around the world.

Although official information, measures and recommendations are available, conflicting reports, fake news and superstitions are also generating uncertainty and panic among the population.

What is COVID-19?

It is an infectious disease caused by a new virus that was first detected in humans in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.

Beijing 452 infections

China

Shandong 760 infections

First 3D atomic scale map of the part of the novel coronavirus that infects human cells

What is the origin of COVID-19?

The origin is thought to be the Wuhan live animal market.

However, a recent investigation based on 93 samples has concluded that the virus came from somewhere else, but the market favored the spread of the pathogen.

Shanghái 355 infections

Population

11,895,000

How is COVID-19 detected?

Wuhan

Molecular tests are used to detect the gene sequence of the virus. These tests are performed on respiratory samples such as throat or nasopharyngeal swabs, sputum, endotracheal aspirates or bronchoalveolar lavages. Serological tests can also be performed on blood samples to detect antibodies.

However, as antibodies may appear several days after infection, they are not as reliable if made in early stages of the disease.

(epicenter of the outbreak) 3,099 deaths 67,798 infections Taiwan 59 infections Guangdong 1361 infections

Infected

462,000 21,000

Researchers from the University of Texas and the NIH have created the first 3D atomic scale map of the part of the novel coronavirus that attaches to and infects human cells. This is an essential step towards the development of vaccines and antiviral drugs to combat the virus.

Dead

Updated 03/25/2020

PHASES OF THE PANDEMIC

Phase 2: Containment People who import the infection from abroad have to be identified and contained.

Citizens must take measures at home and in the community to prevent the virus from spreading.

The entry of travelers is restricted.

Phase 3: Community contagion Crowded public spaces are closed, mass gatherings are canceled, the population is required to self-isolate at home.

Estimated cases: Tens

80% mild 14% severe 6% very severe Estimated cases: Cientos

80% mild 14% severe 6% very severe Estimated cases: Miles

80% mild 14% severe 6% very severe

Phase 4: Sustained transmission There are cases of sustained human-to-human transmission. Health authorities declare social isolation or quarantines.

Physical contact Public spaces Schools, high schools and universities Workplace Prevention Physical contact Public spaces Schools, high schools and universities Workplace Prevention Physical contact Public spaces Schools, high schools and universities Workplace Take more strict measures:

Millones

80% mild 14% severe 6% very severe

THE CORONAVIRUS FAMILY

Prevention

Active monitoring and evaluation of the evolution of the pandemic.

Ongoing updates on the status of the pandemic to the general public.

Health system’s contingency plans implemented at all levels.

Individual, social and sanitary measures.

What are the long-term sequelae of the coronavirus disease?

A team of researchers from the Infectious Disease Center at the Princess Margaret Hospital in Hong Kong discovered that certain patients who have already recovered from COVID-19 are still at risk, as lung function could decline by 20% to 30% after recovery.

SARS-CoV-2, which causes the disease called COVID-19, is part of the family of coronaviruses.

Coronaviruses were first identified in the 1960s and cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe respiratory syndromes.

Most of them are not dangerous and can be treated effectively; in fact, most people get a coronavirus at some point in their lives, usually during childhood. Although they spread more in fall or winter, they can be caught at any time of the year.

Coronaviruses can pass from animals to people (zoonotic transmission); for example, according to some studies, SARS-CoV was transmitted from bats to civets to humans, and MERS-CoV jumped from camels to humans. However, there are other coronaviruses circulating among animals, which have not yet infected humans.

From camels to humans.

MERS-CoV: This coronavirus causing Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) was first detected in 2012 in Saudi Arabia. As of October 2019, more than 2,400 infections were reported in different countries, with more than 850 deaths. The mortality rate is 35%.

Part of the family

Phase 1: Preparedness After becoming aware of the disease and its presence in other countries, preparedness and response mechanism activities are initiated for the probable arrival of imported cases of coronavirus, such as sanitary control units at airports.

From bats to civets to humans.

SRAS-CoV: This coronavirus causing Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) was first identified in November 2002 in China. It infected more than 8,000 people in 37 countries, and cause 774 deaths. The mortality rate is approximately 10%.

Cover your nose and mouth with your forearm when sneezing or coughing.

Wash your hands well.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth without having washed your hands first.

Wuhan seafood market would be the source of the pandemic.

SARS-CoV-2: In late December 2019, the first cases of a novel coronavirus causing COVID-19 were reported in the city of Wuhan (China). Cases have already far exceeded those of the 2001-2004 SARS outbreak, but the mortality rate is lower.

30.- HISTORY THE TRUTH ABOUT THE RESURRECTION After Jesus’ resurrection, his disciples went to the city of Jerusalem to proclaim it. The resurrection claim could not have been maintained for a moment in Jerusalem if the tomb had not been empty.

34.- LIFE STORY MARTHA'S DIFFICULT JOURNEY Martha Irrazaval Valpere became a widow only a few months after getting married, when a military patrol killed her husband. The loss broke her heart. But Christ showed up in her life when she least expected it.

40.- APOLOGETICS THE IMPORTANCE OF THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST All but four of the world’s major religions are based on mere philosophical propositions. Only Christianity claims an empty tomb for its founder.

42.- INTERVIEW A WORK UNITED AND STRENGTHENED BY THE KYRIOS The WMM in Uruguay is moving forward steadily and surely. Despite some past difficulties, today the Work is united and strengthened by the Kyrios.

44.- DEVOTIONAL CHRIST’S RESURRECTION, A UNIQUE EVENT

46.- DEVOTIONAL SEEING THINGS THAT CANNOT BE SEEN

48.- DEVOTIONAL REVELATION

50.- EVENTS THE EVANGELIZING WORK DONE BY THE WMM IN THE WORLD

66.- LETTERS LETTERS FROM OUR READERS

April 2020 / Impacto evangelistic

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COVER NOTE

PANDEMIC

During the 21st century, at least six epidemics with high death rates have hit various parts of the world. The novel coronavirus, with fewer victims, has, however, caused greater alarm, extreme security measures, and widespread panic. Why is this virus so serious?

THE FEARSOME DAYS OF A

PANDEMIC SPENCER LÓPEZ

WORLDWIDEMISIONERO MISSIONARYMUNDIAL MOVEMENT 6 6MOVIMIENTO Americas• •Europa Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia • Asia América • Oceanía • África

FOTO REUTERS

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April 2020 / Impacto evangelistic abril 2020 / Impacto evangelĂ­stico

COVER NOTE When the Chinese health authorities in Wuhan, Hubei province, identified the COVID-19 virus in

a group of patients with pneumonia, no one imagined it would be the start of a pandemic that would lead to changes in everyone’s lifestyle, collective panic, radical measures from governments, and damage to the world economy.

COVID-19, colloquially known as coronavirus, is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2. Its mortality rate is relatively low compared to those of other diseases, according to statistics from international health organizations, but it is highly contagious.

A century or more ago, poor medicine technology and the non-existence of institutions such as the World Health Organization (WHO) made populations more vulnerable to epidemics; hence the high death rates seen in the past.

THE BLACK DEATH

The Black Death is the most fatal pandemic recorded in human history. It killed 100 to 200 million people worldwide from 1348 to 1350, and the economic and social consequences that followed were enormous.

The plague reached Italy through Genoese and Venetian ships in October 1347 and, by January of the following year, it had already reached France and North Africa. It hit Paris in June 1348, and later moved to England through the English Channel.

The black rat, which usually traveled on ships, spread it along the navigable coasts and rivers of three continents, including Asia. Collective hysteria ensued. The cities were more exposed to contagion due to overcrowding, especially in poor neighborhoods, and more than one lost over half of its inhabitants.

In October 1348, King Philip VI of France asked the University of Paris Faculty of Medicine to define the causes of the calamity. Through theses, antitheses and tests, they came to the incredible conclusion that it was due to a triple conjunction of Saturn, Jupiter and Mars in the 40th degree of Aquarius, as exacerbated by a lunar eclipse occurred on March 20, 1345. This official reply was reproduced and translated into several languages.

However, people cared little for that verdict. In many parts of Europe, the Jews were blamed for the epidemic and accused of poisoning water wells. It was said that an international Jewish conspiracy based in Spain sent out messengers from Toledo with poison in little bags, as well as rabbinical instructions for sprinkling the poison in wells and springs.

The first lynchings of Jews began in the spring of 1348, and hundreds of Jews were dragged from their homes and thrown into huge bonfires without any ceremony. History says little about this unfortunate episode.

But reasonable measures were also taken. One was MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 8 WORLDWIDE Americas • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

to isolate those who had or were suspected to have the plague. In this way, the quarantine was established as a 40-day period of isolation to determine if someone was sick and thus prevent the spread of the disease. Later on, “quarantine stations� were established, especially on the entry of cities, where travelers had to wait 40 days under observation to verify that they were not ill.

The Black Death had a huge impact in the affected countries, to which it took more than 80 years to recover.

When the epidemic broke out, Europe was already in an economic crisis resulting from the decaying feudal system and a considerable overpopulation.

The plague contributed to the weakening of feudalism and the rise of bourgeoisie. The population change in the long term forced some rebalancing to the benefit of laborers, both in terms of wages and mobility, and the opening of the land market (the main source of wealth at the time) to new investors.

OTHER PANDEMICS

The history of pandemics is long and dark. However, in the past thirty years, more epidemics have occurred in the world than in previous centuries. Are they signs of the end of times?

In 541 AD, the Justinian Plague killed 25 million people in the times of the Eastern Roman Empire and the flourishing Constantinople.

The history of pandemics is long and dark. However, in the past thirty years, more epidemics have occurred in the world than in previous centuries. Are they signs of the end of times?

In the 20th century, the Spanish flu appeared as the First World War was ending, killing nearly 80 million people, twice as much as HIV/AIDS, which was officially recognized as a sexual transmission epidemic in 1981.

In the first decades of the 21st century, several viral diseases have jeopardized human health and have caused serious alarm, but none like the newly discovered coronavirus.

In 2014, a team of researchers from Brown University studied all infectious diseases between 1980 and 2010, and determined that the total number of outbreaks per

April 2020 / Impacto evangelistic

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COVER NOTE

decade has more than tripled worldwide and infectious disease death rates have almost doubled.

Research reveals that none of these health emergencies was caused by a new, unknown infectious agent, but by a mutation or modification of a previous virus. For example, the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus, also called the swine flu, resulted from a previous reassortment of bird, swine and human flu viruses combined with a Eurasian pig flu virus.

This influenza pandemic reached the phase 6 alert level and lasted nearly sixteen months. It officially killed MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 10 WORLDWIDE Americas • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

18,337 people, although it is estimated that over 284,000 people died of the swine flu.

Other emergencies from ancient times have also reappeared in different presentations; for example, polio reached epidemic proportion in the early 1900s, but it also affected the ancient Egyptians. There is also Ebola, discovered in 1976, and Zika, known since 1974.

CAUSES OF AN EPIDEMIC

Why already known diseases generate epidemics on an international scale? The question was largely answered by epide-

miologist Stephen Morse of Columbia University in 1995.

In his research, Morse describes the fundamental factors that lead to health emergencies and to the emergence of viral mutations, including climate change, overpopulation, migration and wars.

For example, ecological changes resulting from economic development and land use can result in the increase of diseases – e.g. the Argentine hemorrhagic fever o stubble disease, which appeared in 1968 – due to changes in water ecosystems, deforestation/reforestation, flood/ drought, famine.

April 2020 / Impacto evangelistic

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COVER NOTE

THE END OF TIMES? Over the past forty years Over the past forty years 2002: A polio outbreak in the Uttar Pradesh, India, affected over 1200 people.

2003: A SARS epidemic infected over 8,000 people and killed 774 in two months.

2005: An outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza in humans became a pandemic threat.

2009-2010: The H1N1 influenza pandemic officially killed at least 18,449 people around the world.

2010: A cholera outbreak emerged in Haiti. Poor water management as a result of the 2010 Haiti earthquake favored its rapid spread, with 665,000 cases and 8,183 deaths.

2014: The Ebola epidemic began in Guinea in March and spread in the following months to Liberia and Sierra Leone. Later it reached Nigeria, Senegal, Spain and the United States. The lack of a cure has led to the death of 4,500 people in half a year.

2012-2015: Middle East coronavirus respiratory syndrome (MERS-CoV) was detected in 2012 in Saudi Arabia. In May 2013, cases were reported in more than seven countries, including Qatar, the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Tunisia.

The virus infected over 2,400 people and killed more than 850.

2014: The Zika virus hit Latin America, infecting millions of people and causing thousands of babies to be born with microcephaly.

2019-2020: The SARS-CoV-2, a novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19, was discovered in December 2019 in China and characterized as a pandemic

by WHO on March 11, 2020.

THE CURRENT HYSTERIA

Just like the Black Death in the Middle Ages, the current coronavirus is causing social and economic changes of unforeseeable consequences. The economy has started to slow down, with the tourism industry –an important source of development and income for many countries– being the most affected.

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) estimates a global decline of 1% to 3% in the international tourist arrivals in 2020, which translates to a loss of $30-50 billion of tourist spending.

To fight the COVID-19 pandemic, governments have taken extreme measures that until a few months ago were unimaginable. At the beginning of 2020, no one could have predicted that an entire country such as Italy would be declaMISSIONARY MOVEMENT 12 WORLDWIDE Americas • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

Why is there so much fear?

Although some explanations are still to be determined, it is true that the coronavirus cannot be taken for granted, as it spreads faster and more effectively than other viruses (through direct contact with respiratory droplets).

April 2020 / Impacto evangelistic

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FOTO AFP

PHOTO: AFP

red quarantined; that international flights around the world would be suspended; that an emblematic city like New York would be declared in state of emergency. What has happened over the past weeks seems to be taken from a sci-fi movie.

Unprecedented collective hysteria has been reported in dozens of cities. Before the quarantine in Italy, Chinese stores had to sell off their products and Chinese restaurants closed due to low demand; people even attempted to attack Asian people.

“Many people mistake Thais for Chinese and beat and insult them in order to get them to leave the country,” said Pastor Milledy Espinoza of a Christian church in Monza.

The same occurred in Spain. People would walk away from Asians in trains, shops or the streets.

Populations of large cities around the world have acted unreasonably before strict government measures against MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 14 WORLDWIDE Americas • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

COVER NOTE

To fight the COVID-19 pandemic, governments have taken extreme measures that until a few months ago were unimaginable. At the beginning of 2020, no one could have predicted that an entire country such as Italy would be declared quarantined; that international flights world would be suspended.

the coronavirus were even applied. Some flocked to the supermarkets to stock up on food and hygiene products in case restrictive measures such as the one in Italy were applied. The result: shortages, speculation and chaos.

Why is there so much fear? Although some explanations are still to be determined, it is true that the coronavirus cannot be taken for granted, as it spreads faster and more effectively than other viruses (through direct contact with respiratory droplets).

However, false and irresponsible information is going viral on social networks and contributing to panic, especially about the origin of the pandemic. Some speak of a lab virus, other talk about bat soups, while several others claim that the coronavirus is a chemical weapon used by a country to achieve hegemony in the world.

April 2020 / Impacto evangelistic

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PANDEMIC

All types of technologies are being deployed in China to fight against COVID-19: disinfecting robots, smart helmets, thermal cameraequipped drones and even an advanced facial recognition software.

TECHNOLOGY FIGHTS BACK THE VIRUS

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

FOTO REUTERS

CURRENT NEWS In the battle against Covid-19, emerging technologies have stood out by making immense contributions in an unexpected, creative and amazingly responsive way.

When the outbreak reached unexpected dimensions, Chinese President Xi Jinping called on the country’s tech sector to help battle the epidemic.

Several Chinese firms have developed automated technologies for contactless delivery, spraying disinfectants and performing basic diagnostic functions, in order to minimize the risk of cross-infection. Healthcare tech is also being used to identify coronavirus symptoms, find new treatments and monitor the spread of the disease.

Shenzhen-based Pudu Technology, which usually makes robots for the catering industry, has reportedly installed its machines in more than 40 hospitals around the country to help medical staff.

MicroMultiCopter, also in Shenzhen, is deploying drones to transport medical samples and conduct thermal imaging.

Meanwhile, advanced AI has been used to help diagnose the disease and accelerate the development of a vaccine.

Alibaba, the Chinese e-commerce giant, claims its new AIpowered diagnosis system can identify coronavirus infections with 96% accuracy.

Many technologies have helped “arrest or contain the spread of the deadly virus, thus becoming one of the most reliable and trustworthy means of combating COVID-19,” Lu Chuanying, a senior official at Global Cyberspace Governance, wrote in an article for state-run China Daily newspaper.

In a video shared by state-run China Xinhua News on Twitter, a robot is delivering meals to travelers in isolation at a hotel.

EXTREME SURVEILLANCE

Beyond robots and drones, China has also mobilized its sophisticated surveillance system to keep a tab on infected individuals and enforce quarantines.

Facial recognition cameras are commonplace across China, and now companies are upgrading their technology to scan crowds for fever and identify individuals not wearing masks.

SenseTime, a leading AI firm, says its contactless temperature detection software has been deployed at underground stations, schools and community centers in Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen. The company also claims to have a tool that can recognize faces, even if they are wearing masks, with a “relatively high degree of accuracy.”

“During this challenging time, we see this not as an opportunity, but our responsibility to do our part to tackle Covid-19 using our technology,” a SenseTime spokesperson told the BBC. Another Chinese AI firm, Megvii, boasts a similar temperature detection product, which has been deployed in Beijing.

Chinese newspaper Global Times reports that officials in Chengdu city, Sichuan province, have been issued with smart

April 2020 / Impacto evangelistic

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CURRENT NEWS

helmets that can measure the temperature of anyone within a 5m radius, sounding an alarm if they are found to have a fever.

As Chinese citizens slowly return to work, mobile phones have also emerged as a key tool to track the spread of the coronavirus.

RED, GREEN, YELLOW

“Please show your health code on the phone before coming in.” This sign posted at the door of a restaurant in Shanghai may seem strange to those unaware of the measures implemented in China to contain the spread of SARS-CoV-2. But citizens know exactly what to do: open the mobile app developed by the government and show the QR code generated on their smartphones.

A waiter that keeps watch at the restaurant’s door checks that the code is green before admitting those few who venture to eat out. He has orders to call the authorities if any red code MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 18 WORLDWIDE Americas • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

shows up and take the temperature of those with a yellow code.

This app is called Suishenban and it can be downloaded either individually or as a mini program within apps Alipay and WeChat. Its use is mandatory for those who want to access public services.

Its functioning is relatively simple: the app requires all kinds of permissions from users and the registration is completed with an SMS to their phone companies asking them to share the users’ location data.

Suishenban then generates a color-based QR code: green for those posing no risk; yellow for those who have been outside Shanghai, but not in hot spots, over the last fourteen days; and red for those who should be quarantined.

While these new surveillance tools may be considered efficient –and perhaps necessary during a health crisis– they have prompted concerns about privacy.

Many of these health apps require users to register with

their name, national identification number and phone number. Authorities have also sourced data from phone carriers, health and transport agencies and state-owned firms.

There is little transparency on how the government plans to cross-check the data, and there have been reports about personal health data being leaked on the internet.

A report by the New York Times, for example, said that Alipay Health Code also appears to share information with the police.

As the apps become more popular, there’s the added fear that it could exacerbate paranoia and lead to discrimination against coronavirus patients.

Critics say China could use the health crisis as a justification to expand its already vast surveillance system, which human rights bodies have described as dystopian. (*) With input from the Internet

April 2020 / Impacto evangelistic

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CURRENT NEWS The chinese market, the world’s first importer of raw materials, has been affected by the novel coronavirus. It is obvious that, in the short or medimum term, the global economy will also suffer the crisis. The pandemic will not only affect people's health but also their pockets.

PANDEMI C

THE VIRUS IN OUR POCKETS In the best-case scenario, the coronavirus outbreak would be contained in the following months, people would go back to work in China and the most affected countries in Europe, and the industry would recover.

This would give the Chinese economy and the international economic activities that depend on it a respite. If so, the current weak demand could get strong again, especially with the specific stimulus packages executed by the countries to boost economy.

However, if the virus continues to spread across Europe, the Americas and other regions, uncertainty and distress will stay. In that case, restrictions will continue to be in force and the temporarily paralyzed supply chains will eventually collapse.

China is the world’s first importer of raw materials, which is why this sector has been affected by the novel

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coronavirus. For instance, the International Energy Agency (IEA) forecasts that the global oil demand growth in 2020 will be 30% less than expected.

The sharp drop of China’s industrial activity has also had an impact on the copper market, of which the Asian giant represents half of the worldwide demand. Copper is used in different industries for the manufacture of cars, cell phones or household appliances. However, the general fall in sales has led Chinese manufacturers to use force majeure clauses to delay or cancel purchases from African and Latin American cooper suppliers.

Globalization has put China at the center of complex supply chains on which companies from around the world depend for production. That is why the closing of factories in the Chinese provinces affected by the virus has caused a real shock in a wide range of industrial sectors.

Hyundai’s plants in South Korea were the first outside China to announce that component shortage would force them to halt the production. Likewise, other car manufacturers from Europe and the USA have announced that they are running out of car parts.

TOURISM

Sectors related to travel and tourism have been the hardest hit by coronavirus. At first, the alert led to a reduced number of Chinese tourists, who are the biggest tourism spenders, but the pandemic has now jeopardized the entire sector.

When WHO declared the pandemic, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), which is the organization that represents the sector’s main companies of the world, forecast the first impact.

Maribel Rodríguez Gamero, executive vice president of the Council, warned that the global sector could drop by 25% and 50 million jobs could be at risk.

“For now, we believe 850,000 people will stop travelling, which implies they will not use transportation, stay in hotels or go to bars. This may cause a 25% decrease in the tourism sector, which accounts for a total halt of three months in a row of all the sector’s activities including business and pleasure tourism,” she claims.

Tour operators are working together to limit the economic impact of coronavirus on their businesses. In the meantime, airlines such as Air France, cruise lines and transport operators such as SNCF are taking commercial measures to stop the pandemic’s impact. (*) With information from the Internet.

April 2020 / Impacto evangelistic

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CURRENT NEWS Live streaming, WhatsApp groups and video conferencing.

Technology is becoming the main solution to keep providing Evangelical services in the time of the coronavirus pandemic, thus mitigating the effect of quarantines around the world.

PANDEMI C

THE CHURCH IN THE TIME OF A PANDEMIC Many governmentsaround the world have restricted

or banned public gatherings to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus; as a result, religious meetings have been suspended. However, the Internet and apps seem to be a temporary solution to keep providing church services.

For many years now, several churches have been implementing Facebook accounts, websites or YouTube channels to share free videos of e.g. sermons, worships or prayers.

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In Spain, one of the countries most affected by the coronavirus outbreak, initiatives have emerged to replace face-to-face services with online services supported by new media technologies.

For instance, the Coordinating Committee of the Assemblies of Brethren of Spain has issued a streaming guide for all its churches. The guide walks through a simple installation to stream video and audio using a computer and stresses the importance of participants signing a con-

(…) a good opportunity for churches to “enhance their use of new technologies so that they reach as a community the new generations.”

sent to comply with data protection laws.

Multimedia FADE (Assemblies of God) offers free seminars about ministry telecommuting. Its coordinator Carlos Fumero explains that, “we have to keep up the Church mission, taking this time as an opportunity to innovate with creative solutions.” He also considers this to be a good opportunity for churches to “enhance their use of new technologies so that they reach as a community the new generations.”

For some time now, Christian churches in several countries have been creating WhatsApp groups and other strategies to send bulk messages to all church members. This is the time where we can make the most of these tools.

“At our church, which is quite small, we are making brief reflections to send via WhatsApp to our members every two or three days. It’s important to find a way to con-

tinue being a church, even without the gatherings, and to take care of one another during this situation,” explained Joel Forster from a local church in Valencia, Spain.

In Italy, one of the hardest-hit countries by the novel coronavirus, churches have come up with very creative alternatives during their strict quarantine.

Faced with the impossibility of meeting, the churches are using technology, seeking to maintain a sense of community. Not all communities are able to stream online the preaching, but most churches do use WhatsApp groups to share the message of pastors and prayer requests.

Communities such as the Elim Association of Churches have created a prayer platform where people can register at a time of their choice, generating a chain that covers 24 hours.

Last Saturday March 14, an Evangelical pastor preached from a balcony in Sicily, after singing a praise song.

The next day, in the city of Positano (Amalfi Coast), a Catholic priest went up to the roof of a building to celebrate mass using a loudspeaker.

Worship songs were heard in other balconies of Southern Italy. Often these actions are filmed and posted on social media.

Meanwhile, brothers from different denominations such as the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Italy, are providing support to their brethren affected by the virus.

April 2020 / Impacto evangelistic

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Since the coronavirus outbreak started in China in December 2019, more than 100 million people around the world have been forced to be in quarantine. Authorities are beginning to realize that quarantine has consequences on people’s mental health. (*)

PANDEMI C

QUARANTINE AND ITS EFFECTS A study published by the British medical journal The Lancet addressed the fear and loneliness suffe-

red by those facing quarantine due to coronavirus.

The article’s authors used three databases of previous medical studies and concluded that negative psychological effects of quarantine include post-traumatic stress, confusion, anger and anxiety.

Among the stressors are longer quarantine duration, infection fears, frustration, boredom, inadequate information or supplies, possible financial loss, and stigma.

Some researchers have suggested long-lasting effects.

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authorities should provide clear rationale for quarantine and information about protocols, and ensure sufficient supplies are provided. Appeals to altruism in communication campaigns by reminding the public about the benefits of quarantine to wider society can be favorable, according to some studies.

In China, medical institutions and universities have created online platforms to provide psychological counseling services to patients, families and others affected by the outbreak. This was due to the recognition of the importance of this aspect when dealing with the coronavirus.

CURRENT NEWS

China was forced to adopt more strict measures as the virus spread. Gradually, classes were suspended, companies reduced its working hours or closed, public transport systems were paralized, and movement on the streets was practically prohibited in some cities. The most restrictive measure was the mass quarantine of entire cities, while thousands of foreigners returning from China to their countries were asked to isolate themselves at home or state facilities.

“For people in quarantine, it can be useful to try to understand it as a different time period in their lives and not necessarily negative, even if they did not choose to do so,” explains Jolie Goodman of the Mental Health Foundation of the UK.

Among the stressors are longer quarantine duration, infection fears, frustration, boredom, inadequate information or supplies, possible financial loss, and stigma. Some researchers have suggested long-lasting effects.

“Quarantine means a different pace of life, an opportunity to get in touch with others in different ways than usual and, if you live with other people, the opportunity to play a little and enjoy each other’s company,” he adds.

For people who face quarantine alone, it is recommended to plan online contact with other people regularly and create a daily routine.

“For everyone, quarantine can be an opportunity to really look after our own well-being and prioritize our mental and physical health. We are all mentally healthy and must take care of each other.”

This is exactly what is happening on the streets of Singapore, one of the most affected countries. A social economy company is encouraging citizens to send letters online to taxi drivers, couriers and other people they depend on for their day-to-day supplies. It is a symbolic gesture, which James Lim, founder of Emmaus Strategies, believes is important to honor these “unrecognized heroes”.

Despite the negative psychological effects, scientists believe that quarantine is an effective measure to combat the spread of the virus.

Quarantine “might have societal and economic impact on individual persons and communities. However, studies have shown that early layered implementation of these interventions can reduce the community spread,” explain the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (*) Source: BBC World.

April 2020 / Impacto evangelistic

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CURRENT NEWS The need to continue working in the time of quarantine has led to the increased use of an already existing way of working using technology: teleworking. Of course, this does not mean that people do the job as they please.

There are rules to follow. (*)

PANDEMI C

TELEWORKING AND CORONAVIRUS Teleworking not only means an advantage in terms of cost reduction, but when some parameters are followed, it leads to better efficiency, performance and balance between work and other aspects of life such as church, family or leisure.

However, it can also become a trap that invades other spaces, or just the opposite, work time can be wasted to other responsibilities, distractions or lack of motivation.

With the novel coronavirus spreading around the world, many will be forced to experience this work arrangement in the coming months. Given this scenario, some tips should be followed: Stick to a schedule. When we work from home, one temptation is to perform tasks whenever we feel to. It is much better to make a schedule and stick to it, while being flexible in case of difficulties (e.g., taking care of children during daytime because schools are closed). A reasonable schedule, as similar as possible to our usual work schedule, helps to keep work under control.

Set up a workspace. Something that really helps is to establish a workspace. It would be ideal to work in a study or any other room similar to our office with everything we may need to do our job. However, if no room is available, we can use some space in the bedroom or living room. In such case, it is essential to ask our family not to interrupt or use the room during work hours in order to avoid distractions and prevent lack of concentration.

Interact with colleagues and the company. A good way to lift our spirits while working is to have contact with colleagues who are in the same teleworking situation. This virtual interaction can take place on different online platforms, many of which are free or have affordable rates.

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WhatsApp or Telegram may be useful, but as they are also for personal use, be careful of unnecessary distractions.

Hold only necessary meetings. Meetings help focus, promote team spirit and encourage new initiatives. For example, at Protestante Digital, we hold weekly meetings, but experience has taught us meetings must respond to a

need. It is alright to set meetings on a daily or weekly basis, but they must have a clear purpose and established schedule (we try to have meetings that do not last more than an hour).

Controlled breaks. Even when we work from home, breaks are necessary to refresh our mind and boost concentration and performance. However, two problems may arise:

lack of breaks, which has negative effects both in performance and health; or too long breaks. Breaks should not be long enough to do household chores. It is useful to have a break schedule and stick to it so that work is not be affected. (*) Taken from Protestante Digital.

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What is COVID-19?

It is an infectious disease caused by a new virus that was first detected in humans in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.

Beijing 452 infections

China

Shandong 760 infections

First 3D atomic scale map of the part of the novel coronavirus that infects human cells

What is the origin of COVID-19?

The origin is thought to be the Wuhan live animal market.

However, a recent investigation based on 93 samples has concluded that the virus came from somewhere else, but the market favored the spread of the pathogen.

Shanghái 355 infections

Population

11,895,000 Wuhan (epicenter of the outbreak) 3,099 deaths 67,798 infections

Taiwan 59 infections Guangdong 1361 infections

Infected

462,000 21,000 Dead

Updated 03/25/2020

Phase 1: Preparedness After becoming aware of the disease and its presence in other countries, preparedness and response mechanism activities are initiated for the probable arrival of imported cases of coronavirus, such as sanitary control units at airports.

PHASES OF THE PANDEMIC

Phase 2: Containment People who import the infection from abroad have to be identified and contained.

Citizens must take measures at home and in the community to prevent the virus from spreading.

The entry of travelers is restricted.

Phase 3: Community contagion Crowded public spaces are closed, mass gatherings are canceled, the population is required to self-isolate at home.

Estimated cases: Tens

80% mild 14% severe 6% very severe Estimated cases: Cientos

80% mild 14% severe 6% very severe Estimated cases: Miles

80% mild 14% severe 6% very severe

Phase 4: Sustained transmission

Physical contact Public spaces Schools, high schools and universities Workplace Prevention Physical contact Public spaces Schools, high schools and universities Workplace Prevention Physical contact Public spaces Schools, high schools and universities Workplace Take more strict measures:

Millones There are cases of sustained human-to-human transmission. Health authorities declare social isolation or quarantines.

Prevention

80% mild 14% severe 6% very severe

Active monitoring and evaluation of the evolution of the pandemic.

Ongoing updates on the status of the pandemic to the general public.

Health system’s contingency plans implemented at all levels.

Individual, social and sanitary measures.

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What are the long-term sequelae of the coronavirus disease?

A team of researchers from the Infectious Disease Center at the Princess Margaret Hospital in Hong Kong discovered that certain patients who have already recovered from COVID-19 are still at risk, as lung function could decline by 20% to 30% after recovery.

KEY INFORMATION ABOUT COVID-19 The spread of the novel coronavirus is causing great alarm around the world.

Although official information, measures and recommendations are available, conflicting reports, fake news and superstitions are also generating uncertainty and panic among the population.

How is COVID-19 detected?

Molecular tests are used to detect the gene sequence of the virus. These tests are performed on respiratory samples such as throat or nasopharyngeal swabs, sputum, endotracheal aspirates or bronchoalveolar lavages. Serological tests can also be performed on blood samples to detect antibodies.

However, as antibodies may appear several days after infection, they are not as reliable if made in early stages of the disease.

Researchers from the University of Texas and the NIH have created the first 3D atomic scale map of the part of the novel coronavirus that attaches to and infects human cells. This is an essential step towards the development of vaccines and antiviral drugs to combat the virus.

THE CORONAVIRUS FAMILY

MERS-CoV: This coronavirus causing Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) was first detected in 2012 in Saudi Arabia. As of October 2019, more than 2,400 infections were reported in different countries, with more than 850 deaths. The mortality rate is 35%.

Part of the family

SARS-CoV-2, which causes the disease called COVID-19, is part of the family of coronaviruses.

Coronaviruses were first identified in the 1960s and cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe respiratory syndromes.

Most of them are not dangerous and can be treated effectively; in fact, most people get a coronavirus at some point in their lives, usually during childhood. Although they spread more in fall or winter, they can be caught at any time of the year.

Coronaviruses can pass from animals to people (zoonotic transmission); for example, according to some studies, SARS-CoV was transmitted from bats to civets to humans, and MERS-CoV jumped from camels to humans. However, there are other coronaviruses circulating among animals, which have not yet infected humans.

From camels to humans.

From bats to civets to humans.

SRAS-CoV: This coronavirus causing Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) was first identified in November 2002 in China. It infected more than 8,000 people in 37 countries, and cause 774 deaths. The mortality rate is approximately 10%.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth without having washed your hands first.

Cover your nose and mouth with your forearm when sneezing or coughing.

Wash your hands well.

Wuhan seafood market would be the source of the pandemic.

SARS-CoV-2: In late December 2019, the first cases of a novel coronavirus causing COVID-19 were reported in the city of Wuhan (China). Cases have already far exceeded those of the 2001-2004 SARS outbreak, but the mortality rate is lower.

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HISTORY After Jesus’ resurrection, his disciples went to the city of Jerusalem to proclaim it. The resurrection claim could not have been maintained for a moment in Jerusalem, the city where Jesus had been killed and buried, if the tomb had not been empty.

Josh McDowell and Sean McDowell

THE TRUTH ABOUT THE RESURRECTION Jesus had been placed in the tomb late on Friday,

which was the beginning of the Sabbath. Because of strict rules forbidding certain kinds of activities on the Sabbath, the women had not fully completed anointing the body of Jesus.

Therefore, they had returned to complete the task.

The stone in front of the tomb was rolled away and after looking inside, they discovered that Jesus’ body was gone.

Two men appeared dressed in clothes that gleamed like lightning and said, “Why are you looking in a tomb for someone who is alive? He isn’t here! He has risen from the dead!”

Both Jewish and Roman sources and traditions acknowledge an empty tomb. These sources range from the Jewish historian Josephus to a fifth-century compilation of Jewish writing that satirized Jesus’ life, called the Toledoth Jeshu.

Author Dr. Paul Maier calls such acknowledgements “positive evidence from a hostile source, which is the strongest kind of historical evidence. In essence, this means that if a source admits a fact decidedly not in its favor, then that fact is genuine.”

One of the most compelling evidences for the truth of the empty tomb story is the fact that it records women as the first discoverers of the empty tomb. In first-century Palestine, Jewish law precluded women from giving testimony in a court of law. Why would those who wanted to advance Christiani-

(...) if Jesus’ body hadn’t been resurrected, the religious and political leaders of the day could have quickly and effectively quashed Christianity by locating Christ’s corpse and wheeling it through the streets of Jerusalem. This would have been undeniable evidence that the resurrection was a hoax.

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ty have contrived a story that embarrassed the disciples by having them flee during the crucifixion and yet have women courageously approaching the tomb and providing the first witness to its vacancy?

Dr. Paul Maier accurately observes that “if the resurrection accounts had been manufactured…women would never have been included in the story, at least, not as first witnesses.”

THE STOLEN-BODY THEORY

One explanation that was offered within hours of the empty tomb’s discovery was the theory that the disciples of Jesus stole the body. “Some of the men who had been guarding the tomb went to the leading priests and told them what had happened. A meeting of all the religious leaders was called, and they decided to bribe the soldiers. They told the soldiers, “You must say, ‘Jesus’ disciples came during the night while we were sleeping, and they stole his body.’ If the governor hears about it, we’ll stand up for you and everything will be all right.”” (Matthew 28:11-15).

However, the most cursory consideration will quickly show that the stolen-body theory creates more problems than it solves. For example: • It was the Roman guards who were bribed into accusing the disciples of stealing the body. If the guards were sleeping, how could they know whether the disciples—or anyone— stole the body?

• Roman soldiers were executed for sleeping on guard duty.

• The circular stone used to seal the tomb would have weighed between one and two tons! Thieves would have had to sneak past the guards, roll the large stone up a grooved incline, enter the dark tomb, and exit with the body . . . all without waking a single member of the detachment!

THE SWOON THEORY

The swoon theory supposes that Jesus was indeed nailed to the cross and suffered tremendous pain and loss of blood. But when he was removed from the cross, he was not quite dead; he was merely in shock.

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HISTORY

Some proponents of this view even cite the New Testament record for evidence, showing that even “Pilate couldn’t believe that Jesus was already dead” (Mark 15:44). They surmise that the disciples—aided by Joseph of Arimathea—took down the still-living Jesus from the cross and laid him in the tomb (Hugh J. Schonfield, author of the bestseller The Passover Plot, even suggested that Jesus planned all this!). But the swoon theory has several fatal flaws.

Jesus had undergone a vicious beating. It was typical for Romans to use an instrument known as a flagrum, which often ripped the victim to shreds (as a result of this scourging, many prisoners died before they could be executed). Jesus was then nailed by his hands and feet to a cross.

Then, because the next day was the beginning of the Jewish Passover and Jewish law did not allow them to leave a victim hanging on the cross overnight, the religious leaders asked Pilate to hasten death by ordering that the prisoners’ legs be broken (see Deuteronomy 21:22-23; John 19:31).

This action usually resulted in death by asphyxiation, as the victim, unable to push up on his feet to relieve the constriction caused by the weight of his body on his lungs and breathing passages, slowly suffocated.

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sus, however, they discovered that he was already dead. Nonetheless, to be sure, “one of the soldiers . . . pierced his side with a spear, and blood and water flowed out” (John 19:34).

Soon thereafter, when Joseph of Arimathea requested custody of the body, the Roman governor expressed surprise that Jesus was already dead and demanded confirmation. Only after receiving a firsthand report did Pilate release the body into the hands of Joseph.

We not only have the scriptural account of Jesus’ death by crucifixion, we also have extrabiblical evidence from first-century historians. Biblical scholar John Dominic Crossan writes, “Jesus’ death by execution under Pontius Pilate is as sure as anything historical can ever be. For if no follower of Jesus had written anything for one hundred years after his crucifixion, we would still know about him, from two authors not among his supporters. Their names are Flavius Josephus and Cornelius Tacitus.”

THE APPEARANCES

Luke 24 records Jesus’ appearance to two of his followers who were on the road to Emmaus, a seven-mile trek from Jerusalem. Walking seven miles to Emmaus is hardly the kind of activity you would expect from a man who had

been removed from an executioner’s cross and laid in a tomb for more than thirty-six hours.

The apostle Paul gives yet another record of Christ’s appearing after the resurrection: “… that Christ died for our sins…

He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day… He was seen by Peter and then by the twelve apostles. After that, he was seen by more than five hundred of his followers at one time, most of whom are still alive… Then he was seen

by James and later by all the apostles (1 Corinthians 15:3-7).

Author C.H. Dodd has observed, “There can hardly be any purpose in mentioning the fact that most of the five hundred are still alive, unless Paul is saying, in effect, ‘The witnesses are there to be questioned.’”

THE ASCENSION

If Jesus revived from a deathlike swoon, there is no reason to believe that he later ascended into heaven, as Mark and Luke record. But if Christ did not ascend, where did he go? Is it reasonable to believe that Jesus withdrew from his followers, to live out the rest of his life in seclusion and die in obscurity?

This scenario would make Jesus Christ the greatest deceiver of all time and his resurrection the greatest hoax in history.

That would require believing that Jesus knowingly pursued an insane course of action: contriving his own resurrection to gain a renown he would never witness or enjoy.

THE LOST TOMB OF JESUS In 1980, a tomb was found in Talpiot, three miles south of the Old City in East Jerusalem. It contained ten ossuaries that yielded several human remains and carvings

Una losa de concreto en primer plano marca la entrada ahora cubierta a la tumba.

So close and yet so far: Talpiot Apartments, lost tomb.

Residents indifferently walk over the buried archaeological site.

After the tomb was built, a cavity was made in front of the open entrance.

The bodies were placed in these niches for their decomposition.

Israel Garbage and debris are thrown into the tomb.

This is how the tomb looked like in 1980 when it was found by some children, before the apartments were built.

Old City

Church of the Holy Sepulcher

The antechamber and patio were destroyed by bulldozers at the time of the discovery.

Main chamber

Cisjordania Talpiot

The ossuaries are boxes for holding the bones of the deceased; after the decomposition of the corpse, the family would deposit the relative’s skeleton inside the ossuary.

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LIFE STORY Martha Irrazaval Valpere became a widow only a few months after getting married, when a military patrol broke into her home and killed her husband.

The loss broke her heart and soul. But Christ showed up in her life when she least expected it.

MARTHA'S DIFFICULT

JOURNEY STEVEN LÓPEZ PHOTOS: FAMILY ARCHIVE

WORLDWIDEMISIONERO MISSIONARYMUNDIAL MOVEMENT 3434MOVIMIENTO Americas• •Europa Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia • Asia América • Oceanía • África

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LIFE STORY

One night in 1977, Martha went to bed with her husband without imagining what would happen. In the middle of the night, an armed team of the Chilean Intelligence Directorate (DINA) burst into her humble abode made of wood and cardboard.

The one-room house, located in the commune La Bandera, south of Santiago de Chile, was broken into amid wild screams and loud siren sounds. Once in the 3x3 room, where there was one twin bed, a bench for a nightstand, and four people in their sleep, the military began to curse and asked who the head of the family was.

When they found Humberto Fernando Trujillo, Martha’s husband, the policemen knocked him to the ground and shot him without hesitation. The horrible

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scene was witnessed by their two daughters, a four-yearold girl and a six-month-old baby.

Martha held her two daughters tight, trying to comfort them, while her husband’s dying body was dragged out by the policemen. After a long silence, one of them pointed his gun at her and took her out of the bedroom. Marcos, Martha’s brother, was also out there.

At the crime scene, the policeman asked, “What is the name of the man who is lying?” The question surprised both of them. The military team had killed a man without knowing who he was and was willing to kill two more.

“Sir, you can’t come looking for someone without knowing his name,” Marcos said. They did not let him finish but gave him a beating. Martha begged for mercy,

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while her brother was cruelly beaten. Then, the men dragged the fainting body to one of their cars.

After a few hours, the military left without a word.

Humberto’s body was carried in the back of a van. The scene shattered Martha’s last hope of seeing her husband alive. Seeing her 24-year-old husband die in front of her broke her. Fear, insecurity and grief hunted her for the following years.

SAD CHILDHOOD

As a child, Martha suffered the neglect and abandonment of her father and the early loss of her mother due to an abortion. Her father failed to provide for the family. Alcohol and women were his way of drowning his sorrows.

To make things worse, she was also taken apart from her five siblings. Her older sister Rosa was adopted by an MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 38 WORLDWIDE Americas • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

LIFE STORY APPROACH TO GOD

Some Christian neighbors began to preach to her of a restoring, fair God. Behind her father’s back, Martha agreed to attend the services at the church.

One month later, she was ready to let Jesus Christ enter her heart. At the temple, located in the commune of San Ramón, she did not wait for the preaching to end and went to the altar and surrendered to the Lord. A special presence covered her body and tears of gratitude covered her face. “I felt the love of God in my life,” she says.

However, her old addiction to pills caught up with her. One day, while working, she fell unconscious and had a seizure. She was immediately taken to a hospital, but doctors could not make a diagnosis. Instead, she was admitted to a psychiatric center outside the city.

Martha underwent invasive and painful procedures on a daily basis. She felt fine and did not understand why she was there. On the tenth day of confinement, God spoke to her through a message by Pastor Yiye Ávila on the radio. “Don’t be afraid, I’m here,” said the voice.

At that precise moment, she came to her five senses and began to praise God. She tried to get up but realized that her feet were tied. “That’s when I realized I wasn’t in a normal hospital,” she says.

She knelt by her bed and begged God for mercy and asked Him to take her out of that cell. The memories of her two daughters helped her hold on.

Soon after, a nurse came in and found her lying on the bed, looking at the ceiling.

“God healed me, I’m fine. I want to see my daughters,” she said. The nurse did not know what to do, so she tried to calm her and gave her a sedative to help her sleep.

GOD DELIVERS

unknown family; Julia, Marcos and Hugo were taken by a Uruguayan family; Jimena, the fourth sister, was given away when she was a little girl but she later went under the care of Marcos and Martha.

After her husband’s funeral, Martha looked for a job. The first days were difficult. Many refused to give her an opportunity because of her two daughters, but she never gave up.

Her first job was as a housekeeper. Her boss allowed her and her daughters to stay in the house, but after a few months she was fired. To relieve her depression, she would mix pills with alcohol. She was unhappy and unable to provide for her daughters.

She decided to ask her father for help. He took her daughter and granddaughters in, but soon after the physical and psychological abuse turned into an everyday thing.

Martha wanted to leave, never to return.

The next day, God opened the doors of the psychiatric center. The doctor called the roll of the patients who were to be discharged. Martha was impatient.

When she heard the last name on the list, she raised his hands to heaven. “Martha Irrazaval Valpere, discharged,” he said.

Martha went back home and was finally able to hug her two daughters. The girls found in their heart a way to forgive their mother, and the three promised never to leave each other’s side again.

A few months later, after incessant prayer, Martha decided to leave her old church and began to attend the church of the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Chile.

Her father, who had mistreated her for a long time, surrendered to Jesus Christ as well. He later died.

God blessed Martha’s life in a special way: He honored her with a nice home, a good job, and a great love for lost souls. She currently supports the daily activities of the church of the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Chile.

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All but four of the world’s major religions are based on mere philosophical propositions.

Of the four that are based on personalities rather than a philosophical system, only Christianity claims an empty tomb for its founder. Abraham, the father of Judaism, died around 1900 B.C., but no resurrection was ever claimed for him.

Josh McDowell

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST “Professor Childers says , ‘There is no trace in the Pali scriptures or commentaries (or so far as I know in any Paki book) of Sakya Muni having existed after his death or appearing to his disciples.’ Muhammad died on June 8, 632 A.D., at the age of sixty-one, at Medina, where his tomb is annually visited by thousands of devout Mohammedans. All the millions and millions of Jews, Buddhists, and Mohammedans agree that their founders never have never come up out of the dust of the earth in resurrection.” (The Light of Asia and the Light of the World, Samuel H. Kellogg).

It is stated by W. J. Sparrow-Simpson: “If it be asked how the resurrection of Christ is proof of His being the Son of God, it may be answered, first, because He rose by His own power. He had power to lay down His life, and He had power to take it again ( John 10:18). This is not inconsistent with the fact taught in so many other passages, that He was raised by the power of the Father, because

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what the Father does the Son does likewise; creation, and all other external works are ascribed indifferently to the Father, Son and Spirit. But in the second place, as Christ had openly declared Himself to be the Son of God, His rising from the dead was the seal of God to the truth of that declaration. Had He continued under the power of death, God would thereby have disallowed His claim to be His Son; but as He raised Him from the dead, He publicly acknowledged Him, saying, ‘Thou art My Son’.” (The Resurrection and Modern Thought”, pp. 287, 288).

Also, Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost is “wholly and entirely founded on the Resurrection. Not merely is the Resurrection its principal theme, but if that doctrine were removed, there would be no doctrine left. For the Resurrection is propounded as being 1) the explanation of Jesus’ death; 2) prophetically anticipated as the Messianic experience; 3) apostolically witnessed; 4) the cause of the outpouring of the Spirit, and thus accounting

APOLOGETICS

for religious phenomena otherwise inexplicable; and 5) certifying the Messianic and Kingly position of Jesus of Nazareth. Thus, the whole series of arguments and conclusions depends for stability entirely upon the Resurrection. Without the Resurrection, the Messianic and Kingly position of Jesus could not be convincingly established.

Without it, the new outpouring of the Spirit would continue a mystery unexplained.

Without it, the substance of the apostolic witness would have disappeared. All that would be left of this instruction would be the Messianic exposition of Psalm 16; and that only as a future experience of a Messiah who had not yet appeared. The Divine Approval of Jesus as certified by His works would also remain, but apparently as an approval extended only to His life; a life ending like that of any other prophet whom the nation refused to tolerate any longer. Thus, the first Christian sermon is founded on the position of Jesus as determined by His Resurrection.

Even Adolf Harnack, who rejects the Church’s belief in the resurrection, admits: “The firm confidence of the disciples in Jesus was rooted in the belief that He did not abide in death, but was raised by God. The Christ was rise was, in virtue of what they had experienced in Him, certainly only after they had seen Him, just as sure as the fact of His death, and became the main article of their preaching about Him” (History of Dogma, Chapter II).

The resurrection of Christ has always been categorically the central tenet of the Church. As Wilbur Smith puts it: “From the first day of its divinely bestowed life, the Christian church has unitedly born testimony to its faith in the Resurrection of Christ. It is what we may call one of the great fundamental doctrines and convictions of the church, and so penetrates the literature of the New Testament, if you lifted out every passage in which a reference is made to the Resurrection, you would have a collection of writings so mutilated that what remained could not be understood. The Resurrection entered intimately into the life of the earliest Christians, the fact of it appears on their tombs, and in the drawings found on the walls of the catacombs; it entered deeply into the Christian hymnology; it became one of the most vital themes of the great apologetic writings of the first four centuries; it was the theme constantly dwelt upon in the preaching of the anteNicene and post-Nicene period. It entered at once into the creedal formulae of the church; it is in our Apostles’ Creed; it is in all the great creeds that followed.”

John Locke, the famous British philosopher, said concerning Christ’s resurrection: “Our Saviour’s resurrection… is truly of great importance in Christianity; so great that His being or not being the Messiah stands or falls with it, so that these two important articles are inseparable and in effect make one.

For since that time, believe one and you believe both; deny one of them and you can believe neither.” (A Second Vindication of the Reasonableness of Christianity, Works 11, London, 1812, Volume VII, pp. 339-342) Wilbur M. Smith, noted scholar and teacher, says: “No weapon has ever been forged, and … none ever will be, to destroy rational confidence in the historical records of this epochal and predicted event. The resurrection of Christ is the very citadel of the Christian faith. This is the doctrine that turned the world upside down in the first century, that lifted Christianity preeminently above Judaism and the pagan religions of the Mediterranean world. If this goes, so must almost everything else that is vital and unique in the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ: ‘If Christ be not risen, then is you faith vain’ (1 Corinthians 15:17).” (Scientists and the Resurrection, Christianity Today, April 15, 1957).

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INTERVIEW

God will pave the way for us and its opening. The church’s challenge is to reach the hearts of the Uruguayan people with the daily testimony and evangelistic work.

WORLDWIDEMISIONERO MISSIONARYMUNDIAL MOVEMENT 4242MOVIMIENTO Americas• •Europa Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia • Asia América • Oceanía • África

The Worldwide Missionary Movement in Uruguay is moving forward steadily and surely. Despite some past difficulties, today the Work is united and strengthened by the Kyrios.

Reverend Carlos Magallanes, Snational supervisor of the WMM in Uruguay, thanks the concern shown by brothers from different countries about the growth of the Work in this country, as well as the support of the International Board of the WMM in difficult situations. This motivates them to keep working for evangelization.

How is the Work of the WMM in Uruguay?

The Work is moving forward steadily and surely by the hand of the Lord, and we trust in His power to spread the Gospel across Uruguay. The difficulties we have gone through over the last few years have made us stronger every time. In these times of trial, God gave us pastors that are resolute in their convictions.

How many churches are there in Uruguay?

There are about 10 churches in the region. Pastors work really hard to answer to God’s call in the most needy areas. The National Board trusts in God’s timing and expects a great growth of new faithful. We feel motivated by the concern and support of neighboring countries for the evangelization of Uruguay.

How do brothers from other countries support you?

They do it by praying and helping us with activities such as campaigns, fellowships and conventions. For example, our Peruvian brethren often call us regarding the media. We also thank the support of the International Officers of the WMM. What are the projects for Uruguay?

We have a standing debt. The Elim Bible Institute ceased operations last year, and we are working twice as hard to have it reopen. God will pave the way for us and its opening. The church’s challenge is to reach the hearts of the Uruguayan people with the daily testimony and evangelistic work. Finally, we want to promote activities in the cen-

tral church, which is located in the heart of Montevideo.

How is the Uruguayan people’s heart?

Uruguayans have a hard time fully surrendering to the Gospel because of their mistrust. They can attend church and take part in activities, but the faith is fundamental.

More than once we have had to preach in three churches at the same time due to lack of workers or willingness.

However, we still thank God for His help. We currently have between 200 and 250 active members across the country.

What unfortunate events have hindered the advance of the Work?

In 2002, there was absolutely no one left in the Work.

Two years after, we had regained faithful and began to enter other cities. However, in 2017, the congregation was divided. These events have significantly hindered the advance, but we are aware that we have to look at God instead of men.

In which areas is the WMM more active?

The largest groups are in La Unión and Pando. In February 2018, we also bought a former movie theater in the city of Canelones; the church site is 200 square meters, and there is a space for a parsonage of up to 400 square meters. We are planning to turn this property into a spiritual retreat center for the church.

How is the country’s political, social and economic situation?

The country is beautiful; a lot of people come to work and build a better future. However, we have had 15 years of leftist government, which has caused economic instability and social insecurity, among other things. Also, bills against the family and the person were passed. The church fights against these currents with prayer to God.

FOTO: EVELYN ÁNGELES

A WORK UNITED AND STRENGTHENED

BY THE KYRIOS

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DEVOTIONAL “Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you… Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it… This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses… God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.” Acts 2:22-24, 32, 36.

Rev. Luis M. Ortiz

CHRIST’S RESURRECTION A UNIQUE EVENT What makes the Gospel of our Lord Jesus-Christ

different and unique is Christ’s death and resurrection Buddha, founder of Buddhism, died but did not rise.

Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, founder of Hare Krishna, died but did not rise. Swami Maitreyananda, founder of Yoga, died but did not rise. Mahavira, founder of Jainism, died but did not rise. Guru Nanak, founder of Sikhism, died but did not rise. Confucius, founder of Confucianism, died but did not rise. Zoroaster, founder of Zoroastrianism, died but did not rise. Juana García, also known as “Mita,” died and was expected to rise but never did. Dear brethren, “Christ died for our sins… He was buried, and… He rose again the third day” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).

By the graveside, witnesses of the great event saw as “there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it” (Matthew 28:2).

In addition, “for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men” (Matthew 28:4). There were also women whom “the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said.

Come, see the place where the Lord lay” (Matthew 28:56). Peter and John were there too; they went to the tomb only to find linen clothes and went home amazed by what had happened ( John 20:1-10; Luke 24:12).

But there is more. After the resurrection, and during the forty days previous to Jesus-Christ’s ascension to heaven, He appeared to His people on twelve different occasions.

• To Mary Magdalene. “Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 44 WORLDWIDE Americas • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils” (Mark 16:9; John 20:15-16).

• To two women. “And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail” (Matthew 28:8-9).

• To two disciples who were on their way to Emmaus.

“And it came to pass, that, while they communed to-

gether and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them” (Luke 24:15).

• To Peter. “Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon” (Luke 24:34).

• To the eleven apostles. “And found the eleven gathered together… And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace

be unto you” (Luke 24:33, 36).

• To ten apostles. “Jesus came and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you… But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came” ( John 20:19, 24).

• To the eleven apostles again. “And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you” ( John 20:26).

• To seven apostles. “After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself. There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples” ( John 21:1-2).

• To the eleven apostles in a mountain of Galilee. “Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they worshipped him” (Matthew 28:16-17).

• To more than five-hundred brothers.

“After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once” (1 Corinthians 15:6).

• To James. “After that, he was seen of James” (1 Corinthians 15:7).

• To Saul of Tarsus on the road to Damascus. “And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time” (1 Corinthians 15:8).

Apostle Paul stated: “But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain…

For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins… But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first fruits of them that slept” (1 Corinthians 15:13-20).

“And what is the exceeding greatness of his power…

According to the working of his mighty power, which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 1:19-20).

Jesus-Christ’s resurrection is a historical fact confirmed by hundreds of eyewitnesses. It is the ultimate miracle in the Gospel and the main pillar of Christian faith.

It is a unique event.

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DEVOTIONAL “While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

2 Corinthians 4:18.

Rev. Alberto Ortega

SEEING THINGS THAT CANNOT BE SEEN Some of our biggest inner conflicts as humans come from the visible things. We make decisions, take sides and speak based on what we see.

What we think to be indisputable facts shape our thoughts and activate our intellectual, emotional and spiritual capacities.

God’s Word states that we cannot only act based on what we see, but we also have to look at what cannot see. This may seem impossible, as sight has to do with visible, tangible and palpable things, but God calls us to see what is invisible to our eyes.

Many have failed because of what they saw at a certain point of their lives. Eve listened to Satan’s words and looked at the forbidden fruit as something pleasant to her eyes, therefore bringing doom upon humankind (Genesis 3).

Achan saw in Jericho the Babylonish garment and the wedge of gold, and such riches clouded his judgement. He ignored God’s prohibition of taking any loot from the city and disobeyed Him because his eyes deluded him into thinking that he was rich. He hid the treasures in the midst of his tent and, as a result, he and his whole family were stoned and burned. Such a sad end for a man who had battled in Jericho! ( Joshua 7).

Demas, assistant of Apostle Paul, fixed his eyes on the world and ended up loving it more than he loved God. He distanced himself from the Lord and His Work and went astray. How sad it is to be removed from salvation and the ministry because of visible things!

(2 Timothy 4:9-10).

We must be especially cautious of what we see when we are going through hardship and trial. Paul listed the different stages of the suffering he had to experience for the cause of God. He told that he was troubled on every side, persecuted,

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cast down, always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, and delivered unto death (2 Corinthians 4:811). However, he called these sufferings a “light affliction” (2 Corinthians 4:17). Why? Because he was seeing what is invisible. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).

We strengthen our faith when we see the things that cannot be seen. Moses “endured, as seeing him who is invisible” (Hebrews 11:27). Seeing the invisible leads to seeing the Invisible One, the living and true God. Dear brethren, maybe what you see is misleading you,

disappointing you or making you suffer. What if you see now the Invisible One? Just like Elisha, you will begin to see what is invisible to our eyes and realize that there are more people with you than against you; you will begin to see the things that are hidden in Christ, our Redeemer.

No pain is allowed by God without a purpose. No difficult situation is allowed by God without the “exceeding and eternal weight of glory” (2 Corinthians 4:17).

Let God guide you through the process. Let Him take you by the hand. Look up at Him and see the invisible.

God bless you!

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DEVOCIONAL “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.” Revelation 1:1-3.

Rev. Rodolfo González Cruz

REVELATION The Lord Jesus-Christ is, without a doubt, the

source of revelation of the “things which must shortly come to pass” in the end of times. These things were shared by the Lord’s angel throughout the Revelation.

Blessed are those who read, listen and obey the Revelation. The book of Revelation is both a disclosure and a prophecy; it is the fulfillment of the words concerning the end of times as told by the prophets in the Old Testament, Jesus-Christ and his holy Apostles; it is a call to be ready and sober as children of light (1 Thessalonians 5:4-10).

“John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever.

Amen” (Revelation 1:4-6).

Seven is a symbolic number representing fullness or completeness. There were many churches in Asia Minor, but John was ordered to write to seven of them. They had specific characteristics representing the spiritual condition of the churches in those times and those to come until the second coming of Christ.

John wrote on behalf of the Trinity: God Father, “which is, and which was, and which is to come;” the Holy Spirit, “the seven spirits;” and the Son Jesus-Christ, “the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead,” so called because he defeated sin and death and has absolute authority over the living and the dead. Paul stated: “And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence” (Colossians 1:18).

The Lord was a king and we were sinners, and yet He loved us and purified us with His blood (Ephesians 2:45). This is the greatest act of love for humankind. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” ( John 3:16). God, in His great MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 48 WORLDWIDE Americas • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

mercy and power, adopts us as His children and grants us a place of honor among as saved ones. 1 Peter 2:9 says: “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation…”

“Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen” (Revelation 1:7). It must be noted, though, that this does not refer to the rapture of the Church but to the second coming of Christ into the world: “And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven” (Mark 14:62; see Matthew 16:27; 24:30-31; 25:31; Luke 21:27; Acts 1:9-11; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10; 2:1-3; Revelation 19:11-16).

Everyone will see the Son of Man coming from the heavens in might and glory, with the Church and thousands of angels by his side. There lies the importance of the media and technology, as they will contribute to the fulfillment of the prophecies.

Likewise, the house of Israel will regret that it was not received at its first coming ( John 1:11). Zechariah 12:10 reads, “… And they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.” The nations of the world will mourn: “… And the land shall mourn, every family apart…” (Zechariah 12:12-14). So shall it be, Amen.

“I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty” (Revelation 1:8). Alpha and Omega are the first and last words of the Greek alphabet and they refer to the beginning and the end. This title is also given to Jesus-Christ referring to his eternal nature (Revelation 21:6; 22:13; John 1:1).

Revelation 1:4 says about the Father: “Which is, and which was, and which is to come.” However, these words are also used to refer to Christ in other passages.

This clearly shows that the Father and the Son are one and the same ( John 14:9-10; 17:21-22). “I and my Father are one” ( John 10:30).

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

LET’S

SPEAK UP! Event: Youth National Convention.

Date: January 30 - February 2 and March 5 – March 7 Place: Arequipa and Lima, Peru

More than fifteen thousand young faithful got together in Lima for a mass prayer in order to light a flame of hope. The second part of the Youth National Convention of the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Peru took place from March 5 to March 7 at the Coliseo Amauta arena.

The event was a heavenly beacon amidst the earthly chaos.

During the first worship, Reverend Carlos Guerra, international director of the Work, shared the first message, “Waiting, Praying and Trusting,” based on Psalm 40:1-5.

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He stated that we have to wait on the Lord.

Reverend Humberto Henao, international vice president of the WMM, preached the Word in the second service. Based on Proverbs 17:17, he shared the message entitled “The Value and Importance of Christian Faith.”

He stated that those who fear God will be guided by Him. In the third service, Brother Fernando Luna, psychiatrist, taught the Sound Doctrine of Christ through the message “Emotional Maturity,” based on Philippians 3:13-

EVENTS

17. It should be noted that the event was attended by Reverend Rodolfo González, founder of the Work in Peru.

TIMES OF MERCY

Pastor Guerra preached the Gospel once again during the fourth service of the event. Based on Esther 3:8, 9 and 13 and 4:14-17, he shared the message entitled “What God Will Always Do,” highlighting that God has a perfect plan and He is a God of purposes.

Based on Psalm 102:4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 13 and 18, Pastor Guerra preached the following messages during the fifth service: “Times of Mercy,” “The Time Has Come,” and “The People that Is About to Be Born.”

In the last service, Pastor Henao shared the message entitled “Ten Times Better,” based on Daniel 1:1-21. He stated that we receive great blessings when commit to God’s plans. The spiritual event was broadcast to the world by Bethel Television.

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EVENTS

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I WILL ASK, SEARCH AND TOUCH

The first part of the Youth National Convention of the Work in Peru took place in Arequipa from January 30 to February 2. The event was held under the theme “I Will Ask, Search and Touch” in the main temple and an indoor arena of Arequipa.

The event gathered young Christians from the southern region of Peru, and the preachers were Reverend Luis Meza Bocanegra, international treasurer of the WMM; Reverend Epifanio Asprilla, national supervisor of the WMM in Panama; brothers Antony Sosa and Fernando Luna and sisters Andrea de Martínez and Rosalba de Asprilla.

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EVENTS

GUIDED BY THE LORD Event: 17th National Convention Date: January 30 to February 2 Place: Granada, Nicaragua

“Kyrios 2020” was the theme of the National Convention held by the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Nicaragua in the Peniel campsite located in the city of Granada, which became house of God and gate of heaven during four days.

At the opening service, Reverend Rubén Concepción, international secretary of the Work of God, preached the Word of peace through the message “Guided

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by the Lord,” based on Exodus 13:21 and John 16:13.

At the second service, Reverend Marvin Cooper, national officer of the WMM in Costa Rica, shared the Sound Doctrine with the sermon “When the Kyrios Calls You,” based on Exodus 3:1-4.

Reverend Albert Rivera, international director of the WMM, announced the Good News of the Lord at the third service. Based on Galatians 2:20, he shared the

message “I’m Crucified with Christ.”

IT’S TIME TO TAKE IT ALL BACK

At the fourth service, Reverend Rolando Griffith, national treasurer of the WMM in Panama, preached the Word of God. Based on Exodus 14:5-8, he offered the message “The Kyrios Paved a Way Where There Was None.”

On the last day of the 17th National Convention, Re-

verend José Arturo Soto, international president of the Work of God, led the promotion of six lay workers and four authorized preachers in a beautiful ceremony.

Likewise, Pastor Soto shared with the people of the Lord with a message based on Daniel 2:38-47. In his biblical teaching, the world leader of the WMM stated that God is the owner of time and the only one who knows all plans.

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EVENTS

DATING, ENGAGEMENT AND MARRIAGE

Event: United Service of Zone 2 Date: February 9 Place: Madrid, Spain

With the participation of enthusiastic faithful,

the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Spain held the United Service of Zone 2 in the church of the neighborhood of Entrevías, located in the district of Puente de Vallecas, Madrid.

The event took place under the theme “Dating, Engagement and Marriage,” and was attended by brethren from the churches of Usera, Seseña, Ciudad Lineal, Fuenlabrada, San Cristóbal and Parla, and members of some white camps.

The opening message was delivered by Reverend Edgar Cárdenas, head of the church of Seseña. Based on Genesis 24:3-8, his sermon was “What You Give to God He Gives Back to You.” MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 56 WORLDWIDE Americas • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

The preacher stated that, “we have to earn God’s blessings; not grace, favor or mercy, because those are free.

But blessing, you have to earn it. You have to work to receive God’s blessing.”

Likewise, the leader of the church of Seseña stated: “If it wasn’t for the Holy Spirit, you wouldn’t be here.”

In addition, he remarked, “When you preach with the anointing of God’s power, the Holy Spirit melts the heart of man.”

LORD’S WORD

After Pastor Cárdenas’ preaching, Reverend Juan Castaño, vice president of the WMM in Spain and presbyter of Zone 2, shared the second message of the event, which was based on Psalms 91:1-9.

In his sermon about family, Pastor Castaño said, “the Word teaches us many wonderful and beautiful things… you have to pray, but you also have to go to the Word.”

Likewise, he said that, “marriage is between a man and a woman.”

Finally, servant Castaño declared that, “two men cannot reproduce. They can reproduce evil, sin and corruption, but not offspring. Two men cannot get married.”

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EVENTS

HAVE FAITH IN JESUS Event: Evangelistic Crusade in Busto Arsizio and 8th anniversary of the church of Lavinio Date: January 22 to January 26 and February 1 Place: Busto Arsizio and Lavinio, Italy

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From January 22 to January 26, the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Italy held an evangelistic campaign in the church of Busto Arsizio, located in the province of Varese, under the theme “Have Faith in Jesus.”

At the first service, Reverend Hugo Lope, national treasurer of the Work in Italy, announced the Good News with a sermon based on Proverbs 14:12.

At the second service, Pastor Lope preached the Word of God through the message “Enter in His Gates,” based on Matthew 7:13-14, and he spoke about the right place of the Lord in our lives.

At the third service, Pastor Lope announced the Good News of God with his sermon “Rescued by Jesus,” based on Matthew 20:28. He remarked that Christ gave his life for humanity.

At the fourth service, Reverend Lope was used by the Lord to reveal His Sound Doctrine. Based on Matthew 9:18-26, he shared the message “Do Not Lose Faith.”

At the fifth service, Sister Lizet Arias shared a message based on Daniel 9:24. Her sermon was about the story of Daniel’s seventy weeks.

At the last service of the event in Busto Arsizio, Reve-

rend Lope was the preacher of the Gospel. Based on 2 Timothy 4:1-3, he spoke about the power in the Word of God. GOD’S FULLNESS

On February 1, the Work in Italy celebrated the 8th anniversary of the church of Lavinio. The event was attended by faithful from the churches of Ischia, Central Rome, South Rome and North Rome. At the spiritual celebration, Reverend David Echalar, national supervisor of the WMM in Italy, announced the Good News. Based on Ephesians 3:18, he presented the message “God’s Fullness.”

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EVENTS

THEY THAT TRUST IN THE LORD ARE AS MOUNT ZION

Event: 2nd anniversary of the church in Frankfurt Date: February 1 to February 2 Place: Frankfurt, Germany

The Worldwide Missionary Movement in Germany celebrated the 2nd anniversary of the central

church of Frankfurt, located in the state of Hesse.

The event took place under the theme “They that Trust in the Lord Are as Mount Zion, Which Cannot Be Removed, But Abides Forever,” and was attended by faithful from Düsseldorf, Munich, Berlin and Hamburg, and the Dutch city of The Hague.

On the first day, Reverend Edwar Flores, head of the congregation in Berlin, preached the Gospel of Christ.

Based on Judges 7:1-7, he presented the sermon “Your MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 60 WORLDWIDE Americas • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

Victory Lies in Your Trust in God.” In his biblical teaching, Pastor Flores stated that, “the Lord has chosen us among many and He will take us, defend us and save us as He did with the three hundred men mentioned in the story of Gideon and the Midianites.

GOD’S ARMOR

Pastor Domingo Ingrao, head of the church of Düsseldorf, announced the Good News of Jesus Christ at the second service of the event. Based on Ephesians 6:10-18, the servant shared the message “God’s Armor.”

With the Bible in his hands, the servant Ingrao explained the importance of being endued and protected by the Lord so that we can face the ambushes of the enemy and the dangers of the world in these times.”

At the closing service, Reverend Enmanuel Garzón, national supervisor of the WMM in Germany and supervisor of Block C of Europe, announced the Sound Doctrine. Based on Matthew 13:44, he shared the preaching “The Hidden Treasure.”

In his speech, Pastor Garzón said that the most precious asset of Christians is salvation, and so the faithful are obliged to keep it and beware of any temptation from the devil.

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EVENTS

FAR FROM GOD’S PRESENCE Event: First service in Loulé Date: February 17 Place: Loulé, Portugal

Guided by our Lord Jesus Christ, the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Portugal held its first service in the city of Loulé, located in the region of Algarve. The inhabitants welcomed with joy the Good News of the Lord and the arrival of the Work of God. This first service of the WWW in Portugal took place thanks to the support of a group of brothers from the central church of Lisbon who came to this city to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the souls in need.

It should be noted that the worship service took place at the house of a member who was kind enough to offer her home to host the meeting of faith.

Pastor Carlos Teixeira taught the Sound Doctrine of the WMM. In his sermon, based on Jonah 1:1-3, the preacher talked about Jonah’s disobedience and God’s mercy.

He stated that men and refuse to obey the Lord but they cannot be far from God’s presence.

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THE SOURCE OF CHRIST’S WORSHIP Event: National Fellowship Date: February 2 Place: Hamamatsu, Japan

With the participation of all the churches in the country, the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Japan held its National Fellowship in the main church of Hamamatsu.

Peruvian missionary Rildo Cueto preached the Gospel of the Lord and announced the Good News. Based

on Philippians 2:5-11, he shared the sermon “The Source of Christ’s Worship.” He talked about the most important elements of the worship of the Son of God, and about his resurrection, ascension, coronation and intercession. Furthermore, he stated that the Lord is the supreme authority of the world and the universe.

Reverend David Veramendi, national supervisor of the WMM in Japan, said that the WMM works tirelessly in this country to save souls trapped by evil with the power of the Gospel of God.

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EVENTS

EXPAND YOUR VISION Event: 16th anniversary of the church of Oruro Date: February 15 - February 16 Place: Oruro, Bolivia

The Worldwide Missionary Movement in Bolivia celebrated the 16th anniversary of the main church of

Oruro, led by Reverend Enrique Valenzuela, with a twoday spiritual event.

At the first service, Reverend Nicolás Guachurne, presbyter of Cobija, announced the Good News of God. Based on Joshua 24:14-15, he shared the preaching “A Father’s Determination.”

At the second service, Pastor Valenzuela preach God’s Word through the message “Expand Your Vision,” based on Ephesians 2:7.

At the third service, Pastor Guachurne preached to the followers of Jesus Christ once again. Based on Mark 11:20-23, he presented the sermon “Great Conquests Begin with Faith.”

At the last service, Sister Manuela Ilcha announced the Good News. Her message, based on Psalm 127:3, focused on the biblical teachings that Christian parents should share with their children.

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OTHER EVENTS

PANAMA

COSTA RICA

Baptism Ceremony Graduation at in Bocas del Toro the Elim Biblical Institute On February 2, the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Panama obtained a spiritual victory when forty-four believers from the churches of Finca 6, Las 60 and El Empalme, located in the province of Bocas del Toro, went into the baptismal waters of the Changuinola River and accepted Jesus Christ as their Redeemer.

Reverend Eliseo Obando, national officer of the WMM in Panama, and pastors Luis Carrera, Pedro Santos, Fernando Abrego and Vladimir Caballero were in charge of baptizing the new members of the Work of God who publicly showed their love for the Lord.

On January 11, the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Costa Rica held a graduation ceremony in the city of Alajuela. The graduands were firstand second-level Theology students from the Elim Biblical Institute of Esparza, La Palmera and San José.

Sister Flor Elizondo announced the Good News with the sermon “True Leaders See No Hindrance,” based on Haggai 1:13-14. She shared and remarked that the Lord gives His children the necessary skills to preach the Gospel.

VENEZUELA

SWITZERLAND

Fasting in Caita

Opening of the church of Frick

In the central church of Caita, located in the city of Caracas, the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Venezuela held a three-day fasting from January 8 to January 10. The aim was to give God the first fruits of 2020.

Reverend Ricardo Manrique, national supervisor of the WMM in Venezuela, led the service. Ammid Christian praise and songs, the Lord visited His people and filled the church of Caita with His presence.

On January 25, in an atmosphere full of joy for the blessings of Christ, the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Switzerland opened the church of the commune of Frick, located in the district of Laufenburg. This church is now part of the network of churches of the Work of God in Switzerland.

At the spiritual celebration, Reverend Jimmy Ramírez, national supervisor of the WMM in Switzerland, shared the Good News with the message “He Was Rich, Yet He Became Poor,” based on 2 Corinthians 8:9. He stated that material riches tie men down to the world and that is why they begin to despise salvation.

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LETTERS...

CARTAS@IMPACTOEVANGELISTICO.NET EVARISTA HERNÁNDEZ Hello, my name is Evarista Hernández Heredia.

I live in Cuba and I belong to a small ministry called “Ríos de Vida,” where I serve the Lord with the children. I learned about your magazine when I attended a Worldwide Missionary Movement event that took place from February 27 to March 3, 2019 in Mantilla, Havana. I’ll never forget those days full of God’s presence, they were truly special. I like your doctrine, and so I’d like to receive the magazine. From Havana, Cuba.

APRIL 1-3 RETREAT OF PASTORS IN BOLIVIA 2-4 CONVENTION IN NEPAL 9-11 CONVENTION IN SRI LANKA 9-12 CONVENTION IN AUSTRALIA (SYDNEY) 9-12 CONVENTION GUYANA, SURINAME AND MARTINIQUE (SURINAME) 9-12 CONVENTION OF PASTORS AND LADIES OF AFRICA, EQUATORIAL GUINEA (MALABO) 17-19 FELLOWSHIP IN NEW ZEALAND (WELLINGTON) 16-18 FELLOWSHIP EAST AFRICA PRESBYTERY (CONGO) 22-24 RETREAT OF WORKERS IN INDIA 22-25 CONVENTION IN DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

God bless all those who spread the Word through Impacto Evangelistic. God bless you for your great work to share the message of salvation with lost souls. Keep trusting in the Lord, He is our helper. From Cuba.

JUNIOR CANDELARIO

JOSÉ FLECHA God continue to bless you. Thank you for all these years of teaching and preaching through your magazine. May the Lord continue to open doors for you in other parts of the world.

Greetings in the love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, your brother José. From Brooklyn, Connecticut, USA.

SAMUEL ROSADO Dear Impacto Evangelistic, God bless you.

Thank you very much for your magazine and ministry. The magazine has very important information for the Christian people. Greetings in the love of Christ. From Far Rockaway, New York, USA.

CARLOS BASTIDAS God bless you. Keep up the good work.

May the Lord continue to guide you in the publication of this magazine. I loved it since I first read it, and I’ll continue to purchase it to see the wonders that God does in many people’s lives. May the Lord continue to bless you. From Caracas, Venezuela.

MAY 3-5 CONVENTION IN JAPAN (TOKYO, NARITA) JUNE 23-26 RETREAT OF PASTORS IN COLOMBIA (BOGOTÁ)

BLANCA DELGADO Dear brothers, God bless you. Thanks for sending me the magazine. It is a great blessing.

I pray to God for your ministry, so that you can continue to bring the Gospel to everyone.

Hallelujah! From Barceloneta, Puerto Rico.

CONRADO GONZÁLEZ May God bless you. The magazine is getting better every day. Thank you! From Hormigueros, Puerto Rico.

JULIA ROCA God bless the brothers and sisters who make this magazine, which reaches many nations. You’re a great blessing for me and many people. God continue to bless you. Go ahead with the Lord.

From New York, USA.

RUBÉN AGUILAR Blessings for spreading the Sound Doctrine. This magazine is very helpful for the spiritual life of people. God bless you very much.

From Puebla, Mexico.

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66 Americas • Europe • Oceania • Africa • Asia

JANUARY 7-12 CONVENTION IN COLOMBIA (CALI) 16-19 NATIONAL CONVENTION IN BOLIVIA (COCHABAMBA) 30-02 (FEB.) NATIONAL CONVENTION IN NICARAGUA FEBRUARY 14-16 CONVENTION IN BELIZE (ORANGE WALK) 20-23 CONVENTION IN ARGENTINA (FORMOSA) 22-25 CONVENTION IN PANAMA 26-29 FELLOWSHIP IN CUBA (SANTIAGO DE CUBA) 27-1 (MARCH) RETREAT OF PASTORS AND CONVENTION OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN URUGUAY

MARÍA ALEXANDRA CRISPÍN

God bless the brothers who make and send the magazine every month. It contains teachings and blessings for my life. I really like reading the topics because I learn a lot from them and at the same time I feel edified. May God continue to bless you. From Bayamon, Puerto Rico.

GLOBAL AGENDA 2020

JULY 8-11 CONVENTION IN COSTA RICA 9-12 CONVENTION IN BRAZIL (MANAOS) 14-17 CONVENTION IN USA 15-18 CONVENTION IN PUERTO RICO 28-31 CONVENTION IN MEXICO 30-2 (AUG.) CONVENTION IN ECUADOR (GUAYAQUIL) AUGUST 7-9 FELLOWSHIP IN BRAZIL (BLOCK B) 12-16 3RD EUROPEAN CONGRESS IN MONZA, ITALY CONVENTION IN HAITI SEPTEMBER 3-6 CONVENTION IN VENEZUELA 23-26 CONVENTION IN INDIA 24-26 CONVENTION IN PERU (BLOCK SOUTH), AREQUIPA 27 WORLD MISSION DAY, SIMULTANEOUS ACTIVITY IN ALL THE COUNTRIES 27-29 CONVENTION IN PERU (BLOCK NORTH), CHICLAYO 30-2 (OCT.) CONVENTION IN PERU (BLOCK SIERRA AND SELVA CENTRAL), HUANCAYO OCTOBER 1-4 CONVENTION IN PARAGUAY (ITAUGUÁ) 1-4 CONVENTION IN HONDURAS (TEGUCIGALPA) 3-5 CONVENTION IN PERU (BLOCK LIMA), LIMA 7-8 FELLOWSHIP IN CANADA, PROVINCE OF ALBERTA (EDMONTON) 10-11 FELLOWSHIP IN CANADA, PROVINCE OF QUEBEC (MONTREAL) 22-25 CONVENTION IN CURAÇAO 23-25 FELLOWSHIP IN MADAGASCAR 30-1 (NOV.) CONVENTION IN MAURITIUS ISLAND 29-1 (NOV.) CONVENTION IN CHILE (SANTIAGO) NOVEMBER 19-22 CONVENTION IN URUGUAY (MONTEVIDEO) 13-15 CONVENTION OF PASTORS AND YOUNG PEOPLE IN GUATEMALA DECEMBER 3-6 CONVENTION IN EL SALVADOR (SAN MIGUEL) 4-6 CONVENTION IN MYANMAR

n Past events n Future events

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