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administrative responsibilities\u2019. Because of this he notes that church goers are probably more likely to get involved in secular organizations, they vote and participate politically, and have deeper informal social connections (2000: 66). Some of the elements indicated by Putnam as far as human resources are concerned can be seen among the NPL although in a very incipient stage.\u000AAmong the laity, entrepreneurs and professionals surveyed they shared the following testimonies: lay people of the ESH said that they participate in medical trips as a way to contribute to the neediest. Another informant indicated that he supports the rural schools that his church runs because he considers that he ought to share what God had given him and because he believes that education is the way to bring change. Marta Pil\u00F3n Pacheco who writes a column in the Prensa Libre Newspaper, an environmental activist and member of the ESH, discusses critical environmental issues from the perspective of her faith in dialogue with diverse topics of the moment.123\u000AAn ophthalmologist of the FCG said that she and some other people visit the Hospicio San Jos\u00E9 de Casa Alianza to accompany and pray with patients with AIDS, and to present the gospel to the children of Casa Alianza which is a street children\u2019s rehabilitation centre. According to this professional, \u2018one has to give grace because we receive grace\u2019. Another informant of this church said that he is involved in the North East Association which carries out community health, development and environmental activities. He indicated that the reason he participates \u2018is the idea that he can influence others and motivate others to follow Christ in areas and activities that are not always related to church programmes\u2019. One of doctors of the FCG said that at least a hundred and fifty people are involved in giving medical consultations, and thirty people visit the jails in a church with eleven thousand members (L6FCG).\u000AAnother professional of the FCG works as judge in the judicial system and\u000Aparticipates in the Association of Penal Rights to stimulate the other lawyers to update\u000A123 In 2003 M. Pil\u00F3n finalized her doctoral studies on the theme of the environment with the Universidad de Las Am\u00E9ricas.\u000A260\u000A 


































































































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