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Church of the Living God, Ground and Pillar of the Truth, THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD USA

The Apostle of Jesus Christ welcomed the delegates from 44 nations.

Announced the Celebration of Holy Suppers in North, Central and South America, in December and January respectively.

10:14 A.M.: The trumpets announce the arrival of the Apostle of the Lord Samuel Joaquin Flores, joined by the joy and jubilation of the brothers that overwhelm the streets that surround the majestic and already full temple occupied by all the delegates save for those from U.S.A. and Mexico. In his introduction, the Apostle expressed his gratitude to Mexican government officials and representatives thereof, bidding them blessings in their respective duties. Then, concluding the social portion of the ceremony, he proceeded to remind the congregants of the Biblical passage that narrating Eleazar’s mission to find a wife for Isaac, son of Abraham, noting the various gifts made to Rebecca in preparation for her encounter with her future husband.

Referring to the blessings of God awaiting the sojourners here in the Beautiful Province, he said, “In your visit you will receive more gifts than those given to that damsel,” and assured them that, “This oasis is the place where you will find abundance of water, shelter and rest.” Thus, he made an analogy of the word of God to water as a substance that would purify and cleanse the attire of the congregants adding also that the delegate would also receive palms in their hands, as was preached, for they would overcome the great tribulation.

And as Rebecca asked after the man who eagerly approached her arrival, the Church would also, in the same fashion, ask after her betrothed Jesus Christ and receive the following response, “Behold! The Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world.” For those who are invited to this holy fellowship partake of a great blessing, as is spoken, “Blessed [are] those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!” Encouraging the congregants to take refuge in the founts and shade of the spiritual oasis after their long peregrination, he also stated, “The Spirit of God shall move amongst and within us.”
Following his address to the congregants gathered outside, he invited the ministers from abroad to enter the monumental temple, and joined them soon thereafter to welcome the delegates awaiting within.

At the end of the welcoming ceremony, the Apostle Samuel announced that in December and January there would be multiple celebrations of the Holy Supper in North, Central and South America, respectively, where he would send his ministers and representatives. To the great joy of the congregants, the Apostle announced that he take part in each regional Holy Commemoration, joining at least one church in each region. Finally, referring to the present Holy Commemoration, he asked God for strength so that he may be able to visit the places where all the delegates would concur in the various temples, parks and establishments.

Guest participation

Alfonso Petersen Farah

Dr. Alfonso Petersen Farah, Mayor of Guadalajara, addressed the attendees at the Welcoming Ceremony, acknowledging the efforts of the community in preparation for the spiritual celebration and the festivities that take place in the city of Guadalajara. He added that Guadalajara is preparing for the 2011 Pan Am Games, while today it is home to the thousands of peregrines of the Light of the World. He mentioned that the present reunion is evidence that Guadalajara is an environment of respect and freedom. He recognized that the Church has always been characterized by its organization and its contributions to the social welfare and community service. He concluded by expressing his best wishes to the delegates, hoping that the festivities, as always, end as a complete success.

Mr. Tomas Romero, representing Gilberto Rincón Gallardo, President of the National Counsel for Preventing Discrimination.

Mr. Romero, grateful for the invitation extended to the aforementioned institution, mentioned that discrimination is a “specific form of non-equality, and that in Mexico it has been prohibited since August of 2001, which represented a great legislative advance for the country. Nevertheless, he pointed out that discrimination is a “phenomenon culturally rooted in our society and is a situation that diminishes the quality of life of [this] democracy.” He emphasized that though there is no lack of enthusiasm, there is a lack of a systematic and well-concerted effort, along with a realistic diagnosis and widespread information to modify consciousness. He stressed that discrimination should not be viewed as a harmless attitude, since it usually brings about difference in fundamental aspects of social life, employment and education, and generates disadvantages to the discriminated parties.
In the case of religious minorities, he explained that it is necessary to apply not only institutional remedies, but also social applications that combat discrimination and amplify our ideals of equality and prevent a social fragmentation.

Mr. Salvador Beltran de Rio, representing Mr. Florencio Salazar Adame, Sub-Secretary of Population, Immigration and Religious Matters

Del Rio, as an emissary of the Secretary of Government (SEGOB), and representing Sub-Secretary Salazar Adame, transmitted a salutation on behalf of Secretary of State Francisco Javier Ramirez Acuña. Also, he described the fellowship of the Church in Guadalajara as a “pleasant and fervent gathering,” for which he congratulated those present. He stated that SEGOB guarantees the freedom of belief in Mexico, and assured a favorable air of tolerance and liberty; understanding that faith and religion are liberties of personal choosing, which is why in Mexico there is a great diversity of religions. He insisted that national legislation insures a peaceful coexistence, preserves religious equality of all public institutions and the regiment of liberties; of which, he said, the Light of the World is an important ally, and promoter of values, fellowship and peace, and offers a open dialogue of respect for the welfare of society in its context.
Governor of Jalisco, Emilio Gonzalez Maquez

Governor Gonzalez Marquez welcomed all the delegations on behalf of his office: “Guadalajara and Jalisco welcome you with open arms.”

“Most respected Apostle of Jesus Christ,” he said referring to the spiritual director of the Church, acknowledging the hard work and effort of Brother Samuel and the Church toward the creation of a peaceful environment that benefits the community and favor human development. He emphasized the need for cultivating a way of life that defeats hunger, drug addiction and hopelessness; and that the creation of a tolerant, humane and fraternal society are everyone’s responsibility. Finally he expressed his best wishes for the success of the festivities.

Bishop Daniel Nuñez Avalos

Bishop Daniel Nuñez Avalos, head of the Ministry of Social Communication, informed the congregants that the Church has more than eight decades affirming its faith, renovating its communion, proclaiming its hope and manifesting its unbreakable unity: “Love and goodness have been manifested in our life.”
He added that the presence of the congregation is an eminent demonstration of our faith, which moves us to transform our way of thinking and behavior, and implies service to God and to our neighbors in a social and familial commitment; not of seclusion, but of a quest for social benefits; emphasizing that ours is a pacific fellowship, fraternal and Christian.

The Apostle of Jesus Christ thanks the Federal, State and Municipal Authorities for their presence, along with legislators of various levels

The Apostle of Jesus Christ Samuel Joaquin Flores thanked all officials for their presence, and reciprocated their gesture with a cordial salutation to the Secretary of State Francisco Ramirez Acuña. Next, he addressed the congregants surrounding the temple of Beautiful Province. “You will testify in your homes that in Mexico there is an environment of liberty,” he said. He noted that these values are given by the Creator and are transmitted to human beings, and “respect is a pillar of Christianity.” To the officials he said: “May God bless you in your duties, that are for the well being of this grand nation, OUR Mexico.”

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