H. A. ROBERTS Just Read Part The most coptivoting mission story ever comes from a live missionary. of the And the most boring mission story comes from a person who simply reads. Ste So, if you've been asked to give the mission story next week and you're not a live missionary, be the next best thing. Be a live, enthusiastic, captivating mission reporter!

Here's one way you con make your presentation more effective Tell os much of the report os possible in your own words. If there's o port you can't tell, prac- tice reading those few sentences. Then finish telling the story.

Remember, next Sabbath a missionary and his field belong entirely to you! You can make missions come olive—or you can put people to sleep. It's really up to you.

MISSION (ISSN 0190-4108) Cover Picture: A young is produced by the woman of France Seventh-day Adventist thanks you for your generosity Sabbath School Department, this quarter. 6840 Eastern Avenue NW., Washington, D.C. 20012. Howard F Rampton, Director Southern Asia Division Noelene Johnsson, Editor Volume 73 Rudolf Varesko, Layout Number 4 Gert Busch, Cover Fourth Quarter, 1984 MISSION

5 Have you ever wondered why the church in European countries needs our money? On October 6 let Facts Tell the Story.

7 A heartwarming story that introduces us to Mozambique, Hotline to Heaven is a story not to miss.

11 What do you know about the church in Socialist countries? Oldrich Sladik introduces the church in Czechoslovakia.

19 What can a church with 50 percent of its membership over retirement age do to attract young people? "Plenty," says Lothar Reiche from Over the Wall in East Germany.

25 For a graphic picture of the needs of the special projects don't miss No Handouts! on December 15.

27 This quarter the Thirteenth Sabbath Special Projects Offering will be taken on December 22. MINUTE SAVERS

A Page for Leaders

FACTS and FIGURES about the countries of the Euro-Africa Division have been included with the reports most weeks. See the report for October 6 to find more about the twenty-four European and eight African countries of the division. For more information about France or Mozambique see World Book Encyclopedia and The World Almanac and Book of Facts. National Geographic articles of interest include: France (April, 1982; October and August, 1980; and May, 1975) and Mozambique (August, 1964). SPECIAL PROJECTS are shown on the mission map (page 32). Should you require a more detailed description, see the reports for December 17 and 24. Remember: A large mission map is available from your Adventist Book Center. NOTES FOR PRESENTERS precede each report. Encourage your reporters to take advantage of this service when preparing to tell the reports in their own words. An extremely well-read report, however, may be more effective than one that is retold, but much practice is the secret of success with good reports whether read or retold. Idea: Several reports in dialogue form help to present some interesting facts. Don't give up on these. Have two young people prepare one, reading it as a news broadcast. They may even enjoy prerecording it with appropriate music. Remember: Facts can tell a remarkable story. Don't omit them. ARE YOU USING MISSION UPDATE? This sheet comes at least once a quarter in Adventist Action or from your Conference newsletter. It provides the latest news snippets from the featured division. Idea: Why not photocopy the first page of Mission Update and hand it out in Sabbath School? This will give members something to read between services and help them feel involved in mission. Remember: Mission reports are not just 10-minute canvasses for funds. They should also help keep your Sabbath School informed of what is going on in the world church. SABBATH SCHOOL PICTURES FOR ANGOLA AND MOZAMBIQUE. Enoch Oliveira suggests on page 9 that we may help children in these countries by mailing Sabbath School pictures, old Picture Rolls, and greeting card pictures to the Sabbath School director, Angola Union Mission, Caixa Postal 3, Huambo, ANGOLA, Africa, or c/o Mozambique Union Mission, Caixa Postal 1468 Maputo, MOZAMBIQUE, Africa.

4 October 6 Facts Tell the Story Noelene Johnsson Editor, MISSION Note to the Presenter: Two people Can you name it? should prepare this report as a fast- Answer: The Israel Field. moving factual presentation. Practice Question: Last time our Special to keep questions and answers snappy Projects Offering went to Euro-Africa, but natural sounding. Pause fre- it benefited which two countries? quently and establish eye contact with Answer: If I read my Sabbath your audience. School Lesson Quarterly correctly, on page 4 it shows the building of the new Question: Here are some questions girls' dormitory in progress at the to see what you know about the Adventist College of Sagunto, Spain, Euro-Africa Division. Which coun- and the evangelistic center in Brus- tries of Southern belong to this sels, Belgium. These buildings could division? not have been possible without our Answer: Notice the map on the help. back of your Sabbath School Lesson Question: Many people wonder Quarterly. [Allow time to locate it.] why we should give to help the work in The northernmost area of this division European countries where people's is occupied by Germany. The most needs are just as well or better cared westerly European country is Portu- for than ours. gal, and the two most southerly are Answer: That's a good question. I and Greece. find myself turning off to areas of the Question: Those and all the coun- world where I think the needs are tries in between belong to Euro- cared for. But, as Enoch Oliveira, Africa. Many Socialist countries vice-president of the General Confer- belong to this division. In Europe ence, remarked after a recent trip to these include Czechoslovakia, Hun- the Euro-Africa Division: "Needs gary, Romania, Bulgaria, and Alba- must be seen as both physical and nia. Can you name the Socialist coun- spiritual. And in Europe the spiritual tries of Africa that belong to this needs are great." division? Question: Let's be specific here. Answer: In North Africa, Algeria, This quarter Euro-Africa has chosen and in Southern Africa, Angola and two projects to benefit from our special Mozambique (mo-zam-BEEK). The offering. One is in France and the kingdom of Morocco also belongs to other in Mozambique, Africa. We can Euro-Africa. readily imagine the physical needs in Question: One country remains Mozambique. It's France that has me that is neither European or African. puzzled.

PRACTICE BRINGS SPARKLE TO REPORTS 5 Answer: So let's look at some of the guages in Europe, each country needs facts about France. its own seminary. French Adventists Question: France is the largest are proud of their seminary in Col- country in Western Europe. It is twice longes (co-LOANJ). the size of the State of Colorado, but its Question: But how can ten thou- population is eighteen times larger. sand members support their own col- Answer: In fact, the population of lege? Canadian Union College has France is one fourth that of the entire more than twice that many supporting United States. The per capita income it. And seven times the French mem- in France is almost the same as in the bership make up the constituency of United States, although the rate of Columbia Union College. inflation averages 2 percent higher in Answer: Exactly! The church in France. So their physical needs seem France needs our help. to be cared for. Question: Now we have a better Question: Let's look at some facts idea of the spiritual needs in France. that have a bearing on spiritual needs. How can we help our sister church in While 88 percent of Americans profess France this quarter? , less than 80 percent of Answer: Construction costs are Frenchmen are nominal Christians. much higher in Europe than in North And only 2 percent are Protestant. America. That is where they need Answer: And while one American special help. They need a seminary in 491 is a Seventh-day Adventist, building to provide classrooms for only one Frenchman in 7,000 is. One theology students at Collonges. French Adventist has the work of They ask a special interest in our fourteen Americans in finishing the prayers. And as we consider God's work in his own land. So the 7,720 blessing in our lives and budget our French Adventists need our financial offerings for Him this quarter let's set assistance in meeting their responsi- aside 2 to 3 percent of income for the bility for the spiritual needs of that World Mission Budget, knowing that country. our systematic giving enables the Question: How do they hope to church in other countries to better meet those needs? care for spiritual needs. Answer: They believe that the first "Every man according as he purpos- step in establishing the church lies in eth in his heart, so let him give; not the training of church workers. And grudgingly, or of necessity: for God because of the many different lan- loveth a cheerful giver" (2 Cor. 9:7).

6 MISSION QUARTERLY TELL IT LIKE A PRO-SPEAK UP! October 13 Hotline to Heaven Harald Knott Sabbath School director, Euro-Africa Division Note to the Presenter: In your own such circumstances one telephone words tell: ( 1) Facts about Mozam- number never fails—that number is bique (2) The power shortage (3) Ordi- 50-15. nation plans threatened (4) The 50-15 I was visiting the three hundred- hotline (5) Prayers answered (6) member church at Beira (BEAR-ra), Appeal as given. where our Adventist seminary is located. We had shared a wonderful Situated on the southeastern coast Sabbath together. During the day the of Africa and wedged between Tanza- power went off, but we expected the nia, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe (zim- service to be restored soon. An ordina- BAHB-way), Swaziland, and South tion service was planned for the eve- Africa, lies the country of Mozam- ning. Two candidates had come from bique (mo-zam-BEEK). The Portu- outlying districts to be ordained. guese established a trading post in But when the shadows lengthened Mozambique in 1505 and ruled it from toward sunset and the power had not that time until 1975. So Portuguese is been restored, we began to worry, still the official language—in spite of because at that tropical latitude sun- the fact that few of the black Africans set is followed, not by a lingering dusk, who make up 98 percent of Mozam- but by darkness. bique's population use it. As the people gathered in the cha- Increased guerrilla activity against pel, not wanting to miss the ordination the Socialist government of President service, we church leaders checked the Samora Machel, resulted in disrup- light switches. The power was still off. tion of train and road travel in some Anxiously we brethren consulted parts of the country, necessitating together in the vestry. "What should travel by air. Flights are booked far in we do now?" someone asked. "Shall we advance, and passengers sometimes postpone the ordination?" camp at airports for days, waiting for a But we couldn't do that. The two seat. men to be ordained had come a long In 1983, guerrillas shifted their way and must leave Sunday morning attention from destroying roads and in order to reach their congregations bridges to blowing up power stations. for the following Sabbath. Thus at the time of today's story cities "Brethren, let us call the number were often without electricity until 50-15," I suggested. the facilities could be restored. And of "How can we?" someone asked. "The course, at the same time they were telephone lines are dead." without telephones. But even under "Let's use the line that never goes

FACTS ADD SPICE; DON'T OMIT THEM 7 dead," I persisted. One by one the men congregation stand, but we heard realized what I meant. Smiles them. Someone began to sing the appeared as they bowed their heads. melody, and the others joined in. And "The number is 50-15," I said. "Call suddenly it happened. The lights went to me when trouble comes; I will save on. Not all the brightness in that room you, and you will praise me" (Ps. 50: came from the lighting fixtures, how- 15, T.E.V.).* And as we prayed, even ever. Three hundred faces radiated joy though at least three hundred calls and happiness at this sign that the were directed through that number, hotline to heaven still works. we knew that each one had been The faculty and students of the heard. Adventist Seminary in Mozambique Stumbling through the darkness, are not strangers to the 50-15 hot- we made our way to the platform. line. Right now they are praying for a Three hundred members sat before us, new building for their growing theol- quietly praying. Somebody had ogy department. This quarter, as you installed a carbide lamp on the pulpit and I systematically set aside 2 to 3 so that I could at least read the texts percent of income for the World Mis- for my sermon. sion Budget, and plan for a generous A national worker stepped forward Thirteenth Sabbath Offering, we to open the service. "Brethren and know that this special need will sisters," he began, speaking into the indeed be met. darkness, "let us begin our ordination service in the name of the Lord. As you see, we have no lights, but let's sing * From the Good News Bible—Old Testament: Copyright CO American Bible Society 1976; New the opening hymn from memory." Testament: Copyright © American Bible Society In the darkness we couldn't see the 1966, 1971, 1976.

8 MISSION QUARTERLY GOOD REPORTERS HELP PEOPLE CARE October 20 On the Move in Mozambique MISSION interviews Enoch Oliveira Vice-President, General Conference Note to the Presenter: Two people are permitted to train ministers. should prepare this report. The facts MISSION: We have almost thirty contained in the first part of the thousand church members worshiping interview should be read in as natural in four hundred churches in Mozam- a way as possible. Dialogue freely. bique. And the membership continues to grow rapidly. During 1983, bap- MISSION: Mozambique was once tisms for the Mozambique Union known as Portuguese East Africa. It totaled around 3,500. achieved independence in 1975, and Oliveira: A strong relationship since 1979 have sought to disrupt the exists between Mozambique and government. Angola, the Portuguese-speaking Oliveira: According to available country of Southwestern Africa, and statistics, 74 percent of the labor force between these countries and the other are farmers, most of whom use simple Socialist countries of the Euro-Africa hoes and many of whom use the slash Division. At present two workers from and burn method of farming. Sixteen Mozambique are attending Frieden- percent of the work force is involved in sau (FREE-den-sow) Seminary, in manual labor and 10 percent in serv- East Germany, training to become ices. future teachers of the Mozambique MISSION: Compare that with Seminary. And some young people Canada, where 5 percent work in from Mozambique attend the Bongo agriculture, 44 percent in indus- Training School, in Angola. try/commerce, and 38 percent in serv- MISSION: Because Angola and - ices. Mozambique both use Portuguese as Oliveira: The per capita income of their chief language, there is consider- Mozambique is $170. able interchange between them. Their MISSION: [As compared with $10,- two unions should together baptize 296 in Canada!] more than 10,500 souls this year. Oliveira: And of the population 15 Oliveira: Our work in Angola is years and older only 29 percent can completely self-supporting. Capable read or write. But among Seventh-day national men provide the sixty thou- Adventists the literacy rate is much sand members with strong leadership higher because of the fine system of and direction. And the church mem- schools we had developed. At present bers in Angola seem to have overcome all of these schools are operated by the their intertribal misunderstandings. government, except for the Mozam- MISSION: But both countries have bique Adventist Seminary, where we difficulty providing Sabbath School

PRACTICE SAYING FOREIGN NAMES 9 materials to their members. In Angola city in Mozambique and the largest Elder Oliveira spoke to a gathering of seaport. Because of the civil war in the about five thousand people, one thou- country, the Brazilian teacher who sand of whom were children. serves on the faculty there must live Oliveira; I asked them what they ten miles away. Fortunately good used to teach the children. What roads link the school with the city so pictures or children's stories did they that commuting is no problem. have? The answer was: Nothing— Oliveira: All the students at the nothing. Although they are self-sup- seminary are married. Some have porting, they do not have the dollars to already had some pastoral experience. buy materials from overseas. The They live in small houses erected for International Bible Society and other them on the school compound. agencies provide Bibles, and they Because of the civil war, building , seem to have hymnbooks. But they materials are not available in the desperately need children's materials country. But the local authorities in Portuguese. Hopefully our publish- show a kind attitude toward the ing house in Brazil can do something church and are sympathetic to our to help. needs. They have assured us of their MISSION: Of course, Bible pictures permission to import the materials for have no racial barriers. They could be constructing the new building. sent from any country to the Angola MISSION: So naturally the cost of Union.* What is the greatest need of materials will be considerable for this the church in Mozambique? project. And that's where Sabbath Oliveira: The greatest need in School members around the world Mozambique is to train workers for may help with their special Thir- the growing needs of the church. For teenth Sabbath Offerings. this reason the division has chosen as Oliveira: We thank you for your one of the special projects this quarter continued systematic support of the to build a classroom and administra- World Budget. As you give this morn- tion building for the Mozambique ing, please remember this needy part Adventist Seminary. of the world field. MISSION: This school is located at Beira [BEAR-ra], the second-largest * See page 4 for details.

10 MISSION QUARTERLY DOES YOUR VOICE SHOW THAT YOU CARE? October 27 Working for God in Czechoslovakia MISSION interviews Oldrich Sladik President, Czechoslovakian Union Note to the Presenter: Give the has 153 churches throughout the introductory facts and figures about country. At present new churches are Czechoslovakia. The alternating para- being built, including one that will graphs could be read by two people. seat 850 in Prague, the capital city. Then tell in your own words: (1) A This is the first Christian church to be faithful influence rewarded (2) Youth built for any denomination in that city witness (3) Every member a book since World War II. evangelist (4) Our biggest need (5) "In the past we had some problems, Conclusion as given. and some of our brethren found them- selves, with a cardinal of the Roman The Eastern European country of Catholic Church, in an unpleasant Czechoslovakia is a landlocked, indus- place," says Oldrich Sladik, president trialized nation about the size of of the Czechoslovakian Union. Louisiana but with four times as many "They were singing on Friday eve- people. Its nearest neighbors are the ning as the sun set and again during U.S.S.R., Poland, Germany, Austria, the Sabbath hours. As they studied and Hungary. their Bibles, the cardinal joined them. Czechoslovakia is the homeland of Several years ago, during a meeting of two Slavic peoples. The Czechs live in denominational church leaders with the more industrialized regions of the Czech authorities, I found myself Bohemia and Moravia to the west, sitting beside the cardinal. 'I'd like to while the Slovaks occupy the more speak with you after the meeting,' he agricultural Slovakia to the east. said. So we met together, and he told "Good King Wenceslaus" of the me how he had joined our brethren in well-known Christmas carol was an singing and Bible study. 'If I can ever early king of Bohemia in the 900s. His be of help to you, don't hesitate to let kingdom was absorbed into the Holy me know,' he said. Roman Empire. In 1948 Czechoslova- "About six or seven years ago we kia became a Communist state. Today desperately needed a church building the country enjoys a higher standard in a city under his jurisdiction. I of living than most Eastern European approached the civil authorities about countries. More than half its people purchasing an old Catholic church. live in urban areas. They gave their approval providing The Seventh-day Adventist Church the Catholic Church was willing to in Czechoslovakia is a growing sell. church. The Czechoslovakian Union "When I took my request to the

PROJECT YOUR PERSONALITY AS YOU SPEAK 11 cardinal, he readily agreed to sell and Every church member is a literature arranged favorable terms. We evangelist, Elder Sladik says. In the ' restored the beautiful interior of the absence of full-time colporteurs, the church, though we were not permitted members spread Adventist books in to alter the exterior. So from outside it their personal work. The first printing still looks like a Catholic church. of seven thousand Steps to Christ sold Several Catholic officals attended our out quickly. So another edition was dedication service. And this was all printed. That also will not be enough, made possible by the faithful witness and a third edition is expected to of our members years before." follow. Elder Sladik rejoices over the prog- They also print twelve thousand ress of the work under his care. "Our copies of the Czech Signs of the Times. churches are full," he says. "We have "With only 7,600 members, it is a big 7,600 members, but approximately thing for us to be able to give away the nine thousand regularly attend Sab- rest to our friends," Elder Sladik says. bath School. Should you visit one of Both civil authorities and other reli- our Sabbath Schools, you would find gious leaders recognize this magazine almost everyone there on time. as the best of its kind in the country. Czechoslovakian Adventists do not The printing is strictly regulated by like to miss Sabbath School." the government and limited to twelve They also attend meetings on Sab- thousand copies; otherwise the church bath afternoons in the church. These could easily distribute fifty thousand. meetings are usually conducted by We asked Brother Sladik about the young people, who love to sing play. needs of the church in Czechoslovakia. Through this type of service they catch "Our biggest need," he replied, "is not the attention of other young people. for more money or more churches, but Every Sabbath afternoon in every for us to work together as a team. Only Seventh-day Adventist church in as we unite can we be strong against Czechoslovakia you will find this type influences from outside." of evangelistic meeting in progress. As you give to the World Budget this Elder Sladik also rejoices that Czech morning, please remember your sister Adventists are now permitted to print churches in Czechoslovakia and other books. They have already printed the Socialist countries of the Euro-Africa whole Conflict of the Ages Series. Division.

12 MISSION QUARTERLY TELL IT LIKE A PRO-SPEAK UP! November 3 Lights for God's Kingdom MISSION interviews Josette Buyck Ministers wife, North France Conference Note to the Presenter: Two people of a daily, family routine. We taught should prepare this report so as to tell them Bible stories and nature study, each part as naturally as possible. breadmaking, cooking, and crafts. And they learned to share home MISSION: Mrs. Josette Buyck (b- duties—a new experience for many. week) and her husband, Roland MISSION: This turned out to be a Buyck, director of the Sabbath School rewarding experience for you as well and ministerial departments of the as for your boarders. North France Conference, live in Mrs. Buyck: That's right. Some- Courcelles (koor-SELL), forty-three times the parents wrote to us, saying miles southeast of Paris. Josette, tell that they also benefited. Take Clara's us how you began your unusual wit- parents, for example. Their home was nessing project. totally secular. At first I felt appre- Mrs. Buyck: In 1978 I advertised in hensive as to how Clara would accept a national magazine, offering to pro- our Christian emphasis. But I needn't vide one month of balanced, natural, have worried. When Clara returned and wholesome country life for chil- home, her parents were thrilled by the dren during July. Almost immedi- change in her life. They called us up ately parents responded, requesting and then drove 250 kilometers (157 us to reserve a place for their children. miles) to thank us and to learn more MISSION: Were you planning to about the summer program. Clara's run a summer camp? mother desired to experience for her- Mrs. Buyck: You might call it that. self the faith and joy that her daughter What we actually did was to conduct a had found. live-in Vacation Bible School. We MISSION: Clara is 15 now, but she brought the children to our home in continues to write regularly to Mrs. the country for the month of July and Buyck. In one letter she wrote: "God is exposed them to the total Adventist helping me to understand His plan of life style. The experience turned out to love. I study four chapters of the Bible be rewarding for all of us. every day—two chapters from the Old MISSION: What kinds of learning Testament and two from the New. I'm experiences did you plan for the chil- discovering an interesting relation- dren, Josette? ship between the children of Israel and Mrs. Buyck: Actually, the whole the Christian church." thing was a learning experience. The Mrs. Buyck: Clara's Bible study children learned health habits and gives her a ready answer at school. fitness, Bible study and prayer as part She says: "I praise God. My life style

PRACTICE BRINGS SPARKLE TO REPORTS 13 seems to have changed. It's now more Jesus as Creator and Author of his- simple, more organized, and more tory. But the biggest impact is made meaningful. I'm happy because the by our harmonious family life as we faith you taught me in July bears share responsibilities and experience fruit." love and trust. MISSION: Josette, you have con- MISSION: In a sense, you adopt ducted this club, as you call it, for six those children for one month. No years. Tell us why you feel that this is wonder the parents appreciate your a good way to witness. work. Mrs. Buyck: This is a concept of Mrs. Buyck: One of the most reaching children through children. rewarding things for me is seeing the Those children who have been with us change in children who have no reli- before tell the newcomers what they gious background. As the love and know about our life style and about reality of God touch their hearts, their God. faith blossoms unbelievably. I thank During the month all the children God for giving me the joy of seeing work to prepare a special Friday happiness shine from the eyes of these evening program to which we invite children—lights for God's kingdom. the community. They always enjoy MISSION: You too may bring light listening to the children. to the eyes of children as you witness MISSION: Which aspects of the of God's love to those around you. And program seem to impress the children you may spread that light around the most? world as you systematically give 2 Mrs. Buyck: Our field trips to percent of income to the World Budget museums and places of historical Offering, a General Conference offer- interest fascinate the children as we ing that supports missions in all use the historical facts to point to divisions of the world field.

14 MISSION QUARTERLY TELL IT LIKE A PRO-SPEAK UP! November 10 Journey Into Light Philip Samaan Sabbath School Director, Africa-Indian Ocean Division

Note to the Presenter:In your own a mere priest. He wanted to be a words tell: (1) Growing up devout (2) cardinal so he could influence the William Miller and (3) The future of the Basque (bask) nationalist research paper (4) Conclusion linking movement in Spain. Juan's story to Sabbath School offer- Believing that his high school ings. classes in school were a preparation As far back as Juan Marie Telleria for his destiny, Juan threw himself (HWON tay-ya-REE-ya) could wholeheartedly into his studies. In remember, his parents had taken him connection with one religion class, to mass on Sunday morning. But the Juan began reading the Old Testa- changes brought into their church as a ment. He felt convicted that the Jew- result of Vatican II left Mr. and Mrs. ish people were correct in their respect Telleria (tay-ya-REE-ya) disillu- for the Sabbath, and he decided to sioned, and they gradually lost inter- keep it by refraining from study of his est in spiritual things. secular classwork on Saturdays. He But Juan continued to attend serv- also stopped eating pork. ices and catechism classes with as But Judaism didn't satisfy Juan. He much enthusiasm as ever. At 12 he couldn't forget the pictures of the decided to become a priest, much to the crucified Christ that he had admired consternation of his parents. One day as a boy. During an art class he while reading a set of children's ency- studied a painting, The Trinity, by the clopedias that they had bought him, Spanish painter Ribera. Seeing Christ Juan discovered the biography of Wil- lying in the arms of His Father, Juan liam Miller, a famous nineteenth-cen- realized what it meant for the Saviour tury American preacher credited with to die for the sins of the world. having founded Adventism. The term About this time one of Juan's reli- Adventism aroused Juan's curiosity. gion teachers presented to the class a Later he remembered it as he watched study of the various sects, including a television program about Pitcairn Seventh-day Adventists. The teacher Island. A scene of the Adventist pastor mentioned not only William Miller leading his congregation in singing but also Ellen White. And once again and the fact that all the islanders were Juan's interest in Adventism was Seventh-day Adventists impressed aroused. Juan. After graduating from high school, By his fifteenth birthday Juan knew Juan entered the Jesuit university in that he would never be satisfied being San Sebastian. Here he and his friend

PROJECT YOUR PERSONALITY AS YOU SPEAK 15 Joseph met regularly on Saturday for. Eagerly he wrote for more infor- mornings to read the Bible. Matthew mation. 24 particularly intrigued them. Juan Soon after his research paper was couldn't understand it, and wished turned in, Juan decided to leave the that someone would explain it to him. university. So he never found out how During his second year of college he his teachers felt about his sympathetic chose to write a research paper on the treatment of the Reformers. history of the Protestant Reformation. In the years that followed, God led The more he read about the great Juan into contact with a Seventh-day Reformers, the more he was convinced Adventist pastor. And despite the of justification by faith. The Protes- misgivings of his parents, Juan was tants weren't so bad after all, he baptized. He is now at the French decided. Adventist Seminary at Collonges (co- Juan often passed an evangelical LOANJ), France, studying for the Protestant church on his way to and ministry. Juan thanks God for from classes. He longed to enter and Seventh-day Adventists everywhere ask about . But his who systematically give so that the strict upbringing kept him back. How- gospel may be preached in all the ever, when Joseph suggested that world. Juan might obtain more material for This Thirteenth Sabbath part of the his research paper by listening to a Special Projects Offering will help Protestant broadcast to be aired that build a dormitory at the seminary so night, Juan did not hesitate to tune in. that theology students like Juan may The sermon that evening on the have classrooms in which to meet. He Spanish centered on asks that we also remember the work Matthew 24. Juan listened intently. of the Voice of Prophecy as it helps At last his questions were answered. reach searchers for truth all around This was what he had been searching the world.

16 MISSION QUARTERLY TELL IT LIKE A PRO-SPEAK UP! November 17 A Farm on the Road to Katmandu John Graz* Communication director. Franco-Belgian Union Note to the Presenter:In your own his search to a satisfying conclusion. words describe: (1) Arriving at the He found Jesus Christ, Saviour and farm (2) Meeting Patricia, Luc, and Friend. He married Patricia and now Jean-Claude (3) Gilles the cyclist (4) manages the farm. Ghislaine (5) Wedding preparations I shake Gilles' (Jill's) hand. He (6) Beginnings of the farm (7) The completed an engineering degree but additions (8) And the philosophy by decided against pursuing the materi- which the farm operates (9) No appeal alistic "rat race." Instead, he for money today! embarked upon a cycling trip from Paris to Katmandu (CUT-mun-D00). More than six hours south of Paris At ten miles an hour, it had promised lies the "La Chapelle" (la-sha-PELL) to be a slow trip but a great way to see farm. Two Adventist families bought the country. Along the road he stopped the property in 1971. Living in the old at a farm—"La Chapelle." Gilles too farm buildings with their children, will soon be baptized. they began cultivating the soil with- Beyond the group I see Ghislaine out commercial fertilizer, using the leaving the kitchen. An accomplished simple methods of the past. Their English teacher from an Adventist hospitality and Christian kindness home, she came to the farm looking for attracted many young people, a num- a deeper Christian experience and ber of whom subsequently found God. stayed on to serve. The four daughters of Colette Pinet Since the Pinet and de Asis (dah- (pin-AY), one of the farm's founders, ZEE) families came to the farm in are the life and soul of this innovative 1971, about 120 people, many of them venture. As I stop my car near the young, have been baptized. I first farm buildings, Patricia welcomes me, visited the farm in order to baptize five as does her blue-eyed husband, Luc young people. I returned three weeks (Luke). later to lay Dr. Pinet, the farm's Some years ago Luc was wandering founder, to rest. Today I attend the the world. One might have found him wedding of Pascal and Dominique. in India, broke, sharing the life of the The tables have been set up outside, lepers on Bombay's sidewalks—but where the wedding guests may enjoy searching for truth. That search had the beauty of the farm and gardens. led him down many a dead end; but the The young people wear traditional gravel road to "La Chapelle" brought country garb, and as I look at them I

GOOD REPORTERS HELP PEOPLE CARE 17 am transported to an era that has values not a bank account or high passed. An era when people took the position in society, but useful work, time to live simply and to enjoy life. hospitality and virtue. Three other Laurens brings one of the farm farms now carry forward the vision horses to pull the bridal carriage. Ten that first inspired "La Chapelle." years ago Laurens came from the The farm's founders learned how to Netherlands. For one year he was accept young people coming to them incapable of helping on the farm, so with back packs but no money, many badly had drugs debilitated him. addicted to drugs. The farm family Today he is a picture of wholesome learned to care for them through vitality—"thanks to the fresh air and withdrawal. They taught them how to healthy food of 'La Chapelle' and to work, explaining that survival God whom I met here," he says. depended on each person's bearing a Ten years ago twenty young people part of the burden. and two farm families occupied two old "Nobody is required to attend houses and three trailers. Only part of morning and evening worship," says the land had been cultivated. But the Sylvie Pinet. "In fact, some have farm was already almost self-suffi- stayed a long time before attending. cient. Today the two houses look much But invariably an interest in the Word as they did in 1971, but I notice more of God develops." trailers. A prefabricated building near "At the beginning I take the young the barn accommodates the bakery, men, one at a time, with me to the printing press, and young men's dor- garden," says Albert de Asis. "Often mitory. The barns are made with logs they are rebellious and bitter. I can't that the young men cut and hauled talk to them about God, but I explain from the forest themselves. One barn how seeds grow and how to nurture houses the farm horses, descendants of them. And as they see the sowing, the an ancient breed known for their watering, the nurturing, and then the superior strength. harvest they discover the wonder of At the lower end of the garden near creation, the Creator, the Bible, and the foot of the mountains is a large salvation." greenhouse donated by a friend. It Time has passed quickly, and it's allows "La Chapelle" residents to almost time for the wedding. I ponder grow vegetables throughout the year. what I have seen and heard. "La I am amazed at the abundance and Chapelle"—a farm on the road to beauty that I find growing there. Katmandu. Hundreds of young people "Our goal never has been to create a have stopped here, and for many of commune," Albert states. "When the them the road never will be the same farm began, the families practiced again. hospitality." This is the first of a chain of "welcome" farms and of a movement * Adapted with permission from the Adventist back to a simple, useful life that Review.

18 MISSION QUARTERLY TELL IT LIKE A PRO—SPEAK UP! November 24 Over the Wall MISSION interviews Lothar Reiche President, German Democratic Republic Union Note to the Presenter: This report the church found it difficult to evan- should be presented by two people. gelize young people. However, over Practice to keep the two parts snappy, the twenty-three years since the erec- like a newscast. tion of the wall, the church has maintained its membership at around MISSION: Prior to World War II ten thousand. Germany consisted of numerous Reiche: Some years we may baptize states with a common language and three hundred new members, only to culture. After the war the country was discover that four hundred died dur- split in two. ing that period. We know that the Reiche: The eastern unit, known as church is steadily spreading the gos- East Germany to most Americans, is pel, though the statistics might seem officially the German Democratic to indicate that we are static. Republic (GDR). It is half the size of MISSION: Something that brings West Germany, having an area about great joy to the church in GDR is the the size of Virginia in the United growing interest of young people in States, and is one of the Communist the third angel's message. We are now bloc countries. catching the attention of the young. Of MISSION: After the war and before those baptized in 1983, 50 percent the Berlin wall was built in 1961, 3 were young people. million Germans left the GDR for Reiche: Because schools provide no West Germany [or the Federal religious education and the ideology Republic of Germany, as it is officially offered does not satisfy the questions known]. Lothar Reiche (rike), union that bother young people, we find president, will tell us how this exodus them increasingly open to our mes- of people changed the character of the sage. So in the summertime we plan Seventh-day Adventist Church in special youth meetings. GDR (East Germany). In 1983 one thousand youth and Reiche: We are now an old church, seven hundred children attended our old in the sense that more than 50 Bible week programs. We met for ten percent of the membership is over days in each of several cities and retirement age. A whole generation of towns, offering evangelistic meetings young Adventists left the country, geared to young people. When we never to return. Their ranks were baptized ten young people from a never filled. small town, we felt that the effort had MISSION: Without the vitality and been successful. witness that youth normally provide, MISSION: Seventh-day Adventists

GOOD REPORTERS HELP PEOPLE CARE 19 have a good relationship with the visiting the homes on this man's street government authorities. They are invited him to join a prayer circle in permitted to hold public meetings and the neighborhood. He came and found operate a seminary at Friedensau both friendship and the great truths of (FREE-den-sow) for the training of the Bible. After accepting Jesus as His church workers. Saviour, he completely changed his Reiche: The enrollment at Frie- ways and married an Adventist densau holds at around seventy. At woman. The church leaders greatly present five students from Angola, value his expertise as a builder and his five from Mozambique, four from witness to the saving power of the Yugoslavia, one from Czechoslovakia, gospel. and three from the Soviet Union are at MISSION: Do the people in your the school preparing for the ministry. country contribute to missions as we So Friedensau is an international do? school. Reiche: We in GDR cannot send MISSION: Though the church in money outside our country to assist GDR is a relatively elderly church, it with the construction of this quarter's is also vibrant and active. All mem- special projects in Mozambique (mo- bers participate in church activities. zam-BEEK) and France. But we con- For instance, the church cannot call in tinually give medicines and medical a contractor to build new churches, so equipment that can be used in our the members build together. The hospitals and clinics in Africa. We union employs some full-time workers want to keep our sense of mission who guide the construction. before us. Reiche: One such worker is an MISSION: Let's continue to sup- engineer. Before he became an port the World Budget Offering with 2 Adventist he had a problem with to 3 percent of personal income and alcohol. Sometimes he became violent remember the members from the Ger- when under the influence of drugs. man Democratic Republic in our One day an Adventist pastor who was prayers today.

20 MISSION QUARTERLY TELL IT LIKE A PRO-SPEAK UP! December 1 In Prison and You Came to Me M. T. Moche de St. Malo Church member, Rennes, France Note to the Presenter: If possible tried to commit suicide soon after he have a child read the scripture that came here," one of the guards said. begins this report, then in your own "He's been transferred to a psychiatric words tell: (1) A burden to visit (2) A unit." correspondence ministry develops (3) When the prisoner was brought into A Christmas message (4) A hospital the waiting area, he looked surprised. visit (5) Trust restored (6) No appeal He wondered who my husband was for money today. and why he had bothered to come. He showed little interest in making con- "'For I was hungry and you gave me versation, probably thinking that something to eat, I was thirsty and you what he said might be used to incrimi- gave me something to drink, I was a nate him. stranger and you invited me in, I My husband, noticing how lonely needed clothes and you clothed me, I and depressed the man looked, tried to was sick and you looked after me, I talk about spiritual things. Mr. was in prison and you came to visit Boucher remained silent. He said that me" (Matt. 25:35, 36, N.I.V.).* he believed in God but did not want to We pondered those words of Jesus in talk about it. And he had no desire to Sabbath School one morning in 1981. be visited often, but an occasional The words burned into my conscious- letter would be welcome. ness: "In prison and you came to visit In spite of the cold reception, my me." I had never visited anyone in husband decided to try to reach the prison. I didn't even know anyone in man through letters. He also made prison. Or did I? Well, I didn't exactly another visit to the prison, but Mr. know the man, but I knew that he was Boucher declined to see him. "He does there. like to get letters," my husband His story had made the headlines reminded me. "So let's accept this as for weeks. "Drunken Man Kills Wife." our letter-writing ministry." Everyone in town knew about it. He My husband and I both worked on had been in jail for several months. the letters. We tried to include little "Maybe we should visit Mr. Boucher bits of information from the city that (boo-SHAY),"t my husband said on might interest him. And above all, we the way home. wrote encouragement. God loved him, "You read my mind," I said. "I and so did we. If only he could accept wonder if anybody visits him." that! The following week my husband His answers were short and cold at obtained a visit permit. "Mr. Boucher first. But then we noticed his distrust

THANKS FOR BEING A MISSION REPORTER 21 disappearing. He explained a problem husband visited Mr. Boucher in he had with his house. The city was Fresnes. He was delighted to see my interested in buying it, but at a husband and asked the guard to ridiculous price. So my husband extend the visit. Mr. Boucher wept as approached a council member and he described how our correspondence explained the problem. had touched his heart and strength- "Because the man has committed an ened him in his Jewish faith. And irreparable act is no reason to take when my husband offered him some advantage of him," the councilor Adventist books, he gratefully agreed. "I'll take this up personally accepted them. with the mayor." He did, and the As my husband walked down the house was sold for a reasonable price. long corridor to leave the facility, a Meanwhile Mr. Boucher's health prisoner called to him, "Mr. Moche worsened, and he was transferred to [Moashal, may God bless you!" It was the Fresnes Penitentiary hospital just our friend's cellmate. before Christmas. I bought a beautiful Today Mr. Boucher is in a prison card and felt impressed to write a few near his hometown. He looks forward words about Jesus. My husband to my husband's weekly visits. We wasn't sure I had done the right thing. have met some of his family members, Approaching religious topics too soon and they are beginning to communi- might undo all the trust that he had cate with him again. been carefully building. But with a Will you please join us in prayer for prayer I mailed the card anyway. this brother that he will find the joy "Your card touched me deeply," Mr. that comes from complete surrender to Boucher wrote in reply. And we now the Lord Jesus Christ? And may God knew that we could speak to him more touch your heart with the needs of freely about Christ. those close to home today. Unknown to us, he shared our letters with his cellmate, who also wrote to us two or three times when * From The Holy Bible: New International our friend was too weak or depressed Version. Copyright © 1978 by the New York International Bible Society. Used by permission to do so. of Zondervan Bible Publishers. During a short visit to Paris my t This is not his real name.

22 MISSION QUARTERLY TELL IT LIKE A PRO—SPEAK UP! December 8 Austrian Update MISSION interviews Franz Krakolinig Pastor, Austria Note to the Presenter:In your own and other countries over the years. words tell: (1) Facts about Austria (2) Franz Krakolinig (krah-ko-LIN-ig) God sends rain (3) Philemon is healed knew as a young man that God was (4) Conclusion as given. calling him to mission service. And because many of the African countries Austria is a small scenic country of then belonging to the Euro-Africa Central Europe. It is about the size of Division used French as their lingua South Carolina in the United States, franca, Franz attended the French but has two and one-half times the Adventist Seminary in Collonges, population. Its nearest neighbors France. include , West Germany, After serving at Koza, in Cameroon, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Yugosla- Franz and his wife moved to Dogba, via, and Italy. It is the home of where she operated the dispensary Viennese waltzes and the Danube and he the Bible school. Of their six River. years in Cameroon, four were years of Of the 7.5 million population, more famine. In April, 1973, the Moslems than half live in urban areas, and 20 held a great prayer meeting in the dry percent live in Vienna, the capital. For riverbed. But no rain fell in answer to hundreds of years Austria was the their prayers. center of the powerful empire ruled by Later, during the Sabbath sermon, the Hapsburgs. The empire collapsed the Adventist preacher called for a with the defeat of Austria-Hungary at special week of prayer to pray for rain. the close of World War I. He urged all those present to examine The per capita income is $500 more their hearts and to confess their sins. than in the United States. Ninety On Sunday evening everyone walked percent of Austrians follow the Roman to the church. Not a cloud was visible Catholic faith, while 6 percent are in the sky. Again they prayed for rain. Protestants. The Austrian Union of Monday and Tuesday evenings they churches has 2,829 baptized mem- followed the same procedure. They bers—one in 2,653. The ratio of non- sang and prayed and read Bible prom- members is five times as high as in the ises. The story of Elijah seemed partic- United States. So the spiritual needs ularly meaningful. Then the Lord are great. rewarded their faith. But Austrian Seventh-day Advent- "When we came out of the church," ists have been particularly liberal Franz recalls, "we heard a distant with their sons and daughters. They rumble. That evening the rain poured have sent many missionaries to Africa from heaven and continued for four

PRACTICE BRINGS SPARKLE TO REPORTS 23 days. And during that time it rained to see the pallor of death on Phile- only on our village. Six kilometers mon's face. (four miles) away they received none "I took his hand," Franz said. "There until the rains set in for all of northern was no life in it. I called him by name, Cameroon. but he did not stir." People from other villages knew Franz continued to hold Philemon's about the miracle rain at Dogba. "Why hand as he knelt beside the bed and did it rain there?" they asked. And pleaded with God to heal him. After some of our Moslem friends replied: the prayer Franz called Philemon's "Because the Adventists prayed." name again. The boy opened his eyes Can you imagine the prayers of and looked around. This was his first thanksgiving at Dogba? The people sign of life in three weeks. praised the Lord that He lives and When Philemon returned to school loves His children. after recuperating, his teachers could Franz tells too of Philemon, a stu- detect no loss of intelligence or mem- dent whom everyone loved for his ory. He praises Jesus, reminding sunny personality. One day at Dogba, everyone that God is the same yester- Franz heard that Philemon was in day, today, and forever. isolation at the Koza hospital one Franz requests us today to remem- hundred kilometers (sixty-two miles) ber the needs of the world field as we away. He had contracted a dangerous continue systematically to support the form of meningitis and had been in a World Budget. The French Adventist coma for three weeks. Seminary, his alma mater in Col- Doctors were discussing the proba- longes (co-LOANJ), France, will ben- bility of irreparable brain damage efit this Thirteenth Sabbath. when Franz arrived some days later to May God bless you as you give this visit the lad. The pastor was distressed morning.

24 MISSION QUARTERLY DOES YOUR VOICE SHOW THAT YOU CARE? December 15 No Handouts! As told to MISSION By H. Stoeger and Victoria Duarte Note to the Presenter: In your own people the basics of hygiene. Good words describe (1) The medical officer health habits could effectively stem (2) Worrisome facts (3) The needs of the tide of disease." As director for the Mozambique (4) Improvising in Ministry of Health, she recognized the Angola (5) No handouts (6) Descrip- need to train young people in public tion of the Adventist Seminary at Beira health so that they might teach their (7) Conclusion as given. people. "We don't want just head training," During a lull in the conversation I she continued. "It must be a practical summed her up from first impressions. training—down to earth and con- Alert eyes, intelligent and forceful in cerned with daily living. We must manner, and a way of speaking that teach people how to manage with hinted of the tremendous responsibil- meager means—how to improvise. ity weighing on her mind. She proved My mind wandered to a recent herself conversant with the facts and report from Angola. Our workers figures that describe the public health there knew how to improvise. Rebels of Beira (BEAR-ra), the provincial had disrupted normal life in one area capital of Mozambique (mozam- of the country, and several Seventh- BEEK), and its 120,000 inhabitants. day Adventist churches were left We talked of the recurring diseases, without a pastor. Their district pastor tuberculosis and bilharzia, which per- lived on the other side of the rebel sistently evaded control in spite of lines and could not get through to visit concentrated government efforts. "If his district. only the patients would follow the So for months the church members complete course of the prescribed med- had conducted their own services. But ication instead of quitting when the they couldn't conduct their weddings. symptoms decrease," she said. After some time the church elders A quick reference to the facts given approached the rebel leaders and in The World Almanac explains her explained how that one of the young concern. Nearly one half of the popula- church members was unable to get tion of this Southeastern African married because they had no minister. country are under the age of 15. And a The rebel leaders asked the name and mere 4 percent live beyond 60 (com- address of the minister and promisd pared with 24 and 15 percent, respec- to help. tively, in the United States). Two days later the minister was "Medicine alone is not the answer," kidnapped and brought to the rebel she said. "Somehow we must teach the leader, who forced him to hear an

PRACTICE BRINGS SPARKLE TO REPORTS 25 ideological speech, then took him to a to future self-sufficiency." group of men standing outside the As I returned to the school I read camp and told him to look after their again the sign beside the road: "Theo- needs. Can you imagine the minister's logical Seminary—School for Future surprise when he realized that these Ministers and Bible Workers in were his parishoners? Mozambique." How else could we Not only did the Lord provide a way describe the spartan campus where for him to conduct the wedding cere- twenty students train for the min- mony, but he was forced to visit and istry. Their mud-brick chapel serves care for the spiritual needs of those for as classroom, library, teacher's quar- whom he had been praying. Yes, our ters, and stockroom for the few teach- people learn to improvise. But I sus- ing aids available. pect that this was not entirely the The students and teachers have point that the medical director was long since learned to improvise. And trying to make that morning in Beira. they do not look for handouts. But they I wanted to assure her that at the rejoice that their specific need of Adventist Seminary we had similar adequate buildings will soon be met, aims to help our ministerial students thanks to the Special Projects portion become more effective leaders. of the Thirteenth Sabbath Offering "We don't want handouts," she next week. reminded me. "But we can definitely Thank you for remembering their use specific help to start us on the road needs.

26 MISSION QUARTERLY DOES YOUR VOICE SHOW THAT YOU CARE? December 22 My Heart Is in Collonges John H. Weidner Church elder, Pasadena, California Note to the Presenter:In your own and forth into Switzerland. words tell: (1) John's introduction to The year after our arrival I gave my Collonges (2) The Saleve (3) Student heart to the Lord and was baptized in life (4) A famous teacher (5)World War the little font down the hill from the II experiences (6) The college today (7) present chapel. So Collonges became Appeal as given. my spiritual birthplace. I enjoyed my years as a student, too. I wished we I was 12 when my father left his could have taught the world a thing or pastoral ministry—he had served in two about the different races getting Holland, France, and Belgium—to along in harmony. My friends teach Greek at the French Adventist included sunny Italians who loved to Seminary in Collonges (co-LOANJ), sing the melodies of their homeland, France. The school had been opened vivacious French students, and hard- just three years. To me it meant no working Swiss. longer being required to attend public Some of my friends felt called to school on Sabbath. To my father it prepare for mission service. Memories meant not having to spend one day of them have spurred me to give to each week in jail because of the day's missions over the years. schooling his children missed. At Collonges I learned to sell books When adults arrive in Collonges for door to door. France is only 2 percent the first time, they look up at the Protestant, remember, so in those Saleve (sa-LEV) mountain, awed by days our Catholic neighbors did not its beauty and rugged height. But I, appreciate our visits. Selling books like most boys, thrilled with adven- was not for the fainthearted. ture. I could hardly wait to find some And I'll never forget our teachers. ropes and learn rappelling. I also They instructed us well and helped us thought of the Saleve in terms of form Christian characters. My Bible skiing, for it was here that I mastered teacher, Elder Alfred Vaucher (vo- the art of downhill skiing. SHAY), is now 93 years old. The new I was delighted to discover that, library, made possible by the Thir- while Collonges is in France, it bor- teenth Sabbath Offering of 1977, was ders Switzerland. Geneva and the old named for him. He was a wonderful League of Nations building with its inspiration. He is a direct descendant many distinguished visitors were only of the Waldenses, and his grand- a ten-minute drive away. And our mother was the first convert to family spent many a Sabbath after- Adventism in Europe. noon on rustic trails that crossed back I graduated from Collonges at the PROJECT YOUR PERSONALITY AS YOU SPEAK 27 beginning of the depression, having high places. In May, 1982, when studied theology and business admin- Queen Beatrix of Holland visited Los istration. Angeles, my wife and I were invited to When the second world war started, meet her at a private reception. We I was able to help the people of my gave her a special leatherbound copy native Holland organize an escape of Steps to Christ. In November I also route for Jews from Holland through presented her father, Prince Bern- Belgium and France to Collonges and hard, with the book, Thoughts From from there to Switzerland, where they the Mount of Blessing. would be safe. The Gestapo controlled I'm glad for the sense of service that every border and route connected to it. French Adventist Seminary instilled But I used to avoid them by crossing in me. The college has grown now. the Saleve. We would cut the barbed Where once it offered only a two-year wire in the night and help the people diploma, it now offers the equivalent across the border. We thank God that of a four-year college degree and a we saved more than one thousand one-year M.A. And after twenty years people as a result, some of whom of negotiations this degree is recog- became Seventh-day Adventists. nized by the French Government. I was arrested, imprisoned, and And, where in 1960 Collonges had tortured a number of times. But each thirty theology students, it now has time I was able to escape. Once I 175. But they are still trying to escaped execution by only one night. A operate out of the same space in the Gestapo guard had discovered a Bible central administration building that in my pocket, and this impressed him they have occupied for twenty years. to help me. Your offering today will help provide Many honors have come to me over much-needed new facilities for the the years from the Dutch Govern- School of Theology. Thank you for ment. And many times I have had the your generous support of the Thir- opportunity to witness for the Lord in teenth Sabbath offering.

28 MISSION QUARTERLY FACTS ADD SPICE; DON'T OMIT THEM December 29 Two Who Come Dad( Robert Hof and Pierre Kempf Note to the Presenter:In your own serve You more," she prayed. "Please words tell: (1) Tania's dream (2) show me what I can do now to serve Sickness strikes (3) Answered prayer You." and return to Collonges (4) Pierre's Since Tania's health would not disappointment (5) The unhappy allow her to return to Africa, her wanderer (6) Return to the Saleue. husband and children returned home. God guided her to enroll at the univer- Tania arrived at the French sity for a course in library science. Adventist Seminary in Collonges (co- Then she returned to Collonges as the LOANJ), France, with a dream. She librarian for the French Adventist wanted to become a missionary like Seminary, where she now serves. her parents. She met a young man who Pierre's parents also were mission- shared the dream, and after their aries in Africa. But they were pioneers marriage they stayed on at Collonges, of the Adventist work. So Pierre never Tania as a secretary and her husband lived in a place where there were as a teacher. Soon after a baby girl many Adventists. For this reason he joined their family, God made their looked forward to furlough time, when dream a reality by calling them to he would attend school at Collonges serve at the Adventist school at Nanga for a year. Eboko, Africa. Two more children But things didn't go well at the joined the family to make Tania's joy school. Pierre wondered how Chris- complete. tians could behave as some of his Then hepatitis struck. Tania, her classmates did. His dream of school in husband, and little boy all came down the homeland turned out to be a with the disease. The husband and son nightmare. In his disappointment, began to recover normally, but Tania Pierre rebelled against God. For the worsened. After two months she was next five or six years he lived in open flown home to the Gland Sanitarium, revolt against God and society. in Switzerland. But the doctors gave At 21 he settled down some, but he little hope that they could save her. still lived for pleasure and avoided Tania's family and friends joined anything of a religious nature. the doctors in praying for Tania's "I wanted neither God nor master," recovery, and the children at the he says today. "And even though I was elementary school at Collonges not breaking the law, I was just as far organized a prayer chain for her. from Jesus as before." When Tania was out of danger, she Then Pierre began to plan a grand thanked God for His healing. "Lord, excursion across Africa by river. If he You extended my life so that I could succeeded in his plan, he would be the

TELL IT LIKE A PRO—SPEAK UP! 29 first ever to have done so. Soon televi- are human too." sion, newspapers, and radio began to When Pierre surrendered his life to cover the event. Pierre met important Jesus, he discovered a peace and joy he people. And when the trip proved to be had not expected. "It's like having successful, offers of money and a something solid to hold in your brilliant career opened up. hands," he says. "And after all I've "But the better things went out- been through, it feels good." wardly, the worse they went within," Pierre's whole outlook on life soon he says. "The more I came to know of changed, and he knew that he would the world, the less it appealed to me." never be satisfied with anything less Gradually Pierre's conscience in life than to go back to Collonges and began to awaken, and he recognized study for the ministry. And that's what was wrong with him. "I had been what brought Pierre back to Col- too busy noticing the behavior of other longes. Christians," he says. "I reacted to the Many Adventist students from shock by rejecting God. Then I realized North America attend Collonges each that these people I was criticizing may year under the Adventist Colleges themselves have been lost. How stupid Abroad program. The college offers of me to lose my salvation because of first-class facilities for teaching them!" French as a second language. Tania Today Pierre knows that his stand- and Pierre thank you for your gener- ing with God is between him and God ous support of the World Budget alone. "So I don't need to worry about Offerings and invite you back to what others think or do. After all, they Collonges.

30 MISSION QUARTERLY THANKS FOR BEING A MISSION REPORTER My Offerings "They presented unto him . . . gold, and frankincense, and myrrh" (Matt. 2:11).

I bring Thee gold, the gold of purest love, Dug from the mine within my heart: Diffusing all my being, controlling every part, Reflecting in my life that power from above.

I bring Thee frankincense of worship, and my prayer, The adoration of my heart to Thee alone. I breathe Thy name—and in its tone I find the perfect panacea for my care.

I bring Thee myrrh of loyal service free, The willingness to be and do as Thou dost ask. To live Thy life, to finish well my task. These be my offerings, Lord, to Thee. —E. Culley

THE INTER-AMERICAN DIVISION WILL BENEFIT FROM THE SPECIAL PROJECTS OFFERING FIRST QUARTER, 1985

Future Projects: First quarter, 1985: Inter-American Division (West Indies, Colombia-Venezuela). Second quarter, 1985: North American Division (Alaska, mainland inner-city.) Third quarter, 1985: Africa-Indian Ocean Division

Printed in U.S .A. Germany EURO-AFRICA Belgium Czecho lovakia DIVISION

rael

1. Construction, Theological Seminary, SAO TOME • Collonges, France 2. Construction, Theological Seminary, Church Unions Population Churches Members Beira, Mozambique Angola 7,078.000 198 58.346 Austrian Union 7,505,000 41 2,829 Bulgarian Church 8,862.000 60 3,227 Czechoslovakian 15,312.000 139 7.635 France-Belgium 63,954,000 139 9,322 German Democratic 6,737,000 298 10,248 Republic Hungarian 10,713,000 131 4,814 Italian Union of 57,428,000 78 4,871 Churches Mozambique 10,473,000 104 26,434 Portuguese Union 9,933,000 57 5,817 Mozambique of Churches Romanian 22,201,000 524 53,721 South German 30,866,685 204 13,136 Beira Spanish Union of 37.497,000 47 4,673 Churches Swiss 6,399,000 59 4,076 West German 30,694,315 178 12,267 Yugoslavia 25,078,000 273 10,518 Greek Mission 9,599,000 10 244 Israel Field 3,871,000 4 74 North Africa Mission 45,205.000 3 30 Division Totals 419,406,000 2,547 232.282