less is more vol.1 #1

L E S S O F M E , M O R E F O R H I M

Missions in ActionThe Augsburger FamilyCollaborators in the Holy Land

Sindhi & SentPastor Eric Melwani former Hindu

Because We Love Zion

Misiones en AccinFamilia Augsburger

Colaboradores en Tierra Santa

Sindhi y EnviadoPastor Eric Melwani

un ex-hind

Por Amor a Sion

July 2014Volume 1 | Issue #1

2-27| EnglishClick Here

28-54| EspaolClick Aqu

2 July 2014 3LESS IS MORE

c o n t e n t scolumns

departments

featured

4 | From the Editors Pen

8 | Why Missions?

14 | Missions in Action,

The Augsburger Family

18 | Featured Guest Pastor Eric Melwani, former Hindu

The Classroom

Looking At The Fig Tree

From Our House To Yours

10 | The Second After

From The Mission Field9 | Gods Wisdom in Times of Need

20 | Are We Doing True Missions?

22 | Because We Love Zion

L E S S I S M O R E | L E S S O F M E, M O R E F O R H I M

14

Kids W.O.W26 | Winning Our WorldLess Is More is an independent publication and is not associated with any particular denomination or organization. Less Is More assumes all

work published and distributed is the property of the submitting contributor. Featuring a person or ministry does not equal endorsement. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of all published information Less Is More assumes no liability for errors in submissions.

22


From The Editors Pen

We Want to

The slogan Less of me and more for Him states the defining intent of the magazine Less Is More. With that purpose in mind, the conception for the magazine Less Is More began. There is a burning passion with each staff member to encourage a deep love of missions and reaching the peoples of the world with the message of the gospel.

The goal more about Him and less of the me factor will help shape the focus of what is presented.

What more can all of us do and what more can I do. How do we create a love for missions and educate those who read about the harvest fields around the world and right here in our own backyards?

We hope the articles presented will challenge, train, equip and inspire you to evangelize right where you live.

God has brought together a unique set of individuals from various back-grounds, educational levels and locations to launch this magazine. Less Is More, presented in a bi-lingual format represents no particular denomination or church but strives as a vehicle for the work of the gospel to come to the forefront.

The magazine comes with no cost, it is freely given. Each dedicated contribu-tor serves willingly without remuneration and gives of their time and talents to spread the message of Jesus Christ and promote a passion for missions.

Less is More

From You!HearOur goal is to reach as many people as possible. Through technology, social media and your participation, this is achievable.

We want to hear from you and your comments are appreciated. You can contact us through Facebook, Twitter or e-mail.

The Less is More Staff

Words & Music by Puchi Colon and performed by the LWF Choir. For full screen, right click on the video

less.is.more.magazine

@LessIsMore_mag

[email protected]

7LESS IS MORE6 July 2014

Meet the Staff

Pastor Boyd BrooksMissions Editor

Pastor Gustavo RizzoEducation Editor

Zelma DoddEditor / Contributing Writer

Pastor Adrian BluePastoral Editor

Pastor Erak ChristofisChildrens Editor

Erica Ramello SepulvedaMissions Life Style Editor

Pastor Lidia MasalykaMiddle East Editor

Lina Zelarayan TracolEnglish/Spanish Translation

Editor

>> >>

>> >>>>>>

>>>>

Rita CarrascoSpanish/English Translation

Editor

Emilse MyersC.E.O / Creative Director

Don MyersEnglish Associate EditorPhotography Editor

>> >> >> Nelly Brane RschichuchiSpanish Associate Editor

>>

Originally from Cordoba, Argen-tina, Lina was born and raised in

a christian family. She graduated with a BS in

Communications. She also con-tinued her education in Biblical Studies. She has lived in Lodon

since 2002 and is married to Clement Tracol, they have one

daughter.They serve the Lord in the Sunday School of the church

they are part of.

Lidia Lewczuk Masalyka and her husband Juan Masalyka are the Pastors of Centro Cristiano Church of Cordoba, Argentina. Their ministry includes church planting and sending missionaries to the field.Teacher, preacher and author.

Erica Ramello with her husband Cristian Sepulveda

are Argentinian missionaries serving the Lord in Ethiopia.

Graduated from Instituto Bblico Mediterrneo (Argentina) with

a Bachelors degree in Bible and Theology. Erica homeschools

their three daughters through the Argentine System in

Distance Education.

Originally from Argentina, Emilse graduated with an Asso-ciate degree in Bible and Theo-

logy and a BA in Graphic and Advertisement Design. While in Argentina, Emilse was secretary

of the Argentinian National Branch of Global University and

Bible Teacher.She is married to Donald Myers,

they have two daughters.Together, they serve the Lord at Living Water Fellowship in

Florida.

Don serves as the official photographer for Living Water Fellowship in Florida. Before his retirement, he worked as a Senior SAP Functional Specialist for a major east coast utility company. He is currently President of Living Water Riders motorcycle ministry. He is mar-ried to Emilse and has three daughters.

Originally from Chile, Rita is currently serving the Lord in

Toronto, Canada.Womens ministry leader with a

heart for missions. Rita is an adult ESL Instruc-

tor with a Bachelors of Arts in Linguistics.

Boyd has served as the senior pastor of Peoples Church in St. Louis, Missouri for the last 15 years. Originally from California, he and his wife Marilyn have served in many different places. They were involved in church planting and served as directors of a Bible School in Cordoba, Argentina. Licensed Profes-sional Counselor in the State of Missouri. Bachelors degree in theology, masters in leadership, masters in counseling and a doctorate in psychology.

Zelma has a BA in Christian Education from Central Bible

College in Springfield, Mo. Married to Marshall Dodd,

they have served as pastors in 7 states. She has worked as a

Technical Writer and Editor for an FAA contracted employer

and is a Certified International Configuration Manager.

Zelma is also a teacher, author/blogger, speaker and currently

serves with her husband as Care Pastors for a large central

Florida church.

Adrian Blue answered Gods call to serve Him when he was 12

years old. He pastored his first church at the age of 19. His

training includes Bible College and continuing studies in Bible

and Theology, and was awarded a Masters of Ministry Degree. He

is married to LaShelle and they have 4 children. He has minis-

tered as an evangelist, teacher and pastor. Adrian is the CEO of

A.L. Blue Ministries and currently serves as Discipleship

and Ministries pastor at Living Water Fellowship in Florida.

Erak was called into childrens ministry at the age of 17. He graduated from Valley Forge Christian College with a BA in Childrens Ministry. He currently serves as Childrens Pastor at Living Water Felloship in Florida.He is married to Jessica and they have three children.

Originally from Cordoba, Argen-tina, Nelly is a Systems Analyst.She works as a teacher. Along with her husband and two daughters, she serves the Lord at Centro Cristiano Church of Crdoba.

Originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina, Gustavo studied Theology at Instituto Biblico Mediterraneo, Instituto Biblico Ro de la Plata, ISUM and South African Theological Seminary. He has devoted most of his christian life to the teaching of the Word of God. Today, he resides in Canada with his wife Cecilia and their children Neiel, Eytan, and Abdiel.Gustavo and Cecilia serve as Pastors at Centro Familiar de Adoracin.


Why Missions?

Confusion is one of the forms that has proved to be effective against the spreading of the gospel as commanded by Christ. Chaos is another effective tool used by the enemy because it robs Christians of their focus on their mission. This weakens our resolve and renders us useless. Confusion comes from many different sources. It can come from within each of us in the form of doubt, fear or apathy. Sometimes confusion is caused from within the church in the forms of jealousy, pride or indifference. It can come from the world in the form of contradictions against Christs command. For example, multiculturalism, which is a hot topic today, confuses Chris-tians when we are told to accept all religions and all cultures as equal. This is a problem because the gospel says there is but one Savior and one way to receive the Savior. Political correctness confuses the church by instructing Christians in what can be said, and what is not said. (Political entities confuse the church by giving and withdrawing approval for the preaching of the gospel).

Toward the end of World War II the Nazis were losing. In desperation Hitlerordered his army to make one final assault to break through the Allied lines. They did this by using deception. Maj. Otto Skorzeny and 500 men, all wear-ing American and British uniforms and speaking English, were sent to con-fuse the enemy. Their mission was to seize bridges, spread rumors, change signposts, and create panic1. This is a picture of what Satan does to the church today. He utilizes weak Christians, who have little self-control, to gos-sip, and consequently the church becomes discouraged. Through othershe changes the signposts, and instead of praying, sending and building the church, they become confused. Because the sign posts are changed, the church spends its energy and resources in pursuits that are not eternal while people remain unreached with the Gospel.

The Lord defined our mission, and its up to us to clear away the confusion. The Gospel is for everyone in every place, and now is the time. That is why we keep Missions front and center.

1. Ambrose, Stephen E. (2011-10-31). Citizen Soldiers: The U.S. Army from the Normandy Beaches to the Bulge to the Surrender of Germany (Kindle

Edition) (Kindle Locations 3057-3059). PREMIER DIGITAL PUBLISHING. Kindle Edition.

Changed theSign Posts?

The Great Commission was given to the church by our Commander, Jesus Christ, Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation (Mark 16:15). The command is clear, but in the implementation of the command we often encounter resistance.

WHOFrom The Mission Field

Worship services, Sunday school, kids camps specially designed for their age, are good resources that benefit and support christian families. The christian community, we are a part of, also helps in developing the spiritual growth of our children.

As missionaries and parents, one of the biggest challen-ges we face is how to guide our three daughters: Este-fania, 10 years old, Angeline, 8 years old and Tiziana, 4 years old. Here, in Ethiopia services are in Amaharic, a language we do not understand at this time. Even though there are churches with services in English, we attend only the ones in the Amaharic language. We decided this because God called us to work among Ethiopian people.

In 1 King 3:7-12, Solomon asked God wis-dom; and God was pleased. Verse12 says: I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart...(NIV).

We left Argentina when Angeline, our second daughter, was just 4 years old. In our family prayer meetings each one of us prays for different needs. To help Angeline remember the prayer needs the Lord gui-ded me to draw images on paper showing the requests to pray for.

This is something we keep on doing, now Tiziana has her prayer cards with her draw-ings and when we have our family prayer

time she always brings her cards. One teacher from Argentina was amazed when she heard Tiziana praying. She asked me how I motivated my daughter to pray. I answered, it was something very simple that God guided me to do in that moment.

In any situation and challenge you may face, do not doubt, but ask God for wisdom. Whatever problem or difficulty you are going through, God is willing to help.

May God bless you!

Gods Wisdom in Times of Need

As Christian families, we have the support from the church we belong to. It is a place where our children affirm the knowledge and teaching that we as parents instill in them.

by Boyd Brooks by Erica Ramello Sepulveda


The Classroomby Gustavo Rizzo

Since the beginning of time, there is one topic that has captured the interest of man, the origin of evil. Every past culture has developed its own theology in re-gards to evil. However, we do not have many concrete facts. Christian theologians have referred to the fall of mankind as taking place long before Genesis Chapter 3. Going beyond would be venturing dangerously into speculation. We know very well the results that evil has produced since then. We deal with them daily.

This brief study will illustrate a few specific aspects on the topic of evil. We will look at the original story of Adam and Eve. We will take a look at what their first attitude was just a second after verse 6 occurred: ...she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate. (NKJV)

Before continuing with this article, I recommend reading Genesis 3. >>


Far from what paradise could have been, the most popu-lar images in which our original biological parents are remembered are pictures of Adam and Eve dressed in fig leaves and enjoying what seems to be a delicious apple. This image is probably so far-fetched from what they had just discovered - inconceivable until that moment. They had fallen.

The biblical story is immediately introduced a second after. We read in Genesis 3:8 And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. (NKJV)

This voice, which once would accompany the days and afternoons of Adam and Eve, now produces panic. The sole voice of God in the garden denounces them. They are confronted with evil before God passes judgment on them.

In a state of perfection they were not afraid to hear the voice of the serpent, vs. 3-5. Now, they fear the voice of God. And there is no description of cosmic cataclysms or signs. Instead, the human heart, where a tragedy has just taken place, is exposed.

As a reflex, the first attitude before the majesty of God is not of repentance nor constriction, but panic; they hide. The illusion of attempting the impossible, to hide from God, is present. The Hebrew word here for hiding is hjaba1, which can mean to turn off, to conceal, and to harden; three actions that illustrate what Adam and Eve have just done.

If before such majesty, the most vague thought can-not be hidden, how much more futile is trying to hide a whole person! The output suggests that sin leaves man in outrageous ridicule.

1 Strongs Concordance #2244.

Just as the first action was to hide, Adams first words were no less signi-ficant. So he said, I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself. (v. 10 NKJV). A cold explanation without a trace of remorse. Again, that voice that was once the real delight in the Garden of Eden2 is now causing discomfort.

Notice the progression of what Adam says: ( I ) heard your voice; ( I ) was afraid; ( I ) hid. These three actions are preceded by a subject pronoun, which has to do more with Adam than God. The man sees himself as the sub-ject. And what appears to be a simple matter of seman-tics has since then identified the life of man on earth. The pride of living and thinking he or she is the centre of the universe; seeking well-being at any price. The heart of stone of a remorseless human who is only able to look after his or her self. In other words, a picture of humanity without God. (Romans 2:5)

To Socrates3, evil stems from ignorance. Here, on the contrary, namely knowing the demands of life; evil exercises power by offering an obscure understanding, which promises to eliminate the differences between the Creator and humankind. The biggest fallacy that has ever been said.

Naked and ashamed, their imagination dictates some-thing and conceives an idea: to sew fig leaves and to cover up! As if this would impede God from seeing them. He who formed the eye, shall He not see? Psalm 94:9b (NKJV). And one second later, the first attempt by man to justify himself is born. Once again, human kind in outra-geous ridicule.

2 The word Eden means delight.3 Platon, Apology of Socrates, BN Publishing, 2007 (Spanish edition)

Complete and perfect in every faculty, and clothed in Gods righteousness, and a second later, naked and ashamed.

It is impossible for us not to relate to who we once were. On the other hand, we see the second Adam being cruci-fied, naked for our transgressions, and humiliated by those who mocked Him at the foot of the cross; He who receives heavens words of affirmation, confirmation and filiations, is then receiving mockery from the children who descended from the first Adam.

Lastly, after passing on responsibility; from Adam to Eve and finally the serpent, the Judge of the earth takes the floor and gives the case a verdict. He asks Adam and then Eve but never dialogues with the serpent, which does not dare say a word. God does not dialogue with the enemy. The serpent is the first one to be sentenced vs.14-15; and an irrevocable verdict is dictated. God noticeably starts with the serpent and points towards the day in which the seducing power of the old serpent, which is the Devil and Satan, (Revelation 20:2) will be completely cancelled.

And in the same way as death entered a second after eating, hope entered the second after God sentenced the serpent. Here the redemptive plan begins.

God did not leave man naked nor shamed: Also for Adam and his wife the Lord God made tunics of skin, and clothed them. Genesis 3:21(NKJV). Paul, perhaps having this idea in mind wrote in Ephesians 4:24 put on the new self, cre-ated in Gods image, in true righteousness and holiness.

Until next time!

14 July 2014

The Augsburger Family, collaborators in the Holy Land.

Jorge and Myriam Augsburger have been serving the Lord and living by faith since 2002. As parents to three children, collaborators with the church and living comfortably in Ar-gentina, their native country; one day they packed their suit-cases and left everything behind, trusting that God would fulfill his promises. It was the month of January. The airplane door closed and together with their children, the Augsburger family set out to the land that God had promised them.

Less is More held an interview with Jorge and Myriam that will help us to understand their journey:

15LESS IS MORE

Missions in action

Jorge and Myriam, you were already collaborating in the local church. When and how did the calling and burning from God to serve full time in another country begin?

Jorge: Just after two years of being a believer, in February 1987, the Lord spoke to me and gave me a prophecy: we should live by faith, through Him and for Him and that we should get ready because he was coming soon. In April 1991, again, I heard the voice of God through Isaiah 45, it was a Rhema word telling me that we would bless the people of Israel as emperor Cyrus did at one point in time.

How did you know that it wasnt something emo-tional or momentary?

Jorge: When something is emotional or momentary, the course of time tends to show it and reflect it. In our case, it didnt happen like that; on the contrary, we saw that He was in this business.

Myriam: From the first moment, I resisted the call and what God wanted to do with us because we had a very comfortable and secure life, and I wanted to raise my children without any major upheavals. Jorge is an accoun-tant and at that time he was an official tax collector for the National Collections Office. Four years into our marriage, we already had our own house, a car and a life that was pretty secure.

In December of 1992, I was diagnosed with uterine cancer. Since then my Potter began to soften my heart, and one day I told the Lord that if He healed me and let me see my children grow, I would be willing to go wherever He sent us.

It was a process of six long years, in which God showed his faithfulness. In December 1998, the oncologist was sur-prised to say that the cancer had subsided.

Did God confirm this sentiment in some way?

Jorge: The Lord put in us the desire to get prepared. We attended the seminary at night, passing all the courses and getting all the credits. We also served in our local church as elders, teaching and helping in anything we were needed. And God blessed us with things that were very useful in the future, like getting our Italian citizenship and passports. In addition, our love for the place the Lord had called us to go was growing in a very special way as time was going by.

Once you finally decided to answer the call from God, how did your family and work colleagues react to this madness of leaving everything behind and taking your three children with you?

Jorge: In the year 2000 I quit my job, and we started to walk by faith. In those days, two of our children were teena-gers, Joan was 17 and Lara 16. Sofia was just a 10 year-old girl.

The challenge was big, but our children grew knowing that we would one day, leave. And thanks to God, they always supported us on this. They were very involved in our mission project. Every time we went to visit a church they played music and sang a very popular hymn in Spanish called Hope. And some other people around us just never understood our call. >>

A lot of years went by

until our call was a reality,

and during that process

the enemy tried to make us

feel depressed so that

we would give up

Obidience to God

brings blessings


Did your ever question this idea?

Myriam: Yes, of course, many times. Thinking as humans, going through different problems and having things thrown at us. The storms and winds are always there to be seen. But thank God, the Lord always extends his hand to pull us out of the water. At the end of 2001, a month before we were supposed to leave Argentina, a huge economical crisis came to the country and for some reason all our savings, and the money we got for selling our car was frozen. So we were not able to pay for our airplane tickets. Those were hard days, the devil wanted to frustrate our de-parting, but on the other hand, we always saw Gods hand helping us move ahead.

Jorge: A lot of years went by until our call was a reality, and during that process the enemy tried to make us feel de-pressed so that we would give up. It wasnt that easy for us.

In January 2002, we left Argentina and went to England to study English, because it is Israels second language. Our plans were to stay in England for one year and then leave with our children to Israel. On September 2003, we went to Israel and found that doors were totally closed to the gospel. It wasnt the time yet. We then pastored a Spanish congregation in London.

At the end of 2005, we left our congregation in charge of a Colombian pastor and moved out to another part of the city. We started to create ties with organizations and people from or in connection to Israel, trusting that God would open a big door. Still in some ways we knew it was another dead end.

Our children, in the meantime, were attending school in London.

2006 was a hard year. The support group in our local church decreased their financial assistance; many of them thought we could never enter Israel. We had very difficult moments and a lot of trials. The Mission Department of our church was about to close our project. Our faith was our suste-nance.

We started a new year praying and declaring 2007 as a year of breakthrough, conquest and celebration. We were proclaiming everything without seeing anything, and God showed us his glory. Miraculously, that year we were in Israel twice, and in our second visit we met Puentes Para la Paz (Bridges For Peace) a Christian organization that

provides humanitarian help. Now were volunteering there. After many years of waiting, the Lord opened the doors.

Myriam: Through this process we had to leave many things behind along the way, like comfort, safety, friends and family. In July 2008, in order to finally travel to Israel, we had to separate from our most valuable thing: our children. It wasnt easy, especially for me. I was always a devoted mom to my children, but at the same time we had peace in our hearts because of their faith in God. Our children encour-aged us to finish what we had started many years ago: To go and bless Israel. They grew up knowing that God had called us to go to Israel. Unfortunately, they couldnt come with us, because they were in university by that time.

When you look back or think about your current problems, what keeps you going?

Jorge: What keeps us strong is recalling His miracles, His healings and how He surprises us day by day with His provi-sion and power; also seeing His faithfulnes. We cannot deny how He has blessed us, kept us safe and helped our children throughout these years. By His grace our three children have graduated from prestigious universities in London and they have good job positions. Above all, we can see them keeping their faith strong in God. They are also very united siblings. Even as we are separated, they always try to be close to us in some way.

Do you have a favorite scripture that makes you feel God is your support?

Jorge: I think it is Isaiah 45:1-7, specially verse 2, which says: I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron.

Also verse 7, which says so all the world from east to west will know there is no other God. I am the LORD, and there is no other

What advice would you give people going through the process of having to leave everything behind in order to abide by Gods will?

Jorge: They must listen to Gods voice, and remember, Obedience to God brings blessings. These are not easy decisions, but deciding to follow Gods call is totally worthwhile.

From front to back: Joan, Lara, Keziah, Sofia, James & baby Jonah


Sindhi & Sent

My name is Eric Melwani. I was born in a Hindu, Sindhi home in India. The Lord came looking for me while I was still praying to the Hindu gods.I was raised in a very traditional and religious family that taught me the importance of respect and raised me to be a good person. As a child

I would go to Hindu temples to pray and worship Hindu gods. Growing up I had a great interest in spiritual matters. I be-

lieved that there were many ways that led to God and dif-ferent people came through different paths but in the end

arrived at the same destination. I also believed in reincar-nation, karma and practiced chanting, meditation and

other worship rituals.

I will never forget seeing these words of Christ in Kolkata, India as I was walking to my destination one

day, I am the way and the truth and the life .... These words spoke to my heart.

At the age of fifteen I moved to St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. There I went to a church

where someone prayed the prayer of salvation with me, but I didnt realize the depth of what I had prayed. I felt the presence of God and was aware of Gods peace in that church. After going there a few times an offense came and I never

I learned that salvation was a free gift and I did not have to earn it. Salvation is about a relation-ship with Jesus and not about religion. I finally found all my answers in Jesus Christ.

Pastor Eric Melwanireturned to that church again.

As time went on I began to ask myself questions like, If there is one God then why are there so many religious contradictions among different religions? Or, If all religions led to the same God then shouldnt God be speaking the same message to every-one? I was very proud to be a Hindu and held strong religious convictions. I began to search for answers to my questions.

I met a Pastor and became friends with him. One day he prayed for me, I felt the presence of God and it stayed with me for three days. Based on my personal beliefs, I decided to challenge that Pastor by trying to convince him about the doctrine of reincarnation.

I would watch a televangelist who God mightily used in healing. There was another ministry that was a blessing to me as well. I called the prayer lines and told the operator that I would like to receive prayer for the baptism of the Holy Spirit and be able to pray in tongues. They prayed with me and I prayed with them over the phone. I called the other minis-try prayer lines and voiced the same request. They would ask me each time if I was born again and I would say yes. In my mind there was no difference so I said yes each time. To me it was all the same. I did not be-

lieve that Jesus was the only way to God even though by this time I had prayed the salvation prayer multiple times. I believed that Jesus was God but not the only way to God.

Finally, one morning, before I went to college I called the prayer line again and told them I desired to be able to pray in tongues. I prayed the prayer of salvation again and they assisted me to receive my heavenly language. Suddenly in my room I began to speak in tongues over the phone.

I started to attend a Pentecostal church in St. Thomas but still held onto my Hindu beliefs. When we moved to Orlando, Florida I looked for a church that believed in the gifts of the Holy Spirit .

During those days I was still involved in palmistry, numerology and astro-logy as a hobby and I did not see anything wrong with it. One evening I felt God speak to my heart to put the television on and watch a Chris-tian program. I obeyed and watched a familiar face who was talking about the occult. He said it was wrong to

meddle with the occult. He made it clear that astrology and other occult practices were satanic and sinful. At the end of his program he invited the viewer to pray a prayer of repen-tance.

Jesus gave me a supernatural reve-lation of what he said and for the first time in my life my spiritual eyes opened. I got on my knees and repented. When I got off my knees I had no desire for the occult. Right away I took all my books dealing with these topics and threw them in the garbage.

As days went on I suddenly had no desire to worship idols, do medita-tion or yoga. I started to attend a Spirit filled church where I felt the power of God. Overtime the Hindu beliefs I used to hold began to fall away. Then came the day I began to believe that Jesus was the only way to God and heaven. I learned that salvation was a free gift and I did not have to earn it. I came to full under-standing that it is about a relation-ship with Jesus and not about reli-gion. Today, I am serving Jesus as an evangelist and the Pastor of Church of Many Waters in Florida, USA.

Click here to know more about Pastor Erics

testimony.

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Immediately the supernatural presence and power of the Holy Spirit came and complete-ly filled me and delivered me.

As time went on I continued to struggle between Christianity and my Hindu faith.

20 July 2014

From Our House To Yours by Adrian Blue

Assistance missions is coming alongside the indig-enous church, paring with local pastors, teachers and leaders, assisting them, and equipping them to work effectively among their people. The goal is teach so they in turn can train and equip their people to spread the gospel.

Frontier missions takes its concept from Paul in Romans 15:19-21. (NIV)

19. by the power of signs and wonders, through the power of the Spirit of God. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ. 29. It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone elses foundation. 21. Rather, as it is written: Those who were not told about him will see, and those who have not heard will unders-tand.

Paul launches into a new frontier where the gospel has not been proclaimed. He did not want to go to a field where another laborer had worked and established a foundation.

Frontier missions to Paul meant constantly pressing be-yond where the existing established church was and go to places where there is no witness or gospel message preached.

My concern is not to be critical of how we are doing mis-sions today, but to raise awareness within our churches concerning unreached areas. Areas where the gospel message has not penetrated the darkness, where people groups have not heard about Jesus.

It is not that we are doing missions wrong but my goal is to challenge the status quo of missions and to motivate the church to reach beyond the established way and launch out into a new and exciting venture of going into all the world.

We need to raise the banner and challenge young people to go where there is no gospel light.

Lets reach the world together!

Adrian L. Blue, D-Min

ARE WE DOING TRUE MISSIONS?Are we truly doing mission work today or are we just doing what is comfortable and what is always done. I see two types of missionary work in todays world. Frontier missions and as-sistance missions are two ways in which we can accomplish the command of go ye into all the world and preach the gospel.


Looking At The Fig Tree by Lidia Lewczuk de Masalyka

Why so much conflict throughout centuries? Because it is a spiritual problem.The fathers of the new-born Israel knew Gods

promise about their territory.

A glint of historyOn a Shekel (the basic monetary unit used in Israel), we see the map mentioned in Genesis 15.18-21: On that day Jehovah made this covenant with Abram: I have given this land to your descendants from the Wadi-el-Arish1 to the Euphrates river. 19-21 And I give to them these nations: Kenites, Kenizzites, Kadmonites, Hittites, Perizzites, Rephaim, Amorites, Canaanites, Girgashites, Jebusites.(TLB)

Following the Babylonian captivity, the founder of Israelis remembered Nehemiah 9.7-8: You are the Lord God, who chose Abram and brought him out of Ur of the Chaldeans and named him Abraham. You found his heart faithful to you, and you made a covenant with him to give to his descendants the land of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Jebusites and Girgashites. You have kept your promise because you are righteous.

1 Wadi-el-Arish, literally, River of Egypt, at the southern border of Judah.

The fathers of Israel had a spiritual vision, that went beyond Zionism. Their flag is their tallith or prayer shawl along with the Star of David, which testifies of Gods attributes. Their shield is the candelabrum, which was in the holy place of the tabernacle and temple. Their hymn is a word of hope.

Frederick the Great said: He who wants to see miracles look at Israel, for it is the clock of the world.

Isaiah says: Who has heard or seen anything as strange as this? For in one day, suddenly, a nation, Israel, shall be born, even before the birth pains come. In a moment, just as Israels anguish starts, the baby is born; the nation begins. Shall I bring to the point of birth and then not deliver? asks the Lord your God. No! Never!. Isaiah 66:7-9 (TLB)

In 1947, the nations alliance (includ-ing the Soviet Union then) voted in favor of a piece of land in Palestine, and that day, prophesied by Isaiah 2,700 years earlier, May 15, 1948, the independence of Israel was declared. The entire world was sur-prised. The next day, all the neigh-boring nations declared war against Israel.

The miracle of the victory in the War of Six Days is the fulfillment of the prophecy found in Psalms 83. It was a war between Israel and an Arab coalition formed by Egypt, Jordan, Iraq and Syria between June 5-7 in 1967. These six days of 1967

stirred up global attention and became pivotal in the geopolitics of the region: its consequences have been deep, extensive, and evident to this day. It also had major influence in subsequent events, like the war of Attrition, the Yom Kippur war, the Munich massacre, the controversy over the Jewish settlements and the status of Jerusalem, the agreements of Camp David and Oslo or Intifada.

The fathers of the new nation had to pay a high price including blood and sacrifice. Many surviving soldiers of the Holocaust, rejected of the nations, and pioneers of the new na-tion, fulfilled part of Gods plan; they were not the big financiers.

Golda Meir distributed funds to thousands of homes to help the reconstruction of the State of Israel.

The issue of Palestine is a spiritual one: Isaac and Ishmael. Ishamel was given the riches of the

earth (petroleum). Isaac was given a spiritual inheritance, just as making money was a gift given to Jews.

A Word of ClarificationSince there are many Protestant churches around the world that have sided with Palestine, I would like to say that no congregation should side with any political party. There are many things that we hear on the news, that are biased. Palestinian leaders like Arafat, took advantage of their people and of their cause to become rich through international help. Millions of dol-lars sent from the heartfelt nations have gone into the safety boxes of those leaders and their extended families. Palestinians deserve mercy just as Jews do and they should not be discriminated against because they are both part of the church.

>>

BECAUSE WE LOVE ZIONFor love, today we raise our voices in favor of Israel when millions arise once again to persecute them. Israel is in Gods eternal plan and it is revealed in the Bible. Those who oppose this plan are facing a battle against the All-powerful one, Historys Sovereign Lord.For Zions sake I will not keep silent, for Jerusalems sake I will not remain quiet. Isaiah 62: 1

Shekel, Israels basic monetary unit.


In my travels I have observed that it could be possible for peace between Palestinians and Jews. Some of the (trou-blemakers) leaders do not want this to happen. Palestin-ians do have life values that are sometimes higher than those of many Jews; family values, life values against abortion and to living a simplistic life. Nevertheless, God has a plan for Israel. God will take Israel to its complete fulfillment as it was revealed in His word.

It would be good to note there is also persecution and harassment from Palestinian Muslims to Palestinian Christians and because of this, many Christians have emi-grated because of death threats. One example is Bethle-hem, where there are almost no believers left. Ironically in Jerusalem, there are Palestinian Arab Pastor interces-sors who feel more secure within the Jewish community. Pope Francis was not aware that at the same time he was visiting a school, Muslim girls severely hurt a group of Christian girls.

Current SituationAnti-Semitism has sprouted in every nation. Waves of the hate resurrecting even in countries where chimneys are built as monuments in remembrance of human mon-strosity with the words NEVER AGAIN

In October 2009, I was enjoying a gift in a hotel in the Dead Sea. I would see a senior woman who had a disabi-

lity sitting on the pool steps every day. She would be left sitting there all alone with her feet in the water all morn-ing. One day I got close to her and even though she did not understand Spanish, I would speak to her and pour warm water on her back. She would bless me without being able to see me; I realized she was blind.

The first time I saw her wrinkled body, I saw a tattooed number on her arm and immediately felt compassion and pain. I felt pain because of what we, gentiles, did to Jews for generations. With each drop of water, I asked for forgiveness for the rivers of blood that were shed in the hands of Crusaders. Rivers of blood accompanied by mystical insanity and atrocities committed against Jewish communities in Europe and Asia. I also asked for-giveness for the lies and deaths perpetrated by the Holy Office of the Inquisition, by the Slavic Pogroms (Slavic riots and persecution) influenced by the satanic book The Protocols of the Elders of Zion (on the internet in every language) and for the inhumane persecution and deaths during the Second World War, also known as the Shoah or Holocaust.

BECAUSE WE LOVE ZION

Monybox distributed by Golda Meir

We make a covenant before God, which is to stand on his side because it means to follow his will to protect and defend the people of Israel in the face of injus-tice, grievance, discredit, death attempts and any conflicts.

We thank the Jewish people for making our nation greater and the world a bet-ter place through medicine, sciences, art, commerce, research, and technology.

Although many tried to snuff out Israels light, Israel is and will always be the bearer of a blessing as it was promised to their father Abraham. I will bless you and you will be a blessing and all the families will be blessed because of you.

My family and I are blessed because of Abrahams faith. How can we not be eternally grateful?

Ironically in Je-rusalem, there are Palestinian Arab Pastor in-tercessors who feel more secure within the Jewish community.

With every drop of warm water, words of blessing, which I interpreted as words of forgiveness, would come. Although we were just two people, I con-sidered it a prophetic act, which we should all practice.

While irremediable historical events had happened, we could avoid future indifference, accomplice silence, persecution and crimes towards the Jewish nation; nation who gave us, Christians, the greatest treasure, The Holy Bible. Thanks to the reverence with which it was written and preserved, it arrived at our hands and we received faith and the knowledge of the Will of God revealed in it.

Let us make a decision today to ask for forgiveness and forgive. We apologize for rejecting 476 vessels full of Jews, who came to different ports in America but then were tragically sent back to hell. For the 1000 orphans of France, who Castillo did not allow to enter and sent back on a death train.

How many thousands could have been saved? Forgive us... Forgive us...


Kids W.O.W.

WINNING OUR WORLDby Erak Christofis

When I was 17 years old the Lord placed a calling on my life to be in fulltime childrens ministries. I have a strong desire to see kids come to know Jesus and then watch them go out and win our world for Him!

The Bible says in John 3:30, He must become greater; I must become less. (NIV)

Everything is easier said then done and this Scripture is no exception, but in the day and age we live in, it is ex-tremely difficult to let ones pride get out of the way and let His name be lifted high. There are so many distrac-tions and so many things that could tempt us to sway to left of the right, but if we push onward to the goal which the Lord has laid out for us, we can win our world for Jesus Christ!

The title Ive chosen for my section is KIDS W.O.W. (Kids Winning Our World). I believe that all children have the ability to change and win our world for Jesus, no matter what barriers come against them, especially age!

George Barna says that 67% of all Christians accepted Jesus between the ages 4 and 14! 67%!!!!! WOW! That glaring statistic reminds me of a Scripture, Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go and when he his old he will not depart from it. (NKJV)

We as leaders have the responsibility to train our children up correctly, firmly rooted in Jesus Christ so together we can win our world for Jesus. Former President Abraham Lincoln once said, A man never stands so tall as when he bends down to help a child. That quote gives me chills! It is so inspiring to me that if we want to see our world won for Jesus Christ we must first train our children in the way they should go.

If we as leaders take the time to help our children, lives could be forever changed, families could be restored, and souls could be saved!

In articles to come, I will discuss different ways our kids can help win our world for Jesus Christ!

My name is Erak Christofis and I serve as the Childrens Pastor at Living Wa-ter Fellowship Church in Kissimmee, Florida. I am married to the love of my life and we have 1 perfect little girl and twins on the way! I attended Valley Forge Christian College, where I majored in Childrens Ministries.

28 July 2014

Less Is More es una publicacin independiente y no est asociada con ninguna denominacin u organizacin en particular. Less Is More asume que todo el trabajo publicado y distribudo es de propiedad absoluta de los redactores. Sus puntos de vista son personales, no representando la opinin conjunta de los miembros que editan la revista. Aunque se realiza todo esfuerzo posible para asegurar la exacti-tud de la informacin publicada, Less Is More no asume responsabilidad en posibles errores en las presentaciones.

29LESS IS MORE

c o n t e n i d ocolumnas

departamentos

destacados

30 | La pluma del editor

34 | Por qu misiones?

40 | Misiones en accin, La familia

Augsburger

46 | Invitado especial: Pastor Eric Melwani, un ex-Hindu

El Aula

Mirando A La Higuera

Desde Nuestra Casa A La Tuya

36 | El segundo despus

Desde El Campo Misionero35 | Sabidura Divina en tiempos de necesidad

44 | Estamos haciendo misiones?

48 | Por amor a Sion

M E N O S E S M S | M E N O S D E M I , M S P O R L

40

Nios WOW52 | Ganando nuestro mundo

48


La Pluma del editor

El lema Menos de mi y Ms por l define el fundamento en el que estamos basados: Menos es Ms. Fue con este concepto que la idea de la revista comenz. En cada uno de los integrantes que forman parte de este equipo existe una pasin por las misiones y un profundo amor para alcanzar a aquellos con el mensaje del Evangelio.

Permitir que Dios crezca en mi y yo menguar es lo que queremos transmitir. Que puedo hacer para colaborar, como podemos crear un amor por las mis-iones alrededor del mundo y en nuestra propia tierra?

Pensando en la consigna Menos de mi y Ms por l vamos a presentar nuestras ediciones.

Esperamos que esta publicacin te motive, equipe e inspire a evangelizar all mismo en el lugar donde vives.

Dios ha formado este equipo nico de individuos de diferentes orgenes, niveles educativos y naciones. Menos es Ms, est presentada en dos idiomas y no pertence a ninguna denominacion en particular solo intenta ser una herramienta para la propagacin del Evangelio y difundir misiones.

La revista no tiene costo alguno, se distribuye gratuitamente. Cada contribu-yente participa voluntariamente sin remuneracin, da de su tiempo y talentos para la difusin del mensaje de Jesucristo y para promover una pasin por misiones.

Menos es Ms

Queremosde ti!Oir

Nuestro objetivo es alcanzar la mayor cantidad de personas posible. Esto lo podemos lograr a travs de la tecnologa, las redes sociales de internet y tu participacin.

Queremos oir tu opinin, tus comentarios son apreciados.Puedes contactarnos a travs de Facebook, Twitter o e-mail.

El Staff de Less is More

Letra y Msica: Puchi Colon y el Coro de Living Water Fellowship Hacer click sobre la imagen con el botn derecho para ver en pantalla completa

less.is.more.magazine

@LessIsMore_mag

[email protected]

33LESS IS MORE32 July 2014

PRESENTAMOS AL STAFF

Zelma DoddEditora General

Pastor Erak ChristofisEditor Asociado del rea Infantil

Pastora Lidia MasalykaEditora Asociada del rea Medio Oriente

Lina Zelarayan TracolPeriodista / Traductora de

Ingls a Espaol.

>> >>

>>>>

Rita CarrascoTraductora de Espaol a

Ingls

Emilse MyersEditora en Jefe / Directora

Creativa y Grfica

>> >>

Lidia Lewczuk de Masalyka junto a su esposo Juan Masalyka pastorean la iglesia Centro Cris-tiano de Crdoba, Argentina. Su ministerio se destaca en la plantacin de iglesias y envo de misioneros.Maestra, predicadora y autora.

Originalmente de Argentina, Emilse gradu con Ciclo Bsico

en Biblia y Teologa, y Diseo Grfico y Publicitario. Mientras

vivi en Argentina, fue maestra en educacin cristiana y secre-taria de la Oficina Nacialnal de

Global University.Est casada con Donald Myers,

tienen dos nias. Juntos sirven al Seor en Living

Water Felowship de Florida.

Pastor Boyd BrooksEditor Asociado del rea Misiones.

Pastor Gustavo RizzoEditor Asociado del rea Educiacin.

Pastor Adrian BlueEditor Asociado del rea

Pastoral

Erica Ramello SepulvedaEditora Asociada del rea

Vida Misionera

>> >>

>>>>

Don MyersCorrector de Textos en Ingls

>> Nelly Brane RschichuchiCorrectora de Textos en Espaol

>>

Erica Ramello junto a su esposo Cristian Sepulveda

son misioneros Argentinos sirvi-endo al Seor en Etiopa.

Graduada del Instituto Bblico Mediterrneo de Crdoba,

Argentina con Bachillerato en Biblia y Teologa. Adems de ayudar a su esposo en misio-

nes, Erica desempea el rol de maestra de sus tres nias a

travs del sistema Argentino de Educacin a Distancia.

Originalmente de Maryland donde pas la mayor parte de su vida, Don es jubilado de Delmarva Power. Actualmente reside en Florida junto a su esposa Emilse y dos de sus tres hijas. Don ha participado acti-vamente por muchos aos en ministerios para motociclistas. Actualmente es Presidente de Living Water Riders (Ministerio de motociclistas de la iglesia Living Water Fellowship)

Originalmente de Chile, Rita actualmente sirve al Seor en

Toronto, Canad.Lider del Ministeio de Damas y

con un corazn por misiones. Rita es profesora

de Ingles para adultos y Licen-ciada en Lingustica.

Argentina, nacida en la ciudad de Crdoba, donde estudi Anlisis de Sistemas. Trabaja como docente y sirve al Seor junto a su esposo y sus dos hijas en la iglesia misionera Centro Cristiano de Crdoba.

Argentino, nacido en la pro-vincia de Buenos Aires. Estudi Teologa en el Instituto Bblico Mediterrneo, Instituto Bblico Ro de la Plata, ISUM y South African Theological Seminary. Gustavo ha dedicado la mayor parte de su vida cristiana a la enseanza de la Biblia. Actual-mente reside en Canad junto a su esposa Cecilia y sus hijos Neiel, Eytan y Abdiel. Sirven como pastores del Centro Fami-liar de Adoracin de Canad.

Zelma es graduada del Central Bible College de Springfield,

Missouri con una Lienciatura en Educacin Cristiana. Junto a su

esposo Marshall sirvieron como pastores en siete estados de

USA. Zelma ha trabajado como escritora y editora tcnica para

la Administracin Federal de Aviacin. Maestra, autora/blog-

ger. Actualmente Zelma y su esposo sirven como Pastores en

el rea de Cuidado Pastoral, en una iglesia de Florida Central.

Boyd ha servido como Pastor Principal de Peoples Church en St. Louis, Missouri durante los ltimos 15 aos. Originalmente de California, l y su esposa han servido en diferente pases y ministerios, tal como plantacinde iglesias, directores del Insti-tuto Bblico de Crdoba, Argen-tina. Consejero Profesional Au-torizado del estado de Missouri. Licenciado en Teologa. Masters en Teologa, Liderazgo y Conse-jera. Doctorado en Psicologa.

Originalmente de Crdoba, Argentina, Lina naci y creci en

una familia con valores cristia-nos. Luego de graduar con una Licienciatura en Comunicacin

Social, continu su preparacin en el Instituto Bblico Mediter-

rneo. Reside en Londres desde el ao 2002. Lina y su esposo

Clement Tracol, tienen una nia. Juntos sirven al Seor en la

escuela bblica de la iglesia en la cual se congregan.

Adrian respondi al llamado de Dios a los 12 aos. Pastore su

primer iglesia a los 19 aos. Su preparacin incluye Instituto

Bblico, pos estudios en Biblia y Teologa y Master Ministe-

rial. Est casado con LaShelle y tienen cuatro nios. Adrian ha

servido al Seor como evange-lista, maestro y pastor. Funda-

dor y presidente de A.L. Blue Ministries. Actualmente sirve como Pastor de discipulado y

ministerios en Living Water Fellowship de Florida.

Erak recibi el llamado al Ministerio Infantil a la edad de 17 aos. Graduado del Valley Forge Christian College con una Licen-ciatura en Ministerio Infantil. Actualmente sirve al Seor como Pastor de nios en Living Water Fellowship de Florida.Est casado con Jessica y tienen tres nios.


Por qu Misiones?

cambi las seales?

La Gran Comisin fue otorgada a la iglesia por nuestro comandante, Jesu-cristo, Id por todo el mundo y predicad el evangelio a toda criatura (Mar-cos 16:15 RV 1960). La orden es clara, pero el problema es que, cuando tratamos de llevarla a cabo, encontramos oposicin.

QUIN

Una forma de resistencia que se ha comprobado efectiva en contra de la propagacin del evangelio, es la confusin. El caos roba a los cristianos el foco de atencin, la mira, los debilita e inutiliza. La confusin puede tener diferentes orgenes. Puede provenir desde nosotros mismos a travs de nuestras propias dudas, temores y apata; puede tener su origen en la misma iglesia en forma de celos, orgullo e indiferencia; o en el mundo, en forma de contradicciones a la Palabra de Dios. Un ejemplo sera el multiculturalismo (un tpico de hoy en da) que confunde a los cristianos obligando a aceptar a otras religiones y culturas como iguales. Esto se nos presenta como un pro-blema, porque la Biblia dice que hay solo un Salvador y un solo medio por el cual ser salvo. Aceptar ciertas formas de expresar nuestras convicciones de una manera ms diplomtica, y seguir reglas demarcadas por autoridades polticas, produce confusin en la iglesia cristiana porque lleva al punto de no saber qu se puede y debe decir.

Al final de la Segunda Guerra Mundial, cuando los nazis estaban comenzando a perder la guerra, en desesperacin, Hitler orden un asalto final para com-batir las fuerzas Aliadas. Uno de sus mecanismos fue la decepcin. Utiliz al coronel nazi Otto Skorzeny y a otros 500, quienes hablando ingls y vistiendo uniformes de guerra americanos y britnicos fueron enviados para confundir al enemigo. La misin encomendada era inventar rumores, cambiar seales de trfico y crear pnico1. Esta es una clara imagen de lo que Satn hace en la iglesia de hoy. l utiliza cristianos dbiles y con falta de dominio propio, para divulgar rumores que desaniman a la iglesia. En vez de buscar a Dios a travs de la oracin, la iglesia gasta energa y recursos en motivaciones que no son eternas, perdiendo oportunidades de alcanzar a los perdidos. Todo por culpa de falsas seales.

El Seor ha delimitado nuestra misin, y es nuestra responsabilidad quitar del camino todo aquello que cause confusin. El Evangelio es para todos y en todos los lugares del mundo, hoy es el tiempo. Esta es la razn por la que Misiones debe ser nuestra meta y centro de atencin.

1. Ambrose, Stephen E. (2011-10-31). Citizen Soldiers: The U.S. Army from the Normandy Beaches to the Bulge to the Surrender of Germany (Kindle Edition) (Kindle Locations 3057-3059). PREMIER DIGITAL PUBLISHING. Kindle Edition.

por Boyd Brooks Desde el campo misionero

Sabidura Divina en tiempos de necesidad

Las familias cristianas tenemos la contencin de la iglesia a la que pertenecemos. En ella nuestros nios afirman los cono-

cimientos y enseanzas que uno, como padre, les trasmite.

Los cultos, clases bblicas y campamentos, especial-mente preparados para sus edades y necesidades, son buenos recursos que estn sencillamente a nuestra disposicin. El contexto que nos rodea nos ayuda en la crianza espiritual de nuestros hijos.

Nosotros tenemos tres nias, Estefana (10), Angeline (8) y Tiziana (4). Como padres en el campo misionero, especficamente en Etiopa, frica, uno de los grandes desafos que enfrentamos, es como pastorear a nuestras hijas. Aqu los cultos son en amrico, un idioma que an no comprendemos. Hay iglesias internacionales donde podramos asistir, pero entendemos que Dios nos llam a trabajar con el pueblo etope.

En 1 Reyes 3:7-12, Salomn pidi sabidura a Dios; y a Dios le agrad que se la pidiera. El versculo 12 dice: He aqu lo he hecho conforme a tus palabras; he aqu que te he dado corazn sabio y entendido (Reina Valera 1960).

Cuando salimos al campo misionero, nuestra hija Angeline recin cumpla 4 aos de edad, y en nuestros cultos familiares nos repartamos motivos de oracin. Para ayudarla a recordarlos, el Seor me gui a hacer dibujos al lado de cada pedido, y de esa manera ella poda identificar porqu deba orar.

sta es una prctica que hasta el da de hoy mantenemos. Hoy en da, nuestra hija menor, Tiziana, tiene 4 aos de edad y ella tambin tiene sus tarjetas de pedidos con los dibujos, y

cada vez que tenemos nuestros cultos e intercedemos por las necesidades, ella corre a buscarlas.

Una maestra en Argentina se asombraba al escucharla orar, y me pregunt de qu manera le ayud a que se sintiera motivada a orar. Le respond que lo que hice fue algo sencillo, y estoy segura que fue Dios quien me gui en ese momento.

En cada desafo que tengamos, no dudemos de buscar Su sabidura. Sea cual fuere el problema o la situacin a la que te enfrentas hoy, Dios esta dispuesto a ayudarte.

El Seor les bendiga!

por Erica Ramello Seplveda


El Aula

Desde que existe memoria, uno de los temas que ha captu-rado el inters del hombre, es el que trata con el origen del mal. Cada cultura del pasado ha desarrollado su propia teo-loga al respecto. Sin embargo, no es mucho lo que podemos saber concretamente. Entendemos que en el ayer remoto, antes de Gne-sis 3, sucedi lo que los telogos cristianos denominan cada de la humanidad. Ir ms all es aventurarnos peligrosamente a la especu-lacin. Al contrario de esto, conocemos muy bien los resultados que desde entonces produce el mal. Lidiamos con ellos a diario.

Este breve estudio se propone ilustrar desde el captulo 3 de Gnesis-, algunos aspectos particulares sobre el tpico del mal leyendo el episodio original sobre el tema: La historia de Adn y Eva. Veremos cules fueron sus primeras actitudes en el segundo despus del v. 6 y tom de su fruto, y comi; y dio tambin a su mari-do, el cual comi as como ella (RV 1960)

Antes de continuar con este artculo recomiendo leer Gnesis 3. >>

por Gustavo Rizzo


Lejos de las memorias de lo que el paraso pudo haber sido, la imagen popular ms frecuente con la que se recuerda a nuestros padres biolgicos originales, es aquella que los dibuja con simpticas hojas de higuera, disfrutando lo que pareciera ser una deliciosa manzana. Pienso que esta imagen sea quizs, la ms lejana a la re-alidad que acababan de descubrir inconcebible hasta ese momento. Haban cado.

El relato bblico, sin intervalos, nos introduce en ese segundo despus Leemos en Gnesis 3:8, Y oyeron la voz de Jehov Dios que se paseaba en el huerto, al aire del da; y el hombre y su mujer se escondieron de la presencia de Jehov Dios entre los rboles del huerto. (RV 1960)

Esta voz que otrora acompaara los das y tardes del hombre sobre la tierra, ahora produce pnico. La sola voz de Dios en el huerto los denuncia. Son confrontados con el mal an antes que Dios se pronuncie.

En estado de perfeccin no temieron or la voz de la serpiente, vs. 3-5. Ahora, temen la voz de Dios. No se describen ni cataclismos ni seales csmicas. En su lugar se descubre el corazn del hombre, donde acaba, s, de suceder una tragedia.

Y as, como acto reflejo, la primera actitud del hombre cado ante la majestad de Dios no es de arrepentimiento y constriccin, sino de pnico: se escondieron. La ilusin de intentar lo imposible, esconderse de Dios, se hace presente. La palabra hebrea aqu para escondieron es hjaba1 que entre sus acepciones puede significar apagar, encubrir, endurecer, tres acciones que notable-mente ilustran lo que acaban de intentar.

Si ante tal majestad no es posible mantener oculto el ms vago pensamiento, cunto ms ftil ser tratar de ocultar la persona entera!

1 Concordancia Strong #2244.

La salida que el pecado propone, deja al hombre en escandaloso ridculo.

As como el primer acto del hombre cado fue esconderse, las primeras palabras de Adn no fueron menos significativas. Dijo l: O tu voz en el huerto, y tuve miedo, porque estaba desnudo; y me escond (v. 10 - RV 1960). Una explicacin fra y sin vestigio de pesar alguno. Otra vez, esa voz que fuera la verdadera delicia2 del Edn ahora causa incomodidad.

Notemos la progresin de lo que dice Adn: (Yo) O tu voz; (yo) tuve miedo; (yo) me escond. Los tres verbos tienen sujeto tcito y tienen que ver con Adn no con Dios. El hombre se ve a s mismo como sujeto. Y lo que pareciera aqu ser una simple cuestin semntica, ha identificado la vida del hombre sobre la tierra desde en-tonces. El orgullo de vivir pensando ser el centro del uni-verso, procurando el propio bienestar a cualquier precio. El corazn de piedra del hombre no arrepentido que slo es capaz de velar por s mismo. En otras palabras, una foto de la humanidad sin Dios. (Romanos 2, 5).

Para Scrates3, el mal tiene su origen en la ignorancia. Aqu, muy por el contrario, a la oferta de saber le sigue la demanda de la vida, el mal ejerce su poder ofreciendo un conocimiento velado para el hombre, promete elimi-nar las diferencias entre Creador y criatura. La falacia ms grande que en este planeta se haya dicho jams.

Desnudo y avergonzado, su imaginacin le dicta algo, concibe una idea: coser hojas de higuera y cubrirse con ellas! Como si esto impidiera a Dios verlos, el que form el ojo, no ver? Salmos 94, 9 (RV 1960). Y all mismo, en ese segundo despus, nace el primer intento del hombre de justificarse a s mismo.

2 La palabra Edn significa delicia.3 Platn, Apologa de Scrates, BN Publishing, 2007.

Otra vez el hombre en escandaloso ridculo. Vestido con la justicia de Dios, pleno y perfecto en toda sus facultades y, al segundo siguiente, desnudo y avergonzado.

Ante este cuadro es imposible no vernos. Esto ramos. A la vez, miramos crucificado al segundo Adn, desnudo por nuestras transgresiones, siendo avergonzado por quienes al pie de esa cruz hacen mofa de l. Aqul que re-cibe del cielo las palabras de afirmacin, de confirmacin y de filiacin, recibiendo la burla de los hijos del primer Adn.

Por ltimo, luego de pasarse la responsabilidad del hom-bre a la mujer y de sta a la serpiente, vs. 12-13, el Juez de toda la tierra toma la Palabra dictando sentencia del caso. Pregunta a Adn, luego a Eva. Pero no dialoga con la serpiente ni sta se atreve a decir palabra. Dios no dia-loga con el enemigo. La serpiente es la primera en recibir sentencia, vs. 14-15; Jehov dicta sentencia irrevocable. Notablemente, Dios comienza con la serpiente. El v. 15 apunta al da en que el poder seductor de la serpiente an-tigua que se llama diablo y satans (Ap. 20:2) sera anulado por completo.

Y as como al segundo despus de haber comido entr la muerte, al segundo despus de Dios pronunciarse sobre la serpiente, entr la esperanza de vida. Aqu comienza el plan redentor.

Dios no dej al hombre desnudo y avergonzado: Y Jehov Dios hizo al hombre y a su mujer tnicas de pieles, y los visti, v. 21. (RV 1960) Quizs Pablo haya tenido sta idea en mente cuando escribi en Efesios 2:4, Vestos del nuevo hombre, creado segn Dios en la justicia y santidad de la verdad (RV 1960)

Hasta la prxima!


Familia Augsburger, Colaboradores en Tierra Santa.

Jorge y Myriam Augsburger han estado sirviendo a Dios y viviendo por fe desde el ao 2002. Padres de tres hijos, colaboradores de la iglesia local, y bien establecidos en Argentina, su pas de origen, un da empacaron las maletas y confiando que l cumplira Sus promesas lo dejaron todo.En enero de ese ao, la puerta del avin se cerr detrs de ellos, y all junto a sus hijos, emprendieron el camino hacia la tierra que Dios les haba prometido. Less is More mantuvo una entrevista con Jorge y Myriam que nos ayudar a en-tender este viaje.

Misiones en accin

Jorge y Myriam, ustedes ya estaban colaborando en la iglesia local. Cundo y cmo comenz a arder ese llamado de Dios en sus corazones, de servirle tiempo completo y en otro pas?

Jorge: Teniendo dos aos de creyente, en febrero de 1987 el Seor me habl por profeca y me dijo que debamos vivir por fe, por l y para l, debamos prepararnos, porque l viene pronto. Y en abril de 1991, nuevamente sent la voz de Dios a travs de Isaas 45, fue una palabra rema que me deca que bamos a bendecir al pueblo de Israel, como en su tiempo lo hizo el emperador Ciro

Como supieron que no era algo emocional o mo-mentneo?

Jorge: Cuando algo es emocional o momentneo, el solo transcurso del tiempo lo va diluyendo, cosa que no ocurri en nuestro caso, por el contrario nos fue mostrando que l estaba en el asunto.

Myriam: Desde el primer momento me resist al llamado y a lo que Dios quera hacer con nosotros, dado que tena-mos una vida muy confortable y segura, y yo quera criar a mis hijos sin mayores sobresaltos. Jorge es contador, y en ese entonces, funcionario del organismo de recaudacin de la Nacin. Antes de los cuatro aos de casados, ya tenamos nuestra casa propia, un auto y una vida que, se podra decir, estaba asegurada. Pero en diciembre de 1992 me diagnosticaron cncer de tero. Desde ese momento, mi alfarero comenz a ablandar mi corazn, y un da le dije al Seor que si me sanaba para permitirme ver crecer a mis hijos, yo estaba dispuesta a ir donde l nos enviase. Fue

un proceso de seis largos aos, Dios nos mostr su fideli-dad. En diciembre de 1998, la oncloga me sorprendi al decirme que el cncer haba remitido.

Dios les confirmaba ese sentir de alguna manera?

Jorge: El Seor puso el deseo de prepararnos, estudiamos en el Instituto Bblico Nocturno, terminando todos los niveles de estudios teolgicos. Tambin sirviendo a Dios en nuestra iglesia local, ministrando como ancianos, ense-ando y colaborando en todo lo que estuvo a nuestro al-cance. Dios nos fue ayudando a conseguir cosas que seran tiles en el futuro, como por ejemplo nuestras ciudadanas y pasaportes italianos, que despus nos fueron de mucha bendicin. Y adems, poniendo en nuestros corazones un amor especial por el pueblo al cual nos llam.

Cuando tomaron la decisin, cmo reaccion el en-torno familiar y laboral, ante digamos esa locura de dejarlo todo y partir con tres hijos en edad escolar?

Jorge: En el 2000 yo dej mi trabajo secular y comenza-mos a caminar por fe. En ese tiempo, dos de nuestros hijos eran adolescentes, Joan tena 17 aos y Lara 14, Sofa era una nia de 10 aos. Era grande el desafo, pero nuestros hijos crecieron sabiendo que un da bamos a salir, y gra-cias a Dios, siempre nos apoyaron y estuvieron muy involu-crados en nuestro proyecto misionero. Cuando visitbamos las iglesias, ellos tocaban y cantaban el himno La Esper-anza. En cuanto a los dems entornos, por supuesto, hubo muchos que no nos entendan. >>


Alguna vez se les cruz la idea de que se equivoca-ban?

Myriam: Si, por supuesto, muchas veces, humanamente y en medio de los problemas y las oposiciones, solemos ver las tormentas y el viento, pero, Gloria a Dios! El Seor siempre nos tiende la mano para sacarnos del agua! A fines del 2001, un mes antes de salir de Argentina, sobrevino una gran crisis econmica, y nuestros ahorros y el dinero por la venta de nuestro auto, quedaron en el corralito, por lo que no podamos pagar nuestros pasajes. Fueron das muy duros, en los que el diablo quera perturbar nuestra salida, pero veamos cmo Dios nos ayudaba y nos animaba a seguir adelante.

Jorge: Pasaron muchos aos hasta que nuestro llamado se hizo realidad, y en ese proceso, muchas veces el enemigo trat de desanimarnos para hacernos desistir. No nos fue nada fcil.

En enero del 2002 salimos de Argentina y nos fuimos a In-glaterra a estudiar ingls, que es el segundo idioma que se habla en Israel. Nuestro plan era permanecer en Inglaterra un ao y luego ir con nuestros hijos a Israel. En septiembre del 2003 hicimos un viaje exploratorio a Israel y entendimos que las puertas estaban TOTALMENTE CERRADAS. No era el tiempo. Fue entonces que nos hicimos cargo de una peque-a congregacin latina en el Gran Londres. Pero a fines del 2005 sentimos seguir intentando entrar a Israel, dado que ese fue nuestro llamado. Dejamos esa congregacin a cargo de una pastora colombiana, nos mudamos y comen-zamos a conectarnos con organizaciones y gente relacio-nadas con Israel y el pueblo judo, confiando que Dios nos abrira una puerta grande. Por otro lado sabamos que era otro salto al vaco.

En cuanto a nuestros hijos, ellos ya se haban incorporado a la educacin local, gracias a que todos tenamos ciudada-na europea.

El ao 2006 fue muy duro, el grupo de apoyo de nues-tra iglesia local bajo los brazos, muchos pensaban que no bamos a entrar a Israel. Pasamos momentos muy difciles, el Departamento de Misiones estuvo a punto de hacer decaer nuestro proyecto. Pero nos sostuvimos como viendo al Invisible. Comenzamos el Ao Nuevo orando y proclamando que el 2007 iba a ser un ao de LIBERACIN, CONQUISTA y CELEBRACIN. Lo hicimos clamando a Dios solamente por fe, aunque no veamos nada. Y Dios se glo-rific tremendamente. Ese ao estuvimos milagrosamente

dos veces en Israel, y en la segunda oportunidad conocimos Puentes para la Paz, la organizacin cristiana de ayuda hu-manitaria donde ahora estamos como voluntarios. El Seor despus de varios aos ABRI LAS PUERTAS.

Myriam: En ese proceso tuvimos que ir dejando muchas cosas en el camino (confort, seguridad, amigos, familiares). Pero en julio de 2008 fue el tiempo de tener que despren-dernos de lo ms valioso que tenemos: nuestros hijos, que quedaron en Londres. No nos fue nada fcil, especialmente para m, que fui siempre una madre muy apegada a mis hijos. Gracias a Dios ellos estaban bien, aferrados al Seor y sirviendo a Dios en sus iglesias, eso nos daba paz, y tam-bin el hecho que ellos mismos nos alentaban y animaban a cumplir lo que por tantos aos habamos esperado, de ir a bendecir al pueblo de Israel. Ellos crecieron sabiendo que Dios nos haba llamado para ir a Israel, y cuando se nos abrieron las puertas, ellos no podan ir con nosotros, dado que estaban cursando sus estudios universitarios.

Cuando miran hacia atrs y enfrentan los desafos del presente qu es lo que los mantiene firmes?

Jorge: Nos mantiene firme RECORDAR los milagros del Se-or, sus sanidades, y cmo nos fue sorprendiendo da a da con su provisin y su poder. Tambin el ver que su fidelidad es GRANDE, podemos ver como ha bendecido, guardado y ayudado a nuestros hijos en estos aos. Por su Gracia, los tres se han recibido en universidades muy renombradas de Londres y han logrado lindos puestos de trabajo, pero sobre todo los vemos bien aferrados al Seor, unidos entre ellos, y aunque sea a la distancia, siempre cerca nuestro.

Desde el frente hacia atrs: Joan, Lara, Keziah, Sofia, James y el pequeo Jonah

Tienen algn pasaje especial de las Escrituras que respald vuestro llamado?

Jorge: El que nos dio a travs de Isaas 45:1-7, en especial el v. 2: Yo ir delante de ti, y enderezar los lugares torcidos, que-brantar puertas de bronce y cerrojos de hierro har pedazos, y el v. 6: para que se sepa desde el nacimiento del sol y hasta donde se pone, que no hay ms que yo, yo Jehov, y ninguno ms que yo. (RV 1960)

Qu consejos le daran a aquellos hermanos que estn en ese proceso de dejarlo todo para cumplir el propsi-to de Dios en sus vidas?

Jorge: Que escuchen la voz de Dios y que recuerden que en la obediencia esta la bendicin. No son decisiones fciles, pero vale la pena jugarse por el Seor.

Pasaron muchos aos

ihasta que nuestro

illamado se hizo realidad

iy en ese proceso

imuchas veces el enemigo

itrat de desanimarnos

En la obediencia est la bendicin

44 July 2014

Desde Nuestra Casa A La Tuya por Adrian Blue

En Romanos 15:19-24, vemos el concepto de Pablo sobre misiones de vanguardia:Con potencia de seales y prodigios, en el poder del Espritu de Dios; de manera que desde Jerusaln, y por los alrededores hasta Ilrico, todo lo he llenado del evangelio de Cristo. Y de esta manera me esforc a predicar el evangelio, no donde Cristo ya hubiese sido nombrado, para no edificar sobre fundamento ajeno, sino, como est escrito:

Aquellos a quienes nunca les fue anunciado acerca de l, vern; y los que nunca han odo de l, entendern.

Por esta causa me he visto impedido muchas veces de ir a vosotros. Pero ahora, no teniendo ms campo en estas regiones, y deseando desde hace muchos aos ir a vosotros, cuando vaya a Espaa, ir a vosotros; porque espero veros al pasar, y ser encaminado all por vosotros, una vez que haya gozado con vosotros (RV1960).

Es sorprendente que Pablo considerara su misin com-pleta desde Jerusaln hasta los alrededores del noroeste de Italia. Ninguna de las iglesias de esa regin podran haber tenido ms de 25 aos, la mayora de ellas mucho ms jvenes. Aun as, Pablo dijo que su trabajo estaba terminado. l no estableci una estacin de misiones y llam a Antioquia por refuerzo, tampoco se qued para asistir a la iglesia nacional de por vida. l se dirigi a Es-paa. El concepto de Pablo sobre misiones de vanguar-dia conlleva la idea de presionar constantemente para

ir ms all de donde la iglesia est establecida, a lugares donde Cristo no ha sido an testificado.

Mi propsito no es criticar la asistencia misionera. Mi propsito es reflexionar si en nuestra iglesia o denomi-nacin hay una estructura para la promocin e imple-mentacin de misiones de vanguardia tal como Pablo lo entendi.

La pregunta no es: Est mal lo que estamos haciendo? La pregunta es: Estamos haciendo todo lo que debera-mos estar haciendo, y estn nuestro personal y recursos asignados de acuerdo con las prioridades bblicas?

Necesitamos crear un grupo de misioneros enfoca-dos en el avance de un evangelismo de vanguardia? Deberamos darles a las Iglesias la opcin de sostener econmicamente a Misiones de Asistencia o a Misiones de Vanguardia? Deberamos darles a los jvenes de nuestras Iglesias libertad de decisin para que ellos pu-edan escoger a qu tipo de misiones Dios los ha llamado y decirles que nosotros les apoyaremos y equiparemos para que vayan?

Necesitamos un mejor entendimiento y enfoque de lo que es verdadero evangelismo y misiones, y debera comenzar con nosotros!

Hasta la prxima!

ESTAMOS HACIENDO MISIONES?Es en verdad misiones lo que estamos haciendo o slo lo que es confortable?La mayor parte de lo que hacen los misioneros, podra ser llamado asistencia misio-nera o Misiones de Asistencia, en lugar de Misiones de Vanguardia.Asistencia misionera es lo que se hace cuando se cruza una cultura para asistir a una iglesia ya establecida, a ministrar gente de su misma cultura. Este tipo de apoyo es necesario hasta cierto punto. Se requiere de gran discernimiento para entender qu clase de ayuda externa podra causar en la iglesia nativa, una depen-dencia a largo plazo.


Sindhi Y EnviadoPastor Eric Melwani

Invitado Especial

Mi nombre es Eric Melwani. Nac en un hogar Sindhi (pertene-ciente a la provincia de Sind), en India. El Seor ya me buscaba cuando yo an oraba a los dioses hindes.Crec en una familia muy religiosa y tradicionalista donde aprend la importancia de ser respetuoso y buena persona. Siendo nio, iba a los

templos hindes a adorar y orar a los dioses hindes. Siempre tuve gran inters por las cosas espirituales. Mi creencia era

que muchos caminos conducan a Dios y que no todas las personas eran guiadas a Dios de la misma manera, pero al

final llegaban al mismo destino. Tambin crea en la reen-carnacin, el karma, practicaba la encantacin, medita-

cin y otros rituales de adoracin.

Un da mientras caminaba hacia mi lugar de destino en Kolkata, India, vi una frase acerca de Cristo que

jams olvidar: Yo soy el camino, la verdad, y la vida. Estas palabras hablaron a mi corazn.

A los 15 aos de edad me mud a la isla de Santo Tomas, USA. All asist a una iglesia

donde alguien me guio en la oracin de fe, pero yo no comprend el alcance de lo que haba orado. Sent la presencia de Dios y era evidente la paz de Dios en esa iglesia. Continu asistiendo hasta que alguien me ofendi y nunca ms regres.

Aprend que la salvacin es un regalo y que no tena que hacer nada para ganarla. Se trata de una relacin personal con Jess y no de re-ligin. Finalmente encontr todas las respues-tas a mis preguntas en Jesucristo.

A medida que el tiempo pasaba, comenc a hacerme preguntas como: Si hay un solo Dios, porqu hay tantas contradicciones religio-sas entre los diferentes credos?, Si todas las religiones conducen al mismo Dios, no debera l hablar a cada individuo el mismo mensaje?. Me senta orgulloso de ser hind y sostener convicciones religiosas firmes. Comenc a buscar respuestas a mis preguntas.

Conoc a un pastor del cual me hice amigo. Un da or por m, y sent la presencia de Dios, la cual per-maneci en m por tres das. Pero basado en mis creencias personales, decid desafiar a este Pastor tratando de convencerlo acerca de la doctrina de reencarnacin.

Sola mirar a un evangelista por televisin, a quien Dios usaba en sanidad en gran manera, y comenc a hablar en lenguas. Hubo otro ministerio que tambin me fue de bendicin. Un da llam a la lnea de oracin y les comuniqu mi deseo de recibir el bautismo en el Espritu Santo y hablar en lenguas. Ellos oraron por m a travs del tel-fono. Luego llam a otro ministerio expresndoles el mismo motivo de oracin. Cada vez que llamaba, ellos me preguntaban si era nacido de nuevo y mi respuesta siempre era

si. En mi mente no haba diferencia, por lo tanto siempre responda que s. Para m, todo era lo mismo. Yo an no crea que Jess era el nico camino para llegar a Dios, aun cuan-do ya haba hecho la oracin de fe muchas veces. Yo crea que Jess era Dios pero no el nico camino para llegar a Dios.

Finalmente, una maana, antes de salir hacia la universidad, llam nue-vamente a la lnea de oracin y les expres mi deseo de poder hablar en lenguas. Nuevamente realic la oracin de fe y ellos me asistieron y guiaron para recibir mi lenguaje ce-lestial. De repente, en mi habitacin, comenc a hablar en lenguas.

Comenc a asistir a una iglesia Pentecostal en Santo Tomas, pero an estaba aferrado a mis creencias hindes. Un da nos mudamos a Orlando, Florida. Yo quera encontrar una iglesia que creyera en el don del Espritu Santo, y comenc a buscar.

Durante esos das, yo an practicaba quiromancia, numerologa y as-trologa como hobby y no vea nada malo en ello. Una noche sent que Dios me guiaba a encender el televi-sor y mirar un programa cristiano. Obedec. En ese programa estaban hablando sobre el ocultismo. El

predicador dijo que estaba mal mez-clarnos con lo oculto. Dej en claro que la astrologa y otras prcticas ocultas son satnicas y por lo tanto pecaminosas. Al final del programa, el predicador hizo una invitacin a los telespectadores a realizar una oracin de arrepentimiento.

Jess me dio una revelacin de lo que l dijo, y por primera vez mis ojos espirituales fueron abiertos. Me postr arrepentido de rodillas y cuando me levant no tuve ms de-seos por lo oculto. Inmediatamente tom todos mis libros concernientes a estas prcticas y los tir a la basura.

A medida que pasaron los das, me di cuenta que no tena ms deseos de adorar dolos, practicar medita-cin o yoga. Comenc a concurrir a una iglesia llena del Espritu Santo. Con el paso del tiempo, las creencias hindes a las que estaba aferrado comenzaron a desbaratarse. Luego lleg el da en que comenc a creer que Jess es el nico camino a Dios y al cielo. Aprend que la salvacin es un regalo y que no tena que hacer nada para ganarla. Llegu a un completo entendimiento de que se trata de una relacin personal con Jess y no de religin. Hoy, sirvo a Jess como evangelista y pastor de Church of Many Waters (Iglesia de Muchas Aguas) en Florida, USA.

Haga click aqu para saber ms sobre el testi-

monio del Pastor Eric melwani.

Inmediatamente, la presencia y poder del Espritu Santo me llen completamente y liber.

El tiempo pasaba y yo continuaba discrepando entre Cristiandad y mi fe Hind.


Por qu tantos conflictos interminables de las naciones, con Israel? Porque es un problema espiritual.Los padres de la naciente Israel conocan la promesa de parte de Dios en cuanto a su territorio.

Un poco de historiaEn la moneda Shekel (siclo), est el mapa de Gnesis 15:18-21: Aquel da hizo Jehov un pacto con Abram, diciendo: A tu descendencia dar esta tierra, desde el ro de Egipto hasta el ro grande, el ufrates: la tierra de los ceneos, los cenezeos, los cadmoneos, los heteos, los ferezeos, los refatas, los amorreos, los cananeos, los gergeseos y los jebuseos. RV 1960

Luego de la cautividad babilnica, se recuerda al fun-dador de Israel: T eres Oh Jehov el Dios que escogiste a Abram (Gran Padre). Y lo sacaste de UR de los caldeos y le pusiste el nombre Abraham (padre de muchedumbre de gente) y hallaste fiel su corazn delante de ti e hiciste pacto con l para darle la tierra del cananeo, del heteo, del amorreo, del ferezeo, del jebuseo y del gergeseo, para darla a su descendencia; y cumpliste tu palabra, porque eres justo (Nehemas 9:7-8 - RV1960).

Los padres de Israel tuvieron una visin espiritual, ms all del sionismo. Su bandera es el talit o manto de oracin, con la estrella de David testificando los atribu-tos de Dios. Su escudo es el candelabro que estaba en el lugar santo del tabernculo y el templo, su himno es palabra de esperanza.

Mirando a la Higuera por Lidia Lewczuk de Masalyka

POR AMOR A SIONPor amor levantamos la voz a favor de Israel, cuando millones hoy se levantan para perseguirlos nuevamente. Israel est en un plan eterno de Dios revelado en la Biblia, quienes se oponen a este plan, se enfrentan batallando contra el Todopoderoso, Dueo y Soberano de la Historia.Por amor de Sin no callar, y por amor de Jerusaln no descansar. Isaas 62:1 RV1960

Isaas dice: Sion dio a luz en un momento, antes de sentir dolores de parto, Quin ha odo decir algo pare-cido? Quin ha visto algo semejante? Nace una nacin en un solo da? Nace un pueblo en un momento? Pero cuando Sion comenz a sentir los dolores, enseguida dio a luz a sus hijos. Cmo yo iba a impedir el nacimiento si yo soy quien hace dar a luz? El Seor tu Dios lo ha dicho (Isaas 66:7-9 - DHH).

En 1947, la Liga de las naciones (incluyendo an la Unin Sovitica ) vot a favor de un pedazo de tierra en Palestina, y ese da, profetizado por Isaas 2.700 aos antes, el 15 de mayo de 1948 se declar la Indepen-dencia del Nuevo Estado de Israel, sorprendiendo al mundo entero. Al da siguiente todas las naciones vecinas le declararon la guerra.

El milagro de la victoria en la Guerra de los Seis Das es el cumplimiento de la profeca del Salmo 83. Fue un conflicto blico que enfrent a Israel con una coalicin rabe formada por Egipto, Jordania, Iraq y Siria entre el 5 y 10 de junio de 1967. Estos seis

das concitaron la atencin mundial y resultaron claves en la geo-poltica de la regin: sus consecuen-cias han sido profundas, extensas y se han hecho notar hasta hoy da, teniendo una influencia decisiva en numerosos acontecimientos poste-riores, como la Guerra de Desgaste, la Guerra de Yom Kipur, la masacre de Mnich, la polmica sobre los asentamientos judos y el estatus de Jerusaln, los acuerdos de Camp David y Oslo o la Intifada.

A los padres de la nueva nacin les cost sangre, sacrificio. Muchos soldados sobrevivientes del Holo-causto o rechazados de las naciones, pioneros de la nueva nacin, cum-plieron parte del plan de Dios, no

fueron los grandes financistas. Golda Meir reparti alcancas en miles de hogares judos para ayudar a la reconstruccin del Estado.

El tema palestino es un tema es-piritual: Isaac e Ismael. A Ismael

Dios le dio las riquezas de la tierra (petrleo). A Isaac le dio la herencia espiritual, y cmo hacer riquezas, es un don dado a los judos.

Una palabra de aclara-cinYa que muchas iglesias protestan-tes del mundo, se estn inclinando a ser pro-palestinas, quisiera decir que ninguna congregacin debera ser partidista poltica. Muchas cosas que escuchamos en las noticias, son tendenciosas. Los lderes palestinos, comenzando por Arafat, se aprove-charon vilmente de su pueblo y de su causa para enriquecerse con la ayuda internacional. Millones de dlares de las naciones compadeci-das por el pueblo palestino han ido a las arcas de sus lderes y parientes. Los palestinos merecen la misericor-dia tanto como los judos, la Iglesia est compuesta por los dos pueblos.

Federico el Grande dijo: Quien quiera ver milagros, mire a Israel, es el reloj del mundo.

>>Shekel (siclo), unidad monetaria de Israel

Alcanca repartida por Gol.da Meir


Jams deberamos discriminar a uno ni a otro pueblo. Yo he podido palpar en mis viajes la realidad y se podra convivir en paz, si no fuese por algunos de sus lderes alborotadores. Los palestinos muchas veces tienen estndares morales ms altos que muchos judos, valores familiares, no al aborto, sencillez en su vivir.

Sin embargo Dios tiene un plan con Israel, aunque todo el mundo patalee, l lo llevar al total cumplimiento como est revelado en las Escrituras.

Aqu convendra aclarar tambin, la terrible persecucin y acoso de palestinos musulmanes contra la minora pa-lestina cristiana, muchos han emigrado bajo amenazas de muerte. Un ejemplo es Beln, all casi no han que-dado creyentes. Irnicamente, en Jerusaln hay pastores rabes palestinos, intercesores, se sienten ms seguros dentro de la comunidad juda. El Papa Francisco no se habr enterado que, en la misma fecha que visitaba Israel, en una escuela de nias musulmanas palestinas, se agredieron salvajemente a nias palestinas cristianas.

Situacin actualEl antisemitismo est brotando en todas las naciones. Olas de odio resucitando increblemente aun en pases donde se yerguen las chimeneas como monumentos a la monstruosidad humana, donde estn las palabras NUNCA MS.

En octubre del 2009 estaba disfrutando de un regalo en un hotel en el Mar Muerto. Vea a una anciana invlida

muy arrugadita, la sentaban en una escalera de la pileta de agua caliente

less is more vol.1 #1

Documents

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deep love of missions

true missions

augsburger family18

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