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GLOBAL WORSHIP…to see that Christ is worshiped and followed in every people. This
is the essential missionary task. This we must do with utmost focus and passion
until it is finished. |
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Ralph Winter and Bruce Koch
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May 2002
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The Cornelius Commission |
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Many times in Scripture military are held up as champions to emulate. In the New
Testament, Jesus encounters a centurion. Luke 7:4 "This man (centurion) deserves
to have you do this, 5 because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue."
… 7 (Centurion says) but say the word, and my servant will be healed. 8 For I myself
am a man under authority…9 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed (marveled, wondered
at, admired) him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, "I tell you,
I have not found such great faith even in Israel." 10 Then the men who had been
sent returned to the house and found the servant well.
This military man got the admiration of Jesus because he confirmed that he understood
authority, and yet Jesus called this type of submission to authority – faith! |
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From L to R: David, Bob, Peru Air Force Major General Alfonso Garagorri
, his wife - Carmen and mother
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Peru Air F. Lieutenant Julio praying to receive the Lord |
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Present at Jesus’ crucifixion was a centurion who in Luke 23:47, seeing what had
happened, praised God and said, "Surely this was a righteous man." He showed some
type of spiritual sensitivity in recognizing who Jesus was.
Later we see Cornelius getting God’s attention through his demonstration of faith.
This resulted in the grand opening of doors for the Gospel to be preached to all
Gentile ethnic groups. You and I can thank God for Cornelius’s faithfulness unto
Him. Acts 10:4 states … The angel answered (Cornelius), "Your prayers and
gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God.
25 Cornelius (a centurion) met him and fell at his (Peter’s) feet in reverence.
33 Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has
commanded you to tell us." 34 -35 Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how
true it is that God does not show favoritism (partiality) but accepts men from every
nation (ethne - ethnicity) who fear him and do what is right. (This was referring
to Cornelius) |
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Commander of Iquitos Prison receiving a Bible |
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Peruvian Air Force pilot Horacio & believing wife, Flor de Chumbe |
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These past few trips we had the privilege of meeting believing military men and
their wives in high positions of authority, in Venezuela and in Peru. The past trip
to Peru, General Garagorri invited me to have lunch with him in his home. Later
that week we had a prayer time together, and then I taught a Bible study which he
hosts on a weekly basis in his home. I truly believe this man could make a great
future president of Peru.
Carmen, the general’s wife had given me the phone to her relatives, Horacio and
Flor de Chumbe. I had to persist in calling them from the airport in Lima, and finally
was able to reach them after about 2 ½ hours of trying. They came and picked me
up, and I was able to spend the rest of the day with them since my flight did not
leave until after midnight. I had the opportunity to witness to Horacio and just
get to know them. They had just celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. Please
continue to pray for his salvation.
Also please intercede for General Garagorri and these other military men that they
will receive the Cornelius anointing and be men greatly used by God to bring spiritual
blessings to their nations and even to the world as Cornelius did. Cornelius took
the Great Commission and made it his own personal Cornelius Commission.
As you give into the front-line battle ministry of Global Worship, and keep a prayer
shield around us, we are able to go and encourage not only pastors and church leaders,
but leaders of nations.
Thank-you for your critical SUPPORT in helping us GO and SUPPLY those on the front
lines and being a part of advancing God’s kingdom!
Thank-you for your part in helping those on the front lines and personally “OWNING”
our Lord’s Great “Unrepealed” Commission.
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