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September 2014 / Edition 728 / www.impactoevangelistico.net

The magazine that edifies your life

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WORLDWIDE MISSIONARY MOVEMENT

Testimony

The story of the Guerrilla girl Heroes of faith

Justinian, the martyr

How to fight

depression Godâ€™s power cures the illness that affects body, mind and spirit

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EDITORIAL

Doing God’s will Rev. Gustavo Martínez International President of the WMM

“I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me”. John 5:30.

eter tried to persuade the Lord not to go

Jesus first had to remove his throne. Philippians

to Jerusalem, because a great martyrdom

2: 6-8 says, “Who, being in very nature God, did not

was expecting him in that place. Christ

consider equality with God something to be grasped,

came to this world with a specific and unique mis-

but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, in

sion, and this was to redeem men. He went to the

the likeness of men; And being found in human form,

cross, which was the most important and the most

he humbled himself and became obedient unto death,

difficult thing; but before that, there was not a single

even death on a cross”. He was stripped of the privi-

moment in the life of Christ on earth in which he for-

leges and glory to come to this world.

got that he came to do his Father’s will. So we should

Jesus came to fulfill his Father’s will; he had to

know that the direction comes from Him. It cannot

take the contract from Satan who wanted to senten-

come from us, not to please us, not to please men,

ce men to death. “I was alive together with Him, having

but to do the will of the Father.

forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the hand-

When family and those who are the closest to

writing of ordinances that was against us, which was

us ask us to leave the road, that is when we should

contrary to us, out of the way, nailing it to the cross,

know that we are not here to please us or please

having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a

others looking after our welfare. If we only want to

openly, triumphing over them by the cross” (Colos-

please others, we are to be pitied, worthy of nothing,

sians 2: 13-15).

we are being manipulated by our feelings or by so-

Until we rid ourselves of our endowment, our

mebody else’s. We are here to obey the one who ca-

name, our privileges and our material comforts, we

lled us out of darkness into his marvelous light, who

cannot serve the Lord, we cannot provide a real ser-

brought us to this world and gave us his grace and

vice, you must first deprive of everything to do His

mercy.

will. Amen

September 2014

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Founder Director: Rev. Luis M. Ortiz September 2014 / Edition N° 728 (USPS 012-850) OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE WORLDWIDE MISSIONARY MOVEMENT The World-Wide Missionary Movement, Inc. is a non-profit church with a vision to plant new churches in the United States of America and its territories, and also with a missionary vision to plant new churches wherever God opens new doors all over the World. PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY Movimiento Misionero Mundial, Inc World-Wide Missionary Movement, Inc San Juan, Puerto Rico Washington, D.C. Periodicals Postage Paid at San Juan, Puerto Rico 00936

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

INTERNATIONAL BOARD MEMBERS OF WMM INC. Rev. Gustavo Martínez President Rev. José Soto Vice President Rev. Rubén Concepción Secretary Rev. Rodolfo González Treasurer Rev. Álvaro Garavito Director Rev. Margaro Figueroa Director Rev. Rómulo Vergara Director Rev. Humberto Henao Director CHURCHES ESTABLISHED IN: Germany Argentina Aruba Australia Austria Belgium Belize Bolivia Bonaire Brasil Cameroon Canadá Chile Colombia Congo Costa Rica Curacao Dinamarca Ecuador El Salvador Spain United States The Philippines France Gabón Ghana Guatemala Equatorial Guinea French Guiana Guyana Inglesa Haití Holland

Honduras India England St. Andres Island (Col.) Saint Martin Island Island of Mauritius Rodrigues Island Canaries Islands (Spain) Hawaiian Islands (U.S.A.) Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Kuwait Madagascar Malaysa México Myanmar Nicaragua Nigeria Panamá Paraguay Peru Portugal Puerto Rico Dominican Republic Sweden Switzerland Surinam Trinidad and Tobago Uruguay Venezuela

Legal deposit made on the National Library of Peru Nº 2011-02530 Christian Pentecostal Church-Worldwide Missionary Movement: Av. 28 de Julio 1781 - Lima 13 - Peru Printout: Quad/Graphics Perú S.A. Av. Los Frutales 344 - Lima 03 - Peru

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

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

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

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

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

• 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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A group of researchers of the Rush University Medical Center of Chicago have conducted an investigation related to the influence of religion in healing depression, and the outcome is more than suggesting: Belief in God helps to heal depression.

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COVER

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Impacto Evangelistic Magazine

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This praise, published in 1931 by Oswald Jeffrey Smith, expresses the joy you experience when you are at God’s service. It is sung with great enthusiasm by the followers of the Lord.

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When the printing press was invented, the first book to be printed was the Bible. When the radio and then the television age began, there were pastors who immediately made use of these media. However, as regards the Internet, the Church’s involvement has been slower.

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She spent most of her childhood and adolescence in the Colombian jungle being part of the guerrillas. She faced death on several occasions but after some years she found her pathway to salvation. She found the Word of God.

Evangelical thinker, apologist, tireless sower of the Word and martyr of the faith, Justin has an important place in the history of Christianity. He was an active servant who found the Truth.

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Events in: United States, Colombia, Mexico, El Salvador, Bolivia, Panama, Puerto Rico, Argentina, Switzerland, Chile, Spain, Italy.

Letters

This a great exclamation of David, he says, “O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!” Psalm 8:9.

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Faith in Go

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COVER

prevents depression September 2014

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

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COVER

WHAT IS DEPRESSION?

epression is a state characterized by the enervation, and the fault of a deep sadness, which leads to a constant unhappiness. This in turn causes the inhibition of mental functions and often alters the physique, causing illnesses of peculiar propagation and which, in some cases, can cause severe complications. This term comes from the Latin word depressus that means dejected and defeated, whose meaning encompasses with the state of a person with depressive symptoms. That feeling of failure when facing adversities causes the outbreak of what is repressed, which causes in turn depression. It could be either because of a failure in life, the loss of a loved one, or some features or situation that affected the person in recent years; and because of repression or concealment. This emotional situation is an illness that affects a great number of people due to the hectic and exhausting life we live nowadays. Depression is the major illness in this century. One of the causes is the lack of God. Not being in His grace and wisdom causes the human being to be eager to achieve things which sometimes are out of their reach, for this reason they fall into distress in this predatory world of mindless consumerism.

epression is a mood disorder which occurs as a fleeting or permanent gloom and unhappiness. The symptoms of this disease primarily affect the affective sphere: the pathological sadness, enervation, irritability or a mood disorder can decrease oneâ€™s performance at work or limit the regular vital activity, regardless of the fact that the cause be known or unknown. Also, depression can also be expressed through cognitive, volitional and even somatic complaints. The study conducted by the Rush University Medical Center of Chicago has revealed that religious beliefs

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DEPRESSION AND SUICIDE

few weeks ago, the world was shocked by the suicide of the famous and outstanding American actor, Robin Williams, of 63 years old. No one could understand such a death from a successful and winner person like him. He was famous for his movies like “Dead Poets Society”, or “Patch Adams” in which he performs as a physician who used to dress up like a clown in order to cheer the life of the children of a hospital who had cancer. But Robin William is not the only case of a famous person who commits suicides. The list is quiet long, ranging from actors like Marilyn Monroe or Pedro Armendaris, singers like Jim Morrison or Elvis Presley, and writers like Ernest Hemingway or Emilio Salgari. What makes a successful person to take such drastic decision like suicide? There could be many answers ranging from sentimental, marital, economic problems to health problems but all of them have a common denominator and

it is called depression. Depression is the most common mental illness among the elderly and it is characterized for a state of sadness, melancholy and discouragement, and it is linked to a series of

organic symptoms like the lack or excess of appetite, lack or excess of sleep, pain in certain region of the body, etc. One detail that almost never fails is when an elderly who used to do certain activity, which he or she always enjoyed and made him or her happy, suddenly does not want to do it anymore for no apparent reason. For example: visiting his or her grandchildren, going to the field on Sundays with the family or attending lunch on Fridays with friends. Depression does not distinguish sex or age, therefore we should put a lot of attention to this situation when it comes to elderly people, as their symptoms might not be quite clear and well defined, preventing the depression to be diagnosed in the beginning. Statistics show that the elderly are the most prone to commit suicide when they have depressive symptoms.

g protect people against these symptoms and also improve the response of depressive people to medical treatment against this illness. The research was conducted with patients diagnosed with clinical depression, i.e., with people suffering from an extreme depression that is characterized by sadness, melancholy and a feeling of such intense vacuum that can become destructive for the patient. As reported in the Rush University Medical Center, a total of 136 adults were studied. Some of them were receiving external psychiatric care, while others remained in the hospital receiving care there. These patients were assessed shortly after being admitted for their treatment and eight weeks later. For this evaluation, it was 10 Impacto evangelistic

(…) the study showed that, among the individuals studied, the ones who believed more deeply in a God tended to improve more than the other participants analyzed during the eight weeks of treatment.

COVER

used the Depression Inventory Beck (questionnaire that calculates the degree of depression one person may have), the Beck Hopelessness Scale (which measures the degree of hopelessness in individuals, i.e., their attitude towards future expectations) and a Scale of Religious Welfare. These three tests are standard tools of the social sciences for assessing the intensity, severity and depth of depression, and the feelings of hopelessness

The outcomes of this study, which have been published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology, suggest that the religious beliefs could be of great importance as a resource in planning a more effective depression care.

and spiritual satisfaction. AMOUNT OF HOPE

The patientsâ€™ response to de-

pression treatment medication, which reduced the initial symptoms to a 50%, can vary in psychiatric patients. Some of them do not respond to medications at all. However, the study showed that, among the individuals studied, the ones who believed more deeply in a God tended to improve more than the other participants analyzed during the eight weeks of treatment. Specifically, the study participants whose score on the Religious Well-Being Scale was among the first three were 75% more prone than others to improve from the moment they began to take their medicine. The researchers analyzed the explanation for such progress. The amount of hope, which is defined by

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g the feelings and expectations about the future and the amount of motivation of each individual, did not help to predict the improvements experimented by the patients. According to the researcher Patricia Murphy, one of the study authors, what really seemed to help to overcome this illness was the faith in a supreme being. She says that specialists should take into conside12 Impacto evangelistic

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ADVICE AGAINST DEPRESSION Increase physical activity. When we are depressed our movements slow down, we talk slower and it is like our life passes by in slow motion. These body movements are registered by our brain which reinforces depression because of that. However, doing physical activity can help to break this vicious circle. It does not matter if the amount of exercise you do is little, what matters is the activation and the effort that physical activity requires. Socialize. Depression tends to isolate people; they are no longer interested in talking with anybody about anything. Nevertheless, when depression is wandering around, solitude is a very bad companion. Thus, going out for a walk, meeting a friend with whom you have not talked to in weeks or months, or meeting new people are activities that will always improve your mood. Avoid depressing topics. A lot of people often talk about the issues that led them into depression. Expressing what you feel is something positive but there is no way you get out of

RELIGION AND PSYCHOLOGY

ration the role of religion in their patient’s life, even when people diagnosed with clinical depression consider that medication has as a key role in reducing symptoms. The outcomes of this study, which have been published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology, suggest that the religious beliefs could be of great importance as a resource in planning a more effective depression care.

This is not the first study that analyses the relationship between religion and certain aspects of human psychology. In early 2009, another investigation carried by the scientists of the University of Miami showed that religious people have a better capacity of self-control than those who are not religious; they also regulate more efficiently their attitudes and emotions in order to get valuable goals for themselves. According to scientists, this is because certain religious rituals – such as prayer and meditation – affect parts of the cortex of the human brain that are key for selfregulation and self-control. On the other hand, religions

depression if you spend the whole day bringing up stressful and depressing topics. So set your limits in conversation and try to bring up topics that you find appealing, motivating and cheerful. Sunbathe. Being locked up at home can only produce a negative mood. The reason why sunbathing is essential is really simple: the ultraviolet rays increase the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with the feeling of well-being that can counteract the effects of depression. Find a hobby. Sometimes we feel passion for certain things that we have never put into practice. So there is nothing better than practicing that hobby to fight depression. To keep an active mind by thinking and planning tasks you enjoy is a great medicine against depression. Enjoy the music. Take time to really live and enjoy the musical notes. The therapeutic effects of music are very well-known and it is one of the favorite therapies to manage depression and anxiety.

According to scientists, this is because certain religious rituals – such as prayer and meditation – affect parts of the cortex of the human brain that are key for self-regulation and self-control. On the other hand, religions improve selfcontrol because they provide people clear behavioral models.

improve self-control because they provide people clear behavioral models. Other investigations conducted in different parts of the world have shown that the most devoted individuals tend to have a better school performance, to live longer, and are generally happier u September 2014

Depression: A Silent Disease WORLDWIDE MISSIONARY MOVEMENT America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia

THE BIBLE SAYS: The real source of stability is what has been rejected by most people: GOD.

Depression is caused by different reasons

• It is important to remember that the plan and purpose of God will never change. Psalm 33:11 says, “The counsel of the Lord standeth forever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations”. • Of course, we will face difficult and even dangerous times. 2 Timothy 3: 1 says, “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.” However, God will give us the strength we need to overcome. He says in Psalm 46: 1, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” • Therefore, we can face our uncertain world and its accelerated transformations with a positive and confident look towards the Lord. Matthew 6: 31-34 says, “Therefore take no thought… But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself.” Philippians also says, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”

Situational, unexpected, loss of a loved one, accidents, legal problems, bullying.

Systemic diseases, cancer, physical weakness, obesity.

Spiritual disturbances, addictions.

SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND ATTEMPTED SUICIDE

WHAT IS DEPRESSION?

Depression is a common mental disorder characterized by sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, disturbed sleep or appetite, tiredness and lack of concentration. Depression can become chronic or recurrent and significantly hinder the performance at work or school and the ability to cope with everyday life. In its most severe form, it can lead to suicide. If mild, it can be treated without medication, but when moderate or severe, it may need medication and professional therapy. Depression is a disorder that can be reliably diagnosed and treated by specialists in the field of primary care.

Overeating or loss of appetite.

Feelings of sadness, anxiety, emptiness.

Depression is more common in women

Fatigue, lack of energy and tiredness.

of women are more likely than men to develop depression in life.

Ongoing aches and pains.

Incidence among African Americans is

lower than among white people.

WHO estimates that more than half of people with depression do not receive treatment – this rate rises to 90 percent in some countries. It also notes that the most common causes for this situation include lack of resources and trained medical personnel, the stigma of mental disorders, and inaccurate clinical assessment.

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of the world population

350

million

people SUFFER FROM DEPRESSION*

*Source: WHO 2013 www.wikipedia.com, the web

TYPES OF DEPRESSION

DEPRESSION AND BRAIN FRONTAL LOBE

HIPPOCAMPUS

DYSTHYMIA

It is a chronic form of depression in which the mood is low most of the time.

DOUBLE DEPRESSION

It occurs when there is both dysthymia and an adverse situation in life, such as losing a job or a loved one.

ATYPICAL DEPRESSION

The individual has a passive and sluggish appearance. There is increased appetite, hypersomnia, and fatigue.

BIPOLAR OR MANIC DEPRESSION BRAINSTEM

CEREBELLUM

Evidence has been found that in the brain of depressed people there is a reduction in the size of certain parts, especially the hippocampus and frontal lobes. The more severe and/or longer depression is, greater is the loss of size in these brain regions.

Includes two different phases of mood disorder. These phases sometimes follow one another, and there is often a period of stability in between. Depressive symptoms are mixed with anxiety, racing thoughts, insomnia and irritability.

SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER

It occurs when there is a temporal relationship between the onset of a recurrent depressive disorder and a particular time of year (fall or winter).

DEPRESSION IN CHILDREN HIPPOCAMPUS

It is a part of the brain that has important functions related to memory formation and management of emotions. The hippocampus is located in the cerebral cortex in the medial temporal lobe.

FRONTAL LOBES

They are a kind of control center for emotions and take part in other functions, including problem solving, impulse control and language.

It is an emotional situation in a child caused by a kind of sadness higher in intensity and duration. Childhood depression changes according to the developmental age of the child's life. Sometimes children can experience depression as a reflection of depressed adults.

PREMENSTRUAL DYSPHORIC DISORDER

It happens when premenstrual symptoms worsen and appears the week before the menstrual period. It may trigger episodes of sadness, irritability, and increased appetite.

DEPRESSION IN PREGNANCY

It commonly appears between the first and third trimesters of pregnancy.

POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION

It starts at any time, from the first days to weeks after childbirth. Symptoms â€“ such as guilt, insomnia and fatigue â€“ appear every day and last for over two weeks.

PREVENTION Increase physical activity Socialize Avoid depressing topics Sunbathe

MENOPAUSAL DEPRESSION

It appears in midlife and produces feelings of sadness, often coinciding with marital crisis. Symptoms are coupled with insomnia and hot flushes, which adds more anxiety to depression.

DEPRESSION IN THE ELDERLY

Take up a hobby Enjoy music

It is characterized by the reduction of cognitive activities. Symptoms of depression, such as loss of memory and poor concentration, can easily be attributed to age, and are confused with dementia or Alzheimer's disease.

Depression is the second leading cause of disability worldwide. A map, with data on the incidence of this disease, shows that it occurs in the most unexpected places.

The sad world of depression Prevalence of diagnosed clinical depression.

5.5%

4.5%

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REMINISCENCES of the

WORK 16 Impacto evangelistic

IMAGES 1. Impacto Evangelistic’s recording studio known as Radio Impacto, 1984 in Puerto Rico. From left to right, Brother Alfredo Izaguirry, technician and assistant, and Ángel Ríos, operator, editor and announcer. 2. Brother Ángel Ríos in Impacto Evangelistic’s recording studio in Puerto Rico. 3. Brother Ángel Ríos installing the radio equipment for the transmission of the World Congress in Panama in 1987. 4. This photograph was taken in the World Congress in Panama, where the prophecy “God will provide the WMM with the most modern media to preach the Word” was fulfilled. From left to right, Brother Ángel Ríos, Brother Geñito Rodríguez Lopez, owner of “Radio Revelación de Puerto Rico” stattion, and Brother Raúl Rodríguez, Programming Director of Radio Redentor.

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The Word went digital

“And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates” Deuteronomy 6:5-9.

n recent years, the use of new technologies by evangelical churches has not stopped growing. It is, therefore, not surprising to use digital presentations or videos for preaching, project meetings on big screens, or see many people in the congregation using mobile devices to follow the Bible reading or take notes. The same happens with pastors and preachers, who are increasingly using technology to prepare their sermons. Under such conditions, the question arises as to the 18 Impacto evangelistic

possibility of access to technology by the world population, to which Rivera Velázquez replied informing the results of a UNESCO study: reading a book in developing countries, where libra-

ries are scarce, costs eight to ten dollars. But the global trend is to have more mobile phones than books, and reading a book on a mobile phone costs one US cent. The challenge is then how

KNOWLEDGE

to take the Bible to the most commonly used mobile devices so it is possible to read or hear the Word anywhere. The new generation is accustomed to a visual language, with which unfortunately most leaders are unfamiliar. The Tesoro library bridges the gap by enabling us preachers to teach through an interactive experience that strengthens spiritual truths. This triggers enthusiasm among young people to learn the Bible and encourages them to keep talking about

It is estimated that 7000 languages are spoken around the world, and there is at least one book of the Bible translated into 2500 of them. However, only 500 languages have the whole Bible. Naturally, the Bible is already translated into the most spoken languages in the world; the challenge is then in those languages spoken by small groups who do not have the Word yet or whose translation of the Bible needs to be revised.

it. It helps tremendously so that the message we share is received and remains.

These tools have been designed specifically for anyone who want to discover the riches of the Word of God as never before. For example, the word â€˜worldâ€™ has several nuances in the Scriptures. In certain passages, it refers to the creation, in others to the world population, and even to the world system. In one click, we can identify the most appropriate meaning for the passage we are studying, and visualize how often the term appears throughout the Bible u September 2014

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The Apocryphal (XI) Gospels In this chapter, the work reveals the occult nature of the authors of the Apocryphal

It reveals their satanic habits and how they attempted to destroy the Word and replace it by an amended text of the New Testament that matched their liberal and occult theology. Gospels.

Dr. César Vidal Manzanares Rev. Domingo Fernández

escott and Hortthe writers of the Greek text from which most of the versions of the New Testament circulating today derive – are not only characterized by defending a theology that denied the most important truths of Christian faith. Their close relationship with the cultivation of the occult sciences is a very relevant and sad fact. In 1840, Wescott had already begun to show great interest in Mormonism, “by 20 Impacto evangelistic

getting and studying the Book of Mormon.” There is information that two years later the very same Westcott turned to sorcerers. He recalls one of these meetings as follows: “In the afternoon I come to sorcerer Tom; but he does not dare to act in front of us.” Not surprisingly, in 1845 Westcott, Hort and Benson found a group of occult and secret nature which they called the “Hermes Club.” The name is indeed significant, even though Hermes is the Greek god commonly associated with the revelation of occult practices; it is also one of the names of Satan in occult circles. In this regard, the occultist Helena Blavatsky, a founder of the Theosophical Society and authentic spiritual predecessor of the New Era, noted in her book “The Secret Doctrine,” “Satan or Hermes are exactly the same... he is called the Dragon Wisdom...

the snake ... identical with the god Hermes... inventor of the first initiation of men into magic... author of the worship of the serpent.” In this tight circle, Westcott and Hort were involved

HISTORY

in lectures and conferences mainly related with spiritual aspects of paganism. However, the process had just begun. In 1851, Westcott, Hort and Benson went a step further in their career in favor

Not surprisingly, in 1845 Westcott, Hort and Benson found a group of occult and secret nature which they called the “Hermes Club.” The name is indeed significant; (…) it is also one of the names of Satan in occult circles.

of occultism and founded the “Ghostly Guild” (Ghosily Guild). It is indeed significant that the same letter, in which Hort noted that the aim of this group was

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g to “investigate ghosts and all supernatural apparitions and effects, being willing to believe that such things really exist,” indicated that the Textus Receptus of the New Testament was “villain” and wanted to destroy him. In that very year of 1851, other facts of great importance did also took place: Westcott was ordained minister of the Anglican Church (a somewhat surprising destination for a powerful occultist who defended saintbiblical heresy) and Hort entered another occult society known as “The Apostles.” His son would later write about this episode: “In June, he joined the mysterious Company of the Apostles ... He was primarily responsible for the oath which binds members to a conspiracy of silence.” As we shall see, it was not the end of his career in the occultism but a decisive moment for his subsequent influence. In fact, his rise on the ladder of occult initiation and the possibility that Westcott now had to influence within the largest religious denomination in Britain had an immediate result. In 1852 while delivering, along with Hort, literature from the “Guild ghostly”, Westcott made the following statement regarding the Textus Receptus and the translation of the Bible based on it: “I am very anxious to provide something that can replace them.” The plan to accomplish this desire was already brewing. III. Wescott and Hort attempted to destroy the TR it 22 Impacto evangelistic

and replaced by an amended text of the New Testament text that matched their liberal and occult theology and occult. As the months passed, in 1852, plans designed to put an end to the Textus Receptus were perfected. During 1853, Hort also began to prepare himself to be ordered within the Anglican Church and define, with Westcott, the plan to get rid of the text of the New Testament until then: “During these weeks he visited Mr. Westcott, who had come to Umberslacle to see him when there was a first final agreement on the

As the months passed, in 1852, plans designed to put an end to the Textus Receptus were perfected. During 1853, Hort also began to prepare himself to be ordered within the Anglican Church and define, with Westcott, the plan to get rid of the text of the New Testament used until then.

plan for a joint review of the text of the Greek Testament.” I was not difficult for them to find a publisher, Daniel Macmillan, who was prepared to publish it provided that the text was prepared by Westcott, Hort and Lightfoot (another liberal theologian). Naturally, both Westcott and Hort were aware of the scandal that could be caused if people knew its purpose, and decided to keep it under utmost secrecy. As Hort said, “We came to a definite and positive understanding about our Greek text and its

details. We did not want people talk about it but we will work immediately and hope to finish it in just over a year.” However, things did not happen as quickly as Westcott and Hort had wished. While they multiplied on their mail the references to the heretical doctrines, both characters had to focus on other tasks. Thus in 1857, Hort was devoted to translating the complete works of the Greek philosopher Plato and in 1858 Westcott began his ministry as a preacher in the Anglican Church, a ministry that, according to his own testimony, he disliked. Despite the delay of their project, both conspirators did not doubt that this would succeed even among people whose theology was biblical. The only requirement for this was to act with sufficient cunning and discretion. In 1858, Hort wrote, “Today many Orthodox, but rational, men are unknowingly being modeled by influences that will safely give good fruit in due time, if the process is allowed to pass with confidence; but I fear that a premature crises made many return scared to the purest traditionalism.” Such unfortunate words were not without truth. In 1871, Westcott, Hort and Lightfoot (those responsible for the new edition of the Greek New Testament which had to replace the Textus Receptus) were invited to join the Commit-

HISTORY tee that would review the English version of New Testament. Westcott and Hort could not be more explicit in expressing their joy at this new opportunity, “Westcott ... believes that we must seize this opportunity especially since all three of us are on the list.” The “three” in the list must have felt so satisfied with the success of their plans that in 1872 they went a step further in connection with occultism and founded the Eranus Club, an occult society which personalities like Sidgwick and Balfour joined very soon. In 1881, the primary mission of his life was crowned with success and both the English Revised Version of the New Testament (Revised Version) and the Greek New Testament were published. The latter, as we have seen, was destined to have a huge influence. However, neither Westcott nor Hort enjoyed much of their success. Their lives were extinguished prematurely (Hort) or linked to an increasing confusion mixed with alcohol. Westcott spent his last years devoted to promoting the consumption of pure beer, and he even allowed his portrait to be used in the advertising of a wine maker. Maybe it was not such a strange end for two people who lived in the midst of the influences of liberal theology and occultism, and whose greatest achievement was to impose a text of the New Testament mutilated and adapted to their theology u September 2014

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Wings to serve

Betty Greene, American missionary, developed an extensive work for world evangelization which is masterfully narrated by Janet and Geoff Benge. She was a skilled pilot who used aircrafts to preach the Word of God. Johan Pérez Landeo

he twin-engine Lockheed B-34 bomber stood illuminated in pools of white floodlight on a corner of the tarmac. Betty Greene strolled toward it, her parachute strapped securely to her back and her fur-lined jacket buttoned tight against the crisp fall air. Her heart beat wildly as she approached the airplane. She climbed into the cockpit and pulled the safety bet snug around her. This was Betty’s first flight in a Lockheed B-34, and someone else was going along with her to guarantee that everything went well. Co-founder and first “MAF’s”pilot, a Christian or24 Impacto evangelistic

LITERATURE

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g ganization providing air services to missionaries in places of difficult access, Betty Greene left an indelible mark on the work of spreading the Word. She was born on June 24th , 1920, in Seattle, was educated in a family with deep evangelical convictions and from a very young age she loved the Lord above all things. She drew upon the faith of his parents Gertrude and Albert Green and developed a particular interest in aviation too. Betty helped her father in his office and the youth group of the First Presbyterian Church in Seattle, which she attended every Sunday. The Great Depression was finally over, but it was replaced by something worse: war. In September 1939, Germany invaded Poland and when the German government disregarded the request to withdraw its troops, Britain and France declared war on it. The United States had not officially taken side in the war, but in October 1940, soldiers were recruited into armed forces in the first conscription. Betty Greene, who had read as much as she could about the Christian pilot Charles Lindbergh, the first aviator to cross the Atlantic Ocean, began her career as an aviator in the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) during World War II. During the military conflict, she flew several types of military aircraft hors de combat and carried out experimental work in high altitude flights. Then, due to her great faith, she contributed to founding the CAMF (Christian Airmen’s Missionary Fellowship), later known as “Missionary Aviation Fellowship.” On the night of 30 October 1944, Betty Greene got off the tra26 Impacto evangelistic

Betty Greene's dream of using aircrafts to serve the missionaries is still alive. Certainly the organization she helped found is still alive and thriving. The MAF’s United States currently operates eighty-four ships and forty-seven aircraft bases in nineteen countries.

LITERATURE in in Seattle and hugged his father. This was a wonderful reunion, which she had dreamed since she knew that the Women Airforce Service Pilots of the United States (WASP) would be dismantled. Her older brothers Joe and Al were also there with their wives and a small brood of nephews. Betty was pleased to see her family again, but from the first time she had warned them that is was just a visit. Another mission awaited her. She was going to help found the CAMF (Christian Airmen’s Missionary Fellowship). “Wings to serve”, work of husband and wife Janet and Geoff Benge, is part of the Christians Heroes: Then & Now” series, deftly portrays the biography of Betty Greene and demonstrates how this American missionary combined her passion for the things of Jesus Christ and her inclination for aeronautics. The book, first published in 1999, materialized thanks to the contribution of Dietrich Buss who provided the authors with an autobiographical manuscript entitled “Flights of height.” Buss helped the pilot to prepare her memoirs shortly before she died on 10 April, 1997. Upon landing in Lima on 11 July 1946 after a flight of the airline Pan Am, Betty had one of the most memorable experiences of your life. Cameron Townsend, member of the British and American Bible Society and Lieutenant Larry Montgomery, member of the Air Force of the United States, were waiting for her on the pavement. Cameron Townsend gave a welcome speech, and Lieutenant lit a badge on the lapel of her dress and presented her the key of Grumman Duck. On February 23rd, 1946, Betty Greene embarked on the first flight of the “Missionary Aviation Fellowship” (MAF)

which took off in Los Angeles, California, to Mexico. That day, she flew a Waco biplane with Ethel Lambotte and Lois Schneider, employees of the organization of Bible translation Wycliffe, and headed to a remote area in the Mexican jungle. This was the starting point of a long evangelizing mission that led her to cross the Andes and much of Africa. Greene, who brought the Word of the Almighty to 12 countries, served as MAF’s pilot for 16 years. In late January 1953, Betty gathered her belongings and went back to Los Angeles. In early fall, after working several months in the office, she left for a goodwill tour

Co-founder and first “MAF’s”pilot, a Christian organization providing air services to missionaries in places of difficult access, Betty Greene left an indelible mark on the work of spreading the Word. She was born on 24 June 1920 in Seattle, was educated in a family with deep evangelical convictions and from a very young age she loved the Lord above all things (…)

of the United States. She spoke at mission conferences, churches, universities and proprietary Sunday schools. Many people were interested in knowing the MAF’s work, and before returning to headquarters, Betty recruited several men who would become solid members of the organization in later years. After World War II, she flew more than 4,800 hours with the “MAF” and helped the missionary cause in countries as diverse as Mexico, Peru, Sudan and Indonesia. Her ministry was shocking for missionaries around the world and she became a powerful inspiration for

the Christian community in the United States and the rest of the world. After flying eighteen months in New Guinea, Betty returned to the United States. Once again Christians in the country wanted to hear the experiences of the aviator. She embarked on a lecture tour and traveled across the country telling people about her adventures, the support aircrafts gave to the missionaries in the mission field and the need for more Christians to commit to missions. After the tour, she returned to the MAF headquarters in Fullerton, California, where he served as secretary of the Board of Directors the organization. Honored post mortem in March 2010 by the American Congress due to the heroism she showed in World War II, Betty Greene began working at “MAF’s” headquarters of in 1962 and later on served as counsel for this institution until the Lord called her to meet him. Afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease, she died on April 10th, 1997, at her home after a long life of 77 years completely dedicated to the cause of the Almighty. Betty Greene’s dream of using aircrafts to serve the missionaries is still alive. Certainly the organization she helped found is still alive and thriving. The MAF’s United States currently operates eighty-four ships and forty-seven aircraft bases in nineteen countries. It is the largest private fleet of aircraft in the world. Every four minutes, seven days a week, three hundred sixty five days a year, a plane of the MAF’s United States takes off or lands somewhere in the world. Their ships fly eight and a half million kilometers each year to serve more than five hundred Christian or humanitarian organizations u September 2014

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Joy in Serving Jesus

This praise, published in 1931 by Oswald Jeffrey Smith, expresses the joy you experience when you are at God’s service. It is sung with great enthusiasm by the followers of the Lord.

n his hymn entitled “Joy in Serving Jesus,” one of the most important of his huge musical production, evangelical composer Oswald Jeffrey Smith dives right into the joy any follower of the Almighty may experience when at the service at the Lord’s cause. This praise, published in 1931 and set to music by Christian pianist Bentley DeForest Ackley, was immediately welcomed with enthusiasm by the Creator’s people, and it has appeared in many books of hymns and religious songs around the world since then. Smith and Ackley, res28 Impacto evangelistic

ponsible for the appearance of “Joy in Serving Jesus,” joined their musical talents between 1930 and 1958 for the sole purpose of exalting the glory of God’s power. Throughout all those years, they became productive partners who composed over a hundred beautiful melodies dedicated to the Almighty. On one occasion, Smith was asked about his most famous hymn and he revealed that he created this ode to share “the joy and pleasure in serving Jesus.” It was also a way to express the joy he felt every time he had the privilege of serving the Lord. GREAT PREACHER

Oswald Smith served the Almighty with love and conviction for 80 years. Born on November 8, 1889, in Ontario, Canada, he embraced the Gospel on January 28, 1906 during an evangelistic campaign. Then, after serving as a missionary in 1912,

he graduated from the Toronto Bible College, and in 1915 he completed his studies with success at the McCormick Seminary in Chicago. Smith, faithful servant of Jesus, was never tired of repeating, “The world needs no sermons, needs a message. You can go to a seminary and learn how to preach sermons, but you have to go to God for a message.” Oswald, a versatile figure of Christian music, developed a great evangelical work that led him to preach over 12 000 sermons in 80 countries, to write about 1 200 Christian poems, out of which 100 were set to music when he worked with composer Bentley DeForest Ackley, to publish a magazine called “Popular” for 36 years, and to shepherd a church in Toronto between 1915 and 1959. Smith was a man fully committed to spreading the good news, and he also collected about $ 14 million to

MUSIC JOY IN SERVING JESUS

1 There is joy in serving Jesus, As I journey on my way, Joy that fills the heart with praises, Ev’ry hour and ev’ry day. Chorus There is joy, joy, Joy in serving Jesus, Joy that throbs within my heart; Ev’ry moment, ev’ry hour, As I draw upon His pow’r There is joy, joy, Joy that never shall depart. 2 There is joy in serving Jesus Joy; that triumphs over pain Fills my heart with heaven’s music Till I join the glad refrain 3 There is joy in serving Jesus, As I walk alone with God; ‘Tis the joy of Christ, my Saviour, Who the path of suffering trod.

finance the missionary work worldwide. Influenced by iconic Christians, such as Wesley, Luther, Spurgeon, Moody, and especially Finney and Brainerd, Oswald Smith always used music and the power of the printed word to spread the Scriptures. During his life, he made 21 world tours to promote the missions of evangeliza-

PASSION FOR SOULS

mith was a Christian hymnologist, missionary and writer who really believed in the power of the printed word. He is the author of 35 Christian works, which has become classics of gospel literature over time, and his books have been translated into 128 languages. His masterpiece, “The Passion for Souls,” has had a positive impact on the lives of hundreds of thousands of readers that, thanks to his lucid prose, have become interested in world evangelization and have turned their eyes to Jesus Christ. A spiritual revolution that is still motivating transformations of faith.

tion. Smith –who received honorary degrees in Divinity from Asbury College (1936), Literature from Bob Jones University (1940), Laws from Houghton College (1946), and was a member of the Royal Society of Literature of the United Kingdom (1952) and of the Royal Geographical Society of London – went to be with God on January 25, 1986 at the age of 97 u September 2014

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Justin, the Word defender Evangelical thinker, apologist, tireless sower of the Word and martyr of the faith, Justin has an important place in the history of Christianity. He was an active servant who found the Truth. Robert Alan King

hristian thinker, apologist, tireless sower of the Word and martyr, Justin has a prominent place among Christians of the second century. He was born to heathen parents around 114 in Flavia Neapolis, former Shechem, present day Nablus, Palestine. Roman in origin, he soon started his intellectual itinerary by attending Stoic, Aristotelian, Pythagorean and Platonic schools. However, from an early age he began to show an unquenchable thirst for knowing the Truth, and his quest to find it led him to be compared with the merchant 30 Impacto evangelistic

in the parable of the pearl of great price. He disliked popular beliefs of the dominant religions because he understood that they were just creations of superstitious or interested men that could only satisfy the indifferent spirits. So he sought the Truth in the schools of the philosophers by talking to those who had more sublime ideas than those who fed lost crowds. He looked everywhere for the beacon that could guide him to the desired haven of wisdom. He knocked at the doors of all philosophical schools. However, he always found himself wrapped in the fog of vain speculations without finding in the philosophy the light that his soul craved. He traveled incessantly, looking for the best fruits of human knowledge. He moved to Rome, Athens and Alexandria, always looking for the same thing, wanting to know the Truth and have the un-

HEROES OF FAITH

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g fathomable light on problems that arise before the universe, life, death and eternity. Finally, he thought he had reached the goal of his pilgrimage by embracing the teachings of Plato, through which he came to glimpse the sublimity of a personal God. He was on the threshold, but the door remained closed ignoring his cries. Plato’s God was not the one who could satisfy a man who had hunger and thirst for righteousness. His soul could not be fed with arid syllogisms and vain disputes of words. He had to keep looking for what his soul needed. It was God who led his future servant on the path of human wisdom for him to realize that the supreme blessing did not lie in it. He was very impressed by the powerful testimony that Christians gave in his days and when he saw them die so bravely for their faith, he began to wonder if they would be the possessors of the blessing he sought. It was not possible for him to believe that this sublime martyrology, those fervent prayers facing death and that active and selfless faith propaganda were the work of fans or bad people, as the people thought. ENCOUNTER WITH THE LORD

Some divine force, a power unknown to him, some cause unknown to him, in short, there was deemed to be something that instilled so sweet hopes, that created so much heroism and that gave animation and life to the movement that had failed to stop the merciless swords of the Caesars and the wild beasts of the amphitheater. One day 32 Impacto evangelistic

he was walking thoughtfully by the seashore wearing his philosopher’s gown when he met a venerable old man who impressed him by his imposing appearance and the goodness of his character. Realizing that Justin was one of those who sought the truth, the old man came over to him and tried to strike up conversation. He was a Christian who was looking for the opportunity to fulfill the mandate of the Master to take the gospel to every creature. As soon began to speak, the old man managed to strike the most sensitive chord of Justin’s heart. He told him that philosophy promises what it cannot give. He mentioned

His soul could not be fed with arid syllogisms and vain disputes of words. He had to keep looking for what his soul needed. It was God who led his future servant on the path of human wisdom for him to realize that the supreme blessing did not lie in it.

to him that the Holy Scriptures contain all the counsel of God and told him the convenience of reading them carefully. “Pray God to open your heart to see the light because without God and His son Jesus Christ, no man will reach the truth,” he said. Justin’s heart was shocked to hear those words. It was then that he decided to diligently study the Scriptures of the Old Testament. The prophecies had filled him with admiration. The way they fulfilled, convinced him that the men who wrote them

were inspired by the Lord. He could hear the words of the one who spoke like no other spoke, know the facts of the one who acted like no other acted, and read about the life the one who lived like no other lived. The Scriptures led him to Christ, in whom he found the true philosophy, and from that moment, Justin militated among the despised disciples of who died on a cross. His conversion to Christianity was primarily a personal and total commitment to Christ, with all the demands of faith and all consequences for his daily, individual and community life. So he wrote in his Apology, speaking as a Christian, in the first person: “we who were pleased in licentiousness, are now enamored of chastity; we who resorted to magic, are now entirely devoted to the good God; we who loved money and property above all, now share what we have; we who we hated each other, killed each other and did not admit foreigners in our homes to due to their race and customs, now after the manifestation of Christ, share with them table and roof.” TIRELESS PREACHER

Justin was devoted to preaching the truth, not as someone looking for it, but as someone who possessed it. He never stopped working for many to know the Gospel because he believed that those who knew the Truth and did share it with others would be severely judged by the Almighty. Throughout his career, from his conversion to his martyrdom, he was in harmony with this belief. Day after day he could be seen at the squares, surroun-

HEROES OF FAITH ded by groups of people who eagerly listened to him. He was one of the powerful tools that God used to bring the Gospel to the crowds. As a writer, Justin can be considered as one of the most notable writers of early Christian times. Some of his works have survived. Referring to his writings, the Scottish theologian James Orr says: “Justin Martyr is the greatest apologists of that time, whose works are still preserved. We have two of his Apologies addressed to Antoninus Pius and the Roman Senate (year 150), and the Dialogue with Trypho, a Jew, written later on. Justin’s first Apology is an argumentative piece nobly conceived and admirably presented. The second Apology was motivated by a shameful case of persecution under Urbicus, the prefect. The dialogue with Trypho is the story of a long discussion in Ephesus with a liberal Jewish and faces objections made by Christianity.” Justin’s activity aroused the hatred of the adversaries. A philosopher, who opposed his ideas and wanted to get rid of him, reported that he was a Christian, and along with six brothers, he had to appear before the authorities. There he openly confessed his faith in Christ not fearing the wrath of his opponents and was sentenced to death. A stoic, mocking him, asked him if he thought he would go to heaven after his beheading. Justin replied that he did not suppose that but was sure of it. The beheading of Justin and his companions probably took place in 167 in Rome when Marcus Aurelius was emperor u September 2014

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34 Impacto evangelistic

LIFE STORIES

Story of a guerilla girl

nilce Montoya Romero spent part of her childhood and adolescence among shootings. She did not play with toys, but with death. She eluded persecution and, of course, she also persecuted her enemies. Without noticing, she was a full-time guerrilla girl and, for years, she hided in the Colombian jungle. Her father belonged to the 19th of April Movement (M19), a guerrilla group that was created after allegedly fraudulent presidential elections of 19 April, 1970, which allowed Misael Pastrana Borrero to win over the general Gustavo Rojas Pinilla.

- My father grew up in the midst of violence since he was very young, he was educated in the guerrilla â€“ she says. In 1978, after an ambush of the army, the whole family had to flee their homes, located in the municipality of San Antonio in the department of Tolima, in order to shelter in the jungle. The soldiers persecuted them but they could not reach them. Ever since, she left behind her home, her studies and her future. In the middle of the forest, her parents and the nine siblings had to separate from each other because the guerrilla group never allowed its members with the ability of bearing arms to have family bonds within the same battalion. The golden rules she had to learn were to remain in silence, hide her feelings and to obey blindly. Thus, being only 12 years old she began her pilgrimage

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g in that fierce geography. She was trained for the war like a man. Enilce learned to handle all kinds of weapons; she would assemble and disassemble them in less than five minutes. She participated in many confrontations against the Colombian army, and she was about to be killed in several occasions. While her parents and siblings were scattered in other battalions, she wandered in the forest around the mountains of the department of Caquetá trying to find more followers. It was the time when kidnappings of Colombian wealthy people maintained the guerrillas economically. THE HORROR OF WAR

A few months after her captivity, Enilce Montoya Romero met people from other battalions who had been also recruited by force and began to help each other during the clashes with army troops. They would run protection when helicopters bombarded them, but she fainted in several occasions as she panicked. As soon as she regained consciousness, she would ask her comrades to kill her because she could not take it anymore. Many of her comrades died in the midst of the shootings and others, who could no longer bear this difficult situation, committed suicide. Over time, she began to suffer the trauma of armed struggle. Suddenly she began to laugh for no reason. She would not stop giggling, not even during an ambush against the enemy. Once, one of her comrades almost kills her because of this, but she was stopped on time 36 Impacto evangelistic

and was taught that Enilce’s giggles were due to nervousness. In the early 80’s when she was 14 years old, Enilce was already an experienced girl in repelling the ambush of the enemy army and counter-attacking. Her inner strength helped her to survive in the midst of danger, famine and inclement weather. In the guerrillas, it was forbidden for women to get

pregnant or to stay with their children in the squad. Whenever this happened, pregnant women were forced to abort or abandon their position in the battalion. It happened to one of Enilce’s older sisters, who preferred to abandon her newborn child. For this reason, Enilce Montoya Romero, who was also known as the “comrade Sandra”, kept her virginity, just

LIFE STORIES

They would run protection when helicopters bombarded them, but she fainted in several occasions as she panicked. As soon as she regained consciousness, she would ask her comrades to kill her because she could not take it anymore. (…)

as her mother taught her, even though she was harassed by her comrades in the middle of the jungle. - I had boyfriends in every place we camped, but I always stood firm on my convictions – she says. THE AMNESTY

After the election of the Colombian President Belisario Betancur, in May of 1982, the mem-

bers of the guerrillas could see a new future. The new president promised to start a National Dialogue with the guerrillas. The government’s aim was to seek stability and peace. So it was on November 16th of that year when the Congress of the Republic promulgated the General Amnesty for members of the M-19 and other terrorist organizations who wanted to leave their weapons and

return to civilian life without any criminal retaliation. Moreover, they pardoned hundreds of prisoners. Thanks to the government’s decision, Enilce Montoya Romero had the opportunity to go back to the life she left behind. One night, a major gathered them to tell them that they were free to comply with the amnesty offered by the government.

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g They all raised their hands. In the early 1983, Enilce and many of her comrades became the first rebels to get on the right track. She was one of the first young women to embrace the peace process. She was 16 years old. DRAMA COMES BACK

When the captivity ended, they all were helped by a special commission which gave them benefits such as employment for parents and full scholarships for the young ones, but the misfortunes did not end there. Enilce met a man who was 15 years older than her and who was married. He tried to win her love, but she was in a relationship with a comrade of the M-19 with whom she was planning to get married. However, her father impeded the wedding and gave her to the other man. Two years after living with this man and moving to the municipality of Florencia in the department of Caquetá, a terrorist attack shook the whole nation. On November 6th of 1985, seventy members of the M-19 took by assault the Palace of Justice of Colombia. More than 300 people, including civilians, employees, and judges of the Supreme Court of Justice and of the Council of State were kidnapped. Twenty eight hours after the attack, the military forces subdued the insurgents, leaving dozens of dead and missing people, and part of the Palace of Justice burned down. While the national and international media talked about this dramatic episode of the Colombian history and the failed dialogue between the government and the guerrillas, the life 38 Impacto evangelistic

of Enilce Montoya Romero was also burning. Her cohabitant would please her economically, but, at the same time, he would oppress her because he was insanely jealous. He would feel jealous of anyone and would beat her without any consideration. He would lock her up at home and forbid her to talk to anyone. It was like being captivated in the jungle.

DIVINE OPPORTUNITY

In 1986 her first child was born, so her hopes of having a better life came back, but the difficulties continued until a woman invited her to an evangelical service of the Global Missionary Movement, which was carried out outdoors. She accepted the invitation and on November 15th, 1987, a few months after that, she converted.

LIFE STORIES

Her hard marital problems continued even after the birth of her second child. They broke up and her cohabitant snatched her children away from her. Several years later the justice gave her back her children, and finally her life began to go on just right when she married the pastor Álvaro Romero, in November of 1997. At the beginning of 2000, Enilce and her husband were

sent to the municipality of Lérida, Tolima, to preach the Word of God. Two years later, she encountered again the horrors and the massacre of the armed struggle when her husband was asked to help a needy soul in a small town called Tierra Adentro. Thanks to her experience in the guerrilla, she realized that it was a trap against her husband, so she could warn him on time.

When going back to Lérida, they went to Caquetá and then to the capital of Colombia, where they continued with their evangelical work. After a short stay in Ecuador, they moved to Filandia, department of Quindío. From there, Enilce and her husband do not stop proclaiming that weapons and revolution will never change the world, only the Word of God will do it u September 2014

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Teachings and sermons of the most renowned preachers who expose the truth of the Lord through their life stories consacrated to God. The Bible says: “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life... And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 5:39; 8:32

DEVOTIONAL

avid was a diligent student, a conspicuous observer of creation and also a deep worshiper of the Creator. He says, “When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; what is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?” (Psalm 8:3-4). In a great

exclamation of gratitude and sincere worship he says, O Lord

our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!” (Psalm 8:9).

Our God is truly great! HE IS ABOUNDING IN LOVINGKINDNESS. John 3:16 says, “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.” His love is so

great that he sacrificed his own Son for our salvation. Paul says, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

(Romans 5:8). John says, “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God” (1 John

How great is God! This a great exclamation of David, he says, “O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!” Psalm 8:9. Rev. Luis M. Ortiz

40 Impacto evangelistic

3:1). GOD IS ABOUNDING IN KINDNESS. In Exodus 34:6 God proclaims himself as abounding in kindness, He makes his sun to rise on the evil and on the good (Matthew 5:45). When God proclaimed his goodness to Moses, the Bible tells us, “And Moses made haste, and bowed his head toward the earth, and worshipped” (Exodus

34:8). It is no wonder. There are many fools who blaspheme the name of God to their own destruction. GOD IS ABOUNDING IN MERCY. The Bible says, “Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin”

(Exodus 34:7). Psalm 136, recounting the greatness, mercy, and goodness of God; ends each verse by saying, “For his mercy endureth for ever.” GOD IS ABOUNDING IN GLORY. Psalm 138:5 says, “For great is the glory of the Lord.”

The world has seen great manifestations of the glory of God. Like when the cloud of the glory of God led the people of Israel in the wilderness and then rested on the tabernacle. When the flame of His glory burned in the holy place the prophets saw a little of it. And Isaiah exclaimed,

too hard for thee… the Great, the Mighty God, the Lord of hosts, is his name.”

All theories and speculations of men, regarding the origin of the universe and life are invalid; the truth that God made everything with His great power always remains unshakable, because there is no other explanation than the Almighty God. GOD IS ABOUNDING IN FAITHFULNESS. Lamentations 3:23 says, “Great is thy faithfulness.” Certainly He is abounding in faithfulness. He is faithful to His Word. There shall fall unto the earth nothing of the word of the Lord (2 Kings 10:10). Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away (Matthew 24:35). If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself (2 Timothy 2:13).

“The whole earth is full of his glory”

(Isaiah 6:3). But we have seen the greatest demonstration of the glory of God in the incarnation of the Son he loves, thus John says “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).

Because we have experienced the glory of God in our lives, through our Lord Jesus Christ, we always say, Glory to God! GOD IS ABOUNDING IN POWER. Job 37:23 says, “Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent in power...”

He is the creator of all that exists. Jeremiah 32:1718, says, “Ah Lord God! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing

And it will be then, before that great manifestation of the wrath of God on the Earth, that great whore will also fall forever (Revelation 17), that pseudo-Christian church, that semi pagan religion who has corrupted the crowds, who has committed fornication with the kings of the Earth; who dresses in purple and scarlet, adorned with gold, precious stones and pearls, drunken with the blood of the saints of the Christian, evangelicals, and the followers of Jesus.

When we reject the greatness of his love, kindness, mercy, glory, power and faithfulness, we must face greatness of His wrath. Jeremiah 36:7 states, “For great is the anger and the fury that the Lord hath pronounced.”

HE IS ALGO ABOUNDING

IN JUSTICE. And the Bible

that He will by no means clear the guilty (Exodus 34:7). Those who do not take refuge in the greatness of his love will suffer the rigors of the greatness of His justice and wrath. Revelation 16 tells us about the seven bowls full of the wrath of God, which must be spill over Earth and its inhabitants. And plagues will come, the waters will become blood; the sun will scorch men and they with bite their tongues in pain; there will be thunders, lightning, earthquakes and hail; the cities will disappear, the islands will sink. And it will be then, before that great manifestation of the wrath of God on the Earth, that great whore will also fall forever (Revelation 17), that pseudo-Christian church, that semi pagan religion who has corrupted the crowds, who has committed fornication with the kings of the Earth; who dresses in purple and scarlet, adorned with gold, precious stones and pearls, drunken with the blood of the saints of the Christian, evangelicals, and the followers of Jesus. In the great manifestation of the wrath of God, that corrupt and corrupting Church will fall forever. And when it falls four Hallelujahs shall be heard in heaven. My friend, if you do not want to suffer the eternal rigor of the wrath of God, due to your sin, it is preferable that you accept right now the greatness of the love of God and all He has done for you. Accept Jesus Christ as your great Savior. Amen u September 2014

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Pentecost, the begining of a revival

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

he world is trying to involve the Church and there must be at the heart of every believer a solid knowledge on how it is like 42 Impacto evangelistic

to live a life in Christ. We are living in the last minutes of the day of grace and the Lord’s people need to put many things in order.

The Church of Ephesus was a Church very close to the heart of the apostle Paul. The latter won some disciples from synagogues and later on Apollos continued with the work of this church. However, when Paul returned to this city to visit his brothers, he realized that although they had received the Word, they lacked something else. “Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.” (Acts

19:2, 6). After this event, Ephesus experienced a genuine re-

DEVOTIONAL vival that caused a revolution (Acts 19: 8-20). The city of Ephesus was both commercial and religious, and in it one could find the majestic temple of the goddess Diana, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The Holy Spirit revival, however, broke the spirit of idolatry that had gripped the Ephesians to the extent that traders became annoyed about losing their lucrative businesses concerning the temples of Diana. For this reason, Demetrius, a silversmith, met with other artisans and they made an outrageous disturbance that shook the city for more than two hours (Acts 19: 23-41). Paul had a special responsibility towards that congregation. One of his main concerns was that the Church stood firm on the basis that allowed it to be built. He wanted the columns supporting the spiritual house of God were never undermined, but strengthened. Thus, the Church would remain standing. It is imperative that the Spirit of God move freely in our congregations, because He: 1) Reveals Christ to us; 2) instills a triumphant faith in us; and 3) is a source of faith and hope for the believer. 1. THE HOLY SPIRIT, A SOURCE OF REVELATION The Epistle to the Ephesians repeats several times the expression “heavenly places” (Ephesians 1: 3.20, 2: 6, 3:10). The victory of the Church is not evaluated in the light of the crowds it attracts, the social work it does, the positive influence it can exercise in the corrupt world, or the wisdom which certain ministers boast of with several diplomas, etc. These churches have their eyes

on the ground, and work for it instead of the Kingdom of Heaven. The Letter to the Ephesians also contains two prayers of Paul (Ephesians 1: 16-23, 3: 1421). In both letters he asks God that the Holy Spirit reveal all the heavenly truths to His people. 2. THE HOLY SPIRIT, A SOURCE OF TRIUMPHANT FAITH The attitude of the believer to the Holy Spirit determines what kind of faith within him: decayed faith or triumphant faith. The first one is dangerous because it leads us to spiritual fatalism. The evil practice is the outcome of this decayed or diseased faith (Titus 1: 10-14). The love for the world ill faith and gradually destroys it. When faith is not healthy, we started to hear fables, stories and worldly doctrines that separate us from the true and triumphant faith. The love for money is also a virus that attacks faith and weakens it, if we put our faith in money, we take our eyes way from the God who provide us with it. Decayed faith can lead us to deny the true faith. The person who denies the true faith is an apostate, and is not saved (even though he remains seated in the pews or preaches from the pulpits). “These also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men…” (2 Timothy 3:8-9).

3. THE HOLY SPIRIT, A SOURCE OF POWER AND HOPE

The apostle John addresses the church of Ephesus and encourages it, on behalf of the Lord Jesus Christ, with these words, “I know thy works, and thy

labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works...” (Revelation 2:2-5).

God accused the church of Ephesus of having abandoned its first love, and warned it to repent to avoid elimination. That congregation did not obey the mandate of repentance and therefore disappeared when the city of Ephesus was destroyed. Before ascending, Christ commanded his disciples to preach the Gospel throughout the world, but first they should remain in Jerusalem until they were clothed with power from on high (Acts 1: 4-9). Moreover, the Church cannot exist without three things: the Word, the Spirit and the service. The Holy Spirit reveals Jesus Christ to us as Savior, and convinces us of sin and judgment. Without Him, we would never come to Christ. Having taken this first step of faith, the Holy Spirit builds us up and makes us know the truth and the mysteries of God. Through Him, we live a life of triumphant faith (2 Timothy 4: 7-8). Dear readers, the Holy Spirit goes beyond speaking in tongues and perform miracles. The Third Person of the Trinity wants to form us according to the stature of the fullness of Christ, and place in us the same mind that was in Jesus. Beloved, may our God leads us from victory to victory, from triumph to triumph, and from strength to strength. Amen u September 2014

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rophet Ezekiel contemplated the spiritual decline that occurred in Israel and caused the Glory of God to left the temple (Ezekiel 8-11). But then he could see how the glory of God returned to the temple (Ezekiel 40-48). In chapter 47, he describes the vision of the water coming out of the temple of God. In this chapter we find spiritual lessons for our lives. We see what we are, from the perspective of God, what is our responsibility and privilege as instruments or vessels in the hands of God and we realize that we are the temple of God. For the Word of God states that we are “temples of the Holy Spirit,” we are fountains flowing waters of blessing and grace. Jesus said, “If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water” (John 7:37-38). The Lord said,“He that believeth on me.” He did not

say he who believes in the political, religious or economic institutions nor did He say he who believes in the words of men. He said, “He who be-

Bearer of Blessing Waters

Rev. Rubén Concepción

“Afterward he brought me again unto the door of the house; and, behold, waters issued out from under the threshold of the house eastward. Then brought he me out of the way of the gate northward, and led me about the way without unto the utter gate by the way that looketh eastward; and, behold, there ran out waters on the right side. And when the man that had the line in his hand went forth eastward, he measured a thousand cubits, and he brought me through the waters; the waters were to the ankles. Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through the waters; the waters were to the knees. Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through; the waters were to the loins. Afterward he measured a thousand; and it was a river that I could not pass over: for the waters were risen, waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed over. And he said unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen this? Then he brought me, and caused me to return to the brink of the river. Now when I had returned, behold, at the bank of the river were very many trees on the one side and on the other, whose leaf shall not fade, neither shall the fruit thereof be consumed.” Ezekiel 47:1-12. 44 Impacto evangelistic

DEVOTIONAL lieveth on me.” It is only on Him. This passage, Ezekiel 47: 1, tells us that the waters came out of the sanctuary, which is God’s household. The house of God represents is our life consecrated, dedicated and committed to God. We see that the running water came out from “under the threshold.” The threshold is a step to climb or enter the house and represents a life of humility and simplicity. The bearer of the waters does not depend on himself, but on God. When we humble ourselves before Him and ask Him to teach us and clothe us with His grace, then He begins to pour over our lives and into our hearts his magnificent presence and Holy Power; a wonderful combination emerges because our human and weak side is supplemented with the divine and supernatural. Therefore, we become bearers of blessing waters when we recognize that we are “holy and human.” The water ran “eastward” towards the sunrise. The true believer walks in the light of the Word, he knows and recognizes that God scans everything. Therefore his walk is about faith; his vision is wide and safe. Though he lives in the context of time (past, present, future), he never looks back to crave it like the people of Israel nor he stops in the present to live in regret as Samuel. He does like the apostle “forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling” (Philip-

pians 3: 13-14). The believer full of God goes towards the east, towards the rising of a new day. Everything has a beginning, no one is born made. When we look at this passage, Ezekiel 47, we realize that the prophet was invited to enter the water. It means that before the blessing waters turn us into blessing, we have to enter them, into the waters, to be saturated with the divine. We see that God has a well-designed plan. The first distance (a thousand cubits) represents the beginning of the Holy Spirit in us; it starts with obedience and sensitivity. Here the water reaches our ankles.

Jesus said, “If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water” (John 7:37-38). The Lord said,“He that believeth on me.” He did not say he who believes in the political, religious or economic institutions nor did He say he who believes in the words of men. He said, “He who believeth on me.” It is only on Him.

Fellowship with God leads us to a deeper relationship with Him. When the water reaches our knees, we bow down and allow the Holy Spirit to help us in our weakness. When we prostrate (Ezekiel 47: 4), we can hear His voice, which strengthens us to intercede for people, nations and the Work of God. Then we stopped at the gap and cry out for mercy. We have to enter the water up

to our knees; “humility is not waiting for great scientists or politicians or big eloquent preachers; but it waiting for a man, a people who live on his knees and be an advocate.” We have to enter the water up to our knees. “Again he measured a thousand cubits.” For the third time the messenger invites the Prophet to drop deeper, “up to the loins,” up to his waist. When Christ fills our lives there are changes, we no longer limit ourselves but other limit us. It is when there is no resistance; it is the time when God takes control of our lives, our scale of values changes, we value everything from the perspective of the wealth that is in Christ Jesus. We go from negligible to wonder. The man asked the Prophet, “Son of man, hast thou seen this?” In other words, do you understand what God expects of you? The results of the blessing waters have been and will continue to be wonderful; they produced fruits for feeding, healing for the sick and life for everything that was dead. All this came as a result of the Glory of God who had entered the sanctuary. We are the temple of the Holy Spirit when we allow the presence of God to fill our lives and let the source to flow within us. Dare to enter the blessing waters, immerse yourself completely, until you become a real source emanating waters of eternal life. Then you will be ready to quench your thirst of those around you. You just have to try. Try it and you will become a bearer of blessing waters u September 2014

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

Pastor of tamales

Imagination, sacrifice, creative entrepreneurship and true culinary talent have enabled the growth of the church of Alajuela in Costa Rica.

young Christian approached him smiling and unexpectedly asked him, “Are you the pastor of tamales?” Freddy Araya Sandoval smiled a little confused: “Yes, I am,” he replied still not believing that his reputation had reached Spain from Alajuela, a province of Costa Rica where he is a pastor of the Worldwide Missionary Movement (WMM). They were in the main hall of the Auditorium Hotel in Madrid, where the First European Congress of the WMM took place on August 3-7, 2011. The Costa Rican preacher did not know the boy, but he seemed to know all about his cooking talent and effort to promote the Work. 46 Impacto evangelistic

Pastor Freddy Araya shows a tamale. Every Friday, early in the morning, he begins preparing his dish based on a recipe that he still prefers to keep a secret.

“Several people have told me about the delicious tamales you make to finance the Work in Alajuela,” said the young stranger to explain himself. And all became clear. Pastor Freddy Araya has worked for the church of Alajuela for 20 years and, when he arrived, there was only a small temple that soon became insufficient. For this reason, he decided to open a bakery that enabled him to acquire an area of 4 600 square meters where the temple is now located. The work was not easy. He required the effort of dozens of brothers who worked months on making and selling bread to pay for the area and the design of the plans. As competition intensified due to the emergence of other bakeries in the area, the creativity and culinary skills of pastor Araya became evident. He invented a very personal recipe for making tamales – a mixture based on a corn

dough filled with meat of different kinds that is cooked wrapped in leaves of the corn plant itself. One day in 2009, the first batch was offered in the neighborhood where the temple is located. 200 tamales were sold house to house. Thus, the activity began and allowed for the construction of a beautiful temple of over 1000 square meters that can easily accommodate 300 people. It also contributed to the construction of a kitchen, a dining room, a deep water well, and other rooms. Every Friday, between six

REPORT

Brothers in full preparation of tamales. Pastor Araya supervises the work every week.

Temple in Alajuela, Costa Rica, built entirely with funds from the sale of tamales.

and ten volunteers come to the kitchen of the church to help pastor Araya make 4000 tamales that are delivered to 20 restaurants, regular clients from the area. In December, demand grows in such a way that more than 30 000 tamales are made to be traditionally eaten at Christmas. Obviously, all proceeds go to the Work. As the church in Alajuela grows, Freddy Araya’s fame does too. He is known as “the Pastor of Tamales” by pastors from many other countries that have tasted his delicious dish u September 2014

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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).

EVENTS

“A society without God cannot silence us” The 25th National Convention of the WMM in the United States was carried out with the objective of finding out more about the growth of the work on American land through the work plan “USA Vision.”

he conviction has always been the engine of faith. Nothing influences the Christian religion more than faith. No value and no feature is stronger than the belief in the Word of God. “Faith is everything to the follower of Jesus Christ”, proclaimed Rev. Gustavo Martínez Garavito, International President of the Worldwide Missionary Movement, during the 25th National Convention of the work of the Almighty in the United States, which was held from 48 Impacto evangelistic

July 8 to 11 in the state of Alabama. Rev. Martinez, who gave the message of the Word at the opening night of the event, said in part of his speech that “a society without God or law cannot stop our faith and silence us.” He said bluntly, “faith is the substance about what to expect. Nothing can make us change the doctrine. If God is with you no one will face up to you. There is only one God. Only one deserves our worship.”

Rev. Martinez preached on the theme “A man of conviction remains firm” based on Daniel 1: 8-15, and proclaimed, “We will not change our doctrine, the way we dress, the way we live godly, the way we behave. We have to maintain that lifestyle. We must stand firm and

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g faithful in our convictions that are based on the Word of the Lord.” WORK OF GOD EXPANDS IN USA

During the Convention’s break, Rev. Arturo Hernández, National Supervisor of the Work of God in the United States, informed about the growth of the WMM on American land and shared his satisfaction with the large crowd that attended the Sheraton Hotel in Birmingham city. 50 Impacto evangelistic

EVENTS In this regard, pastor Hernández announced that as part of the work plan “USA Vision”, the WMM has entered Utah and Iowa states. “Christ is making the spread of His Word possible throughout North America,” he added. Under the theme “Together we’ll do it”, the National Convention in the United States filled up with the message of Christ from beginning to end. On July 9th, in the second day of the spiritual celebration, the international Official of the work, Rev. Humberto Henao, made a speech entitled “The steps required to obey God.” On the next day, the Youth Service was performed during the morning and this time Sister Carmen Martinez shared the message of the Word of God under the theme “Losing our savour is losing our influence” (Matthew 5:13). Later in the evening, Rev. Henao made a speech called “Facing a war without the necessary weapons” (1 Samuel 13: 1622). Finally, on July 11th, the Missionary Worship was performed and Rev. Rodolfo Gonzalez Cruz, International Official of the Worldwide Missionary Movement, was responsible for communicating the Word of Jesus Christ. The promotion of workers was also performed. 24 brothers were promoted to Lay Preachers, 8 workers to Licensed Preachers, and 4 Licensed Preachers to Ordained Ministers u September 2014

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The miracle of rain Colombian Caribbean region had been hit by a strong drought as a consequence of “El Niño,” but something happened in the fellowship of the Worldwide Missionary Movement and water began to fall.

eather reports in the Colombian Caribbean region had forecasted a long drought that was already decreasing the level 52 Impacto evangelistic

of rivers and lakes, threatening villages and harvests in the preamble of the “El Niño” phenomenon, which was expected in the coming months. However, so-

mething unexpected quenched the thirst in these lands. During the District Church Fellowship of the Worldwide Missionary Movement in the

Caribbean Region, Rev. Samuel Mejía and other pastors raised a great outcry. Everybody prayed holding hands, and that very afternoon rain was forecasted in different parts of the Caribbean coast. Next day, new reports were announced in other places. That was the great news of the fellowship held from July 29 to July 31 under the theme “The Glory of God in the Holiness” and attended by over three thousand people in each service. Zones 7, 19, 26, 44, 45,

EVENTS

46, 62 and 73 of the Work and their presbyters gathered to glorify God in the Mario León stadium of Cereté, in the city of Montería. The Word of God was shared by Rev. Gustavo Martínez, International President of the WMM, Sister Carmen de Martínez, and Rev. Samuel Mejía, National Supervisor of the Work in Colombia. On the first night, Rev. Mejía preached about “Jesus Christ in chapter 1 of Revelation”, highlighting the subject of the last times and the Grace of God. During the second wor-

ship (in the morning), Sister Carmen de Martínez brought a powerful teaching: “Losing our flavor means losing our influence.” She claimed that as salt

of the Earth, the Church must keep its flavor to bring change to the world. At night, Rev. Martínez preached: “An opportunity from God can change our

spiritual future.” Last day, Pastor Mejía talked about the theme “Restoring the door of Jerusalem”, based on Nehemiah and the people of his time. The event was finished with the second part of Rev. Martínez’s message, which was interrupted the night before because the people flowed into the altar and God’s presence became clear. During the sermon, he highlighted how David answered to something little by doing a simple mandate. “That little door opened a bigger one for him,” he said u September 2014

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The Work grows in Mexico The great Work of the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Mexico celebrated its XII National Convention with sermons that brought the light of the Gospel.

“

o get married you need to seek God’s will. Those who don’t will fail,” said Rev. Rodolfo 54 Impacto evangelistic

González Cruz, Treasurer of the Board of International Officers and President of the Work of the WMM in Peru, in

his sermon at the XII National Convention of the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Mexico. Rev. González shared

the Word of God under the theme “The judgments of God,” based on Genesis 6:1-3, and when he addressed the young attendees, he talked about the responsibilities of marriage. “Marriage begins with lots of illusions. Bride and groom make their vows with good intentions when they get married; however, it is necessary to seek God’s blessing,” he said. From the first service, held from Thursday

EVENTS July 24 to Sunday July 27 in the city of San Rafael, state of Guanajuato, hundreds of congregations from all over the country gathered in this spiritual celebration. The event was inaugurated by Rev. Alejandro Roblero, National Supervisor, and some members of the Board of International Officers. Rev. Humberto Henao was the first to bring the Word of God. Friday morning and evening, Rev. Álvaro Garavito, Supervisor in Central American, and Rev. Rodolfo González, International Treasurer, shared deep messages that filled with hope the attendees and the thousands of people who listened the radio broadcast. Sunday, the last day of the event, a missionary worship was held, and 9 brothers were promoted to Lay Preachers, 3 to Licensed Preachers, and 2 to Ordained Ministers. With this last promotion of workers, the Work of the Worldwide Missionary Movement confirms its commitment of taking the light of the Gospel to every corner of Mexico. During the missionary service, a dramatization was carried out to show the development of the Lord’s Work in countries such as Puerto Rico, Peru, Panama, among others. This representation showed as well the spiritual need and the moral crisis lived by the Aztec country u September 2014

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The value of God’s advice The Worldwide Missionary Movement held its VI National Convention in the city of San Salvador. The event gathered delegations from Guatemala, Honduras and Panama, and helped to ratify the growth of the Work of God in Central America.

ible in hand, Rev. Álvaro Enrique Garavito, International Officer of the Worldwide 56 Impacto evangelistic

Missionary Movement and National Supervisor in Guatemala, closed the National Convention of

the WMM in El Salvador with a moving message entitled “The value of the advice,” in which he sta-

ted that Christians have to hold onto the “advice of the Word of God” if they want to have a safe and successful spiritual life. The Salvadoran Christian community had a spiritual celebration held from August 3 to August 6 under the theme “By my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.” Pastor Henry Jordan, presbyter of Zone 18 in El Salvador, inaugurated the event by presenting to the attendees the theme “It is not what you want, but what God

EVENTS

has established,” based on Judges 17: 6. On the second day, the Word of the Almighty was shared by Rev. Garavito and pastor Rev. Alejandro Barrios, presbyter of Zone 14, who shared the good news with a people hungry for the Lord’s light. Rev. Garavito analyzed Deuteronomy 8: 11-14 and preached the theme “Causes that separate man from God.” Presbyter Barrios, in turn, shared the message “Keeping safe what

God gave me.” Then, on the third day, Pastor Elver Arnoldo Ramírez shared the Word with a speech entitled “Determined from the heart to glorify God,” based on Numbers 14: 21-24. During the message, God encouraged His people to be brave and not coward. Afterwards, Pastor Byron Guerra shared the message of the Almighty with a speech called “How is your thermostat?” By the end of the event, Rev. Edwin Rafael Parada Herrera, National Supervisor of the Work of God in El Salvador, excited by the success of this activity, said that the Almighty has poured his blessings on the large Salvadoran flock that grows every day. Likewise, before the closure of the VI National Convention of the WMM, 6 new brothers were promoted to Lay Preachers u September 2014

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75 new churches in Bolivia The Worldwide Missionary Movement held its XV National Convention for four days and announced great news about the growth of the Work.

“I

n the last two years we decided to found 50 new churches in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Work, but God went beyond and we esta58 Impacto evangelistic

blished 75 new congregations around the country,” said Rev. Ciro Soto during the celebration of the XV National Convention of the Worldwide Missionary

Movement held in the department of Santa Cruz, Bolivia. Another accomplishment of the Work was the acquisition of 16 media

EVENTS

additional to the 24 stations that the WMM in Bolivia already had to spread the Word of God. This convention held from July 3 to July 6 in the city of Santa Cruz de la Sierra, department of Santa Cruz, gathered once again churches from the entire Bolivian nation. The four-day event was full of the presence of the Lord, felt through the praise and the messages shared by Rev. José Soto (Vice President), Rev. Rubén Concepción (Secretary), Rev. Gerardo Martínez (Supervisor in Chile and South America) and some guest missionaries.

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g Among the main activities of the XV National Convention were the Sunday missionary service and the parade with all the congregations of the country. Furthermore, around 50 brothers were promoted to lay preachers, licensed preachers and ordained ministers. It was a victory for the Andean nation. The last day of the event, 60 Impacto evangelistic

Rev. Gerardo Martínez preached the Word of God and touched the attendees by encouraging them to continue wining over more souls for Christ. By the end of the activity, the International Officers took some time to inaugurate the new Central Temple, built by the WMM in that city. The building will have a maximum capacity of 600 people u

EVENTS

National Worker Retreat in Chilibre

The theme of the activity was “Reaffirming the Doctrinal Principles,” and gathered servants of God from all the provinces of the country involved in this Work.

he glorious National Retreat of Pastors, Workers and Collaborators took place from June 3 to June 7 in the Worldwide Missionary Movement’s Camp in Chilibre. “Reaffirming the Doctrinal Principles” was the theme of this activity that gathered servants from all the provinces of the country. They attended the event to receive a special blessing from heaven. It was attended by Rev. José A. Soto, International Vice President of the Work, Rev. Alcides Ramea, National Supervisor, and all the members of the National Board of Officers and Presbyters of the Work of the WMM in Panama. They were days of glory, fasting, praying, and spiritual strengthening, where God talked in a special way through His saint and holy Word u September 2014

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Fellowship in Zone 4 of Puerto Rico The Worldwide Missionary Movement in Puerto Rico held a new fellowship service last August 9.

he fellowship was held by the churches of Zone 4, led by Rev. Dan E. Moyeno, pastor of the Church in the town of Toa Alta and presbyter of this zone. Early in the morning, a group of women and brothers from different churches gathered in the Centro Evangelís62 Impacto evangelistic

tico Metropolitano Church, in the city of Trujillo Alto, to begin the day in prayer and praise in the presence of God. The first part of the devotional was led by the women of the Work in Puerto Rico, who created a beautiful atmosphere of praise to God with the help of the participants. Rev. Luis Rosado preached the Word of God and gave a message entitled “Communication,” based on Psalm 19:1-6. It was a message that encouraged the people to seek God, as His Word says, and avoid those things that cut off communication with God u

EVENTS

Baptism in Water in Rosario After receiving biblical instructions and being taken into the waters, new brothers became members of the Church of Jesus Christ.

he Church of the Worldwide Missionary Movement in the city of Rosario, province of Santa Fe, Argentina, held on Saturday August 2 the baptism in Water of seven new brothers. Early in the morning, a worship and then the sacrament of Baptism in Water were held. Rev. Ismael E. Parrado, pastor and National Supervisor, led the activity. The Church of the WMM in Rosario is located at calle Gorriti 6235, in the Ludueña quarter. Rosario is the third

most populated and one of the most difficult and dangerous cities of the country, as crime and drug bunkers are all over the place. The Church is located there and the Lord is giving beautiful testimonies through outdoor and street evangelization activities. The results of that hard work is visible. ANNIVERSARY

The Second Anniversary of the Church of the Worldwide Missionary Movement was also celebrated in the

city of Villa Ojo De Agua, in the province of Santiago Del Estero. Pastor Walter Orozco was invited to this activity. They were two days of great blessing, where the attendees received the blessing of God in their lives. We could see the beautiful growth of the Work in this place. Likewise, the First Anniversary of the WMM’s “Radio Redentor” radio station was held, and the worships on July 19 and July 20 were live broadcast. The church is located at calle Amancio Alcorta 500 (north district), where brothers and pastors Frank Hermitaño and his wife Liz work very hard. Although the lack of drinking water in this locality is evident and life is very expensive, the Gospel is always announced u September 2014

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OTHER EVENTS

Other Events SWITZERLAND

CHILE

SPAIN

ITALY

VI WOMEN FELLOWSHIP

REGIONAL YOUTH FASTING

RENEWAL OF MARRIAGE VOWS

GENOA: WATER BAPTISM

The Work of the WMM held the VI Women Fellowship from May 23 to May 25 at the facilities of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in Geneva, Switzerland. Brothers from different parts of Switzerland and Italy came together for this event. It was attended by pastors from this part of Europe, such as Moisés Blanquillo, from Torino, Italy; Jimmy Ramírez, from Geneva, Switzerland; César González and Rafaela de González, from Languental and Bern, Switzerland; Elvis Chávez and Norma de Chávez, from Zurich, Switzerland; Elizabeth Vanegas, from Ticino, Switzerland; Ruth Sueiro, from Olten and Wintertur, Switzerland; and white fields from Lausanne and Buchs, Switzerland. The Work in Salzburg, Austria, did not miss a single worship thanks to the Internet. The fellowship ended on Sunday May 25.

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The activity was held in the church of Cerrillos, Santiago, located at Real Audiencia 1656 and attended by 60 young people. In the morning, the fasting aimed to encourage young people to seek the holiness and the fullness of the Holy Spirit, so that the Lord pours fresh oil on the youth. The theme was “I will be anointed with fresh oil.” In the afternoon, an evangelistic march was carried out with the support of the young people and brothers, who announced the good news by delivering preaching information. They reminded the people that Christ is coming soon. In the evening, the event ended with a beautiful worship and a powerful message entitled “The enemy wants to kill you for you not to inherit,” based on 2 Samuel 9: 1-13.

On June 14 of this year, a special activity of Renewals of Marriage Vows took place in the Central Church in the city of Barcelona, in Spain. It was a very emotional event and was full of the glory of God. In the morning, the National Supervisor of the Work of WMM in Spain, Rev. Carlos Medina, pastor of the Church of Barcelona, presented the conference entitled "God defends marriages". At night, the ceremony of Renewals of Marriage Vows was held with all those couples who were restored by the power of God and who formalized his engagement under the civil laws of the city

As part of the V National Convention of the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Italy, over 70 brothers were taken into the waters of baptism. The brothers were completely transformed. In this way, the command stated in Matthew 28:19-10 was fulfilled: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

MISCELLANEOUS

Evolution’s “vestigial organ” argument debunked Research has shown the supposed vestigial organs or structures of the human body are not “vestigial” at all, but rather are quite useful and purposeful body structures.

ow many have been taught in school about our body’s supposed “vestigial organs”? The standard definition of a vestigial organ is a body part that was once useful in a species’ ancestral past but has now become virtually useless. Evolutionists have used the vestigial-organ argument for decades to show the supposed evolution of animal and human bodies. They claimed that vestigial or diminishingly useful organs, which Charles Darwin called rudimentary, proved that bodies had evolved from more primitive forms. However, research has

shown the supposed vestigial organs or structures of the human body—such as the appendix, the tonsils and the tailbone—are not “vestigial” at all, but rather are quite useful and purposeful body structures. The appendix, probably the prime example of a supposed vestigial organ, is now known to have an important immunological function, especially in the first years of life. “The appendix, like the once ‘vestigial’ tonsils and adenoids, is a lymphoid organ (part of the body’s immune system) which makes antibodies against infections in the digestive system. Believing it to be a useless evolutionary ‘left over,’ many surgeons once removed even the healthy appendix whenever they were in the abdominal cavity. Today, removal of a healthy appendix under most circumstances would be considered medical malpractice” (David Menton, Ph.D., “The Human Tail, and Other Tales of Evolution,” St. Louis MetroVoice , January 1994, Vol. 4, No. 1). The tonsils, long thought to be useless, are now known to have a useful function in the immune system. They act as a defense mechanism against infection of the upper respiratory tract and perform an important service to the digestive system by filtering out alien materials that may enter the body through the mouth or the nose. “Doctors once thought tonsils were simply useless evolutionary leftovers and took them out thinking that it could do no harm. Today

there is considerable evidence that there are more troubles in the upper respiratory tract after tonsil removal than before, and doctors generally agree that simple enlargement of tonsils is hardly an indication for surgery” (J.D. Ratcliff, Your Body and How it Works, 1975, p. 137). The tailbone, properly known as the coccyx, is another supposed example of a vestigial structure that has been found to have a valuable function—especially regarding the ability to sit comfortably. Many people who have had this bone removed have great difficulty sitting. Moreover, various muscles attached to the tailbone are important for helping bowel and childbirth movements, for supporting internal organs and keeping the entrance of the alimentary canal closed. It also has an important function as a point of insertion for several muscles and ligaments, including the gluteus maximus, which is the large muscle that runs down the back of the thigh and allows us to walk upright. The list of what were once considered vestigial organs in our body has gone from 100 in the early 20th century to virtually zero in 2006, thanks to more research and discoveries in the fields of human anatomy and physiology. What were once considered virtually useless organs have now proven to be quite useful, yet many school and college textbooks on evolution still continue to use them as evidence of evolutionary theory u September 2014

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cartas@impactoevangelistico.net RAFAEL TRUJILLO God bless you all. I wanted to do so many things in my life and I have always failed because I didn’t put God first. I'm confined to a maximum security prison, level 5 in Connecticut. I have been struggling this long with what -I realize now- is inevitable. Desire is bigger than the resistance, now these are joy tears. Now I can sleep because I accepted that Jesus died on the cross for me; I realized that the prayers of my sainted mother do reach the sky. I have no anger or desire for revenge, and I can smile and I said goodbye to the world of gangs. I am sorry and I regret all the pain I have caused to many people. I was wrong, cold and sometimes cruel. My God put peace in my life and I owe everything only to Him. One day I was told to go out for recreation and as I am not allowed anyone's company, I refused to leave and my neighbor from cell on my right side put a magazine under his door. I asked the officer if I could get it and then I saw the word IMPACT in large letters. I read it from beginning to end and as the title says, I was shocked; stories and news of the Christian world in other countries are unforgettable. I am fighting hard for my salvation and I thank God for reaching me through you and I recognize that I am just another tool to save other lives. I can

IRMA LUGO God bless you! I want to congratulate Evangelistic Impact Magazine because it has been a blessing to my life and I know it must be for everyone who reads it. Everything is very well made and I ask God to keep this beautiful vision, within the framework of holiness. From Yabucoa, Puerto Rico. communicate with other cells around me through the vents. After I read the magazine I called the gentleman on the second floor above my cell, and we talk about what I read. To my amazement he used to serve God, I did not know that. We pray, sing and Hispanics who listened to us asked us to sing choruses. Finally, we rejoice. Blessings to all who through Impact Evangelistic Magazine carry the message of life. God bless you very much. From Connecticut, United States of America.

LENNY SANCHEZ I thank God for you; you are blameless servants and workers of the Lord Jesus Christ, who tirelessly carry the seed of the Gospel of peace to a lost world. Even in prisons, through this magazine, God does wonders in our souls. It’s an unspeakable joy to wait for this precious magazine to be in our hands. I pray for you, this is my duty and obligation for you and with you; I feel this necessity is laid on me. May the peace of God be with you. From Osborn Correctional Institution, Sommers, Connecticut, United States.

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Founder Director: Rev. Luis M. Ortiz Editorial board: Rev. Luis Meza Bocanegra, Jacqueline Rovira, Samuel Martínez, Rev. Andrés Espejo Editorial coordinator: Rev. Julián Morón General editor: Víctor Tipe Sánchez Editor: Jaime Tipe Sánchez Graphic editor: Roberto Guerrero Graphic design: Adolfo Zubietta Writers: Johan Pérez Landeo, Marlo Pérez. Designers: Lesly Sánchez, Jorge Cisneros. Web master and Infographics: Julio de la Cruz. Illustration: Pablo Vilca. Transcription: Fanny Vidal, Ana Rodriguez. Community manager: Juan Becerra, Denisse Barrientos. Distribution: Javier Arotinco.

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