March/April 2017 COMMUNIQUÉ A publication of the Georgia-Cumberland Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

Godcan handle it Featured in THIS ISSUE COMMUNIQUÉ 3 EDITORIAL TEAM Message From Tamara Wolcott Fisher the President Managing Editor

Rebecca Brooks 5 Interim Editor/Graphic Designer News Adventurers Focus on Safety in Cookeville, Tenn. - 5 Debra J. Hicks Copy Editor Belvedere Church Partners with Zomi Mission Group - 6 ADMINISTRATION Photos: Regenerate Youth Festival - 7 Ed Wright President Communicators Gain Education on Copyright and Miguel Valdivia Trademarks - 9 Vice President for Administration/Secretariat Connect Refreshes College Students - 10 Kurt Allen Fox Accepts Service Award - 12 Vice President for Finance/Treasurer Fusion Church Rises Against Hunger - 13 Victor Maddox Feature: God Can Handle It - 14 Vice President for Pastoral Ministries and Evangelism Preview: Collegedale Camp Meeting - 20 Gary Rustad 71.5 Magazine Addresses Concerns of Social Media and General Vice President the Digital Age - 22 Kevin Kossick Vice President for Education Laos Needs Churches and Literature - 23 SUBMISSION Publishing Ministry Grows, Creates New Ministry Books - Submit content to t [email protected] 24 CONTACT Dinner with the Doctor Event Focuses on Alzheimer’s - 26 PO Box 12000 Calhoun, GA 30703 Enthusiastic Teens Enjoy Oasis High School Retreat - 28 p. 706-629-7951 f. 706-625-3684 30 Financial Report www.gccsda.com

Communiqué is the o cial newsletter of the 31 Georgia-Cumberland Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Communiqué is printed by College Press Upcoming Events in Collegedale, Tenn. Adventist® and Seventh-day Adventist® are the registered trademarks of the General Conference Corporation of Seventh-day Adventists®.

2 | GCCSDA.COM | COMMUNIQUÉ Message From THE PRESIDENT

In this issue you will nd a story featuring our publishing program. Without a doubt, there is power in the printed page.

Much of our information today is digital and absorbed from a screen. It is easily accessible, dynamic, timely (almost instantaneous), and inexpensive. How many bookstore chains are now only a memory?

But there is a curious resurgence of independent bookstores (a thirty percent increase since dropped your e-reader and cracked the 2009*). Truth be told, many prefer the tactile screen? Books are amazingly durable. sensations of holding a physical book, 5. Self-sustaining – There’s no need for power interacting with real pages, earmarking a page or batteries. corner, making notations, and being able to quickly nd words spatially (where they appear I am tremendously proud of our Publishing on the page). Department under the leadership of Tim Le ew. In the last two years, the team has revamped So while the Georgia-Cumberland Conference their business model, developed a host of new innovates in many ways to spread the Good products (from tracts to multi-volume book sets), News, we remain committed to the vital ministry found new markets, enlisted new a liates (far of printed words on paper. beyond the borders of GCC), and engaged new The printed page is so powerful because it is: technologies. The results speak for themselves 1. Pervasive – Paper can get where a person (see story on page 24). can’t: behind closed doors, in remote and even resistant countries (notice the story on Nearly 150 years ago, Ellen White wrote: Laos, page 23). “Publications must be multiplied, and scattered 2. Patient – If this isn’t the right time, the book like the leaves of autumn. These silent will quietly wait. When interest is awakened, messengers are enlightening and molding the the message is ready and waiting. minds of thousands in every country and in 3. Persistent – Don’t agree with those printed every clime” (Review and Herald, Nov. 21, 1878). words? They are unchanged by your thoughts or feelings, giving you a chance to Something tells me that those words are still reread them as many times as you want. In true. fact, the message is reinforced by repetition. 4. Durable – Accidentally deleted that digital Yours…and His, message? Can’t nd the web page? Was it taken down or changed? Perhaps you

*http://www.businessinsider.com/amazons-new-bookstores-are-copying-independent-booksellers-2017-1

2 | GCCSDA.COM | COMMUNIQUÉ COMMUNIQUÉ | GCCSDA.COM | 3 UPLIFTING ADVENTURES!

Camps begin June 11

Register online today! Early bird discount through April 30

4 | GCCSDA.COM | COMMUNIQUÉwww.cs-yc.com ADVENTURERS FOCUS ON SAFETY IN COOKEVILLE, TENN. by Kathy Kane, director of the Cookeville Algood Adventurer Club

Adventurers met with local re ghters and learned many valuable safety skills. (Photo contributed)

When the Cookeville Algood Adventurer When the Adventurers gathered outside Club decided to focus on safety, the leaders of the school building during their mock checked to see which honor patches the drill, they met two local re ghters with children could earn. Kathy Kane, Adventurer a re truck. One of the remen dressed Club director, and Dawn Janzen, teacher at up in all of his equipment and explained Algood Christian Elementary (ACE), went how the di erent tools they carry and the directly to the patches for Road Safety and protective gear they wear helps them do Safety Specialist. their work. Next, the rescue workers showed the students even more tools on their re “We had just experienced a tornado that truck. One of the most interesting items was barely missed our elementary school here a thermal imaging camera that helps re in Cookeville, Tenn.,” said Kane. “Twisted ghters see through smoke. The children and uprooted trees narrowly missed our got to explore the entire truck as the patient building, so we knew that these were the remen explained every feature of interest. patches we wanted to work on.” Some Adventurers even got to sit in the truck and pretend to drive it! To begin, the Adventurers practiced a tornado drill and passed with  ying colors! Near the end of the meeting, the They also practiced going out of a building Adventurers discussed the need to develop in the safest way in case of emergency. The a home safety plan, and they also performed children learned a lot about re safety and their “safety detective” exercise, which quickly became experts. requires them to record and report any Continued on pg. 30 - see ADVENTURERS

4 | GCCSDA.COM | COMMUNIQUÉ COMMUNIQUÉ | GCCSDA.COM | 5 BELVEDERE CHURCH PARTNERS WITH ZOMI MISSION GROUP by Elougee Williamson

These seven new members joined the Adventist church in January, then another eight were baptized in February. (Photo contributed)

Fifteen precious persons joined the church oversees the Zomi group plus one other by baptism in the rst two months of 2017, Atlanta mission group. due to the combined outreach e orts of the Atlanta Belvedere Church and the Atlanta The recent baptismal service included Zomi Mission Group in Decatur, Ga. individuals from both the Zomi Mission Group and the Atlanta Belvedere Samuel Bulgin, senior pastor at Atlanta congregation. One of the new members, Belvedere, says that the Zomi congregation a 9-year-old girl named Nikita, said, “It feels has been under the sponsorship of the good knowing that Jesus washes away my Belvedere church for three years and has sins.” grown to approximately 120 members strong. The group shares the Belvedere An adult who was baptized, Joycelyn, church facility and begins its Sabbath remarked: “Baptism for me was a long time program at noon, followed by divine in the making. I was introduced to the worship at 3 p.m., a potluck meal, and a Adventist church a long time ago, and I youth meeting. love its teachings. I had the opportunity to be baptized, but I kept putting if o . If I Pastor Bulgin plays an advisory role for could go back [in time], I would have been Zomi Mission Group, assisting with the baptized when I was age 20.” development of leadership within the congregation and helping the members Together, let us preach the gospel of the learn the structure of the Seventh-day kingdom “through all the world for a witness Adventist Church so that they will be ready to all people; and then the end will come” to function as a separate company in the (Matthew 24:14, GNT). May we allow the future. Suan Mang, a part-time pastor, Holy Spirit to lead us in public and private witness to garner souls into His kingdom. n

6 | GCCSDA.COM | COMMUNIQUÉ YOUTH FESTIVAL REGENERATES ALL

Youth and young adults from around the conference came together at the Regenerate Youth Festival held in Cartersville, Ga., Sabbath, March 18. Karl Ha ner (lower right photo), senior pastor of the Kettering Church in Ohio, was the featured speaker for the event. Youth of all ages participated in the afternoon Expression Session, praising God in drama, music, and the Word. An event featuring the Improv group from Southern Adventist University drew a large crowd. (Photos by Tamara Wolcott Fisher)

6 | GCCSDA.COM | COMMUNIQUÉ COMMUNIQUÉ | GCCSDA.COM | 7 YOU PROTECT THEM EVERY DAY . . . Who would protect them if something happened to YOU?

LIVING We pray it doesn’t happen, but if you tragically lost A e M c your life, who would provide care for your children? n in e is r tr fe Who would serve as their guardian and observe the y o on f th d C e G lan same Seventh-day Adventist Christian values that you eorgia-Cumber cherish?

That is the value of having a will to outline your directions, naming someone to provide care for your children, rather than leaving that decision up to a judge. Your Conference Planned Giving and Trust Services Department can assist you with a will to provide peace of mind regarding the future of your family.

Visit us online at www.gccsda.com/planned-giving-trust-services Georgia-Cumberland Conference Trust Services:1-800-567-1844, ext. 361

8 | GCCSDA.COM | COMMUNIQUÉ COMMUNICATORS GAIN EDUCATION ON COPYRIGHT AND TRADEMARKS by Tamara Wolcott Fisher

Jennifer Gray Woods shares how to stay legal at the communication seminar. (Photo by Tamara Wolcott Fisher)

A free communication seminar, “Staying Tennessee, “one of the rst questions will Legal: A Training on Copyright and be ‘Can the GC manage this for us?’ Letting Trademark,” featured Jennifer Gray them know that the licensing agencies don’t Woods, J.D., associate general counsel have denominational deals/licenses will help for the Seventh-day Adventist Church. them focus on lining up their resources.” Approximately 40 individuals from throughout the conference assembled for Other important information Woods the training, held Sunday, Jan. 29. highlighted is that music often has two copyrights: both the instrumental portion Woods shared that “copyright is obtained and the words to songs. In addition, Google automatically when an original work of images have copyright protection and authorship is xed in a tangible form.” She are not to be shared. She also stressed added that works created after Jan. 1, 1978, the importance of using the Seventh-day last until one of the following: “70 years Adventist Church logo in its trademarked from the end of the calendar year in which original form. the author of the work dies” or for either 95 years or 120 years from creation of the work, Bill Boyd, an attendee from the Conyers depending on the nature of authorship. Church in Georgia, said, “It was very well presented, with a lot of info to digest and Melissa Lechler, who attended from the further research.” Collegedale Church in Tennessee, remarked: “I learned more practical application for the Woods joined the General Conference of local church level than I expected. Good Seventh-day Adventists in October 2015 content, and the Q & A was very helpful.” and focuses on trademark, copyright, and other intellectual property issues. She is a “I think as people learn about this,” said Justin graduate of Oakwood College, earning her Brooks from the McDonald Road Church in Continued on pg. 30 - see COPYRIGHT

8 | GCCSDA.COM | COMMUNIQUÉ COMMUNIQUÉ | GCCSDA.COM | 9 CONNECT REFRESHES COLLEGE STUDENTS by Roshauna Riviere

When I rst went to college, my primary with students from other colleges, including thought as an Adventist was that I needed Georgia State and University of Georgia. I to stay connected to God. There are times also nally got to meet in person two other when I failed, of course, but that led me to Adventists that I had previously known push harder to nd something that would about through a mutual friend. help me. That’s when I found out about Adventist Christian Fellowship (ACF). I was On Sabbath morning, we ate breakfast happy to know that I could fellowship with together and started our workshops. other Adventists on the University of West Throughout the day, we learned about Georgia campus. After a couple of meetings, success and planning for our future. The I found out about Connect. I was told how basis of each workshop was that God should much fun it was and that I should de nitely be at the forefront of all of our decisions. sign up. Since I’ve always enjoyed Path nder With God, nothing can go wrong. “I can do camporees, I was de nitely excited. all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13, NKJV). When we rst got to Connect, we arrived a bit late but got to catch the last part of My favorite activity was “The Most Important the sermon. Afterward, we got to “connect” Road Trip.” In this workshop, we all separated

Attendees gather for a group prayer during Connect, hosted by Adventist Christian Fellowship. (Photo by Brian Young)

10 | GCCSDA.COM | COMMUNIQUÉ Students were able to meet other Adventists and form new friendships. (Photo by Brian Young)

into di erent groups. Each group used God, yet He always waits for us to return. We di erent items to create a poster to de ne talked about how we are living in the end what success means to us. My group of times and how it’s important to build a received individual sheets of paper, so we solid relationship with God and to “connect” all drew our own de nition and glued them with other Adventists. By Saturday night, we together to create a large poster. At the end, all felt connected with each other. We had each group shared their posters. The lesson made new friends in Christ. behind it was that everyone has di erent resources in life. Some might be seen as Connect was an unforgettable experience. more resourceful than others, but at the end The prayer we had before we all left will of the day, each group was able to complete continue to work in my life until we meet the task no matter what resources it had again. I want to thank everyone who made received. Success doesn’t always look the my rst year at Connect possible. I will same; it’s di erent for everyone, and we are de nitely be making an appearance at all able to accomplish it. Connect 2018. n

During our break from the workshops, a group of students decided to go on a nature walk. Our conversation started with glori cation of God’s creation, then it turned to how we may slack o and fall away from

10 | GCCSDA.COM | COMMUNIQUÉ COMMUNIQUÉ | GCCSDA.COM | 11 FOX ACCEPTS SERVICE AWARD by Jodi Herod Steele

Wally Fox, athletic director at Georgia- graduated two years before Fox came to the Cumberland Academy, received this year’s school, had the opportunity to complete his Service Award from the Seventh-day student teaching under Fox in 1982. Webster Adventist Health, Physical Education, and said that as he watched him interact with Recreation Association (SDA-HPERA) on his students both inside and outside the March 13, 2017, in Stoneham, Mass. classroom, he was impressed by the way Fox cared for each one. Fox has enjoyed a long and fruitful career in Adventist education, beginning 48 years “He became my model for what an ago at Maplewood Academy in Hutchinson, Adventist Christian educator should look Minn. In 1975 he moved to Calhoun, Ga., like,” said Webster. to teach physical education at Georgia- Cumberland Academy (GCA). Fox has spent In order to qualify for the Service Award, a the last 42 years serving the students of nominee must have served a minimum of GCA, and has touched the lives of many 30 years in Adventist education. Fox, who along the way. has served on the executive committee of the SDA-HPERA twice himself, was pleasantly surprised to receive the call that he had been nominated for their Service Award. He said that he felt honored to be recognized by his fellow professionals. “I was very excited because not many of those [awards] go out,” said Fox. “When they presented me with the award, they said: ’Forty-eight years! Nobody does that in a boarding school!’”

Fox said he loves working in a boarding school environment and that it enables him to get to know his students in a meaningful way. He feels his time at GCA has been rewarding because he has sought God’s Wally Fox (right) joins Rob Thomas, executive leading in his work with young people. director of SDA-HPERA, at the award service. (Photo contributed by Rob Thomas) “True success only comes from the Lord,” said Fox. “It’s not what I’ve done; it’s what Tedd Webster, physical education teacher at He’s done. He’s used me, but I couldn’t have Great Lakes Adventist Academy, presented a accomplished much of anything [without tribute to Fox before the Service Award was God]. I give Him the praise.” n presented. Webster, a GCA alumnus who

12 | GCCSDA.COM | COMMUNIQUÉ FUSION CHURCH RISES AGAINST HUNGER by Hedren Johnson

More than 70 people helped assemble and package meals on March 27. (Photo courtesy of Rise Against Hunger)

Chronic hunger isn’t something I often think seemed more important. We would package about. food to feed 10,152 people, and each meal would cost just 34 cents. Most of the time, I choose to skip breakfast because I’m running late or I opt not to eat To prepare us mentally and spiritually, Pastor lunch because I want to nish my workday Jessie Lopez read the parable in Matthew early. For me, food is always accessible. The 25:31-46 about the King dividing people into ability to regularly eat nutritious food isn’t two groups based upon how they treated something I worry about. those who were hungry, thirsty, or had other needs. After a centering prayer, we turned Unfortunately, that’s not the case in many our attention to preparing the meals. developing countries in our world. Chronic hunger is a daily struggle for 795 million Burns coached us as if we were in a people—that’s one person in nine. Did you championship play-o game. While the know that a child dies from hunger-related instructions were clear, they didn’t make disease every 10 seconds? total sense until we started meal production. After about 15 minutes, we heard the gong As Philip Burns with Rise Against Hunger bang—1,000 meals completed! We would shared these startling statistics with hear the clang of mallet against metal nine volunteers and members of Fusion Church, more times. Burns shared that although the the pop-up food packaging assembly line packaging event in the middle of the auditorium somehow Continued on pg. 30 - see FUSION CHURCH

12 | GCCSDA.COM | COMMUNIQUÉ COMMUNIQUÉ | GCCSDA.COM | 13 Godcan handle it by Amie Shelley

14 | GCCSDA.COM | COMMUNIQUÉ God really did answer my prayer. He showed me in an unmistakable way that He is in my life and that He does have something for me to do.

Editor’s Note: Amie shared her testimony you want it to get answered. God really did during the Georgia-Cumberland Academy answer my prayer. He showed me in an week of spiritual emphasis. Here are unmistakable way that He is in my life and segments from her story. that He does have something for me to do.

Lots of times when I hear a really inspiring The pain started right Friday before the testimony, I think, “Man, I wish that were band concert at Christmas. I thought it was me.” We hear about all sorts of inspirational nothing at rst, but it kept getting worse people whose lives are devoted to the and worse. Have you ever felt that you spreading of the gospel. Often they have needed to go to the bathroom really badly, some dramatic rescue or conversion but you couldn’t? That’s how appendicitis story. Well, I was sitting in my room in the felt at the beginning. That is the best way beginning of December and thinking, “You I can describe it. But it didn’t go away know, my life is so generic.” If I ever go up eventually. Oh no. It gradually got worse and front to share my testimony, people would worse until I was in a lot of pain. But it’s like most likely fall asleep or not pay attention. that frog in a boiling pot of water, because It would be boring for even me to tell. If I it’s gradual I didn’t realize how much pain I look back over my life, I just honestly see no was really in. story. Like, I don’t see any real substance or meaning in it. Eventually my parents convinced me to go to the emergency room. I had a CT scan This is sad, but at that time I really couldn’t Sunday night, found out I had appendicitis, see any evidence of God in my life. And so got admitted into the hospital, had an I prayed: “God, my life seems boring. I’m appendectomy at 6:30 a.m. the next having a hard time seeing You in it, and I morning, and left for home Tuesday thinking don’t see that You have anything important that everything was ne. In and out. That’s for me to do. I want to give You my life and how it’s supposed to be, right? place it in your hands. So, um, could You give me a testimony, a story to tell, evidence that My appendectomy was a minimally invasive You’re in my life?” Laparoscopic surgery. Basically this surgery requires just three to six small incisions. Man, do I have a story to tell now. You guys I had only three. The doctor uses a little don’t even know the half of it. Just a side camera and a knife and some other stu note, don’t ever pray that prayer unless to do the surgery. The patient can usually

14 | GCCSDA.COM | COMMUNIQUÉ COMMUNIQUÉ | GCCSDA.COM | 15 recover in about a week with minimal scars. blood cell count, which is supposed to be To get released from the hospital after an at 10,000, was above 50,000. Whenever your appendectomy, all you have to do is go to white blood cell count is high, it means the bathroom, eat, and walk. I did all three, your body is ghting an infection. I was on so I got to go home. I thought I was ne at the second-strongest antibiotics, so I was the time, but a lot of things were wrong with pretty bad already. But I then developed me when they let me leave the hospital. ARDS which is Acute Respiratory Distress Unfortunately, no one noticed, and I just Syndrome. Basically, my lungs and lung thought that was how you were supposed cavity were lling with  uid so my lungs to feel after surgery. didn’t work very well. As a result, I started breathing less and less. It’s weird to think Anyway, after throwing up A LOT and feeling like I was going to die, I nally went back to the hospital and had a second It’s weird to think that surgery. They opened up my stomach—not between 25 and 50 percent laparoscopically but like a regular surgery— and found that, ‘Hey, she has a perforated of people with ARDS die. bowel, and she is septic’. In other words, one Needless to say, I was really of my intestines was accidentally cut open and leaking waste all over my insides. Joy. sick at that time, but I didn’t So, they cleaned me out, and I got to ride know it. in an ambulance to the children’s hospital in Chattanooga. I think I had two more that between 25 and 50 percent of people abdominal surgeries by the time everyone with ARDS die. Needless to say, I was really got out for Christmas break. I thought I was sick at that time, but I didn’t know it. getting better, but then I got worse. I had to My mom was talking to me and asked if get IVs and tubes in my nose plus something I wanted to get anointed, and I said, “Uh, in my neck to give me nutrition. My white no.” I thought to myself, “Anointings are

16 | GCCSDA.COM | COMMUNIQUÉ for really sick people. I’m not that bad.” actually didn’t realize that I had been on the But unbeknownst to me, I was in critical ventilator until days after I woke up. And yet condition. I needed help fast. In the I did wake up, and my lungs did get better Intensive Care Unit, the doctors gave me a without me doing anything. Without me choice: either wear one of those breathing- even trying. But it wasn’t me who made me mask things or let me sleep for a few days better; it wasn’t my parents encouraging while they let something breathe for me. me that made me better; and it wasn’t the Because the mask looked uncomfortable, doctors who made me better. It was God I chose the second option. So without who made me better. me even knowing it, they put me on a ventilator. For those of you who don’t know, A letter to the Corinthians says, “We were a ventilator is a machine that breathes for crushed and overwhelmed beyond our you. They put you into a really light sleep so ability to endure, and we thought we would that you know nothing and you’ll remember never live through it. In fact, we expected to nothing when you wake up. Then they put die. But as a result, we stopped relying on this huge tube down your throat and force ourselves and learned to rely only on God, air into your lungs. Because I was unable to who raises the dead. And He did rescue us breathe for myself correctly, they had to do from mortal danger, and He will rescue us it for me. This was the low point of my entire again. We have placed our con dence in life. I couldn’t eat, I couldn’t talk, I couldn’t Him, and He will continue to rescue us” (2 walk, I couldn’t use the restroom, I couldn’t Corinthians 1:8-10 NLT). As a result of this think, and I couldn’t even breathe.

In this state I couldn’t even talk to God. There was nothing I could do to save myself, and I was pretty close to death. I know that my parents were concerned. I was eventually anointed on the ventilator, and my parents were praying like crazy for me. Everyone was praying so much. Honestly, at that time, the only thing they could do was pray. If I had been awake, I would have been praying too. The crazy thing for me to think about is that I couldn’t pray. And all of those people were literally praying for me. I had made a decision and prayed a prayer previously to let people see God’s power through me. And this was essentially an answer to my prayer.

I hate to think of this, but I didn’t even know it. I didn’t know how low I had gotten. I

16 | GCCSDA.COM | COMMUNIQUÉ COMMUNIQUÉ | GCCSDA.COM | 17 experience, I’ve stopped relying on myself and learned to rely completely on God.

Have you seen that picture of a surgery that shows God guiding the hands of the surgeon? My aunt actually put up this picture in my hospital room. I like to think that’s exactly what happened throughout this whole experience. Even in the surgery where they made a mistake, I believe that was a crucial part of God’s plan. I When you place your life in God’s actually wasn’t scared; I was at peace. I trusted God. I was hands, when you rely completely on essentially in God’s hands, and Him, God’s power will be evident in I was there the whole time, no matter what happened. your life. You and I can’t handle this You know, only thing you can life on our own, but God can. really do in God’s hands is rely completely on God. my weakest—when I couldn’t breathe, It has taken a bit to recover from this think, or walk—that was when God had the whole experience. My life has been forever opportunity to show how powerful He is. changed, and I still have a scar to remind And He did! When our “strengths” are pushed me. But I don’t want people to think “Oh my aside or reduced, that is when people can word, look at her, she’s so courageous,” or see God the most. “Oh my word, she’s so strong.” God’s the one who is giving me strength. I want everyone I hope you don’t take away from my story who hears my story to look at what God has the idea that “Amie is such a strong person; done through me and say “I want God to wow, I wish I could be like that.” Uh, no. be in my life like that too.” Anything you’re Instead, think, “Wow, we serve such a going through, God can handle it, and I powerful God.” I want you to walk away from know that from experience. here realizing that God can be powerful in your life too. When you place your life in God’s power is shown best through God’s hands, when you rely completely on someone who is the weakest. That’s hard for Him, God’s power will be evident in your life. me to accept sometimes, because I want to You and I can’t handle this life on our own, be strong and I don’t want help from anyone but God can. God can handle it. Why don’t really. But I’ve learned that when I was at you let Him? n

18 | GCCSDA.COM | COMMUNIQUÉ The Georgia-Cumberland Men’s Leadership Summit will be held in conjunction with the annual camp meeting on the campus of Southern Adventist University. The focus of the summit will be on the nuts and bolts of how to create and sustain a vibrant men’s ministry at the local church level through long-term planning and solid leadership.

Blueprint for Men and the Georgia-Cumberland Conference have partnered to provide every man with an opportunity to grow as an authentic godly leader through fellowship, education, and accountability. The goal is not to create another “ministry,” but to create an unstoppable movement of godly men in these last days. As men are transformed, they become better husbands, fathers, and disciples for Christ. As a result, their marriages, families, churches, and communities grow stronger. To accomplish this goal, we are looking for ordinary men who are willing to be used by God to lead other men. No experience necessary! If you are willing, God will make you able!

MEN’S LEADERSHIP SUMMIT JUNE 3, 2017 • 2:30 P.M. CAMP MEETING, COLLEGEDALE, TN

18 | GCCSDA.COM | COMMUNIQUÉ COMMUNIQUÉ | GCCSDA.COM | 19 More Like

Collegedale Camp Meeting HimMay 31 - June 3, 2017 Southern Adventist University, Collegedale, TN

RANDY ROBERTS Randy Roberts will be the featured speaker. He serves as senior pastor for the Loma Linda University Church in California. Randy speaks both nationally and internationally. He has written articles for various publications and authored the book Waiting and Longing, published by Paci c Press.

More Like Him 20 | GCCSDA.COM | COMMUNIQUÉ Camp Meeting Seminars

GARDENING SPARKS: IT Seth Sha er IS WRITTEN EVANGELISM Je Blumenberg

HEALTH THE PASSION Vicki Gri n OF THE CHRIST Don Pate

PRAYER DISABILITIES Randy Maxwell MINISTRIES Rosemary Graham

TRUST TRUST SERVICES SERVICES Ray Hartwell Je Wilson

TRUST WOMEN’S SERVICES MINISTRIES Him Dana Perry Kathy Schleier

Beloved Concert Sabbath, June 3 4 p.m. Iles PE Center (gym)

Collegedale Camp Meeting at Southern Beloved Music Concert Adventist University

More Like Him 20 | GCCSDA.COM | COMMUNIQUÉ COMMUNIQUÉ | GCCSDA.COM | 21 71.5 MAGAZINE ADDRESSES CONCERNS OF SOCIAL MEDIA AND THE DIGITAL AGE by Emily del Marie Long

“With everything that’s been going on in the world, we felt like it was important to address the ne line between staying informed and getting sucked in,” Long explained. “The things we see on television and on our social media platforms can be so negative and discouraging; I wanted to reach out to some young adults who could minister and give advice on how to navigate those tricky and unavoidable issues.”

Some of the questions that are answered in the issue are: • Does it really matter what I post on social media? • What does it mean to be a true The media issue of 71.5 speaks to challenges facing the younger generation in the digital age. Christian? (Photo contributed) • How much should we engage in politics? “It seemed tting to release our spring issue • How can we regulate the media in our on Global Youth Day at the Regenerate lives? Youth/Young Adult Festival,” said Emily • How can we use the media for Long, editor and creative director of evangelism? 71.5, a magazine launched in May 2016 and sponsored by the conference Youth Also included are student interviews, pro les Ministries Department. “It was the perfect of Southern Adventist University’s Gym time to show o all of the great, creative Masters and on-campus LifeGroups, Humans work our youth and young adults have of New York-style re ections from local contributed. We’re really proud of how young adults on the impact of social media their work came together in this issue and in their day-to-day lives, 10 podcasts to love playing a part in the Total Member jump-start our spiritual lives, and a review of Involvement movement that’s being a recent mission trip to Papua Indonesia. emphasized in the Adventist church right now.” This will be the third issue for the magazine, which is almost entirely written, illustrated, This quarter’s 71.5 issue focuses on media and photographed by young adults for and speaks to a lot of challenges facing young adults. Bulk rates are available for the younger generation in the digital age. Continued on pg. 30 - see 71.5 MAGAZINE

22 | GCCSDA.COM | COMMUNIQUÉ LAOS NEEDS CHURCHES AND LITERATURE by David Ekkens

In the United States, it can easily cost more than a million dollars to build a church or school. In Laos, where more than 50 church members might cram into a member’s house to worship because they are too poor to build a facility, the cost is only $150,000.

Laos is a country in Southeast Asia with more than 6 million people. About one- More than 50 people might crowd into a house church to worship. (Photo contributed) third of the population lives below the international poverty line, existing on less than $1.25 per day. The country has roughly to young Buddhist students. Those 300 100,000 Christians and 5 million Buddhists. books were only a fraction of the number Ed Wright, Georgia-Cumberland Conference requested; they need truth- lled books and president, says that over the past several literature. months, our conference has been working to establish a supportive relationship with There are currently no Adventist schools the Laos Attached Field (LAF), the o cial in Laos—not even a primary school. The name of the Adventist work in that country. country’s 14 pastors and administrators The 1,300 Adventist church members in Laos have agreed to take a two-year pay cut in are in desperate need of larger churches order to purchase land for the Lao Adventist and have exhausted their resources. A Academy near Vientiane, the capital city. government o cial recently gave 200 Steps They already live on salaries that are 41 to Christ and 100 Ministry of Healing books percent lower than Adventist pastors in neighboring Thailand. Although $100,000 of the cost of the land has already been paid through donations, the remainder due is $50,000.

Dave Ekkens has established a Facebook page, Laos for God, providing details on the 11 major projects selected. Would your church or school want to adopt one of these projects?

For information on how you can be involved in God’s work in Laos, write to dekkens@ Three hundred books were given to young Buddhist students, but they were only a fraction of southern.edu or call 423-713-5232. n the number requested. (Photo contributed)

22 | GCCSDA.COM | COMMUNIQUÉ COMMUNIQUÉ | GCCSDA.COM | 23 PUBLISHING MINISTRY GROWS, CREATES NEW MINISTRY BOOKS by Tamara Wolcott Fisher

keep supporting the publishing ministry, as did many other conferences in the South. Next, HHES formed a board of o cers from all of the participating conferences, including Kentucky-Tennessee, Carolina, Gulf States, and Georgia-Cumberland. This board provides full disclosure on nances and opportunities for growth.

Leslie D. Louis, president of the Carolina Conference, says of the partnership: “Together we have forged a heaven-blessed path of success in the faithful labors of our literature evangelists, our dedicated teams of Magabook workers, and the engagement of every church member as a witnesses through the widespread sharing of GLOW tracts.” The Family Bible brings life-changing truth to those who read it. (Photo contributed by Carolina Conference) “My heart is convinced that the printed word—blessed and guided by the still, small God has blessed the endeavors of Home voice of the Holy Spirit—has the power to Health Education Service (HHES), the transform a life with God’s amazing grace,” publishing ministry within the Southern added Louis. “I am a Seventh-day Adventist Union. According to Tim Le ew, publishing follower of Jesus today because my director for the Georgia-Cumberland grandparents’ and parents’ lives were forever Conference, “Last year Georgia-Cumberland changed by the publishing ministry.” had the best year ever, with $1.83 million in sales and literature evangelism baptisms Another challenge for the publishing averaging close to one per week.” ministry was that when the Review and Herald Publishing Association closed in It’s a thrilling example of growth borne 2014, literature evangelists lost a longtime out of adversity. About two years ago, network and source of materials and the Southern Union decided to return its support. To meet this need, the team publishing ministry to the local conferences. created Family Home Christian Books, an In response, the Georgia-Cumberland online portal for literature evangelists that Conference executive committee voted to provides wholesale materials, support, and

24 | GCCSDA.COM | COMMUNIQUÉ The Georgia-Cumberland Conference Literature Evangelists on their summer retreat at Cohutta Springs Conference Center. (Photo submitted by Publishing)

training materials to equip representatives Literature evangelists are looking for new from 30 states, the United Kingdom, and a avenues to reach people. They can often be few islands in the Caribbean. seen at public events, fairs, and festivals as their marketing booths travel around the Among the new materials that HHES strives nation. to make available for those seeking Jesus is a book series named Children’s Century “We are grateful to God for His special Classics, a seven-volume Bible story set blessing on this work. We can truly say it is for kids. Le ew said, “Amazing things have not by our might or power but by His Spirit happened. Georgia-Cumberland sales have that this work is going forward,” says Le ew. gone up, and we are reaching many more “We are simply are doing our very best to people in their homes.” He adds that the get the truth into every home.” n Children’s Century Classics set shows parents where information from the children’s series is drawn from the Con ict of the Ages series for adults, which makes it more family- friendly. Introduction of this new product has increased the sale of Ellen G. White books by almost 500 percent.

Rocky Davis, Sr., publishing director for the Kentucky-Tennessee Conference, says: “Our products are readily accepted by the consumer, and we now have a much higher percentage of our LEs selling and qualifying for the top bonuses.”

24 | GCCSDA.COM | COMMUNIQUÉ COMMUNIQUÉ | GCCSDA.COM | 25 DINNER WITH THE DOCTOR EVENT FOCUSES ON ALZHEIMER’S by Vivian Raitz Carlson

Michael Hollie, M.D., was the speaker for the Dinner With the Doctor program held Jan. 30 at the Adventist school gymnasium in Dalton, Ga. The subject was “Preventing and Delaying Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease.”

Dr. Hollie is a practicing physician who is board-certi ed in asthma, allergy, and immunology. He is also a member of the teaching faculty at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine Chattanooga unit. He often lectures in the Chattanooga, Tenn., and North Georgia regions.

Approximately 75 people made reservations for the whole foods, plant-based meal Michael Hollie, M.D., shared that good nutrition is preceding the January program. Guests helpful in avoiding Alzheimer’s. (Photo contributed) enjoyed open-faced sandwiches with cucumber, red pepper, and hummus grains, and B-vitamin foods). Other factors served on whole grain bread, accompanied include getting the proper amount of by vegetable soup made with wild rice, sleep and reducing or eliminating as many and blueberry cobbler for dessert. Many medications as possible. attendees also received door prizes. “A novel and therapeutic program for “Dementia is not a speci c disease,” reversing cognitive decline,” concluded explained Dr. Hollie. “It’s an overall term Dr. Hollie, “is to get 2,000 units of Vitamin that describes a wide range of symptoms D-3 daily, take sh oil and CoQ10, optimize associated with a decline in memory or oral hygiene using an electric toothbrush, other thinking skills that is severe enough to exercise at least 30 minutes four to six reduce a person’s ability to perform everyday days per week, and fast a minimum of 12 activities.” hours between dinner and breakfast and a minimum of three hours between dinner The doctor stated that what is important and bedtime.” in avoiding dementia and Alzheimer’s is to eliminate bad nutrition (i.e., saturated fats, Dalton’s evening Dinners With the cholesterol, copper, aluminum, and iron) Doctor programs have been conducted from the body and instead put in good approximately once every quarter at this nutrition (i.e., fruits, vegetables, whole Continued on p. 30 - see DALTON DOCTOR

26 | GCCSDA.COM | COMMUNIQUÉ SOME- THING DO CAMP MEETING 2017 June 1 10 am - 3:30 PM WOMEN’S MINISTRY EXPO Get connected COLLEGEDALE CHURCH, UPSTAIRS

Looking for a way to “make a difference?” Come see how women around the conference are effectively reaching out to different ages and people groups with the intention of con- necting and building relationships within the church and their community. Whether you are YOUNG or MATURE, OUTGOING or QUIET, a LEADER or a FOLLOWER….. God has a plan, a place for you to make a difference in the lives of others.

26 | GCCSDA.COM | COMMUNIQUÉ COMMUNIQUÉ | GCCSDA.COM | 27 ENTHUSIASTIC TEENS ENJOY OASIS HIGH SCHOOL RETREAT by Shannon McFarlane

Teens at the high school retreat get the chance to share, study, and pray in small groups, a rare opportunity to bond with other Adventists their age. (Photo by Britni News)

Roughly 150 high school students, small-group meetings. Two college-age volunteers, and chaperones gathered at volunteers led each small group, and after Cohutta Springs for a three-day spiritual a few icebreakers and get-to-know-you retreat that began Friday, Feb. 3. The questions, the real discussion would begin. event, targeted toward youth who are Leaders began with a Bible reading, then homeschooled or in public school, is a encouraged conversation. In these small- mid-school-year getaway where teens can group meetings, each person got to know fellowship, make friends, and grow closer to the others on a spiritual level. This was really God. Over the course of the weekend, each special, since having friends they can talk to attendee heard Pastor Jonathan Montes about God isn’t something that Adventist preach three times about this year’s theme: teens nd every day in public high school. Own It! Taking advantage of this rare opportunity, many students opened up, got things o During the large group sessions, everyone their chest, and were able to be honest and met in the gym for a lively song service open without feeling judged. led by college-age volunteers, which was followed by an engaging activity or game Sabbath was jam-packed with activities, conducted by Pastor Chris Massengill, ranging from a leisurely walk along the lake chaplain for Collegedale Academy in to an intense hike up the face of one of Tennessee. the many surrounding mountains. Sunset arrived early, ending the Sabbath but When not in the large group meeting, de nitely not hampering the high spirits of chaperones took boys and girls to individual participants! The gym hosted several rounds

28 | GCCSDA.COM | COMMUNIQUÉ of intense dodgeball and basketball, after newfound friends. which swarms of teenagers scrambled after Little Debbie cakes that had been dumped The amazing thing about this retreat wasn’t by the box-load in the center of the gym. the reasonable cost or the nice lodging. Outside, a bon re raged. High schoolers and What made the Oasis High School Retreat volunteers alike shared smiles and laughs such a blessing was the people. Worshiping while rotating around the  ames, trying to and studying with Christ made a lasting keep warm. impression on everyone who participated. After just three days, the teens forged The hayride around the campground after friendships and, most importantly, drew dark exposed Cohutta’s beauty for all to see, closer to God through meeting people for only at night can you see the stars hung who also wanted to be with Him. There’s no in the open country sky. Each one, like this doubt that this special retreat is one that wonderful weekend, is proof of our God’s shouldn’t be missed. n mighty work. This article is reprinted by permission from The Oasis High School Retreat o cially 71.5, a new Seventh-day Adventist culture ended on Sunday, Feb. 5. That morning, magazine created by and for youth and everyone woke up still buzzing from the young adults. Learn more about 71.5 on antics of the previous evening. Breakfast was page 24. served and people scurried about, collecting the phone numbers and usernames of their

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HimOlde Time Camp Meeting June 8-10, 2017 Meisster Memorial Church, Deer Lodge, Tenn.

SPEAKER: DOUG JACOBS Professor of Ministry & Homiletics, Southern Adventist University

28 | GCCSDA.COM | COMMUNIQUÉ COMMUNIQUÉ | GCCSDA.COM | 29 ADVENTURERS - Continued from pg. 5 FUSION CHURCH - Continued from pg. 13 potential problems and risks. They learned took place in Midtown Atlanta, the meals about the need to establish in advance a will likely be shipped to Haiti, Africa, or safe meeting place and how important it is Southern Asia. for children to know their address. “We were able to prepare them to perform the safety In 1998, Ray Buchanan, a United Methodist measures in a fun and interesting way that minister, founded Stop Hunger Now. In they are unlikely to forget,” says Kane. 2017, the organization was rebranded to re ect the realization that ending hunger A combination of homeschoolers and requires more than just feeding people. students from Algood Christian Elementary A long-term commitment is necessary (ACE) make up the Cookeville Algood in order to change how the world sees Adventurer Club. Their enthusiasm for hunger, poverty, and the distribution of learning and practicing these skills was natural resources. overwhelming. n There are many ways to help solve the problem of chronic hunger. Perhaps the COPYRIGHT - Continued from pg. 9 most important thing is to do something. juris doctor degree from Harvard University As Mother Theresa of Calcutta has said, “If in 2005. A registered patent attorney, she you cannot feed a hundred people, then is admitted to practice before the United just feed one.” n States Supreme Court. n

DALTON DOCTOR - Continued from pg. 29 site for the past two years, with excellent attendance, including many friends 71.5 MAGAZINE - Continued from pg. 22 from the community. Attendees pay a churches, youth groups, and schools. For $5 fee in advance at the time they place details on bulk orders or to subscribe or their reservations. Jane Clark, M.D., a volunteer your artistic, photographic, or dermatologist and board-certi ed physician writing talents, go to 715youthmag.com or in internal medicine, chairs the committee email [email protected]. n for the dinners. n

FINANCIAL REPORT The gures below provide an overview of conference nances as of February 28, 2017. Every member who is cooperating with God in the faithful stewardship of tithes and o erings makes our ministry and outreach possible. Thank you for your faithfulness!

2017 (8 weeks) 2016 (9 weeks) Gain/Loss % Tithe $5,755,096 $6,338,783 -$583,686 -9.21 Conference Ministries $73,505 $77,772 -$4,268 -5.49 Local Church Giving $4,255,467 $4,106,377 $149,091 3.63 Sabbath School & Missions $129,105 $135,900 -$6,795 -5.00

30 | GCCSDA.COM | COMMUNIQUÉ UPCOMING EVENTS 2017 CAMP MEETINGS

MAY MAY 7 Adventurer Family Fun Day 19-21 Korean Camp Meeting Cohutta Springs Youth Camp Cohutta Springs Conf. Center

13 Health Rally 31-JUNE 3 Collegedale Camp Meeting Chatsworth Church, GA Southern Adventist University Collegedale, TN

JUNE JUNE 1 Do Something 8-10 Olde Time Camp Meeting Collegedale Camp Meeting Meister Memorial Church Southern Adventist University Deer Lodge, TN

AUGUST 3 Men’s Leadership Summit: Deep Mountain 9-13 Southern Deaf Camp Meeting Collegedale Camp Meeting Cohutta Springs Conf. Center Southern Adventist University SEPTEMBER 11-18 Junior Camp I (ages 10-12) 22-23 Northeast Tennessee Cohutta Springs Youth Camp Camp Meeting The Oaks Retreat 18-25 Junior Camp II (ages 10-12) Greeneville, TN Cohutta Springs Youth Camp 29-30 Sabbath in the Smokies 22-J  6 Singles’ Ministry Mission Trip [Knoxville-area churches] Ecuador Cades Cove (Great Smoky Mountains National Park) 25-30 Adventure Camp (ages 7-9) Cohutta Springs Youth Camp OCTOBER 27-29 Hispanic Camp Meeting Cohutta Springs Conf. Center

FIND MORE NOVEMBER SUMMER CAMP DATES 11 South Georgia Blitz AND INFORMATION AT Various churches WWW.CS-YC.COM.

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30 | GCCSDA.COM | COMMUNIQUÉ COMMUNIQUÉ | GCCSDA.COM | 31 FIND ALL OUR VIDEOS ONLINE

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