JulyJuly 17,17, 19971997

Cutting Edge

Making Waves

From St. Louis: 1997 United Youth Congress

Reflections on a Prodigal’s Return LETTERS

Where We Are Deaf Ministry dedicated his life to God. She made it The May 15 Cutting Edge Edition was Regarding “New Life for Canada’s Deaf possible for Jeff to “hear” the lectures super, all of it: Ministry” (May 15). at Andrews University and thus down to earth, It’s good to hear that some effort is become the first deaf graduate of the where we humans being made to reach the deaf. Near the seminary. Melissa should also be are. Lyndon close of the account, Elder John Blake granted a degree. McDowell’s says that if Pastor Jeff Jordan could understanding of hear, he would have had a call a long —Robert A. Dexter our bodies time ago—and wouldn’t have had to RENO, NEVADA (“Physiology of an pay his way at the seminary. Is there Affair”), Bryan L. some way this can be rectified? Vickery’s plain speak (“God Sat on His The Holy Spirit can work through Bad Choice Hands”), Myrna Tetz’s sensitivity Jeff and Melissa Jordan just as well as I was disappointed with the (“Passions”), Sandra Doran’s human He can work through any evangelist. photograph that accompanied Steve interest (“Blessed Are the Firm and They have both demonstrated a Moran’s excellent “Married to an the Fluid”), Steve Moran’s frankness dedication to spreading the gospel that Atheist” (May 20). Keeping the (“Married to an Atheist”). should not be ignored. Melissa, with marriage bed undefiled includes not And Andy Nash (“If You Could normal hearing, attended a school for putting it on display before the Melt a Heart, Would You?”), you got to deaf persons to learn to communicate public. And if this couple was not me for some subscriptions. I need more with those who are deaf. It was there married, only models, what were like the May 15 issue to pass out. Even that she met Jeff, who had already they doing in bed together? the appeals are getting through. I know in a day when people are hopping in and out of bed in books —E. G. Leslie Sorry, Sarah and magazines and on TV, this idea WILBURTON, OKLAHOMA So excited were we about one of our best may sound old-fashioned, but I was new writers, Sarah E. Coleman, of Walla Walla hurt to see it in the Review. I’ve Note: At presstime the “Melt a College, that we left out stopped going to movies, watching Heart” appeal has brought in checks her picture. TV, and reading most secular books for more than 180 gift subscriptions. It’s twice true. When we and magazines to avoid such things. With the checks came dozens of requested an author photo Am I going to have to blacklist the deeply personal letters (too personal to run with “Dear Mom and Review? I hope not. I’m 30 and to print) from parents, grand- Dad . . .” (May 15) and trying to raise three sons in the fear parents, even college students, “Shoot for the Moon” (May of the Lord. hoping that the Review will help 29), Sarah sent us a reconnect their loved ones with this snapshot of herself and a —Rondi Olson The real Sarah friend knowing that we church. Also, a large percentage of Coleman VIA E-MAIL sponsors requested that their names could crop out the friend. not be listed. In turn, we’ve decided Instead we cropped out Sarah. against running a “sponsor list,” as Our apologies to Sarah—and her relatives— On the Pedestal those contributing seem more for the blunder. (She called, laughing, to tell us Allan Martin is right in asserting that concerned about melting hearts than about it.) Next time we’ll get it right—and believe the only one to be on any pedestal is anything else. Our sincere thanks. us, there will be a next time. Jesus Christ (see “Who’s on Your —Editors. Pedestal?” The X-Change, Apr. 17).

2 (946) ADVENTIST REVIEW, JULY 17, 1997 The tragedy is that my generation by Ray Dabrowski and Dixil Rodriguez. and the one from which I have come I think the authors, while well have done a serious disservice to intentioned, miss the point. I have today’s young people and the had, with my team, the great privilege generation before them in using Ellen of seeing more than 10,000 precious G. White as a club to force a souls baptized during the past four COVER STORY behaviorally oriented righteousness— years in Russia and the Ukraine. The 8 Making Waves in contrast to a Christ-centered interest, as far as the Russians and They’re young, they’re Adventist, behavior. Ukrainians are concerned, has not and they’re having an impact The truth is that the young people slackened. The problem is with us—we among performers and listeners to of Ellen White’s day found it a real are ceasing to provide the resources to contemporary Christian music. pleasure to be in her company. She reap the harvest. BY JEFF TRUBEY was not a stodgy old woman. She Less than two years ago I conducted a loved the youth, and the youth crusade in Kiev. The experts said, “The ARTICLES dearly loved her. She never found time for public evangelism is past. You fault with their youthful energies. won’t get a crowd.” We had only 100,000 14 Defying the “Laws of Physics” She never criticized the failing of the people trying to get inside during the first What goes up must come down? youth. Instead, she sought to build meeting. At the conclusion of those Not always. them up and strengthen their love meetings, 12 new churches were formed BY KAREN LIFSHAY for Jesus. She knew what it was to with 3,448 new members. fall in love with the Lord. Her Please don’t tell me that the 24 Reflections on a writings reveal that love. interest has weakened. If baptisms are Prodigal’s Return The sad story that many of us We would do well to go back to declining in the former Soviet Union, know too well. the days of Paul and ask him the it is because we the church are BY WILLIAM R. HOLBROOK same question that was asked of Ellen sounding the retreat. The plain truth is White: “What is your relationship to that members in the former Soviet 28 The Food Experts Scripture?” Had Paul known that it Union have no money for evangelism. They thought they knew it all. would be 300 years before his letters I have just returned from a train trip BY ROSS CALKINS to the churches would be officially from Moscow to Vladivostok. At almost incorporated into the Canon, would every station my team of Russians, DEPARTMENTS he likely have replied as Ellen White Australians, Canadians, and Americans 2 Letters did—“My writings are a lesser light were met by Adventists crying, “Our city 7 Give & Take leading back to the greater light of begs you to come and preach the Word. Scripture”? Our people are dying without a knowl- 16 World News & Perspectives Are we afraid to admit that the edge of God. Please don’t forsake us.” 22 Sandra Doran: Dialogues same Holy Spirit who spoke 23 Children’s Corner through holy men of old (2 Peter —John Carter, PRESIDENT 1:21) could in these last years THE CARTER REPORT, INC. 27 The X-Change speak through a person of His THOUSAND OAKS, CALIFORNIA 30 Book Mark choosing (Joel 2:29)? God in His 31 Reflections YMESON infinite love for His people stoops T

Letters Policy ILL

to give them what they need in B light, truth, and understanding. He The Review welcomes your letters. EDITORIALS BY

used a frail, injured, female youth Short, specific letters are the most effective TION 5 What I Saw in St. Louis to speak His words of comfort, and have the best chance at being published. Letters will be edited for space 6 Growing an Adventist

cheer, and discipline—that we MANIPULA might know Him. and clarity only. Send correspondence to Letters to the Editor, MAGE Adventist Review, NEXT WEEK , I

—Gerald M. Reynolds, D.D.S. 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, ISC D VIA E-MAIL MD 20904-6600; Internet: No Contest HOTO [email protected] CompuServe Vegetarianism: It it a fad, or a pathway P network: 74617,15. to the abundant life? BY Russia: Missing the Point PHOTOS

Regarding “National Identity, Religion VER O Affect Evangelism in Russia” (May 22), C

ADVENTIST REVIEW, JULY 17, 1997 (947) 3 “Behold, I come quickly . . .”

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4 (948) ADVENTIST REVIEW, JULY 17, 1997 EDITORIAL What I Saw in St. Louis ROY ADAMS

was spending the weekend on the campus of one of our him I saw a modern Elijah, a man of God, unafraid to confront colleges not long ago, and on Saturday night began fishing the issue, and unapologetically challenge our young people to around for somewhere to go. To my surprise, there was no take responsibility for their own actions. organized activity whatsoever. The cam- That was fresh. pus was dead. I went back to my room. And when South Atlantic Conference A couple weeks later I happened to youth director Vanard Mendinghall3 Imention this to an official of another of our brought the Sabbath morning sermon, he colleges. He was not surprised. “At — —— too had the backbone to take the ball [mentioning the name of his college] we’ve directly into the court of the youth in front stopped planning Saturday night functions.” of him. As he massaged the story of the “Why?” I wanted to know. prodigal of Luke 15, the blame did not “Because the students just don’t come,” he center on the older brother—the favorite replied. target of not a few contemporary sermons “Well, what are they doing?” I asked in The preacher told it straight, and on the subject. Instead, he zeroed in on the stone-age innocence. they responded. son who went away—on his unreason- His answer was not pretty. It implied that a ableness, his ingratitude, his recklessness, good number of our young people are turning to alternative pointedly warning his young audience against those same entertainment that would not make us proud. dangerous attitudes today.4 What do we have here? Isolated cases? A trend? Based on the I think we’d be surprised to find that youth today want results of the Valuegenesis report some six years ago,1 I think we those who address them to quit the cowardly blame game and may assume that these represent more than isolated cases. tell it to them straight (as Patty Cabrera says in our cover How then should we respond? story).5 But it must come from deep down in the heart. And My observation—in regard, at least, to North America—is it must be done in an atmosphere that’s deeply spiritual. that many of us are into what former U.S. president George When Mendinghall stood to speak, that tone had already Bush used to call “the blame game.” We blame the church—for been set for him. its narrowness, its bigotry, its lack of love. As if the church By the Oakwood Aeoleans, for example. As these gifted were some entity in Washington, D.C., or Sydney or Oshawa. young adults concluded Richard Smallwood’s “God Is the And in place after place I hear that if the church fails to do Strength of My Life,” I turned to Amber Stackhause, a young this or that, “the young adults will walk” or “the baby boomers woman on the front row next to me. “That song—did it have will walk.” As if the church were a social club that you could special significance for you?” I asked. damage by canceling your membership. And we blame parents, She paused a few seconds to dry her tears and collect herself. teachers, and adults in general—easy, risk-free targets, Then she said: “That song is so awesome because Jesus is so unprotected by contemporary political correctness. awesome! And that’s how I’d like to praise Him—with everything I’ve got.” hat is why I found what happened at the United Youth Our young adults will respond when we Congress in St. Louis, Missouri, this past spring 2 so tell it to them straight—and in love. That’s refreshing. In a Friday evening sermon entitled “‘Knock, what I saw out in St. Louis. TKnock’; ‘Who’s There?’” Pastor Nevilon Meadows from 1 Chicago had the guts to beam his message directly to the youth For a comprehensive summary of this study, see Adventist Review, Jan. 3, 1991. and young adults before him. It was the frankest sermon I’ve 2 See report on the congress, starting on page 16. ever heard delivered to an Adventist audience, containing (as I 3 Mendinghall has since been elected presi- told him afterward) language strong enough to startle many dent of the South Atlantic Conference. 4 See William Holbrook’s testimony this issue, readers of the Review. pages 24-26. But there was nothing trite or cheap about his approach. In 5 See page 12.

ADVENTIST REVIEW, JULY 17, 1997 (949) 5 EDITORIAL Growing an Adventist ANDY NASH

he other day my wife, Cindy, announced that at school, studying not for a grade point average, but to learn; she wished she were a sea horse. at work, climbing the corporate ladder, not to climb the We were watching a Discovery Channel pro- corporate ladder but to serve better; at sport, playing her heart gram about the mating habits of sea horses (for out—but winning and losing with grace. some unknown reason) I hope that she pulls for the when the commentator noted that the underdog—no, not that she roots for Tmale (not the female) sea horse carries the Vikings over the Cowboys (though the baby sea horse to term. Cindy partic- that would be nice), but that she seeks ularly liked this line: “The day after his out the beaten, the broken, and helps ordeal, the male sea horse is impregnated them smile again. As Jesus did. again.” I hope that she’ll never abandon Yep, we’re pregnant. those very basic principles she’ll learn so That’s our baby girl (it had better be early on—sharing, cooperating, telling a girl—we’ve been buying a lot of pink) the truth—though most of us at some to the right. We snapped the first of 2 point do. million photos of her at the sonogram I hope that her world and her place earlier today. She reeled and rolled in a host of church will enable and encourage her to do whatever creative poses and even paused, fist to chin, to contemplate she wants to do—from full-time ministry to full-time her umbilical cord, currently life’s biggest mystery. motherhood. I joke around because, in all honesty, I don’t quite know I hope that someday, when she goes in for her sonogram, how to handle this event. Yes, we planned it, and yes, we’re she won’t have to go alone. thrilled beyond belief. But me? A dad? But more important, if some or all of these things don’t To help process the miracle, I thought about writing an happen, I hope that I can adapt as God adapts—patiently, open letter to our baby. But open letters seldom work—and kindly, lovingly. Because for a while I’m the only father I seriously doubt she’d read it anytime soon. So instead I’ll she’ll know. For a while my actions and attitudes will define share with you my hopes, my dreams . . . for my girl. her Christianity. I hope that she got very few of her dad’s genes (the The same goes for you, church. By welcoming my child into intense gene, the absentminded gene, the prone-to-get-lost- an accepting, caring community, you’ll give her—and her easily gene) and a lot of her mom’s (the gentle gene, the parents—a valuable, valuable gift. If this isn’t your practice—if thoughtful gene, the not-above-using-a-map gene). The you can’t separate young people from how they look or act—I world has plenty of Andys; it needs all the Cindys it can get. suggest that by early October you make it your practice. I hope that early on she learns just to be herself. So many I must close; my intense gene’s kicking of us discover that simple truth much too late—only after in. Besides, I haven’t felt the baby in at we sit sheepishly in the corner coveting a different look, a least five minutes, and I sense that she’s different walk, a different everything. Only later do we thumping out another message that realize that we were created this way for a reason—and that only Daddy can understand. In the to run down God’s handiwork is to run down God. I hope meantime I’d like to assure you, the that she realizes it sooner. Review reader, that I have Similarly, I hope that she gets her self-worth from what absolutely no plans to use this God thinks of her, not others. In downtown D.C., jealous forum to write about my baby teenage girls are taking razor blades to the faces of the girl every month. “pretty” girls—so the guys won’t like them so much. I hope I will, however, keep you that my daughter will be spared the pain, both types. posted if I learn other exciting I hope that she reaches beyond the world’s ideas of success: things about sea horses.

6(950) ADVENTIST REVIEW, JULY 17, 1997 ADVENTIST LIFE As a beginning ministerial intern in the Texas Conference, I assisted with evangelistic meetings. One of my duties was to rig pulleys so that from offstage I could dramatically draw the beasts of Daniel up out of the sea. One night as the evangelist GIVE described the dreadful and terrible beast with 10 horns, I pulled on the cord—but one of the horns caught & on a two-by-four. So I asked my wife

to correct the problem. REWS C Meanwhile, thinking I had missed Y ERR my cue, the evangelist again said, T “Now the dreadful beast will BY

appear.” TION At that moment my wife LLUSTRA stepped onto the platform. I TAKE —James Gray, Boise, Idaho One Friday evening during our family vespers, the phone rang just as we were kneeling for prayer. Our 6-year-old, Julie, volunteered to answer. As she picked MAKING THE GRADE up the receiver, she said, “Dear Jesus.” Luckily, the person calling was her Adventurer’s counselor, who quickly guessed where Julie’s mind was. —Elba Rosano, Marietta, Georgia

I knew my 3-year-old, Wesley, was hearing plenty of Bible stories when he recently told me, “Mommy, I was playing on the computer, and it came to pass that I had to stop to find my blankie.” —Rebecca O’Ffill, Columbia, Maryland

READERS’ EXCHANGE Please send correspondence directly to the writer, not to the Adventist Review. WANT WITNESSING ADVICE: When I witness to people about why I worship on the Sabbath, I state facts and don’t argue. But many people will not accept the fourth commandment as it is written. They want to believe that Christ’s resurrection on Sunday changed God’s day of worship. How can I help people SHOES OPTIONAL: Some students ride their take Scripture as it is written and not add or subtract anything? bikes to school; others walk to the next —Joe Cobb, Jr., Malouf Trailer Park, No. 122, Sidon, MS 38954 room. Here home school teacher Diane Gaspard, of Hinsdale, New Hampshire, guides STARTING OVER: I am a 78-year-old inmate baptized by H.M.S. Richards 26 her daughters, Lindsey and Amanda, through years ago. Unfortunately, I fell away from the faith for some time, but praise God the day’s lesson. Photo by Paul Miller. for His wonderful grace and mercy! I would love to correspond with any Review WE NEED YOU readers who would consider gladdening the heart of an Adventist in prison. Give & Take is your page. Send your —Jeremiah O’Dowd, E-90248, P.O. Box 8101 A-Quad 2122, San Luis Obispo, CA 93409 “Adventist Quotes,” top-quality photos, “Adventist Life” vignettes, “Readers’ NEEDED IN NEW MEXICO: If you are a faithful Adventist Christian thinking Exchange” items, and other short contributions about relocating or retiring in the Southwest, please write to me. Here in to: Give & Take, Adventist Review, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904; southeastern New Mexico many Adventist families have left because of financial Fax: 301-680-6638; CompuServe: constraints. We can use some more witnesses for Him. We have mild and dry 74532,2564. winters, a low-crime rate, and beautiful sunsets. —Zely E. Rivera, P.O. Box 1916, Lovington, NM 88260

ADVENTIST REVIEW, JULY 17, 1997 (951) 7 COVER STORY

Don’t look BY JEFF TRUBEY now,, butbut AdventistAdventist T WAS A SATURDAY evening, October 29, 1994,” artists are writes Billy Graham in his new autobiography, Just as I Am. impacting “On the stage of Atlanta’s vast impacting IGeorgia Dome, a high-energy rap musi- cal group called DC Talk was belting out a number at top volume, to the contemporary

Christian music circles.

Their critics call it compromise. Take 6: Cedric Dent, David Thomas, Mark Kibble, Claude V. McKnight III, Joey Kibble, Alvin Chea

obvious delight of the 78,000 fans

PRINGER packing the stadium, almost all of whom were under the age of twenty- D. S They call it one. . . . ‘Jammin’ in the Dome,’ as it OEL J was called, was a special youth-night BY outreach we had planned as part of our ministry.. HOTO P Atlanta Crusade. Did some from the

8 (952) ADVENTIST REVIEW, JULY 17, 1997 older generation wonder if I, or they, Memorial church and speaker- bottom line. It remains to be seen if had any business being there? I suspect designate for NET ’98. “We believe the influx of major dollars from the so. Admittedly, it wasn’t really my kind the music of NET ’98 will reach the secular entities will create a bigger of music, nor was it what we have ordi- younger generation with the fresh platform for CCM artists or a climate narily featured in our meetings during appeal of Jesus Christ.” that encourages business thinking over most of our ministry. But times change. Institutional support of ministry emphasis. As long as the essential message of the contemporary artists has increased in Meanwhile, several Adventist gospel is not obscured or compromised, the past few years. Chapel Music, ministries have rallied in support of we must use every legitimate method home to the Heritage Singers and now Adventist CCM artists. One of these we can.” Faith First, has expanded its music is the La Sierra University-based Relevance. It’s at the heart of what distribution system to include a Hancock Center for Youth and Billy Graham and thousands of other contemporary division and offers an Family Ministry. Executive director V. ministers seek in an effort to win lost annual talent contest to discover new Bailey Gillespie says the center has souls to Christ. It’s not only speaking artists. Adventist Book Centers are aggressively supported the contem- the truth, but speaking it in a language seeing contemporary music by porary arts to the point of initiating a that connects. And the language of Adventist artists sell extremely well. joint venture with Big Face Grace, a many young people today is music— “Overall, I’d say there’s a lot of talent ministry of seminarians from contemporary music. out there,” says Jay Cole, ABC Andrews University. “We have a Of course, for Adventists (as for manager in Hamburg, Pennsylvania. number of creative projects, both anyone else) contemporary music is a term “Our mission is to provide quality publishing and recording,” explains that constantly needs redefining. In the music and other materials to Gillespie. “We think the ministry of sixties and early seventies it was the Adventists and to our communities music is a creative way to explore acoustic guitar of the Wedgwood Trio, that will improve their spiritual life adolescent faith life. The center is Tranquility, and Take Three. In the late and prepare them for Christ’s soon planning on helping with Big Face seventies and eighties it was the coming. Contemporary artists help us Grace’s second CD next fall and harmonies of Harvest Celebration and achieve this.” continuing to work with Bible study the Heritage Singers. But it was in the guides for other groups. We would early nineties that the vocal gymnastics ut expanding Adventist music like to venture with [more] creative of six young men from Oakwood College ministries doesn’t come easily, artists as finances allow.” named Take 6 ushered in an Bsays John Stoddart, who accom- A. Allan Martin, cofounder of unprecedented worldwide awareness of panied Wintley Phipps in a concert at dre•am VISION ministries (and Adventist ministry through music. the White House. “When I think about Review columnist), says its goal is to Still, it remains one of our church’s being a full-time musician and a nurture youth and young adults in best-kept secrets that today, more than Seventh-day Adventist Christian,” says Christian lifestyle and leadership; at any other time, new and talented Stoddart, “there are two challenges dre•am VISION maintains an Adventist artists are connecting with that come to mind. The first is battling artists’/speakers’ bureau featuring young people in and out of the church. old SDA traditions about what are Adventist CCM artists, referring these These artists see their style of music not acceptable genres for Christian music. young talents to ministry professionals as rebellion against the system, but as a The second is a little more nuts and nationwide. “We have sponsored ministry tool to rescue a new generation bolts: Adventists haven’t generally paid events where Adventist artists open for from rampant secularism and show musicians [what we need to survive]. more renowned CCM artists,” says them the saving grace of Jesus. Consequently, I have to look elsewhere Martin. “We try our best to help bring It won’t, however, be a secret much for performance income.” our church to the realization of the longer. When the Adventist Review Some Adventist artists—such as vast pool of musical talent that is out decided to revamp its image to reach a Take 6, Patty Cabrera, Kelli Williams, there ready to sing a new song for younger generation better, they had and Michael O’Brien—seek support Christ.” Faith First, a contemporary mixed within a $538 million contemporary “The model of church ministry that quartet of twentysomethings, host the Christian music (CCM) industry that we’ve been given in the New Testa- live-via-satellite launching event. now ranks sixth in popularity behind ment is one of spiritual gifts,” says Jerry Plans are also already under way to rock, country, urban contemporary, Mahn, director of youth ministries for gear the church’s premier evangelistic pop, and rap. Recent acquisitions, the Kentucky-Tennessee Conference. event, NET ’98, toward secular young however, have left every major “As a church we believe that every adults. “The church needs to be Christian record company owned by a member receives a spiritual gift when willing to speak in the language of the secular corporation, raising questions they accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour. twenty-first century,” says Dwight about the “watering down” of the These gifts are varied, but each one is Nelson, senior pastor at Pioneer message in order to achieve a healthy important, and each of us is expected

ADVENTIST REVIEW, JULY 17, 1997 (953) 9 team have reached a crossroads about 15 minutes. I just sat on the in their ministry. edge of the stage, and nobody moved With Scott, a PE major or said a thing,” remembers a misty- recently graduated from Pacific eyed Barry. “Then all of a sudden one Union College, departing to kid stands up and says, ‘How do I Faith First pursue session work in know I’m hearing God?’ The Lord Nashville, Marc entering gave me wisdom to say, ‘I don’t know. to medical residency, Shani Does anybody have an answer to use them for the kingdom. We graduating with an occupational that?’ Several other kids stood up and as a church must affirm [these] gifts . . . therapy degree from Loma Linda took a stab at [an answer], and all of and pray for each one as they put these University, and Andrea working in a sudden people starting bursting. gifts into practice.” elementary And then a kid comes up and Regardless of the past or future education, the apologizes to some of the challenges, says Steve Morgan, singers are teachers, and it started snow- founder and lead singer of Jesus pondering balling, and we didn’t close Music, he’ll continue to minister until what God the meeting until 12:00 that God calls him to do something else. has in store night. Kids were breaking, and “The whole purpose of why we do for them. God just came. There was what we do is to bring kids into “We’ve confession and repentance. It worship with God,” he says. “There is been in was an honest moving of the nothing that surpasses that. All the separate Holy Spirit, and they money we’ve invested, the hours in places for experienced God in an the studio, the all-night bus rides—it’s most of the environment where they could totally worth it. When we see young time the be themselves, let down, and be people being directed through what group has vulnerable. Lives were changed Brett Barr we do into worshiping God, that’s a been y that night.” success to us.” together, so the Here’s a sampling of the Adventist distance is not a problem,” says Marc. Michael O’Brien artists who, like Billy Graham, are “We’ll keep on ministering as long as Arguably one of Christian music’s attempting to build bridges to truth in God has that door open.” top male pop vocalists, Benson Music a way that is relevant to millions. recording artist Michael O’Brien has Brett Barry toured with premier CCM pop artists Faith First (Marc Judd, Andrea An acoustic folk/rock artist, Brett such as Point of Grace, Newsong, Judd, Scott Reed, Shani Judd) Barry sees an increased need for not Mark Lowry, Cindy Morgan, and One of the most popular groups only young people, but the whole Steven Curtis performing on the Adventist circuit, this church, to learn how to come into Chapman. A few talented CCM pop quartet is devoted to relationship-building moments of years ago he would ministering to the church’s youth. worship with God. “It’s not that we have been “Our ministry has always been to just need to teach [kids] how to play impressed with our peers,” says Marc Judd, “and we the music to worship,” he explains. such a résumé. felt that faith was an issue that needed “It’s [starting with] ‘How do you relate “I got caught up spotlighting. When someone threw out to God?’ and then your music being an in the whole Faith First for a name, we thought it extension of that.” industry thing had the message that we wanted to be Barry has had some exciting where you’re central for our ministry. We wanted to “relating to God” experiences during looking for your have a part in leading our peers and the past 10 years of his recording and name in magazines friends into a closer faith walk with touring ministry. One that sticks out and looking to see God.” was a last-minute call to be the speaker how high your Michael O’Brien To that end, Faith First’s mission at Shenandoah Valley Academy song is on the statement is “Share the truth, live the several years ago. Having never done charts,” says O’Brien. “My wife and I proof, and be faithful in all circum- this, Barry was able to “wing it” all the [both former Heritage Singers] would stances.” With multiple concerts, way through, but wasn’t sure how to anxiously look at the charts every including high-profile performances at end the week. On the advice of the week. And then the whole record sales the Crystal Cathedral and an Australian principal, he opened up the floor and thing. People would always ask, ‘How’s tour, and two albums under their belts, asked the students to let God lead. your record doing?’—you know, even the members of this seasoned musical “It was really uncomfortable for in churches. I think a lot of times it’s a

10 (954) ADVENTIST REVIEW, JULY 17, 1997 numbers game. I get to a church and lyrics range from a new version of the how the Holy Spirit is going to work,” maybe 200 people show up, and they prodigal son in “Bus Stop” to “Ani’s she says. “One night we were singing, expected 500, and they’re like ‘Man, Song,” a story song about two houses, and it was amazing, and we made an I’m really sorry,’ and I’ve discovered one with a family who knows God and altar call, and we waited and waited that that’s not what God’s all about. I one with a family and felt the Spirit tell us to wait just was building the cause of Michael that minute longer, and more than 100 O’Brien instead of building the cause young people gave their lives to the of Christ. Lord. That’s what makes it so im- “Then I just ended up breaking portant to be led by the Spirit. Because down one night and weeping before even when you think nothing’s going the Lord and getting on my knees and to happen, just obeying and letting the just praising Him, and since then the Spirit work is so exciting.” Spirit has manifested Himself in But, says Williams, for the Spirit to different ways than I’ve ever work through you, He must first work experienced. I’ve just seen a lot of in you. “A year and a half ago,” she fruits since then. My concert bookings says, “the Lord just changed my heart. have tripled after obeying God and There is a difference between being Big Face Grace leaving my manager. In the industry’s religious and knowing the Lord Jesus eyes it was a stupid move to leave. He that doesn’t. Their songs Christ for yourself. I had to change is a premier manager and has a lot of often raise questions that besiege the some relationships, and it came to the clout to get me places. But it wasn’t young generation. But contrary to point where I loved God enough that I what God wanted. their secular counterparts, BFG just didn’t want to live to myself any- “Since my heart has been broken members offer hope and a loving God more. And I think that’s what by God, I’ve seen so many people as solutions to problems in happened. Ever since then I love Him come to the Lord at concerts, where contemporary society. more and more.” before, when I was doing concerts, Their home base is Andrews there really wasn’t any response. University, where three of the band Jesus Music (Steve Morgan, People would say before, ‘You have a members attended the seminary. Michelle Higgins, Mike Acevedo, great voice,’ or compliment me on my “We’ve really been strongly supported Dave Hearl, Rob Young, Haydee music. Now people find me much by many of the seminary faculty,” says Dempsey, Donna Morgan, Brian more approachable to talk to about Knecht. “There were a few who were Carlson) spiritual matters, and I find them uncomfortable with our You know you have to be bold to asking me to pray for them. direction, but for the most name your group Jesus Music. And “You can’t let your music speak for part everyone has seen talking to Steve Morgan, founder, itself. You can’t be a silent witness. where our hearts are.” singer, and primary songwriter, one When you’re called to the ministry, definitely comes away knowing you’re called to be a people person. I Kelli Williams where Jesus Music gets its find that 90 percent of what I do is It’s not that she’s boldness. relational and 10 percent is music.” only 18 and on a “Jesus was relevant and real world tour with with people,” says Morgan. Big Face Grace (Michael Knecht, one of gospel “He acted relevant to the Roy Ice, Jeff Wright, Timothy Gillespie) music’s top singers, culture that He came into, What happens when you mix three Ce Ce Winans, that right then, right there. He youth pastors with an anthropologist? impresses the most. focused on relating with people Big Face Grace, an eclectic folk rock- Nor is it that people so that they understood His style CCM band with an alternative compare her purpose. The whole purpose of vibe and a heart to share Christ with powerful vocals to Jesus Music is to be relevant to a unsaved kids. Whitney Houston’s. culture that exists right now, the Since BFG members find them- What impresses same way that Jesus met the people selves ministering to kids who don’t people about Kelli at that time.” understand the whole “churchspeak,” Williams is her After converting to Adventism 10 the message they present in their songs spiritual maturity years ago, Morgan left a five-acre is extremely important. In their debut and powerful home and a lucrative surfboard Kelli Williams recording, Face the World, they sought dream to see business in Hawaii when he felt God to respond and reflect on the realities God change lives. calling him to full-time youth ministry of the Christian experience. Their “Sometimes you just don’t know through music.

ADVENTIST REVIEW, JULY 17, 1997 (955) 11 50 most beautiful people, it’s attention and love. Unfortunately, ironic that Patty Cabrera we’ve given them a label, Gen-Xers, believes so strongly about and set the stage for them to be getting past superficial issues immature and almost expect that of and getting straight to the them. We have to reach them where heart of what makes up a they’re at, whether it’s on a basketball person’s soul. “We must address court or a club or wherever . . . and the realities of our life and . . . love them.” not just talk about religious Cabrera is able to share her faith Jesus Music areas and give cookie-cutter and Hispanic culture through a path answers to life’s questions,” she little traveled by Christians—the says. “Because that is not real. secular media. She’s on the last leg of a You are not going to reach young 12-month publicity tour that has seen “Jesus Music has a four-point people that way. Young people are her sing and appear at the Republican ministry strategy,” Morgan explains. dealing with raging [issues like] National Convention, on all the major “We pray for God’s anointing on the wanting to have sex and relationship national television networks, and on kids, the leadership, and the com- problems, and suicidal tendencies. . . . local powerhouse secular radio shows. munity ahead of the concert. Second, There’s so much going on in [their Between her hectic touring, we play high-energy music geared to lives] that just can’t be answered with Cabrera is busy working on writing involve the kids and get their walls [clichéd] answers.” songs for her next album, to be down and let them know that we So what’s the answer? “Ultimately, released as a mainstream pop album. speak their language. Then we bring God is the answer,” says Cabrera. “And “I’m writing about the things that down the music to move them into I could, if I wanted to, say, ‘Here is the I’m passionate about—God, family, our major purpose, which is to bring shorthand version, guys: God is the and romance,” she says. “My faith in them to a place where they can answer.’ But you must say why God is God is the foundation of my life. My worship God. At this point our band the answer. music celebrates life—accepting the members share their testimonies You must say, reality of pain and the reality of and we open the stage up for the ‘Through my hope. Most pop songs talk only about kids to say what’s on their hearts. experience, the down-and-out side of life and the In Texas earlier this year we had through my pain. . . . My music speaks to those 100 kids take 45 minutes during this different issues too, but offers the hope of a time to confess their sins to each difficulties, loving God.” other and seek forgiveness and give what I’ve their hearts to the Lord. It was gone John Stoddart incredible to see the Spirit move! through . . . A string of amazing credits that Finally, we like to have a meal with this is why would make a veteran musician proud the kids, where we are all on the I have dots this multitalented twenty- same level, breaking bread like Christ found God something’s résumé. From playing for did with the disciples after He to be the the Clintons and arranging for Diana Presidential Inaugural ministered to them. We’ve seen era most Ross on HBO’s leadership that was skeptical about Patty Cabr practical Special to writing, producing, singing, our ministry come to us after a answer out of all the and performing virtually all the concert and say how they had never options available. To me, God has instruments on his debut release, John seen their kids so on fire for the Lord. been the one who has filled Stoddart delivers excellence in every Praise God! It wasn’t us; it was the the void.’” project he tackles. And he’s chosen to Spirit moving through us.” Cabrera says that today’s teenagers use his talents to reach the lost. Morgan says the late teen years are are crying out for somebody who can “I really see myself as an evangelist a pivotal time. “Ninety-five percent of be real with them. To tell it to them more than a pastor,” says Stoddart. “In Christians come to know Jesus Christ straight. They’re saying, “Show me real other words, I’m more interested in and are saved between the ages of 15 life so that I know that when I tell you writing songs for people who don’t go and 21,” he says, pausing. “To save 100 what’s hurting me, I know that you to church than for people who do. percent of these kids is why Jesus will know how I feel.” This is an important perspective for Music exists.” This age group, says Cabrera, is full me, because it affects, very basically, of potential. “They have some of the how I say what I say.” Patty Cabrera most innovative ideas; they’re Having grown up in the church in For somebody voted one of People’s intelligent and are such sponges for Philadelphia and attended Blue

12 (956) ADVENTIST REVIEW, JULY 17, 1997 The Sound of Wedgwood Leoni Meadows campground in northern California, current Pacific Union College president Malcolm Maxwell publicly BY WILLIAM G. JOHNSSON invited them back to his campus. In the summer of 1965 three fresh-faced American young Which is not to suggest that every Adventist group today men came home from studies at Newbold College, makes music that will last. But that one generation’s poison England—and changed Adventist music forever. may be another’s meat. Tastes in music are intensely Bob Summerour, Don Vollmer, and Jerry Hoyle brought a personal; it’s easy to label as “bad” music that simply new sound—contemporary, mellow, close harmonied. Taking doesn’t appeal to us. the name of fine English china, they called themselves the Wedgwood has grown on me; today I listen to their music Wedgwood Trio. for enjoyment and inspiration. And I find myself putting on Before long they were packing in students and faculty at Faith First’s CD more and more often—these young people Adventist colleges and universities. They toured the camp who led off both our Review concerts communicate faith meeting circuit with H.M.S. Richards, Sr., and Del Delker. A and hope in a modern idiom. series of recordings came out in quick succession. Wedgwood, Faith First, and other groups have history on But some Adventists weren’t happy. They complained their side. The Reformation set the people free to sing in about guitars in church and similarities of the music to that celebration of God’s salvation. Luther, Wesley, and other of the emerging hippie scene. Protestants took over popular tunes—even tavern songs— After a concert at Pacific Union College in late 1970, the and gave them Christian words. They sought to make faith college president wrote Wedgwood, banning them from the real, relevant, contemporary. campus. He sent copies of the letter to other college Most modern music—whether popular or classical— presidents. Invitations dried up. The General Conference passes me by, however. Much of it signals despair, had them disinvited to an overseas division. depravity, degradation. I find no hint of the beautiful or the Wedgwood disbanded. uplifting in it; it dries up my faith. Twenty years later organizers of a baby boomer event It seems to me that music will always be a point of requested Summerour, Vollmer, and Hoyle to get together division among us, with some Adventists applauding new again. They sang the old songs; the concert was a smash. groups, while others condemn. The test, admittedly For the past six years Wedgwood has been in constant subjective, has to be: “By their fruit you will recognize them” demand. New CDs keep appearing. (Matt. 7:20, NIV). Is Christ exalted? If the sound drowns out You hear them today, and two things impress you: The the words, how can He be communicated? Is the music mellow sound is identical to their sound of the l960s. And worship or performance? how come they were ever banned? Thank you, Bob, Don, and Jerry. The Lord used your In an interesting turn of the wheel, last March the creativity, talents, and hard work to bless thousands a General Conference invited Wedgwood for a concert at generation ago. And your music—especially your latest CD— church headquarters. They played and sang to a packed blesses me today. auditorium, the GC president applauding with the rest. But at the end of the day—if I had only one CD to play— And in April, at a concert one Sabbath evening at the give me Mozart.

Mountain Academy, crowd. “It seems to me stylings. “I had a blast putting together Stoddart seemed headed that most progressive or Love So Real,” he says. “I recorded for a career as a concert cutting-edge Christian about 90 percent of it myself in my pianist and organist. But music today is targeted at basement [the Noise Factory], he fell in love with young people,” says including one session with live strings. contemporary Stoddart. “There is a I had to eat crackers and drink water instrumentation, which demographic, 25 to 50 or for about six months in order to pay allowed him to paint a so, who don’t like Point of for it, but it’s what I have to do.” ■ wider texture of sounds Grace, but who are not and rhythms. Early on, particularly interested in Jeff Trubey is director for John had a vision for listening to Sandi Patty, advertising and marketing John Stoddar creating music for a t either. These are the people for the Resource Agency, a “hip but more mature I’m interested in reaching.” consulting firm to the audience.” And so while still attending Stoddart recently Christian music and pub- Columbia Union College, Stoddart released his first solo album, a smooth lishing industries, Nashville, Tennessee, created Urban Junction East, a blend of rhythm and blues sounds and a youth leader at the Madison production company targeting this accentuated by some serious jazz Campus Seventh-day Adventist Church.

ADVENTIST REVIEW, JULY 17, 1997 (957) 13 DEVOTIONAL

Defying the “Laws of

BY KAREN LIFSHAY

ITH PAINSTAKING keep you from falling and to present you effort scientists con- before his glorious presence without fault tinue their search for a and with great joy—to the only God way to defy the laws of our Savior be glory, majesty, power physics. If they should and authority, through Jesus Christ stumble on an experiment proving that one our Lord, before all ages, now and Wof these laws could be broken, it would forevermore! Amen.” hold the key to the mysteries of the uni- There it is. Jesus can keep you from verse. And the lucky scientist(s) would falling. If you give your life to Him, you become the recipient of the most presti- can live victoriously and defy the gious science awards ever. spiritual law of gravity. Clearly, such a quest holds little or no scientific promise. But the Bible spells out ut gravity isn’t the only law of just how to conduct such an experiment physics we need to conquer. The in the spiritual realm, making it clear that Christian life is more than just it is possible to defy the laws of physics. puttingB away old sinful habits. It also And the good news of the Bible is that involves developing new habits, new ways anyone can choose to be a part of the of thinking—a new lifestyle. And that flies experiment and that everyone can win. in the face of yet another law of physics—the The experiment I speak of, of course, is that one that states that for every action there is an of living the Christian life. And the prize to win is equal and opposite reaction. eternal life. Jesus told us how to defy this particular law when He But how does the Christian life defy the laws of physics? said: “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and Consider for a moment the law of gravity: What goes up must tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, Do not resist an evil come down. And consider how Christ turns it around. Jesus person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to said to the woman caught in adultery, “Neither do I him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and condemn thee: go, and sin no more” (John 8:11, KJV).* In take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If other words, “You’ve been down; now I want you to go up someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. and remain there.” Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from That Jesus raises us up by lifting us out of a life of sin the one who wants to borrow from you. You have heard seems no great feat to those looking on. Staying up, however, that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ REWS

catches their attention, and they think it quite impossible— But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who C like defying gravity. “This is just a phase you’re going persecute you” (Matt. 5:38-44). Y ERR through,” family members will say. “Soon you’ll get over it Here Jesus shows that a Christian is to be proactive, not /T ISC and be back partying with the rest of us,” friends usually add. simply reactive. A Christian models the actions of Christ, D

But it does not have to be that way—not when we stay doing what is loving and right rather than reacting to the HOTO actively involved in the experiment Jesus wants to conduct provocation of evildoers. A slap on the face brings a kiss on © P in our lives. the cheek, not a punch on the nose. Anger can be met with HOTOS Jude 24, 25 puts it very accurately, “To him who is able to love, insult with blessing, wrath with reconciliation. Paul P

14 (958) ADVENTIST REVIEW, JULY 17, 1997 We can buck the tide; we can defeat the Physics” downward pull of our times.

wrote, “‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; ended up with baskets full of leftovers. if he is thirsty, give him something to This same principle applies when a drink. In doing this, you will heap burning Christian shares the few crumbs he or she coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by has with another soul. Both eat; both are evil, but overcome evil with good” (Rom. warmed by Christ’s love. And yet more 12:20, 21). than enough remains to warm the next This can be done only by giving your hungry soul. life and desires to Jesus every day. It is staying close to Christ in prayer and study that keeps the Christian warm and vercoming evil with good takes us gives him or her energy for witnessing. to the third way we can defy the laws of physics. That’s by positive hen we invite Jesus into our OChristian witnessing. The second law of lives, we participate in the grand thermodynamics says that when free inter- experiment of salvation. That change of radiant energy or heat conduction Wwe can be forgiven, overcome sin, and live takes place between two bodies at different completely new lives that not only do not temperatures, it is always the hotter of the react in kind to evil but in addition share two that loses energy and the colder that gains the warmth of Christ with others is an energy. experiment worth being a part of. In terms of interpersonal relationships, Jesus as Lord and Saviour is the this may give the impression that answer to the mystery of eternal life. associating with coldhearted sinners can Today many look to science for answers. cool a Christian’s flame. But Jesus indicated it need not be But Jesus intimated to His disciples that He had that way. Thus He prayed for His disciples (and for us): “My established His church upon a rock “and the gates of prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of you protect them from the evil one” (John 17:15). the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will Christ could have prayed that we be removed from the be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth world if He knew it would make us lose our very souls. But will be loosed in heaven” (Matt. 16:18, 19). He did not. He prayed, instead, that we would be salt and Having faith in Christ and living as He lived defy the light—positive agents, overcoming evil with good. This laws of physics and gain us the prize of eternal life. ■ requires energy, lots of energy. And here is the physics-defying part, so to speak. When * Unless otherwise indicated, all scriptural references in this article are from the New International Version. as Christians we share the warmth of Christ with a cold world, the encounter does not cool us off. Quite the opposite—it makes us warmer. Karen Lifshay lives in Price, Utah, where she is a The love of Christ works just that way. You can give it pastor’s wife and the mother of three young boys. away again and again and never diminish the supply. It is like the loaves and fishes Christ used to feed the multitudes. He started with not much more than a few crumbs and

ADVENTIST REVIEW, JULY 17, 1997 (959) 15 WORLD NEWS & PERSPECTIVES United Youth Congress Challenges Teens and Young Adults Participants Share Bold Anti-Drug, Anti-Violence Message

BY CELESTE RYAN, COMMUNICATION AND MARKETING COORDINATOR FOR THE ADVENTIST COMMUNICATION NETWORK

hey came from the East D.C., and one of the keynote speakers and the West. They came at the event. “It allowed young people from the North and the to learn and rethink their religious South. They even came experiences and meet with people who from Bermuda, England, are walking in the same faith.” and the Caribbean. In all, nearly 12,000 “I came to the congress to get a Tyoung and young at heart, 2,500 of weekend full of spiritual enlighten- them sent by their churches, flooded ment,” said LaShawnda Scott, 20, a the Trans World Air Dome and adjoin- delegate and chaperon from City ing convention center in St. Louis, POINT MEN: G. Alexander Bryant (left), Temple church in Detroit, Michigan. Missouri, for the seventh United Youth president of Central States Conference “I was able to learn things I did not Congress this past April. and former conference youth director, know and fellowship with people I did Held every four years under the along with fellow youth directors, planned not know.” sponsorship of the Black Adventist the spiritual and educational events; During the four-day event, Youth Directors’ Association Vernard J. Mendinghall (right), South attendees, most of them members of (BAYDA), comprising all the regional Atlantic Conference president, gave the predominantly Black North American Sabbath morning sermon. conferences in the United States and churches, had plenty of activities to Black youth leaders in Canada and has led the regional conferences to keep them busy—greeting old friends, Bermuda, the congress came together form this United Youth Congress,” said making new friends, worshiping, to address issues facing Black youth. Lisa Smith, associate pastor of the attending workshops, and sharing their “It was a blessing to see that God Dupont Park church in Washington, beliefs. They brought with them a message for young people around the world—“Stay away from drugs and violence.” “I was excited at the opportunity to show St. Louis and North America that all Black young people aren’t running around the streets stealing, in gangs, on drugs, or in prison,” said G. Alex Bryant, former youth director for the Central States Conference (now Central States Conference president) and head of BAYDA. “We have Black young people who are doing positive things in our churches, our communities, and our country.”

Workshops and Witnessing This year’s congress had a strong spiritual and educational emphasis. Using the theme “Jesus, the Gateway,” Bryant and his team of youth leaders NEW THRUST: At the rally, participants met by state and county affiliation to form chapters of a planned events that identified issues new anti-drug organization called Youth Against Drugs. that young adults are dealing with in

16 (960) ADVENTIST REVIEW, JULY 17, 1997 WORLD NEWS & PERSPECTIVES

addressed such issues as teen Forge Academy’s pregnancy and parenting, drama ministries dating, sex, marriage, violence, team conducted a self-esteem, career planning, two-day kids’ values, and beliefs. “The main congress. More thing that excited our youth was than 500 children that the topics seemed more enjoyed action- relevant to their needs and packed activities, concerns for the upcoming including dramas, years,” said Claude Matthews, puppet shows, Southeastern Conference youth group and board A THOUGHT TO PONDER: “This event director. games, basketball, allowed young people to learn and rethink That’s why Ladine PUPPET MINISTRY: Joel golf, videos, and their religious experience,” says Lisa Smith, MacKenzie, 23, a delegate from Johnson, director of Pine balloon art. associate pastor of the Dupont Park the First church in Ontario, Forge Academy’s drama team, In addition to the Adventist Church. Canada, was glad she attended. demonstrates how to use pup- creative learning the world today. “I was able to gather useful pets as an effective ministry activities, delegates Special guests included former information to better equip our during kids’ congress. got a chance to South Atlantic Conference youth witness and encourage their peers. One leader (now conference afternoon they visited 13 area schools president) Varnard Mendinghall, and put on programs for students ages speaker for Sabbath worship; José 5 to 15. After sharing testimonies and Rojas, youth director for the presenting skits, delegates and students North American Division; publicly vowed to take a stand against Richard Barron, from the General drugs and violence. Conference; LeClare Litchfield, “This congress had a stronger chaplain of Collegedale outreach emphasis than past Academy; and Nevilon Meadows, meetings,” said James Humphreys, a pastor from Chicago. Lake Region Conference youth More than 30 workshops were director. “Our youth really enjoyed conducted by internationally witnessing to students and seeing them MORNING MESSAGE: Collegedale Academy’s chap- known educators, religious leaders, lain, LeClare Litchfield, speaks to the youth at a take a stand against drugs and and community activists. They morning devotional. violence.” Lakeithea Gates, a fifth grader at youth for the return one of the public schools where the of Christ,” she said. Bermudian youth performed a skit they Chris Davis, 18, and a delegate from the Edmondson Heights church in Baltimore, Maryland, was also glad he attended the workshops. “I enjoyed the congress because I was able to better myself as a Christian young man through the workshops and other activities,” he said. DRAMATIC LESSONS: Pine Forge ACTIVE OUTREACH: Delegates visited 13 St. Louis schools and To accommodate Academy’s drama team presented the play put on programs for students ages 5 to 15. After sharing testi- the younger “Heavenly Air” for Sabbath school. The play monies and presenting skits, delegates and students publicly audience in depicts Christians waiting for the “plane vowed to take a stand against drugs and violence. attendance, Pine ride” to heaven.

ADVENTIST REVIEW, JULY 17, 1997 (961) 17 WORLD NEWS & PERSPECTIVES

impact on the city. On Sabbath afternoon 4,000 congress attendees, joined by representatives of the National Conference of Black Mayors and led by the Pathfinders, marched through the streets of YOUNG CHAMPIONS: Members of the downtown St. Decatur, Georgia, church’s Bible Bowl Louis and rallied at teams (junior team pictured) took first an outdoor park. place in the junior and young adult cate- gories. Northeastern’s Christian Fellowship Participants then church team won the senior youth title. met by state and country affiliation wrote for this occasion, really enjoyed to form national ON THE MARCH: Clad in uniform and carrying balloons, the program. “It makes me feel good to chapters of a new Pathfinders and drum corps members from every regional confer- see the different role models come into anti-drug ence led congress participants in the march to St. Louis’s Keiner our school to talk to us,” she said. And organization called Plaza, where a number of youth and mayors spoke against drugs. that made Jermaine Burrows, a YAD (Youth Bermudian delegate, happy he’d done Against Drugs). Northeastern Conference took the his part to make the program a success. According to Bryant, YAD is about senior youth title, while South Atlantic’s “I was proud to come to America and “young people reaching out to young Decatur, Georgia, church won first place make a big difference in the hearts of people, challenging each other to be in both the young adults and juniors young people,” he said. drug-free.” categories. For all the teams, months of “I have never been more proud of Ken Manders, youth director for preparation finally paid off when they my church and our young people than Bermuda, is pleased about this received their trophies. However, for when they went out to witness to the opportunity, because he feels that youth Shonette Hercules, 16, of the North- schools!” exclaimed Bryant about the leaders have a responsibility to equip eastern Conference, the preparation had witnessing programs. “Our young young people with correct resources so a dual benefit. She studied for the people turned those schools upside they may become great leaders. “Our championships, but also so she could down. The students did not want them young adults need to be given more “lead someone else to Christ.” to leave until they performed again.” opportunities to lead and propose their For the oratorical contest, first place Not only did they make an impact ideas to reach any age group,” he said. went to Carmen Robinson, of the on schoolchildren; they made an BAYDA hopes YAD chapters will Southwest Region Conference; second provide such opportunities. place went to Latrice Moore, of the Central States Scholars and Orators Compete Conference; and Two additional educational Melissa Martin, of features of the congress included the Lake Region the National Bible Bowl Conference, took Championship, a Bible trivia third. Each was meet of top youth Bible scholars awarded a by church teams, and the monetary prize. National Oratorical Contest, The weekend KEYNOTE: José V. where finalists ages 13-18 recited Rojas, director of events ended with speeches about the negative youth ministries for a megagospel effects smoking, drinking, and the North American concert featuring A NEW SONG: Oakwood College’s Aeolians, doing drugs have on our society. Division, gave one artists Yolanda directed by Lloyd Mallory (left), gave special The Bible Bowl team from the of the keynote Adams, Byron music Sabbath morning. Christian Fellowship church of the speeches. Cage and Purpose,

18 (962) ADVENTIST REVIEW, JULY 17, 1997 WORLD NEWS & PERSPECTIVES

Witness, Theresa Morton, Angella For Dana Edmond, youth director Christie, and Dynamic Praise of for the South Central Conference, Oakwood College. the hard work paid off: “If you’re a youth director, it’s a lot of work and Worth the Effort? an enormously large venture. With this success behind them, However, it is gratifying to see that BAYDA is already looking forward to young people can make a change in the next youth congress. “This congress their lives and a difference in the was a great success for our youth,” said world.” Claude Harris, Allegheny East Conference youth director. He says his Coordinated by Celeste Ryan of ACN, youth “were glad that they were able to this report was written by the following promote an anti-drug and anti-violence members of the United Youth Congress message to their peers.” communication team: George Johnson, a “I was excited that our young recent graduate of Columbia Union TEEN FELLOWSHIP: The youth congress, people got a chance to participate in College and a North American Division held every four to five years, gives young communication intern; Frenita Buddy, of every activity at the congress,” said people a chance to make new friends and Oakwood College; Dame Looby, of Frankie Lazarus, youth director for the see old ones. Ontario Conference. “I hope that the Adventist View magazine; and Hance youth were able to learn a lot so they general spirit of togetherness between Philippe and Phillip Wesley, of Atlantic could go home energized to help their people from inside and outside North Union College. Photos are by Jacci communities and churches.” America,” he said. “Our delegates were Davis, of the Central States Conference, His colleague Newton Cleghorne, spiritually blessed from the messages and Roger Morton, of the Mid-America youth director for the Northeastern and are ready to go home and share it Union. Conference, agrees. “There was a with others.”

NEWSBREAK

Adventist Review Initiates The experiment, housed at the General Conference Summer Telephone Ministry office, has the added bonus of helping the students involved to finance their education at Adventist schools. ast year the Adventist Review staff unveiled a redesigned “For months Pastor [Robert S.] Folkenberg [General L magazine with an innovative look and feel, containing Conference president] urged that we use students for the more color pages and graphics than project,” says Adventist Review editor ever before, and a new editorial William G. Johnsson. “By using focus. This year the staff is taking students, we help support Adventist another innovative step to help bring education and give youth an the weekly inspirational journal to opportunity to participate in ministry.” every home in North America. Managing editor and program With the help of academy and coordinator Myrna Tetz says that college students, the Review staff “these kids are really turned on by the has initiated a telephone ministry, project. Most of the participants have promoting the magazine through grown up with the Adventist Review, so personal solicitation. they have firsthand experiences to Organized and trained by FMG, share with individuals.” Inc., a professional telemarketing Though the experiment is only in firm based in Broken Arrow, ALL SMILES: Evelyn Aguilar, of Takoma Academy, its second week of a six-week trial Oklahoma, the students are reaches out and touches church members through period, early responses are very good. concentrating on two of the largest the Review’s telephone ministry. In the first week the students unions in the North American generated 500 subscriptions. Division, contacting every Adventist home in those areas, Johnsson believes the telephone ministry is just another offering the magazine at a special subscription price, together dimension of the Review’s growing outreach. “In 1996 we with a special premium, God Answers Prayer, just off the went through the birth pangs of the new Review. Now it press (and available only through subscription or renewal). feels like we are going through the birth pangs all over again

ADVENTIST REVIEW, JULY 17, 1997 (963) 19 WORLD NEWS & PERSPECTIVES Oklahoma City: Another Parent’s Grief

BY RENÉ ALEXENKO EVANS, PUBLIC RELATIONS CONSULTANT, NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE

he media often distills tragedies down to one heart- innocent people to such horrible deaths? Why, Tim? Why? wrenching image. In the case of the Oklahoma City Now the only thing left for Bill McVeigh is waiting. His T bombing, the photo of Baylee Almon, the baby in the son has been convicted and sentenced to death. What must firefighter’s arms, came to typify the horror. Her mother’s it be like to watch your son die? grief spoke to all of us. After all, losing a child is every par- Another Father knows. His own created being turned ent’s worst nightmare. But another grief- against the principles for which He stricken parent will be losing his child as NEWS COMMENTARY stood. He too must have asked, “Why?” a result of Oklahoma City, and he must For thousands of years God has watched be living in his own special hell. His children slaughtered billions of times What must it be like to be Bill McVeigh? What must it over. He has heard the heartbreaking screams of the have been like to have first heard the name of the suspect in innocent. He too watched His Son die at the hands of an custody? Did he think, There’s got to be another Tim McVeigh? executioner. And when reality hit, how quickly did he sink into an The Oklahoma City jury has spoken. Some of the unspeakable, soul-numbing despair? victims’ parents cheered. Another parent waits in dread of How many questions Bill McVeigh must have for his son. the day justice demands. What went wrong? When did you turn against the principles Our Father is on both sides. He’s Baylee’s mom. He’s Bill for which I stand? Why was it necessary to send so many McVeigh. He, too, is a grieving parent.

NEWSBREAK

with marketing the new Review. The good news is that it more victory for freedom of conscience. Congratulations looks like the new child will be wonderful,” he says. should be offered to the Russian legal system for protecting the rights of minorities,” commented John Graz, director of Adventist Students Win Case to Opt for the General Conference Public Affairs and Religious Liberty Nonmilitary Service in Russia Department. He said that the case can be viewed as a “significant step in making democracy work in Russia.” Sixteen students from the Russian Seventh-day The Russian theological seminary is one of more than 80 Adventist theological seminary at Zaoksky were placed on Seventh-day Adventist institutions of higher education trial on May 27 for refusing military service. worldwide. It is the primary location for the training of In the central area court of Tula, 100 miles south of Adventist ministers in Russia and the republics of the former Moscow, the Adventist students affirmed their choice to serve Soviet Union.—Adventist News Network. their country through alternative nonmilitary service rather than accept the military registration committee’s decision to Adventist Leaders Continue Lutheran Dialogue send them to a noncombatant corps. Supporting the students’ case were well-known legal World leaders of the Adventist Church continued their representatives of religious liberty, Vladimir Ryakhovsky and dialogue with officials of the World Lutheran Federation Andrey Pchelintsev. After a two-day hearing, the court decided with the third of four annual consultations held June 1-6 in that the military registration committee had violated the laws of Geneva, Switzerland. the Russian Federation and that it should not call the students The goals of the dialogue continue to be achieving better for military service until a new law on alternative service, mutual understanding, breaking down false stereotypes, currently being enacted, is passed by the Russian Parliament. discovering the base of belief, and identifying points of real and “We hope that this process will help in the future to imaginary friction. This year’s consultation focused on assert citizens’ rights not only for Adventists but also for ecclesiology—the doctrine of the church. Christians of other denominations,” said Anton Petrishchev, Each delegation presented two papers, and lively one of the students. discussion followed. “I was impressed with the openness of “The outcome of this unnecessary case, I believe, is one the dialogue and the efforts made by both groups to

20 (964) ADVENTIST REVIEW, JULY 17, 1997 WORLD NEWS & PERSPECTIVES

Religion in the News For Your Good Health

Canonization of Jew Killed by Nazis Prompts Debate Time for a Trade-in? On May 22 Pope John Paul II declared his intention to If you start sneezing in your car shortly after turning on canonize Edith Stein (Sister Teresa Benedicta), a German the air conditioner, there are probably fungi-producing Jew who converted to Roman Catholicism at age 31. airborne mold spores deep within your air-conditioning But 55 years after her death, Catholics and Jews divide system. To minimize the problem, leave car windows open on the question: Was she exterminated by Nazis because for a few minutes after you turn on the air. Don’t direct the she was a Jew, or for her Catholic beliefs? Some Jewish vents toward your face. And use the “fresh air” option spokespersons say the Catholic Church is playing with rather than recirculated air if you have the choice.—UC historical fire by deeming Stein a Catholic martyr when Berkeley Wellness Letter. she was clearly killed because of being Jewish. They see the canonization as a move to deflect criticism of the Lifting Depression Catholic Church during the war years. Older people who want to lift their spirits and improve their sleep should consider joining their local gym. A new Four Books on Jesus Published Every Day study shows that people in their 60s, 70s, and 80s who More than 65,000 books about Jesus have been written trained on resistance equipment three times a week for 10 worldwide, and an average of four more are published each weeks showed significant reduction in the amount of day, according to researcher David Barrett, of the German depression they endured.—U.S. Department of Agriculture. Evangelical Alliance. Some 25,077 have been published since 1970. —compiled by Larry Becker, editor of Vibrant Life, the church’s health out- reach journal. To subscribe, contact your ABC or call 1-800-765-6955.

—compiled from the Weekly News Report of the Religion News Service, Washington, D.C.

NEWSBREAK understand each other,” says Angel M. Rodriguez, an More than 600 ministers from the Haitian, Puerto Rican, associate director for the Biblical Research Institute at the Cuban, and Dominican unions gathered in the Dominican General Conference. “During the discussions misunder- Republic for the division’s third ministers council, June 4-7. standings were corrected in some sensitive areas by stating With 51 pastors and their wives attending from Cuba, IAD clearly our respective positions.” communication director Leslie V. McMillan says this was The final meeting is scheduled for May 11-15, 1998—also the first time that the Cuban government had allowed such in Geneva. The main topic for discussion will be eschatology a large delegation to attend the religious meetings. (the doctrine of the last things, or final events). Adventist ✔ Students at Pacific Union College in Angwin, Review editor William Johnsson, who participated in the California, have initiated an online prayer network, with 20 dialogue, will report on the meetings and their significance to participants, including faculty and staff. the church in an upcoming issue. ✔ Jean-Claude Verrecchia, a former pastor and teacher, was recently elected president of Saleve Adventist University MVI Volunteers Build Panama Churches in France. Verrecchia holds a doctorate from Strasbourg University and has taught literature, philosophy, and Some 2,000 Maranatha Volunteers International volunteers theology in France and Africa. are building or remodeling more than 50 Adventist churches Verrecchia replaces Richard Lehmann, who became in Panama. Five schools are also under construction. MVI president of the North France Conference, based in Paris. president Don Noble says that many of the new churches are already being filled with new Adventist believers. What’s Upcoming

News Notes Aug. 2 Global Mission Evangelism Day Sept. 6 Lay Evangelism Day ✔ Baptisms in the Inter-American Division reached Sept. 13-20 Adventist Review Emphasis 91,420 persons in the first four and a half months of 1997. Sept. 20 Family Togetherness Day The total represents 80 percent of the division’s baptismal Sept. 27 Thirteenth Sabbath Offering for the goal for 1997 and 74 percent of all accessions last year. Trans-European Division

ADVENTIST REVIEW, JULY 17, 1997 (965) 21 SANDRA DORAN: DIALOGUES Turning Points SANDRA DORAN

hen I was 27 years old, my first book was have been hindered by something all of his life. Looking at him accepted for publication. Along with the now, I wonder if we might have changed the course of his life by acceptance letter came a request for a black- starting him in counseling when he entered school or by finding and-white photo. Thirty-six help for him at an earlier age.” exposures later, I found myself To all those faced with such a quandary, I offer without a single shot I’d like my mother to see, this simple advice: begin today. If something is Wlet alone 10,000 readers. “It’s my teeth,” I important to you, do not relinquish your efforts lamented to my older sister. “They’re so crooked Begin in the shadow of the years that have already that every picture looks horrible.” passed. Identify what it is you want changed. “Well,” she responded simply, “why don’t you today. Find people who know how to help you. Outline do something about it?” a plan. Do something about it? Approaching my In an article entitled “Finding the Correct third decade of life. Orthodontia was for ‘Label’ Was My Turning Point,” 1 the president of adolescents, junior highers, 13-year-olds with acne. My day had the Learning Disabilities Association of California discusses the come and gone. I no longer had the luxury of youth. I was freedom that resulted when she learned, at the age of 44, that she doomed to live out my life with crooked teeth. suffered from dyslexia.2 Joan Espozito recalls a childhood filled Or was I? “Why don’t you do something about it?” Do with frustration, embarrassment, and fear as she struggled to keep something about it? Now? Here? At this time and place? up with her classmates. “I knew deep inside that I was different. And so it was that at the ripe old age of 28 I commuted to Every day I would sit in class and pray that the teacher would not my job as instructor of English at Adirondack Community call upon me to read aloud. I would go home every night and cry College with a mouthful of metal and a plate on the roof of my myself to sleep.” But her crying is over. As the mother of a 9-year- mouth, practicing painfully as each mile marker passed, “I want old boy, Joan Espozito “went back to school” herself. Enrolling in to athk you a quethtion. I want to athk you a quethtion.” And a program designed for dyslexics, she found a way to attack the at 30, when my first child arrived, he met a mother gleaming at words that make up the English language. him with a silver grin. Is 28, 44, or 52 too late to straighten a smile, go back to For three years I reclined in a chair beside ponytailed girls school, get right with God? What if the process takes years? and lanky boys and succumbed to wrenching, tightening, The years will pass anyway. But when they do, will you pulling, and twisting of the molars, canines, and incisors. For remain the same or be changed forever? three years I brought a toothbrush to potlucks, surrendered my 1 rights to crunchy carrots and Snickers bars, and spoke the Joan Espozito, “Finding the Correct ‘Label’ Was My Turning Point,” The California LDA-Gram, June 1994. language of rubber bands and brackets and wax. 2 A learning disability characterized by problems in handling written or At the age of 31 I entered the orthodontist’s office one oral language. spring afternoon to discover that the crooked had been made straight. That which had been glued became unglued, that which had been tightened became loosened, and that which Do you have a concern? An issue that merits attention? had been silver became white. Send your letters to Sandra Doran, c/o Adventist Review. I tell this story not because I want Review readers to applaud my noble efforts to provide them with a stamp-sized photo at the bottom of each column that does not offend, but because I wish to respond to a letter that queries, “Is it too late?” Is it too late to start Sandra Doran, Ed.D., is an author and speaker who anew, repair a breach, fix a life, find a solution, turn around, works as an educational consultant with Kaufman straighten a smile, right a wrong? Is it too late to go back to Associates in Newton, Massachusetts. school, confront your past, heal a relationship, start on a journey? “My son Gilbert has always seemed intelligent, but seems to

22 (966) ADVENTIST REVIEW, JULY 17, 1997 something, that doesn’t mean it’s not there. You can’t see the empty space in Why Ice Floats ice, but you know it is there. There is evidence—you can see the ice float. There is evidence that helps us ROSY TETZ believe in God too. We can see the world that He created. We can read the Bible—it is full of stories that tell oes today seem like a They are not as close together. us about God. good day to talk about Water takes up more space when And there are witnesses. There ice? It might be a good it turns into ice. But even though it were people who knew Jesus when He idea to have a glass of ice is bigger as ice, it doesn’t weigh was alive, who were with Him when water handy while you more. Because of all the extra empty He died, who talked with Him after read this story—so you can see the way space in ice, it is lighter than water. He had risen from death, and who Dice behaves. You can also have a little So ice floats. saw Him go back to heaven—these sip every once in a while to keep cool. Of course, you can’t see that empty people were witnesses. They saw. Most things get smaller when they space. The molecules and the empty They told as many people as they freeze—but not water. Water gets spaces around them are much too small could about Jesus. bigger. That’s because of the way to see. How do you know that there is When you believe, you can be a water is made. Water is made up of empty space in ice if you can’t see it? witness. You can behave the way Jesus many small particles called molecules. Because you can see how ice behaves. wants you to behave. People can look When the water is liquid, the tiny You can see water get bigger when it at you and see evidence that helps them molecules move around close freezes. You can see ice float in water. believe in God. The Bible says, “This is together. But when the water freezes Some people have a hard time what God commands: that we believe and turns to ice, the molecules stiffen believing in God, because they can’t in His Son, Jesus Christ, and that we up and push apart from each other. see Him. But even though you can’t see love each other” (1 John 3:23, ICB).

ADVENTIST REVIEW, JULY 17, 1997 (967) 23 STORY

Reflections on a Prodigal’s Return What made me leave; what brought me back.

BY WILLIAM R. HOLBROOK

N MORE WAYS THAN I CARE TO THINK, MY LIFE parallels that of the prodigal son. It was begun with every advantage. I was born to a proud Adventist heritage and a family legacy characterized by real purpose and meaning. I grew up in a family dedicated to service, and I witnessed many examples of authentic discipleship. I was entrusted with traits Iand talents that included eternal optimism and an ability to admin- ister, persuade, and lead. As a child of missionary parents, I grew into adolescence with a distinctive worldview and the benefits of an excellent Christian education. When I completed my academic career, I wanted to take advantage of every opportunity that came my way. At a relatively young age—though never satisfied—I felt I had achieved a measure of success. In truth, my world had begun to break apart, and I was the architect of the destruction.

The All-Too-Familiar Story I represent a whole generation of Adventists who have been given every advantage. We come from stable Christian homes; we are well educated; we know the difference between right and wrong. We were shown the way. We had great passion; we’ve been idealistic; we thought we could change the world. We have been successful. We focused largely on ourselves. We have been wrong. Some have kept faith with early conviction and continue to ISC

grow and develop their talents, completely submitted to God’s D

plan for their lives. Their life view is Christ-centered, and He HOTO P

has blessed them immeasurably. I admire them. But I have not BY been one of them. HOTO I failed in my success. I developed what Patrick Morley has P

24 (968) ADVENTIST REVIEW, JULY 17, 1997 described in his book The Man in the Mirror as a “secular life view.” I became arrogant and self-centered, believing my success was mine alone. The talents God entrusted me to do His will, in fact, became the tools of my destruction. A. W. Tozer was describing me when he wrote, “A whole new generation of Christians has come up believing that it is possible to ‘accept’ Christ without forsaking the world.” I invented a version of God that suited me, that fit my secular interests and ambitions. The early successes in my life became a source of false pride. Believing in my own indestructibility, I began misusing my talents. I behaved badly and caused my world to break apart. Only later did I understand and appreciate how Jeremiah’s inspired observation applied to me: “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” (Jer. 17:9, NIV). My mistakes began to mount, and in time they led to serious failure. My professional and personal life disintegrated. I soon discovered that it’s impossible to cope with failure alone. Disillusionment and despair are intimate friends of failure, and a common reaction is to blame someone or something else. In my case, I blamed the church. I felt it had failed me and was responsible for my spiritual turmoil and vanishing faith. I left. Like many, I had trouble with some of the stumbling blocks we know so well: self-righteous sanctimony, excruciating mediocrity, passionless platitudes, deadly gossip and rumormongering, pitiful jealousy, hairsplitting theological debate, meaningless standards, and all the other usual suspects, such as ambition and pride, which are so rooted in human nature. A friend of mine once said, “There’s a real live Pharisee in every human heart.” And the church, it seemed to me, had more than its fair share.

The Long, Difficult Road Back Facing the fundamental flaws in my life and confronting the spiritual conflict have not been a day at the beach. Rediscovering who I really am and committing my life to Christ has been a war Paul understood: “We know that the law is spiritual,” he wrote, “but I am not: I am unspiritual, the purchased slave of sin. . . . The good which I want to do, I fail to do; but what I do is the wrong which is against my will” (Rom. 7:14-19, NEB). Reflection can be a sobering thing. Denial is the quick fix we usually use when faced with a mirror’s reflection that we can’t accept. But I found that honest reflection is the beginning of real change. I discovered that the book of Romans has two parts: the first is the indictment; the second is a masterpiece of hope in Christ. Gordon MacDonald’s Rebuilding Your Broken World helped me redefine the larger issues in my life and gave me hope. By sharing his own experience, he helped me focus on what was wrong in my life and to whom I could really go for help. One of the primary reasons I left the church was that in my broken-world experience I sensed that it was unsafe for me to struggle there. I didn’t believe that the church would ever understand my mistakes and flaws, and would ever be able to resolve the spiritual conflict in my life and be the source of joy and peace it promised to be. I never found the sense of community that I read about in the book of Acts. I represent a generation that is struggling and frequently losing the battle for our hearts. We too often choose the wrong place to

ADVENTIST REVIEW, JULY 17, 1997 (969) 25 run. I left the church very obviously. never let me go. (It was an astonishing Him and learn to love Him. But I know many who have gone discovery to be told that there were For that reason we must park our quietly, just disappeared into a great people I’d never met, in parts of the best evangelists at the “back door” of spiritual abyss. world I had never been, who were the church and charge them with the In my case, I thought my mistakes praying for me.) task of never letting go. were unique. But they were no more I owe the greatest debt to my As I pick up the pieces of my life, I than the time-honored trap of family—particularly my mother and face very specific realities, including doubting that God could love someone father, who were always there, no wounded friends and a fractured family. like me. I had to come to terms There are many steps yet to be with the singular arrogance of my taken, and many battles to be won. doubt. As I began studying the But the war for my heart is over. Bible again, I found comfort in the Honest reflection Jesus Christ has won; this prodigal is stories of other culprits for whom coming home. There is redemption, God performed miracles of grace: is the beginning and I’m committed to a new course, those with great talent, such as armed with this promise: “Being David and Paul; men of great heart, confident of this very thing, that he such as Abraham and Peter. of real change. which hath begun a good work in In his book Grace Abounding to you will perform it until the day of the Chief of Sinners, John Bunyan Jesus Christ” (Phil. 1:6). wrote, “Great sins draw out great matter the circumstances. My daughter grace; and where guilt is most terrible also helped to define the meaning of Epilogue and fierce, there the mercy of God in unconditional love. I began writing this nearly seven Christ when showed to the soul If, reading between the lines, you years ago. Although the road home has appears most high and mighty.” Yet the hear the sound of a drowning been marked by challenges I never apostle Paul wrote: “If any one is in scoundrel, read again. If you hear the expected—painful losses, inexplicable Christ, he is a new creation; the old sounds of remorse, repentance, and circumstances—I wouldn’t change a has gone, the new has come” (2 Cor. anguish, followed by real hope and thing. Charles Swindoll likes to say, 5:17, NIV). assurance, you read well. I now want “The Lord doesn’t provide detours In giving my life to Christ, I have my life to serve as a living, present-day around troubles; He gives us guided begun charting a different course. In example of redemption—of what God tours through them.” the words of Patrick Morley: “I am can do in the life of a prodigal. God has done things in my life chiseling a new life view” by a personal Gordon MacDonald has written: during the past few years that I could search for truth and obedience to His “In pain, failure, and brokenness, God never have imagined. He has replaced will. I have rediscovered that there is does His finest work in the lives of disillusionment and despair with no meaningful life outside of God’s people.” I hope some will hear the peace, joy, and purpose. My life has plan. The challenge for me is to know anguish and understand the change. I become a great adventure that would Him and trust Him. hope some will celebrate with me the not have been possible—or even small victory of making Christ the imaginable—on my own. Help Along the Way center of my life. While some will God has been good to me. He can In my pilgrimage back “to the smile the knowing smile of doubt, I be trusted. He delivers on His Father” I owe debts I can never repay. hope others will be challenged to promises. In the words of Philip Teachers helped me sort out the truths I begin again to discover the meaning Yancey: “He will do whatever it takes had to rediscover. Pastors, in their and purpose of discipleship. to get His family back! There is sermons, spoke to my heart. I’m I could wish that the church would redemption; His name is Jesus.” ■ indebted to a church administrator who continue the work of evangelism, but lived on my street and took time he at the same time make the church a didn’t have to encourage me. Christian safe place for those of us who have writers shared their struggles in the failed and are broken, where we can William R. Holbrook was a pages of their books, and in so doing, win our struggles, rebuild our faith, find vice president of the instructed me and inspired me and community, and rediscover our place in Adventist Health System. helped me to know I was not alone. A God’s plan. In the final analysis, it’s not For the past three years he church in New England embraced me theological debates, performance has organized development unconditionally and gave me a spiritual reports, organizational charts, or new relief operations in North Africa and home when I needed it most. I have buildings that save broken-world Haiti for the Adventist Development and friends who were baffled, bewildered, people. It’s the rediscovery of who God Relief Agency (ADRA). and profoundly disappointed, but who really is; it’s the encouragement to trust

26 (970) ADVENTIST REVIEW, JULY 17, 1997 THE X-CHANGE The Long and A. ALLAN AND DEIRDRE MARTIN Short of It

y spouse and I would love to have chil- proactive thing I can do. If anything, having Alexa has dren. But with the increasing pain all strengthened my resolve and motivated me to make a around us—in school, in the workplace, difference in our world . . . for her sake. everywhere—we sometimes wonder if we Do you really want to bring a baby into this world? Only really want to bring a baby into this you and your spouse, with God’s guidance, can discern the world. In many ways life already feels like best choice for you. Certainly you both need to Mthe time of trouble. Is it fair to throw a child weigh the demands of parenthood, the into this mess? responsibilities it entails, and the risks it Allan replies: When Dee and I considered involves. I can tell you from personal having a child, we too struggled with the experience that it is a wondrous and miraculous questions you pose. We too wondered if we thing to enter the realm of parenthood, but it’s could in good conscience usher a new life into a realm that is all-consuming. this place. Is it fair to “throw” a child into this mess? After much prayer, we decided to have a Absolutely not! A child “flung” into this world child. We felt it was God’s destiny for us. on a selfish whim or an error of passion is one Your question is a very personal one, best of the most horrible things a person can do. addressed by each family individually. It takes But I sense that you and your spouse are not much prayer and thoughtful consideration for a couple to doing any “throwing.” It sounds as though you are carefully decide on whether or not to bring a new person into this considering the implications if your child enters our world. world, so no generic reply will do. But here are some things Your question reflects the protection, care, and love your to consider from one who has a young one in the family. child would experience from you both. Perhaps the question There is very little I can compare to the joy my little you need to ask is Would it be fair not to bring a child to life Alexa, now 14 months old, brings to my world. Her and deprive her/him of the love we have to give? inquisitive mind and humorous antics express to me daily Welcoming a little one into your family will bestow you the beauty that God alone can create. Her birth has opened with the “spiritual gifts” of worry, heartache, and up a whole new dimension of understanding regarding God. exhaustion. But you will also know more joy than you have Before Alexa was conceived, I understood only vaguely the ever known. And I trust you too will see God in a different perspective of being God’s child. As the child of my parents light. Let us know what you decide. I could relate to the idea of being God’s child. I felt the care of a heavenly Father for His Son. s there really any difference between watching a video But now, as parent and guardian of this little dependent at home and going to a movie theater? one, I’m getting glimpses from God’s perspective. I am growing in my understanding of a God who loves IDeirdre replies: No. unconditionally and liberally. I am learning more about a God who requires obedience and expects respect. Alexa has Have a question for the X-Change? Send it c/o the Adventist opened a whole new dimension to my spirituality. Review, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904- There is much pain and trouble in this world, but for me 6600, or via E-mail to that’s all the more reason to bring more angels like Alexa [email protected]. into our joy-deprived world. I too believe that the time of trouble may already be here, but that doesn’t deter me from Allan and Deirdre Martin are cofounders of wanting to have a child, potentially one of the generation dre•am VISION ministries, which strives that will experience the latter rain and witness Jesus’ to empower young people in Christian coming in person. In view of the danger, suffering, and sin lifestyle and leadership. all around, I feel that not having children is the least

ADVENTIST REVIEW, JULY 17, 1997 (971) 27 P ARABLES OF THE KINGDOM

The Food Experts They really knew how to cook.

BY ROSS CALKINS

N THE TOWN OF SOUTHLAKE THERE LIVED A

devoted band of people who believed in balanced nutrition.

They studied diets rich in necessary nutrients. They met regu-

larly to hear lectures about the various food groups, enzymes,

mineral balances, vitamins, and phytochemicals.

The little group produced small booklets and brochures describing a Itruly balanced diet. They held cooking demonstrations and prided themselves on preparing tasty, nutritionally balanced foods. At each LUB C meeting cooks presented large, tantalizing, mouthwatering platters of MAGE © I freshly prepared recipes. HOTO P

28 (972) ADVENTIST REVIEW, JULY 17, 1997 The meals they prepared were both want is to live forever.” filled with food that was still appealing and healthful. The foods “We’re glad you’re here,” said steaming hot. were not high in fat, sugar, or empty the smiling woman. “We like to Frank hardly knew what to do. calories. And in spite of the high-fiber think we have the best information He had been invited to help content, the meals were the most about nutrition and the best food himself, but he felt reluctant to fill delicious found anywhere. in town. A lecture about the his plate when the others had One day a visitor attended one of perfect diet is just beginning. I’m grabbed only a bite or two as they their meetings. He sure you’ll enjoy it.” headed out the door. entered the building Frank stepped into the auditorium As Frank stood there, the Janitor, under a sign that read and sat next to a middle-aged man dressed in a spotless white uniform, “Food Experts—Serving who was remarkably slender. In fact, approached. “You must be a visitor the Bread of Life.” A smiling the man was so gaunt that Frank here,” the man said with a warm smile. receptionist shook his hand. “My caught himself staring at the skin “I heard I could find the Bread of name’s Frank,” said the visitor. “I want stretched tightly over the man’s Life here,” Frank said. “I listened to to be healthy. In fact, what I really cheekbones. the lecture, but when it was time to Across the aisle was a eat, everyone left in such a hurry; I young woman with don’t know whether it’s all right for me beautiful blond hair. But to eat or not.” she was so thin that Frank “Of course,” replied the Janitor, wondered if she was fasting. “help yourself. The food is great.” Several others looked pale “Well, why did everybody leave and thin also. How odd, he when it came time to eat?” thought. I certainly didn’t “Most of them say they’re too busy,” expect to see any hungry explained the Janitor. “And some say people here. this kind of food doesn’t suit their The lecture over, Frank tastes.” joined the others as they By now Frank had filled his plate, entered another large room and he began to eat as he visited with where tables were loaded the Man in the white outfit. “Isn’t that with delicious-looking food. odd,” said Frank, as he chewed and The people who prepared swallowed, “that people who have so the food were introduced, much to say about good diet eat so and recipes for each dish little of it?” were handed out. The “Well,” replied his new Friend with a middle-aged man had smile, “to be a food expert, you need to prepared a large casserole of know about cooking and nutrition. But creamy lasagna. The young what you actually eat is up to you.” ■ blonde woman had fixed a rich chocolate cake. How Ross Calkins is pastor of the could they be so skinny? Seventh-day Adventist thought Frank. church in Bellflower, Cali- When at last the fornia. introductions were completed, Frank could hardly wait to fill a plate The Adventist Review is looking with the wonderful food for writers who can communicate prepared by the food experts. spiritual truths in fresh, creative It was lunchtime, and he was parables and metaphors. hungry. Manuscripts of 700 words or less But to Frank’s surprise, can be sent to: Parables of the rather than sitting down to Kingdom, c/o enjoy the meal, all the food Adventist Review, experts walked quickly out 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver to the parking lot and drove Spring, MD 20904. Unaccepted away. Soon he found manuscripts cannot be returned. himself alone in a room

ADVENTIST REVIEW, JULY 17, 1997 (973) 29 up the cross; how to obey the law. Pauline and lack the perspective of Cedrone surprises the reader by James, which shows a social dimension emphasizing again and again that no of works in the salvific process. This is one can have any of the above understandable, however, seeing that experiences alone. Both justification his target audience would be one that and sanctification come by faith in parallels that of Paul’s Roman or Christ and through Christ. The only Galatian community. thing people can contribute to their Righteousness Inside Out is not salvation is to admit their helplessness tedious abstract theology. Yet it is and need, cry out to God for help, and theoretical and a bit dry in places. confess. Not even the moral Although Cedrone uses some of his imperatives of Scripture can be fulfilled personal experiences and presents them Righteousness Inside Out: outside of Christ. in a personal one-on-one fashion The Believer’s Guide to Readers who are steeped in the (sometimes with an excessive use of Experiencing the “works” or “obedience” tradition will ask the second person singular), the book Righteousness of Christ early on, “What does one do with lacks the life that might have come Stuart Cedrone, Pacific passages that tell us to ‘fight the good through by incorporating the Press Publishing Asso- fight,’ or other scriptural texts that experiences of others. ciation, Nampa, Idaho, enjoin us to do something?” Most of For those struggling with hopeless- 1996, US$8.99, these texts Cedrone treats adequately ness and despair in relation to Christ Cdn$12.99, 148 pp., later in his work, demonstrating that and their personal salvation, this book paper. whatever is done is done through Christ. can be of enormous help. Stuart A glaring omission is the lack of a Cedrone has gained a victory, and so tuart careful discussion of James 2. The can others. Cedrone, a author’s arguments are very much mental health pro- fessional The Abundant Life Bible Amplifier: A (questions and exercises). who lives in Texas, operates a prison Practical Guide to Abundant 2. “Exploring the Word” (thematic ministry as part Sof his Christian voca- Christian Living Series exposition). tion. He writes from his own deep per- George Knight, general editor, Pacific Press 3. “Applying the Word” (lessons of sonal experience. He explains that at Publishing Association, Boise, Idaho, daily life). one point in his life he went through US$12.99, Cdn$18.99, paper; 4. “Researching the Word” what he describes as “a hopeless condi- US$17.99, Cdn$25.99, hardcover, (historical, sociological, and literal tion of deep depression and total approximately 200-300 pages each volume. contexts). bondage.” His book testifies that God 5. “Further Study of the Word” can break through and give freedom ou may have noticed Sabbath (books and articles that supplement through Jesus Christ. school teachers and others carry- the material). The thesis of Righteousness Inside ing beige and blue books around Current published volumes include: Out is that the Lord desires and Ywith their Bibles lately. Has The SDA Samuel, Daniel (2), Ezekiel, Hosea- attempts “to draw each of us into a Bible Commentary been replaced? No, Micah, Matthew, John, Romans, deep and fulfilling fellowship with this important but heavy research tool Timothy, Titus, Hebrews, James, Peter, Himself that invariably lifts an is as valuable as ever. and Jude. individual into His joy.” Cedrone’s But Pacific Press recently decided target audience is clearly Seventh-day the time had come for another series Pedrito U. Maynard- Adventists, particularly those who lack to encourage Bible study. Reid, Th.D., professor of this joy and fellowship and have doubts This new series will ultimately cover biblical studies and missiology about their assurance of salvation. the entire Bible in 40 volumes. The at Walla Walla College, The book can be viewed as a how- approach is thematic. The authors College Place, Washington, to manual on salvation. The following attempt to help the reader understand reviewer of Righteousness Inside Out, are a sampling of the issues dealt with: the themes and patterns of each book contributed to the writing of The how to have the experience of and how passages fit into the context of Abundant Life Bible Amplifier series. personal acceptance by Christ and the a larger whole. He recently authored Complete buoyancy and uplift it brings; how to Each chapter of the volumes has Evangelism, The Luke-Acts Model, resist temptation; how to grow in been structured into five sections: published by Herald Press, Scottdale, grace; how to deny one’s self and take 1. “Getting Into the Word” Pennsylvania.

30 (974) ADVENTIST REVIEW, JULY 17, 1997 REFLECTIONS Remembering the BY DENISE HERR Promises at Night

he field trip to the Sinai Peninsula for a small the moon, only a sliver that rose shortly before sunrise, didn’t group of archaeologists had been wonderful. dilute the vivid fire of Ursa Major and Sagittarius, the glow of For the devotionally minded, we had hiked to the Milky Way. I lay there watching for shooting stars and the top of Jebel Musa, thinking of the day. Thinking of the thought by many to be Israelites who wandered in this same Mount Sinai, where God gave desert. The children of Israel. The TMoses the Ten Commandments. The sand. The children of Abraham. Traveling to the The steep granite mountains had land God had promised them so many been pink and purple with the stars. Descendants. years before. dawn’s light when we started out. The trip would have been For the archaeologists interested in difficult. The Israelites had to nomads and early history, we had All marched wander through mountain passes seen burial structures, many of them carrying their water skins and with their roofs still intact, that had toward a promised blankets, herding their sheep and been built by Bronze Age nomads. donkeys. When they were tired and Our four-wheel-drive vehicle had homeland. thirsty, they had to keep walking allowed us to go off-road across until they could find water. Doubts fields of flint, fishtailing through the and fears must have arisen then. dry riverbeds. It had been the Where could they find water? How perfect vehicle—except for one thing. Comfort. Four of us could they walk any farther? Conditions in Egypt were sat on one low bench facing the other four as we bounced harsh, but why had they ever left? along. When my feet went to sleep in one position, I’d They had been told of God’s promises to their ancestor stretch out my legs, forcing the person across from me to Abraham: “I will give you descendants like the dust of the shift his feet. Sometimes we could barely crawl out when we earth and like the stars of the heavens. Go to a land which came to a stop. I’ll show you” (see Gen. 12:1; 13:16; 15:5). With the Accommodations, though, were perfect. Near sunset problems and discomforts of the day, it must have been hard each evening we would arrive at our campsite. Since there to see their trip as a fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham. was absolutely no danger of flash floods at this time of year, But at night God’s promises would have seemed very real we camped in dry riverbeds. We’d dine on spaghetti and to the travelers. Around them stretched the encampment of salad, drink tea made over a small fire, and talk about what Israel. They were cradled in the sand. It was shaped to their we’d see the next day. bodies. They may have lain under the stars, watching them By 9:00 at night we’d roll out our sleeping bags and try to briefly as they awoke to turn over, seeing them located in a go to sleep. I found this the best part of the day. I liked the slightly different position each time. The sand. The stars. hiking and the archaeology, but I also liked stretching out Descendants. All marched toward a promised homeland. At my cramped muscles and looking at the stars. Usually when I night they had a vivid reminder of the promises God had am camping, I have to move aside pinecones and sticks to made. They were not just the children of Israel—they were get comfortable. But this time it was pure sand beneath me. also the children of Abraham, walking over the sand, under I’d lie on my back and figure out where I needed to scoop out the stars, to their promised homeland. ■ an indentation for my hipbones. I’d try other positions and hollow out places for my knees and feet. The sand was ever- Denise Herr teaches English at Canadian Union present. As were the stars. College in College Heights, Alberta. In Jerusalem, where we had been living for a year, the nights are never dark. And at home, although we live in a small town, the stars aren’t as visible as they were in the Sinai. The light of

ADVENTIST REVIEW, JULY 17, 1997 (975) 31 HEALTHHEALTH && TEMPERANCETEMPERANCE

he Adventist Review on-line is made avail- T able free through the sponsorship of the North American Division Health and

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Year of Health and Healing.”

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to reaffirm the church’s health principles and

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For information and materials on the Year of

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(800) SDA-PLUS.