08 18

INSPIRATION & INFORMATION FOR NORTH AMERICA

INSIDE Adventist Journey

Contents 05 Mission Upfront 10 NAD News Briefs Strangers at a Funeral

06 Feature 14 Perspective Hearing Their Hearts Learning and Loving for Eternity

My Journey

I absolutely love my kids. I have 22 first-graders. They’re such a blessing, and I love teaching them how to pray and more about Jesus. It’s fun to do lessons with them—to watch the bulb light up in their brain, knowing that I helped that happen. . . . I’m looking forward to another school year with them. Visit https://vimeo.com/nadadventist/ajmadelineringering for more of Madeline’s story.

Adventism’s —MADELINE RINGERING, (soon-to-be) second-year student missionary, Pohnpei Madeline Ringering is pictured here on a bulletin historic “journal board, in a heart-shape she made with photos of all her 2017-18 students. of faith” presented Cover Photo by Dan Weber in modern form. Dear Reader: The publication in your hands represents the collaborative efforts of the ADVENTIST JOURNEY North American Division and Adventist World magazine, which is inserted halfway through Editor Kimberly Luste Maran Adventist Journey (after page 8). Please enjoy both magazines! Senior Editorial Assistant Georgia Standish

Art Direction & Design Types & Symbols Adventist Journey (ISSN 1557-5519) is the journal of the North American Division of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. The Northern Asia-Pacific Division of the General Conference of Seventh-day Consultants G. Earl Knight, Mark Johnson, Dave Weigley, Subscribe to Adventists is the publisher. It is printed monthly by the Pacific Press® Publishing Association. Copyright Maurice Valentine, Gary Thurber, John Freedman, © 2018. Send address changes to your local conference membership clerk. Contact information should be today and enjoy inspiring, available through your local church. Ricardo Graham, Ron C. Smith, Larry Moore Executive Editor, Adventist World Bill Knott informative, and innovative content PRINTED IN THE U.S.A. Vol. 1, No. 8. August 2018. Adventist Journey Publication Board Daniel R. Jackson (chair), G. Alexander Bryant (vice chair), Kimberly Luste Maran (secretary), G. Thomas Evans, Tony Anobile, on the platform of your choice. Larry Blackmer, Paul Brantley, Debra Brill, Alvin M. Kibble, Gordon Pifher, Kenneth Denslow, Daniel Weber, Julio Muñoz, Karnik Doukmetzian, legal advisor Scripture References Unless otherwise noted, all Bible references are taken from the The Holy Bible, New International Version. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. www.adventistreview.org/subscriptions E-mail: [email protected] | Web site: nadadventist.org (208) 465-2691

08 / 18 ADVENTIST 03 FEATURE MISSION UPFRONT

MISSIONARY: Cristina Norcross LOCATION: Pucallpa, Peru

Strangers at a Funeral

WRITTEN BY ANDREA KEELE, AS SHARED BY CRISTINA NORCROSS

Cristina Norcross is from Mount Pleasant, Michigan, AN E-COURSE BY THE working on her bachelor’s degree in biology, with plans CENTER OF EVANGELISM to attend medical school at and become a pediatric oncologist. Her volunteer work at Amor Left to right: Joffre, Lauren, Cristina Projects in Pucallpa, Peru, was a perfect fit. Her role for 10 [Norcross], and Laurita months included serving as a nurse at the clinic, setting up Photo provided by Cristina Norcross mobile clinics, and promoting health awareness. She was also involved in other ministry projects, as told in the story below.—Editors. Laurita struggled to breathe. fter only three weeks in Peru, Cristina and some of the other volunteers attended the After running tests, the doctor funeral of a local church member. She wasn’t informed them that she was septic. sure how her presence could be much of a Asupport for a family she didn’t know, but God used her willingness in a surprising way. While at the funeral, the volunteers discovered that some of the locals were look- needed to go to the hospital by ambulance, but the clinic ing for a place to attend church and have Bible studies. would not release her without payment. Laurita’s fam- Jennifer and her family, owners of the house where ily was poor; so Cristina quickly ran door to door and the funeral had been held, offered to host Bible studies collected enough money from the missionaries to cover and English classes. It became a house church. Cristina the medical expenses. Then she rushed with Joffre to the joined this new church family and excitedly watched it clinic to pay so that Laurita could be released and taken grow from four to 10 members. to the hospital. They stayed with the family until things LEARN ANYTIME. ANYPLACE. ANYWHERE. As they worked together, Cristina and the other vol- were more stable, and returned to Amor late that night. Affordable, Convenient & Empowering Online Bible Training unteers became close to Jennifer, her husband, and her On Sabbath the missionaries returned to the hospital to three daughters. When they discovered that her oldest visit, and although they could not enter the room, they re- daughter, Laurita, was suffering from tuberculosis, they ceived permission to sing to Laurita outside her room. Her Your training will focus on Jesus’ method of evangelism, giving Bible studies, answering brought medicine, but realized that she needed more expression let them know that God had lifted her spirits objections, conducting church prophecy seminars, finding and leading seekers from interests help than they could give. through the music. However, on October 18, 2017, Laurita One night the volunteers received a phone call. Lau- passed away in the hospital, surrounded by loved ones. to baptism—but that’s just the tip of the iceberg of what you’ll learn, gain, and experience! rita was not well and needed urgent medical attention. The Sabbath after the funeral, Jennifer told Cristina Cristina and Joffre, another volunteer missionary, drove that she was pregnant—she had confirmed it the same immediately to Jennifer’s house, where a crowd of fam- day Laurita died. She asked Cristina and Joffre to be the ily members stood outside. Laurita’s fiancé rushed her padrinos (godparents), which they happily accepted. out to the car, and several family members jumped in Cristina marvels at how God worked through a strang- Course includes live Q&A sessions with before they rushed to the medical clinic. Laurita strug- er’s funeral to lead them to this family just in time to Pastor Doug Batchelor and Amazing Facts evangelists! gled to breathe. After running tests, the doctor informed help them through their crisis, and to look forward them that Laurita was septic. with them to the new life of baby Dulce Laurita, born When Cristina and Joffre arrived back at their home at in March 2018, as well as to eternal life and a heavenly Get all the details at Amor Projects they received another phone call. Laurita family reunion someday.

04 ADVENTIST online.afcoe.org www.nadadventist.org 08 / 18 ADVENTIST 05 FEATURE  ”Is This Thing On?” host Julio Muñoz addresses NAD administrative leaders FEATURE during the May 12 live show. Dan Weber

Where

The Program to Watch Leaders from the North American Division (NAD) of the Sev- Go to Facebook.com/NADAdventist/ enth-day Adventist Church engaged in conversation with college videos/10157319638629409/ to watch students on the May 12, 2018, ITTO video livestream. The two-hour the “Is This Thing On?” video; for more broadcast took place on the campus of Walla Walla University (WWU), where more than 200 gathered in the Winter Educational information, checkout the NAD Facebook Complex to ask questions on many topics, including term limits page at Facebook.com/NADAdventist; for church leaders, educational costs and opportunities, women’s or visit www.ittoshow.org. ordination, social issues, church structure and finances, and oppor- tunities for young adults to serve in church leadership positions. Dan Jackson, NAD president; Alex Bryant, executive secretary; and we allow culture—and not all culture is and Tom Evans, treasurer, addressed each live audience question bad, but we allow, perhaps at times, some of during the unscripted program, which streamed on the NAD’s the negative aspects of culture—to come in Facebook page. ITTO host and producer, Julio Muñoz, also took because we’re not following Jesus as careful- questions from Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram via student so- ly as we might, and we’re not following the cial media ambassadors who monitored and posted from various Word of God. social media accounts throughout the course of the show. “There are aspects of culture that we need to In addition to Walla Walla University student musicians performing embrace,” continued Jackson. “It has made wor- for each segment, five students were tasked with working as social me- ship and spreading God’s gospel a lot easier.” dia “ambassadors” during ITTO. Four of these students, which included Bryant weighed in: “I think we’re blinded a Yamada, interacted with Muñoz periodically throughout the broadcast, lot by our culture and our traditions, not realiz- sharing viewer statistics and questions that the NAD officers answered. ing they are traditions and culture. Sometimes “This is remarkable that NAD administrators are reaching out we put those on the same level as biblical to Adventist young adults and asking for their engagement with truth or biblical understanding. The best we church leadership,” commented Facebook user Phil Muthersbaugh. can do is to challenge ourselves to use the In another Facebook comment, viewer Joe Graffi said, “Thank Word of God as a rule, and to put everything you, young people/students for your willingness to stand up and against that. Things change, culture changes, ask tough questions. I am a 73-year-old who has the privilege of and traditions change, but . . . the principles of Hearing coleading the youth in our Nixa, Missouri, [Seventh-day Adventist] the Word of God are lasting and everlasting.” Church. We are a multicultural church, nearly two thirds of our “I was just meeting with a group of alumni congregation is Russian. We all love and support each other, and from my academy a few weeks ago, and as we we are strong in the Lord because of our love for one another.” went around the room some of those things “We are connecting with [people] on social media,” said Muñoz. came up,” Evans shared. “Some of the things “As we look through the data it is apparent that engagement, even that we looked at from culture, back when we Their BY KIMBERLY LUSTE MARAN during a time in the year when most of our NAD college students were in school and so forth. A large share of are not in school, was high. The dialogue online reflected the show.” the class had realized that coming back and being close to the Lord was more important In the Q&A than those areas; and some of those things Jackson, Bryant, and Evans addressed more than 20 questions they had been brought up with had gone oes the NAD have a strategy taken from both the live studio audience and online audience away from insignificance.” Hearts to help transition promising (from Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram) during the show proper. millennials into denominational Questions covered a broad array of topics, including the following Being Connected leadership positions?” query on tradition and culture. Early in the show theology major “When students walked into the gym and DThis was the first question asked Jared Frost asked, “How can we as a church distinguish tradition saw how serious the NAD was taking it with during to the third “Is This Thing On?” and culture from religion and worship?” all the production value such as cameras, (ITTO) conversation. Walla Walla Univer- Each NAD officer answered, with Jackson speaking first on this lights, music, and social media, it made us Social issues, church culture sity electrical engineering major Andrew question. He said, “That’s a question we grapple with everywhere feel as though they care about what we have Yamada, a member of the social media [we] go. It doesn’t matter what continent you’re on, that question to say—that we have a voice for the NAD and and structure are hot topics student team, raised this question from is being asked, or at least questions relevant to that. . . . I think it is can express our concerns,” Yamada said. during third “Is This Thing “Ryan” on Twitter. very important that we put emphasis on our individual members. “I appreciate that the NAD leadership is The lively discussion, which ultimately We must be close to Jesus ourselves to begin with. We must study willing and doing its best to seek out our On?” live-streamed event. exceeded the allotted two hours, had begun. the Word of God for ourselves. You see, I think traditions come in, voices,” said Katie Folkenberg, a junior social

06 ADVENTIST www.nadadventist.org 0802 / 18 ADVENTIST 07 snapchat • twitter • facebook 23,270 reached BELIEVE S PONSORSHIP 2018 REACH The Closing Moments 2,100 views

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 University students Andrew Yamada to bring that into our everyday life (left) and Mariela Smith monitor social “The plain and in our office as we move forward.” Learn how you can become a sustaining supporter and register media during the May 12 show. Dan Weber simple truth is: you After the broadcast ended, Evans for a weekend at: vopsponsors.com | 1.800.429.5700 and the other NAD officers stayed

work major at WWU. “I think they are needed and you almost another hour answering Sponsorship 2018 Review Half Page Ad v2.indd 1 6/18/18 3:36 PM will need to prove themselves for a questions. Jackson expressed his lot of youth in the church to show are wanted in the interest in continuing the dialogue, that, yes, they heard our voices, and church. Help us.” saying, “The plain and simple truth they’re going to try to make some is: you are needed and you are changes within the church.” Evans, a new guest to the show, wanted in the church. Help us.” Near the end of the broadcast agreed, describing how more Jackson encouraged those who Bryant talked about the importance young adults have already been remained to write him with sug- of connecting with young Adven- participating in church meet- gestions on how the church should tists. “I would like to challenge this ings. He said, “These particular deal with the issues it faces. “I am ALL YOUR body, along with other students sessions that we’ve been hold- very open to hearing your heart on across our division, to help us,” he ing here in the North American this, so that we can consider what said. “I think we started out dealing Division with the young folk in you have to say in more depth than MINISTRY with the generational gap in our our colleges and universities have we can afford in terms of time in a church. Help us bridge that gap by been a great thing. We meet with program like this.” reaching out to our seniors. The our administrative committee, Plans are underway for another NEEDS FROM North American Division church is probably once a month for a live event, and a recorded show. getting older. Many of our students number of hours. What we learn To continue the conversation, and young adults, when they go to in these kinds of meetings does young adults are encouraged to AZ church and see some people who not go unnoticed. We look to see use #NADnow when tweeting/ Whether you’re looking for resources for your Pathfinder Club or you are so steeped in tradition, they what the trend is for our church, posting questions. need new ideas for family ministries, stewardship or the youth group, just kind of check out.” and how we can also help.” AdventSource has you covered. Bryant continued, “I encour- With some humor Evans added, Kimberly Luste Maran is editor of age you: if you see your fellow “We do notice a younger group Adventist Journey. Contact us today to learn more! students, or brothers and sisters, coming into our building all the help them to hang in there. It’s not time and, as some of us go out to 402.486.8800 | adventsource.org going to change overnight, but it pasture—as they say—we will see THIS MAGAZINE will change. We need you to help [more of] that. We look forward to CONTINUED AFTER us to do that.” hearing what you have to say. We try

08 ADVENTIST www.nadadventist.org Pieter Damsteegt CONTINUED

NAD NEWS BRIEFS

 V. Bailey Gillespie Provided by study of students in grades 6-12 resources for churches and schools enrolled in Adventist schools. Its goal so that they could turn research was to discover what makes Adven- findings into practical applications. NAD NEWS BRIEFS tist young people accept or reject The Adventist Church contracted the faith of their parents, and what with the Hancock Center to create the church can do about it. Begun in a curriculum used by children’s North America in 1990, Valuegenesis Sabbath School classes worldwide.  Adventist Community Services inspired spin-offs in Mexico, South Called the Gracelink Curriculum, Disaster Relief leaders present America, Europe, and Australia. it presented “the four aspects of a projects and exchange ideas during the ACS DR Advisory on May 6 to 7. Shortly after the release of the growing Christian experience: grace, Provided courtesy of Adventist first Valuegenesis research findings, worship, community, and service.” Community Services V. Bailey Gillespie, Gillespie founded the John Han- Gillespie is survived by his wife, Adventist Educator and cock Center for Youth and Family Judy; son, Tim; daughter, Shannon; Ministry at La Sierra University. and five grandchildren. will better ensure a consistent, Valuegenesis Leader, Its mission, in part, was to create — La Sierra University competent, professional deliv- Passes to His Rest ery process.” According to Lea, the course . Bailey Gillespie, Ph.D., 75, will be offered over the next passed to his rest early on May ANDREWS year in various locations with- 7, 2018, after battling liver cancer.V A memorial service was held UNIVERSITY in union conferences with the expressed purpose of certify- on May 19 in the La Sierra University STUDENT ing its leaders. church in Riverside, California. AWARDED BARRY The advisory concluded Gillespie’s career in Adventist edu- with reports from various cation and ministry began shortly af- GOLDWATER ACS DISASTER RESPONSE ADVISORY conferences and union con- ter he received his Master of Divinity SCHOLARSHIP ferences. For example, leaders degree from in n March 30, 2018, INSPIRES COLLABORATION, from South Central Conference 1966. He served as a church pastor, Mykhaylo M. Malakhov, a  Mykhaylo M. Malakhov, an Andrews shared their response to the as an academy religion and music ADDRESSES NEED sophomore mathematics University student, was awarded the Barry Federal Emergency Manage- teacher, and as an assistant dean for Omajor and J. N. Andrews Honors Goldwater Scholarship. Jessica Condon ment Agency’s request in wake admissions and student affairs in Scholar at Andrews University, nominate up to four students per year. he Adventist Community community when disaster strikes.” of Hurricane Harvey. Products the Loma Linda University School was awarded the Barry Goldwater Scholarship recipients are awarded Services (ACS) Disaster Re- Attendees had the opportunity and supplies were transported of Dentistry before moving to higher Scholarship, the most prestigious $7,500 per year until they graduate to sponse (DR) Advisory drew 50 to take a new course called “Deliv- from Jacksonville, Florida, to education in Loma Linda’s Division national award for undergradu- apply toward tuition, fees, books, and Tcoordinators and directors to Rhode ering Powerful, Purposeful Pre- Puerto Rico for five months. of Religion in 1976. He earned his ates who intend to pursue careers room and board. This year 211 schol- Island on May 6 to 7, 2018, to de- sentations,” created as one of the The team also took the oppor- Ph.D. in Christian Personality and in the natural sciences, mathe- arships were given to undergraduates liver reports on projects happening requirements for DR instructors. tunity to train teams from the Faith Development from Claremont matics, and engineering. across the United States from a pool around North America and beyond. The course will equip ACS DR lead- Florida Conference and South- Graduate University in 1973. Established by Congress in 1986 of 1,280 nominated students. The event took place at the Provi- ers to offer classes to their teams to eastern Union Conference in In 1981 Gillespie returned to his in honor of Senator Barry Gold- “Mykhaylo Malakhov is an out- dence Spanish Seventh-day Adven- ensure the best possible services. warehouse operations during undergraduate alma mater, La Sierra water, this scholarship is awarded standing young mathematician who tist Church just before the National “One of the challenges we are their five-month deployment. University (then known as the La yearly to the top STEM (science, also has a heart for people and for Voluntary Organizations Active in experiencing is a lack of instructors Leaders from the South- Sierra campus of Loma Linda Uni- technology, engineering and Jesus,” said Shandelle Henson, pro- Disaster (VOAD) conference. in each conference. This creates western Union Conference versity), as professor of theology and mathematics) majors who display fessor of mathematics and ecology “The advisory provides a time a dearth in the number of classes spoke about the rebuilding Christian personality and chair of the intellectual curiosity, a strong com- at Andrews University. “He is a true and place for interaction among that can be given by local instruc- initiative that was put in place church and ministry department. He mitment to research, and potential intellectual, with strong interests in ourselves, and can be the impetus tors, which leads to additional shortly after Hurricane Harvey served as associate dean of La Sierra’s to make significant future contri- the arts, literature, philosophy and for ideas on assisting communities expense covering travel of outside struck Texas. The union is H.M.S. Richards Divinity School from butions to their respective fields. music. He is the kind of person who that may not have been considered instructors,” said Lea. “A number now working with the Jeffer- 2015 to 2017, and as acting dean from To be considered, candidates will become extremely successful, previously,” said W. Derrick Lea, of those who’ve taught previously son County Long Term Re- 2014 to 2015. He remained a vital must be nominated by their and will then invest heavily in the director of ACS DR. “The collabora- have retired and moved to other covery Committee to prepare part of La Sierra’s religion faculty until university and fill out an exten- careers of others.” tion is helpful and can lead to part- stages of their lives. New instruc- houses for rehabitation. his retirement in June 2017. sive application complete with a —Hannah Gallant, Andrews nerships during ‘blue skies’ [times tors need to be certified. To that —Adventist Community Gillespie spearheaded the Value- research paper. Each university can University without crisis] that benefit the end, we have created a class that Services genesis research project, a landmark

10 ADVENTIST www.nadadventist.org 08 / 18 ADVENTIST 11 NAD NEWS BRIEFS NAD NEWS BRIEFS

 Washington Johnson, II

 Healthy Campus team Prudence Pollard, administrator and principal investigator; Shirna Gullo, director of HC2020; Michelle Ramey, grants director; and Leslie Pollard, Oakwood president, along with James Gavin, chair of the PHA board; and Nancy Roman, CEO of PHA. Provided by Public Relations ROCKY MOUNTAIN CONFERENCE PASTOR HONORED FOR NAD LEADER PUBLIC SERVICE BECOMES HIGHEST  Carmelo Mercado (left), Lake Union Conference vice president and director of n May 1, 2018, Rex Bell, has been very important to me,” RANKING ADVENTIST multicultural ministry; Ingrid Slikkers, Andrews University assistant professor and Bethany from Colorado, was said Bell while surrounded by CHAPLAIN IN U.S. Christian Services social worker; Nicholas Miller, Andrews University professor and recognized for “many family and members of the city Lake Union Conference Public Affairs and Religious Liberty director; Kerling Montanez, Oyears of extraordinary work and council. “I feel like I’m moving on NAVY RESERVE Conéctate vice president; Mayrel Narvaez, Conéctate committee member; Eva Cruz, Conéctate president stand together during the congress. Courtesy of Lake Union Conference OAKWOOD dedication to the City of Brighton” to new land and ventures.” he associate director of the UNIVERSITY throughout the two terms he Bell’s road to city council began North American Division with newly forged friendships YOUTH DISTRIBUTE PETITION RECEIVES CRYSTAL served as city councilman. Adventist Chaplaincy Minis- At City Hall, Bell was also with people at City Hall, who Ttries (ACM) was recently selected for URGING FAIRNESS AND HUMANITY APPLE AWARD presented with a Congressional would later ask him to serve on promotion to captain for the United Record plaque, signed by U.S. the city’s planning and zoning States Navy Reserve. The promotion ore than 300 participants work professor and Bethany Christian akwood University was an- Congressman Mike Coffman, committee. He ran for city council will bring Washington Johnson, II attending a Hispanic youth Services’ social worker, shared dis- nounced as a national finalist that read, “Council Member Bell when an opening emerged. When greater leadership responsibilities congress on the campus of turbing stories of children separated for Partner of the Year by has served his community for 23 the term ended, he was reelected through extensive oversight for MAndrews University signed petitions from their parents. She detailed trau- OPartnership for a Healthier America years as a Seventh-day Adventist to continue his service to Brighton. religious programming and counsel requesting fairness and humanity in matic incidents, such as a 6-month (PHA) during the 2018 Innovating a pastor in the City of Brighton. “I [did] not want to take my to members of the Navy Reserve’s policies pertaining to U.S. immigra- old baby now in their care who was Healthier Future summit. The organi- Council Member Bell has, without religion to the city, but I [wanted] to senior leadership ranks regarding tion and gun control. pulled away from their mother, as zation also extended national rec- a doubt, enhanced the quality of take my faith. There’s a difference. spiritual, moral, and ethical issues. According to Carmelo Mercado, well as children asking about their ognition to Oakwood for its Healthy life for every citizen in the City of And I [wanted] to take Christ to the Johnson becomes the third Lake Union Conference vice president parents’ whereabouts, and the agen- Campus 2020 campus wellness Brighton throughout his tenure community and that’s what we at- African-American Seventh-day and director of Multicultural minis- cy’s social workers being unable to initiative with the presentation of the as a city councilmember and as a tempted to do. We got involved and Adventist to hold the rank in the tries, the decision to circulate the two answer those questions. Partnership for a Healthier America›s resident of the City of Brighton.” one thing led to another,” said Bell. United States Navy Chaplain Corp, petitions grew out of discussions lead- Both of the petitions, drafted Crystal Apple award on May 3, 2018, “I’m humbled, grateful, and —Rajmund Dabrowski, commu- following Captain Herman Kibble ing up to a social justice workshop at with the help of Nicholas Miller, in Washington, D.C. kind of empty because it’s the nication director, Rocky Mountain and Admiral Barry Black. the youth congress. “We wanted to Lake Union Conference Public Af- Oakwood is the only institution passing of a part of my life that Conference “I am truly grateful to God for the not just talk the theory, but address fairs and Religious director, will be of higher education to make the list blessing of this selection and the social justice issues in a practical mailed to members of the United of finalists for campus wellness and opportunity to continue my chap- way,” he said. Mercado explained that States congress, and legislators in the innovations built into Healthy laincy ministry in the new rank,” the move is unusual because often Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Minne- Campus 2020. Other finalists are said Johnson. “It is a high honor to Hispanics are fearful of going public sota, and Wisconsin. Mercedes-Benz, McLane, Esstans, and serve both God and country.” about these high-profile issues. — Debbie Michel, associate director Bright Horizons Family Solutions. Johnson’s new level of administra- In announcing the immigration of Communication, Lake Union Con- Oakwood is also the first and tive authority in the Navy Reserve petition on Saturday evening, Ingrid ference; Visit http://ow.ly/npln30k- only Seventh-day Adventist univer- expands the scope of his duties to Slikkers, Andrews University social zyM4 to read petitions. sity nationally recognized by PHA. include strategic planning, and the “We are proud to lead the industry in training and development of other evidence-based health and wellness chaplains of various faiths. In his cur- opportunities that will help to States Northern Command in Colo- practices through this comprehensive rent role at ACM, Johnson facilitates prepare the next generation of rado Springs, Colorado. effort,” said an Oakwood representa- endorsements, recruits prospective Seventh-day Adventist chaplains,” The official promotion ceremony tive. “[We] hope our leadership spurs chaplains, and interacts with union said Johnson. for Captain Washington Johnson, II others to join the healthy revolution.” conference and conference leaders. Johnson is also a staff chaplain will take place October 1, 2018. —Oakwood University Public Relations  U.S. Representative Mike Coffman (right) presents Rex Bell with a Congressional Citation, “The promotion to captain will at the North American Aerospace —Mylon Medley, NAD in Brighton, Colorado, on May 1. Provided by the Rocky Mountain Conference provide increased mentoring Defense Command and the United Communication

12 ADVENTIST www.nadadventist.org 08 / 18 ADVENTIST 13 PERSPECTIVE

BY LARRY BLACKMER through a constituency had higher tithe Celebrating and membership growth compared with churches that were not involved with an Adventist school. Every year more that 40,000 young people are baptized into the Adventist Church worldwide as a result of Adventist education. This is the Learning equivalent of adding one large conference to the church every year! Yes, there are struggles and challenges and Loving involved with keeping a church school alive and well. But throughout my 40 for Eternity years in Adventist education I have seen again and again that in districts with a strong pastor-principal team-oriented ow, what time is it? It seems that just a short time approach, the struggle is less intense. ago I was the youngest principal in the room, and Church-and-school-shared ministry is later the youngest conference associate superin- the way forward in developing strong tendent. Wasn’t it only yesterday that I was looking churches and strong schools. Wforward to trying to implement change and innovation with the What time is it? It’s time that we col- Adventist school system? lectively strengthen our commitment to I just glanced at my watch and realized that my first day as a our children, both those in our schools THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND PRAYERS teacher was more than 40 years ago. I am no longer the “young and the children and families that have buck,” but rather “the establishment,” the gray-haired sage. When made other choices. Every Adventist  hopetv.org  facebook.com  twitter.com | 888-4-HOPETV did that happen? child deserves to know Jesus as their I have recently been reflecting on a long career and attempting personal Savior within the context of to ascertain what I did that was truly important during those years. the Adventist worldview. Where is a I’ve determined that although meetings and policies are a vital child or young person going to learn part of our educational process and, in time, often result in needed about the biblical Adventist teachings systemic change, what really is important are the people who touch of the sanctuary message, the remnant our lives, and lives that we hope we have touched along the way. church, or the role of Ellen White? Here’s the reason the Adventist Church supports Adventist Yes, we have Pathfinders, Sabbath education: not only to help students grow and develop into fine School, family worship—they all play citizens who can support and encourage families, but also so they vital roles. Yet sometimes these are not Following devastating floods in Bangladesh last year, food can develop lifelong and eternal relationships through which God enough. If our children do not attend is very expensive. Adventist Mission Schools are struggling can speak to and through them. Adventist education is more than Adventist schools, where these values with high costs to feed children properly. The cost is sharing knowledge with students; it is teachers and administrators are mapped into the curriculum, they impacting the schools financially. This appeal will benefit having a personal relationship with Jesus that is may not learn the biblical principles the Adventist mission schools financially and improve the diet of the children. Please help us help them! infectious. This allows students to see in us the that define the Adventist worldview as Every Adventist Jesus we ourselves love, so they, too, will desire being unique, or have the educational child deserves to a close relationship with their Savior. role models they need to lead them to Previously Asian Aid develop more fully their own personal know Jesus as their Throughout the decades the church has garnered lots of statistics that indicate, among relationship with Jesus. personal Savior within Supporting this appeal will achieve two goals: EMERGENCY other positives, that the longer children are in I can tell you from an old man’s • Children will be fed and receive sufficient nourishment MISSION the context of the perspective of 40 years working for the Adventist education, the longer they tend to • Adventist mission schools will get financial relief and avoid closure APPEAl Adventist worldview. stay in the church, the better the chances that church, that God is still in charge. I am Providing rice and vegetables for daily meals will mean children won’t go hungry and schools they will pay tithe, and the higher probability confident that He who began a good won’t face closure. they will marry another Adventist with similar work in His children will “carry it on to With 9,500 children attending more than 80 Adventist mission schools, mostly in poor rural areas. Education is critical to the evangelistic outreach in Bangladesh. beliefs and values. Adventist education undoubtedly plays a major completion until the day of Christ Jesus” Help us provide 5,000 (110lb) bags of rice (feeds 105 children one meal) to feed the hungry children. role in the lives of those who choose to attend our schools. But it (Phil 1:6, NIV). Each bag is $35. Help now with 1, 2, 5, 10, 50 or 100 bags or just donate any amount. Help these kids! also plays a significant role in the church as a whole. Donate to Child Impact International: www.childimpact.org | 423-9100667 When I was an associate education superintendent I conducted a Larry Blackmer is vice president of edu- Post to Rice appeal, Child Impact PO Box 763 Ooltewah TN 37363 conference study that revealed that churches connected to a school cation for the North American Division. Child Impact International is a registered 501 (c ) (3) non-profit organization and is a fully supportive ministry of the Seventh day-Adventist church.

14 ADVENTIST www.nadadventist.org NORTH AMERICAN DIVISION OF NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS U.S. POSTAGE 9705 PATUXENT WOODS DRIVE PAID COLUMBIA, MD 21046 Bolingbrook, IL Permit No. 2351

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