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October 2014 / Edition 729 / www.impactoevangelistico.net

The magazine that edifies your life

evangelistic OFFICIAL PUBLICATION

WORLDWIDE MISSIONARY MOVEMENT

Testimony

Saving Major Marco Literature Literatura

Cam and the Dream of Babel

Are these the first signs of the apocalypse?

The Ebola

PLAGUE

October 2014

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

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EDITORIAL

Fixing the altar Rev. Gustavo Martínez International President of the WMM

“Then said Elijah unto the people, I, even I only, remain a prophet of the Lord; but Baal's prophets are four hundred and fifty men. Let them therefore give us two bullocks; and let them choose one bullock for themselves, and cut it in pieces, and lay it on wood, and put no fire under: and I will dress the other bullock, and lay it on wood, and put no fire under…and the God that answereth by fire, let him be God. And all the people answered and said, It is well spoken” 1 Kings 18:22-24.

lijah had told the people that “the God

me. And all the people came near unto him. And he re-

that answereth by fire, let him be God. And

paired the altar of the Lord that was broken down…And

all the people answered and said, It is well

it came to pass at the time of the offering of the eve-

spoken” (1 Kings 18:24). So prophet Elijah is calling

ning sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near, and

the people to repentance, to personal and national

said, Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, let it be

restoration. It is an invitation for those who have

known this day that thou art God in Israel...Then the fire

met God: he is calling them to communion, to turn

of the Lord fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice... And

to saintliness, to live a consecrated life, to depend

when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and

again on God.

they said, The Lord, he is the God; the Lord, he is the

The apostle Paul said to the church of Galatians:

God!” (1 Kings 18:30-39).

“Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not

How is your spiritual altar? Your life is not the

obey the truth? This persuasion cometh not of him that

same, there is no praise, there is no life, there is no

calleth you. A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump”

unction, there is no Word, there is no willingness to

(Galatians 5:7-9). For a moment, remember the first

go forward? If being humble is not simple anymore

days in the Lord, when serving God was not a bur-

and you have lost the essence, the life, the true purpo-

den, but a joy, when being in communion was a de-

se, then it’s time to turn to God and recover the time

light, when being in the house of God was a power-

of devotion, consecration, service, and spiritual de-

ful blessing.

light. This means that the altar is ruined. So, let us fix

“And Elijah said unto all the people, Come near unto

the altar, let us go back to the ancient path. Amen

October 2014

WORLDWIDE MISSIONARY MOVEMENT www.impactoevangelistico.net America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia

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Founder Director: Rev. Luis M. Ortiz October 2014 / Edition N° 729 (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 Rev. Luis Meza Director

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• 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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The international emergency has been declared. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared that the Ebola outbreak in West Africa is uncontrollable and requires global support to be stopped. Is it the announced biblical prophecy?

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COVER

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Magazine Impacto Evangelistic

16 17 19

“His eye is on the sparrow” is a hymn written by Civilla Durfee Martin whose origin relies on a devoted married couple, the Doolittle, who lived a happy life in the love of the Almighty in spite of the endless difficulties that tormented them.

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Those who watch pornographic videos or movies several hours a week show a reduction in gray matter and altered neuronal plasticity.

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35 36 37 38 39

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He belonged almost by chance to the Sandinistas guerrillas in Nicaragua and he reached a high position with much power. During a night of alcohol and drugs, he murdered a comrade. It was not the only tragic episode in the hazardous life of this man who changed his life when he met God.

44 45 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63

Events in: Spain, Italy, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuator.

Irenaeus of Smyrna, like many other men of faith, did not merely defend the truth of the Gospel with a quill but he ended up paying with his blood the price of being a Christian.

Cartas

64 65

“For this they willingly are ignorant that in ancient time... the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished. But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men… ” 2 Peter 3:5-7, 10-12.

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

The threatening Ebola

OUTBREAK The international emergency has been declared. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared that the Ebola outbreak in West Africa is uncontrollable and requires global support to be stopped. Is it the announced biblical prophecy?

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COVER

October 2014

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

early three thousand people in West Africa have died and experts warn that the Ebola virus may become an unprecedented epidemic in the history of Africa and the world. The number of those affected could exceed a million people only by January next year, if efforts to contain the disease in West Africa are not increased, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Health authorities explained that between 550 thousand and one million 400 thousand people could get infected in the countries most affected if additional measures are not taken. Projections are based on a report produced in late August, before the US government approved sending three thousand soldiers to West Africa, where at least 2 803 people had died from Ebola until the last week of September this year. “Delay is extremely costly in terms of lives. The importance of implementing effective programs rapidly cannot be overemphasized”, said Thomas Frieden, director of the CDC. For her part, Dr. Margaret Chana, the WHO Chief, says that the countries affected to date simply do not have the capacity to manage an outbreak of this size and complexity on their own. Dr. Heinz Feldmann, Chief of Virology at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said that the situation is very critical and different from what we have seen before. “There are so many locations with transmission popping up and we just need more people on the ground,” he said. 8 Impacto evangelistic

COVER HOW DID EBOLA APPEAR?

Health authorities explained that between 550 thousand and one million 400 thousand people could get infected in the countries most affected if additional measures are not taken.

In August 1967, a group of monkeys of the species Cercopithecus aethiops (the “green monkey” in English literature) reached Europe via Uganda and was destined to laboratories in Germany and Yugoslavia. A few days later, a strange disease began to appear among the staff responsible for removing the animal waste, mainly in two German laboratories and some cases in the former Yugoslavia. Thirty people were affected within two months, seven of whom died (23% lethality). The first symptoms of the disease were fever, headache, myalgia and malaise, followed by conjunctival injection, photophobia and a generalized rash. Other common findings were bradycardia, diarrhea, and mild jaundice. At least in five secondary cases, the disease was acquired through contact with infected patients who had been infected, in turn, by contamination with blood or tissues of monkeys: two doctors, a nurse, a medical student and an autopsy assistant. As a result, the German laboratories responsible for investigating the etiology of this outbreak were very careful in handling the samples, to the point that they decided to send them abroad to a laboratory specialized in difficult tasks. There is in Porton, England, a laboratory with expertise in working with hazardous samples, for which it has excellent security conditions. There, a team carries out a research that would lead to the isolation of the etiologic agent. Whole blood samples of patients in di-

October 2014

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

g fferent various stages of the disease, serum of other four cases in acute phase and some organs (liver, spleen, kidney, brain and ganglions) obtained at the autopsy of one of the affected people were sent Porton. All this material was worked on in specially designed safety cubicles, except for some processes, where the staff had to wear protective suits and “biological respirators.” Animal experiments were also made in special rooms, from which the air was extracted through individual filters. Eighteen guinea pigs were inoculated and put down at di-

The number of those affected could exceed a million people only by January next year, if efforts to contain the disease in West Africa are not increased, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

fferent stages of their disease. Renal hemorrhage, pulmonary consolidations with or without pleural effusion and some liver abnormalities were found in their autopsies. The preliminary report on November 25, 1967 says that “it is not yet possible to reach a definitive conclusion.” It would take three years of work to establish the virological identity of this agent. At the time, they made the mistake of calling it Marburg virus, in honor of the city most affected by this laboratory accident, instead of Uganda virus, after its place of origin. Marburg virus would reap10 Impacto evangelistic

There are five different species of Ebola. All of them are named after a river nearby the epicenter of the first outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

COVER THE PLAGUE OF ATHENS

etween 430 and 426 BC, a huge epidemic killed a third of the Athenian population, including Pericles, thus ending the Golden Age of Pericles. For a long time, scientists have discussed the cause of the pandemic, which has given rise to many hypotheses. The deadly plague that killed 50 000 Athenians 2 425 years ago plastered the city with graves and led the citizens to throw the dead in mass graves and forget their rites. Ten years ago, there was in Athens, - at the intersection of Piraeus Street and the Sacred Way -, the finding of a pit that proved that the plague was real, but it was still left to determine what terrible disease had caused it. During the excavation of a subway station in Keramikos, over a thousand graves were discovered just outside the cemetery. Out of the total number, 80% of them dated from the 5th century BC, the date in which the epidemic occurred. The surprising thing was the finding of a mass grave that had a strangely high number of 89 corpses untidily buried in it. And if the mass grave was a clear proof that the plague that struck Athens during the second year of the Peloponnesian War was a historical fact, science has sought ever since the cause of the disease: smallpox, measles, yellow fever, typhus, bubonic plague, typhoid fever, a combination of them maybe? Analysis have allowed researchers to conclude that the individuals died of typhoid fever, as they found in the teeth examined remnants of the bacteria that causes the disease u

pear eight years later, in 1975, when a traveler was hospitalized in South Africa upon returning from a long trip through Rhodesia. The traveler died, but his companion and a nurse, also infected, survived. A year later, two similar and simultaneous cases in two African regions occurred. The first one in northern Zaire, where 318 people were affected, 280 of whom died â€“ a terrible fatality of 90% never seen before. There are five different species of Ebola. All of them are named after a river nearby the epicenter of the first

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g outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. According to the place and year of their discovery, they are known as Sudan and Zaire (1976), Reston (1989), Ivory Coast (1994) and Bundibugyo (2007). WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS

“And there shall be famines (PESTS AND DISEASES), and 12 Impacto evangelistic

There is in Porton, England, a laboratory with expertise in working with hazardous sam ples, for which it has excellent security conditions.

COVER

pestilences, and earthquakes, in diverse places. But all these are the beginning of sorrows... But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.â€? Matthew 24. Is God talking through these signs about current times? u October 2014

Deathly Ebola virus WORLDWIDE MISSIONARY MOVEMENT America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia

“And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows” Matthew 24: 4-8.

Day 10 EVOLUTION OF THE Days 7-9 Headache DISEASE A protein of Ebola virus disables the natural defense system of cells, which paves the way for infection of the deadly disease, as reported by a team of scientists in the journal Cell Host & Microbe.

Fatigue Fever

Vomiting blood

Muscle painr

Passive behavior

EXPERIMENTAL ZMAPP TREATMENT The drug is composed of three humanized monoclonal antibodies manufactured in plants.

Nicotiana

EBOLA VIRUS Ebola is a viral disease that is spread by direct contact with blood or body ﬂuids of infected people and animals or contaminated objects..

Sudden high fever

Optimized cocktail combining the best components of MB-003 (developed by Mapp) with the ZMAB (prepared by Defyrus/PHAC).

INFECTION The Ebola genome contains four combined genes that prevent dendritic cells: Nose

Immune cells get caught in endless loop, releasing extreme levels of cytokines (proteins within cells that cause inﬂammation) and attracting yet more i mmune cells.

STRUCTURE Glycoprotein

Diameter: 80 nanometers (one thousandth the width of a human hair).

Viral envelope

Nucleoprotein

UNCHECKED VIRAL GROWTH

RNA genome

Skin

Lungs

Gastrointestinal Tract

METHODS OF PREVENTION

The virus spreads to various cell types throughout the body linking glycoproteins with receptors on cell surfaces.

Regularly clean and disinfect farms

SOURCE In Africa, certain species of fruit bats are considered potential natural hosts of Ebola virus. Endemic cycle

From sending messages to activate the immune system..

Incinerate or bury the carcasses of infected animals Epidemic cycle

Establish a system for monitoring animal health Bats

Wear gloves and other protective clothing

Bats are believed to be the normal carrier in nature of the virus, but the way it is transmitted between them is still unknown.

Outbreaks in animals are sporadic with high mortality and often precede outbreaks in humans.

Avoid physical contact with patients with EVD

CHRONOLOGY 280 DR Congo

151 Sudan 1976

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1 DR Congo 1977

22 Sudan 1979

31 Gabon 1994

254 DR Congo 1995

45 1 Gabon South Africa 1996

224 Uganda 2000

44 DR Congo 2001 - 2002

53 Gabon

Sources: WHO, UNICEF, Wikipedia, internet

Day 11

BIOLOGICAL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT

Day 12 Bruising

Loss of consciousness

Brain damagel

Seizures Massive internal bleeding

Bleeding from nose, mouth, eyes, anus

Death

Handling and consumption of infected bush meat

Direct contact with blood and body fluids (saliva, semen)

Goggles Breathing Protection Filter

G AN

Rubber gloves Insulating Suit

WAYS OF TRANSMISSION

Duct tape Rubber boots

SYMPTOMS FIVE DIFFERENT SPECIES Genus Ebolavirus is one of three members of the Filoviridae family (filovirus), along with genus Marburgvirus and genus Cuevavirus. Genus Ebolavirus comprises distinct five species:

Fever Headache Redness of eyes Sore throat

Contact with contaminated medical equipment, such as needles

Contact with skin and tissue of infected people or bodies

Bundibugyo ebolavirus (BDBV)

26 million

Zaire ebolavirus (EBOV) Intense internal and external bleeding

people live in areas affected by Ebola, including...

Reston ebolavirus (RESTV) Sudan ebolavirus (SUDV)

10,3 million

Taï Forest ebolavirus (TAFV)

Vomiting

MORTALITY RATE MEDIA PER STRAIN As there is no vaccine against the disease, mortality is very high.

Rashes Diarrhea

Renal and liver dysfunction

children live in areas affected by Ebola

Guinea Sierra Leone Liberia

Nigeria

MOST VIRULENT STRAINS Zaire strain

3,944

conﬁrmed cases in this outbreak to September 5

Democratic Republic of Congo

79%

Muscle ache

Sudan strain

53%

Joint ache

2,097

The 2014 outbreak has been the most aggressive in history, both in number of cases and deaths.

deaths conﬁrmed in this outbreak to September 5

MAIN COUNTRIES WITH DIRECT FLIGHTS TO THE AFFECTED AREAS N° of passengers per week

SEPTIC SHOCK

+ de 6000

1500 - 3000

300 - 1500

Bundibugyo strain Infected cells detach from blood vessels

27%

Canada Spain

USA

Italy

Ivory Coast strain Guinea

Massive hemorrhage Kidney failure

Liver failure

Nigeria

China Saudi Arabia

India

(jan. abr.) (nov. dez.) 128 29 DR Congo 2003

7 Sudan 2004

10 DR Congo 2005

187 DR Congo 2007

37 Uganda

14 DR Congo 2008

1 Uganda

21 Uganda

2011

2012

29 DR Congo

2 Nigeria

367 Guinea

294 Liberia

298 Sierra Leone

2014

October 2014

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

REMINISCENCES of the

WORK 16 Impacto evangelistic

IMAGES

1. Rev. Samuel Mejía leading the Baptisms of the beautiful Church established in the city of Cali, Republic of Colombia (1989).

2. During the first years of ministry, campaign in the city of Cúcuta, Colombia. Rev. Samuel Mejía was only 19 years old back then.

3. Pastor Samuel Mejía in his first years of ministry along with his parents (Milcíades Mejía and Carmen Mercedes Ibáñez).

4. Missionary and farewell worship in his departure to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (1990).

5. Evangelistic campaign in the city of Cali, Colombia (1988).

October 2014

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

Pornography damages the brain

Those who watch pornographic videos or movies several hours a week show a reduction in gray matter and altered neuronal plasticity.

eople who spend time watching pornography have less gray matter in certain parts of the brain and experience a reduction in brain activity, according to a German research published in the United States. According to these experts, the research provides a first indication that there is a direct association between the act of watching pornography and the reduction of brain size and activity in response to sexual stimulation. “We found a significant negative association reported pornography hours per week and gray matter volume in the right caudate,” wrote two researchers from 18 Impacto evangelistic

the Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Germany, in the study published in the online journal Psychiatry, issued by the American Medical Association. “These effects could reflect change in neural plasticity as a consequence of an intense stimulation in the reward system, together with a lower topdown modulation of prefrontal cortical areas,” added German authors Simone Kühn and Jürgen Gallinat.

WHAT IS PORNOGRAPHY?

he term ‘pornography’ refers to those materials, images or films depicting sexual acts to cause sexual arousal in the receiver. Pornography appears in many disciplines, including films, sculpture, photography, comics, literature or painting, and has been a boom in media such as pornographic magazines and even audio and Internet lately u

“But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.” Mathew 5:28.

THE RESEARCH For the research, the authors recruited 64 healthy men aged 21 to 45, who were asked to answer a questionnaire about time spent watching porn. The result was an average of four hours per week. They also did a CT scan (MRI) of the brain to measure the volume and see how it reacted to pornographic images. In most cases, the more individuals watched pornography and the greater the striatum of the brain, the less nervous structure just below the cerebral cortex. Scientists have also observed that the higher was the consumption of pornographic images and greater connections between the striatum and the prefrontal cortex, the more the brain’s outer layer of the brain – responsible for behavior and decision-making – was deteriorated. The researchers said that,

WELFARE

although the data obtained, they cannot yet scientifically conclude that these brain injuries are caused directly by the consumption of pornography, therefore, further investigation is necessary to confirm what this first study suggests u October 2014

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

The Apocryphal (XII) Gospels

The roots of the distortion are discussed in the chapter of this installment, which exposes the evil intentions of the promoters of the Popular Version of the Bible in Spanish. Dr. César Vidal Manzanares Rev. Domingo Fernández

n previous chapters, we realized that behind products as unfortunate from a theological point of view as the Popular Version, does not lie coincidence (much less scientific competence or theological depth!), but a process of distortion of the Word of God, of which the main figures were Westcott and Hort and their subsequent followers. It would be naive to think that all this work could have been carried out alone and without certain perpetuation in mind. A strong resistance against Westcott and Hort, greater than the one that occurred at the time, could have aborted their purposes, and so they feared. 20 Impacto evangelistic

In the end, however, most people – even the theologically orthodox – surrendered to the effects of conspiracy and their attitude became something that still weighs on us decisively. To this, we must add the important role played by the United Bible Societies (UBS) over the years regarding the popularization of the text of Westcott and Hort, the suppression of the Majority Text and the development of new translations based on unacceptable, liberal and textual criteria. The first Bible Society – the British and Foreign Bible Society – was established in 1804. In 1814, the American Bible Society was founded and similar entities, which in 1946 formed the United Bible Societies (UBS), emerged in the following decades. The initial work of the Bible Societies was so extraordinarily meritorious that no praise could be excessive. In fact, it is indeed significant that in the Syllabus, the Pope pointed out that the BS were

HISTORY

““For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ” 2 Corinthians 2: 17

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g one of the main enemies of the Vatican, as they distributed the Word of God without notes. This activity has largely remained in Latin countries until relatively recently. Unfortunately, that clean path began to divert in the English-speaking world during the 19th century. Over the last century, the British and Foreign BS began to be mainly ruled by people of Unitarian (i.e., those who deny the Trinity) and liberal theology. In this context, it is not surprising that Westcott and Hort had managed to impose their text of the Greek New Testament or that they had taken part of a committee to review the English New Testament. It is also not surprising that, in this century, the BS had published a Greek New Testament, of which the developers are theologically liberal (K. Aland, M. Black, B. Metzger, A. Wikgren) – and even one happens to be a Catholic prelate (Carlo Martini) – or that they had published versions of the Scriptures, of which the authors are characterized by supporting theologies that contradict the teaching of the Word. No less dangerous than the theological liberalism of most of the translators of the BS is the almost absolute indifference of their leaders to collaborate with any confession, whether they base their dogmas on the Bible or not. That the ABS had had, among the participants of its meetings, “a Roman Catholic archbishop as speaker and one panel had a Seventh-Day Adventist. There were representatives from 46 different denominations, including Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox and even a Christian Scientist.” are common news. 22 Impacto evangelistic

The annual production of Bibles has turned the Societies conglomerate into an extraordinarily powerful transnational. Within a few years, the Vatican has gone from considering them an enemy to treat them like a loyal ally.

No wonder that, at least since the sixties – Driebergen conference of BS in June 1964 – there have been plans to make joint translations with Catholic experts,

which would include the Apocryphal Gospels. In 1981, there were over two hundred interfaith translation projects underway. The following year, the Vatican decided to fund more than one hundred scholars to cooperate with the BS in the translation of the Bible. In 1984, 390 out of 590 translation projects of the UBS were of interfaith character. In 1986, the Pope received a copy of the translation. The scene would be repeated in subsequent years, while

HISTORY

the Catholic weight in the BS has been increasing, including senior officials. If the BS initially dreamed of bringing the Bible, pure and uncontaminated, to populations around the world, including those in Catholic countries, the fact is that today they have finally become an aware tool of Vatican policy, up to a point that had been unthinkable only a few decades ago. One can hardly doubt that versions of the Bible as the PV are the direct result of this evolution and a clear de-

The end result – which is quite painful to recognize – is that the B.S. are today contributing significantly to the publication of poor versions of the Bible, of which the notes and introductions make biblical theology blurry and inculcate the principles of liberal theology.

monstration that, far from being the means to teach the Scriptures, the BS have allowed themselves to be influenced against it, whether by including the Apo-

cryphal Gospels in their editions of the sacred text or by adding in it notes and introductions of clear unbiblical content. Parallel to this unhappy process – a process that has just recently begun to be evident in Latin American countries –, nobody can deny that the BS have been obtaining money and power. The annual production of Bibles has turned the Societies conglomerate into an extraordinarily powerful transnational. Furthermore, their influence is not negligible at all. Within a few years, the Vatican has gone from considering them an enemy to treat them like a loyal ally. On the other hand, in the Protestant world few dare to speak out against their behavior out of fear of being insolated in their ministry or condemned as fanatics or ignorant. Certainly, the economic power and influence of the BS were never so great throughout their history. However, their attachment to the pure Word – think of the example of the VP – has been largely lost. The end result – which is quite painful to recognize – is that the B.S. are today contributing significantly to the publication of poor versions of the Bible, of which the notes and introductions make biblical theology blurry and inculcate the principles of liberal theology. It is sad to admit, but still making relevant exceptions for some workers – people of good faith who sincerely love the Word of God –, the truth is that the BS are now playing a key role in the plans to which Westcott and Hort greatly contributed back in their days. So, anyone who knows the Scriptures could really think that in their desire to become wealthier and more powerful, better treated and received, the UBS have obtained a real benefit? u October 2014

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Cam and the dreams of Babel

The founder of the Christian organizations “Wycliffe Bible Translators” and the “Summer Institute of linguistics”, William Cameron “Cam” Townsend, was a servant of God who contributed to make available the good news in native languages.

ameron Townsend sat down in the sofa and looked around him. He could not believe he was in the Oval Office of the White House. Right in front of him, behind a beautifully carved table, was the President Richard Nixon with a fixed and sullen look. It was not the first time he was in front of a President as he had met with leaders and heads of government of many countries. Even a former Mexican President became a good friend of him. But being in the presence of the President of the United States was something special. 24 Impacto evangelistic

Cameron Townsend’s life was an example of faith and a living proof of God’s love. Motivated by the desire of spreading seeds of life and hope to many native peoples whose languages did not have alphabet, Townsend became an instrument of blessing and evangelization that helped greatly to exalt Christianity throughout the twentieth Century. Cam was born on July 9, 1896 in the United States. And he, as a servant of God who grew up in the middle of a family which followed Jesus Christ, focused his life completely on preaching the Word of the Almighty. Cam and Robby were standing on the bridge while they were seeing the docks of San Francisco sliding. It was September 15th, 1917, and they were finally on the way to Guatemala. Cam thought of the previous months. It had not been easy to get until that point, but nothing could stop him after receiving the papers of the license. Even though each of

LITERATURE

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g them were going to be paid 30 dollars per month by the Bible House of Los Angeles, but once being in Guatemala, Cam and Robby had to save 150 dollars to finance their trip. Under the auspice of the Bible House of Los Angeles, Townsend navigated until Guatemala in August of 1917 with the mission of selling Bibles and helping the purpose of the Creator. However, he soon discovered that most of his efforts were in vain. He used to work in a rural and remote area of the Guatemalan coast called Santa Catarina, where there were around 200,000 indigenous Cakchiqueles, to whom the Sacred Scriptures in Spanish, which they were selling, made no sense. There was no translation of the Bible into their language. The more Cam pondered in the verse of Luke, the more he believed that God called him to go ahead with his plans. He decided that as soon as Elvira and he had read the New Testament evidence in Cakchiquel, they would look for other indigenous people to work with. Meanwhile, Cam was thinking about an aviation project. And he met a man named Lynn Van Sickle, an aviation enthusiast, who got interested in the idea of using aeroplanes in order to help the missionary to accomplish their work more effectively. Van Sickle was a recent graduate of the Moody Bible Institute. As the authors of this book, Janet and Geoff Benge, said, Cameron perceived the value of preaching the verb of God in native languages since the begging of his evangelical mission. Therefore, 26 Impacto evangelistic

for fourteen years he learned the Cakchiquel language until he was able to translate the whole New Testament into this indigenous language. Besides, during all this time, Townsend got to know closer the impoverished Latin American reality and he discovered that through linguistics he could convey ideally the good news in all the languages. On July 24th, 1935, Cam de-

voted to pray for México. In the morning, the students and teachers gathered in the circle of barrils and heard a summary of the already known issues of México. Everybody kneeled and asked God to open the boundaries in order for them to stablish in this country, work with the indigenous people, and perform the translation without hindrance. Cam was still praying, during lunch

LITERATURE tic tools to accomplish their religious duties. This initiative was the foundation on which two of the most important missionary entities of modern time were built: Wycliffe Bible Translators and the Summer Institute of linguistics. With 103 workers distributed throughout the country, the Mexico City became the busiest hotbed for translating the Bible into indigenous languages. There were always people passing through the capital, on their way home or going to their new field. Cam decided that it was time for the organization to have its own building. He found an old guest house which was used by tourists a time before. The house had twenty five rooms, which seemed to be too much at the beginning, but after a few months these rooms turned into bedrooms, offices and a printing room.

time, when one of the students tuned a huge radio of valves, which was in the dining room, to listen the midday news. â€œGood news in every languageâ€?, a work published in Spanish in 2004 by the Editorial JUCUM, reveals that Townsend started in 1934 in Arkansas a summer camp named John Wycliffe with the intention of providing American missioners the necessary linguis-

The extensive experience of Townsend in the field of bilingual education earned him wide recognition and respect in the academic environment. Therefore, based on his wide academic knowledge, he imparted classes about linguistics at the two oldest universities of the Western hemisphere: the National Autonomous University of Mexico and the National University of San Marcos in Peru. This way, in 1966, the Dean of the Americas, as San Marcos is also known, gave him the distinction of Doctor Honoris Causa. He also received awards from other five Latin American governments. Cameron Townsend did not have any doubt that God wanted the Summer Institute of linguistics (SIL) to get involved in aviation. In all the countries he visited he would

talk enthusiastically about his dream of using aeroplanes to transport the translators Wycliffe in and out the jungle, in any place of the world. Other people started to share his vision. This way, a small committee was formed to oversee the project. Money started to flow little by little. A businessman from San Diego, California, donated an aeroplane which was later sold. To Cameron Townsend, who passed away on April 23rd, 1982, the obstacles always were little compared to the reward of helping the towns of Guatemala, Mexico and Peru to read the transforming Word of the Almighty. He succeeded in his declared purposes, and these achievements gave him a wide acknowledgement. However, he attributed this success to the Power of God, to whom he would constantly turn for strength, as he considered the efforts of any man insignificant against the vast necessities of the world. Cam devoted his life sharing his dream of translating the Bible into every language of the world and he instructed other people to do the same. It is not a surprise that his work continues after his death. Nowadays, the Wycliffe Bible Translators have completed the translation of the New Testament to over five hundred languages and they are working on the translation of other thousand languages. However, there are still four hundred and forty million people who belong to three thousand ethnic groups and lack of the New Testament in their own language. The objective of SIL is to begin the translation of the Bible into all the remaining languages for the year 2025 u October 2014

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His eye is on the sparrowí

his traditional hymn of the Christian faith, “His eye is on the sparrow”, is a simple expression of faith in the Power of God created in 1905 by the evangelical writer Civilla Durfee Martin. This upbeat hymn is made of a handful of Jesus’ words gathered from the Gospel of Matthew 6:26. It is about to reach ten years of history and it is a piece of deep Christian value. It left a mark throughout the five continents and it provides a great deal of security in the love that our Creator has reserved 28 Impacto evangelistic

for each of His children. Civilla Durfee Martin, who was born on August 21, 1866, was a servant of the Almighty. She found in composition the perfect way to extol the virtues of the Eternal Father. She was a faithful believer. She got married with the Priest Walter Martin Stillman, who was also fond of music, and together with him she consecrated to evangelize the unsaved in the U.S.A. Throughout her 81 years, Durfee composed a series of songs which became representative odes of sacred music over time.

FAMOUS HYMN

ivilla Durfee Martin’s song has been interpreted by an endless number of secular artists and followers of Jesus: Ethel Waters, Mahalia Jackson, Carmen McRae, Josh White, Dottie West, Marvin Gaye, Mickey Newbury, Jennifer Holliday, Andy Griffith, Selah, Shirley Caesar, Crystal Lewis, Gladys Knight, Abigail Washburn, Judith Durham, Darlene Love and Whitney Houston u

A TOUCHING STORY

“His eye is on the sparrow” is a hymn that explores the protection that the Lord can give to His followers, and it has a particular origin. The author of this ode said that everything began after she met a married couple of faithful believers, the Doolittle, who lived a happy life in the love of the Almighty in spite of the endless difficulties that tormented them. Civilla Durfee pointed out: “she was in bed for almost twenty years. Her husband was an incurable invalid who had to ensure their livelihood by working on a wheelchair. However, they were happy.” Later on, the evangelical writer wrote the verses of “His eye is on the sparrow” after listening to the secret of the faith of the Doolittle couple. One day, while visiting the couple, Civilla Durfee heard Mr. Doolittle saying: “God has his eye on the sparrow and I know he watches me too”.

MUSIC HIS EYE IS ON THE SPARROW

1 Why should I feel discouraged? Why should the shadows come? Why should my heart feel lonely? And long for heaven and home, When Jesus is my portion My constant Friend is He: His eye is on the sparrow, And I know He watches me Refrain I sing because Iâ€™m happy, I sing because Iâ€™m free, For His eye is on the sparrow, And I know He watches me. 2 Let not your heart be troubled, His tender word I hear, And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears; Though by the path He leadeth, But one step I may see; 3 Whenever I am tempted, Whenever clouds arise, When songs give place to sighing, When hope within me dies, I draw the closer to Him, From care He sets me free.

This touching expression of boundless hope caused such an excitement that, according to her, suddenly the love of God overpowered each of the individuals who were present and she felt a great inspiration which resulted in a magnificent hymn.

In the twilight of her life, Civilla Durfee Martin continued with her mission of sharing the good news, evangelizing and teaching the content of the Holy Scriptures on a daily basis. She never stopped turning to the music to show that she was convinced that the right pathway to

find peace is the one designed by the Almighty. Being aware if the great influence of her work, she left to the kingdom of the Lord on March 9, 1948, and left a stela which nowadays stands as a paradigm of faith. Her remains still rest in the cemetery at West View, Atlanta u October 2014

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The conqueror of heresies

Irenaeus of Smyrna, like many other men of faith, did not merely defend the truth of the Gospel with a quill but he ended up paying with his blood the price of being a Christian. James Payton

is missionary activity, his zeal for the cause of truth, his talent as a writer and his admirable pastoral skills and martyrdom assured his place in history. Irenaeus, who was born in Smyrna around 140 according to some evangelical historians, had the privilege of being a disciple of Polycarp and enjoyed the great satisfaction of having learned the Christian doctrine from those who were in immediate contact with the apostles. He got quality education based on the Scriptures, which allowed him to familiarize himself with the literature and philosophy of the Greeks. 30 Impacto evangelistic

PASTORAL WORK

Scholars of Christianity history, based on the texts of Irenaeus, state that he was one of the last apostolic men of his era. Likewise, experts say that he left Asia Minor and went to Gaul for unknown reasons. In Lugdunum (modern-day Lyon), the capital of Gallia Lugdunensis where a cruel persecution had turned many Christians into martyrs, he was ordained a minister of God and since 177 he served as priest. Then, Irenaeus was sent to Rome to meet Eleuterio, church leader, and beg for the unity and peace of the congregation. After the martyrdom of Pothinus, he was chosen to guide the church of Lyon. Irenaeus proved himself to be a skillful and wise guide of the flock. With great intelligence, he faced the ongoing external struggle of persecution and the internal conflicts produced by strange doctrines. Almost the entire population of Lyon was converted under his pastorate and notable missionag

HERO OF FAITH HÉROE DE LA FE

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g ries were sent to other parts of the pagan territory of modernday France. Also, during the religious peace that followed the persecution of Marcus Aurelius, the new priest divided his activities between the duties of a pastor and a missionary. In his pastoral work, Irenaeus had to fight against the grave danger of Gnostic heresies. He wrote an extensive treatise consisting of five books, known as “Against Heresies.” At the heart of his faith, laid his conviction that the invisible and unknown God, Creator of all and everything, loved humanity so much that He became a human like us. Thus, Irenaeus became one of the first Christians thinkers to systematize his ideas. He is also considered one of the early church theologians, as he was one of the first writers of Christian antiquity to reflect on the fundamental issues of faith and develop a first synthesis of the evangelical doctrine. WRITINGS OF FAITH

In “Against Heresies,” Irenaeus analyzes in depth each of the fundamental truths of Christianity. In the first book, he makes a series of statements about the heretics and their doctrines. In the second book, he addresses refutation itself. In the third book, he reviews the fundamental truths of faith: the truth of the Scriptures, the oneness of God, Christ made man, among others. In the fourth book, widely quoting the Scriptures and the Word of God, he proves the unity of the Old and New Testaments. Finally, in the fifth book, he exposes his millennial eschatology, inherited from the apostles: the Antichrist, the resurrection of the righteous and the millennium. 32 Impacto evangelistic

Another of his most interesting works is “Demonstration of the Apostolic Preaching,” also known as “Epideixis,” which is dedicated to Martian, a friend who wrote to him asking for an explanation of the true and original Christianity as taught by the apostles. Precise and direct, Irenaeus replied to him with a work worth to be read by any Christian today. Thus, he exposed in a masterful and edifying manner the fundamental truths of apostolic Christianity, from the creation of man, through his fall, to redemption. Irenaeus always thought highly of the inspiration and authority of the Scriptures. He referred to the Scriptures as “the basis and pillar of our faith.” He was one of the early church fathers who built a theology based on the Old and New Testaments. His interpretation of the Bible was guided by the “rule of faith” he had learned from Polycarp. His evangelical zeal can also be seen in his firm belief that Christ came to save the world and in his desire to be a missionary bishop in the western borders of the Roman Empire. Furthermore, his evangelical side could be seen in his support for the divine nature of Christ. SERVANT OF GOD

Today, many evangelicals would feel at home with his teachings about the end times. Irenaeus maintained a literal understanding of the Bible prophecy. He believed in the Antichrist, the Great Tribulation and the physical resurrection of the dead as real facts. He also believed in the second coming of Christ, the resurrection of all flesh, and the final judgment. Because of his synthetic, harmonious and comprehensive view of his entire Christian doctrine, his wealth

HERO OF FAITH of thought, his rigorous method and masterful style, he is considered one of the greatest figures in the history of Christian thought. Irenaeus never stopped being a pastor and, as such, he cared and watched over his flock, with compassion for stray sheep and trying to get them into the fold of Christ. One of the predominant features of his life was the fact that Irenaeus conjugated his erudition and wisdom with a deep love for God, as his works, far from being based on a deep cultural and philosophical foundation, exhale sanctity and lead its readers to grow in love towards the Lord. The exact date of his death is unknown, but it is believed that it occurred between 202 and 207. Although his martyrdom is not proven, he is a hero of faith for the Church. In any case, he was an authentic witness of Christianity in a period of severe persecution. His scope was very large, if taken into consideration that there was probably no other bishop in Gaul or in the border lands of Germany. His first language was Greek, but he learned the “barbarian” tongues to evangelize those peoples. Irenaeus, servant of God, like many other men of faith, did not merely defend the truth of the Gospel with a quill, but he ended up paying with his blood the price of being a Christian. Irenaeus was above all a man of faith. He had the prudence, the wealth of doctrine and the missionary zeal of a good shepherd. As a writer, he pursued a dual purpose: defend the true doctrine from the attacks of the heretics and set out clearly the truth of Christianity. These two objectives match exactly his two works: “Against Heresies” and “Demonstration of the Apostolic Preaching.” In short, he was a tenacious fighter of heresies u October 2014

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Saving Major León He belonged almost by chance to the Sandinistas guerrillas in Nicaragua and he reached a high position with much power. During a night of alcohol and drugs, he murdered a comrade. It was not the only tragic episode in the hazardous life of this man who changed his life when he met God. Photos: Roberto Guerrero sent special

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LIFE STORIES

e woke up startled due to the huge screaming of someone who was beside his bunk of revolutionary soldier. When he opened his eyes he saw the dark barrel of a revolver pointing at his forehead. It was a Major of the Sandinista army from Nicaragua who was detaining him. Then, the mists of the alcohol started to dissipate and the memory of the bloody eve burst into his brain. He was drunk and he was arguing with a comrade who was also drinking with him huge bottles of Flor de Caña (Sugarcan flower), they fought, and it ended up in a bloody murder. He killed one of his bodyguards with three bullets. Leopoldo Palacios Avellano, also known as the “Major León”, was arrested that day charged with murder and confined to a dungeon in the San Carlos Fortress, Nicaragua. This way he began one of the darkest periods of his tormented life. He had reached the Sandinista National Liberation Front of Nicaragua in the mid 70’s. In spite of being born in Costa Rica, he enrolled in a faction called the Terceristas (Third Way) of the Nicaraguan guerrilla, bringing a truck bought by his mother. So he began transporting weapons and ammunitions to all the guerrilla men spread in the Nicaraguan territory. He also carried marihuana for the soldiers. When the Sandinistas reached the power after overthrowing the Anastasio Somoza’s government, this man, who was known until that moment as the “Macho”, climbed many positions. He accomplished his greatest achievement with the taking of the Morritos town in the department of Acoyapa, which he

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g governed for many years with the nickname “Major Marco”. Being just 22 years old, he already had enough power to persecute and incarcerate whoever was against his Sandinista revolution and him. He did not miss an opportunity to send many people to the dungeon of the Central Base, in the township of San Carlos, and eliminate others by order of his superiors. This way, he gained fame and more power until that tragic night of revelry and imprisonment. For months, the “Major León” could not sleep peacefully in the prison because he was scared of being murdered. One day, his mother visited him and gave him enough money to buy the trust of his jailers so he could sleep well. However, he did not only do that, but also got plenty of alcohol and marihuana. Thus, he spent several months in jail, but he did not want to stay in that place any longer. One day he managed to escape while his guards were distracted. This escape was an adventure which almost ended his life. He had to cross the wide San Juan River and walk through a marshland plagued with vermin and all kinds of animals, while his captors were after him. A NOT HAPPY PAST

Leopoldo spent many days in the tropical forest, which was full of danger. He walked almost tirelessly to elude his pursuers. In the scarce minutes of pause, he would remember his early life, which had not been quiet or exemplary. Since his childhood, in the 70’s, he began to smoke and drink the alcohol that the customers of his mother’s businesses left. Suddenly the bottles of wine began to disappear from the cellar 36 Impacto evangelistic

Back in those years when he was lost and away from the Lord trying to find the way.

and the cantinas; especially when the birthday parties of friends, wedding, o any other popular party finished. Without realizing, he became addicted to alcohol. His parents did not know nothing about it, and everything got worst when his father travelled to Nicaragua looking for money. This teenager grew up abandoned for a long time.

- My parents focused on their business 100% and they forgot about me- he remembers. But that was not the only problem he faced. When he was 14 years old, he discovered the marihuana and, ever since, he began to commercialize it in squares and streets. For this reason, he was put in jail more than

LIFE STORIES him to buy that drug. One day, his sixty-year-old grandmother discovered his vices and sent him to the house of one of his uncles in Puerto Limón, a Caribbean province of Costa Rica. In that place, he met famous gangsters and drug dealers, so he fell into the abyss again. For this reason, when he was 16 years old, he abandoned his studies and fled with a tomb robber looking for gold in the mountains of the Valle de la Estrella (Valley of the Star). The following day he went back to his village with empty pockets, but with a lot more skills to take up again his illegal business of drug consumer and dealer. For this reason the authorities arrested him once again, especially for being linked to a gangster who stole a woman and tried to rape her.

He had reached the Sandinista National Liberation Front of Nicaragua in the mid 70’s. In spite of being born in Costa Rica, he enrolled in a faction called the Terceristas (Third Way) of the Nicaraguan guerrilla, bringing a truck bought by his mother. So he began transporting weapons and ammunitions to all the guerrilla men spread in the Nicaraguan territory. He also carried marihuana for the soldiers.

30 times. His mother, who was always ready to help him and set him free from prison whenever he needed, sent him to the capital of Costa Rica in order for him to study in one of the best schools of the country. He lived in that city with his grandmother and his cousins in his grandfather’s guesthouse, in the neighborhood of Viques Square.

He never learned the lessons from school as he always considered himself a bad student. But he tended to licentiousness. One day, he found five cigarettes or “joints” that fell from his friend’s wallet. The following day, his curiosity led him to try smoking for the first time and after that he could not stop. He would use all the money that his mother sent

- There is always a beginning for everything and the devil tied me through vices – he says. At the age of 18 he worked in a Costa Rican government entity, but he was fired after few months because of his aggressive behavior and his evident dependence on drugs. After this, he boarded a shrimp boat and navigated for several months. That was his life until he enrolled the Sandinistas forces and killed his comrade-in-arms. GOING BACK HOME

When he was wandering through the jungle after his escape and he was trying to cross the border into Costa Rica, Leopoldo Palacios Avellano climbed a leafy ceibo tree and saw Los Chiles, his hometown. On his route he almost comes across a Sandinista commando who planned to

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g comb the place in order to find him dead or alive, but thanks to his military experience he slipped past his captors and continued his journey. When he got to the border, he crossed with difficulty huge areas of swamp, where the hawthorns and mosquitoes make the way even harder. His clothes ruined and he rested in an abandoned ranch. The following day he met a young man who was looking for him by order of his father who paid the man a large sum of money for finding him and guiding him to a safe place. Two days later, they arrived to Costa Rica and the young man guided him towards one of his father’s farms in a nearby town. He remained hidden for a few weeks and then he went back to Los Chiles. He recove-

In the early 80’s he met a girl, he fell in love with her and they got married. He tried to change his life but he would fell constantly. After 6 years and with the help of his wealthy mother, he formed a company and bought farms and trucks, but his vices were more powerful. He spent all of his money on parties, drugs and games of chance (…)

red his truck but went back to the same old ways and the same vices as before. After certain time, he wanted to give up drugs and looked for psychologists’ help. In desperation, he went through several Alcoholic Anonymous programs and through sessions of quackery and sorcery, where he drank all kinds of concoctions to quit his vice, but nothing worked. In the early 80’s he met a girl, he fell in love with her and they got married. He tried to change his life but he would fell constantly. After 6 years and with the help of his wealthy 38 Impacto evangelistic

LIFE STORIES

He, now a gospel preacher, and his wife.

mother, he formed a company and bought farms and trucks, but his vices were more powerful. He spent all of his money on parties, drugs and games of chance. The living with his wife turned into confrontations and fights of such magnitude that he almost poisoned his wife and his two daughters.

(…) the man realized that he was ruined; he lifted his eyes to the skies and asked God for help. A few days later, being at home, he watched by chance a Christian program, where a well-known American preacher was sharing the Word of God. Such was the impact on him that when the message finished he began to cry in front of the T.V. and he devoted himself to the creator.

A NEW CREATURE

The year 1986 became transcendental to Leopoldo Palacios Avellano because it changed the course of his life and his family’s until today. It all began when his wife and his daughters star-

ted to attend a Christian church and pray for their family. In Coopevega, the man realized that he was ruined; he lifted his eyes to the skies and asked

God for help. A few days later, being at home, he watched by chance a Christian program, where a well-known American preacher was sharing the Word of God. Such was the impact on him that when the message finished he began to cry in front of the T.V. and he devoted himself to the creator. The following day, he felt the necessity of going to the church and ever since he never left it. Nowadays, he preaches the Gospel. - God set me free! I’m a new creature as the Bible says- says Leopoldo u October 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

nce we read the following headline in a daily newspaper: In search of Noah’s Ark. This leads us to think of that great cataclysm, the Great Flood, and its causes. The Bible says, “And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. And the Lord said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air… But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord” (Genesis 6:5-8).

After Noah built the ark following divine instructions, God told him, “Come thou and all thy

Deluge of Fire “For this they willingly are ignorant that in ancient time... the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished. But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men… But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved… wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved and the elements shall melt.” 2 Peter 3:5-7, 10-12. Rev. Luis M. Ortiz

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house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation… And the flood was forty days upon the earth; and the waters increased, and bare up the ark, and it was lift up above the earth… and all the high hills, that were under the whole heaven, were covered… And all flesh died that moved upon the earth, both of fowl, and of cattle, and of beast, and of every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth, and every man” (Ge-

nesis 7:1, 17-21). The specific reason why the flood happened is stated in the book of Genesis 6:11 (“The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with VIOLENCE”). Violence is the force used

against the right or the law; it is

abuse, injustice, cruelty, oppression, looting, arson, crime. My friends, our Lord Jesus Christ said that the days before his return to this world would be like the days of Noah, full of sensuality and violence (Matthew 24: 37-39). Never before have there been such sensuality and violence in the history of man than today. God abhors violence, as the Bible says, “The Lord trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth” (Psalm 11:5). There are

those who commit violence deceived by others or seduced by money, as the Bible says, “In thee have they taken gifts to shed blood; thou hast taken usury and increase, and thou hast greedily gained of thy neighbours by extortion” (Ezekiel 22:12). The

righteous man does not get involved in violence, as the Bible says, “Deliver me from the oppression” (Psalm 119:134). Violence brings about ruin, mourning and pain. The Bible says, “Wherefore thus saith the Holy One of Israel, because ye despise this word, and trust in oppression and perverseness, and stay thereon; therefore this iniquity (violence) shall be to you as a breach ready to fall, swelling out in a high wall, whose breaking cometh suddenly at an instant.” (Isaiah 30:12, 13).

God calls upon us to give up violence, as the Bible says, “Thus

saith the Lord God; Let it suffice you, O princes of Israel: remove violence and spoil, and execute judgment and justice, take away your exactions… saith the Lord God” (Ezekiel 45:9).

But men do not listen to the call of God, as the Bible says,

“For thus saith the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in

quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not” (Isaiah 30:15).

Because men reject the peace, rest, repose, calm and tranquility that God gives them, which is why violence increases in its ravages, as the Bible says, “Violence is risen up

into a rod of wickedness… the land is full of bloody crimes, and the city is full of violence… Mischief shall come upon mischief, and rumour shall be upon rumour… A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him” (Ezekiel 7:11, 23,

26; Jeremiah 51:46; Proverbs 28:17). My friends, violence was the main cause of the destruction of the old world through a flood and will also be the main cause of the destruction of this world, but this time not through water but through a deluge of fire. The Bible says, “Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking

My friends, violence was the main cause of the destruction of the old world through a flood and will also be the main cause of the destruction of this world, but this time not through water but through a deluge of fire.

after their own lusts… murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling word… lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded… (2 Peter 3:3; Jude

1:16; 2 Timothy 3:2-4).

For this they willingly are ignorant that in ancient time... the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished. But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men… But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved… wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved and the elements shall melt” (2 Peter 3:5-7, 10-12).

Beloved, the apostle John sees this scene in his vision of Revelation, this cataclysm or deluge of fire. He says, “But the

fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death” (Revelation

21:8). “And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:15). So there will not only be a deluge of fire, but a lake of fire and sulphur will also remain for all unbelievers, sinners and wicked who reject Jesus Christ as Savior. My friend, now that there is time and opportunity, give up sin, unbelief, violence. Accept Jesus Christ, who tells you, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John

14:27). Amen

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The only C begotten Son of God “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. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” John 3:16-18. Rev. Rodolfo González Cruz

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hrist said these words two thousand years ago and they have remained until today for us to hear the voice of our God, who gives us a lesson and an extraordinary example. The only-begotten Son of God came to this earth to “seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). The apostle Paul says in one of his epistles: “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). We were

lost, we began to deny oursel-

DEVOTIONAL ves, we stopped being who we were, but God gave us a hundred and eighty degree turn and Jesus called this “to be born again.” Jesus met with Nicodemus, a Pharisee, a ruler of the Jews, a teacher of the law. “The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:2-3).

Nicodemus knew a lot about the law, but he did not know God. Many believe they will go to Heaven but they are wrong. Many million people are blind and lost because nobody preaches the Word of God to them. It is with the Word and Spirit of God that we can make the souls come to Christ’s feet. When talking to the souls, the Bible must be quoted. And although it seems that nothing is going to happen, something will happen, because this word is “quick, and powerful, and shar-

per than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart”

(Hebrews 4:12). Men do not know the will of God, they do not know the commandments of God, that is why they are so lost and people weep and suffer. The Bible says, “Honour thy

father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee” (Exo-

dus 20:12). How many children honor their father and mother? Many children have never respected mom and dad or have taken care of them, but they have hurt them and have given them no help. Do you remember

how many times have you disrespected mom and dad? Those who insult or hit their parents drag curses; they never move forward, everything goes wrong, they are cursed. If you repent, God will have mercy. The Bible also says, “Thou shalt not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14). Among so many denominations and councils, do you know how many unspeakable acts occur? how many ministers are in adultery and how many of them are gay? These days, a law in one of those religions was being discussed to fix the constitution of its evangelical institution and approve the marriage between same-sex people. How many hypocrites are there within congregations, lesbians and gays who even have their partner within the congregation? Achans who are within God’s people and do not allow God’s work to move forward. There are those who, among the Lord’s people, are trampling the laws of God, the commandments of God, and not only among the little ones of the Church, but also among the great conciliar leaders. We have to stand firm and do not please our flesh. If we are faithful, we shall live in God; then the angels of heaven and God will be on our side. Do not forget that the Lord commanded the twelve, and then sent seventy more to do the same. They healed the sick and performed miracles in the name of God, but one of them was a traitor who stole, lied and cheated. “And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven… Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather re-

joice, because your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:17-20).

The Lord says, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matthew 7:21-23). Are you sure that your name is in the Book of Life? If you are doing bad things, if you are coveting another’s wife and you are not doing the will of God, then you are in danger. Thus, many are falling from God’s grace: pas-

Many believe they will go to Heaven but they are wrong. Many million people are blind and lost because nobody preaches the Word of God to them. It is with the Word and Spirit of God that we can make the souls come to Christ's feet.

tors in this work and in all councils and all churches are slipping. Many leaders, pastors and children have even pack their bags to go with a man they found on the Internet and have not met in person. Church, we must awaken. God’s people, we must awaken! God calls us to truly get closer to Him and deny ourselves as the apostle Paul who said, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). Amen u October 2014

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Sound the trumpet of joy! “And, behold, God himself is with us for our captain, and his priests with sounding trumpets to cry alarm against you. O children of Israel, fight ye not against the Lord God of your fathers; for ye shall not prosper.” 2 Chronicles 13:12. Rev. Alberto Ortega

“

bijah reigned over Judah… And there

was war between Abijah and Jeroboam. And Abijah set the battle in array with an army of valiant men of war, even four hundred thousand chosen men: Jeroboam also set the battle in array against him with

44 Impacto evangelistic

eight hundred thousand chosen men, being mighty men of valour. And Abijah stood up… and said, Hear me, thou Jeroboam, and all Israel; Ought ye not to know that the Lord God of Israel gave the kingdom over Israel to David for ever, even to him and to his sons by a covenant of salt? Yet

Jeroboam the son of Nebat, the servant of Solomon the son of David, is risen up, and hath rebelled against his lord. And there are gathered unto him vain menand have strengthened themselves against Rehoboam the son of Solomon, when Rehoboam was young and tenderhearted, and could not withstand them. And now ye think to withstand the kingdom of the Lord in the hand of the sons of David; and ye be a great multitude, and there are with your golden calves, which Jeroboam made you for gods. Have ye not cast out the priests of the Lord, the sons of Aaron, and the Levites, and have made you priests after the manner of the nations of other lands? so that whosoever cometh to consecrate himself with a young bullock and seven rams, the same may be a priest of them that are no gods. But as for us,

DEVOTIONAL the Lord is our God, and we have not forsaken him; and the priests, which minister unto the Lord, are the sons of Aaron, and the Levites wait upon their business: And they burn unto the Lord every morning and every evening burnt sacrifices and sweet incense: the shewbread also set they in order upon the pure table; and the candlestick of gold with the lamps thereof, to burn every evening: for we keep the charge of the Lord our God; but ye have forsaken him. And, behold, God himself is with us for our captain, and his priests with sounding trumpets to cry alarm against you. O children of Israel, fight ye not against the Lord God of your fathers; for ye shall not prosper. But Jeroboam caused an ambushment to come about behind them… And when Judah looked back, behold, the battle was before and behind: and they cried unto the Lord, and the priests sounded with the trumpets… God smote Jeroboam and all Israel... And Abijah and his people slew them with a great slaughter: so there fell down slain of Israel five hundred thousand chosen men. Thus the children of Israel were brought under at that time, and the children of Judah prevailed, because they relied upon the Lord God of their fathers.... Neither did Jeroboam recover strength again in the days of Abijah: and the Lord struck him, and he died.” (2 Chronicles 13:1-20).

When Abijah, King of Judah, ordered battle against Jeroboam, king of the northern tribes, his army was outnumbered two to one by that of the king of Israel. However, amid this unfavorable situation, Abijah reminded his opponent of whom and what he was relying on in that battle. The first support on which Abijah was firmly relying is in the first part of his statement: “And, behold, God himself is with us for our captain” (v. 12). This was

a powerful word, a beat of faith activating Abijah’s heart. Jero-

boam could not say likewise, as he had changed the incorruptible and eternal God for golden calves. Abijah reminded him: “And there are with your golden calves, which Jeroboam made you for gods.” (v. 8).

Nowadays, many Christians have changed God for the golden calves of prosperity, abundance, wealth. They are mistaken about the authoritybased principles established by God. They have changed the statement: “And, behold, God himself is with us for our captain,” for a monstrous blasphemy: “God is with us for a subordinate.” Remember: “Where God does not exercise authority he does not manifest His power either.” The second thing we learn from this passage is that for God to intervene in our battle it is an unalterable requirement to be under the ministry established by Him: “And his priests with sounding trumpets” (v. 12). Although Abijah was king, he recognized that he needed to be under the authority of the ministry established by God. Jeroboam did not have this either. He dared to remove the priests of the Lord and established those he liked. “Have ye not cast out the priests of the Lord, the sons of Aaron, and the Levites, and have made you priests after the manner of the nations of other lands? so that whosoever cometh to consecrate himself with a young bullock and seven rams, the same may be a priest of them that are no gods.” (v. 9).

Jeroboam dismissed and assigned ministries as he wished. He established his own rules of admission to constitute ministries according to his whim. How many Jeroboam are now rising! The experience of being born again, a clean

testimony, or a divine call were not requirements. It was not even necessary to know or be based on the Scriptures. The only requirement was to have enough money to get a bullock and seven rams; ministry was bought with the corresponding credential. Finally, Abijah had on his side the trumpets of joy. These trumpets were of silver, and silver was a symbol of the Word of God. “The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them” (Pro-

verbs 12:6). Before the stubborn and rebellious Jeroboam, it is necessary to sound the trumpet of the Word. Abijah saw those trumpets prepared to sound under orders of God and through holy

Nowadays, many Christians have changed God for the golden calves of prosperity, abundance, wealth. They are mistaken about the authority-based principles established by God.

ministers. He was savoring a victory that came swiftly. “God smote Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah” (v. 15). Beloved, do you have before you a challenging and defiant Jeroboam? Why do you not use the trumpet of joy? Do you need restoration? Sound the trumpets of joy and stand up for Christ! Is Jericho closed before you? Sound the trumpet of joy and you will see how it falls down and opens in front of you! Sound the trumpet of joy for your life to be filled with the cloud and glory of God. Amen u October 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

Love the sinner but hate the sin The Auditorium Madrid Hotel was the venue of the 24th National Convention of the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Spain, which gathered a large number of attendees.

nder the theme: “The Lord will fulfill his purpose in you,” the Church of the Worldwide Missionary Movement (WMM) in Spain held its 24th National Convention, a massive event that gathered the people of Christ from August 7 to 10 at the Auditorium Madrid Hotel, where a splendid spiritual meeting took place to praise and glorify the Lord. The event was attended by leading International Officials of 46 Impacto evangelistic

the Work of God, among which the main at the great event of faith were Rev. Gustavo Martinez, International President of the Worldwide Missionary Movement; Rev. José Soto, International Vice President of WMM; Rev. Rodolfo González Cruz, Treasurer of the Work; Rev. Carlos Medina, National Supervisor of the Work in Spain; Rev. David Echalar, National Supervisor in Italy; and Rev. Andrés Espejo, National Officer of the WMM in Peru.

Since the opening on August 7, the Auditorium Madrid Hotel was full of thousands of followers of the Highest from all over Spain and various parts of Europe who were eager for the Word of the Lord. Then, Rev. Gustavo Martinez was responsible for starting the massive

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g religious meeting and pointed in his message that all Christians are obliged to keep the fire of the Creator in their hearts. THE WORD OF GOD

After the event started on August 8, Rev. José Soto, Vice President of International Officer Board, preached the Word of the Almighty and spread a message based on John 7:37. During the preaching of the Word of God, Pastor Soto emphasized that faith does not 48 Impacto evangelistic

depend on what we see, but on what God has promised.

A day later, on August 9 at night, Rev. Rodolfo González, accompanied

by his wife’s sister Rita Vázquez, conveyed the Almighty’s message. Pas-

EVENTS tor Gonzalez said in his biblical lecture based on Luke 11: 1-4: “God speaks in many ways to make the ignorant understand. He is holy and hates sin but loves the sinner.” Also during his participation, Rev. González announced that the Impacto Evangelistic magazine is available online on the Issuu digital platform, one of the most important internet online services that displays printed material. Thus, the WMM magazine, which is published in seven languages, is available free of charge on the digital kiosk, on a format as close as possible to a print publication. Throughout the week, other preachers such as Rev. Carlos Medina, Rev. David Echalar, Rev. Andrés Espejo, Rev. Hugo Lope, Rev. Carlos Contreras, Rev. Yack Cabrera, Rev. Juan Castaño and Sister Carmen Valencia Martinez, Rev. Gustavo Martinez’s wife, and Sister Rita Vazquez Gonzalez, conveyed deep, heartfelt Christian messages of great impact. A missionary service, a worker promotion ceremony, and the graduation of the second class of the WMM missionary school in Spain were held on the last day of the event. In the evening, Rev. Gustavo Martínez, President of the Movement, preached the word of God and stressed the great missionary work of the Work worldwide u October 2014

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Brave men and women The 5th National Convention of the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Italy was held successfully and edified the lives of hundreds of brothers from that country and some parts of the European continent. Our presence grows around the world.

“

don’t know how many of the attendees find that the river is overflowed? How many brave people are here as these men who were capable of crossing 50 Impacto evangelistic

the Jordan when the people and their enemies spotted them?... You must know that all of them left and did not face them because they said: Who can stop them and do what the others did

not do?” was the question made by Rev. Gustavo Martínez Garavito in front of hundreds of believers at the 5th National Convention of the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Italy.

When he noticed that many hands were raised in the crowd, he expressed with vehemence: “Their faces were frightening and the Philistines were terrified on seeing them, because the Israelites were like hungry lions, ready to confront them and finish them.” With those words, Rev. Martínez, President of the Work of the Lord, finished his message entitled “Today, the church needs brave and committed men and women,” in reference to the brave men of King David (2 Samuel 23: 8-12).

EVENTS

And so this message brought the 5th National Convention of the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Italy 2014 to an end. However, before that, a service was held from August 14 to August 17 that edified hundreds of brothers from all the country and the European continent. The facilities of the Villa Imperiale, one of the oldest and most prestigious places of the province of Genoa, in northwest Italy, were the venue for many preachers of the Work to

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g go to the altar and share the Word of the Lord. As well as in the end of the event, Rev. Martínez also participated from the first days with a convincing message. Among the most memorable and stunning speeches were the sermon of Rev. José Soto, Vice President of the Work, which was entitled “How to 52 Impacto evangelistic

EVENTS

show a victorious life” (Genesis 49: 22-24), as well as the speech of Sister Carmen Valencia de Martínez under the theme: “Your sting is source of blessing”. Other messages were given by the supervisors of Italy and Spain, Rev. David Echalar and Carlos Medina. As expected, a missionary cult was held on

BAPTISM OF 70 BROTHERS

he 5th National Convention of the Work in Italy, of which the theme was: “Jesus Lives”, was also an opportunity to baptize 70 consecrated brothers coming from churches of all the country. This showed the presence of the congregations located in the cities of Bergamo, Florence, Rome, Naples and Genoa. A great victory for the Work of the Lord in the old continent u

Sunday that focused on the missionary work. Furthermore, a promotion ceremony of workers took place, where the prominent men and women that serve the Lord were promoted to full ministry. In the end of the event, the President of the Work, Rev. Gustavo Martínez, finished with a captivating message u October 2014

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The people of the Lord In Cajamarca, near to the border with Ecuador, the three-day National Fellowship of Peru took place with a great attendance of brothers.

eptember is considered the month of the Bible, and also the month of the city of Cajarmarca, in the northern highlands of Peru. There, for the first time, a National Fellowship was held under the theme 54 Impacto evangelistic

“Come to meet God”. The Christian event started on Tuesday 23, when the President of the WMM, Rev. Gustavo Martínez, and his wife, Carmen Valencia, arrived at the airport of the city, Armando Revoredo Igle-

sias. At night and 2750 meters above sea level, the activity was inaugurated with the attendance of International Officers Rev. Rodolfo González and Rev. Luis Meza Bocanegra. “If you want to continue conquering, rise

from the defeats” (Joshua 7: 2-12), was the first message of the Rev. Martínez. On the second day morning and evening, worker Carmen Valencia and Rev. Rodolfo González preached the Word of the Lord before thousands of brothers who came from all over the country and gathered in the “El Fongal” fairground in the district of Baños del Inca, where the event took place.

EVENTS

NEW INTERNATIONAL OFFICER

n Tuesday night, the President of the Work, Rev. Gustavo Martínez, interrupted for a moment the celebration to announce the promotion of Rev. Luis Meza Bocanegra to International Officer of the WMM. A moment later, all people raised a prayer for the blessing of the also National Supervisor of Peru u

On its last day, Thursday 25, Rev. Bocanegra participated by giving a message. In the afternoon, the church went over the main streets and avenues of the city inviting all the residents. In the evening, Rev. Martínez shared the Word of God with the message “Resist the attack and do not let yourself be fooled” (Acts 28: 1-10). The cameras of Bethel Television broadcasted the event u October 2014

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Quench the thirst with real water The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela commemorated the 29th National Convention with the attendance of international officers. The event brought days of peace to a country that in these times need much help from the Lord. 56 Impacto evangelistic

he Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela has not been in peace for more than a year. Its constant protests have brought about street violence. However, the Lord’s church has never stopped and has held its 29th National Convention, an event

EVENTS

that gave calm back to a distraught nation. “Impacting Venezuela” is the theme that the Church of the Worldwide Missionary Movement used on this activity that gathered the whole Venezuelan country under one calling. This spiritual

event was held from August 5 to August 9 at the Arena Plaza Shopping Center, located in the capital city of Barquisimeto. Rev. Rubén Concepción, Secretary of the Officer Board, was in charge of inaugurating this an-

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g nual event and also shared his message “Quench your thirst with real water” (Psalm 78: 15-16). The event was also attended by other International Officers, such as Rev. Humberto Henao and Rev. Rómulo Vergara, as well as Rev. Daniel Silva from the Federative Re58 Impacto evangelistic

EVENTS

public of Brazil and Rev. Ricardo Manrique, Supervisor in Venezuela. DEVOTIONALS

At the beginning of celebrations, as usual, the presbyters from all over the Venezuelan nation presented some reports on the progress and achie-

vements obtained by the church of the Lord. Every speech demonstrated the growth of the Work, and the people of God showed up with applause and praises to the Highest. On the fourth day, the youth societies of the church were the main figures of the devotional

and worship songs. During the service, they also gave reports on their work and the testimonies manifested in them. In the end of the event, a missionary service was held where all the Venezuelan people marched throughout the facilities. Furthermore, a great num-

ber of workers and pastors were promoted. In this part of the event, Rev. Rómulo Vergara, International Officer, gave a last message entitled: “We continue in the same spirit” (2 Corinthians 12: 17-18). The whole event was broadcasted by different radio and television channels u October 2014

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God is strength and haven The emotive 26th Convention of the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Ecuador served to enhance the glory of the Creator. Furthermore, Rev. Eugenio Masías was appointed new National Supervisor of the Work in that country. 60 Impacto evangelistic

ith the attendance of more than five thousand followers of Jesus Christ, the 26th Convention of the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Ecuador took place from August 14 to August 17 in the city of Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, the four-

EVENTS

th most populated city in Ecuador. It was an emotive spiritual celebration that, not only was held to introduce the new National Supervisor of Ecuador, Rev. Eugenio Masías Corbacho, but also offered a range of services in which the leading role that God plays in human

life was highlighted. Rev. Rubén Concepción, Secretary of the International Officers Board, gave two edifying messages focused on the importance of the Lord. Thus, pastor Concepción stressed in his speech that, “God is strength and haven. He is nearby to help us and he has

put this Work as a light in the darkness.” In addition, the servant of the Almighty said, “The kingdom of the Highest is not just for the poor, but also for everyone who believes in Him. However, without faith it is impossible to please the Creator.” Rev. Jorge Humber-

to Henao was another International Officer of the Worldwide Missionary Movement that shared the Word of Jesus Christ in the facilities of the “Dr. Alfonso Torres Ordoñez” fairground. The minister of the Almighty said, “Here in the world, we

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learn to laugh in tears and also to cry with laughter. The world carnival deceives so much that today’s lives are brief masquerades. God in His Word calls us to be different. Fear him and keep his commandments because that is all for men. The bitterest thing is having met him and having lost him.” On the last day of the event, which was attended by large delegations from Colombia and Peru, Rev. Eugenio Masías 62 Impacto evangelistic

EVENTS

Corbacho was promoted to National Supervisor of the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Ecuador. Under the protection of the Creator, pastor Masías succeeded Rev. Yován Armijos, who has been in charge of God’s Work in Ecuador over the last seven years, and he committed to continue and enhance the missionary work of his predecessor. In this regard, Masías Corbacho said that the word of Christ will continue being spread all over the country u October 2014

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OTHER EVENTS

Other Events CHILE

COSTA RICA

PUERTO RICO

JAPAN

REGIONAL FASTING CENTRAL ZONE

ANNIVERSARY OF LA VALENCIA CHURCH

YOUTH RETREAT FOR ZONE 1

SUMMER BIBLE SCHOOL

A united fasting service of pastors took place last June 14 in La Portada Church, located at San Bernardo commune. The servants of God were uplifted with beautiful messages of instruction, edification and strength in an atmosphere of clamor for the country and all authorities. It was attended by Rev. Gerardo Martínez, National Supervisor of the WMM in Chile, and brothers from the local and central Church, all of whom felt blessed in an atmosphere of fellowship with God's servants. The evening ended with a united service full of the Lord's presence. Glory be to God!

64 Impacto evangelistic

“The Family Week” took place from August 18 to 24 under the theme: “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15). Also, a Prayer Service was held for the families of the congregation. The Word was preached on the theme: “Family Altars.” There was a dinner with the families of the congregation who have less than a year being in the Church of La Valencia. The Worldwide Missionary Movement’s vision was shared. Different teachings were offered for women and men. Young people were given instruction on the theme: “Between Friends.” This activity ended with a Glorious Family Campaign, where the Word of the Lord was preached. Pastor Carlos Guerra, his wife Norma de Guerra and sister Karla Guerra (their oldest daughter) gave words of gratitude to the congregation for their loyalty and support during all these years of ministry. It was a week of joy, celebration, restoration and salvation for the families of the La Valencia Church of the WMM in Heredia, Costa Rica. God be praised!

A Beautiful Youth Retreat of Zone 1 took place from July 3 to 5 in the Missionary Pentecostal Church of the WMM in Canta Gallo, Guaynabo. During these three days, the Lord spoke and had an impact on young people through songs and praises, inviting them to get close to God. The preachers of the Word invited the youths to return to Jesus. On the last day of this retreat, the Lord moved powerfully. That beautiful morning, the Word preaching was given by Sister Wanda Villarini, who preached on the theme: “What have you lost?” (Luke 15: 8-10). A message to appreciate what we have and identify those things that we have been lost over time. The presence of God descended as Sister Wanda talked about testimonies that had had an impact on her life. The glory of God was felt for the benefit of the youths. Hallelujah!

The Pentecostal Christian Church of the WMM in Japan organized the first Summer Bible School (SBS). This event was held last August 15 at the Oppama temple in Kanagawa Ken, Yokosuka Shi Oppama Higasgi Cho 3-27, where many children arrived early to enjoy this great blessing. Teachers were responsible for many classes of the Word of God. Sisters Rocío Toyama, Mary Oishi, Linda Cardenas, Yuki Miyakoshi, along with another group of members of the Work, were responsible for various teachings for many children who came to the temple. It was also attended by Pastor Jorge David Veramendi, National Supervisor in Japan, and pastors Eraldo Hokama of the Narita Church and Andrés Marchan of the Komaki Church. This event is the beginning of a beautiful work that will take place every year for the benefit of all children.

FACTS

Was Noah’s flood universal?

Does the flood mentioned in the Book of Genesis really affect all the earth? Or did it devastate only a small area? How can we find the truth?

cal record of the temperature and salinity of the water. When they reproduce, the shells fall away and drop to the bottom. A cross-section of that ocean bed carries a record of climates that the oceanographers say go back more than 100 million years. The cores were analyzed in two different investigations—by Cesar Emiliani of the University of Miami, and by James Kennett of the University of Rhode Island and Nicholas Shack of Cambridge University. Both analyses pointed to a dramatic drop in the salinity of the water, providing compelling evidence of a vast flood of fresh water into the Gulf of Mexico thousands of years ago. Cesar Emiliani explains the results: “A huge amount of icemelt water rushed into the Gulf of Mexico…We know this be-

or much of the 20th century the majority of the scientific community has denied the possibility of a universal flood. Yet more evidence is accumulating that there indeed was a worldwide flood several thousand years ago. One of the most fascinating scientific discoveries in recent times regarding a universal flood came from some scientists who were not searching for any evidence of the Flood. It came from oceanographers in the Gulf of Mexico who were doing some rather routine research on coral and sediments of the ocean floor. Their two oceanographic vessels had pulled from the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico several long, slender core samples of the sediment, which includes the fossil shells of one-celled plankton called foraminifera. While still alive, these organisms lock into their shells a chemi-

It is hard to believe that if the Flood were only a local event, there would be 80,000 different accounts of it from around the world that describe it as universal in scope.

cause the oxygen isotope ratios of the foraminifera shells show a marked temporary decrease in the salinity of the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. It clearly shows that there was a major period of flooding from 12,000 to 10,000 years ago… There is no question that there was a flood and there is also no question that it was a universal flood” (“Noah, the Flood, the Facts,” Reader’s Digest , U.S. edition, September 1977, p. 133). It is also worth mentioning

that the radiocarbon dating used to establish the number of years is imprecise after 4,000 years, so the time of this universal deluge could be closer to the 4,300 years described in the Bible as the time of the biblical Flood. Another recent discovery that could have a relation to the inundation of the Gulf of Mexico is the finding by geologists William Ryan and Walter Pitman of the sudden flooding of the Black Sea basin around 6,000 to 7,000 years ago (according to their dating). “The salt water,” says Smithsonian magazine, “poured through the deepening channel, creating a waterfall 200 times the volume of Niagara Falls. In a single day enough water came through the channel to cover Manhattan to a depth two times the height of the [former] World Trade Center, and the roar of the cascading water would have been audible at least 100 miles away” (“Evidence for a Flood,” April 2000, electronic version). An additional evidence of the Deluge being global and not local is the literally thousands of flood stories from around the world. One enterprising historian, Dr. Aaron Smith of the University of Greensboro, North Carolina, became obsessed with classifying all the flood accounts. “As a result of years of labor, he has collected a complete history of the literature on Noah’s Ark. There are 80,000 works in seventy-two languages about the Flood, of which 70,000 mention the legendary wreckage of the Ark” (Werner Keller, The Bible as History , 1980, p. 38). It is hard to believe that if the Flood were only a local event, there would be 80,000 different accounts of it from around the world that describe it as universal in scope u October 2014

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