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THE MAGAZINE THAT EDIFIES YOUR LIFE

February 2018 / Edition 769

evangelistico

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION

WORLDWIDE MISSIONARY MOVEMENT

LIFE STORY

Valterâ€™s tragedy DEVOTIONAL

As the days of Noah

SCIENCE

The biblical story of the first eclipse

The legal proof that confirms the earthly life of Jesus

SCIENCE AND

JESUS

National Convention

PA NA MA

Arena Roberto Durán from February 10 to 13

WORLDWIDE MISSIONARY MOVEMENT OF PANAMA MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 2 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia

editorial

STAND FIRM AGAINST

THE ENEMY

Rev. José Arturo Soto B. International President of the MMM

Dear brothers and sisters, we must follow God’s dynamics and preach the Gospel through any means that God give us. The path of a life of service and consecration is narrow. Those who want to go through it will find obstacles and disagreements. When Saul began his ministry, he felt rejected by the Jews who planned to kill him and by the Church that didn’t trust him nor did it believe in his genuine salvation. “And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.” (Acts 9:26).

he battle of faith has not changed over the

God’s warriors are always a qualified mino-

centuries, on the contrary, it has intensi-

rity. The seven thousand men that did not bow

fied. We have to fight against three enemies: the

unto Baal or kiss him refused worship, but they

world, the flesh and the devil. The victory over

never fought openly and publicly against it as

the world depends on separating us from it; the

they were afraid of reprisals from the impious

victory over flesh on crucifying it and not to

queen Jezebel (1 kings 19:18). Given that seven

smear our life; and the victory over the enemy of

thousand men were hiding and had no intention

our souls on wearing the armor that prevents his

of speaking out for their faith in Jehovah, their

burning darts from reaching us.

unused potential was reflected in Elijah’s power.

Satan is an expert in making us see our devo-

This courageous and brave prophet did not feel

tion to God as useless. However, his luck ends

afraid when confronting the village, Baal’s pro-

with us, and Christ asseverated the gates of hell

phets and even Jezebel only by himself, in order

shall not prevail against the Church (Matthew

to defend the name of God.

16:18). Isn’t this a war cry? Governments around

The seven thousand men were faithful but in-

the world legalize sin and the world tries to sedu-

efficient. And just like them, there are also people

ce God’s people using its systems, its temptations

in congregations that are very devoted but not

and its cheap life… Moreover, does the Church

courageous; they act with passivity. The lack of

participate or have any luck with the world? Do

support generated Elijah’s discouragement and

we have to take part in the kingdom of this world

that is how the devil obtained an ally in God’s

in order to be accepted? Not at all! We were ca-

front. Will you be also one of those seven thou-

lled to fight at the battle’s front and to stay firm

sand men who are faithful but inefficient when it

against the enemy.

comes to completing your mission?

february 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

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evangelistic Founder Director: Rev. Luis M. Ortiz FEBRUARY 2018 / EDITION N° 769 (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

MEMBRI DEL M.M.M. INC. Rev. José Soto Rev. Humberto Henao Rev. Rubén Concepción Rev. Gustavo Martínez Rev. Álvaro Garavito Rev. Rómulo Vergara Rev. Luis Meza

President Vice President Secretary Treasurer Director Director Director

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

Legal deposit made on the National Library of Peru Nº 2011-02530 Christian Pentecostal Church-Worldwide Missionary Movement: Av. 28 de Julio 1781 - Lima 13 - Peru Printout: Quad/Graphics Perú S.A. Av. Los Frutales 344 - Lima 03 - Peru MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 4 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia

• The inspiration of the Holy Scriptures: 2 Timothy 3:15-17, 2 Peter 1:19-21. • The Adorable Godhead in Three Persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit: Matthew 3:16-17, 17: 1-5; 28:19, John 17: 5, 24, 26, 16:32, 14:16, 23, 18:5, 6, 2 Peter 1:17,18; Revelation 5. • Salvation by Faith in Christ: Luke 24:47, John 3:16, Romans 10:13, Titus 2:11, 3:5-7. • The New Birth: John 3:3, 1 Peter 1:23, 1 John 3:9. • Justification by Faith: Romans 5:1, Titus 3:7. • Water Baptism by Inmersion, as commanded by Christ: Matthew 28:19, Acts 8:36-39. • The Baptism in the Holy Spirit subsequent to salvation, speaking in tongues according to: Luke 24:49, Acts 1:4, 8, 2:4. • Divine Healing: Isaiah 53:4, Matthew 8:16, 17, Mark 16:18, James 5:14, 15. • The Gifts of the Holy Spirit: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11. • The Fruits of the Holy Spirit: Galatians 5:22-26. • Sanctification: 1 Thessalonians 4:3, 5:23, Hebrews 12:14, 1 Peter 1:15, 16, 1 John 2:6. • Ministry and Evangelization: Mark 16:15-20, Romans 10:15. • Tithing and Maintenance of the Work: Genesis 14:20, 28:22, Leviticus 27:30, Numbers 18:21-26, Malachi 3:7-10, Matthew 10:10; 23:23. • The Rapture of the Church: Romans 8:23, 1 Corinthians 15:5152, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17. • The Second Coming of Christ: Zechariah 14:1-9, Matthew 24:30, 31; 2 Thessalonians 1:7, Titus 2:13, Jude 14, 15. • The Millennial Kingdom: Isaiah 2:1-4, 11:5-10, Zechariah 9:10, Revelation 19:20, 20:3-10. • New Heavens and New Earth: Isaiah 65:17, 66:22, 2 Peter 3:13, Revelation 21:1.

SUMMARY www.facebook.com/impactoevangelistico

24 / LITERATURE. Bone of His Bone 28 / HERO OF FAITH. Matthew Henry’s commentaries DEVOTIONALS 38 / DIFFERENT BUT TRUE CALLINGS Rev. Luis M. Ortiz

40 / THINGS WHICH ARE DESPISED HAS GOD CHOSEN. Rev. Gustavo Martínez

What does science say about Jesus Christ?

Analysis

18 / SCIENCE. The oldest eclipse

Cover note

16 / HEALTH. Health in adolescents

Christian Hope

Hero of faith Current issues

Search us in

New president of Valter and his WMM pact with God

32 20

42 /AS THE DAYS OF NOAH. Rev. Manuel Zuñiga 65 / OTHER EVENTS.

14 / Infography.

66 / LETTERS-AGENDA.

february 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

JESUS’ greatness becomes more solid with time. He was the greatest revolutionary on earth. In spite of some detractors, Christ’s earthly life is acknowledged and admitted by a vast majority based on the legal proof, which is applied when is not possible to use the scientific method.

Josh MacDowell (*)

Around 2,000 years ago, Jesus was born a human in a small Jewish community. He was part of a poor family, of a minority that reside in one of the smallest nations of the world. He lived about 33 years, of which he only dedicated the last three years to the public ministry. However, people still remember him all around the world. The date appearing in all our morning newspapers and in the copyright declaration of university documents is proof that Jesus had the world’s most extraordinary life. When asking H. G. Wells, renowned historian, who is the person with the most everlasting impression in history, he answered that, if the greatness of a personality is judged by his/ her influence in history, “Jesus would be in the first place, according to that premise”. The historian Kenneth Scott Latourette said, “Over the centuries, there is more proof that, according to the effect he still produces in history, Jesus’ life is the most revolutionary in this planet, and his influence seems to keep growing”. Quoting Ernest Renán’s comment, “Jesus was the greatest religious genius that ever lived. His beauty is eternal and his reign shall never end. Jesus was unique in every respect, and nothing MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 6 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia

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WHAT DOES SCIENCE SAY ABOUT

JESUS CHRIST?

february 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

Over the centuries, there is more proof that, according to the effect he still produces in history, Jesus’ life is the most revolutionary in this planet, and his influence seems to keep growing.

MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 8 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia

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can be compared to Him. All history is incomprehensible without him”. WHAT DOES SCIENCE SAY?

Many people intend to postpone their personal dedication to Christ by arguing that, if something cannot be proven scientifically, such thing is not true or worthy of acceptance. Given that Jesus’ deity and resurrection cannot be scientifically proven, some 21th century people conclude mistakenly that they cannot accept Christ as their Savior or believe in His resurrection. Frequently, in philosophy or history classes, I face this challenging question, “Can you scientifically prove it? My answer is usually, “Well, I’m not a scientist”. Immediately, some laughs can be heard while some voices say, “Do not talk to me about that” or “You see, we don’t have to accept everything

for faith” referring to a blind faith. Some time ago, at a flight from Boston, I was talking to a passenger travelling next to me about why I believe in Christ. I was saying, “That is what He affirmed He was”, when the pilot, who was walking nearby waving at the passengers, heard part of our conversation. You have a problem, he said. What problem?, I asked. You cannot prove that scientifically, he replied. It is surprising the poor mindset of current humanity. Somehow, people have begun arguing that, if something cannot be proven scientifically, that thing is not real. Well, that is not true! There is a problem when proving something related to a person or a historical event. We must understand the difference between scientific proof and what I call legal-historical proof. Let me explain these two types of proof.

The scientific proof is based on the demonstration that a thing becomes a fact through its repetition in front of the person questioning it. There is a controlled environment in which observations can be made, data can be deduced and the hypothesis can be empirically verified. Ramón Canal, holder of a degree in Philosophy and Arts, when explaining scientific proofs, says, “Every science uses an objective method for its theoretical work. This method is based on a set of specific criteria which tends to determine the validity of theory in a decisive way. These verification procedures are known as experimentation. Experimentation is based on systematic experiences, on the controlled construction of new situations in order to materially contrast the hypothesis and the results of a scientific theory. There-

february 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 10 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia

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fore, it is connected to theory: experimentation and theory are the means to carry out a scientific researchâ€?. To prove a hypothesis through controlled experiments is one of the technical keys of the current scientific world. For example, when someone says: â€œThe Ivory soap does not floatâ€?, I take that person to the kitchen, I pour some water until is 10 cm high from the sink, with a temperature of 82.7 Fahrenheit (28.1 Celsius) and I put the soap there. Observations start, data is collected, until the hypothesis is empirically verified: Ivory soap does float. If the scientific method were the only one valid to prove something,

nobody could prove that a person was present in a class or that we had lunch today. It is not possible to repeat those events in controlled situations. This is known as legal-historical proof, which aims to prove facts leaving no place for reasonable doubts. In other words, a verdict is made based on the weight of the evidence, which eliminates all reasonable doubts. This proof depends on three types of testimony: oral testimony, written testimony, and the exhibition of objects (such as rifles, bullets or notebooks). Through this method, we can prove we were in class this morning: friends saw us, we have the notes of the class and the teacher remembers us. The scientific method can only be used to prove what we can repeat. It is not appropriate to prove or disap-

february 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

prove situations involving a person or a historical event. It is also not appropriate to answer questions like: Did George Washington exist? Was Martin Luther King a leader that defended civil rights? Who was Jesus from Nazareth? Was Robert Kennedy United States Attorney general? Did Jesus Christ resurrect from death? The answers to these questions cannot be proven by the scientific method but with the legal proof. In other words, the scientific method, which is based on observation, data collection, hypothesis, deduction and experimental verification to explain the regularities of nature, cannot give a final verdict to questions like: Can resurrection be proven? Can we prove that Jesus is God’s son? In order to trust the legal-historical method, it is necessary to analyze the veracity of the testimonies. One of the things that has caught my attention the most is that the Christian faith is not blind or ignorant, but intelligent and rational. When the Bible invites a person to have faith, it refers to an intelligent faith. Jesus said in John 8, “… thou shalt know the truth” instead of saying we will ignore it. When Christ was asked what the greatest commandment in the law was, he replied, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God will all thy heart and with all… thy mind”. The problem of many people is that they only think of a faith related to the heart. The facts associated with Christ never cross their minds. God gave us minds renewed by the Holy Spirit so that we can meet God, and a heart to love Him, and willingness to choose Him. We need to work on those three aspects so we can have a great relation with God and glorify Him. I do not know about you but, in my case, my heart cannot believe what my mind has rejected. My heart and my mind were created to work together in harmony. No one has committed mental suicide for trusting in Christ as his Savior and Lord.

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(â€Ś) if the scientific method were the only one valid to prove something, nobody could prove that a person was present in a class or that we had lunch today. It is not possible to repeat those events in controlled situations.

february 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

SCIENCE AND THE BIBLE Genesis 1:20-22 The chicken or the egg dilemma is solved. What came first?... This question has intrigued philosophers for centuries. The Bible states that God created birds with the ability to reproduce with their same species. Genesis 6:15 Exact dimensions for ship stability. Ship builders know that a ship’s length should be six times its width in order to float. We must bear in mind that God gave us the ideal measures to Noah 4,500 years ago.

Ezekiel 47:12 Medicine in plants Ancient cultures used many herbal remedies. Modern science has re-discovered now what the Bible had already stated.

Deuteronomy 22:9 Mix seeds genetically is harmful. The Bible warns that mix seeds of different types causes crops that harm people’s health. Nowadays, there is a higher number of diseases produced by genetically-modified fruits and vegetables.

Nicolaus Copernicus (1473-1543)

Johannes Kepler (1571-1630)

Albert Einstein (1879-1955)

Polish astronomer known worldwide for having developed the heliocentric theory of the solar system. Besides believing that the universe was built by a good and organized creator, he stated that the Lord had to be worship.

German mathematician considered the founder of Physics-Astronomy. He described the laws of planetary motion in their orbits. He studied Theology in the University of Tübingen. He recognized the Almighty designed the world based on a rational harmony.

20th century’s most famous scientist. He stands out for his relativity theory. Winner of the Nobel prize in 1921, he showed he believed Christ and what he thought about faith in many opportunities. One time he said, “God is a mystery, but a comprehensible mystery”.

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One of the things that has caught my attention the most is that the Christian faith is not blind or ignorant; on the contrary, it is intelligent and rational. When the Bible invites a person to have faith, it refers to an intelligent faith. Jesus said in John 8, “… thou shalt know the truth” instead of saying we will ignore it. When Christ was asked what the greatest commandment in the law was, he replied, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God will all thy heart and with all… thy mind”. The problem of many people is that they only think of a faith related to the heart. The facts associated with Christ never cross their minds. God gave us a mind renewed by the Holy Spirit so that we can meet God, and a heart to love Him, and willingness to choose Him. We need to work on those three aspects so we can have a great relation with God and glorify Him. I do not know about you but, in my case, my heart cannot believe what my mind rejects. My heart and my mind were created to work together in harmony. No one has committed mental suicide for recognizing Christ as his Savior and Lord. (*) Extracted from the book “More than a carpenter” by Josh McDowell.

Isaiah 40:22 Earth is spherical. Long before any historical record, the Bible stated that Earth was round.

Hebrew 11:3 The creation is made up of atomic particles that are invisible to our eyes In 19th century, it was finally discovered that all visible things are made up of invisible elements.

Job 26:7 Earth floats in space. As some people believed that Earth was on an elephant’s or a turtle’s back or that it was supported by Atlas, the Bible predicted what is now known… “God hung the earth upon nothing.”

Leviticus 15:13 Wash in water currents For centuries, people used to wash themselves in stagnant waters, but it is now known that clean water is necessary to prevent infections

SANGUE

4 2 0 3 0

5 1 4 4

4 2 0 3 0

5 1 4 4

Leviticus 17:11, 14 Life is found in blood. Healthy blood is necessary to carry nutrients to every cell of the body. This blood’s function was not known; that is why many people bled to death, like George Washington.

Rh positive

Galileo Galilei (1564-1642)

Isaac Newton (1642-1727)

Michael Faraday (1791-1867)

Italian physicist, engineer, mathematician and scientist. Famous for his contribution to the study of celestial bodies. He was a very religious man and an intellectual, who expressed his beliefs in Jesus Christ until the last day of his life and said the Bible could not be wrong.

English physicist, mathematician, inventor, astronomer, theologian and philosopher. He is considered one of the fathers of modern science. He believed the Bible and the universe were a cryptogram established by the Creator. He signed his writing with the phrase “Jehovah, unique God”.

A British chemist, physicist, inventor and philosopher, who was recognized as one of the most influential scientists in history. He was a member of a Christian church. He held that it was necessary to express the faith in God in every situation.

february 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

Adolescents represent almost a sixth part of the world’s population: 1,200 million people. It is considered to be one of the most important life stages and it is mainly characterized by constant changes.

Walter Menchola Vásquez (*)

Adolescence is the phase of growth and development between childhood and adulthood. It starts with 10 years and finishes in 19. Adolescence is full of great biological, psychological and social changes, on which the surroundings cause a significant impact. It marks the beginning of the puberty and the passing to adulthood; the cultural characteristics might change from a society to another, but they all have in common the great influence in the development of young people, who experience biological ad psychological changes and are constantly pressured by their social, cultural, political and economic environment. In addition, they are significantly influenced by media, which is increasingly globalized and out of control. Adolescence is a stage of growth and development, but it is also full of great risks. The sociocultural environment determines the acquisition of behaviors, habits and attitudes, many of them being a risk for adolescents’ health, such as the consumption of alcohol, tobacco, psychoactive drugs, dangerous sexual behaviors, among others. There is a great incidence of death or disability in two life stages. The first one is childhood, between 0 and 5 years, especially in the first year. The second one is adolescence due to injuries, traumas by violence, death by traffic accidents, MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 16 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia

HEALTH IN

ADOLESCENTS drowning, sexually transmitted diseases, teenage pregnancies, among others. The Worldwide Health Organization (WHO) states: “In general, adolescents are young people between 10 and 19 years and a healthy age group. However, many of them die prematurely due to accidents, suicides, violence, complications related to pregnancy and preventable or treatable diseases”. The preventable death of adolescents is a tragedy that impacts families, communities and affects countries in every respect. Half of all mental health disorders in adulthood start showing at the age of 14.

Nevertheless, most of the cases are not detected, much less treated. Adolescent’s main health problems are traumas, which is the first cause of death and disability at this stage. In 2015, more than 115,000 adolescents died around the world because of it and as a consequence of reckless behaviors, alcohol and drug consumption; therefore, it is recommended to set lower alcohol rates (zero tolerance) and progressive car licenses for adolescent drivers. The second most common cause of death is HIV/AIDS. More than two million adolescents around the world

salute

live with this virus, mainly in the SubSaharan Africa. It is recommended to give young people better and more se-

xual education, give them access to HIV detection tests and treatments, and encourage them to wait more time before having sexual relationships, to be monogamous and faithful when married. Diarrheas and lower respiratory tract infections are the most common diseases that cause death in adolescents, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Depression is the third cause of death, as it leads adolescents to commit suicide, which is a real tragedy. At this age, many young people feel unappreciated by their families and communities. The risk of suicide is even higher in poor environments and dysfunctional families. Interpersonal violence is a significant cause of death and injuries for adolescents. Injuries by aggression is the second cause of death for boys after traffic accidents, as it mostly occurs between them. In case of adolescents, interpersonal violence occurs in the form of sexual aggressions; in the world, 1 of 10 adolescents younger than 20 years declared to have suffered sexual violence (WHO). Drowning is also a frequent cause of death for young people, especially for boys, therefore it is recommended to teach them to swim at an early age. Alcohol and drug consumption is also a risk factor as they reduce selfcontrol and increase the possibility of dangerous behaviors such as sexual rela-

Main causes of death in adolescents from low- and middleincome countries (2010) Age 10-14 Position Disease Men 1 Traffic accidents 2 HIV/AIDS 3 Drowning 4 Lower respiratory tract infections 5 Natural disasters Women 1 HIV/AIDS 2 Lower respiratory tract infections 3 Diarrheal diseases 4 Traffic accidents 5 Malaria Source: IHME. Global Burden of Disease Compare, 2015.

Age 15-19 Position 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

Disease Men Traffic accidents Interpersonal violence Suicide Drowning Malaria Women Suicide Pregnancy disorders Traffic accidents Malaria Burns

tionships or drunk driving. It is the main cause of injuries, interpersonal violence, premature death for adolescents. For this reason, educational publicity is necessary to teach them these risks; in addition, the publicity encouraging the consumption of alcohol and drugs should be restricted. RECOMMENDATIONS

It is essential that families, communities, schools, universities, institutes, etc. encourage healthy behaviors in adolescents in order to protect them from the risks that endanger their health, and from themselves. Adolescents deserve our respect, appreciation, our attention; we should not treat them like small children but respect them at any given moment. When we talk to them, conversations must be honest, positive, horizontal, edifying, and we should encourage them to express their worries, concerns and problems. They expect honest and comprehensive answers that help them take decisions. They should take their own decisions based on the love and the sincerity of people around them. Adolescents will escape from permanent critics, negative and destructive comments, as they are highly sensitive at this stage. That is why you should think twice what you tell them; if you are not sure, do not say anything. If you are upset, take some time, meditate, ask for advice and then talk to your children, because everything you say will affect their lives. Remember that we are slaves of our words; a word can become a sword, and it is very difficult to repair its damaging consequences. To conclude, trust your children, that is the best recipe; if you do not trust them, they will not trust you either. Bear always in mind, â€œthey that sow the wind, shall reap the whirlwindâ€?. Sow love and you will always be loved and appreciated. Remember talking to young people about delicate issues, even if it is hard for you. You are their best advisor, do not judge them.

Source: Worldwide Health Organization (WHO)

february 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

THE book of Joshua is the oldest record of a solar eclipse. On October 30, 1207 BC in the days of Joshua an eclipse occurred in old Canaan; this event was registered in the Bible, according to Astronomy & Geophysics (*). Based on a research involving linguistic analysis of millenary languages, old Babylonian writings on astronomy, Egyptian stelas of pharaohs and modern calculations made through celestial mechanics, British scientists believe to have found the first record of a solar eclipse in the Bible. In the Bible, there are many historical passages telling about the evolution of Israelites. Archaeology and comparative history have confirmed the existence of many personalities, places and historical events. One of those personalities is Joshua, who was a prophet for Jews, Christians and Muslims, and a leader and successor of Moses for Hebrews. According to the Bible, Joshua began the conquest of the promised land and distributed it among the 12 tribes. His adventures and experiences on wars appear in the Book of Joshua of the Old Testament. In the Book of Joshua (10:12-13) we can read, “In the day when the Lord delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon; and thou, Moon, in the valley of Ajalon”. The sun stopped and the moon stopped until Israel got revenge on its enemies. This is written in the Book of Jasher. Indeed, the son stopped at its zenith and did not move for almost a day. A group of British researchers believe to have found the explanation about what really happened. The various modern translations of the biblical content are based on the first translation from Hebrew and Aramaic to Greek. The real meaning of words might have been lost in the translation process making it seem like the moon and the sun had stopped. MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 18 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia

THE OLDEST

ECLIPSE

“However, consulting the original text in Hebrew, we believe that it could mean that the sun and the moon stopped what they usually do: they stopped shining”, declares the researcher of the University of Cambridge and co-author of this research, Colin Humphreys, who is passionate about relating science to the Bible.

In particular, the original text uses the Hebrew words dôm and ‘amad to say what the sun and the moon did, respectively. The first one has many meanings; it could mean to be quiet, fall silent, or remained immobile. The second word means stop and keep. The authors of this study, which was

science

the stele of Merneptah, a long text written in a block of granite kept in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. Merneptah, son of the pharaoh Ramses II the Great, ruled from 1213 and 1203 BC, according to the most accepted dating systems. The stele, engraved in the fifth year of his reign, states that Merneptah had to send troops to Canaan to help many regions that were bothered by Israelites. These are the wars that the Book of Joshua records. AN ECLIPSE IN CANAAN

published on Astronomy & Geophysics, state that dôm has the same roots of astronomical terms related to eclipses found in Babylonian tablets of the same time. “In that context, the Hebrew words could refer to a solar eclipse, ‘when the moon passes between the earth and the sun, and the latter seems to stop shining”, says Humphreys. Specifically, he believes it was an annular eclipse, which occurs when the moon does not block all the sun, making the sun’s outer edges seem like a ring of fire. Another circumstantial proof researchers add has to do with the historicity of Joshua’s and Israelites’ presence in Canaan

“…Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon; and thou, Moon, in the valley of Ajalon”. The sun stopped and the moon stopped until Israel got revenge on its enemies. This is written in the Book of Jasher. Indeed, the son stopped at its zenith and did not move for almost a day.”

3,200 years ago. This part of history is confirmed in

Once the historical facts and personalities were verified, the researchers started the machine that calculates eclipses, which is not as simple as it might seem. “We can calculate future or past eclipses, but we have to take the changes on the speed of earth’s rotation into consideration, even more when it’s a very old event”, explains the British physicist. Even when applying celestial mechanics, it is hard to calculate eclipses as the movement of the planet around its axis is not constant. “We were finally capable of making these calculations for very old eclipses 20 years ago”, adds Humphreys. According to estimations, the only annular eclipse visible from Gibeon, some kilometers to the north-west of Jerusalem, from 1,500 and 1050 BC occurred at 15:27 on October 30, 1207 BC, according to the current calendar). The sun must have been partially eclipsed at sunset, at 17:38. During the eclipse’s central phase, the moon had to cover up to 86% of the sun, reducing its regular visibility up to 10%. Based on that, the Bible’s passage records a real event in an epic way from the view of the narrator. If the date is accepted by the scientific community, this would be the oldest record of a solar eclipse. Even though there are at least three possible eclipses before the year 1000 according to a Chinese legend, a Mesopotamic tablet and in the Odyssey of Homer, none of them is supported by astronomical calculations. Only in the year 700 BC, Chinese people started recording eclipses. Back then, Assyrian also engraved them in clay tablets.

(Taken from www.protestantedigital)

february 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

HOPE is a state of mind by which we have faith that something will happen. And then there is hopelessness, which is the state by which our confidence is nonexistent and we feel sad or even depressed because we have lost or failed to achieve something.

Carmen Valencia de Martínez

Hopelessness is a common thing in this world. There is fear, pessimism and despair at home and in the life of many people, and only few look at the present and the future with optimism. However, there is hope, and it is hope that helps us face life and feel sure that our present and future are in the powerful and loving hands of God. Christian hope is certainty for today, tomorrow and ever. It never goes away, but always prevails. Psalm 62:5 states: “My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.” THERE IS NO HOPE WITHOUT GOD

Many of us had lost hope before coming to the Lord; we thought everything was lost. “That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world” (Ephesians 2:12). Christ brings hope. But Christ entered our hearts bringing hope along with Him –a kind of hope that is precious and that will never die. “Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God” (Psalm MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 20 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia

CHRISTIAN

HOPE

146:5). The hope of men and women of God is for today and forever. It is one of the greatest pillars of Christian life. Without this hope, it is impossible to walk in victory and overcome hardship. “For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off” (Proverbs 23: 18).

WHY IS CHRISTIAN HOPE DIFFERENT FROM OTHER KINDS?

Because our hope is Christ. Our hope has a name and it is Christ, the Son of God, the innocent Lamb, the Great Savior of the world. “To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles;

analysis

of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3). WHAT IS CHRISTIAN HOPE BASED ON?

which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27). Because it is founded on wisdom. Its rock-hard foundation is the wisdom of a loving, omniscient, almighty and compassionate God for whom nothing is impossible. “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gent-

le, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy” ( James 3:17). Because it is a lively, true hope. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection

It is based on God’s Word. God’s Word reveals the great victory and certainty of men. “For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel” (Colossians 1:5). There is no eternal hope but that in God’s Word; it cannot be found anywhere else because it is not human desire, concept or certainty, but God’s truth, confidence and true promise. His Word is the door to hope that opens up when men listen to it. Anyone who decides to walk through that door must do it by means of repentance, receiving our beloved Lord Jesus-Christ’s forgiveness. We have to believe what our Lord says, internalize His promises, embrace His Word, and acknowledge that it has authority and power. His Word has power because He has power. “Where the word of a king is, there is power: and who may say unto him, What doest thou?” (Ecclesiastes 8:4). Power means control, strength and authority over something; it means that His words are to be kept and fulfilled. Emperor Napoleon was once leading a group of soldiers when his horse suddenly went berserk. Seeing that the emperor was about to be thrown, a foot soldier, at the risk of his own life, grabbed the loose reins and through sheer strength stopped the wild horse and held it still. Napoleon said, “Thank you, captain.” He immediately thought, “He is the only one with the authority to make me a captain.” Then, he answered, “Of which regiment, my emperor?” Bonaparte replied, “Of my personal guard!” A few days later, that same foot soldier introduced himself to the chief officer of Napoleon’s personal guard. As he saw his uniform, the officer demanded, “Captain? By whose orders?” The soldier replied, “By my Emperor’s command!” From that moment on, he

february 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

became a captain. If the words of an earthly king or emperor have authority, so much more the words of the King of kings and Lord of lords! WHAT DO WE HOPE?

What do we hope? What do we wish to happen? What is the yearning of our heart? To be transformed. We hope to have a body that is similar to that of our beloved Lord. “Behold, I shew you a mystery; we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed” (1 Colossians 15:51; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). To go to heaven. We hope to go to heaven, be transfigured, and be there with our Lord Jesus-Christ. “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first, then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18). To see God face to face. We hope to see our beloved Savior as He is. “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2). To enjoy the New Jerusalem. We hope walk into it and enjoy that great city that God has prepared for us, the New Jerusalem, where there will be neither tears nor pain. “And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband” (Revelations 21:2). WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE HAVE TRUE HOPE?

• Worries and anxiety disappear; they have no longer control over us, but Christ is behind our life and circumstances, no matter how difficult. • Even if the cause seems impossible MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 22 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia

or lost, the Lord will give us a clear vision of what He can do for us. He will always open the way for us. In the middle of our desert, He will make fresh water springs appear to satisfy our needs. We can overcome any adversity with His hope. It will support our life and give us the strength to move forward. Hardship will only strengthen our hope in God. Remember that hope is the best medicine for our existence. Viktor Emil Frankl was a Jewish

psychologist from Vienna, Austria, who was imprisoned in a concentration camp in Germany during World War II. Frankl used to observe his mates in prison and analyze their behaviors in such horrible conditions. Many prisoners would face reality with pessimism and eventually give up the fight to survive and end up dying or committing suicide. Other prisoners, however, were above their horrible circumstances; they refused to give in to pessimism and rather clung dearly to an optimistic hope

analysis

There is no eternal hope but that in God’s Word; it cannot be found anywhere else because it is not human desire, concept or certainty, but God’s truth, confidence and true promise.

allowing them to survive the dreadful concentration camps. His psychological analysis revealed that the difference between both types of prisoners was not in their origins, but in their hearts. Optimistic prisoners, so to speak, knew that their current suffering would not last forever, that there would be a better tomorrow. They believed faithfully that Nazis would be vanquished and that they would have a brighter future. Hope gave them courage to get over their harsh reality.

WHAT DO HOPE GIVE US?

The hope that we, children of God, carry in our hearts is the amazing reason why we see in trial and tribulation a chance to obtain more glory, more power and more blessings. It makes us realize that problems or grieves are temporary, that they are a means to receive more and more power from God. “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18).

february 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

“BONE of His Bone” is a masterpiece by reverend Frederick J. Huegel, a renowned American missionary who preached God’s Word in Argentina, Colombia, Cuba, Mexico, among other countries, in the 20th century. It is considered a classic of evangelical literature.

One cannot make a study of the New Testament without experiencing something of the nature of a shock, in view of the glaring difference between the Christian life as we customarily live it, and the ideal set forth by the Master. The disheartening incongruities and the grievous contradictions are so painfully evident, that even those who have only a superficial knowledge of the Savior’s Word –yea, one dare say, even those who have never looked into the pages of the New Testament– are shocked. What little faith they may have is shaken. When one holds up before the picture of the Christian life as set forth by the Apostles, that which today goes under the name, one staggers. The emaciated body of a dying friend –not to say his corpse– could not stand in more violent contrast with him who in the days of health and vigor walked at our side. “Bone of His bone” reflects Doctor Frederick J. Huegel’s thoughts. He was a renowned American missionary who wrote this book to share his experiences about the living in Christ and to reveal the richness that comes from God’s throne. Easy-toread, this book also offers a message focused on the Lord. My purpose is to trace step by step the scope of this great principle of participation in Christ –to measure, as it were, the length and breadth, the depth and the height, of this marvelous identification of the believer with his Savior. MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 24 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia

Christ, and all true believers, are one. They constitute His body. They are, in the language of Adam, “bone of His bone, and flesh of His flesh.” Just what the implications of this oneness with Christ are –the overwhelming glory of such a position– most Christians have never had so much as an inkling. May the Father of Lights enable us not only to understand, but to enter into this holy temple, and to realize our oneness with Christ. This is the only spring that can quench our thirst. The book by reverend Huegel, who was born in 1889 in Wisconsin, was published in 1933. It remains one of his most relevant doctrinal works among his production in favor of the spreading, expansion and consolidation of the Gospel. Divided in twelve chapters, it contains the truths used by the Creator to transform the lives of human beings. It also points out that the cross and the spiritual growth of believers are insepa-

At no time in the Christian’s pilgrimage is he free from peril. Temptations of every hue beset his path. The farther along the road, and the greater the grace, the more subtle the snares, and the more intense the opposition. It was at the end of the road in the hour of greatest achievement, in the moment of loftiest spiritual attainment, that the Savior experienced the sharpest and grimmest conflict; and so it is with the Christian.

rable.

THE TEMPTATIONS

Though the Apostle Paul never knew Christ “after the flesh,” he seems to have had a deeper insight into the mysteries of the Faith than the other Apostles. He was the dominant force in the shaping of the character and life of the nascent Church. After the Master, he is the outstanding personality of the New Testament, making the greatest contribution to the literature and the growth of the Church. Yet, he knew not Christ “after the flesh” as did the other Apostles; he had never come under the sway of the Savior’s teaching and ministry. After the Damascan Road revelation, Paul went not to Jerusalem “to confer with flesh and blood.” He went into Arabia. “Bone of His bone,” a 20th century classic of evangelical literature, brings the reader closer to Christian life, to JesusChrist’s death, to the Resurrection of the Son of God and to the life of Apostle Paul. Similarly, it explores Christ’s victory and Ascension, as well as the importance of the faith in the Savior as foundation of the Church, missions and prayers, and conveys a message of oneness with the Almighty. At no time in the Christian’s pilgrimage is he free from peril. Temptations of every hue beset his path. The farther along the road, and the greater the grace, the more subtle the snares, and the more intense the opposition. It was at the end of the road in the hour of greatest achievement, in the moment of loftiest spiritual attainment, that the Savior experienced the sharpest and grimmest conflict; and so it is with the Christian. He will never know how determined and how mighty the foe is, how cruel the enemy, how potent the opposition, until he forges his way to the highest spiritual attainment.

BONE OF

HIS BONE

literature

february 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

Huegel was a preacher who brought the Word to Argentina, Colombia, Cuba, Mexico and many other countries. He was known as the doyen of missionaries in Latin America. Son of German immigrants, he studied English Literature and Philosophy at the University of Wisconsin while trying to find the meaning of life. After reading a book by pastor Frederic Farrar, he surrendered to the Lord. PARTICIPATION

Among present-day Christian leaders, teachers, and preachers none seem to be willing to risk their reputation by entering into this matter. Yet, there is no greater need in the Church today than that of light on this intricate question. Witness the “isms” springing up, all under the eaves of the Church. Strange doctrines that have to do with the gifts of the Spirit, and that seem sound enough, and sufficiently grounded in the Scriptures, are causing fatal convulsions in the Body of Christ, and plunging earnest Christians, seeking fuller light, into the abyss of fanaticism. “Doctrines of demons” which according to Paul would, in the latter days, come as a flood upon the Church. After devoting his life to the Lord, Minister Huegel shared the good news during World War I. In 1920, he was commissioned to Mexico as missionary and arrived to Aguascalientes. To win souls for the Lord, he moved to San Luis Potosí and then to Mexico City, where he became professor of Theology at the United Evangelical Center and priest of firefighters. It is striking how over and over this word Participation appears in the New Testament. We are told that we are made partners of Christ. In Romans 6, we are given to understand that His Cross is our Cross; His tomb, our tomb. In Ephesians 2, we are made to see that in Him we were raised from the dead, and actually made to sit with Him in the Heavenlies. Not only that, we are assured again and again that Christ’s victory is our victory, that we may always overcome the Wicked One because of Calvary, and our participation in the fruits of the MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 26 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia

literature

Cross (2 Cor. 2:14). And now again we are startled by the marvelous fact, that we are made to be partakers of Christ’s sufferings. Frederick J. Huegel died in 1971. He wrote fifteen books in English and thirteen in Spanish on subjects related to the glory of Christianity, faith and the edification of God’s people. Nonetheless, his masterpiece was “Bone of His Bone,” which defined his concepts on the oneness with Christ and the joy of having the Creator by our side. This is a Bible-based must for Christian followers to achieve success in life. We have not yet exhausted the deep

It is striking how over and over this word Participation appears in the New Testament. We are told that we are made partners of Christ. In Romans 6, we are given to understand that His Cross is our Cross; His tomb, our tomb. In Ephesians 2, we are made to see that in Him we were raised from the dead, and actually made to sit with Him in the Heavenlies. Not only that, we are assured again and again that Christ’s victory is our victory.

veins of purest gold to which this principle of participation has led us. In a sense, the most sublime of all its aspects has to do with the future developments of Christ’s Kingdom. There is the great fact of the Savior’s coming about which the New Testament has so much to say. We are told to watch and pray, for we know not what hour our Lord may come. We are told to abide in Him that when He shall appear we may have confidence and not be ashamed before him at His coming. We are told that the angels shall be sent forth with a great sound of a trumpet, and that they shall gather together the elect from the four winds.

february 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

MATTHEW Henry was born in Wales in the 17th century. He stood out for his deep analytical work on the Bible, which is still relevant after three centuries. As a minister of God, he persistently spread the Gospel in London and its surroundings. James Hamilton

Matthew Henry was a renowned preacher of God’s Word who achieved great relevance thanks to his great contributions to the spreading of the good news. He was born in Wales on October 18, 1662, and was raised within a pious home. His father was reverend Philip Henry, a member of the Church of England who encouraged him to devote his life to the Lord. Stimulated by his mother Katharine Henry, Matthew showed a great passion for evangelical books since an early age. It is said that he could read the Bible distinctively when he was only three years old. In addition, with his young sisters Sarah, Katharine, Eleanor and Ann he would hold a little prayer meeting on Saturday afternoons and listen to the preaching of his parents, who always showed love and devotion to the Lord. FIRST STEPS

Supported by his father, Henry’s education was entrusted to evangelical intellectual William Turner, who guided his first steps into education. Under his influence, the future preacher learnt grammar and Latin without leaving his home. In addition, encouraged by his father, he surrendered to JesusChrist in 1672, when he was 10, in order to serve Him and contribute to the growth of His flock. Heir of his father’s love for God and the Bible, Matthew studied in London in his youth. He was accepted in 1680 MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 28 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia

in a Christian academy led by Pastor Thomas Doolittle, where he learned from the prestigious English sage. Due to the religious persecution at the time, however, the evangelical academy closed in 1682 and Henry went home. He continued his spiritual training with his father and in 1685, Matthew returned to the English capital to study law. Nonetheless, he interrupted his training a year later because of the vanity he found in the British legal environment and decided to come back home to find the peace and tranquility that only God could grant. That is how he devoted his life entirely to JesusChrist’s Gospel. HARD-WORKING PASTOR

Back home, Matthew preached JesusChrist’s Word in the surroundings of his home and traveled frequently to Chester, located near the border between England and Wales, where he constantly spread the good news of the Lord. His preachings made a good impression among the members of a Christian temple and he was asked to lead the congregation. Completely devoted to God’s plans, Matthew was ordained in London on May 9, 1687 by a group of notable servants of Christ. Later that same year, he accepted the request of Chester’s congregation led by Richard Steele, who had been part of his father’s ordainment as a pastor thirty years before. He immediately embarked on an evangelizing adventure that would last more than 25 years. As a scholar of the Word, he would

MATTHEW HENRY’S COMMENTARY

hero of faith

constantly explore the Scriptures. At his services in Chester, he used to pray for half an hour, then preach for one more hour and sing with the other members the selection of Psalms he had prepared. His messages were expository and practical for daily life problems. Saturday afternoons were devoted to public catechizing, by which he prepared young people for their future life with God. Despite his strong personal convictions on the sound doctrine, Henry was not intolerant towards members of other denominations. He was always willing to help whoever needed him. Lover of order, he preached six times a week in many congregations, but he always tried to be back in Chester every Sunday. His influence in the city allowed him to build a new bigger tem-

Lover of order, he preached six times a week in many congregations, but he always tried to be back in Chester every Sunday. His influence in the city allowed him to build a new bigger temple in 1699.

ple in 1699. From his church, Matthew devoted himself to spread the Gospel wherever and whenever possible. In addition to the two Sunday worships and the two weekly meetings, he often preached in nearby towns. He also visited the prisoners at Chester Castle, bringing them the good news. His faithful exposition of the Scriptures made it possible to hold monthly meetings in Wrexham and Beeston. Similarly, he preached in temples of London and other English cities. AMAZING WORK

In the beginning of the 18th century, Henry started to gather the papers on

february 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

the Holy Scriptures he had written throughout his ministry. Thanks to his knowledge of Latin, Greek, Hebrew and French, as well as to his interest in biblical research, he had a fair amount of texts on doctrinal matters. That is how he undertook the task that would lead him to publish a series of revealing biblical commentaries. Respected by the Christian community of the United Kingdom, the preacher achieved great relevance by explaining and interpreting the Old and New Testaments. His exegetical work stood out not only back in his time, but also today because of its extraordinary spiritual value. The book keeps a place of honor in evangelical literature. As per the unanimous opinion of experts on Bible-related subjects, Matthew Henry’s work is one of a kind, as it contains theological truths that are very useful to understand

Respected by the Christian community of the United Kingdom, the preacher achieved great relevance by explaining and interpreting the Old and New Testaments. His exegetical work stood out not only back in his time, but also today because of its extraordinary spiritual value.

God’s Gospel. Similarly, his work is appreciated because it has been used, praised and recommended by renowned ministries over the last three centuries, such as George Whitefield, Charles Spurgeon and John Wesley. LAST DAYS

In May 1712, after two decades and a half of service at Chester’s temple, MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 30 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia

hero of faith

Matthew accepted the call of a congregation from the London Borough of Hackney. He had never thought to leave his church, but he trusted the Almightyâ€™s plans to bring him to London and faithfully obeyed His plans. From his point of view, being in the center of England would help him finish his biblical training thanks to the wider access to biblical studies and books. Henry performed an exhausting ministerial work in Hackney for more than two years, but he would usually go back to Chester to hold worships in his old temple. Unfortunately, he died on June 22, 1714, after just visiting his first congregation. The minister had had the misfortune of falling off his horse in the town of Tarporley. Thanks to his prolific personal work and preaching in favor of the Gospel, Matthew Henry served his generation and went down in the history of Christianity as the great Bible commentator. Sower of compassion and promoter of the Lordâ€™s Word, the servant is fondly remembered nowadays among the followers of Jesus-Christ, who see him as a distinguished role model of faith.

february 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

VALTER AND HIS PACT WITH GOD

WORLDWIDE MISSIONARY MISIONERO MOVEMENT MUNDIAL 32 MOVIMIENTO America • Europa América Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia

life story

AFTER winning a renowned award in Italy as a DJ and earning a lot of money, Clementi Valter Francesco went bankrupt. Pursued, sad, overwhelmed by debts and with a broken family, he considered suicide, but Godâ€™s mercy reached him in time.

Susan Amau Photo: Archivo Familiar

Clementi Valter Francesco had a reality check in 1986. After a well-off childhood thanks to his parentâ€™s business, a financial crisis hit his family and left them in ruin. His father had a bad streak at work, lost their home and the family ended up on the streets. As a result, 17-year-old Valter got a job to help his parents and sister. At that time, he used to go to a nightclub, and it was there that he was offered a formal contract that would be the beginning of his misfortune. He dropped out of school and worked to provide for his family. That way, he thought, his sister Monica would have the chance to do better. A year later, he was called to military service and, when he came back, he found that things had improved in some way. PASSION FOR MUSIC

His father managed to get a job and they changed home because in the last one they had been sad and cold during winter. His mother was now happier, but his sister left home because she was tired of living in misery. Francesco was back in nightclubs and discovered his passion for music. From that moment on, he started to work as a DJ. Thanks to his talent and popularity, he worked at the most

february Enero 2018 2018/ /Impacto ImpactoevangelĂstico evangelistic

famous nightclubs in Venice. In 1997, 28-year-old man Valter won an important Italian music award for being an important disco dance producer. He was happy for the recognition, but he knew deep within him that it was not enough. In 2001, he met Leida de la Cruz. She has gone through much hardship back in her country and decided to migrate to Italy with her two children in search of a better future. Valter loved her since he laid eyes on her, but his family disapproved of their relationship due to the her situation. They had a boy named Leonardo in 2003. He was a premature baby who suffered from chronic asthma. The boy’s condition touched his family’s heart. Leida earned their respect and they finally accepted her. UNEXPECTED RUIN

In 2004, Valter decided to change his life. He gave up his musical career and searched for new ways. He set up his MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 34 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia

life story

own business, an event planning company, and then a factory specialized in products for shows. His products were bestsellers in Northern Italy and fame turned him into a proud person. But in 2010, things started to change for worse. He was abandoned by his clients, overwhelmed by countless debts and constantly threatened. Valter could not believe the chaos that was his life. He was constantly worried and anxious. Frustration got the best of him and he would vent it on his loved ones, smoke marijuana and drink alcohol. People insulted him, he was afraid to leave home because of threats, he hated himself, and his family could not stand him anymore. Among that hell, there was a voice telling him, “Kill yourself! Kill yourself! You’re worth nothing!” He thought it was maybe the best solution. GOD’S MIRACLE

Three years ago, his wife Leida, who could barely walk due to an ailment in her leg, knew about the Church of the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Conegliano. She started to attend and watch Bethel Television. Singing and preaching filled their home, but Valter did not like listening to God’s Word at all. Valter and Leida got married on

february 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

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life story

Church to change the soils of the plants, and Valter came with her. There was no one at the temple. He sat while Leida did her job. Suddenly, he felt so anxious that he started to tell his problems to the Lord. A gentle but firm force pressed him on the back and made him kneel. On his knees, he cried like a baby. Some weeks later, in September 2011, Valter was taken to the hospital. He had suffered a heart attack. At that moment, he thought that God was giving him an opportunity and that it was time to make a life-changing decision. A PACT WITH GOD

June 5, 2010. She had asked him to do it because she could not be baptized in the evangelical Church unless married. A month later, he reluctantly came with her to the church for her baptism. During those camping days, Valter did not leave the tent, but God’s Word was touching his heart, though he denied it. He saw his wife get into the water with difficulty due to her condition. Doctors had diagnosed a serious knee cartilage wear and told her that she would probably end up on a wheelchair. But she walked out of the baptismal water normally. Everybody was astonished; her faith had saved her. On their way home, a car hit theirs, but fortunately, they escaped unscathed. God was

still by their side. In the following months, Valter would sometimes come with his wife to the Church and there he would ask the Lord why He allowed so much hardship in his life. Debts kept piling up and he seemed to be between a rock and a hard place. DEAL WITH THE LORD

Valter would not sleep at night, as he could not stop thinking about his problems. He began to talk to the Lord, but without telling his wife because he was embarrassed. Then, he started to read the doctrine book and translated it for a better understanding. One Sunday, his wife went to the

He had a lot of time to think at the hospital. He even made a powerful and faithful prayer to the Lord: “God, maybe I don’t know much about the Bible, and the few things I know I’ve listened to on TV, but there is one thing I do know. You made a pact with Your people to bless them, and so you can make a pact with me. I offer you my life, my problems, my debts, and in exchange I promise to serve you faithfully wherever you send me.” From that moment, Valter was at the Lord’s disposal. His character changed completely, he felt free to walk the streets and God took care of his problems. Little by little, he settled all his debts and was cleansed by God’s grace. In 2012, he was baptized, and that same day, his son, who was running a fever, was healed by God for the glory of His name. Soon after, his son, who was asthmatic and could not engage in any physical activity, suddenly became a normal boy. More than once, his parents had had to take him to the ER because of his constant episodes, but now he was playing, jumping, sweating and with no sign of his symptoms. A month later, Leida and Valter informed the Church of the divine healing of Leonardo. He was cured and his family was free by the blood of Christ and God’s mercy. Valter and his family now serve the Lord wholeheartedly, support the Work where they were reborn and are pastors of a church in Venice.

february 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

“I, even I, have spoken; yea, I have called him: I have brought him, and he shall make his way prosperous.” Isaiah 48:15

Rev. Luis M. Ortiz

How does God call? God does not have a mold to call everyone the same way. God is a God of variety. In addition, the circumstances and personalities of people demand God to treat them differently. One of the characteristics of the Holy Spirit’s work is its wonderful variety when intervening. This means a person’s calling cannot be in dispute because the way it happened is different from somebody else’s. Below you will read some examples of different but true callings. • Abraham: The Bible says “…The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran, and said unto him, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and come into the land which I shall shew thee” (Genesis 12:1; Acts 7:2-3). In the case of Abraham, God appeared and talked to him. • Joseph: The story of Joseph does not mention that God appeared and talked to him, but his calling was true and convincing. God called him and talked to him in his dreams. He was aware of his divine calling; God’s hand would lead him in everything he did. Referring to when he was sold to Egypt, the Bible says, “And the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian” (Genesis 39:2). Although God never appeared in front of Joseph, the Bible says referring to when he was imprisoned, “But the Lord was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison” (Genesis 39:21). Although God never appeared in front of Joseph, he had no doubt of his calling, because when he met his siblings again, MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 38 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia

DIFFERENT BUT

TRUE CALLINGS

devotional

he said to them, “Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life” (Genesis 45:5). • Moses: God called him through supernatural signs and an audible voice. The Bible states, “And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consu-

med… God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I” (Exodus 3:2-4). In addition, in order to convince Moses, God had to perform great wonders like turning a bar into a snake, making his hand leprous, turning water into blood, and things like these until God got upset with Moses due to his indecision, in spite of many manifestations of power. It seems like the tougher and more disobedient the person is, the more God has to work when calling them to serve Him. • Joshua: He was Moses’ servant: “…but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle” (Exodus 33:11). With Moses he was being trained and acquiring experience. Then, after seeing his consecration, fidelity, obedience and jealousy for his people, God said to Moses, “Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay thine hand upon him; and set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation; and give him a charge in their sight. And thou shalt put some of thine honour upon him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be obedient” (Numbers 27:18-20). After Moses’ passing, God speaks directly to Joshua and tells him, “Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people… There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee... Be strong and of a good cou-

rage…” ( Joshua 1:2, 5, 6). Joshua received his calling without the need of a signal, a miracle, an appearance; he only kept helping Moses and learning from him. • Samuel: Samuel’s calling is different from the ones mentioned above. Ana was sterile and asked God for a child. God noticed her sorrow so Samuel was born. Then, Ana, after finishing breastfeeding him, went to the temple with her child to thank Jehovah; she worshiped Him and offered Samuel to the service of God by saying, “…I will give him unto the Lord all the days of his life…” (1Samuel 1:11). “And the child Samuel ministered unto the Lord before Eli… and Samuel was laid down to sleep… and the Lord came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth” (1 Samuel 3:1-10). Samuel’s calling began with his mother’s vow. After that, he lived in the temple, ministered in the temple and heard God’s voice calling him for His ministry in the temple. • Elisha: The Bible says, “So he (Elijah) departed thence, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he with the twelfth: and Elijah passed by him, and cast his mantle upon him. And he left the oxen, and ran after Elijah” (1 Kings 19: 19-20). God used Elijah to call Elisha for the prophetic ministry. • Isaiah: He had a wonderful vision of God sitting on His throne while a chorus of seraphs were worshiping Him, and he heard God’s voice calling Him, and he answered, “Here am I; send me” (Isaiah 6:8). • Paul: The Lord met Saul of Tarsus when the latter was on his way to his rebellion. Paul was so amazed that he fell, when he heard God’s voice saying, “Saul, Saul, why do you chase me?” After that unbelievable event, Paul the apostle was born. We can say that God calls in many different ways. Saul of Tarsus’ calling was spectacular, while Joseph’s calling imperceptible.

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“For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence.” 1 Corinthians 1:26-29.

Rev. Luis M. Ortiz

Who could have imagined that the small group created 50 years ago would become a great Work established in many countries, with so many workers, congregations and white fields. This proves that God is a specialist in turning small and insignificant into great and powerful, as stated in the Scriptures: “And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen” (1 Corinthians 1:28). In His hands, evil and despised things become good and precious. It all started with a humble and modest man named Luis M. Ortiz. God gave him the task and vision of founding this great Work. On February 13, 1963, Rev. Ortiz embarked on his evangelistic mission with the support of his wife, Sister Rebecca, and other brothers under the name of WORLDWIDE MISSIONARY MOVEMENT. Puerto Rico was the starting point. Sister Rebecca de Ortiz was an un-

conditional support to Brother Ortiz. She was woman of great testimony and prayer that loved the Work. We fondly remember her remarkable work. Rev. Ortiz taught us to love the Work, to be loyal to the cause, to selflessly work while it is day, to completely devote to this noble task and to defend the sound doctrine. From his example, we learned to be humble but firm to face adversity. He was a man full of God’s wisdom and grace who managed to pass on the vision he received from the Lord through his accurate and spot-on advice and unbreakable vocation. Here some of his accurate words, which still inspire and motivate us: “Powerful, millionaire, influential councils are going down in biblical, doctrinal, moral and spiritual terms; the true fruits of repentance, holiness and conversions are disappearing. But this Work, though defenseless and despised by many, holds on to God’s Word, is

strengthened by the power of the Holy Spirit and gives birth to new children. Beloved, in this Work of God, we do not

THINGS WHICH ARE DESPISED

HAS GOD CHOSEN

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devotional

seek our own interest and benefit, we do not rejoice in our own image or ministry, but we work in perfect harmony as a team for the sake of the Work’s greatness and the glory of His name.” Little by little, people from different countries joined us. They embraced the vision and served the Lord together with Brother Ortiz. They were modest and humble people, many of whom had no titles, no recognition and no support from others, but all with a good, faithful heart. They sowed the seed with their tears and hoped that one day they

would see a great harvest of souls. These men and women kneeled before the Lord, prayed and interceded, and felt in their hearts the flame of the Holy Spirit and the yearning to evangelize. And even though they were despised in more than one place, their lives were filled with the power and glory of God. In very difficult times of financial and talent need, these people relied on the Lord’s hand and were powerfully used to face opposition. They got rid of spiritual shortsightedness and spared no efforts; they overlooked discomfort

to get to a new city or country; they used whatever means of transportation available and did not mind walking a thousand miles through mountains, dusty roads, mud or rivers. Their vision was stronger and their passion for souls burned brighter, and that gave them the strength |to falter. For this reason, the vision was spread to many other places instead of remaining contained. Naturally, there were, among these loyal and sincere men, infiltrators that would cause pain and tears to Rev. Ortiz’ heart. They only cared about their own interests, benefit and position; they wanted to enhance their own image regardless of the damages it would cause to God’s Work. As stated by the Scriptures, they were those “… whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things” (Philippians 3:19). Others went astray along the way due to spiritual indolence and false self-confidence. They deviated from the truth as many kings from the Bible. They thought themselves powerful, forgetting that what they had received came from the Lord. They forgot and became proud, arrogant, pretentious and conceited, and God left their side: “Though the Lord be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off ” (Psalm 138:6). They followed the way of Balaam, as stated by the Apostles Peter and Jude; they loved money, they rebelled as Core, Dathan, Abiron, Absalom and Diotrephes did. Nevertheless, the Work remains firm, proving that it is not of men but of God.

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“But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” Matthew 24:37

Rev. Manuel Zúñiga

Jesus said that the last days would be as the days of Noah. “But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” (Matthew 24:37-39) DEGRADATION

A main characteristic of the days of Noah was the degradation of God’s children. How did they degrade? God’s children saw men’s daughters more beautiful and sensual. In the beginning, God established rules we had to comply with: there must not be unequal burdens. And the combination of a God’s child and a men’s daughter gave as result an ungodly, corrupted generation away from the Lord. “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...” (Genesis 6:5-6).

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AS THE DAYS

OF NOAH VIOLENCE

Another characteristic of the days of Noah is violence. As a result of this ungodly generation, earth was filled with violence. People hurt and even kill each other around the world because they live in wickedness. There are wars in several parts. The earth is full of fights, jealousy and battles. MARRYING AND GIVING IN MARRIAGE

The Lord also said that, in the days of Noah, people were “marrying and giving in marriage” (Matthew 24:38). He does not say that marrying is a sin; he refers to the indifference of men and women with the things God offers them, as they do not compliy with God’s will and prefer to focus on their personal and carnal interests. PRIDE

Another characteristic that leads men to damnation is pride, because men do not

like to face the fact that they are sinners. However, God makes us confront our sins; He cannot save someone who does not admit he/she is a sinner. The Bible says, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Luke 5:32); and Paul the apostle said, “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief ” (1 Timothy 1:15). “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord” (Genesis 6:8). In the Gospel, according to chapter 24 of Matthew, Jesus said, “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 diverse places. All these are the beginning of sorrows” (Matthew 24: 6-8). May we be ready for this! God bless you.

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Genesis 1-11 THE ACTION OF GOD THE CREATION

THE HUMAN BEING

Gen. 1-2 From chaos to cosmos FIRST STORY Gen. 1,1-2, 4a - God is called Elohim. - Through His Word, the Creator puts order where there was chaos. - All beings (in heaven, earth and see) are creatures of God. - The human being is the most important in all the creation, which was very good.

Gen. 1-2 Man and woman

- The human being, created in the image of God. - The human being is the reason for all the creation. - The human being has the gift of the divine spirit, the gift of life, the control over earth and the knowledge of creatures (who he could name). - Adam and Eve: the ﬁrst family and the parents of all humanity.

THE REACTION OF THE HUMA THE EDEN

SIN

Gen. 2 The vegetable patch and the garden

Gen. 3 the origin of evil

- The Eden (the created world) is, for humanity, the garden to enjoy and the vegetable patch is to work. - It is also a place of grace, freedom and love. - The Tree of Life and the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil are in there.

- Evil is not born with the world; it’s the human being’s fault. - God is absolutely good. - The tempter under the form of a snake. - The temptation. - The fall. - The expulsion from paradise.

SECOND STORY Gen 2,4b-25 - God is called Yhwh, - The human being is created from clay and divine breath. - The ﬁrst words pronounced by the ﬁrst man: a poem to a woman.

Gen. 1-11 is not… • A text isolated from the rest of the Bible. • An historiographical writing or a chronology. • A book of astrophysics, geology or archaeology.

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ll the nations have always wondered about the origin of the world and humanity, about the enigma of evil and death, about the contradiction that violence between people and wars between nations represent. And all of them have tried to give an answer to these mysteries through sacred literature: Poems such as Enuma Elish and Gilgamesh (Mesopotamic myths about the creation, sin and the flood), Theogony of Hesiod (Greece), The Tao (China), Popol Vuh (Maya people), the Vedas and the Bhagavad Gita (India). The eleven first chapters of Genesis also tried to answer these universal questions based on biblical faith. The text was collected and edited after Babylon captivity (6th century BC) with the following intentions:

“In the beginning” bereshit (Hebrew). “Origin”, Genesis (Greek)

AN BEING

THE RECREATION OF GOD

DEATH

THE FLOOD

THE PEOPLE

BABEL

Gen. 4 The consequence of sin

Gen. 6-9 The lost humanity

Gen. 10 Identical equality

Gen. 11 The adventure of diversity

- Cain kills his brother Abel. - The sin of the human being against God is followed by the sin of the brother against his brother. - Even so, God shows mercy to Cain: the Creator does not abandon humanity.

- The generalized disaster is a fair punishment for so much wickedness. - Noah’s choice, his integrity saved all the humanity. - The construction of the ark. - Saved by water, which symbolizes baptism (Peter 3:20). - The ﬁrst alliance: the rainbow. - Salvation is a recreation: the topics of the ﬁrst creation are repeated with less paradisiacal characteristics.

- God’s blessing is fulﬁlled: the humanity grows and multiplies. - Noah’s descendants and people’s genealogy: Sem (Semites), Cam (African people) and Japhet (Indo-European people). - All the people belong equally to the same humanity. - However, diversity is also a part of humanity.

•To answer the questions about the meaning of life without trying to hide its mystery. • To correct the false visions of surrounding nations. • To strengthen the trust in God, who never abandons His children. • To be against the idolatrous worship to stars and human works. • To proclaim the great dignity of every human being and of all nations without any exception. • To let human beings know their weakness. • To remind kings and people in power that they are no more than creatures of God. • To address the reason for the existence of evil (and violence and death) in the world. • To motivate people to read biblical stories on decisions and salvation, which start with Abraham, father of all believers.

- Temptation: Stay in one standardized and totalitarian culture. - Humanity is encouraged to build a world through history. - The spread of languages and nations is a blessing from God.

Gen. 1-11 is...

• A start point to believe in God and in the meaning of life and history. • The beginning and coronation of the Pentateuch and a long experience. • An invitation to read the rest of the Holy Writings knowing this facts. february 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

NEW PRESIDENT OF

WMM

THE Reverend José Arturo Soto was designated International President of WMM, successor to Reverend Gustavo Martínez. In addition, a new International Board of the Worldwide Missionary Movement was created.

The most important and moving moment of the 51th National Convention of the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Colombia, held from January 3 to 10 in the city of Medellín, was the designation of Reverend José Arturo Soto as the new International President of the Worldwide Missionary Movement, in replacement of the Reverend Gustavo Martínez; this was communicated on the last day of the first WMM event in 2018. Agreed on January 4, in the annual meeting of the Work’s Board of Officers, the appointment of Rev. Soto was decided under the lead of the Almighty and after prayers to Him, in which they asked for orientation in order to do the best for the Work. Complying with the organizations’ articles of association, the election of the current leader of the WMM marked the beginning of a new period in the Church. WARM FAREWELL In the handover ceremony, which MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 46 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia

took place at the last part of the spiritual event that gathered thousands of people together, Reverend Martínez, chose International President of the WMM in June 2006, expressed his gratitude to the Savior for allowing him to serve in such a high position and gave some moving words to his family, which helped him comply with his mission. Visibly touched, he expressed his satisfaction for his nearly twelve years of work and recognized each one of the members of the Worldwide Missionary Movement, especially the members of the Board of Officers he led. Likewise, he recognized the work of the WMM media led by Bethel Televisión and the “Volvamos a Dios” website, among others. At the end of his final speech, he stated that “nobody is indispensable in God’s Work. We are a shadow that passes by and vanishes, as the Bible says. The only one who must never go is God, because He cannot be replaced by anyone or anything. He is the one that deserves all glory and honor.” AUTHORIZED WORD

After a strong and warm hug with the outgoing International President of the WMM, the new leader of God’s Work gave a brief but meaningful speech, in which he praised his predecessor and pointed that “the work is to continue the efforts of our dear brother Gustavo Martínez. We worked together and I enjoyed it. I learned a lot next to this

great servant of God”. Later, after the speech, Pastor Soto mentioned that “it is very beautiful to see that moments like this can happen in such a harmonious and edifying way in a healthy spiritual Work. I am here to serve, that is the purpose and that must be the constant feature in the work God entrusts us. That is how the Work will forge ahead”. Born on June 28, 1953, in the Republic of Costa Rica, Pastor Soto has

attualità

NEW BOARD OF OFFICERS Along with the announcement of Reverend Soto’s promotion to the Work’s highest position, the new structure of the WMM Board of International Officers was presented, which is as follows: Reverend Humberto Henao was chosen as Vice-president and Reverend Martínez, as Treasurer; while Pastor Rubén Concepción was ratified as Secretary, and Luis Meza Bocanegra, Álvaro Garavito and Rómulo Vergare as Directors. In addition, the WMM Board informed that the Reverend Rodolfo González, former International Treasurer and Margaro Figueroa, Director of WMM, decided to resign the Board of Officers for health reasons. Both resignations will become effective as of the extraordinary meeting of the Work’s worldwide leaders to be held in February and in which their successors will be elected.

more than forty-five years of pastoral service and is one od the main leading figures of the WMM. The minister was a disciple of Reverend Luis M. Ortiz, has preached the Word of the Almighty around the world and has contributed to the establishment of God’s Work in Nicaragua, Ecuador and Panama.

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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).

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THE MOST CREDIBLE OF ALL MEN The WMM in Colombia held its National Convention in the city of Medellin with more than one thousand believers. During eight days, God’s people worshipped and praised the Lord, and the Board of International Officers was renewed. The 51st National Convention of the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Colombia was held from the January 3 to January10 at the La Macarena convention center in Medellin. The event was attended by the main international WMM leaders and more than thirty thousand people; they all were part of a spiritual celebration in which JesusChrist revealed the immediate future of His Church. CREDIBILITY

The event was divided in two: one part held from January 3 to January 6 for believers from the Northern Zone, and other held from January 7 to January 10 for believers from the Southern Zone. On the opening day, Rev. Gustavo Martínez, International President of the WMM at the time, shared the message “The Credibility of a True Leader.” In his preaching, the servant said that, “true leaders must listen to God before the people listens to them. The Lord wants us to make a difference.” In the beginning of the second day, Rev. Clemente Vergara, Missionary Supervisor of the Work in Africa, announced the good news with his speech “Understanding God’s Purposes.” The pastor decla-

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red with emotion that, “we can still raise the flag of God’s victory, holiness, obedience, and fear of JesusChrist.” By the end of the second day, “The Privilege of Being a Pastor’s Wife,” a book by Carmen Valencia, was presented by Rev. Carlos Guerra, National Supervisor in Costa Rica. Enlightened by the Creator, he preached the Gospel through the message “Abraham, a Man of God,” in which he said that, “we should not disappoint God’s trust in us. The Work must continue no matter what.” Rev. Enoc Ramos, National Supervisor of the WMM in Australia, shared the Word at the opening of the third day. The servant held a speech entitled “The Three Foundations of Credibility,” and said that, “the life of a credible man is based on the communion with God and strengthened by the foundations of honesty, impartiality and compromise.” At the evening service of the event, which was broadcast to the world by Bethel Television, Rev. José Soto, International Vice President at the moment, shared the message “The Unworthiness of an Earthly Ministry.” He said that, “it’s important for our ministry to stand out in the world for the sake of God’s glory as an efficient testimony of the Gospel’s power.” The first phase of the 51st National Convention of the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Colombia came to an end with a morning worship led by Rev. Luis Meza, National Supervisor of the WMM in Peru. The minister shared his message entitled “Daniel, a Credible Prophet,” explaining that “credibility is not measured by what we say or what we brag about, but by God’s testimony… The lessons and the prophecy we share

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must be in accordance with God’s Word.” At the evening worship, Rev. Álvaro Garavito, Director of the Board of International Officers of the WMM, preached the message “Credible before God and Men.” Pastor Garavito, who closed the first phase of the Convention, shared the Creator’s message and said that, “credibility is a public element. We can’t believe in someone we don’t know. Every person earns a reputation with those around them.” GOOD NEWS The second part of the spiritual event of the Work in Colombia started with an intense day where the Almighty showed His power and love to His followers in this city. Rev. Soto shared the message “The Most Credible of All Men” and stated that, “we’re not gullible, we’re believers. Jesus has been and will always be the most credible among men. He has never failed.” The Convention was based on this year’s motto, “Credibility 2018,” and was broadcasted by the “Volvamos a Dios” website and other media of the Work. Rev. Martínez shared the message “Facing Opposition with Credibility” and pointed out that, “some say that they believe in God and that they love Him, but their actions show only selfishness.” The following day, the joyful, peaceful and faithful homage to the Savior meant a special moment with the testimony of the growth of the WMM in the world. Rev. Margaro Figueroa, International Director of the Work, spread the doctrine of Jesus-Christ with the message “When You Lose Credibility.” The missionary highlighted without fear that “we must be deaf, blind and mute to that around us. We must just believe in God.”

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Before the impressive amount of people gathering at the La Macarena convention center, on the bank of the Medellin River, Rev. Rómulo Vergara, International Director of the Work, shared the message “Faithfulness, Loyalty and Credibility are Virtues of a Man of God.” The minister highlighted that, “God made this Work for these last times. Something powerful is coming.” On the third day, Rev. Albert Rivera, National Supervisor of the WMM in Puerto Rico, shared the message “Suffering Will Reveal Who We Are.” Guided by Jesus, the speaker asserted that, “God wants you to learn His lessons and trust that He will give the results that you are expecting. Keep the Word. Home is our first biblical school.” A few hours later, in the evening, Sister Carmen Valencia addressed the believers to tell them that the Almighty is giving His people the chance to become the Lord’s nation. During the main part of the worship, Rev. Humberto Henao, International Officer of

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the WMM, held a speech entitled “The Importance of Credibility” and said that “the Church has been called to rescue the values that society has lost to its sins.” The 51st National Convention of the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Colombia was led by Rev. Joaquín Parra, National Supervisor of the Work in Colombia. The event ended with a ceremony where Rev. Rubén Concepción, International Secretary of the WMM, shared the Word with the message “Eschatological Events.” In addition, the Board of International Officers was renewed, and Rev. José Soto was appointed new President in place of Rev. Gustavo Martínez.

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IN SEARCH OF BRAVE MEN Two academic sessions were held by the Department of Christian Education of Children and Adolescents of the WMM in Peru for the work with biblical schools. The Department of Christian Education of Children and Adolescents (FOCNA, for its initials in Spanish) of the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Peru organized the 2nd Training of Instructors from December 16 to December 17, 2017, in Lima. The event, which was oriented to the work with 2018 summer biblical schools, took place in the temple of the Work of God established in the populous district of San Martín de Porres. The two academic sessions, held under the motto “In Search of Brave Men,” were attended by more than six hundred brothers from different Peruvian churches. They were taught and edified through conferences held by pastors, pedagogues and psychologists on topics of interest for the work with children and adolescents. At the event, the material that is currently used in the 2018 summer biblical schools of the WMM in Peru was introduced: three manuals (a compendium for infants aged 3-7, another for children aged 8-11, and one for teenagers), fifty prints and a DVD with songs, videos and support material.

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JESUS IS THE SOLUTION A Family Campaign was held in Genoa, with the special participation of Rev. David Echalar. The importance of trust within the Christian home was highlighted. From November 17 to November 19, 2017, the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Italy held a Family Campaign in Genoa, capital city of the Italian region of Liguria. The activity, carried out under the motto “Jesus Is the Solution,” had as main preacher Rev. David Echalar, National Supervisor of the WMM in Italy. Pastor Echalar, who is also Assistant of Block B of Europe, preached the Gospel during the three days of the event: “My Parents Do Not Understand Me,” based on Luke 15:11; “Cracks in Families,” based on Genesis 25:19; and “Healing Wounds,” based on Psalm 129:3. Guided by the Lord, Rev. Echalar raised the people of the Almighty with messages that focused on the importance of the Creator’s peace in Christian homes. In addition, the minister spoke about family ties and the trust that should exist among members of families consecrated to the faith in Jesus Christ.

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RENEWAL OF WEDDING VOWS The WMM in Germany held a ceremony in Berlin in which Pastor Edwar Flores and his wife and other couples renewed their vows before Jesus Christ. With the special participation of Rev. David Vizcay, member of the WMM in the United States, the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Germany held a ceremony of renewal of wedding vows in the city of Berlin. The event took place on November 5, 2017, and was led by Pastor Edwar Flores and his wife. At the event, missionary Vizcay preached the Word of God and advised Rev. Flores and his wife, as well as other couples who renewed their vows before the Lord, not to give up on sharing the Gospel of the Lord that transforms lives and saves sinners.

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WE GO FORWARD The WMM in Greece held its 3rd National Fellowship in front of the Aegean Sea with the participation of brothers from Italy.

From November 24 to November 26, 2017, the 3rd National Fellowship of the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Greece was held in the city of Piraeus, located near the Aegean Sea. The event was attended by Rev. David Echalar, National Supervisor of the WMM in Italy, and pastors Galo Flori, Daniel Ortega, Sergio Veizaga and Percy Bautista. The Word of God was shared by Pastor Flori, who preached on the first day of the event, and Rev. Echalar, who addressed the Lordâ€™s people on the second and third day of the activity that brought together brothers from Greece and Italy.

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ABIDE IN ME, BRING FORTH MUCH FRUIT With the attendance of more than one hundred and twenty believers, the WMM in Luxembourg held its 1st National Fellowship in the city of Niederkorn. The Worldwide Missionary Movement in Luxembourg, led by Pastor Jesus Galván, held its 1st National Fellowship from November 11 to November 12, 2017, in the city of Niederkorn. The spiritual celebration had as motto “Abide in Me, Bring Forth Much Fruit.” With the participation of over one hundred and twenty faithful, the event included three worships in which God was worshipped. The teachings of the 1st National Fellowship of the WMM in Luxembourg were given by pastors Roberto Riojas, from the Work in England, and Luis Valderrama, from the WMM in Italy.

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MARRIED COUPLES AND GOOD MINISTERIAL WORK

events

Santo Domingo hosted the National Retreat of Pastors of the WMM in the Dominican Republic, which focused on the work by married couples in favor of the Gospel. The Worldwide Missionary Movement in the Dominican Republic held its National Retreat of Pastors from November 30 to December 2, 2017 in the city of Santo Domingo. The theme was “The Responsibility of Married Couples in a Good Ministerial Work.” During the event, presided over by Rev. Rafael de Jesús Laureano, National Supervisor of the WMM in the Dominican Republic, a series of lectures was given by husband and wife Tomás Noboa and Nurys Mejía, pastors in the neighborhood of Enriquillo. The work of Christian couples in favor of the expansion of the Gospel was highlighted.

february 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

WITH HELP FROM GOD Rev. Samuel David Mejía, Missionary Supervisor of the Work of the Lord in Asia, visited the Philippines to support the evangelizing work done by the WMM in that country. Rev. Samuel Mejía, Missionary Supervisor of the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Asia, and Pastor Aris Solís, Vice President of the WMM in Colombia, visited the Philippines from November 23 to November 26, 2017 to support the work of servants Francisco Correa, Ruth Urizar and Deyle Laguado. After his arrival, Pastor Mejía went to the City of Antipolo on November 24, where he presided a special worship. At the ceremony, Rev. Solís preached the Word through the message entitled “With help from God.” Then he moved to the province of Bulacan and Quezon City.

MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 64 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia

Other events

ITALY 6th Anniversary of the Temple in Novara Under the theme “Recovering What Was Lost,” the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Italy celebrated, on October 13 and October 14, 2017, the 6th anniversary of the church established in the city of Novara, located in the Piedmont region. The event was attended by Rev. Hugo Lope, Presbyter of Lombardy, and his wife. The first preaching was held by Pastor Lope, who shared the message “Everything that David Recovered,” based on 1 Samuel 30:19. In the second preaching, Pastor Moisés Romero, from the church of Biella, held the speech “Christ, Rock of Relief,” and urged the participants to stand by the Lord. At the closing of event, Pastor Paul Hinojosa, from the city of Saronno, preached the Word through the message “What is the Cause of Your Loss?” based on Galatians 3:1.

SPAIN

ECUADOR

Retreat of Pastors in Martos

Special Service in Quevedo

Baptisms in Manaus

With the presence of Rev. Carlos Medina, National Supervisor of the WMM in Spain, and Rev. Alexander Montes, Treasurer of the WMM in Spain, the Work of God in Spain held, from November 9 to November 11, 2017, a Retreat of Pastors in the temple of the city of Martos, located in the autonomous community of Andalucía. At the Retreat, held under the motto “Time to Consolidate with Responsibility,” the servants of God in Spain gathered to worship, praise and be blessed by the Lord. In the first service, Pastor Montes shared the good news of Jesus Christ. On the second day, the attendees held a fast, which was used as an opportunity for the ministers of the Almighty to dedicate time to the Creator. In addition, Rev. Juan Castaño, National Officer of the WMM in Spain, presented the message entitled “A Call from God to Consolidate Ourselves with Responsibility.” On the last day of Retreat, Pastor Medina evangelized the followers of Christ through the preaching called “Armored Hearts.”

On October 8, 2017, on the occasion of the visit of Rev. Manuel Zúñiga, preacher from Costa Rica, the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Ecuador held a special worship in Quevedo, the largest and most populated city in the province of Los Ríos. The ceremony was presided by Rev. Rodolfo Cabrera, Presbyter of the Zone, who expressed his gratitude for the arrival of missionary Zúñiga. Likewise, the visiting preacher, based on Job 25:4-5 and Galatians 5:1, preached the Gospel of God through the message “Justification.”

On December 2, 2017, the Worldwide Missionary Movement in Brazil held a baptism ceremony in the city of Manaus, capital of the state of Amazonas. The ceremony was guided by Rev. Henry Ramos, leader of the Work of God in Brazil, and held on the banks of the Negro River, on the Punta Negra beach. In the central part of the event, Pastor Ramos shared the Holy Scriptures through a message based on Colossians 2: 12-14. In his speech, the servant of the Almighty spoke about the transformation and responsibility in the new life in Christ. The new members of the WMM accepted the Lord as their Savior and descended into the baptismal waters.

BRAZIL

february 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

LETTERS TO US... cartas@impactoevangelistico.net

JANUARY 3-10 CONVENTION COLOMBIA 25-28 CONVENTION BOLIVIA

CLAUDIA RODRÍGUEZ Dear brothers, I greet you in the love of the Lord. I really like this magazine that edifies our souls. Keep it up. This is the Work of God and we’re happy to support it. From Lima, Peru.

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

MARÍA LÓPEZ God bless you. This magazine is a beautiful blessing. It’s been very helpful to me and those I’ve shared it with. May God continue to bless you. From Santiago, Chile. Brothers in Christ, I wanted to tell you how grateful I am for the magazines you’ve sent me. They’re been a blessing to me, a prisoner sentenced to life. I’ve found some precious testimonies of people who share their experiences, which are blessings to others. I’m very grateful to God. I treasure these magazines. From Peñuelas, Puerto Rico.

MAY 4-6 CONVENTION JAPAN, Shizuoka (Hamamatsu) 24-27 CONVENTION THE NETHERLANDS JUNE 1-3 CONVENTION OF YOUNG PEOPLE AND PASTORS (HONDURAS)

PABLO RODRÍGUEZ

JULY 4-7 CONVENTION COSTA RICA, Heredia 5-8 CONVENTION BRAZIL, Manaus 5-8 CONVENTION NETHERLANDS ANTILLES, Aruba 10-13 CONGRESS USA, Virginia (Woodbridge) 18-21 CONVENTION UNITY OF PASTORS, MEN, WOMEN AND YOUNG PEOPLE, (Puerto Rico) 26-28 CONVENTION DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 26-29 CONVENTION MEXICO

Thank God for the information offered, the topics presented here are very helpful. We’ll use some of your articles in study groups to train others for the evangelistic work that we do in our country. From Seville, Spain.

PEDRO PIE VITO

RUBÉN BASTIDAS God bless you, brothers of Impacto Evangelistic. Greetings from Ecuador. Keep it up. May God continue to guide you in the publication of this magazine. I loved it from the first time and I’ll keep getting it to see the wonders that God does in our lives. May the Lord bless. With Christ we

GLADYS BECERRA God bless all the brothers of this wonderful team, which is a blessing for the members of many churches, as well as for people who don’t know God. From Quito, Ecuador.

CONVENTION PARAGUAY, San Lorenzo CONVENTION PANAMA CONVENTION ARGENTINA, Cordova CONVENTION BELIZE, Orange Walk

MARCH 7-11 CONVENTION OF PASTORS AND WOMEN, (AFRICA) 28-1 (APR) CONVENTION GUATEMALA, Guatemala City 29-1 (APR) CONVENTION GUYANA, FRENCH GUIANA, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, AND MARTINIQUE, French Guiana (Georgetown) 29-1 (APR) CONVENTION AUSTRALIA

JUAN ROJAS

Warm greetings from Cuba. I’m Rev. Pedro Pie Vito, pastor of the Esperanza de Gloria temple located in Camagüey. Your magazine is a source of inspiration; it has beautiful contents, clear language and sound teachings. From Camagüey, Cuba.

GLOB AL AGENDA 2018

are more than conquerors. From Villegas, Ecuador.

CARLOS FIESTAS I thank God for this beautiful Christian material. There are so many corrupt magazines out there that do not edify, but this precious magazine of the Worldwide Missionary Movement, Impacto Evangelistic, stands out among them. I always look forward to receiving the latest issue to edify my life. From Chiclayo, Peru.

MARCOS ALVA I thank our Lord Jesus Christ for the media that are in His hands. Honor and glory be to God. Dear brothers, may the Lord reward your praiseworthy work. From Popayan, Colombia.

ANA TORRES I thank God for letting me serve in His Work, and for his infinite mercy and the Impacto Evangelistic magazine, which is beautiful and edifying for our lives. Go ahead in the Lord Jesus Christ. From Cali, Colombia.

AUGUST 9-12 CONVENTION SPAIN AND BLOCK A OF EUROPE Madrid 9-12 CONVENTION AFRICA, Equatorial Guinea (Bata) 15-18 CONVEGNO VENEZUELA 16-19 CONVENTION ITALY, Milan 23-26 CONVENTION HAITI, Port-au-Prince 23-26 CONVENTION ECUADOR, Guayaquil SEPTEMBER 10-12 CONVENTION PERU, Chiclayo 13-15 CONVENTION PERU, Arequipa 16-18 CONVENTION PERU, Lima 26-29 CONVENTION INDIA 30 WORLD MISSION DAY, simultaneous activity in all the countries OCTOBER 4-7 CONVENTION HONDURAS 5-7 NATIONAL FELLOWSHIP CANADA 19-21 FELLOWSHIP MADAGASCAR 24-28 CONVENTION MAURITIUS NOVEMBER 1-4 CONVENTION CHILE, Santiago 8-11 CONVENTION EL SALVADOR 15-18 CONVENTION URUGUAY, Montevideo 29-2 (DEC) CONVENTION NICARAGUA DECEMBER

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February 9 to 11

Paraguai San Lorenzo

February 22 to 25 Cรณrdoba

February 22 to 25 Orange Walk

International

conventions february 2018 / Impacto evangelistic

When God blesses your marriage, a beautiful love story without end begins.

FRIDAYS 18H PERU 21:30 GMT

MISSIONARY MOVEMENT 68 WORLDWIDE America • Europe • Oceanía • África • Asia