Tenorio, Haroldo Morán (1939–2006)

Haroldo Morán Tenorio was a pastor, administrator, department leader, evangelist, and speaker of the La Voz de la Esperanza (The Voice of Hope) program in Peru.

Early Years

Certainly the story of Haroldo Morán Tenorio and his influence in the church were reflected in his character and his interest in the ministry and are a product of the selfless love of his parents for missionary work in Peru. The influence of his father deeply marked Haroldo's life and ministry. His father, Gerardo Morán, knew the gospel through reading the book El conflicto de los siglos (The Great Controversy).

His interest in the Bible led him to enroll in the Instituto Industrial de Miraflores (Lima Training School), Lima. After finishing his studies, he accepted the call to be a missionary, canvasser, and lecturer, arriving in the city of Puno. It was in this context that Haroldo Morán was born into a missionary family on July 30, 1939, at the Platería mission station. He was the second son, preceded by José, and then his sisters Eunice and Ariel were born. In this environment of practical Christianity, Haroldo received the most important seeds for his development.¹ Regarding his studies, he attended elementary and high school at Escuela España (España Academy) and later at Colegio Unión (Inca Union College).²

Education and Marriage

From his early childhood he showed interest in the Holy Scriptures. He studied at Centro de Educación Superior Unión (Inca Union College)–CESU, presently Universidad Peruana Unión (Peruvian Union University)–UPeU, graduating with a degree in theology in 1960.³ As an adult he married Alicia Castillo Alva on March 4, 1962. His marriage was filled with dedication and service to the church, which was enriched by his ministry throughout his 45 years of service. God gave them four children as a gift: Cristina, Margot, Samuel Haroldo, and Silvia. He had the privilege of taking care of the integral growth of each one and officiated their respective weddings, later rejoicing with eight grandchildren. He was an excellent husband during his 47 years of marriage, from 1962 to 2007.

In an interview his wife Alicia Castillo Alva recalled how Pastor Morán worshiped God very early, before dawn. Alicia often found her husband on his knees. One of his daughters, Silvia Morán, mentioned how her father had been her confidant, an adviser to both her and her family. Looking back, she declared that she missed her father's advice, his affection, and love for herself and her children, even amid the problems to come. But his daughter has the blessed promise that one glorious morning they will see him again. It is interesting that she is not the only one who feels the absence of her father but also his sons-in-law and grandchildren.

Ministry

His long task in the ministry and administration gave him the necessary experience to become the standard-bearer of the church's mission⁴, a work that he carried out promptly and painstakingly. His interest in details brought him new and extensive tools for ministerial work. Throughout his ministry Haroldo performed countless works for the church. The first missionary district in his charge was in the city of Ayacucho, where he worked for four years (1963–1967); and then he served in Ica (1968–1970). In these first years of pastoral ministry, Haroldo worked in the Misión Peruana Central (Central Peru Mission)–MPC.⁵

In 1971 he was called to Misión Peruana del Norte (North Peru Mission), headquartered in Chiclayo, to head the Evangelism department. At the congress of the mission, in Paredones, he was ordained to the ministry. It was an unforgettable ceremony, a milestone in his career, always by the side of his beloved wife.⁶ Then in 1971 he was elected as Ministerial Secretary and Stewardship Department leader of the MPN.⁷ Subsequently, he held the position of president of that mission for four years, starting in 1972. This first stage ended in 1976, after finishing his service as president of the MPN.

The next stage was the reflection of a series of changes that were made in Haroldo's ministerial life, and that took him to new horizons. By 1979 the slogan “Nuevos Horizontes” (New Horizons) had been the battle flag of the “Penetración” (Penetration) program. Lay leaders and pastors of the 16 ecclesiastical districts of Metropolitan Lima met on Sunday, October 8, at the Miraflores temple. Around eight hundred people were present to witness the evangelistic challenges for the large population.

At that time Haroldo was elected as president of Asociación Peruana Central (Central Peru Conference)–APC. He talked about the important victories achieved during 1978 with the blessing of the Lord. During the third quarter of that year, 1,291 souls were baptized, compared to 944 baptized in the same period of the previous year. In turn, it was established major goals, such as performing 3,000 baptisms until the end of the year; reaching each home in the territory with the Adventist message before 1980; and reaching the number of 21,000 baptized members by the end of 1979.⁸

Lima was the goal of Haroldo's evangelistic view. From the San Cristóbal hill, a group of pastors, laymen, and Bible instructors under his leadership looked attentively toward the citadel of the kings. But they did not see people as numbers that occupy a place in the church, but rather they saw them as lives for Christ. New horizons are envisioned with a burning desire that the work of God can be brought to all homes in that city. This lively zeal marked a new special stage in the life of Pastor Haroldo. An example of this happened on September 30, 1979, when the APC, led by Haroldo, organized a youth congress in the city of Huancayo. In that place 127 young people gave their lives to Christ in a baptismal ceremony that took place in the river near the city, about 3,300 meters above sea level.⁹

During the 80s the Unión Incaica (Inca Union Mission)–UI developed 150 series of meetings in its field. The giant tents, with a capacity of 800 people each, were used by the APC. These were led by Haroldo, in the great evangelistic crusade.¹⁰ A testimony of his love for the progress of the work was the organization of the first church in Lince, thus forming a new district that was under the responsibility of Pastor Francisco Lozano. This organization took place on Saturday, October 14, 1978. The next day the foundation stone was laid for the construction of the temple.¹¹

The media was a decisive step for evangelization to the great masses. Thereby, by 1980, three radio stations in the city of Lima were inaugurated with the presence of the South American Division (SAD) president, Joao Wolff, and leaders of the UI. The modern recording studio of La Voz de la Esperanza (The Voice of Hope) was directed by Haroldo, who in turn was the speaker of this ambitious project. He explained that the equipment and facilities respond to the challenges and needs of the territory.¹² His interesting explanation highlighted the thought of using the necessary means for a growing society.

Haroldo was aware that what was done would not be enough for future generations. His leadership as director of La Voz de la Esperanza (The Voice of Hope) 1981 led him to perform several actions. In January 1985 Haroldo Morán was appointed president of the UI.¹³ After several years as administrator and president of the MPN, this was an outstanding position because he was the first Peruvian president to hold this rank. In addition, Haroldo was appointed director of ADRA/SAD in March 1994. It was the SAD, headquartered in Brasilia (Brazil), that called him to serve in that position until 2000.

Later Years

In recognition of his prolific work as pastor and administrator, his alma mater, the UPeU, conferred on him the degree of Doctor Honoris Causa.¹⁴ Then he returned to Peru as president of Asociación Peruana Central Norte (North Central Peruvian Conference) until 2005. This was one of his last works in the church. His joy always rubbed off on his colleagues and coworkers.

At the last congress held in December 2005, the torch that had burned endlessly in the hands of this tireless minister, was passed on to his successor in an emotional ceremony. The time for his retirement had come, but his works would continue.¹⁵ As messenger of the gospel, Pastor. Haroldo held evangelism campaigns in Huaraz and Bagua. However, his health began to deteriorate.

In October 2006 he was diagnosed with an illness. He took up the challenge with full confidence in his Creator and Sustainer. On June 17 of that year, he celebrated Father's Day with his family. That night he was hospitalized at the Good Hope Clinic due to a medical complication. Being at the clinic, his smile was a sermon and his words comforted the sad ones. Since then, surrounded by his entire family, he faced the final shadows of his illness.

In the morning of July 9, the exemplary chapter of a life dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his fellow men was closed. His absence was and will be felt, until the future morning when the trumpet of God awakens him, and the King says to him: “Come, good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Lord.” It is necessary to highlight the words of Pastor Rufo Jaimes Zubieta in memory of this servant of God, who is resting until the dawn of the resurrection:

Prophet dodging routine
In the whirlwind of these years
Trench Builder
Living without knowing about himself.

Anonymous good hero
Speaking with his mouth,
Friend and counselor of the sad ones
With the slogan of preaching.

After having sown
In the meadows
The precious seed of truth,
You come to rest your feet
As a soldier at the end of combat.

Friend and counselor of the sad ones
The pages of your life
Announce victories,
Memories with flavors of joy

Your smile will be a sermon.
Trench Builder,
Warrior of the Lord.
The Chief Shepherd
Will give you your reward.

Sources

Board of Directors of Inca Union Mission, vote no. 85-30, Proxy Haroldo Morán and Víctor Brañez, January 28, 1985.

“Ciento cincuenta ciclos de conferencias” [One hundred and fifty series of meetings]. La Revista Adventista [Adventist Review], January 1981.

Fernández, Edison Choque. “Ha caído un Valiente” [A brave man has died]. La Revista Adventista - Suplemento UPN en Misión I [Adventist Review - Supplement UPN on Mission I], ed. 8 (August 2007).

Morán, Haroldo. “127 bautizados en un congreso de jóvenes” [127 baptized in a youth congress]. La Revista Adventista [Adventist Review] (March 1979).

Morán, Haroldo. “La Voz de la Esperanza inaugura moderno estudio de grabación” [The Voice of Hope inaugurates a modern recording studio]. La Revista Adventista [Adventist Review] (February 1981).

Morán, Haroldo. “Nuevos Horizontes: gran encuentro de dirigentes” [New Horizons: great meeting of leaders]. La Revista Adventista [Adventist Review] (March 1979).

Morán, Haroldo. “Trece personas de la misma familia se bautizan en un barrio de Lima” [Thirteen people from the same family are baptized in a Lima neighborhood]. La Revista Adventista [Adventist Review] (April 1979).

Seventh-day Adventist Yearbook. Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1962 and 1972.

Notes

1. “Ha caído un valiente” [A brave man has died] is the title that La Revista Adventista [Adventist Review] highlights about Haroldo Morán's career as a pastor and his long journey in ministry. His life testifies to the victories he achieved in Christ. His death declares that those who trust the Lord will one day rise from the grave. This life of service is condensed in the 2007 issue of La Revista Adventista [Adventist Review], which was released a month after the death of the beloved pastor. Thus, it fills a whole fact sheet and offers us a portray of the loving work of a life given to his family and his ministry. Likewise, it declares to us the blessed hope placed in the second coming of Christ. It should be noted that this article has been taken and introduced in the several parts of this biography. Edison Choque Fernández, “Ha caído un Valiente” [A brave man has died], La Revista adventista - suplemento UPN en misión I [Adventist Review - supplement UPN on mission I], ed. 8 (August 2007): 3.↩

2. Ibid.↩

3. Ibid.↩

4. Ibid.↩

5. “Central Peru Mission,” Seventh-day Adventists Yearbook (Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1962), 169.↩

6. Ibid.↩

7. “North Peru Mission,” Seventh-day Adventists Yearbook (Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1972), 232.↩

8. Haroldo Morán, “Nuevos Horizontes: gran encuentro de dirigentes” [New Horizons: great meeting of leaders], La Revista Adventista [Adventist Review] (March 1979): 16-17.↩

9. Haroldo Morán, “127 bautizados en un congreso de jóvenes” [127 baptized in a youth congress], La Revista Adventista [Adventist Review] (March 1979): 17-18.↩

10. “Ciento cincuenta ciclos de conferencias” [One hundred and fifty series of meetings], La Revista Adventista [Adventist Review], January 1981, 17.↩

11. Haroldo Morán, “Trece personas de la misma familia se bautizan en un barrio de Lima” [Thirteen people from the same family are baptized in a Lima neighborhood], La Revista Adventista [Adventist Review] (April 1979): 18.↩

12. Haroldo Morán, “La Voz de la Esperanza inaugura moderno estudio de grabación” [The Voice of Hope inaugurates a modern recording studio], La Revista Adventista [Adventist Review] (February 1981): 17.↩

13. Board of Directors of Inca Union Mission, vote no. 85-30, Proxy Haroldo Morán and Víctor Brañez, January 28, 1985.↩

14. Edison Choque Fernández, “Ha caído un Valiente” [A brave man has died], La Revista adventista - suplemento UPN en misión I [Adventist Review - supplement UPN on mission I], ed. 8 (August 2007): 3.↩

15. Ibid.↩