June 2023 Edition

ENGLISH SPECIAL EDITION - ONLINE DIGITAL - JUNE 2023

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Family

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Coming back from a wed-

ding recently, still enjoying the sweets and snacks, still enjoying the party, the bride and groom, and the ceremony, I thought about the following:

O Mensageiro7 Newspaper is not responsible for the insertion of photos, logos, slogans, errors or omissions by advertisers or information provided by third parties, edited in any part of this publication.

"How should it be for a minister to prepare a word for the bride and groom? What should one say at a time like this?"

There are different pastors and ministers who "give a sermon" to the bride and groom, in the worst sense of this expression (thank God it was not the case of the marriage that led me to this reflection).

Articles, messages, interviews, and studies published in this Newspaper, by each author, do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Editor.

Each writer is responsible for their own content.

Therefore, each author is available to answer the reader's questions.

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Family

Therefore, before it reaches that point, or even before there is tension in the relationship, a heavy heart and regretful thoughts arise, "I shouldn't have gotten married!" It is very similar to how God felt about His creation.

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Well, the couple is already at the altar; they already understand that they are in the will of God. They are adults, servants of God. There's no point in talking about a lot of things, what they should or shouldn'tdo!

At another point, we see the Lord again on the verge of destroying His people because they bow down in worship to a golden calf (Ex 32.7-10).

Counseling for the bride and groom should be done before the ceremony.

Like this one, there are many other episodes in history where humanity has been in great darkness. We live in a time of great sin in society today.

I could be wrong, but many pastors and ministers use this sermon tactic to take advantage of the audience made up of people who do need correction.

But a wedding ceremony is not the best place for this. Ah, wisdom... how we need it!

When I got home, still thinking about it, I started thinking about the creation of the world, how God brought Adam and Eve together, thus constituting marriage and the family.

Sin corrupted men's hearts and led them to such a distance from the Creator, to such a level of evil, that God wanted to destroy them.

The Word says that the Lord regretted having made man on the earth, and this weighed on His heart (Genesis 6.5-6).

The Word says that the Lord regretted having made man on the earth, and this weighed on his heart (Genesis 6.5-6).

In a flash, I realized how this is related to the union between man and woman. Marriage is the beginning, the genesis of a couple. The newly formed family has not yet been touched by the circumstances of life together. Over time, discussions, disagreements, and frictions occur.

Nothing abnormal, after all, we are flawed, imperfect, and in need of God. What is out of the ordinary is a marriage where the bad times are more constant than the good times.

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Sin corrupted men's hearts and led them to such a distance from the Creator, to such a level of evil, that God wanted to destroy them.

So, what has stopped (and continues to stop) God from destroying human beings?

Similarly, what can prevent a marriage from falling apart?

Before answering, let me make an observation: "God repenting" is not easily understandable for us. In fact, it is a very human feeling, not considered possible in the divine sphere.

The Bible itself states that God is not a man, that He should repent (Nm 23.19). How can this be? I believe that, on a different level than ours, the Father has His feelings "shaken" when something is happening to His children.

The Word says that whoever touches us touches the apple of God's eye (Zec 2.8).

No matter what happens, whether good or bad, whether external or internal circumstances, God cares so much aboutwhat we are going through to the point of causing Him to rejoice or become angry. This is a proven fact in the Scriptures. We can witness God's care in our daily lives.

The Father cares because He loves. It is because of His great love that we are notCONTINUES ON PAGE 4

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not prevent the people from being taken captive to Babylon. Only there, in captivity, righteous men stood up, interceded for the people, and God heard their prayers. Later, they were brought back to their land under the new covenant — love in action once again.

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consumed. His mercies never end (Lamentations 3:22).

That's why we still exist on earth. That's why a marriage lasts until the end of life.

In the midst of all the evil of those days before the flood, God saw a righteous man: Noah (Gen. 6:8). God heard Moses' intercession for Israel and did not consume thepeople (Ex 32.11-14).

In every moment of distance from humanity, righteous individuals made a difference.

God made a covenant with them.

It is as if He were saying, "My love for you is too great. I cannot destroy men and women who walk in My presence and who, despite their limitations, seek to live in My image and likeness as I createdthem."

Marriage is the covenant between a man and a woman. Bad times are overcome by the power of God's love in the couple's life.

It is this same love that leads a man and a woman to the decision to spend the rest of their lives together.

This love is the foundation that prevents the breakdown and destruction of a marriage in times of crisis and difficulty.

There is a tremendous statement that the Lord made, demonstrating how much He loves His people: "When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. But the more I called them, the more they went from my face... My people are inclined to stray from me... How could I leave you, O Ephraim? How could I give you up, O Israel? My heart is moved within Me; all My compassions are kindled at once. I will not execute the someone in crisis, someone fierceness of My anger" (Howho has already done everysea 11.1-2,7-9). thing, someone who is about These words were spoken to give up on their relationby the Lord; however, they ship, but who is still reluctant sound more like the words of due to the great love that

Renew the covenant you made with your loved one before God and embark on a new era, a new Genesis in your marriage. beats in His chest.

However, this love does not prevent justice. Even after expressing these words through the prophet Hosea, God did

Jesus is the symbol of the New Covenant (1 Co 11.25) in this time of grace in which we live. Our debts (sins) today are paid by Christ's sacrifice on the cross. Our lives are cleansed by the blood of the Lamb. The power of love overcomes the power of sin!

Marriage is the covenant between a man and a woman.

Bad times are overcome by the power of God's love in the couple's life.

Just as God has renewed His covenant with humanity because He has heard their prayers and seen repentance and righteousness in them, the marriage covenant is also renewed. Dialogue, approaching one another, forgiveness unites, and love consolidates.

When those difficult times come, instead of being carried away by the thought "I shouldn't have gotten married!", remember that God's love is within you, and only through it will you be able to walk the path of unity and joy.

Remember that this love "bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things" (1 Co. 13.7).

Remember to do your part, to act fairly with yourself first before demanding anything from the other person. Renew the covenant you made with your loved one before God and embark on a new era, a new Genesis in your marriage. ◙

Opinion

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WHY DON'T I BELIEVE IN GOD?

By Rodolfo Iglesias - Atheist

Rodolfo Iglesias

PhD in Neuroscience; Biologist

About how everything came about, I believe that theories such as the big bang, precisely explains how the universe came about.

nterestingly, whenever an ing on the environment they theirs, happy and calm with There are no threats of eterIatheist their convictions, without the nal punishment, no inquisireveals that he is an are in to avoid controversy. atheist, he is usually bombarded with questions. He is seen as a very strange and extremely out of the ordinary being.

Which is still funny, because you don't see atheists on the street with pamphlets proclaiming atheism or inviting everyone to go to atheist It is no wonder that many meetings to debate atheism. atheists do not deliberately reveal that they are, depend- Atheists in general live in

tive and judgmental tone of voice, and most importantly, You may find contradiction in no references to anything this posture and the existence that lacks evidence. of atheist websites. However, There are no quotations from unlike religious sites, it is not sacred verses, there is no priintended to force anyone into ori truth to be accepted, none anything. of that. need to “convert” anyone.

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There is, yes, irreverence, questioning, pointing out the conceptual weaknesses of belief systems, and the attempt, above all, to make people see, even for a moment, certain things from a new angle.

fields of study that I can't go a week without reading. In this respect we can already see, just by reading history, that the idea of a creator, as in the case of 'God' was created in the ignorance of the most iliterary peoples in our history.

Atheists are always bombarded with questions like how did it all come about, how are we what we are, etc.

About how everything came about, I believe that theories such as the big bang and the inflationary theory of the universe, both based on evidence proven by scientists (background radiation, quantum vacuum, spontaneous generation of matter, casimir effect, etc.) precisely explains how the universe came about, even with several questions to be answered.

While the religious view, which is also known as an appeal to ignorance, it is not just because one does not know that one must indicate that something or someone has done so.

Events considered global are isolated and misrepresented at all times. And what does this indicate? It indicates that, like painting, music, social codes of conduct, among others, religion is just one of the cultural aspects of societies. A fruit of human culture.

Evolution, like the magnetic field, energy, speed, relativity and gravity are theories, which we seek answers to understand exactly how they work, but what happens is a fact.

Knowledge about the mechanisms by which the universe works, its fundamental constants and its “so-called” universal laws, allow scientists to explain numerous questions theory, held by the majority about the shape and configu- of the religious population, is ration that the universe presobscure. Theory is something ents. certain, very different from About our organisms, life in hypothesis. A theory is a fact, general, the theory of mod- observed and in need of exern evolution, with the ac- planation. quired knowledge of genetics, is a formal framework Therefore, there are hypoththat allows biologists and eses that are attempts to exother scholars from the area plain a theory. affirm a good part of these Evolution, like the magnetic questions, with genetic, arfield, energy, speed, relativcheological, geological and ity and gravity are theories, biochemical evidence about the paths we evolved to our which we seek answers to understand exactly how they current configurations. work, but what happens is a In fact, the very concept of fact.

With greater analytical rigor, it can be said, following the line of historical materialism, that religion is part of the socalled superstructure of society, which are the political, legal, cultural and ideological elements of each society, with infrastructure being the economic elements, which are basically the forces of production and the relations of production.

Therefore, I identify with this form of analysis of human societies. And, like any cultural element, religion is changeable according to time and place.

So the question is: Am I a This is easily verifiable, just mentioning that throughout physicist? Am I a biologist? history we have had SumeThe answer is yes. I am a rian, Assyrian, Babylonian, Neuroscientist, Biologist and Egyptian, Celtic, Greek-RoBiophysicist. Currently in the man, Mayan, Inca, Aztec, last year of medical school Norse, etc. And that's just to at the Albert Einstein College name the best known. of Medicine in the United States, to complete my fourth And what differs a mythology from a religion? The answer degree. is, strictly and directly, just I am 34 years old and I am the the fact that mythology is a Director of one of the largest religion that no one currently Pharmaceuticals in the world follows or believes in. and I am interested in studying history and how different And why did mythologies become like that, losing the societies operated. “status” of religion? It might Anthropology is one of the be thought that it was by: CONTINUES ON PAGE 7

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— From want of evidence in their beliefs? – Why do most modern religions have evidence? No.

Glory to God!".

This is brutal encouragement to lazy thinking. As we don't know how something works, then we come to the conclusion that it was God who did it and that's it. And stop there. And what does this explain anyway?

None of that. The religions of the past were relegated to the condition of mythologies basically due to a very human aspect, which were the processes of assimilation and cultural imposition of one people by the other.

Analyzing world history as a whole, and seeing the geographical influence that the currently predominant religions such as Judaism, Christianity, Islam and Hinduism have, it is clear that such geographical influence was determined by historical events of assimilation and cultural resistance of the most diverse, such as wars, commercial expansion, expansion and fall of empires etc.

What I want to demonstrate with this preamble is that, from the historical point of view, looking at history, one sees no reason to believe that any ancient mythology, or any current religion, is truer than another.

Anything! And it is an attitude that encourages ignorance. And worst of all is the hypocritical attitude of such a person.

Science is a continuous process of discovery, and such theories, in the light of new evidence, will be improved, or even refuted, giving way to new, more consistent theories.

In this context, we are all Atheists, at least in relation to the ancient gods. I, like more But science is a continuous than 25% of today's young people, believe in just one process of discovery, and such theories, in the light of new more God in my disbelief. evidence, will be improved, Finally, I am displeased with or even refuted, giving way to some religious attitudes to- new, more consistent theowards science. Some, with a ries. If we don't know somesimpler mind, deny science in thing, we shouldn't create general, without even being finite explanations, but quesaware of what they are talk- tion ourselves and seek to ining about. crease our knowledge.

And some others, scholars, have a destructive and negative attitude towards science.

Are the theories I cited, of the Big Bang, of the inflationary universe and of natural evolution, complete? No way.

I do not defend current scientific methods blindly. It's not that. Research on diseases that afflict poorer populations in Africa could be more advanced, if there weren't a greater incentive to treat dis-

eases that afflict the middle class in the western world, for example. What I am defending is the attitude of the scientific method itself. The process itself. The investigation itself.

This is what moves thought forward. Now, what do some religionists, creationists in general, do?

They point out any inconsistencies in some scientific theory and go screaming “Science is wrong! The theory is wrong! God created everything! God exists, God exists!

They vehemently criticize science, and they are all with their touch screen cell phones, their cars, their flat screen televisions, their computers and tablets with internet access, and taking their medicine to cure their illnesses.

All the result of “damn” science. Which by the way decreased maternity deaths from 60% to 0.8%, deaths from infectious diseases from 65% to 0.2%, deaths from psychopathic problems from 15% to 1.9%, and I could go on with a huge list.

We live in a world where violence has never been lower, deaths have never been lower, and life has never been longer. We live in a privileged world, even if you don't believe it, the result of the questioning of those who did not believe in myths, who wanted to know and sought to understand. ◙

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Opinion

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WHY I BELIEVE IN GOD

By Leandro de Mattos Boer Martins

I had to know the gospel in order to believe and be saved.

Leandro de Mattos Boer Martins PhD in Neuroscience Biologist

"The effect of not believ- question “Do you believe in ing in God is believing in God?” generates such confusanything." G.K. Chester ing responses.

Ton

This can be easily verified in the reports of the Pew Research Center's religion surveys.

first thought that comes Tto hemind when I think about

The second thought that comes to mind involves a mental trip back to childhood, searching my memory for more vivid memories of

sharing my reasons for believing in God is the way the

The confusion is mainly because people present very variable, confusing and even contradictory concepts about The problem really is not in what they think about God. the expected affirmative or negative answer to this ques- Very often it is difficult to tion, but in the answer to the discern whether they are desubsequent question linked scribing something or someto the description of God. one.

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my belief in the existence of God. In fact, there is not in my memory a moment like “and then I started to believe in God”.

The great “then” of my life came when I became a Christian, the day the Scripture was read to me, the day I repented of my sins and recognized Jesus Christ as the Son of God who died for my sins and rose again, so that one day I too might rise again and live forever.

So, I had to know the gospel in order to believe and be saved. Perhaps someone will say that my belief in God is one of the effects of being born in a Catholic home, with a religious zeal that did not let me miss mass on Sundays, nor eat meat on Good Friday”.

While this argument is sociologically valid, I can assure you that, in fact, I was “born believing in God”. This statement is likely to strike some astonishment in readers who were expecting a more elaborate statement about the existence of God from a scientist.

ning and without end — and of a God with something in his hands — a creation and a purpose.

The Bible later teaches that we know that God exists through two mechanisms: creation and providence:

The conviction that God exists was already engraved in my heart when the flashlight of my intellect began to discover the world around me.

This, however, is the truth: the conviction that God exists was already engraved in my heart when the flashlight of my intellect began to discover the world around me.

It is interesting to remember that the Bible does not discuss the existence of God. Rather, without asking the reader's permission, it states, right in its first verse (Gn 1.1), that God exists.

It is a brusque, dry statement, without logical preludes, generating, through the sudden literary appearance, the perception of the eternity of God — someone without begin-

And it was precisely in this context, which does not require any formal training in the scientific area, that my conviction that God existed gained strength.

Acts 14:17 - "Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy".

Rom 1:20 - "For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature— have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse".

And it was precisely in this context, which does not require any formal training in the scientific area, that my conviction that God existed gained strength.

Every time I looked at the starry sky of Ribeirão Preto, in São Paulo, or observed the explosion of life (and its maintenance) in this world in such a complex and harmonious way that I understood that it not only existed (cosmological argument), but that He was also the great legislator of scientific laws that we would later learn academically (teleological argument).

Indeed, if there are laws, there must be a lawgiver, and my heart was filled with the hope of meeting him.

Something, however, happened as I grew up: I was faced with my character flaw, manifested in many forms, and it took me a while to suspect that that legislator was CONTINUES ON PAGE 10

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probably not just concerned with creating the laws mentioned in my science books (anthropological and moral argument).

He will also create holy laws, showing the way of life that pleases him.

It is also important to stress that my belief in God is not the result of any scientific theory or even frustration with any of them.

My career in the scientific field has only made me more capable of verifying how evolutionism is a worldview based on unverifiable assumptions, with contradictory consequences and full of interpretation bias.

My career in the scientific field has only made me more capable of verifying how evolutionism is a worldview based on unverifiable assumptions, with contradic- semi-technical collection. tory consequences and full of In the book of Job, between interpretation bias. chapters 38 and 41, God asks For a better understanding of Job 77 rhetorical questions— how these theories are not very perplexing questions. as solid as their proponents They are all centered on your claim, I suggest the Answers in power to create and orchesGenesis (www.answersingen- trate the Universe. esis.org) and Creation Ministries International (www.cre- It is the most extensive tesation.com) websites, which timony coming directly from provide a good technical and the mouth of God as a being

flect: why did God give such a testimony to a person who needed no further reason to believe in him?

Answer: because it was not enough just to believe in him, but to delve into his knowledge, growing in a relationship of love and obedience.

As for atheists, the Bible calls them “fools” (Ps 14.1) for despising such a grand demonstration of God's power and his willingness to receive them as repentant children.

The reasons for this foolishness are also exposed in the Bible (Rm 1): it is the result of who has existed forever and vanity that corrodes the soul the Creator of all that exists. and the repudiation of an authority that opposes the sinAnd this testimony is ad- ful desires that burn in the dressed to a person who al- heart. ready believed in God, not an Atheists, therefore, should atheist! not expect rhetorical quesAnyway, the greatest cre- tions from God. ationist sermon in the Bible was addressed to a... cre- This is a privilege only of his children who are in the proationist! cess of discipline and learnThis fact should make us re- ing. ◙

Real Estate

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questions will help Tyouhese decide if you are ready to

debts.

CAPITAL: is the total amount of money in the bank and other assets you have that can be used as collateral (collateral) for a loan.

buy a home:

Do I have a stable and secure source of income?

Have I had steady work for the last 2-3 years?

CHARACTER: means how you have paid your bills in the past.

Do I have good credit?

Am I paying my bills on time?

Am I able to pay my bills or other debts?

Am I able to pay the monthly installment of a home (mortgage) every month, plus other additional expenses with taxes, insurance, maintenance (electricity, water, etc.) and necessary repairs?

Do I have enough money for a down payment and closing costs?

Do I have enough money for a down payment and closing nance agent about different costs? programs. Every person has If you answered YES to these different financial needs. questions, you are ready to THE IMPORTANCE buy a home now. If you an- OF CREDIT swered NO to any of these questions, focus on strength- When you apply for a home ening this area or talk to a fi- loan, the Financial Institution

will take into account 3 main factors to decide whether you have good credit and will be able to repay the loan. These factors are known as the 3 C's:

Financial Institutions use credit agencies to obtain information about CHARACTER through the Credit Report.

You can also request a copy of your Credit Report through these agencies: Equifax, Inc.: PO Box 740241 Atlanta, GA 30374-0241 1-800-997-2493 or 1-800-685-1111 (English) www.equifax.com Experian: PO Box 9600 Allen, TX 75013 1-888-397-3742 (English) www.experian.com

TransUnion: PO Box 1000 Chester, PA 19022 1-800-888-4213 (English) CAPACITY: is your present www.transunion.com and future ability to pay your CONTINUES ON PAGE 12

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Lenders generally require that principal, interest, taxes and insurance (PITI) or your home expenses be less than or equal to 25% (up to 28%) of your gross monthly income.

Financial companies call this proportion “front-end”.

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How long have you been working at your current job?

How much do you earn per month? (*) How much do you spend per month?

For example, if your gross income is $2,500 or $30,000 annually, your mortgage payment should be $700.00 or less.

How much money do you have in your savings or checking account?

Do you have your own house?

Do you have any kind of investment or other assets (car, stock market, etc.)?

Have you received credit before?

Pay on time to avoid late payment penalties and protect your credit.

How many credit accounts do you have open (credit cards, I = INSURANCE: 1/12 of stores)? the annual risk insurance amount. This figure will also Have you ever had your credit include flood insurance and denied? mortgage insurance (PMI) if Have you ever declared bank- you are downing less than 20% of the home's value. ruptcy?

Do you have any property You will likely pay taxes and seized due to non-payment? insurance monthly along with principal and interest.

Have you ever paid a bill late?

If you prefer, in some cases (*) It is not mandatory to dis- the finance company will give close whether you receive you the option to pay taxes child support if you are di- and insurance separately. vorced, child support or pocket money, unless you believe If you are going to pay taxes this information will help you and insurance as part of your qualify for the loan. This is monthly home payment, the finance company will open an personal information. escrow account to hold this COMPONENTS OF money until you have to pay THE PROVISION it. In some cases, this deposit OF A HOUSE guarantee account will also earn interest.

Your monthly home payment will be based on the follow- WHAT AMOUNT ing factors: OF MONTHLY

INSTALLMENT

P = PRINCIPAL: Principal CAN I PAY? amount payable on the loan.

Keep in mind that just beI = INTEREST: Interest charged cause you qualify for a cerfor borrowing money. tain amount does not mean T = TAXES: 1/12 of the esti- you will be able to easily mated annual tax value of pay monthly installments. It is safer to get a loan for less your home. than the maximum amount

$2,500 X 28% = $700 → maximum monthly mortgage amount .

Finance companies generally require that housing expenses + long-term debt be less than or equal to 33% (up to 36%) of gross monthly income. This you can qualify for. You have ratio is called “output” (backto consider your personal sit- end). uation and your future goals For example, if your gross and financial needs. monthly income is $2,500 and Generally, many people es- your mortgage is $700.00, timate that they can pay a other long-term debt should mortgage (financing) that is not exceed $900.00.

2 or 2½ times greater than the value of their income. For $2,500 X 36% = $900.00 → example: if your annual in- maximum monthly debt come is $30,000, you can pay amount. a mortgage from $60,000 to If your debt-to-income ratio 75,000. is above these limits, talk to your mortgage broker about $30,000 X 2 = $60,000 other options you may have. $30,000 X 2.5 = $75,000 Lenders look at the debt-toincome ratio (DTI) when they consider your application for a home loan. This ratio represents your monthly expenses compared to your gross income (excluding taxes) monthly.

MANAGE YOUR CREDIT

When you get your credit:

If possible, pay off your debts in full each month. If you can't, pay more than the minimum required. This will reduce the total interest you Finance companies calculate will have to pay. your monthly household expenses and your total month- Pay on time to avoid late payly debts as a percentage of ment penalties and protect your income. The proportion your credit. If you cannot pay of this percentage is a very on time, call the financial inimportant factor in the finan- stitution immediately to excial institution's final decision plain your situation. on whether to finance the They will certainly offer you purchase of your home. an alternative.

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may accept other offers that are better than yours.

Always check your account statement monthly to verify transactions. If you suspect an error, contact the finance company immediately.

4- SALES CONTRACT Information the lawyer needs to make the contract: Price of the house (Price)

Ignore offers that financial institutions send you to “reduce” or “skip” payments.

Clauses (Terms) Down Payment: The amount of money you want to invest in buying the house.

You will likely have to pay interest during this period.

Always think about the difference in the cost of paying something in cash or on cred- won't need to spend on res- You may have to submit other it. taurants. documents.

Remember: if you buy a stereo for $500 with a credit card that charges 20% interest per year, it will cost you $1,084 and it will take you 9 years to pay it off if you only pay the amount minimum of 10 dollars required by finance companies.

MANAGE YOUR MONEY Carry only small amounts of cash in your wallet to avoid spending it.

If you can, deposit your salary immediately in the bank as soon as you receive it.

This way, you will feel less compelled to spend it.

Control the use of credit cards.

Don't go shopping just for fun.

When you go shopping, have a list of what you need with you.

Buy only what you need; don't buy things just because they're on sale.

Use a list to shop for food and thus avoid impulsive purchases.

Take your food to work whenever you can. This way, you

To get the best prices on expensive items like cars or appliances, do your research in several places before you buy them.

2- GET THE MORTGAGE

When you don't have enough money to pay the full value of the house, the bank or other financial institution will give Pay your bills on time to avoid you a loan that will cover the interest, cancellation of ser- total cost of the house. If you vices and, above all, to avoid qualify for the loan, the fibad credit. nance company will give you a letter (Pre-Approval Letter) BUYING A HOUSE which is proof that you will IS EASY, FOLLOW have in your hands to show THESE STEPS: the realtor who is selling the house that you already have 1- DOCUMENTATION where to get the money.

Get in order all the documents needed to qualify for a This way, as soon as you find your dream home, your offer loan to buy your home. will be considered seriously.

There is nothing to fear! Talk to a representative of a Bank 3- MAKING AN OFFER: or Mortgage Company.

After your credit or mortgage For your convenience, An- is approved, talk to a Costa tonio Fonseca, Countrywide Property & amp; ManageBank representative, can be ment Inc broker. (914) 934reached at (914) 643-0275. 5001 about finding the home He will tell you exactly what at the approved value. Once you need and will likely have you've found your home, a guided program for your fi- you'll make an offer to buy nancial needs. Each program through your realtor. He/she is different, but generally you will begin the negotiation will need the following docu- process on your behalf with the other broker representing mentation: the seller.

- Bank Account Statement, Proof of Income, Form W2, If your offer is accepted, it will Copies of Income Tax Return, be better for you if the sales Copy of Lease and Social Se- contract is signed as soon as possible. Until the contract is curity contract. signed, the seller of the house

Generally, upon signing the contract, the down payment varies from 5 to 20% of the house price. Depending on the situation, you may be able to trade a lower entry.

This payment will be deposited in an account by the seller's lawyer (Escrow Account), until the transfer of the deed (Title).

Contingencies (Mortgage Contingency): Even if you have already been pre-approved for a mortgage, it is important to keep this contingency in the contract.

Other Contingencies to which your offer is subject: This clause may include, but is not limited to, satisfactory inspection of the property.

Personal Property: List of all items that will be included in the purchase of the house, for example: appliances, chandeliers, curtains, etc.

The Closing Date: The date you will receive the deed.

Generally, it is not a fixed date. To be agreed between the lawyers after all documentation has been released.

5- INSPECTION After the offer is accepted, you will be required to inspect the property. It is advisable that you participate in the inspection, in this way you will get to know your new home: the current condition, the necessary repairs CONTINUES ON PAGE 14

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Real Estate

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Authenticated check to pay for any transaction.

and maintenance. It is recommended that you hire licensed professionals to carry out the inspections.

Certified Check to pay deed expenses.

All buyers must be present at closing to sign loan documents. Otherwise, they will have to give a power of attorney to their lawyers.

Types of inspections: Engineering Inspection: This inspection covers the structural part of the house, the exterior walls, pools, heaters, air conditioning, plumbing and electrical.

Termite (Termite): This inspection should cover all types of wood-eating insects.

It should be done throughout the house and on the walls outside.

Insurance Policy”. It is also necessary to order the “survey” (map) of the property.

The financial institution's atRadon: Invisible, odorless ra- torney will need all of these dioactive gas that can enter documents before determinthe home through the earth ing the closing date. around the home. High levels Your lawyer should instruct of this gas can cause health you on necessary documenproblems after some time. tation and final additional Asbestos (asbestos): Mineral costs (closing cost). fiber that was used for insu- This is the day you will relation and fire protection. If ceive the deed. Before you go in good condition it does not to closing, you and the realtor need to be removed, just cov- will make a final inspection of ered and sealed. This work the property – walk through – must be done by a licensed to make sure that everything and trained contractor. is in its place and working as Oil Tank: All oil tanks with a it should. capacity of 1,000 gallons or 7- CLOSING COSTS (Expenses) greater must be leak tested.

Underground tanks must be These expenses can be incortested regardless of capacity. porated into the total loan amount. This list is only a Lead (Lead) Paint: If the guide. Your attorney will conhouse was built before 1978, firm these expenses: it was likely painted with lead-containing paint. By law, H o m e o w n e r s I n s u ra n c e buyer and seller must sign a – Homeowners Insurance memorandum that they are (must be paid before closing) aware of the risk of poisoning caused by ingesting or inhal- Recording of the Deed – Reing lead paint dust or parti- cording the Deed (around $100.00) cles.

Oil Tank – You will have to pay 6- CLOSING DAY – the seller for oil that is in the THE BIG DAY tank.

Before Closing: After all contract contingencies have S u r v e y : P r o p e r t y M a p been made, your attorney ($700.00) will order the “Title Search” C o n d o m i n i u m C o m m o n of the home and the “Title

Carry a few extra checks in case of any extra expenses.

10- WHAT WILL HAPPEN AT CLOSING? Charges & amp; Associates The 3 lawyers and the “Title Closer” will review all the Due: Monthly condo fees. necessary documentation Taxes: Distributed equally be- and calculations. The “Title tween buyer and seller.

Closer” will be responsible for assuring your lawyer and Bank Insurance & Tax Es- the finance company's lawcrows: The finance company yer that the property being will collect a percentage (8 – transferred to you through 9%) of the annual insurance the deed (title) is free of any amount and fees per month debt, embargoes; that resito pay subsequent tax install- dential taxes have been paid, ments. that the property is free of Purchaser’s Attorney Fee: The any infringement, and most amount charged by your at- importantly, that the property has the “Certificate of torney to represent you.

Occupancy” also known as C Title Insurance: Deed Insur- of O, which is a housing perance Closer's Attendance Fee: mit given by the Building De$50.00. partment of the city where it is located buying the house.

8- WHO MUST BE PRESENT Without the C of O you are AT CLOSING TIME? not released to occupy the You and your attorney, the new house. seller of the home and his at- After all documentation has torney, the attorney for the been signed by both the sellbank or financial institution, er and buyer, the attorney the representative of the ti- for the financial institution tle company “Title Closer”, where you are taking the loan and the real estate agents in- will pay the seller. Then the volved in this transaction. deed and other documents 9- WHAT SHOULD I TAKE WITH will be given to the “Title Closer” to be registered with ME ON THE CLOSING DAY? the County Clerk’s Office.

Your lawyer will guide you, Your attorney will send you a but these are usually the fol- final statement explaining all lowing documents: transactions and expenses.

Checkbook.

Driver's License or Passport.

After all this, your house key will be given to you.

CONGRATULATIONS!... YOU Residential Insurance with JUST MADE ONE OF YOUR proof of payment.

DREAMS COME TRUE! ◙

Testimony

to Master Jesus, who Thadhanks mercy on me, healed me,

From these visits, I have had varied experiences, but what makes me most happy, in addition to saving these lives, is that whole families and friends come behind them.

freed me, and saved me for free, I have had the opportunity to visit hospitals and prisons.

We begin to share their daily lives and become like members of these families, and they are members of the body of Christ.

It is true that our Master told us to go two by two, but in this place where we live, everything is more difficult because everyone is very busy, and the schedules often do not coincide.

I pray to the Lord Jesus to empower us, encourage us, and send laborers into the harvest. I have asked the Lord to give me wisdom, simplicity, and courage to do what He asks.

Therefore, we cannot expect the availability of others to do the work that the Lord has commanded us to do.

Jails and hospitals are full of souls thirsting for the waters that quench your thirst and mine.

Beloved, it is time for us to take a stand in our father's harvest (first I am fitting in).

I have seen great things. People who have been healed, saved on their deathbeds, delivered from deep comas, cancer, fevers, and various pains.

All for the glory of the one who works to will and to do in everything and everyone.

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Jails and hospitals are full of souls thirsting for the waters that quench your thirst and mine.

I cannot miss the opportunity to invite you to " Go into all the world “. Go, don't wait for others, take the first step. You will be blessed and greatly rewarded by the Lord Jesus Christ. ◙

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Testimony

CONTINUING FROM PAGE 15

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." - John 3:16 BEFORE: Before accepting Christ as my Lord and Savior, I used to drink a lot of whiskey until I got drunk. I also experimented with "soft" drugs.

My marriage was deteriorating to the point of divorce proceedings. I already had a daughter, but our unhappy life affected my wife as well.

However, during the divorce

He forgave my sins, cured me of an illness for which medicine had no answer, and helped me overcome my addictions to alcohol and drugs.

proceedings, I accepted Jesus as my Savior and Lord.

AFTER: Jesus first showed how much he loved me and took an interest in me.

He forgave my sins, cured me of an illness for which medicine had no answer, and helped me overcome my addictions to alcohol and drugs.

As for my home, God performed a miracle in my life and my wife's life, bringing us happiness as a family with Jesus. He also called me to serve Him full time. ◙ CONTINUES ON PAGE 17

Testimony

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CONTINUING FROM PAGE 16

"Wine is a mocker, and strong drink is raging; and whoever errs in them is not wise." Proverbs 20:1

fourth time in 1995, my wife was invited and felt the need to go to a church because there was a void in our hearts, something was missing that would truly fill it and make a difference.

"Woe to those who rise early to run after strong drink and continue until night, until wine warms them!" - Isaiah 5:11

She came home talking about what she had heard and seen and invited me to go with her next week.

I was a person dependent on drink, to the point of consuming one or two bottles of strong drink because I only liked to drink this way.

I remember telling her that she could go, but not to bring this "believer thing" home.

I started drinking and smoking when I was 14 years old, and since then, I don't think I've ever gone a day without drinking.

I got married and have a couple of beautiful children, but I had never worried about my family.

I even took my wife along to learn to drink to the point that we fought over drinks, leading to several separations.

However, God had a plan for our lives, and He didn't allow that to happen.

Arriving in Japan for the

However, God is faithful, and before I knew it, I was already involved in the "business."

I was a person dependent on drink, to the point of consuming one or two bottles of strong drink because I only liked to drink this way.

On November 27, 1996, at 3 pm, God came into my life in a powerful way, freeing me from addictions.

Since then, by His mercy, I have been engaged in missionary work in Japan alongside my family.

One word that truly stuck with me was, "Antonio, Jesus loves you, and He can change your life."

GOD MADE ME BORN AGAIN! ◙

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Tourism

land of vast distances, A rich resources, and natural

It has two official languages: English and French. Both are used in the Parliament of Canada.

beauty. Canada became selfgoverning in 1867, remaining attached to the British crown.

Canada has seven regions, each with a different climate and landscape:

It is the second largest country in the world by land area.

Only Russia is bigger, occupying virtually the entire northern half of North America.

the Pacific coast, home to Vancouver Island and the city of Victoria; The mountain ranges, where the highest mountains in the country are located and Mount Logan, located on the largest glacial cap south of the arctic circle;

Canada is a federation, a constitutional monarchy, and a parliamentary democracy, consisting of ten provinces and three territories.

Its name comes from the Iroquois word Kanata-ton, which means "villages" or "small houses".

The country's Head of State is Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom - a symbol of Canada's historic ties with the United Kingdom - and headed by the Prime Minister.

The current Prime Minister of Canada is Justin Trudeau. The country's capital is Ottawa.

Canada is the second largest country in the world by land area, occupying virtually the entire northern half of North America.

The prairies; the Canadian Shield; The Great Lakes, the Appalachians, on the Atlantic; The Arctic and National Parks.

It is the country with the longest coastline in the world - in addition to the Atlantic and the Pacific, it also has a coastline on the Arctic Ocean.

It is estimated that the country has one-seventh of the CONTINUES ON PAGE 19

Tourism

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world's fresh water.

Canada's largest city, Toronto sits on the shores of Lake Ontario. Until the end of World War II, its population was predominantly of English origin.

Today half are immigrants, in a total of 150 ethnic groups.

Canada's largest city, Toronto sits on the shores of Lake Ontario.

Park, which requires visitors to take a little breath, since the best routes can only be covered on foot.

Other sports enjoyed in the parks, in addition to trekking, are windsurfing, rafting, water skiing and abseiling.

Toronto is home to the National Ballet of Canada and the Canadian Opera.

In all parks there is a village that provides infrastructure for visitors.

Among the city's main museums and galleries are the Royal Ontario Museum, dedicated to the arts, archeology, and natural history; the Thomson Gallery, which brings together works by Canadian artists known as The Group of Seven; the Henry Moore Sculpture Centre, which has more than one hundred works by the artist, and the Eskimo Art Gallery.

Niagara Falls is a must-see when visiting Canada. It is close to Toronto and receives more than 20 million tourists a year.

Niagara Falls

Although the waterfalls on the American side are higher, seen from the Canadian side is more beautiful. ◙

On a day trip, it is possible to visit Niagara Falls, between Canada and the United States.

Turismo.com

One of the most beautiful regions in Canada, the Rocky Mountains have large lakes of turquoise water in their forests.

There are several national parks in the region, such as the Top of the World Park, Kootenay Park - both can be visited by car - and Purcell

Niagara Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in the world. It can be seen on the American and Canadian side, making the border between them.

The Rocky Mountains

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Word of God

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THE END IS NEAR MATTHEW 24:7-13

N

ation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. ll this will be the beginning of the pains. Then they will hand you over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. t that time many will be offended, will betray, and hate one another, and numerous false prophets will arise and deceive many. Due to the increase of wickedness, the love of many will grow cold, but he who endures to the end will be saved.

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