Reaching the World1SS With the Gospel 1 First Quarter 2002

North American Division MISSON contents On the Cover n 17 Out of the The stage set of the new Comfort Zone television program The Evidence. God has great blessings awaiting those who will step out in faith. Jan Meharry

The Evidence 5 El El 19 The Lost There are millions of secular, Cause pagan hearts in North America searching for "Hey, mister, you look as if something meaningful. you could use this." The Dwight Nelson and Donna Webb boy held out his Bible. Pat Grant

Check boxes as the reports are given.

From Hollywood to Hope 7 El 0 21 Miracle Meadows' Miracles Her career took her to the top of What can God do with troubled corporate success. But she found life teens? A tiny school in West Virginia there empty and meaningless. is providing answers. Barbara Taylor Charlotte Ishkanian

A New Kind of Bible School 9 0 El 23 A Love That Won't Let Go A concerned boss, a videotape, and a Every time I sat to meditate, thoughts Web site address turned one young of Jesus penetrated my prayers. woman's life around. Ned Naggyah Calvin Smith

The Name in the Wallet 11 El El 25 Forty-nine Children A rumpled and aging piece of paper A toddler's simple act changed a lay tucked inside a man's wallet, young couple's lives forever. forgotten. But God had not forgotten. Gerard and Helena Latchman James Byrd and Roger Higginbotham

Radio Still Reaches Souls 13 0 0 27 Facing Down the Devil When television became popular, many Not all of North America is urban and thought radio would lose its audience, middle class; not all are secular or but radio retained its powerful appeal. Christian. Some still suffer from demons. Dwight Lehnhoff and J. H. Zachary Emely Mayang

New Ager Meets God 15 0 El 29 Reaching the Hard Places Steve was an ordinary guy who Thirteenth Sabbath Program became entangled in one of Satan's cunning deceptions. John L. Bradshaw

2 Mission First Quarter 2002, North American Division The Challenge Leader's North America is the birthplace of the Adventist Church, but like Europe Planner and Australia, it has become a largely secular Making Missions Meaningful society. People's focus on science, technology, and No other region of the world contains such a diverse personal wealth has almost drowned out the voice of the population. More than 1 million new immigrants Holy Spirit. People find arrive each year. little time or inclination to seek God through Bible study and prayer. One of North American Division the greatest challenges is to reach this largely secular The North American distinct global mission field. Division is made up of two of This quarter the division population which is not the world's largest and most that cradled Adventism will responsive to traditional powerful countries, Canada use the Thirteenth Sabbath and the United States, plus the Offering to promote media religious outreach. island country of Bermuda. evangelism designed to reach The Adventist Church was this largely secular culture. born and nurtured in the The Adventist Church has The Opportunity cradle of North America. From been focused on evangelism Television remains a here Adventist missionaries for more than 160 years. fanned out across Europe, Beginning with tent meetings powerful influence on India, Africa, Australia, and and culminating today with people's minds and Asia. Supported by the prayers huge satellite evangelism and sacrificial gifts of believers series, millions have come to thoughts. A new television "back home," the church took hear the message of the last series, developed by Faith root and grew where it was days. But most of those who for Today ministries seeks planted. Today the church come have some religious ministers in at least 200 orientation already. to awaken in secular minds countries around the world. Then a little more than 50 the questions that will But the growth in members years ago the Adventist Church in North America slowed, and felt led to enter the new and eventually lead them to today five of the 12 world risky world of television to God. Part of the Thirteenth divisions have surpassed North reach with God's last-day America in membership. While message people who might Sabbath Offering this the church focuses a lot of never consider entering a quarter will help finance attention on such growing church. Beginning in 1950 with ministry areas as the 10/40 a live television broadcast this new media outreach to window, there are millions format, Faith for Today has a largely unreached living in cities and towns achieved a record as the across North America who longest continuous religious population group. have never• heard the Adventist broadcast in North America. message. These people are a The program has introduced

First Quarter 2002, North American Division Mission 3 thousands to the Seventh-day group of people, Faith For Future Thirteenth Sabbath Adventist name and message. Today has inaugurated a new Projects Several years ago the Faith program called The Evidence. Second quarter 2002 will for Today ministry, seeking to Other media evangelistic feature the Northern Asia- broaden its base of interest, efforts have proved equally Pacific Division. Projects inaugurated a health-oriented effective in reaching their include chapels in Mongolia and talk show program called specific markets. It Is Written, a computer lab at the Lifestyle Magazine that has Breath of Life, and the Voice of Hiroshima Adventist Secondary proven successful. But there Prophecy continue to draw School in Japan. Third quarter continues to be a need to reach people to God and to the will feature the Southern Asia- the secular searching mind, Adventist Church. These Pacific Division. Projects the person who has questions ministries will benefit from include an evangelistic center in but no answers, the person the Thirteenth Sabbath Myanmar; medical clinics and who might attend church but Offering as they fund new and chapels in western Kalimantan, is not finding that close walk exciting programs to reach the Indonesia; and equipment for a with God that he or she craves. secular society of North medical center in Manado, To meet the needs of this America. Sulawesi, Indonesia. Report to Stockholders

Three years ago the Thirteenth Sabbath Offering for North America helped fund large-city evangelism. The focus of this outreach and evangelism was NET NEW YORK '99. Thousands attended the meetings and countless more watched via satellite across North America and around the world. In 1995 the Thirteenth Sabbath Offering helped to finance outreach evangelism in several major cities across the North American Division. Working through existing programs, such as local Community Services centers and local medical facilities, funding helped support health and nutrition classes; health screenings; AIDS awareness education; skill building classes such as sewing, cooking, and job training programs; and family finance and parenting seminars. The goal of these outreach projects was to build on existing services in large cities and direct the people to consider making God a core of their lives.

4 Mission First Quarter 2002, North American Division

The church has focused much attention on the 10/40 window, but there are millions of secular, pagan hearts in North America searching for something meaningful.

Dwight Nelson The Evidence

Dwight Nelson and Donna Webb

or more than 160 years the the Seventh-day Adventist West, the window of paganism, Adventist Church has name and message. secularism, and postmodern F focused its resources on Then several years ago the civilization that exists in North evangelism. From simple tent Faith for Today ministry America today. We wanted to meetings to huge satellite introduced Lifestyle Magazine, come up with a program that evangelistic series, the a health-oriented talk show. would build a bridge between message of the last days is The success of this program the secular public and God." being preached to millions. But inspired Faith for Today From their prayerful most of those who listen have producers to reach out to an discussions came the idea for some religious orientation even broader audience, the The Evidence. already. millions of people who are For more than 50 years now searching for answers to The Evidence the Adventist Church has fundamental questions of life. The Evidence is an all-new actively used television to reach This person might never attend program featuring in-depth, people who might not consider church, but would be drawn by eye-opening explorations into entering a church. In 1950 a need for a closer walk with the many dimensions of God as church leaders felt impressed to God. revealed through science, art, take God's message to these In 1999 the Faith for Today history, and the human heart. people via television. They ministries team sat down with The program seeks to asked Bill and Virginia Fagal Dwight Nelson, senior pastor investigate the possibility of to pioneer this ministry in a on the campus of Andrews God in all His dimensions, to live half-hour television University and well-known bridge the gap between science broadcast called Faith for evangelist, to talk over ideas on and theology. Today. Through drama the how the church could better The target audience for this actors sought to connect secular connect with secular people program is the thinking viewers with God. Today Faith with the concept of God. unbeliever rather than the for Today is the longest "Our church is excited about believing Christian. The continuous religious broadcast reaching the 10/40 window," program seeks to reach the on television. Along the way it Nelson said, "but we have person who has no strong has introduced thousands to missed the 10/40 window in the religious roots, or the person

First Quarter 2002, North American Division Mission 5 whose religious experience has happy to go on television and explore the program's Web not met their spiritual needs. talk about how God works in site,* an interactive Web site The program sees its viewers their lives. Their stories bring that will provide more as secular persons who are home some really powerful information to meet the needs struggling to find meaning in points." of the target audience. And this life. And that is not just one is important, Nelson notes, To reach these people the producer's opinion. Last year because a television audience program will explore the pilot programs of The remains an anonymous group fundamental questions such as Evidence were entered into a of people until they make "Where did we come from?" and prestigious film competition for contact with the program's "Why are we here?" The secular as well as religious offices. In the past this was program not only will examine broadcasts. The Evidence done by mail or telephone. the idea that God exists, but received two major awards. Today the medium of choice is that God cares about us and for These awards not only a Web site, a next-step us. recognize the quality of ministry where people can ask The half-hour program will programming the Adventist questions, explore topics in have a news magazine format. Church produces, but they also further depth, and ask for Bible It will feature interviews with help gain access to station studies. Viewers can simply log world-renowned scientists and directors who are looking for on to the Web site and click to artists who can explain the high-quality programs that are view more videos, chat with wonders of nature and life. The relevant to viewers. This often someone about a question, program will then turn viewers' results in better time slots on express an opinion, or ask for minds and hearts toward God. larger stations, allowing the prayer. Dwight Nelson will anchor programs to reach many more Will it work? Many in the the new program. His passion people who might not tune in church are convinced. Already to share the gospel, his at a less convenient time. one other world division has experience with television, and "These awards are to me a asked Nelson to come and offer his constant contact with youth tremendous affirmation from similar programming. "The on a major university campus God that we are on the right potential is there," Nelson give him the experience needed track," Nelson said. "We don't notes. "What we need now is for such a demanding role. want to preach to the saints; the prayer and financial "We want to delve into areas we want to reach the millions support of church members." of science, the arts, ethics, that who are not in church. They Like every other new ministry, capture the minds of secular need to hear God's message too. The Evidence is a leap of faith. people. We want them to ask, God is opening the doors, and But what else should we expect `Could it be that life is not a we need to be ready to walk from a ministry that 50 years blind chance, that behind it is a through them. The three ago was named Faith for Creator?' We want them to angels' messages are just as Today? think beyond the physical important to pagan North Part of this quarter's realm to the loving Creator Americans as they are to Thirteenth Sabbath Offering who made us." evangelicals. But unless we will enable the church's But the producers wondered awaken their interest in God, broadcast ministries to move whether they could find and create a hunger for God, we ahead with innovative convince thought leaders in the will never be able to share our programs that challenge the scientific and cultural world to message with them effectively. audience to consider God in talk about God on television. "The Evidence is a radical their lives. Jeff Wood, one of the program's change from what we as a producers, answered that church have done before," * Check out the Web site at theevidence.org. question. "God has directed us Nelson adds. "It is exciting to to some of the top people in watch where God is taking us. Dwight Nelson is senior pastor specific areas of study. Most But in order for it to succeed, at Pioneer Memorial church on the campus of Andrews University in are eager and excited to talk we need the prayers and Berrien Springs, Michigan. Donna about God because they are not support of God's people." Webb, director of public relations at able to talk about Him within Once people tune in to The Faith for Today, contributed to this their work arena. . . . They are Evidence they will be invited to article.

6 Mission First Quarter 2002, North American Division

Her career took her to the top of corporate success;

her friends included the rich and famous. But she found life there empty and meaningless.

Barbara Taylor From Hollywood to Hope

Barbara Taylor

life did not start out that way. part owner and had everything he name Barbara Taylor I could want. By the time I was brings nods of respect from Unlikely Beginning 39 years old I was a Tmany people in elite "I came from a broken home millionaire. My motto was business circles of North and was terrified of being `Lead, follow, or get out of the America. Much of her life and abandoned," she said. "To way.' career can be traced through compensate for my low self- "My early fears of being headlines in top business esteem, I became a workaholic, abandoned kept me from journals and newspapers. an overachiever, a forming any deep personal perfectionist. I dropped out of relationships. Whenever a "Hotel Executive Finds college and took a job in relationship grew too close for Room at the Top" marketing and sales for a comfort, I broke it off, hotel. It was a natural career determined not to be hurt. But "A Woman Boss in a Man's for me. Within a few months I then I fell in love. I gave a man World" was promoted to assistant my heart, and he broke it. I director in food and beverage "Barbara Taylor Turns was devastated. Around Playboy Club sales, then I became director of "When the relationship Fortunes" sales and marketing. Success ended, my world came crashing bred confidence and power, and down around me. I moved back "Barbara Taylor Makes It to I liked that. to my home in Colorado, where the Top in Apparel Market" "When I became the first I tried to carry on my work. I female corporate executive at became depressed to the point "Barbara Taylor—A Woman Playboy—a man's domain—I of suicide. Every morning I to Watch" entered a world filled with drove my fancy car to the celebrities, movie stars, office, crying the whole way. A few years ago Barbara entertainers, power, and Then in the midst of my Taylor, by the world's glamour. I lived the life of the deepest sorrow, I recalled the standards, had it all. She was rich and famous. I left Playboy words to a song someone, rich, famous, and a powerful a few years later to join a perhaps my Adventist aunts, corporate executive. But her clothing business. Soon I was had taught me as a child.

First Quarter 2002, North American Division Mission 7 `Jesus loves me! this I know.' I and hurt and determined never pew. When I looked up I saw could not recall the rest of the to return. the same little woman sitting song, but those words kept at the opposite end of the pew. repeating themselves in my One Caring Touch Again she got up and came mind. "A few weeks later I was over to sit with me. She took even more despondent, lonely, my hand. When I could talk, I Hitting Bottom and suicidal. After another told her that no one had come "I had money, but it meant night of crying, I decided to try to see me. She promised to little, for it could never buy the another Adventist church that introduce me to the pastor as peace or happiness I longed for. I had visited with my aunts soon as the service was over. I had gone from the heights of years earlier. As I walked in, And she did. success to the depths of another greeter chirped a "No one knows what depression. The skid seemed merry 'Good morning' and gave happened to the card I filled endless, and I had nothing, no me a church bulletin. Again I out, but the pastor of that one, to hold onto. I wanted to walked into the church and sat church took an interest in me die, but I was afraid of the pain down. A little woman sat at the and helped me through the of dying. I desperately needed a opposite end of that pew. I most difficult months of my close, intimate friend, but I had adult life. He helped me to see none; I was alone. That was Jesus as a friend, an elder when I realized I needed God. Never brother, who loves me and "As a child I had been wants to be my protector. He criticized by those I had introduced me to sweet, loving trusted to love and protect me. underestimate the Christians who warmed my life I saw God as that same kind of with love. For the first time in critical parent watching, power of a touch. a lifetime I felt as if I had a waiting for me to make a mess real family. A year later I was of things. I did not understand baptized into the family of God's love and had no interest It can change Christ. in letting God become part of my life. But the words to the someone's life. Reaching Out to Others song Jesus Loves Me flowed "I still work in the business through my brain not once, but world, but I am no longer again and again. They would don't know whether she saw compelled to be number one. not go away. my swollen eyes or sensed my God reached out to me, and "One Saturday morning I sadness, but she got up, walked today I am reaching out to woke up puffy-eyed from crying over, and sat down next to me. others. I want everyone to and decided that I needed to go She put her hand on mine and know that God is their friend. I to church. I remembered an asked me if I was OK. I started am helping to plant a church in Adventist church close to my to cry, and she comforted me. the ski resort area of the home and drove there. "I filled out a card from the Colorado mountains. There are "It was a large church. As I pew asking for a pastor to call. many people just like me who walked through the door a But no one came. I was are alone, hurting, depressed, greeter looked at my red, devastated, and determined or just need a human touch and swollen eyes and heavy never to try God again. But in a kind and loving word spoken makeup, chirped, 'Good the depths of my depression I to them as Christ would do. morning!' and gave me a remembered that kind woman. "My motto used to be, 'Lead, bulletin. She could not have Her touch had meant life to follow, or get out of the way.' missed my sad face, but she me. Now my motto is 'Jesus leads, I said nothing else to me. I found "I dressed and went to follow, and let me love and help my way down the aisle and sat church. I walked past the others along the way." in an empty seat near some greeter with her cheery 'Good other people. But no one spoke morning!' and through the Barbara Taylor is a public to me; no one noticed me. It sanctuary doors. I kept my speaker and lover of souls. She lives in Copper Mountain, Colorado, was as if I were invisible. When head down as I walked down where she nurtures a growing the service ended, I left angry the aisle and sat in an empty Adventist congregation.

8 Mission First Quarter 2002, North American Division

A concerned boss, a videotape, and a Web site address turned one young woman's life around.

Karen Glassford A New Kind of Bible School Calvin Smith and Karen Glassford

wenty-year-old Jazzy's* she clicked on the box that said makes sure the chat room is a life revolved around drugs, "send." Immediately she safe and nurturing Tdrinking, smoking, started to fill out lesson two. environment, and that partying, and barhopping. She Jazzy continued watching someone is available to answer colored her hair all sorts of the videos and completing the other Internet users' questions. wild colors. She worked for a Internet Bible course. She liked Karen noticed Jazzy company that made computer the idea that she could fill out chatting with someone. She components. the lessons whenever and joined the conversation to Jazzy's boss is an Adventist. wherever she wished. She could become acquainted with this He was concerned about Jazzy complete one lesson or 10 if she young woman. Jazzy asked and offered to lend her some wished, and she did not have to questions and had unusual evangelism videos to watch. wait for someone to mail her ways of expressing herself. Jazzy was tempted to laugh at the next lesson. Jazzy soon Karen became excited. Wow, his offer, but she respected her completed 17 of the lessons. she thought, here is someone boss too much to refuse the She also spent time in the Web who really comes from the tapes. So she took them home site's chat room, where Voice of world! When Jazzy commented and pushed the first video into Prophecy students ask that she thought she should her VCR. The video captured questions of Adventist Web site not listen to acid rock music her attention, and at the end monitors. any longer and asked what she she noticed a Web site listed should do with her CDs, Karen where she could get more A Cross-Country Friendship did not answer her, but asked information. She copied down A thousand miles away her some carefully thought-out the web address, and later that Karen Glassford was tired. It questions that she hoped would day she logged on to the site. It was late, but she felt impressed help Jazzy decide for herself. took her to the Voice of to log on to the Internet and Jazzy admitted that she did Prophecy Discover Bible School. enter the chat room on the not look like a Christian, and Jazzy clicked on the Bible Voice of Prophecy Web site, for she was sure she would never course and clicked on lesson 1. which she is a chat room fit in with a congregation. She read the lesson and coordinator. She keeps track of "They would throw me out on answered the questions. Then people who use the Web site, my ear!" Jazzy said. Karen

First Quarter 2002, North American Division Mission 9 urged her to give church a try, "She says she has had to decided. . . . but she gently warned her new make up excuses about where "Most of my friends hate me friend that some people might she is going today, because her now, but I don't care. I moved be uncomfortable with her. friends would really laugh her out of the place I was living, "But God looks on your heart," out of town if they knew she because it just was not working she added, "not your hairdo." was going to camp meeting. out. Everyone who lived there Karen took a special interest They are already giving her a drank so much, and it was too in Jazzy and established a hard time about drinking only hard for me. They were mad at friendship with her. It wasn't water when she is with them. me all the time because I am long until Karen shared with She says she is not as religious involved with the church. Now the Voice of Prophecy what yet as she should be, but she I live with a friend and her she'd learned about this young wants to do what is right and is brother. I love it here." woman. After describing her, searching for answers to her Karen's excitement over she added, "Jazzy has not had questions. She is determined to Jazzy's decision for Christ a drink [of alcohol] in 45 days, stay away from drugs, alcohol, bubbled over in her messages. has not smoked in two months, and tobacco! "I am so excited," Karen and stopped taking drugs "Please pray that Jazzy said. "I know that I was only (marijuana and other drugs) might continue to grow in her one piece of the puzzle that for 25 days. She still barhops newfound friendship with brought Jazzy to Christ. Her with her friends," Karen Jesus. I am so thankful that very supportive boss introduced reported, "but she drinks only her boss has shared his faith— her to Jesus by giving her the water, and her friends really and his videos—with her." evangelism videos and taking tease her about that!" After the camp meeting her to camp meeting, and a Karen met Jazzy in the chat very supportive local church Radical Step room again. "How did you like did not judge her because of Karen reported that Jazzy camp meeting?" Karen asked. her wild hairdo and different was thinking of visiting an "It was great! I loved it!" appearance. But for the small Adventist church but was not Jazzy anwered. "We went to part that I played in her sure what to tell her friends. A the youth meetings and a conversion, I am thrilled few days later Jazzy told Karen concert. Everyone was so nice!" beyond compare! Like Paul that she had gone to the At these words Karen breathed says, some plant, others water, church. a prayer of thanks. others reap. I don't care what "What did you tell your my job was; I am just happy to friends?" Karen wanted to All the Way With Jesus be in the winning formula!" know. A few months later Karen The Internet is opening a Jazzy answered, "They don't sent an update on her friend. whole new avenue to winning know I'm going to church. I lied "Guess what!" she began. "I people to Christ, and the to them and said I went met Jazzy in the chat room on Adventist Church is stepping shopping or something. If I told the Internet today. Then she boldly into this electronic them I was in church they e-mailed me. I am so excited, I media. Keep Adventist Web would drop over laughing!" have to share her message with sites and those who minister Karen encouraged Jazzy to be you." through them in your prayers. patient, that she would make The message that Jazzy sent new friends in church. to Karen indeed contained * Not her real name. A little later Karen added exciting news. "Yep, it's true. I happily, "Jazzy is going to was baptized last Sabbath," Calvin L. Smith is associate camp meeting with her boss Jazzy began. director of the Discover Bible today! She has never been to a "A lot has changed with me," schools, operated by the Voice of Prophecy. Karen Glassford is a camp meeting in her life, and her message continued, "and I teacher at Union Springs Academy. she says she does not know know that I want to do the what to expect. I do hope the right thing and go all the way people there are friendly to her, with Jesus. I quit drinking and in spite of her wild hair and doing drugs and hanging out wild clothes. I am praying all with the wrong kids. I am day today for her! really happy with what I have

10 Mission First Quarter 2002, North American Division A rumpled and aging piece of paper lay tucked inside a man's wallet, forgotten for the most part. But God had not forgotten. He had plans for that paper.

James Byrd and Roger Higginbotham The Name in the Wallet James Byrd and Roger Higginbotham

oger Higginbotham grew was not what he was living as puzzled him for years. up in an Adventist home an adult. He would feel good Roger's uncle, who is in Rand has fond memories of about the church for a while, another state, often talked with his family attending the but then the sense of Roger on the telephone. When Adventist church. He fulfillment, of joy, would leave, Roger expressed remembers especially his and he felt empty again. disappointment over the mother reading to him and Eventually he stopped results of his attempts to study taking him to church every attending church. But he the Bible, his uncle gave him time the doors were open. prayed, "Lord, please don't let some pointers. But as Roger grew toward us miss heaven." adulthood, he began Roger read his Bible, and Forgotten Piece of Paper associating with the wrong one Sunday as he clicked from Meanwhile, James Boyd, a crowd and eventually stopped channel to channel he came friend of Roger's uncle's, had attending church. Discouraged, across the It Is Written decided to move to Kentucky. Roger's mother soon quit broadcast. He recognized it as When Roger's uncle heard this, attending church too. an Adventist program, and he he gave Roger's address to stopped to watch it. As he James and urged him to get Spiritual Hunger watched he felt something acquainted and try to Over the years the Spirit of damp on his cheek. It was a encourage Roger to return to God worked on Roger. Often he tear. At the end of the program church. James tucked the piece thought about returning to he noted a phone number. He of paper containing Roger's church, and sometimes he called the number and asked name into his wallet. visited the church, but he did for the book being offered. James settled into his new not return for good. Roger Soon he was studying the Bible home in Kentucky and joined married Vickie, and a few in earnest. He completed one the nearest church—the same years later the couple had a set of Bible lessons and started church Roger had attended as son. The family began another on Daniel and a child. James asked some attending Vickie's childhood Revelation. As he studied the church members about Roger, church. But Roger knew that second course, he found but no one knew where Roger what he had learned as a child answers to questions that had lived. James put his promise to

First Quarter 2002, North American Division Mission 11 his friend in the back of his could tell that Roger was At first Roger was a little mind and forgot about it. deeply interested in spiritual nervous about going to church. From time to time James matters. But his nervousness vanished would run across the piece of Roger wanted help in his when he entered the familiar paper in his wallet and see Bible study and asked for old building. "The people were Roger's name, but he did not copies of Steps to Christ to wonderful!" Roger said. "They find time to locate Roger. For share with his friends. James hugged me, shook my hand, six years James carried that gladly gave him several copies and made me feel as if I had name around. He never totally of the book and a handful of never left! I loved the sermon forgot his promise to find this Bible course enrollment cards. and Sabbath School lesson. I man, but he did not take time The two men prayed together, was so glad I had gone. I knew to look for him either. and James left with a promise I was home at last!" Then James, a literature to return. He noticed that Roger began attending the evangelist, received a card torn Roger had tears in his eyes. church faithfully. Before long from an Adventist book. The After James left Roger's he accepted God's claim on his card asked for more home that first evening, Roger life and was baptized. Roger information on another book by was disappointed that he could and his family are musically Ellen White. The name on the not buy the books he wanted. gifted, and Roger invites them card looked familiar. It was He prayed that God would help to join him in presenting Roger Higginbotham. Can this him get some of those books. A special music for the church. be the same man whose name I week later his uncle from "What a blessing this family is have been carrying around in Oklahoma called. He told to our church!" James says my wallet for six years? James Roger that he was going to with a smile. wondered. He looked in his send some of the books. But "My life is so much fuller wallet at the now wrinkled and before his uncle could send the since I have returned to God," dirty piece of paper. It was the books, Roger's aunt in another Roger says. "I now look forward same name, and now James state sent him a set. When the to Sabbath, the focus of my had an address. He was second set arrived from the life." Roger also loves to share excited, for he could see that uncle, Roger gave the second his faith with his family—his God was working something set to his mother who was parents, his wife and son, and out. Maybe I can finally talk to delighted to receive them. his colleagues at work. He this man! What a thrill it James returned to visit hopes that through his would be if I could be part of again, and this time he invited testimony those he loves will God's plan to bring Roger back Roger to attend the Adventist find a closer walk with God. to the church, James thought. church the next Sabbath. "I As for James, he wishes he just might do that," Roger had been more persistent in God's Timing answered. trying to contact Roger years James drove to the address As Sabbath approached, earlier. But he rejoices that on the card, but Roger was not James eagerly prayed that God brought the two men home. He tried again, but no Roger would come to church. together and brought Roger to one was there. Finally on the But he did not. James was church in His time. "It made third try James found Roger disappointed, but he asked the me realize how much God loves home. Roger invited James in, Lord to impress Roger to come each of us, in spite of our and the men began to chat. the following Sabbath. This mistakes, our lapses," James James told Roger that his uncle time Roger came, and James said. was his best friend, and that he rejoiced. had been carrying Roger's James Byrd is a literature name around for six years, Home at Last! evangelist living in Kentucky. Roger Higginbotham works for hoping to find him. James then Roger told his wife that he the local public school district. This showed Roger the card he had was thinking of going to the story first appeared in the Southern sent in asking for more Adventist church. He was not Tidings, March 2001. information on Adventist sure how she would react. But books. Roger told James that Vickie knew that her husband he could not afford to buy any was searching for God, and she books at the time, but James encouraged him to go.

12 Mission First Quarter 2002, North American Division When television became popular, many thought that radio would lose its audience. But more than 80 years later, radio continues to have a powerful appeal.

Radio Still Reaches Souls Dwight Lehnhoff and J. H. Zachary

en television became His comment struck a for the program in the writings popular many responsive chord. Marvina of Ellen G. White, who said, Wthought that radio wanted to be that kind of "Christ's method alone will was done for, that its audiences friend, to have that kind of give true success in reaching would flock to the visual over friend. She began listening to the people. The Saviour the audio. But today, more the program regularly and mingled with men as one who than 50 years after television found peace and hope for her desired their good. He showed has become a mainstay of own life. She began inviting His sympathy for them, modern homes, radio continues friends to listen to the program ministered to their needs, and to make a powerful impact on as well. won their confidence. Then He people's lives. And Adventists LifeTalk Radio changed bade them, 'Follow Me' " (The are exploring its possibilities. Marvina's life, and in time she Ministry of Healing, p. 143). and three of her friends were Meeting a Need baptized into the Adventist Chance Question? Marvina McDonald grew up Church. "I know radio changes Even amateur efforts at with no interest in religion. She lives," she said, "because it radio programming have had a vague belief in God and changed mine." resulted in positive feedback considered herself a "Christian." Cohosts of LifeQuest, Bob from the audience and station When her marriage failed, Mix and Dwight Lehnhoff, managers. Lee Forbes never Marvina needed strength want their Bible study program intended to become a radio beyond her own capacity. One to have the feel of studying program host. But when he day she was searching for God's Word around the was talking to a radio station something to listen to and found listener's kitchen table. In sales representative about LifeTalk Radio, an Adventist- addition to Bible study topics, advertising on the station, he sponsored radio network. The LifeQuest also features was impressed to ask how emcee asked a question that interviews with authors on much it would cost to buy time had been swirling around in issues that touch people's lives, to air a program dedicated to Marvina's mind: "Are you a such as health, parenting, answering people's Bible true friend to people the way finance, and spiritual needs. questions. A one-hour time slot Christ is to you?" They found their inspiration every Sunday morning would

First Quarter 2002, North American Division Mission 13 cost $400 a month. Later the Every week visitors attend her if she joined the Adventist station manager offered Lee church because of the radio Church. Geeia asked for special free air time for the program. station's ministry. Some are prayer for her husband. Since then Lee and his cohost, former Adventists, but many When her husband heard Clark Floyd, have been have never attended the church some of the programs producing the hour-long before. George Driver visited presented on the radio station, program free of charge. the church after listening to he decided that Adventists The owner of a radio station the station for several weeks. were not so strange after all in a nearby town heard the At his baptism he testified, "I and even drove her to the program and asked the men if have been searching for truth church on Sabbath, though he he could air a half-hour version for 12 years, and finally I have did not stay. Geeia and the on his station. found it." church are praying for her Jim and Pat Hannes began husband. Enlarge the Vision keeping the Sabbath after Callers report that they like Linda de Romanett is a listening to the radio the speakers, most of whom medical doctor with a burden broadcasts. Before hearing the they had never heard before. for evangelism. She was clear sermons and Bible Hundreds have signed up for looking for a powerful way to teachings on the station, the Bible studies with the local uplift the Lord Jesus before couple had thought Adventists pastor or through sponsoring large groups of people. She were a cult. By the time they programs such as The Voice of decided on radio. She and her realized that the station was Prophecy, The Quiet Hour, and family developed a station in Adventist, they were hooked. Amazing Facts. And a Baptist Columbia, South Carolina. They found an Adventist minister and his wife have The station's call letters, church and soon were baptized. offered to do volunteer work for WBAJ, stand for "We the station. Broadcast About Jesus." Conversions Many listeners have written Unlike most religious radio Karen discovered WBAJ to express their appreciation of stations, WBAJ broadcasts no while driving in her car. She the station's programming. One music or news, just sermons, was so excited about hearing writer said, "Thank you for the Bible studies, mission reports, the gospel preached that she great programming. . . . Your children's stories, and public listened for hours. Because she messages are so fresh and service programs on family, had no radio in her home, she powerful. I have learned more medical, and financial issues. sat in her car to hear the Bible about Jesus in the past few Each day listeners hear presentations. And because it months of listening to WBAJ sermons centered on the Word was cold outside, she kept the than I have in many years." of God, including sermons on car running to stay warm, Although operating a radio the Sabbath and soon coming using a great deal of gas. station is a heavy financial of Jesus. Finally her husband bought burden, Dr. de Romanett But would anyone listen? her a radio so she could come believes that the Lord will help Since it first began regular into the house to listen! Karen her to meet the monthly broadcasting in January 2000 has since been baptized. expenses. She has found more the station has received such Geeia is a Jewish woman satisfaction ministering to a positive response that de who had joined a Protestant people's souls than ministering Romanett has bought a church. She was so dedicated to their physical needs. She second station. that her church decided to looks forward to meeting many In the first 19 months of sponsor her to study to become people in heaven who will trace broadcasting, 19 persons were a minister. Then she came their relationship to Jesus back baptized as a direct result across WBAJ on her radio and to WBAJ. of the radio station, and was excited to hear clear Bible others are preparing for presentations on the Sabbath Dwight Lehnhoff is a pastor, baptism. Letters and calls and other Bible truths. Her cohost of LifeQuest, and producer of LifeQuest Magazine, a radio from listeners indicate that husband became angry when program aired via Adventist World many more are attending he learned about her growing Radio. J. H. Zachary is coordinator Adventist churches in the interest in a "strange" religion of international evangelism for the listening area. and told her he would divorce Quiet Hour.

14 Mission First Quarter 2002, North American Division

Steve was an ordinary guy who became tangled in one of Satan's cunning deceptions.

Steve Watker

New Ager Meets God of the Ages

John L. Bradshaw

lthough Steve Watker Steve away from God. Steve give God control of his life. And had been raised in a did not know much about the this failure left the door of his Areligious home, he had Bible and failed to recognize soul open to Satan's deceptions little room for God in his life. the dangerous path he was through the New Age As a child he had been an altar being led down. philosophies he was learning. boy and sang in the choir Steve was drawn to a woman mainly because he felt his with amazing artistic abilities. Unexplainable Phenomena parents wanted him to take She explained that her abilities Then something happened part. But by the time Steve were sent to her by a higher that radically affected his life. finished high school he was power, and encouraged Steve to While relaxing on his deck and immersed in drug and alcohol listen to a late-night radio talk gazing up at the night sky, abuse. Often he told himself show on which some Steve suddenly saw a bright- that he could quit drugs and interesting New Age ideas were orange triangular object streak alcohol anytime. He simply did discussed. Unfamiliar with across the sky. It traveled far not want to quit. He thought he New Age, Steve tuned in, and too fast to be an airplane. He was enjoying that lifestyle. before long he was hooked. He wondered whether it was a But after more than 20 years listened intently and even UFO, an unidentified flying of drug and alcohol abuse, recorded the programs so he object, perhaps a spaceship Steve realized that he was could hear them again the next from another world. He had powerless to escape their grip. day. He quickly absorbed many never seen a UFO before and He hated the person he had ideas of the New Age was not sure he believed in become. Depressed and philosophy. their existence, but he had desperate, Steve turned to God. Steve continued to struggle heard them discussed often on He was not even sure if he and pray over his alcohol and the late-night radio program. believed in a God who drug addictions, and after six As he thought about what he answered prayers, but still he months God gave him victory had seen, two more of these prayed. But even as he reached over his addictions. Steve felt strange objects streaked across out to God for help, Satan like a new creature; every day the night sky. stepped in with his own was a joy. Steve thanked God Steve could not deny what dazzling deceptions, pulling for the victory, but he failed to he had seen, and concluded

First Quarter 2002, North American Division Mission 15 that they must have been some Late one night he saw more He saw the evils he had become kind of UFO. The next day he than 14 separate objects in less entangled in and asked God for reported the sightings to a than an hour. His brother, who strength to give them up. Steve UFO organization and was was staying with him, watched realized that for years the Holy invited to attend an area with Steve the following night, Spirit had been drawing him to meeting of people interested in and he saw two strange objects God and His church. He UFOs and other unexplained also. In one five-day period realized that it was no occurrences. Steve went to the Steve observed 28 unidentified coincidence that the UFO meetings and reported the objects in the sky. Steve now leader, who was not a strange sightings. The understands that these Christian, "happened" to bring members discussed other dazzling objects were Satan's that brochure to the meeting. recent sightings and even effort to trap him once and for Steve felt God's love wrap reports of humans being all in the New Age movement. around him, and he asked to be kidnapped by aliens. They also baptized. discussed certain New Age No Coincidence However, Steve's wife did books, beliefs, and practices. The next afternoon Steve not share his sudden passion The meetings, the radio attended the UFO meeting and for religion, and several broadcasts, and association reported his latest sightings. months after his baptism she with New Age followers drew One of the group's leaders left him and filed for divorce. Steve more deeply into the brought a handbill with him. Shaken, Steve realized that he New Age culture. He continued Steve read the handbill, which was seeing the great to see strange objects in the advertised a series of meetings controversy unfold in his own night sky, and on one occasion on Bible prophecy in a city 40 life. "Satan tried to seduce me while lying in bed awake, he miles [60 km] away. Something with New Age philosophies, saw two separate visions of stirred within Steve, who was sightings of unidentified dazzling beings wrapped in still searching for truth and objects, and other unusual light. He now believes they meaning. He decided to attend experiences," Steve testifies, were Satan's demons. the meetings. He hoped the "but God intervened and saved meetings would provide me. When Satan saw that his The Invitation answers to some of his plans did not work, he pulled At a relative's home Steve questions. my marriage apart. But in time stumbled across a book that Steve made the 80-mile [120 God sent me a lovely new contained a card offering Bible km] round trip each night to Christian wife. In answer to studies. He still felt God's pull attend the meetings. He came another prayer, God on his life and sent away for under strong conviction and provided me with a new job in the Bible studies. He was accepted the truths he was a Christian environment." surprised when a hearing. Each message Steve continues to grow representative of a church convinced him further that spiritually. He sets Scripture came to study with him. Jesus Christ is the Savior, and passages to music, and enjoys Although he was not interested that the Bible contains the teaching the youth Sabbath in studying with someone, he instructions that could lead School class and occasional accepted the Bible the person him to eternal life. preaching assignments. offered. The Bible studies were After attending the seminar "Satan's snares almost cost Steve's first real contact with for less than a week, Steve me my soul," Steve says, "but the Bible, but he soon realized made the decision to give his God won the battle. He will win that the church sponsoring the life to God and join the every time if we allow Him to Bible studies taught things Seventh-day Adventist Church, take control of our lives." that were not found in the the sponsor of the seminar. He Bible. Even so, God used the had not learned all there was John Bradshaw is an evangelist experience to prepare his heart to learn, but he knew this with Amazing Facts. Steve Watker is a computer draftsman living in St. for the truth. church was teaching Bible Louis, Missouri. Steve continued attending truth. the UFO meetings and The Holy Spirit revealed to spending hours watching the Steve that the New Age night sky for unusual activity. teachings were not from God.

16 Mission First Quarter 2002, North American Division

Saying yes to God may take us out of our comfort

zone, but God has great blessings awaiting those who will step out in faith.

Jan Meharry Out of the Comfort Zone

Jan Meharry

y heart nearly burst as and 16, then he increased the during the meetings. I was I listened to a pastor number to 1,000! I begged God amazed at how God worked Mtell about evangelistic for guidance, and He reminded through ordinary people who meetings he had held in India. me that the program was not were willing to be used in How I wanted to go to India my responsibility but His, and whatever way He asked. and share Jesus with those that He would show me what who did not know Him! My to do. I took along some story Sharing Christ husband knew my wish and ideas, Bible story felts, and Wherever we went, we were suggested that I ask the pastor Picture Rolls. mobbed by people asking— to let me go with him when he When we arrived in India I demanding—that we pray for returned to India. watched amazed as God them. "I can't just go ask him to brought the program and the During the day we divided take me along," I said. "I helpers together. into teams and visited the promised God that I would not Before each meeting Mary, nearby villages. What joy to try to do things for God on my my assistant leader, and I assure these people that as own, but I would go if God asked God to guide and bless sons and daughters of God they opened the door." our work. One night it seemed are members of the royal God did open the door. One that Satan was stirring up family of the universe. I day that pastor invited me to confusion and noise. I grew watched joy fill their eyes as go with him to India to hold frustrated. Then I realized that the reality dawned on them children's meetings during Mary and I had not prayed as that God loves them no matter another evangelistic series. I usual. The next evening we which caste they belong to. was excited and filled with spent extra time praying, and Mary and I loved visiting our anxiety at the same time. I had we noticed a big difference. The Hindu neighbors. One day led Sabbath Schools before, but children were responsive and their daughter told us, "I heard I was not sure how to plan a quiet, and a sweet spirit you singing this morning. program to meet the needs of seemed to hover over the Would you sing every morning children and youth in India. meeting. What a valuable when I have my prayers?" They He told me to plan for 500 lesson we learned! invited us to come and pray for children between the ages of 4 Great things happened sick family and friends.

First Quarter 2002, North American Division Mission 17 During the evangelistic full release. When the mother the hallelujahs in the world meetings an elder from a and daughter did not come the could not express the joy we neighboring village asked next night, team members experienced that day! I knew someone to visit his village. prayed that God would bring heaven shared our joy. The next day two team them back. members went to the village. Four days later Mariammar I'll Go Again The elder met them, saying, "I and her mother came to the We were exhausted when the have been waiting for 30 years tent where I was working. I meetings ended. Sometimes for someone to come." He greeted them gladly and gave Satan's constant disruptions pressed into their hands a deed Mariammar a Bible in her own threatened to discourage us. for land he was donating. "Will language. But she became But Satan's tactics sent us to you please build us a church?" agitated. The evil spirits were our knees, and each victory he asked. back. brought increased faith. Thirty years earlier a As Mary and I prayed for I'm so glad that God called Protestant missionary had her, Mariammar fell to the me to go to India. And in spite come and promised to build a ground, writhing. A devilish of weary bones, lonely hours, church, but he left without voice laughed through her and occasional doubts, I would keeping his promise. The elder body. Mariammar turned go again. had almost given up hope that violent and threw her new Jesus' greatest joy came someone would come. But Bible into the air, then tried to from helping people get to when the wife of a Global grab my Bible. When one of her know His Father's love. Christ Mission pioneer visited the eyes opened, I knew I was wants us to share in that same village and taught the people, looking into the eye of the work. Saying yes to God is a hope grew again. devil. great faith-building adventure. The entire village, close to The pastor arrived, and with Stepping out of our comfort 1,000 people, came out to holy boldness he rebuked the zones and working for God is a welcome the Adventists. When devil. Mariammar relaxed. She faith-building experience that one of our team members gave was free from the devil's hold. each of us must experience for money to start building the For the first time she was able ourselves. God will never ask new church it made a great to say "Jesus, save me!" and "I us to do something that He will impression on the villagers. love You, Jesus." Mariammar not empower us to do. When I Representatives from other asked to be baptized. felt inadequate, I asked God to villages came, some on their On the day of her baptism make up for what I lacked. knees, asking, begging, for a we went to her house to pray When I was afraid, God church in their village too. that God would keep the evil reminded me that He was right spirits away. While we were there beside me, and I could Demon Possession praying, Mariammar was again depend upon Him. God has a However, not every attacked by the demons. But work for each of us to do. Our encounter was filled with joy. I within five minutes she was part is to say yes, to let God was not prepared to deal with free. Rejoicing, we joined the use us any way He sees fit. He the demon possession we villagers who made their way will do the rest. encountered. to the nearby sea for the A mother brought her baptism. Jan Meharry lives with her teenage daughter, Mariammar Mariammar and her mother family in Harvey, North Dakota. She is executive director of the Masai [mah-ree-ah-mar] to me and were the first to be baptized. Project in Kenya, eastern Africa. explained that evil spirits Joyfully I walked into the troubled her. I found a pastor, waves to stand with them as and we prayed for her. After 45 they joined the family of God. minutes of constant prayer When Mariammar came out of Mariammar relaxed, and she the water a smile of joy and and her mother went home freedom spread across her face, praising God. But the evil and every fiber in her being spirits were not gone. We praised God. Spontaneous prayed over her the next night, praises and hallelujahs rose but still she did not experience from the watching crowd. All

18 Mission First Quarter 2002, North American Division

"Hey, mister," the boy's voice broke through my thoughts, "you look as if you could use this." He held out his Bible.

Pat Grant The Lost Cause Pat Grant

ow could I get the word loneliness, alienation—and I neatly combed hair. I was -no" into my brother's had not seen God anywhere equally carefully dressed—in Hhead? No matter how around to help us through my favorite frayed jeans, black often I said the word it did not those times. "If you want to boots, black leather biking seem to register, and soon he believe in God," I said, "that's jacket, my best gold earrings, was back, inviting me to wonderful. But it is not for me." and my hair carefully crafted church again. (Actually I said a lot more than into what resembled a But I had decided that that, but it cannot be printed mushroom cloud! I wanted to church was not for me. Oh, I here.) make a statement. I knew that had gone to church as a kid, at "Look, Pat," my brother, if church people did not like the least when my overworked A.J., finally said, "I'll make a way I looked they would leave mother could find the strength deal with you. You come to me alone, and I wanted to be to take my brother and me church with me once, and I will left alone. after a night of nursing duties. never bother you again about We got into the car and But now I was old enough to God or religion." drove to my brother's church. make up my own mind, and I I looked up in surprise. had decided that God did not Never bother me again? I Warm Welcome fit into my life anymore. So thought. Never bug me about As soon as we walked into why couldn't my brother get going to church ever? "Let me the church people came up to that fact through his head? understand," I said slowly and me and shook my hand. Yeah, I distinctly. "If I go to church thought, I'm not stupid. My Brotherly Challenge with you just once, you will brother told you I was coming. "Why not go?" he asked once never ask me again?" He told you to be nice to me. I more. "That is right," A.J. said. shook hands, stared coldly at "Let me explain one more "It's a deal!" I said before he them, and tried my hardest to time," I told him sarcastically. could change his mind. get across the message that I Then I pointed out to him that On Sabbath morning my was not interested in being our family had been through a brother met me carefully there or talking with them. lot of difficult times—our dressed in his crisply pressed I have to admit that the parents' painful divorce, slacks, polished shoes, and church service was not what I

First Quarter 2002, North American Division Mission 19 expected. It was vibrant. The I took the Bible and turned Bible? I wondered. My thoughts songs were lively and gripping, back to listen to the rest of the went further. What is the and the room was so full of sermon. meaning of life? If Jesus does praise and worship it seemed not exist, why do I hate Him? as if it would explode. I had not The Power of the Book The questions kept coming, and expected this. There is nothing When the service ended I I had no answers. I got up and in the world worth being this went straight to the car, got in, walked across the hall to A.J.'s happy about, I thought to and waited for my brother to room and knocked on his door. myself. These people must be come. "Uh . ." I started. "I have a crazy! "So what do you think?" A.J. few questions that are The worship service started, asked when he got into the car. bothering me. Don't preach at and the preacher got up to "I hated it," I told him. "If me—don't even smile!" I speak. I found myself drawn to you want this God thing, that's warned him. "I'm not his animated preaching style fine," I said. "But it's not for interested in being religious," I and passionate message. "Turn me. I kept my part of the said, "but if you could find in your Bibles," he said, and I bargain; now get off my back." someone, I would like to know heard the crinkle of pages all We rode home in silence. more about God." around me. I sat quietly and When I got home I was not My brother smiled. He glanced at my watch. Fifteen sure what to do with the Bible offered to help me find answers minutes more and this will be the boy had given me. My to my questions, and a few over, I thought to myself. name was written in it in a months later I gave my life to "Hey, mister," a young voice child's scratchy handwriting, Christ. What I once hated I broke into my thoughts. and I could not bring myself to now love. I've learned that "Mister, don't you have a throw it away. I placed it on God's love is more powerful Bible?" I glanced toward the top of the refrigerator then left than anything else. And if we source of the voice. The young the house to go to the library. don't block it, it will wrap itself boy could not have been more That evening when I went to around us, and we'll be caught than 10 years old. the kitchen to get something to in a forever friendship with "No, kid," I answered. "I eat, I saw the Bible lying where God. Amazing! don't have a Bible." I had left it. It bothered me to "What's your name?" he see it there, so I moved it to the Pat Grant is now a pastor in asked. living room. The next day when Washington State. This story was adapted from an article that first "If I tell you my name, will I sat down to watch TV, I saw appeared in the Adventist Review. you leave me alone?" I asked, the Bible lying on the table annoyed. beside me. So I moved it back "Maybe," he answered. to the kitchen. I wanted it out "My name is Pat, " I of my sight, but throughout whispered. "Now listen to the that week I kept finding it and preacher." moving it to another place. The boy took out a pen, Late Thursday evening I was opened the cover of his Bible, sitting in my bedroom and wrote my name. Then he preparing to study. I glanced held the Bible out to me. up and saw the Bible lying on "Here," he said. my dresser. It was raining, and I looked over at the boy and the streetlight outside my saw him holding his Bible out window shone through the toward me. "This is for you. water drops on the window and You look as if you need a right onto the Bible. It was Bible." almost as if the Bible was "I don't want this, kid; you calling for my attention. keep it," I told him. As I looked at the book's "But I want you to have it," white cover, I thought of the the boy persisted. "So take it." 10-year-old hands that had He thrust the Bible into my given it to me. What could hand. possess a kid to give me his

20 Mission First Quarter 2002, North American Division What can God do with troubled teens? A tiny school in the mountains of West Virginia is providing answers.

Miracle Meadows' Miracles

Charlotte Ishkanian

eru's* life was out of cheap, and it paid to numb murderers. Some have suffered control. Introduced to one's emotions. abuse or emotional traumas jmarijuana when he was 7, His life was out of control, that have caused their lives to he soon was selling drugs. He and he did not care. He was a spin out of control. started skipping school and drug dealer, thief, murderer. getting into fights. His Then something good Annie Christian mother begged him happened. He was arrested Annie is a lovely 16-year-old to turn his life over to God, but again. But this judge gave him girl. Her sweet smile belies her he did not. a choice: go to jail or go to troubled heart. When he was 12 he was Miracle Meadows School. Jeru "I grew up in an orphanage caught stealing and spent four wanted to avoid jail, so he in Calcutta, India," Annie weeks in jail. The judge warned chose Miracle Meadows. begins. "My mother tried to him that if he was caught give me away when I was born, again, he would spend serious Miracle School but another woman found me time in jail. But Jeru did not Miracle Meadows is a small and took me back to her. Ma listen. Adventist-operated school in a worked long hours. I had food When Jeru's father tiny rural town in the hills of but no guidance, no protection. developed cancer, Jeru burned West Virginia. Its staff of 23 I wandered the streets for long with anger. He took his are dedicated to helping hours each day. When I was 5 anguish out on a boy who owed troubled children and teens years old I was raped. Then him money and left him dying regain their lives and take when I was 7 Ma took me to on a dark roadway. At age 14 responsibility for their actions. the orphanage. She told me he was a murderer who felt no Through intensive counseling that if I was adopted, I would remorse. During a bank and a structured work and have a better life than she robbery one of his friends shot study program, students learn could give me. a security guard, the father of to deal with their anger and "Ma came to visit me from one of Jeru's friends. He other problems in a caring, time to time. One day she told attended the funeral, but he disciplined setting. me that I was being adopted by felt detached from the grief. In Not all the students at a woman in America. I was put his circle of friends life was Miracle Meadows are on an airplane taking me away

First Quarter 2002, North American Division Mission 21 from the only life I had known. me off these medications, it church Jason stood in front and "My adoptive mother tried took me several months to shared his testimony. He had hard to help me adjust to life in control myself. Slowly I to stop a few times because he America. But I wanted to realized how deeply I had hurt choked up, and by the time he return to Calcutta. When I my mom. I did not know how to was finished there was not a became a teenager, I realized I give or receive love. dry eye in the room. was different. I was neither "I am trying to learn how "I cry to realize that I was so Black or White; I was Indian in much my mom and God love distressed I almost gave up on a town with few Indians. My me and want the best for me. him. God has truly become a mom tried to link me with my I'm learning that it is not the part of his life now, and he is Indian culture, but when I saw color of my skin or my hair that sharing this with everyone. He other Indian kids with their matters. What matters is being has not wanted to see any of families talking in their native there for others, caring for his old buddies, but a couple of languages, I realized that I others. My mom really loves them have stopped by the could not speak my native me. I am learning to be house. Jason stood outside and language anymore. grateful. My mom is my mom, shared what has happened to "I became depressed and and I love her for what she's him. His buddies have not tried to commit suicide. I done for me. changed, so they don't have caused lots of problems for "Now instead of making much to talk about anymore, Mom. I kept trying to do trouble for others, I try to help and I don't think they will even things to irritate and anger others. I share what I've bother to come around again. her. I could not control my own learned here because I want "With the Lord's help, anger. I did not understand others to learn what I've Miracle Meadows has truly that there is a name for the learned, so they won't have to worked a miracle and given me sickness that I was suffering. I go through the tough times I back the son that I knew years just knew that my life was out had to go through. I still have ago. Only he is bigger and of control. issues to deal with in my life, better now, because he now has "Mom could not deal with my but being at Miracle Meadows a relationship with the Lord anger. She took me to a doctor, is helping make me a stronger and isn't afraid to let others who told me that I could choose person so I can deal with what know it." between being put into a life sends my way." In the lives of Jeru, Annie, psychiatric institution or going and Jason, God and Miracle to a school in West Virginia to Meadows truly have worked try to control my behavior. I You Gave Me Back My Son miracles. thought it was for just a few When Jason arrived at weeks, so I agreed to go to the Miracle Meadows he glared at school. everyone and never smiled. *Names have been changed to protect "But when I arrived and Anger and darkness flowed out the identity of minors. realized that I would be there of him. Homemade tattoos of for several months, I flipped satanic symbols pockmarked Charlotte Ishkanian is editor of out. I started cursing the dean, his arms. He said his fellow Mission. and she told me to scrub the gang members burned them gym floor with a little brush. At there. Jason was into satanism, first I refused. Then I realized and even at Miracle Meadows that she meant what she had he tried to draw other students said. I started scrubbing. The into the cult during secret dean did not leave me alone to nighttime rituals. work. She stayed with me until Then about Christmastime I finished. I could not believe Jason began to change. He let that she would stay with me. Jesus back into his life. His When I finished the floor, we astounded mother described talked. how, during a visit home, he "I was on several shared his growing faith with medications to control my some of his old friends: emotions. When the school took "During a youth meeting at

22 Mission First Quarter 2002, North American Division

Every time I sat to meditate, thoughts of Jesus

penetrated my prayers.

Ned Naggyah A Love That Won't Let Go Ned Naggyah

[Ask a man to present this first- and public buildings. We sensed that God was real, so person testimony.] crashed parties and wedding real that I could talk to Him. I receptions, causing havoc in was afraid, and I stammered can still remember the pain the process. Street fights with an apology. "God," I said, "I of frost-numbed feet as I rival gangs often left me should never have mocked You I walked to school in the bitter nursing serious injuries. I still like I did. I am sorry." But I winter cold. Times were hard. tremble when I remember the concluded my prayer with,"I Father worked hard to scratch numerous times that death still cannot accept You as my a living from a small patch of stared me in the face. God. Maybe someday, but not land. Money was scarce, and One evening we had been now!" Later I gave the New we were ill-clothed and often drinking. We passed a large Testament away. shoeless. Father was an honest tent where a revival meeting I moved to another city to man, a devout Hindu who was in progress. We entered work, leaving my gang friends taught us to believe in his and mocked the Christians and and most of my bad habits religion. their God. We took seats and behind. Without friends, I In spite of his teaching and noisily punctuated the sermon spent many hours alone example, I rebelled. Even my with loud and unholy "amens" reading. longsuffering father was ready and "praise the Lords." When I began to study Hindu to send me to a reformatory. the preacher invited those literature, and I enjoyed Only my mother's pleading wanting spiritual help to come learning more about the faith saved me. forward, we all trooped to the my parents had taught me. I front. The preacher prayed for met a Hindu girl, and we were Maybe Someday, God us in spite of our bad attitude, married. Our religion was I left school early and found then he pressed a little book precious to us, and I spent a job in the city. Work brought into my hand. much time sitting in the "lotus" a world of new experiences. I woke up the next morning position and praying, using the I joined a street gang and and examined the book. It was Hindu rosary. We strictly began smoking pot and other a New Testament. As I stared observed the Hindu fasts and drugs to get high. The gang at it, I felt guilty about holy days. spent its time damaging cars mocking the Christian God. I I was intolerant of those who

First Quarter 2002, North American Division Mission 23 held other religious beliefs, to meditate and pray my Hindu a church that our neighbors especially Christians. At times prayers, thoughts of Jesus attend. my anger would flare, and I would invade my meditation. I I knew these neighbors and would curse those who would stop my meditation, for I thought they were crazy. Most mentioned the name of Jesus did not want Jesus in my life. Christians worship on Sunday, in my presence. Thus for two years a battle but they worship on Saturday. raged in my heart. The power Often when I drove to the Three Disturbing Dreams of Jesus was pulling me toward market on Saturday morning I One evening after I God, and another force was would see them standing at the completed my prayers and had pulling me away from God. bus stop with their Bibles in gone to sleep, I had a vivid and Puzzled and needing some their hands. I would give them disturbing dream. I saw Jesus answers, I visited several a ride to their church. I towering over me on a massive churches. The ministers all laughed at them because they wooden cross. I was awestruck agreed that God was calling me were so odd. I told my wife that by His beauty and said to Him, to become a Christian. But I we would attend any church "Lord, I did not know You did not want to believe. How except the Saturday church. looked like this." As He opened could someone that I had We prayed for God to lead us His eyes, golden beams of light disliked so much want me to to His true church. That night I flowed out. The bright light become one of His followers? had another dream. I saw these engulfed me, and I covered my My spiritual life seemed to be Saturday worshipers sitting eyes to shield myself from the in tatters. around a table with a Bible intense brightness. open before them. I awoke I awoke excited and woke my Someday Had Come immediately and realized the wife to tell her my dream. But I But as time passed, I began Bible was God's Book and these wondered, Why did Jesus to fall in love with this tender, were God's people. The appear to me? I am not a beautiful, loving Jesus. One following Saturday my family Christian! day as I sat thinking, I and I attended the Seventh-day Two nights later I had remembered the Christian Adventist church, where we another dream. This time I was revival meeting where my were warmly welcomed. The repeating the words "In the friends and I had insulted God worship was wholesome and name of the Father, the Son, and then mockingly walked to enjoyable and full of reverence. and the Holy Spirit" again and the altar, halfheartedly In due course we were again. I awoke to hear the promising Him that we would baptized. words actually coming from my follow God someday. I We are thankful for the love lips. What did this mean, and remembered holding the New of Jesus, which penetrated the why would I, a Hindu, repeat a Testament the pastor had stronghold of traditional Christian prayer instead of the given me and saying to Jesus, religion and led us into the traditional Hindu chants? "Maybe someday, but not now." light of Christianity. I feel Again I told my wife what I I knew that the time had humbled by a mighty God who had dreamed. come. I bowed my head and called a worthless sinner into A few nights later I had a said, "Lord, I can't fight You His fold, and I want to live for third dream. I was sitting in a anymore; You win." I knew Him today and every day for room and felt a holy presence. I that I must follow Him. the rest my life. turned to look at the open Once I made my decision to doorway. There stood a follow God, I wanted to do Ned Naggyah is an associate towering, majestic person everything acceptable in God's elder and adult Sabbath School teacher of the West Island Seventh- dressed in a robe. But His face sight. God had prepared the day Adventist Church in Montreal, was shrouded in a mist. I cried hearts of my wife and children Quebec, Canada. This article first out, "Father Emmanuel!" He as well. When I asked them, appeared in the Adventist Review. blessed me, then He "Shall we remain Hindus or disappeared. I wondered, Who become Christians?" they all is this Father Emmanuel who voted to become Christians. left my heart pounding with The question then was: Which joy? church should we attend? My I found that every time I sat wife suggested that we attend

24 Mission First Quarter 2002, North American Division A toddler's simple act changed a young couple's

lives forever.

Gabriela Forty-nine Children

Gerard and Helena Latchman

erard Latchman stood child who etched herself into sponsoring children through in the dusty yard of a his memory. She's the one! he various organizations, but Gshanty house on the thought to himself. This is the chose rather to let God lead edge of a large Honduras city. child God wants us to adopt! them to individual children He was conducting a survey for He could hardly wait to talk to whom they could provide for in the Adventist Development and his wife back home in America their own homes. They have Relief Agency to determine the and tell her about little found their independent health needs of mothers and Gabriella. "I saw in her actions adoptions more satisfying and children in a region with a high a picture of Christ," Gerard personal for them and more childhood death rate. told his wife, Helena, later. The successful for the children they As Latchman talked with couple determined to "adopt" help. the woman, a toddler appeared Gabriella, or, more specifically, The Latchmans sponsor at the doorway and watched to sponsor her and see that she children in Nicaragua, silently. Then without a word and her mother had what they Honduras, Haiti, India, Ghana, she stepped out into the yard needed to assure a healthy life and Malawi. and bent down to examine and quality education for the Latchman's shoes. With her child. Lenin tiny fingers she began wiping Lenin Moses is a bright the dust from the left shoe. Commitment to Children child. "Brilliant," Latchman Then, satisfied with her job, That was several years ago. says. But he came to their she stood and circled around to Gabriella was the first of some attention through tragic the other side and bent over to 49 children to be "adopted" into circumstances. "I was training dust his right shoe. Satisfied the Latchmans' love. Today volunteers in Nicaragua. One with her job, the child stood Gabriella is a bright-eyed 9- young mother had been trained and walked back into the house year-old who attends school in by ADRA and given a small from which she had come. her homeland. loan to start her own business. Gerard Latchman cannot The Latchmans had talked She bought some matches and remember much of his often about "adopting" children candles and started selling conversation with the woman, even before he met Gabriella. them from her tiny home at the but he will never forget the They had talked about end of a long canyon. Then one

First Quarter 2002, North American Division Mission 25 night she awoke to the sound of knows exactly where," Lucretia God has given us," Helena someone trying to break into answered. Latchman says. We tested the her home. When she went to "Will you go with me to find idea when we were in Mexico the door to see what was them?" Gerard asked her. And on vacation. We went to a little happening, a shot rang out, in spite of having a lot of work church in the city, far from the killing her instantly. She left to finish, Lucretia went with tourist area. We had prepared behind two young daughters him into the mountains to find some food for our lunch, but we and an infant son. the children. The errand took did not tell anyone. We were When Latchman heard of several hours. sure that someone would invite the tragedy he went to visit the As they traveled and talked, us home to dinner, and then we family. He learned that the Gerard noticed that Lucretia would share our food with them baby boy had been sent to live herself was very poor. He instead. People greeted us as with his grandmother. He admired the strength she had they walked out of church, but realized that the child's to help him help others while no one invited us home. The grandmother would never be she herself was in great need. last family to leave the church able to support him, so He learned that Lucretia had was obviously very poor, but Latchman adopted him. He two children of her own, a 15- they invited us to their home offered to send money to pay year old girl, and a 6-year-old for dinner. We walked with for the baby's food and care. boy. He decided to help them them a few blocks to their Lenin Moses and his also. She never asked for help home, which was little more grandmother later moved in for her own children, so Gerard than a sheet of metal attached with another family that asked if he could help her to a wall. The entire family included four children. So the support her children. Julio was slept in a single hammock— Latchmans adopted those four already in school, so the four of them. children as well. Latchmans help buy his school "I had never seen anyone Some of their financial uniform and school supplies that poor. The floor of their support helps provide housing and have given money to repair home was dirt, and the family and food, and they seek to their home following the had just two or three chairs. provide educational assistance devastation of Hurricane Mitch But the house was neat and where needed. "We want our in 1998. Today Julio is 13 years clean. We shared our lunch children to have the best old and a model child. He with them, then we invited possible education they can wants to be a doctor. His them to go with us on an trip to receive within their own mother works as a maid. a nearby island the next day. culture," Latchman says. Their generosity in the face of Enough such poverty cemented in our Find Them Today the Latchmans minds the need to look for Gerard met Elsa when she support 12 families that have people whose lives we can was selling fruits that she had "between 49 and 52 children, bless. We asked God to show us collected early in the morning. depending on how and when the children He had for us, and Gerard asked her if she went to you count." Because Gerard we promised to help them. And school, and the girl responded found most of the children that brought us on the road to that she did not. He gave her a during his years working for parenthood, a journey that we little extra money and urged ADRA, Helena has met only a hope never ends." her to go to school. That night few of them, but it does not Gerard felt God telling him, matter. She hopes to meet Gerard Latchman, at the time "You are looking for children. them all one day. And she likes he wrote this, was coordinator of volunteers in the North American Today I brought you two, and to send them gifts whenever Division. His wife, Helena, works you let them go. If you want she can. She sends clothes and for the Finnish Embassy in children, go find these children a few toys. Washington, D.C. and adopt them." "The whole idea started The next morning Gerard several years ago. We could went to the maid, Lucretia, and have spent our money on asked her how he could find ourselves, but we felt we Elsa and her sister. "They live should do something more up in the mountains, no one meaningful with the blessings

26 Mission First Quarter 2002, North American Division Not all of North America is urban and middle class. And not all are secular or Christian. Some still

t bjec

suffer at the hands of demons. su t no re tu ic p ld in hi C Facing Down the Devil

Emely Mayang

hate you! I hate you! I don't walked with me to my office. In an instant the sad stony like you. I don't want to do "I can see that you look sad," face warmed with a radiant I my schoolwork!" the little I said. smile, and his eyes sparkled. "I first-grade boy yelled. "Yes, I am," he answered, like this!" he said. I let him For two days this usually tears running down his cheeks. play with the water for several well-behaved, quiet, happy boy "Would you like to share minutes. Then he dried his had been defiant and angry. with me what it is that is hands and wiped away his His teacher had never seen making you sad?" I asked. tears. such a change in a child. "Mmmm-mmm," he said, "It looks as if you are feeling Suddenly he had become shaking his head from no. "I'm better," I began. "Now can you disrespectful, yelling at his afraid!" He cried even harder. tell me why you have been so teacher and at other students "You're sad and afraid, and sad?" I asked. and throwing things. you are crying," I said. "Let's "I went to see the doctor in The boy's teacher had wait until you are more ready the clinic," he began. "And confided to me that this boy to talk." I gave him a tissue when I started back to school, was having a difficult time and walked away to give him I—" His face clouded up, and coping with his anger, so I time to compose himself. A few he started to cry again. "I don't stepped into the classroom to minutes later I returned. know!" he sobbed. observe. I watched as the "Look, Jonathan," I said. "Did the nurse give you some teacher talked to him in quiet "This is what I wanted to show medicine that hurt you?" I gentle tones. But the boy was you." I directed his attention to asked. unresponsive. The teacher a miniature water fountain "No," he answered. "But looked up and asked me if I sitting on my table. "Would you something got into my brain . . . would talk to him. like to put your hand in it and a voice is telling me to be "Jonathan,* will you please feel the water flow over your naughty. . . . Satan is telling me hold my hand? Let's walk to hand?" I asked. to do things and be naughty." my office and talk," I said. "I Jonathan reached toward Jonathan struggled to get the have something special I want the fountain and let the cool words out. you to see." With tears in his water flow over his hand. "It Chills raced down my spine, eyes, he took my hand and feels good," he said. and bumps raised on my arms.

First Quarter 2002, North American Division Mission 27 Navajo children at La Vida Mission School.

I was stunned to realize that I "And you, Satan," I said, possession. But the morning's was facing an evil spirit. I "you get out from me." events had warned me that no whispered a prayer for God's Jonathan repeated this amount of education, no presence and knew that Jesus command with rising courage. amount of sophistication can was in the room with us. "I don't need you in my life, prevent Satan from exercising "Jonathan, you are very because Jesus is in my heart, his demonic powers over even brave to face up to the devil my soul, my mind, and my the least suspecting individuals and tell someone what is body. I am covered by Jesus' not equipped to resist his happening to you," I said. Then blood. Jesus loves me, and I advances. I thanked God again with tears in my own eyes I love Jesus!" for freeing Jonathan from asked Jonathan to hold my After Jonathan finished the Satan's grasp and for helping hands while I asked Jesus to be prayer and said amen, we me to realize that every day we very close to us. Then I asked opened our eyes. I saw a big wrestle against spiritual Jonathan, "Would you like to happy smile on the boy's face. I wickedness on all levels of pray too?" knew that this kind and gentle society. "Yes, I will pray," he little boy had been freed from * Not his real name. It is not known what answered. Satan's influence and could triggered Jonathan's experience with a demon. "Do you believe that Jesus is return to his normal sweet His family is not actively involved in spirit worship, but traditional Navajo religion in your heart this very ways. Jonathan gave me a big encourages harmony with the spirit world. moment?" I asked. hug and went back to his "Yes, Jesus is in my heart classroom content and happy and in my brain," he added because Jesus was in his heart Emely Mayang is principal at with a wobbly smile. again. La Vida Mission Indian School, near Farmington, New Mexico. La Vida "Good," I said. "Then let's I sat alone in my office Mission is a supporting ministry of pray together. You repeat after thinking about what had the Seventh-day Adventist Church me, 'Dear Jesus, thank You for happened. Sometimes we deny and operates a K-8 boarding school, being in my heart and in my the presence of evil spirits, clinic, Community Services center, brain and in all parts of my thinking that our modern and church for the Navajo people. body. I give myself to You." culture and education somehow Jonathan repeated my words. make us exempt from demon

28 Mission First Quarter 2002, North American Division Thirteenth Sabbath Program

Participants: Two adult couples Congregational Song "Working, 0 Christ, With Thee" and an offstage narrator. Note: The SDA Hymnal, No. 682 Choose participants who will practice their parts and can present them clearly. While participants do Welcome not have to memorize their parts, they should be familiar enough with the content that they can present Scripture the material without having to read it. Prayer Setting: Living room of a home. A husband and wife are seated on a couch (or chairs lined up like a Program "Reaching the Hard Places" couch) watching television or listening to radio. A knock on the Offering door announces the arrival of a second couple, who enter and sit down to listen to the last minutes of Closing Song "Rise Up, 0 Church of God" the religious broadcast the hosts have been listening to. The SDA Hymnal, No. 615 Reaching the Hard Places Offstage Narrator: At the Husband 1 [turning off Philippines, it makes me want close of the evangelistic radio / television]: Wow, that to give my offerings to support meetings some 2,000 new was inspiring! Imagine that work. It seems to me that believers were baptized. Future thousands of people attending we're really getting a lot for our baptisms are planned, and it is evangelistic meetings, sitting mission offerings in these estimated that the total outside through rainstorms places! number of new believers and power outages to hear the joining the Adventist Church gospel! Wife 2: That's true, [name of will exceed 5,000. wife 1], but God expects us to When we learn of successful Wife 1: And after the meetings support evangelism evangelistic series such as the ended it took dozens of pastors everywhere in the world—in one in this country, we think of hours to baptize all the new the difficult places as well as the prophecy in Acts that says, believers! If only evangelism the areas where soul winning "In the last days, God says, I were that easy here. Our is going well. The church in will pour out my Spirit on all church does well to have one India saw relatively few people. . . . And everyone who baptism a month, and baptisms in its first 100 years. calls on the name of the Lord sometimes only one or two join Then in the past few years will be saved.' . . . And the Lord the church at a time. When I evangelism has virtually added to their number daily hear of the thousands of new exploded there. If we had those who were being saved."* Christians joining the church stopped supporting the work in This is [name of reporter] in countries such as India, India just because it was going reporting for AGCN. Good day. Papua New Guinea, and the slowly, think of the number of

First Quarter 2002, North American Division Mission 29 people who might never have you. [Begins to read.] have missed the 10/40 window heard of Jesus! "For more than 50 years now in the West, the window of Even though it may require the Adventist Church has paganism, secularism, and far more work and far greater actively used television to postmodern civilization that resources to win even a few reach people who might not exists in North America today. people to Christ, everyone consider entering a church. In We wanted to come up with a deserves to hear the message of 1950 church leaders asked Bill program that would build a salvation. Just think of the and Virginia Fagal to pioneer a bridge between the secular people who are still waiting to television ministry in a live public and God.' From their hear the message of salvation half-hour broadcast called prayerful discussions came the in places such as the 10/40 Faith for Today." [Looks up idea for The Evidence, an all- window. I just don't think we from magazine] You know new program featuring in- should be concerned about the about Faith for Today. depth, eye-opening results of our prayers and our [Continues reading.] explorations into the many financial support for missions. "Today Faith for Today is dimensions of God as revealed the longest continuous through science, art, history, Husband 2: I have been religious broadcast on and the human heart. The thinking a lot lately about that. television. Along the way it has program seeks to investigate You know, the church in North introduced thousands to the the possibility of God in all His America is growing, but very Seventh-day Adventist name dimensions, to bridge the gap slowly. And most of that and message. between science and theology.' growth is among immigrant "Several years ago the "The target audience for this populations. Very few others ministry introduced Lifestyle program is the thinking are coming into the church. In Magazine, a health-oriented unbeliever rather than the North America we have an talk show program. The believing Christian. The entire population group that success of this program program seeks to reach the could qualify as an unreached inspired Faith for Today person who has no strong people group. I wonder what producers to reach out to an religious roots, or the person can be done to make the gospel even broader audience, the whose spiritual needs have not attractive to them. millions of people who are been filled. The program sees searching for answers to its viewers as secular persons Husband 1: You know, I read fundamental questions of life. who are struggling to find something recently about the This person might never attend meaning in life. Church's efforts to reach this church, but would be drawn by "To reach these people the group of secular people. It is a a need for a closer walk with program will explore new television series called The God." fundamental questions such as Evidence. `Where did we come from?' and Husband 2: That sounds good `Why are we here?' The Wife 2: The Evidence? in theory, but how are the program will not only examine producers going to get the the idea that God exists, but Husband 1: It's a new attention of secular people? that God cares about us and for television program with a talk- They are busy and us. show format. [Picks up a uninterested in spiritual "The half-hour program will magazine from the rack near things. feature a news magazine his chair and flips through it.] format. It will feature This article in our church Husband 1: The article asked interviews with world- paper says that most of the that same question. [Looks renowned scientists and artists people who have responded to through magazine article.] who can explain the wonders of evangelistic outreaches in the Let's see. Here it is. nature and life. The program past have already had some "Our church is excited about will then turn viewers' minds religious orientation. The reaching the 10/40 window,' and hearts toward God. church has had a burden to said Dwight Nelson, senior "'We want to delve into reach out to the secular pastor of Pioneer Memorial areas of science, the arts, ethics population in North America. church on the campus of that capture the minds of Let me read some of this to Andrews University. 'But we secular people. We want them

30 Mission First Quarter 2002, North American Division to ask, 'Could it be that life is must do everything we can to not a blind chance, that behind Husband 2: You're right. This reach the challenging places in it is a Creator?' We want them program is a radical change the world, even in North to think beyond the physical from what we as a church have America. realm to the loving Creator done before. We won't be who made us. preaching to the saints here. [Offering] "The producers wondered This program is designed to whether they could find and reach out to the millions who * Acts 2:17, 47, NIV. convince thought leaders in the are not attending any church. scientific and cultural world to They need to hear the message talk about God on television. of God's love too. We will just Editor But God directed them to some have to pray and support this Charlotte Ishkanian of the top people in specific program—and all our media areas of study. Most are eager programs—in faith that God is Editorial Assistant and excited to talk about God using these means to win souls Traci Ann Lemon because they are not able to who cannot be reached in any talk about Him within their other way. Director work arena. They are happy to James Zackrison go on television and talk about Husband 1: [Name of husband how God works in their lives. 2], you have a computer. I see Associate Director Their stories bring home some that The Evidence has a Web Jonathan Kuntaraf really powerful points." site for viewers to explore. The article says that people can get MISSION (ISSN 0190-4108) Wife 2: It sounds good, but will more information on programs is produced and copyrighted 2001 by the office of Mission in the it work? Television is an they've seen, watch more Sabbath School and Personal expensive medium, and if the videos, sign up for Bible Ministries Department of the General program fails, it will be money studies, ask for prayer, and Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, wasted. even chat with other people 12501 Old Columbia Pike, about what they've watched or Silver Spring, MD 20904, U.S.A. Husband 1: Somewhere this ask questions. Why don't you Printed in U.S.A. article says that last year the check out the Web site and let pilot programs of The Evidence us know what you think? Here, First Quarter 2002 were entered in a film it gives the address. It's easy to Volume 91, Number 1 competition that included remember. It's just secular as well as religious theevidence.org. E-mail: programs. The Evidence [email protected] received two major awards. So Husband 2: Great! I'll look Fax: 301.680.6155 the program must be pretty that up when I get home. Website: good! The article says that the Where are the funds coming http:\\sspm.gc.adventist.org awards will help the church get from to finance this program? on better television stations at Permission is granted to reproduce more desirable times, because Husband 1 [searching the material from this quarterly for use in the producers know that the article in his hand]: Let's see. I local Sabbath School programs. program is relevant to viewers. think I saw it somewhere. Here! Permission to reproduce any portion It's good to know that we're on "Part of this quarter's of this material for sale, publication in the right track anyway. Thirteenth Sabbath Offering another periodical, or other will enable the church's commercial use must be authorized in writing by the editor at the Wife 1: It sounds as if they broadcast ministries to move above address. have put a lot of thought and ahead with innovative prayer into producing this programs that challenge the Texts credited to NIV are from the program. I hope that the audience to consider God in Holy Bible, New International Version. church members will be willing their lives." Copyright @ 1973, 1978, 1984, to support it, even though it is International Bible Society. not designed to meet their own Wife 1: I'm so glad our church Used by permission of Zondervan spiritual needs. is doing this. It's a risk, but we Bible Publishers.

First Quarter 2002, North American Division Mission 31 Asia

Arctic Ocean

Atlantic Ocean

th Labrador A erican Sea Hudson Di ision Bay Canada

Project Strengthen media evangelism to reach a secular society that is not attracted to traditional Adventist approaches to evangelism.

Washington D.C. * Hamilton I United States Bermuda 00 C.D Atlantic Ocean

Oo Pacific Ocean Gulf of Mexico

Churches Companies Membership Population Union 88,045 31,894,800 Atlantic 444 52 49.233 30,771,000 Canada 325 56 107.022 47,265,400 Columbia 600 51 Lake 483 29 79,991 33,485,400 Caribbean Sea 34 55.875 23,701,600 Mid-America 467 84,600 12,264,200 North Pacific 401 43 203,876 42,800,680 Pacific 613 79 Southern 940 57 193.662 51,840,360 Southwestern 522 46 72,917 32,410,560 Total (12/11/00) 4,795 447 935,221 306,434,000 ito ertrr OEN*