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was not authorized. Although no reason was given, it was understood that there was some resistance, or fear of exposing the congregation to the analysis of the subject of the research.\u000ADuring Guatemala\u2019s armed conflict suspicions were raised about anyone interested, or committed to socio-political problems. This investigation produced some mixed sentiments. On the one hand, the researcher came into the field work with some feeling of doubt for two reasons, the scepticism of authors about NEOP, and not knowing about their missionary tasks in the area of social activities, and on the other hand, he entered with the expectation of understanding what their sole and social presence was. Every visit and interview or event that he went to had stumbling blocks and surprises.\u000AThe opportunities to get close to pastors, lay people and their churches opened up for the researcher a new window to observe how these churches are and what are their ecclesiastical and social activities, as well as their origins, development, advances and deficiencies. He was also able to observe that these churches have vibrant liturgy, visionary proactive leadership, and excellent work organization, confraternity in spite of the fact that they are mega-churches, enthusiasm and strong laity serving in the tasks of the church. Seeing the fervour and commitment of thousand of believers in these congregations, stimulates the imagination to think about the potential which could be capitalized in favour of social development. This is vital because these churches are situated in a context which needs profound changes both at the personal and structural levels of society. The analysis shows how these churches advance and their possibilities and deficiencies. [Chapter two details the profile of each of these churches].\u000A3. Interviews\u000AThe interviews with pastors and lay people and other observers constitute the principal material of the investigation, along with the surveys made. Although this approach has its limitations, it allowed the researcher to get important information to enable him to\u000A31\u000A


































































































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