The Inter-American Division

FAITH AND COURAGE

By C. L. POWERS

We are living in a world where the horrible crimes understand their helplessness. Satan would have us of yesterday have become commonplace and Christians complain of our sufferings and try to burden others with everywhere are appalled at their steady increase. The our heavy load. If we listen, to his suggestions, unbelief to describe. Every day brings news of new political strife, in God will extinguish the flame of faith, and we will corruption of today is beyond the power of the human pen become discouraged. bribery and fraud. Every day brings its report of violence As we carefully examine our lives, we will long for and bloodshed, of indifference to human suffering, and of the indwelling of God's Holy Spirit. Such 'an experience fiendish destruction of human life. Each new day will fill us with brotherly love and sincerity, and will rid witnesses the increase of insanity, murder and suicide. Is our hearts of suspicion and evil thinking. We will be it not obvious that Satanic agencies are at work with slower to blame and accuse our brother and more ready increasing strength to warp and corrupt the mind and to to assume our responsibility. We will clearly understand defile and destroy the body? that Christian growth depends upon humility and meekness With these conditions on every hand, the gospel is with whole-hearted obedience and devotion to God's often presented in so indifferent a way that little impression command. Hope and courage are the fruits of faith which is made on the mind and heart of those who listen. In are essential to perfect service for the Master. every corner of our field there are hearts longing for a The Lord has commanded us to go forward in faith message of hope and courage. They long for a power that and He will prepare the way for His work. It requires will free them from sin. Their hearts are crying out for genuine courage to face the task God has given us to do. something which they do not now possess. The influence The battle will become more intense as we near the end of an earnest Christian life would change the darkest day of time. In the life of every man, woman and child, a into a day bright with hope. conflict is raging between loyal and disloyal angels. Satan Why are we meeting the challenge of the hour with and his evil angels are fighting desperately to hold their so much apathy? Perhaps what we need to stimulate our grip on every human being, for Satan knows that his time faith and strengthen our courage, is to review carefully is short. We have the promise that "all the resources of how the Lord has led us in ,the past. As we review His heaven are at the command of those who are seeking to great mercy and loving kindness so freely given us, we will save the lost. Angels will help you reach the most careless want to tell others of His wonderful love, and this will and the most hardened."—Christ's Object Lessons, p. 197. increase our trust in Him. To realise our complete As members of the Adventist family, let us exercise dependence upon Him whose "hand is not shortened that greater faith that God will lead and direct his work to a it cannot save ; neither His ear heavy that it cannot hear," glorious victory. If we have unwavering faith in His is a vitalising experience. promises, we may expect greater victories and greater Our greatest need during this critical hour is faith in accomplishments than we have ever seen before. Let us be God. The Lord allows trials to come to us to reveal quick to greet our brother' with, "Be of good courage." undiscovered traits, of character. He allows those who Let us unite our prayers and our hearts in the cause of are self-sufficient to be severely tried so that they may God so that the work' may be finished quickly.

'Vol.:XXXVIII NOVEMBER, 1961 No.11 Panama Baptism

Elder L. L. Reile reports that Pastor 0. U. Holness has completed his evangelistic effort in the Panama City Central Church. A total of 107 precious souls have been baptised as a result of this campaign. Two baptisms were conducted in connection with the Panama City meetings. The first was on June 4, when 71 persons went forward in this sacred rite. Four ministers baptised simultaneously and 2,000 persons were present to witness the scene. Preceding the service a Bible Correspendence School graduation ceremony was conducted at which New converts who were recently baptised in Panama City, Panama, as a result 105 students received diplomas. The of the evangelistic meetings conducted by Pastor 0. U. Holness. second baptism was held on August 13, when 36 additional converts work among these primitive tribes. their desire to give their hearts to went down into the watery grave and We have purchased a piece of Jesus, and we had the joy of came forth to newness of life. property on which a large building baptising the chief's sons and their stands. There we are planning to have wives among others. The chief him- —C. 0. F. our church proper, two classrooms, self, who lived with two wives, did and living quarters for our pastor. not wish to change his way of living. mi....•••••••••••••••./ Much later, after noticing the In order to visit our Indian happiness of his children after their brothers and sisters it is necessary to conversion, the chief came to find Our Work in travel on the Maroni River. Gliding French Guiana me one day and said, "Brada (that is, slowly over the waters of this river, brother), today I have made my bordered on both sides by impene- decision. I wish to follow Jesus, and Although French Guiana is the trable walls of vegetation, many largest overseas French department, I have come to give you my two one-fourth the size of France, it is kinds of plants whose branches meet wives. I am going to marry one of the least populated with only some their reflections in a mirror of water, them, and the other will follow her 30,000 inhabitants. This country, one cannot help going into ecstasies Saviour alone." The separation took situated in South America between before the wonders of the Creator. place on the spot, and after that Brazil and Dutch Guiana, is home to In the midst of this paradise un- these souls led an exemplary life. peoples of extremely varied origins. touched by the hands of civilised Today all three are baptised members One can, however, roughly divide man, little villages have been of the church, happy in the hope of them into two large categories: the established in clearings along the Jesus' soon return. bank of the river. These simple men civilised and the primitive. To make these trips by river we The civilised people represent a know how to welcome you kindly when you land on their property. Our have always had to borrow or to mixture of French officials, Chinese, rent a canoe. Recently we have been European refugees, a n d several Indian brethren, now numbering about 50, have accepted the Truth very pleased to receive a large new hundred ex-convicts. In general, motor canoe from the Mission. For these people live in the capital city even though it cost them some of their ancestral customs. its first missionary voyage, we of Cayenne and in villages along the decided to go to Hattes to visit our sea coast. Several times I have had brother the chief, his wife, their The primitive populace are coin- opportunity to visit an Indian tribe children and families, all beloved posed of numerous Indian tribes and downstream on the river. During brothers and sisters in this region. of Negroes from Africa, the Bush, the these encounters I projected films on How happy we are today to have the Saramacs, and others. These live inr the life of Jesus and His soon return. means to travel up and down the a primitive state in the interior of Although the chief was not the least river carrying the gospel to all those the country and along the river interested in our message, he did not tribes that ask nothing more than to banks. impede his people from listening to be able to receive it. Saint-Laurent, situated on the us. My audience was a large one. —Paul Joseph Moroni River, is the centre of our Some time later several manifested 2 MESSENGER A Look at Money in the Light of Eternity

SILVER AND GOLD

By C. LESTER BOND, Retired Minister

One of the means for advancing often think," he once said, "that the that he may be able to comprehend Christ's kingdom is money. God artist who thinks himself a success the completeness of service that God claims our silver and gold as His, as is a monumental failure." requires of him. the sun and rain and air are His. Mr. Kreisler denied all claim to God does not make this claim Their one legitimate purpose is to glory, and said humbly, "I was born upon us arbitrarily, or without add to His glory and to carry out sufficient reason. He claims no more His will in the earth. They are not with music in my system. . . . It was a gift of Providence. I did not than is His just due. He is "worthy lawfully used when they do not . . . to receive glory and honour and serve that end. acquire it. . . . I never look upon the money I earn as my own. It is public power" because he has "created all We have been placed here on money. It belongs to the public. It things" (Rev. 4:11). God has created; earth to fulfill God's will. We are is only a fund entrusted to my care therefore He has a right to our not our own, for all of our power for proper disbursement. . . . How service. This fact is made prominent comes from Him. Whatever money can I squander money on myself in the Bible.. Why should we serve we have represents strength and time while there is so much misery, so Jehovah, instead of the gods the that we have given in exchange for much hunger in the world? . . . I heathen worship? Simply because He it, strength and time that belonged feel morally guilty in ordering a created us. The psalmist says, "Serve to Him. If we cannot claim ourselves costly meal, for it deprives someone the Lord with gladness: come before as our own, surely we cannot lay else of a slice of bread—some child, his presence with singing. Know ye claim to owning anything we have. perhaps, of a bottle of milk." that the Lord he is God: it is he that We are here simply as God's hath made us, and not we ourselves; stewards, bound to make the utmost Whenever an individual catches we are his people, and the sheep of out of everything He has entrusted that conception of his talents and his his pasture" (Ps. 100:2, 3). Not only to us. What we have is not partly possessions, he will do all he possibly does He give to all life, and breath, can, by the payment of tithe and his and all things, but "in him we live, His and partly ours. We fall into the gifts, to advance the cause of God sin of Ananias and Sapphira when and move, and have our being" we profess entire consecration, but in every part of the world. The (Acts 17:28). If we had made our- keep back part of what we have. It motive will be love for God and man. selves, and could by our own unaided is our duty to find out what God There are many degrees of service efforts maintain our existence for a wants done, to give for any particular which we may render to God, but single moment, we would be under purpose whatever He asks, to share there is only one that is acceptable no obligation to anyone else. the joy of giving. to Him, and that is undivided Some may cavil at the declaration, A life must be fully consecrated service. God requires that all the "Thou hast created all things, and to God in order to be truly con- faculties both of body and mind for thy pleasure they are and were secrated. Full and true consecration shall be consecrated to Him; He will created," but in so doing they forget automatically includes consecration accept nothing less. We are to that what is for God's pleasure is of our time, talents, and earthly regard ourselves and all our talents, also for our highest good. They possessions. God will dwell as a sole whatever they may be, as belonging forget the possibilities latent in the tenant in a man's heart, or He will to Him without reserve. life He has given us, that it is only preparatory to a life that shall never not dwell there at all. He will not It is a rare thing to find one who occupy one part of the heart while end. It is the Father's good pleasure realises the full extent of the claims to give us the kingdom that shall Satan occupies another part. "Ye that God makes upon us. Our minds cannot serve God and mammon," is have no' end.- It is only because we have been so warped by selfishness lose sight of what God is doing and the way the Bible expresses this that it is difficult even to conceive great truth (Matt. 6:24). proposes to do for us, that we refuse of such perfect service as the Lord to render Him the service that is His An interesting incident from the requires. It should be the great due. life of the famous composer Fritz object of each person to have his Kreisler well illustrates the point. "I spiritual discernment so quickened —Review and Herald NOVEMBER, 1 9 6 1 3 THE SECOND ADVENT--

THE ONE HOPE OF THE WORLD TODAY

By R. R. BIETZ

The second coming of Christ has lence: a fire shall devour before him, solved, and the elements shall melt been a distinctive doctrine of the and it shall be very tempestuous with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, Seventh-day Adventist Church since round about him. He shall call to according to his promise, look for its very beginning. In fact, the church the heavens from above, and to the new heavens and a new earth, where- came into existence, first and before earth, that he may judge his people. in dwelleth righteousness" (2 Peter all else, for the purpose of proclaim- Gather my saints together unto me; 3:10-13). ing this wonderful but well-nigh those that have made a covenant forgotten Bible truth. with me by sacrifice." Paul, the outstanding leader of the early Christian church, wrote much Christ came the first time as a While Jesus was here upon earth about the second coming of Christ. Saviour, to restore peace between He encouraged His disciples with the In fact, some of the most comforting God and man. He will come the promise, "Let not your heart be trou- words in the New Testament are second time to cleanse the world of bled: ye believe in God, believe also those of Paul when he said, "For the every stain of sin, and without this in me. In my Father's house are Lord himself shall descend from the salvation of mankind would be many mansions: if it were not so, I heaven with a shout, with the voice incomplete. This is plainly stated in would have told you. I go to pre- of the archangel, and with the trump Hebrews 9:28: "So Christ was once pare a place for you. And if I go of God: and the dead in Christ shall offered to bear the sins of many; and prepare a place for you, I will rise first: then we which are alive and unto them that look for him come again, and receive you unto and remain shall be caught up to- shall he appear the second time with,- myself; that where I am, there ye gether with them in the clouds, to out sin unto salvation," or as Dr. may be also" (John 14:1-3). The dis- meet the Lord in the air: and so Weymouth translated it, "To make ciples feared they would never see shall we ever be with the Lord. their salvation complete." Not only their Lord again, but this promise Wherefore comfort one another with will peace between God and man be from His own lips helped calm their these words" (1 Thess. 4:16-18). restored but the earth, created for fears. When the time came for His man, will be restored to him. actual departure, angels from heaven The "blessed hope" of the second The Second Advent was a bright assured them with the promise, "Ye coming of Christ is not a fringe doc- hope before Jesus Christ was born men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing trine. It is the very fabric that holds in Bethlehem's manger. We read up into heaven? this same Jesus, the Christian faith together. Hope that "Enoch also, the seventh from which is taken up from you into is the warp and woof of human ex- Adam, prophesied of these, saying, heaven, shall so come in like manner perience. The hope of the second Behold, the Lord cometh with ten as ye have seen him go into heaven" coming of Christ is an experience that thousands of his saints, to execute (Acts 1:11). This promise the dis- keeps Christians looking up. The judgment upon all" (Jude 14,15). ciples kept alive in their hearts, and apostle Peter calls it a "lively hope." Similarly, Abraham, the father of the certainly it was part of their life and It gives vitality to Christian experi- faithful, sojourning in the Land of their message. ' ence. The life of those having this Promise, declared that he "looked for hope is shaped and governed by it. a city which bath foundations, whose The apostle Peter preached not only the resurrection of Christ but Those who have a firm hope of builder and maker is God" (Heb. also His second coming: "But the heaven, those who believe that Christ 11:10). As he walked along the is coming again, will be better citi- dusty trails of the desert, through day of the Lord will come as a thief the refreshing spring-fed valleys, and in the night; in the which the heavens zens here and now. Those who have shall pass away with a great noise, a genuine hope for a new earth will over the rugged hills, his words and seek to live its principles here on the deeds revealed that he desired a and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the old earth. Those who sing about the better country and that he was ear- "fair and happy land by and by" and nestly looking for it (Heb. 11:16). works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these the "evergreen shores over there," David ardently hoped for the Sc-.o__ things shall be dissolved, what man- will do their part to keep the shores ond Advent, and this hope was a ner of persons ought ye to be in all green over here. Those who talk comfort to him throughout his days holy conversation and godliness, about the streets of gold "over there" of trial and persecution. He expresses looking for and basting unto the com- will also pay their taxes over here this hope in Psalm 50:3-5: "Our God ing of the day of God, wherein the so that the streets can be kept in shall come, and shall not keep si- heavens being on fire shall be dis- good repair. Parents who believe in 4. MESSENGER the new earth where all will be "bliss minded men and women are becom- the wrath of the. Lamb: for the and joy," will also build a little hea- ing keenly conscious of the fact that great day of his wrath is come; and ven here on earth by loving each there is only one sure hope, the sec- who shall be able to stand?" (Rev. other and their children. They will ond coming of Jesus Christ. This 6:16, 17). not attempt to settle their family alone offers a practical solution to the If we have Christ the hope of problems by running to the divorce ills of the world. glory within us, then let us go forth courts every time some little mis- There will be those who have and announce this hope to the world. understanding comes up. Those who looked for Christ and they will be The world is not impressed with res- hope to live in the new earth where glad and rejoice to see Him coming olutions and recommendations. It they expect to walk in robes of white in the clouds: "And the ransomed will be careful how they dress here wants to see resolutions translated of the Lord shall return, and come into action. It needs to see the Chris- upon the earth. The Second Advent to Zion with songs and everlasting tian hope as a way of life. Let all is not a theory, but should touch joy upon their heads: they shall ob- who profess the name of Christ be every facet of our life's experience tain joy and gladness, and sorrow and consistent witnesses to this hope, and here and now. sighing shall flee away" (Isa. 35:10). never fail to share it. He who embraces the blessed hope But those who do not have this hope of the Second Advent knows that the will say to the mountains, "Fall on "Lift up the trumpet, and loud let time will come when this mortal shall us, and hide us from the face of him it ring: Jesus is coming again!" put on immortality. This gives him that sitteth on the throne, and from —Review and Herald faith and courage even though he walks through the valley of the shadow of death. Through all of Job's painful experiences, his hope in the matunt..4 Second Advent undergirded his life. He spoke words hewn out of his own bitter experience when he said, "I know that my redeemer liveth, and THE HUMBLE ONES that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: and though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet By Grace V. Watkins in my flesh shall I see God" (Job 19:25, 26). Uncle Arthur was discouraged. As he sat on the back doorstep We not only know that Christ is in obvious despondency, I asked, "Why the gloom, Uncle Arthur?" coming, but we know that He is com- ing soon. The disciples, anxious con- "Oh, I've been thinking how unimportant and insignificant I cerning Christ's return, asked, "Tell am," he replied. "Just a plain, everyday person who goes around us, when shall these things be? and repairing people's furniture and gadgets. Doesn't seem as if God what shall be the sign of thy coming, can feel that I amount to much." and of the end of the world?" (Matt. 24:3). In answer, the Lord spoke of "Suppose there's anything in the Bible that covers your case?" a nulnber of signs by which they I asked. Uncle Arthur brightened. "Maybe. What sort of text do could know when His coming would you mean?" be near. When these things come Suddenly I had an inspiration. "Remember what the Bible says to pass—then, says the Lord, "Look about our Lord at the time of his baptism?" up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh" (Luke Uncle Arthur nodded. Together we took the Bible from the 21:28). Modern times have witnessed living-room table and read Matthew 3:14-17. As we finished, I the fulfillment of all these predictions. observed, "God referred to Jesus as His beloved Son, in whom Even more significant signs are He was well pleased. Do you recall what Jesus had been doing those mentioned in the books of Daniel years before His baptism?" and Revelation. Space does not here Uncle Arthur sat up straight, his eyes glowing. "Why, I never permit us to go into all these signs. thought of that before! Jesus had been a carpenter, hadn't He? We will refer only to one. In fulfill- He hadn't yet begun His work as a preacher. Yet God was well ment of a prophecy in Revelation 13, pleased with Him." we find significant evidence of an increasing rapprochment between As Uncle Arthur gathered up his kit of tools and started off Protestantism and Rome. Further, down the road, I thought with a sense of quiet peace about the one, of the significant signs of Christ's thousands of dear, consecrated Christians who, living humble lives, soon return is the ecumenical move- are pleasing to God. ment which envisions the eventual union of all Christendom. A few decades ago there was -much —Review and Herald talk about entering into a, millenium of peace and prosperity. But serious-

NOVEMBER,- 1961 Aria was beside herself when Linda began to smoke and refused to go to church at all. Friday night dances What Aria Served for Sabbath Dinner and ball games crowded out the holy time of the Sabbath. When Arla By ELIZABETH ANN HILTON pleaded with her, Linda only laughed. "You want me to look like some The dinner table looked lovely.. tribute gruffly, "I saw a dozen good old fuddy-duddy? I don't remember The cloth had been ironed to paper- places for him to stop." your ever liking church so well. I like smoothness, and the best china Arthur, who was ten, heard these remember when you thought it was was always used on Sabbath. Aria's observations and so did Linda, age pretty tiresome. Well, I still think best china was bone white, with eight. it is, and you're not going to poke dainty pink roses twined in little gar- it down my throat either." lands along the edge. The cups were Grandma heard, too, and looked Aria and her husband wonder how a little different shape from those at the children, a tiny wrinkle ap- such things could ever happen to with most sets of dishes, and the pearing between her eyes. their children. "We took them to side dishes were lovely. Aria was "He preached just fifty-five min- church. We went right with them, proud of her china, and she always utes," she said in her mellow old at least, most of the time," she would washed the, dishes herself, so that voice. "I loved it. I. thought it was declare. none would be broken. a wonderful sermon." "The children have not failed to hear the disrespectful remarks of She took great pride in her other Arla spoke again. table appointments too. The center- their parents in reference to the "Did you see the hat that Mrs. solemn reproofs and warnings of piece might be flowers, always taste- LeFevere wore today?" fully arranged, or a lovely cake. As God's servants. They have under- a housekeeper, Arla was an artist. "I did notice it." replied the guest. stood the scornful jests and the de- Others might come close, but Arla "Is it new?" preciatory speeches that have from time to time met their ears, and the knew the niceties down to a fine Aria laughed disagreeably. point. Her roast, made the day be- tendency has been to bring sacred fore of pecan meal, gluten, tomato "New?" she said. "I should say it and eternal interests in their minds sauce, mushrooms, onions, and-well, isn't. You would think a conference on a level with the common affairs it was not always the same, except worker's wife would get a new one of the world. What a work are these for one thing: it was as tasty as it once in a while. That is the second parents doing in making infidels of was pretty. "You have to stand over time she has changed the trimmings." their children even in their childhood! things and take pains with them if This is the way that children are Her husband cleared his throat and taught to be irreverent and to rebel you want them to look nice," Arla looked at his wife significantly. "You was fond of saying. against Heaven's reproof of sin. might follow her example and econ- Spiritual declension can but prevail Yes, she knew how to set a lovely omise for a change," he said point- where such evils exist. These very table-buttered Limas, crispy scal- edly. "Money runs through your fathers and mothers, blinded by the loped potatoes steaming with an fingers like water. Maybe she isn't enemy, marvel why their children are oniony, creamy, "come on" smell. one of those women who throw out so inclined to unbelief and to doubt And her homemade b-r e a d-date more with a teaspoon than her hus- the truth of the Bible. They wonder bread, nut bread, whole-wheat bread, band can bring in with a shovel." that it is so difficult to reach them and rye! "They've got two children in col- by moral and religious influences." Was it cake or fat pies on the lege," grandma contributed. "I ex- -Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 195. buffet to be served up for dessert? pect they do have to be saving." What a fearful price Arla has paid for serving up Criticism and con- Well, that was not all she served Again the atmosphere seemed to on Sabbath either. tempt with every Sabbath dinner! be charged with an undercurrent of -Review and Herald Hardly had the blessing been said resentment, which 'was unpleasant to and the delicious food passed-in say the least. =1=c1=1: 1=2=r "How solemn is the thought! Day fact, even while it was being served Years later when Arthur went to -before Arla might say to a current. after day, passing into eternity, bears high school he quit going to church its burden of records for the books guest, "I thought Elder Staley would entirely. never get through today. I always of heaven. Words once spoken, deeds get nervous when they hold the meet- "Think I want to go and vegetate once done, can never be recalled. ing too long." while some old duffer stands up in —The Great Controversy, p. 486. "Yes," Aria's husband would con- front and airs his views? No, thanks." nIZtnrtmlft8:=CW=C(=:IZI—(t—O=Ct:W-4-4-

6 -MESSENGER

gational singing of "God of the Uni- verse." S. L. Gadsby, departmental St. Eustatius brethren dedicate a secretary of the Caribbean Union, preached the dedicatory sermon; E. J. Murray, acting president of the NEW CHURCH BUILDING East Caribbean Conference, read the Act of Dedication; and W. W. On May 28, 1961, Adventists from At the dedication service, which Weithers, depai Imental secretary of many parts of the East Caribbean was attended by a large section of the East Caribbean Conference, of- Conference converged on the little the community, N. C. Gooding, pas- fered the dedicatory prayer. island of St. Eustatius in the Neth- tor, under whose direction the build- Other participants in the service erlands Antilles for the dedication of ing was completed, offered a prayer were C. G. van Putten, pioneer of a new 55,000-guilder church building. of intercession following the congre- the Advent Message in St. Eustatius; J. C. Shillingford, a former pastor of the church; and Mervin Gittens, a lay member who read the history of the church. The church choir pro- vided special music for the occasion. The Advent Message was first preached in St. Eustatius in 1921. In the following year thirteen souls were baptised and thus was estab- lished a stronghold for the Truth. Today 124 of the island's population of 1,070 are Seventh-day Adventists. Rejoicing with our believers on the happy occasion was the administrator of the island, who placed the dedica- tion marble stone. The deputy, who was also present, spoke appreciatively of the work of Adventists on the island. Plans have been laid for more ag- gressive evangelism, and we look forward to doubling our membership on that island in the near future.

New church building on the island of St. Eustatius in the East Caribbean Conference. —Eric John Murray

Have you obtained your three-volume set of LAST CALL TESTIMONY TREASURES ? Remember — the Special Price (the equivalent of US$3.00 in your local currency) expires on December 31, 1961. Please do not wait until the TESTIMONY last minute. Order NOW from your Book & Bible House. TREASURES

NOVEMBER; 1961 7 here in the country. There is a well to supply our drinking water, but we have just discovered a dead snake What About the Do's and. Don'ts in the well. It might be very dan- gerous to our health if it is a By VELVA B. HOLT poisonous one. We would like to know what to do about it. A certain class of people has been tree." None of us think exactly alike, The comments were both interest- spoken of as feeling that there is no but, as in the case of the elephant, ing and amusing, but the one I place for recreation or amusement in there is a right and wrong in every thought most worthwhile of all was the Christian life. Unless we keep matter. this: a balance in our thinking, it is pos- sible to fall into that class to whom The world "may talk of those that "I can't blame these people for "religion is a tyrant, ruling them as have embraced the truth . . . and not liking a snake in their drinking with a rod of iron. . . . Love does not represent them as leaving everything, water. But I think if I were in their exist in their hearts; a frown is ever giving up everything, and making a place I'd get rid of the snake, then upon their countenances. They are sacrifice of everything that is worth stop worrying about it. After all, the chilled by the innocent laughter from retaining. But do not tell me this. world is full of other dangerous the youth or from anyone. They con- I know better. . . . [God] requires poisons, and most people don't give sider all recreation or amusement sin, us to give up only that which it them a second thought." would not be for our good and hap- and think that the mind must be piness to retain."—Ibid., vol. 2, p. 588. The speaker was doubtless re- constantly wrought up to just such ferring to such things as poisonous a stern, severe pitch."—Testimonies, Then all the don'ts, which look so sprays on fruits and vegetables, vol. 1, p. 565. forbidding, are really outweighed by chemicals in foods and drugs, gas This is one extreme. the happiness that comes with the fumes from exhausts, and radiation right kind of recreation. But, you from fallout. To be sure, we are not interested may ask, How can I know the right But the poisons that are most in a religion that consists only of kind? Bible studies, but we do have to dangerous in the long run are the guard against the other extreme also. The type of recreation appropriate very ones the world enthusiastically I believe a well-balanced programme to the needs and interests varies from approves for the mere sake of so- will contain do's as well as one person to another. Each must called enjoyment. I'm sure you know don'ts, and that it takes just such choose the kindOest suited to him. the ones I mean—tobacco, alcohol, a programme to fit us for eternity. For example, I cannot choose a movies, dances, comic magazines, hobby for someone else. To do so cards, and numerous others. And, like Life is not made up of all work would be like trying to decide on the people with the snake in their and no recreation, even for the Chris- a diet that would be satisfactory to well, as long as the source of poIu- tian. Furthermore, one's choice of everyone. tion remains, they are bound to be recreation is often an important fac- contaminated by its poison. tor in deciding the course of one's One person enjoys music or pho- We are not dealing with a dead entire life, and for this reason it is tography, but others are not in- snake, but with one that cannot be worthy of careful consideration. terested in these' things. Still others disposed of so easily—that old ser- prefer to relax by riding horseback. A balanced programme is not pent, which is the devil, or Satan. Whatever the form of recreation, Concealing himself as subtly as the achieved by sitting glumly in a cor- however, certain principles must be ner, frowning on every endeavour taken into con4deration. snake in the drinking water, he uses toward wholesome enjoyment and his contaminating influence to poison entertainment. Neither is it attained A radio programme I sometimes body, mind and soul. by all do's and no don'ts. To some listen to, called ",Sound Off," may il- The best rule I have found in it may come as a surprise, but there lustrate what I mean. This programme judging between right and wrong are actually far more do's for the gives listeners an opportunity to amusements is in this quotation: Christian than don'ts. speak their mind on almost any sub- ject. The voice is recorded and "Any amusement in which you You will recall the story of the played back over the air so others can engage asking the blessing of blind men who tried, to describe an may hear, or join in the discussion. God upon it in faith, will not be elephant by feeling it. One said, as One day a participant called in with dangerous." —Messages to Young he felt its trunk, "It is like a rope." a complaint that went something People, p. 386. Another said, "No, it's like a wall." like this: Choose well your do's and don'ts. But the third one said, feeling its leg, "You are both wrong, it is like a "We recently bought a place out —Review and Herald 8 MESSENGER Sabbath School should be taken to learn the Scripture lessons than is taken in the day school. "Parents and children are to "Why Do You Roam About So Much?' work in harmony with the superin- intendent and teachers." How then By G. R. NASH, Sabbath School Secretary, General Conference can we be loyal to our church, our Sabbath school, and to our obliga- God represented Israel of old as several are now and then away, it tions to our children, and absent being married to Him. He expressed makes difficult the conduct of re- ourselves from our own fold where sorrow when they left Him to con- ligious services. Is it loyal to gad our names are written down? "Why sort with idolatrous nations about about when the membership of our do you roam about so much" when them. When they went to see other Sabbath schools is so far from what you are needed at the battle front? gods and to see other temples He re- it ought to be? Records in the Inter- Heavenly intelligences are watching provingly asked, "Why do you roam American Division disclose thou- the interest we take in these divine about so much, to change your ways?" sands away from class study. "Why exercises. (Jeremiah 2:36, Berkley Version). do you roam about so much?" In Testimonies, volume 6, page God's ancient people were very Let others wander on the high- 359, the obligations of parents to prone to leave their own sacred ways who have no knowledge of God their children in regard to Sabbath altars of worship, and turn to the and who are not instructed as to observance is pointed out, and also worship of Baal and Ashtaroth. their obligations to help and be the danger of travelling unnecessarily Waywardness and wanderings of helped. on the Sabbath. Without doing heart are the failings not only of the In Testimonies, volume 3, -page violence to our text, may we not Israelites of old, but also of Israel 189, we are told that there should expand it thus: Why do you roam of today. We, too, often forget God be discipline and order in the Sab- about so much on Sabbath mornings and wander hither and thither, rather bath schools and pupils are required when you are needed -‘nd wanted than abide in close fellowship with to observe these regulations. It is in your home Sabbath school and Him. also pointed out that greater care church service? There is a growing habit that needs to be brought to the attention of God's people. Many are Temperance thoughtless in the wrong, others likely are careless. We refer to the THE WINNER increasing practice of leaving our For - own Sabbath school and church many months the young services just to visit in the next town. people on t h e beautiful island When there is a reason for a visit, of Puertc Rico had been busy pre- it is right and proper but when it paring for the National Temperance is just to "go places," it shows lack Oratorical Contest which was held of loyalty to our own Sabbath school in connection with the Youth Con- gress in San Juan. and church. It is very pleasant at vacation time, or on business trips, Much thinking, preparing, writing to make visits to other Sabbath and practicing was done in the schools and churches, but if we are seventy-three churches. The best aimlessly visiting, does not our text speakers from '.he churches were apply—"Why do you roam about so sent to the twenty-one district con- much?" tests and t h e district winners participated in four regional contests. Many are on the road Sabbath In the final meeting the four regional morning for a visit to the next town, winners gave their best before the or a more distant Sabbath school. great Congress. All the presentations It affects the regular attendance, and were tops and highly commendable. the records of the Sabbath school. The decision of the judges made the Our -Sabbath school and church Sabdiasept Guillon, winner of the Puerto youth Sabdiasept Guillon the national officers miss the absentees, and their Rican National Temperance contest, addresses champion for this year. He, as the help. Sometimes the example is not the Youth Congress in San Juan, Puerto Rico. winner of the contest, received as what it should be, for others begin Seventh-day Adventist young people in many his award a scholarship to the Puerto countries are tiling an active interest in the habit. Sabbath school comes temperance affairs. Rico Academy. only once in seven days, and when —V. W. Schoen NOVEMBER,• 1961 9 G. Drachenberg, president of the Oliver J. Pogue, the Medical Director, college, has announced that 254 who spent a few weeks in Trinidad, arttietiatt students have enrolled for the new assisting in the medical work there. kimmem•• school year. This is almost double the Among those who assisted at Davis number for the previous year. Memorial were Dr. and Mrs. Ted Forward in Puerto Rico! Puerto Rico moves ahead with Littlefield of California, who spent good courage! their two-week vacation there. Dr. All over Puerto Rico the Lord's —A. H. Riffel R. T. Smith of California also spent work is moving forward! We thank a short time there, but was suddenly God for the rich blessings of the called away because of serious in- past and His promises for the future. juries sustained by his daughter as a An outstanding feature of the eati6beatt result of an automobile accident. Mr. work has been an intensive pro- and Mrs. Robert Soderblom, students gramme of construction of new and of the Loma Linda University in better church buildings. In the last NEWS NOTES California, have been connected with two years 23 buildings have been the institution for ten weeks. Dr. and built or purchased. Our present goal • The 9th session of the British Mrs. F. E. Bates, who have spent two is "A New Church Building Every Guiana Mission was held in George- years at the institution, are returning Month". Four buildings are now town, July 20-23. Under the leader- to the United States where the doc- under construction—P on ce, San ship and direction of E. J. Parchment tor will undergo surgery on his eyes. and L. R. Arthur, officers of the mis- Sebastian, Sabana Grande and Villa • A fund-raising campaign for the Palmeras. sion, a well organised programme was carried out. All departmental new Port-of-Spain Community Hos- Recently the new church building pital in Trinidad is receiving excellent in Arecibo was dedicated. On this secretaries were ,re-elected to serve the mission for another term. Special newspaper publicity, including occasion Pastor R. L. Jacobs an editorial appeal. This campaign preached the dedicatory sermon; delegates in attendance from the higher organisations were: C. 0. has been organised by Pastor Henry Pastor A. H. Riffel directed the Act J. Westphal, secretary of the Minis- of Dedication, and Pastor Manuel Franz—Inter-American Division; J. G. Fuller, K. W. Whitney, S. L. Gadsby terial Association of the Inter-Amer- Mendez offered the dedicatory ican Division, who is assisting in the prayer. —Caribbean Union; and B. L. Arch- bold—Caribbean Union - College. campaign for a period of six months. Worthy of mention is the rapid So far, the public response has been progress of the Puerto Rico College. • The Davis Memorial Hospital in good. The Doctors Robert and Lois This institution, located at Mayaguez, Georgetown, British Guiana, has re- Dunlop have left their practice in Puerto Rico, is constructing large cently enjoyed the services of various Washington in order to return and and modern buildings. Professor F. individuals in the absence of Dr. take up duties at the hospital, with Dr. Robert as Medical Director. Dr. and Mrs. Trygve Opsahl have re- cently come to join the hospital staff. • The 25th session of the South Caribbean Conference convened from July 13-16 at Caribbean Union Col- lege, Trinidad. Those present to as- sist with the meetings were C. 0. Franz, of the Inter-American Divi- sion, and the officers and depart- mental secretaries of the Caribbean Union. After the seating of 250 dele- gates from the various islands of the conference, Pastor A. A. Ward, pres- ident, gave a report of the progress of the work during the past two years. Pastor Ward called upon all the ministers and other workers to set the pace for greater achievements in the future with unflagging devotion to duty. All the officers and depart- mental secretaries were re-elected to Another new church building in Puerto Rico. This fine church was recently dedicated in Arecibo. serve the conference for another term. 10 MESSENGER We have two fine church buildings largest fields reported the following in Mexicali and two meetings were in baptisms: Bahamas Mission 70, eatoiniia-Venezueta held each week in each of these East Jamaica Conference 429, West churches. During the first week of Jamaica Conference 256, making a the effort approximately 300 persons total of 755. For the first two quar- Active Programme in the attended the meetings in the larger ters of the year the Union has been Netherlands Antilles church, while 200 attended the serv- able to report 1,690 persons baptised. ices in the smaller church. For the same period last year we We are busy with Vacation Bible During the twelve weeks that the baptised 1,126. We are truly grate- Schools here in the Netherlands An- meetings continued we saw mani- ful to the Lord for the 564 gain. tilles Mission. We are conducting festations of the powerful hand of Already one has qualified to be a six of them this year with over 450 God. Men and women who had never centurion with 100 souls baptised children in attendance. This com- before set foot in an Adventist church and many others are just at the bor- pares with four schools last year and came with the question, What shall der line. Many evangelistic efforts about 350 children in attendance. A we do? As a result of these meetings are now in progress and we look for- number of non-Adventist children and faithful work in visitation and ward to even greater achievements have already joined our Sabbath Bible study in the homes we were before the close of 1961. schools. able to baptise 46 precious souls to * * Evangelistic tent meetings are the honour and glory of God. There On Sunday, August 6, the New presently being conducted in both are others with whom we are still Port Church in West Jamaica was Curacao and Aruba. In both places studying. dedicated in the presence of a large we plan another series of meetings congregation. This modern structure We thank our Heavenly Father for is located on the main highway of before the close of the year. Our His blessings and express apprecia- evangelistic meetings have been well Southern Manchester. D. G. Morgan, tion to Elder Arteaga for his valuable the pastor in charge, related many attended and there are many in the cooperation in this series of meetings. Bible classes, preparing for baptism. instances of the guiding hand of God —Salmon Bustillos providing funds during the construc- The radio Bible correspondence tion of this church. In his remarks, school is also giving good results in Pastor H. S. Walters, president of this mission. We send out lessons in West Jamaica Conference, stated that the four principal languages used in Wed Indiea 25 new church buildings are to be this area. We have recently trans- dedicated before the close of 1961. lated the ten lessons of the Conversion Pastor M. G. Nembhard preached the Course into the Papiamento language. News From Here dedicatory sermon, Pastor H. S. Wal- The book Thoughts from the Mount ters performed the act of dedication, of Blessing has also been translated And There and Pastor Eustace Henry offered into Papiamento and will soon be the dedicatory prayer. ready for distribution. Dr. W. A. Osborne, the newly Remember to pray for the work in elected president of West Indies Col- —M. G. Nembhard the Netherlands Antilles Mission. lege, arrived on Thursday, August 17. He was given a warm, enthus- —C. D. Christensen iastic reception by all. Immediately he began working on plans for the INTER-AMERICAN DIVISION ,Ii•••••••.=•••••., new school year which commenced MESSENGER Mexican September 18. We feel sure that CLYDE 0. FRANZ Editor with his wealth of experience in edu- ARTHUR H. ROTH Associate Editor cational institutions Doctor Osborne DORA REED Associate Editor will make a very valuable contribu- UNION CORRESPONDENTS Evangelism in Mexicali tion to the work at West Indies Antillian Union Alberta Jacobs Caribbean Union IC. W. Whitney College. Central American Union Dora Reed Early in March of this year we * 0 0 Colombia-Venezuela Union W. T. Collins Franco-Haitian Union S. F. Monnier began two simultaneous evangelistic Three Youth Camps were recently Mexican Union R. F. Williams meetings in the frontier city of Mexi- conducted in Jamaica. East Jamaica West Indies Union Mrs. W. A. Holgate cali, capital of the State of Lower Senior Camp—July 24 to 31 with 71 Published monthly as the Official Organ of the California. The principal speaker campers; East Jamaica Junior Camp— Inter-American Division of the General Con- ference of Seventh-day Adventists, Box 760, was Pastor Antonio Arteaga, an evan- July 31 to August 7 with 117 camp- Coral Gables, Miami, Florida, U.S.A. gelist from the Southern California ers; West Jamaica Senior Camp— Price: 41.00 a year. Conference. He was assisted by Bible Printed by the College Press, Caribbean Union August 8 to 15 with over 60 campers. College, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, W.I. Instructor Nohemi Paez and by the The Camp programme has meant writer who is also pastor of the a great deal to the youth of the West All communications relating to editorial and circulation matters should be addressed to district. Indies Union. The Messenger", Box 760, Coral Gables, We invited the members of the a * a * Miami, Florida, U.S.A. church to pray fervently for the suc- The reports on the evangelistic * All articles bearing the credit line "Review cess of these meetings. Our prepara- programme of the West Indies Union and Herald" are reprinted from the Review and Herald, general church paper of Seventh- tions for the series were terminated are very encouraging. For the sec- day Adventists. with a Sabbath of prayer and fasting. ond quarter of this year the three NOVEMBER, 1961 11 Important Personnel 00' The Inter-American Division has has donated W1$50,000 for the con- been host to several student and struction of a charity Award. Inter- Changes youth groups during the past few esting features of the tour included weeks. Ten students from Southern movies on health subjects, black When Elder L. F. Bohner re- Missionary College spent several light illustrations and coloured slides. sponded to the call to become treas- weeks in language study at the, Mon- to. Elder Clyde C. Nebblett, who urer of the Pacific Press Publishing temorelos Vocational and Professional served for a number of years as a Association, a vacancy was created College in Mexico. Another group, district pastor in the Central Amer- in the Inter-American Division treas- 37 students of Latin American His- ican Union, has accepted the call of ury department. tory from Union College, made a the British Guiana Mission inviting The General Conference has ap- study tour of Mexico and visited a him to take up pastoral work in that pointed Elder Clyde 0. Franz to number of Adventist churches en- field. Elder Nebblett and his family serve as treasurer of the Inter-Amer- route. A youth group from the state expect to, arrive in British Guiana ican Division. Elder Franz is well- of Florida spent a week in Jamaica in December. known to our brethren in Inter- and attended the Youth Congress in 11.- Doctors David and Doreen Bull America because for the past seven Kingston. left Trinidad for their homeland, years he has served the Division as England, on furlough and study leave ► Lance Shand has been elected secretary.. Prior to coming to the Missionary Volunteer and Educa- on Sunday, July 2, after ten years of ]Division office as. secretary, Elder tional Secretary of the Panama Con- service in the medical work in the Franz was, president of the AntiElan ference. Caribbean Union. They will be Union and seeretary4reasurer of the missed by their many friends and British West Indies' Union: Before II.- Elder C. V. Henriquez, Mission- by the patients who have received coming to. Inter-America, Elder Franz ary Volunteer and Educational Sec- their spiritual and physical ministra- served as secretarytreasurer in sev- retary of the Central American Union tions. eral conferences of the North Amer- for the past eight years, has been ican• Division. Thus,; he is well granted a leave-of-absence from his Death of regular duties so that he may enroll qualified to serve as Inter-American Mrs. H. B. Lundquist treasurer. at Andrews University for graduate studies. Hazel M. Murray was born near When Elder Franz was appointed Davenport, Iowa, U.S.A„ on March as treasurer of the Divisions the post lb. The new Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, 26, 1896, to James and Ida May of Division secretary became vacant. Community Hospital plant is nearing Murray, and early distinguished her- Thee General Conference committee completion. On August 14 and 15 self as a dutiful child and diligent has appointed Elder David H. Baasch a special "open house" was organised student. as secretary of the Division. Elder and the public was invited to tour After graduation from Emmanuel Baasch is. also well-known in Inter- the hospital building. Guides were Missionary College in May, 1917, America. He has' served Inter Amer- posted at various points in the build- she was married to Harry B. Lund- ica as president of the Mexican ing to direct the guests. Scores of quist, a theology graduate. After Union, as Division youth' leader, and friends of our medical work in Trin- working for the Adventist soldiers at as :Missionary Volunteer' seCrefary Of idad responded to this invitation. Fort Custer, Michigan, she and her thee—COlornbia-Venezuela Union and Among the distinguished guests was husband went abroad in 1918, to the Puerto Rico Conference. Mr. William H. Scott, one of Port- perform the missionary services to We welcome both Elders Franz of-Spain's leading businessmen; who which they felt called. They la- and Baasch to their new responsibil- boured over a period of twenty-eight ities' and desire for them heaven's years in three countries—Peru, Ar- continued blessings as they serve the gentina, and Cuba. They helped in cause of the Advent Message in Inter- "Equality and the establishment of several colleges Ameripa. Simplicity" and schools both in South America To Elder and sister 'Rohner: who and in Inter-America during this time. ', have endeared themselveS to workers The tithing system is beauti- Finishing their missionary services and believers in the lands of Inter- ful in its equality' and simplicity. in 1952, her husband taught in America, we express gratitude for It gives all an opportunity to Southern Missionary College, and their devoted service and wish them help carry forward the precious worked in Public Relations and other only, that which is good as they, now work of salvation. Every man, depai tnients until October, 1960, connect with' the. Pacific PreSs, the woman and child may become when they assumed the duties of a publishers and suppliers of Adventist a treasurer for the Lord."—Sigqs district in Ashland, Kentucky. After literature for-Inter-America and much of the Times, March 18, 1886, a brief illness, Mrs. Lundquist died of the World field,' ' Vol. 12 No. 11, page 761. on the afternoon of August 27, 1961. —Arthur H. Roth —W. E. Murray 12 MESSEN'GER