STATEMENT 013 TSS JUNIO 26- Pastor Rolando Torres

STATEMENT 013 - JUNE 26, 2026 Beyond the Headlines: When the News Calls Us to Live with Hope This week's headlines have been intense. Some tell us about natural disasters, others about decisions that will shape the course of nations, and still others reveal deep social wounds. But as followers of Christ, we don't read the news from a place of fear, but from a place of hope. We don't deny reality; we confront it with a biblical worldview. Let's begin in Puerto Rico. A news story that should move us to reflection reveals a worrying increase in sexually transmitted infections among young people. Health professionals have raised an alarm after observing a significant increase in cases that especially affect adolescents and young adults. Authorities emphasize education and prevention. But the Church also has something important to contribute. It's not simply about talking about diseases; it's about talking about God's design for sexuality, the value of the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit, and relationships founded on love, commitment, and holiness. When a society loses sight of God's purpose for family and sexuality, sooner or later emotional, spiritual, and physical consequences appear. The Christian response is never condemnation, but the truth accompanied by... Meanwhile, our brothers and sisters in Venezuela are experiencing one of the worst tragedies in their recent history. Two powerful earthquakes shook the country, leaving hundreds dead, thousands injured, and causing enormous material damage. Even Puerto Rico was under a tsunami warning for several hours. International teams continue rescue and humanitarian aid efforts. The state of La Guaira is one of the hardest hit, where the death toll could be significant. As part of the efforts of our home, Calvary Church in Orlando, we have Pastor Angel Vivas of Calvary Venezuela reporting to us on the situation in the streets of Venezuela. In times like these, we remember the words of Psalm 46: "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." The Church has an extraordinary opportunity to respond with prayer, generosity, and solidarity. The suffering of a people should never become merely news; it should become a call to love our neighbor. In the United States, this week was also marked by important Supreme Court decisions. This week, the Supreme Court strengthened constitutional protections for the right to bear arms, upheld stricter immigration enforcement measures at the border, left in place a decision that reduces a historic tool for protecting minority voting rights, and continues to define the scope of federal powers on immigration matters. At the same time, the country awaits even more momentous decisions, including the birthright citizenship case, which could redefine fundamental aspects of American constitutional law. As believers, our trust should never rest solely on human institutions. We pray for our leaders, respect the rule of law, and participate responsibly in civic life, but we remember that "the Most High rules over the kingdom of men." Courts can interpret laws; only God transforms hearts. There is also encouraging news for the Church around the world. Various Christian organizations continue to mobilize humanitarian aid to the areas affected by the earthquakes, while ministries and congregations maintain constant efforts to share the gospel, serve those in need, and strengthen the persecuted Church in different regions. In the midst of a world full of uncertainty, the Kingdom of God continues to advance powerfully. When we see diseases on the rise, let us remember that Christ continues to offer restoration. When we see earthquakes that level cities, let us remember that there is a Rock that will never be shaken. In the face of devastation and loss of life, God is our refuge and strength. When we observe judicial decisions that divide opinions, let us remember that the Kingdom of God endures forever. The news changes every hour. Headlines disappear. Trends pass. But the Word of God remains forever. May this week not allow headlines to shape our thinking more than Scripture. Let us be informed, yes; let us pray, also; but above all, let us live as people whose hope does not depend on circumstances, but on the risen Christ. And please, let's be generous to those most in need. Because at the end of the day, the best news remains the same as it has been for two thousand years: Jesus Christ lives, reigns, and continues to transform lives. And He is our refuge and strength in the midst of tribulations! Pastor Rolando Torres