Editorial

A GENERAL CONFERENCE Volume 53, Number 1 In this issue What is a General Conference? The expression “General Conference” is self-explanatory. It is not one person, or a small group of people. • Why Does God Call for a General As we will learn in this issue of The Reformation Herald, the words of a Conference? few persons are not to be considered as the voice of God, yet we are told Following God’s plan of organization. 3 that the “decisions of a General Conference composed of an assembly of • Why Are GC Delegation Sessions duly appointed, representative men from all parts of the fi eld, should be Necessary? . . . respected,”1 and further, that “the representatives of [God’s] church The biblical basis for such gatherings. 5 from all parts of the earth, when assembled in a General Conference, shall have authority.”2 • Introducing the Delegation What happened fi rst? No GC offi cer should be considered as being the “General Conference.” 8 Even a small group of GC offi cers should not be considered as being the • Newly Elected GC Offi cers “General Conference,” but “an assembly of duly appointed, representative These offi cers will bear weighty responsibilities. 10 men” “from al parts of the earth,” when acting in harmony with God’s • The African Region Word, make up the General Conference whose voice must be respected. Light to the “dark” continent. 12 When Moses was visited by Jethro, his father-in-law, an interesting con- versation took place. Jethro realized that Moses—capable as he was—was • The Asian Region undertaking a very heavy burden for one man alone. Therefore he coun- Christians face persecution in a tumultous region. seled Moses: “Provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, 14 men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers • The Central American Region of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fi fties, and rulers of tens: An ever-growing area rich in faith. 16 and let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great • The Eurasian Region matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: A stronghold of reformation in so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee. a varied culture. 18 If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee so, then thou shalt be able to endure, and all this people shall also go to their place in peace” • The European Region (Exodus 18:21–23). The birthplace of Protestantism, a melting pot of cultures. 20 Moses gave heed to this sage advice—and the governing of God’s people prospered. • The North American Region In the system recommended by Jethro to Moses, we fi nd four levels of A new evangelistic thrust begins with administration: rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fi fties, and encouraging result. 22 rulers of tens. • The Pacifi c Region In our system of organization there are: local churches, fi elds (or confer- The islands of the sea are ripe for the harvest. 24 ences), unions, and a General Conference. If the brethren and sisters of all • The South American Region levels fulfi ll their duties, God’s work will prosper. Many church members and a Finally, what is a General Conference? It is a general assembly made great work to do. 26 up of duly elected representatives of God’s church from all the regions of the planet that meet together to decide important matters related to the • Highlights From the Decisions 28 spiritual progress of God’s children. • 21st General Conference Delegates In this special issue of The Reformation Herald, we will bring to the knowl- Who was chosen to participate? 34 edge of our readers news and important decisions of the General Confer- ence delegation session held in Porumbacu, Romania, from August 23 to • Children’s Corner September 13, 2011. R Building in harmony. 40

1 Gospel Workers, p. 490; 2 Ibid. Offi cial Church Publication of the Seventh Day Adventist Reform Movement

“The age in which we live calls for reformatory action.”—Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 488. The Reformation Herald staff would like to take this Editor D. P. Silva Assistant to the Editor B. Monteiro opportunity to introduce our new Editor, Bro. Davi Paes Creative Services D. Lee Silva. He was chosen by the worldwide delegation to THE REFORMATION HERALD® (ISSN subscriptions, payments, and donations 0482-0843) features articles on Bible should be mailed to the address below. serve in this capacity, and we trust that the Lord will utilize doctrine that will enrich the spiritual life of Periodical postage paid at Roanoke, his talents in a mighty way. We also would like to thank those who seek to know more about God. Virginia 24022. It is published bimonthly by the Seventh Subscription rates: United States, U.S. Bro. D. Sureshkumar for the dedicated service he faith- Day Adventist Reform Movement General $14.95; foreign (air mail), U.S. $20.00; Conference, P. O. Box 7240, Roanoke, VA single issue, U.S. $ 3.50 fully rendered as Editor during the past two terms. It is our 24019-0240, U.S.A. POSTMASTER: Send address changes prayer that the Lord may bless his labors in the vineyard • Web: http://www.sdarm.org; to: The Reformation Herald, P. O. Box and continue to make him a blessing to others always. • e-mail: [email protected] 7240, ROANOKE, VA 24019. Printed and distributed by Reforma- Vol. 53, No. 1. Copyright © 2012 tion Herald Publishing Association. January–February Issue. Manuscripts, inquiries, address changes, Illustrations: 123RF on pp. 3, 5–7, 32 Why Does God Call for a GENERAL CONFERENCE?

By B. Montrose

What is a General Conference? The term “general conference” has been so often used in Adventism that we too easily forget it is supposed to mean exactly what it says: A general assembly or gathering of individuals meeting for a specifi c goal or purpose. The unit found in the SDA Reform Movement is based on the Bible and who are pressing together to keep the the General Conference. You thought Spirit of Prophecy guidelines for commandments of God and the faith that in responding to the call made to church organization in the last days. of Jesus, operating in harmony with you by the General Conference you Thus, the primary defi nition for us of God’s organizational guidelines. were submitting to the judgment and the term “general conference,” refers In 1874, “Brother A” (identifi ed as mind of one man. You accordingly specifi cally to the quadrennial ses- Elder George I. Butler) was a minister manifested an independence, a set, sions, where delegates elected by the who, when he fi nally had experienced willful spirit, which was all wrong. church membership around the world genuine conversion, was greatly blessed “God gave you a precious experience assemble to report on the progress of by improving his attitude toward leader- at that time which was of value to you, God’s work in the various corners of ship among God’s people. An inspired and which has greatly increased your the vineyard and together elect offi cers Testimony written to increase his under- success as a minister of Christ. Your to carry out the decisions made to standing is applicable also today: proud, unyielding will was subdued. advance His cause around the world. “I have been shown that no man’s You had a genuine conversion. This led In the interim between delegation judgment should be surrendered to the to refl ection and to your position upon sessions, the General Conference judgment of any one man. But when leadership. Your principles in regard Council elected at the quadrennial ses- the judgment of the General Confer- to leadership are right, but you do not sions assembles annually. The Execu- ence, which is the highest author- make the right application of them. tive Committee meets as needed and ity that God has upon the earth, is If you should let the power in the is entrusted with carrying out many of exercised, private independence and church, the voice and judgment of the the decisions made at the delegation private judgment must not be main- General Conference, stand in the place session of the worldwide church. tained, but be surrendered. Your error you have given my husband, there was in persistently maintaining your could then be no fault found with your Following God’s plan private judgment of your duty against position. But you greatly err in giving It would be a fallacy to think that the voice of the highest authority the to one man’s mind and judgment that the SDA Reform Movement General Lord has upon the earth. After you authority and infl uence which God has Conference offi ce building in Roanoke, had taken your own time, and after invested in His church in the judgment Virginia, U.S.A., is just a place for a the work had been much hindered by and voice of the General Conference.”1 few persons to labor when they are your delay, you came to Battle Creek in When called into question, Ellen not promoting the Lord’s work in the answer to the repeated and urgent calls White testifi ed of her own case in various missionary fi elds. The building of the General Conference. You fi rmly 1896, “I had not one ray of light that actually represents the work of God’s maintained that you had done right He [the Lord] would have me come church as a whole, and the offi cers in following your own convictions of to this country [Australia]. I came in laboring there have been elected as rep- duty. You considered it a virtue in you submission to the voice of the General resentatives of the total membership of to persistently maintain your position Conference, which I have ever main- faithful men and women who com- of independence. You did not seem to tained to be authority.”2 prise the entire SDA Reform Movement have a true sense of the power that God Many students of Advent history worldwide. Thus it represents a people has given to His church in the voice of suspect that certain leaders at that

The Reformation Herald, Vol. 53, No. 1 3 time really wanted to send the Lord’s Is gospel order very important messenger to the opposite side of the today? world in an attempt to silence her The Spirit of Prophecy writes: words of reproof. But regard- “The Lord has shown that gospel less of anyone’s motives, God order has been too much feared was still able to use her as an and neglected. Formality instrument to promote His should be shunned; but, in so cause in that new continent. doing, order should not be ne- She honored the challenge glected. There is order in heaven. and respected the leadership of There was order in the church His organization. The really crucial when Christ was upon the earth, question arises later, after her death: and after His departure order was strictly When the General Conference of any observed among His apostles. And now given church goes so far as to disown cheerfully, motivated by fervent love in these last days, while God is bringing the ten commandments of God and for their Creator. His children into the unity of the faith, the faith of Jesus in word or in practice, In studying the scriptures we can read- there is more real need of order than ever then what? Such a body would be on ily observe the divine concept of order before; for, as God unites His children, very shaky ground and could not be established from the earliest days of the Satan and his evil angels are very busy to trusted to bear the candlestick. We have ancient patriarchs. A system of gospel prevent this unity and to destroy it.”5 been warned of that exact danger. (See order was also employed in the time of “I saw that this door at which the The Review and Herald, June 7, 1887; the Exodus when, on the wise recom- enemy comes in to perplex and trouble Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 403.) The only mendation of Jethro, “Moses chose able the fl ock can be shut. I inquired of the hope for the last faithful remnant of men out of all Israel, and made them angel how it could be closed. He said, that church is not to settle down into heads over the people, rulers of thou- ‘The church must fl ee to God’s Word an easy spirit of independence, but sands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fi fties, and become established upon gospel rather to press together and ensure that and rulers of tens. And they judged the order, which has been overlooked and the General Conference be based on people at all seasons: the hard causes neglected.’ This is indispensably neces- right principles of sound doctrine. they brought unto Moses, but every sary in order to bring the church into small matter they judged themselves” the unity of the faith.”6 Genuine gospel order (Exodus 18:25, 26). (See also Numbers The apostle explained: “God is faith- in the last days 31:48; Deuteronomy 1:15; 2 Chronicles ful, by whom ye were called unto the From where do we get the idea of 25:5.) Thus the people of God’s heritage fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our gospel order? In reporting one vision, were to be one great nation, with the Lord. Now I beseech you, brethren, by the messenger of the Lord wrote: “I have opportunity to establish smaller units in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that been shown the order, the pertect order, which they could govern themselves. It ye all speak the same thing, and that of heaven, and have been enraptured as I was never God’s plan for Israel to look to there be no divisions among you; but listened to the perfect music there. After an earthly king. that ye be perfectly joined together in coming out of vision, the singing here When Christ was on earth, He also the same mind and in the same judg- has sounded very harsh and discordant. organized the vast multitude of people ment” (1 Corinthians 1:9, 10). I have seen companies of angels, who into small companies when He, with According to these statements, it is stood in a hollow square, everyone hav- the assistance of His disciples, minis- clear that gospel order is more urgently ing a harp of gold. . . . There is one angel tered to human needs at the miracle of needed today than ever before. It is who always leads, who fi rst touches the the loaves: “And he commanded them considered absolutely essential in order harp and strikes the note, then all join to make all sit down by companies for God’s people to come into unity in the rich, perfect music of heaven. It upon the green grass. And they sat of the faith. And unity of the faith is a is melody, heavenly, divine, while from down in ranks, by hundreds, and by basic prerequisite for the outpouring of every countenance beams the image of fi fties” (Mark 6:39, 40). the latter rain—the refreshing needed Jesus, shining with glory unspeakable.”3 After the ascension of Christ, impor- to enlighten this entire planet with the When the crisis of dealing with Lucifer tant decisions involving the future and glory of God. R came upon heaven and there was a job the welfare of the church were made by References to be done, “the angels were marshaled representatives of the worldwide body in companies, each division with a assembled at Jerusalem. Acts chapter 1 Testimonies, vol. 3, pp. 492, 493. 2 higher commanding angel at its head.”4 15 relates the history of one such Manuscript Releases, vol. 1, p. 156. 3 Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 146. Indeed, gospel order comes from general conference session in the early 4 Early Writings, p. 145. heaven. Cherubim and seraphim are church. The apostle James served as the 5 Ibid., p. 97. each given individual responsibili- presiding offi cer, and major doctrinal 6 Ibid., p. 100. ties which they execute faithfully and issues were decided by the believers.

4 The Reformation Herald, Vol. 53, No. 1 By A. Balbach

In ancient Israel there were three the believers should be left to develop about the development of the work. yearly feasts for which all the men of the work on a local basis, to the best Keeping accurate records and giving the nation were to assemble at the of their ability, without any connec- systematic reports is a well-established sanctuary (Exodus 23:14–17). After the tion with other parts of the world. practice. The local churches send their conquest of the land of Canaan, the Those who have tried to organize and reports to the state conference, the state Israelites held for a time their annual conduct an independent work, excus- conferences submit their reports to gatherings at Shiloh. Later on, Jerusa- ing themselves with the argument that the union conference, and the union lem became the center of worship for they do not want to be controlled and conferences forward their reports to the the Jewish people. exploited by other people, are usu- General Conference. Also the regional In those days it was relatively easy ally found doing the very things they secretaries and GC departmental secre- for the tribes of Israel to convene three purport to be fi ghting against. Contrary taries send their reports to the GC of- times a year, because the whole nation to their opinion, their own experience fi ce and to the GC Council on a regular lived in a small territory. Today, the should prove to them that organiza- basis. When a GC session is near, the people of God are scattered practically tional and administrative oneness is as GC offi cers prepare their reports cover- all over the world, which makes it important for the church as it is for an ing a four-year period, from the last diffi cult for them to hold general meet- army in the battlefi eld. This is one of conference to the forthcoming confer- ings. Not all the people come together; the reasons why we must have peri- ence. In this line, the GC secretary they rather send their representatives to odical gatherings at every level of the seems to have the hardest job, because an offi cial business session once every work—local church business meetings, he must present a global statistical four years. Besides the business session, state conference sessions, union confer- report including all the unions, fi elds, there is also a spiritual convention, ence sessions, and General Conference and missions. This report must show, which is attended not only by the local sessions. General Conference sessions not only the present membership, but brethren and sisters but also by a num- are held for different purposes: also the number of new souls added ber of visitors from other countries. since the previous session, as well as Reports any decreases in membership resulting The importance of general gather- When Paul and Barnabas and other from death or apostasy. The number ings church leaders came to Jerusalem for of ministers, workers, colporteurs, and The plan of God for His church, as the fi rst general assembly for consulta- church employees, as well as church revealed in Ephesians 4:1–16, demands tion and decision on an important properties and institutions, must also a general coordination, an interna- issue which was threatening to divide be reported to the GC delegation in tional and worldwide interdependence. the church, “they declared all things session. This shows how important The church is compared to a human that God had done with them” (Acts it is for the unions, fi elds, and mis- body. There is no room for the idea 15:4). First of all, the delegates at a sions to send in their quarterly reports that in every place or in every country conference want to hear offi cial reports regularly.

The Reformation Herald, Vol. 53, No. 1 5 and the Principles of Faith and Church Order based upon them, old and new “In questions are always coming up. Easy the church at matters can be settled together among Antioch the consider- the members of a local church with the ation of the question of circum- help of the minister. Other matters may cision resulted in much discussion and require the help of the state conference The contention. Finally, the members of the or union conference. Matters that can- fi rst general church, fearing that a division among not be solved by the union conference assembly held at them would be the outcome of contin- are referred to the General Conference Jerusalem (A.D. 51) contains ued discussion, decided to send Paul offi ce during the quadrennium, and a lesson combined with a warning. and Barnabas, with some responsible from there they may be sent on to the “Not all . . . were pleased with the men from the church, to Jerusalem to Ministerial Working Committee, the decision [of the Council]; there was a lay the matter before the apostles and Doctrinal Council, or the GC Coun- faction of ambitious and self-confi dent elders. There they were to meet del- cil. In many cases, questions can be brethren who disagreed with it. These egates from the different churches. . . . answered straight from the Bible and men assumed to engage in the work on Meanwhile all controversy was to cease the Spirit of Prophecy. Others can be their own responsibility. They indulged until a fi nal decision should be given in addressed according to the way these in- in much murmuring and faultfi nding, general council. This decision was then spired writings have led in our previous proposing new plans and seeking to to be universally accepted by the differ- GC decisions. Delegates do not bring pull down the work of the men whom ent churches throughout the country.”4 questions directly to the GC session; God had ordained to teach the gospel “The broad and far-reaching deci- the union conferences and those fi elds message.”1 sions of the general council brought and missions directly attached to the Their teaching to those converted confi dence into the ranks of the GC send in all their questions well in from among the Gentiles was: “Except Gentile believers, and the cause of God advance. This is the only way to ensure ye be circumcised after the manner of prospered.”5 that any point which should rightfully Moses, ye cannot be saved’ (Acts 15:1). “When dissension arose in a local be considered at the GC delegation in Indeed, there have always been church, . . . and the believers were un- session will indeed go to the session. some discordant believers in the able to come to an agreement among Certain subjects may be brought up church. Even today there may be some themselves, such matters were not per- before the GC delegation in session, who, out of some nonessential burden, mitted to create a division in the church, not because the elected GC Com- want to formulate an additional test but were referred to a general council of mittees or Councils do not have the of fellowship and point of salvation; the entire body of believers, made up answer, but because all the unions, who consider as apostatized those who of appointed delegates from the various fi elds, and missions must necessarily do not support their personal views; local churches, with the apostles and be involved, sharing responsibility in who put their own conclusions above elders in positions of leading respon- whatever solution may be adopted. the decisions of the general council of sibility. Thus the efforts of Satan to believers. “From the fi rst the church attack the church in isolated places were Mutual encouragement has had such obstacles to meet and met by concerted action on the part The apostle Paul says that “whatso- ever will have till the close of time.”2 of all…. [God] requires that order and ever things were written aforetime were Let us heed the warning. system be observed in the conduct of written for our learning” (Romans 15:4). “The word of God does not give church affairs today no less than in the Therefore, we should learn lessons also license for one man to set up his judg- days of old. He desires His work to be from the yearly gatherings of Israel. ment in opposition to the judgment carried forward with thoroughness and “At these yearly assemblies the hearts of the church, neither is he allowed to exactness so that He may place upon of old and young would be encour- urge his opinions against the opinions it the seal of His approval. Christian aged in the service of God, while the of the church. If there were no church is to be united with Christian, church association of the people from the discipline and government, the church with church, the human instrumental- different quarters of the land would would go to fragments; it could not hold ity cooperating with the divine, every strengthen the ties that bound them to together as a body. There have ever been agency subordinate to the Holy Spirit, God and to one another. Well would it individuals of independent minds who and all combined in giving to the world be for the people of God at the present have claimed that they were right, that the good tidings of the grace of God.”6 time to have a Feast of Tabernacles—a God had especially taught, impressed, joyous commemoration of the bless- and led them. Each has a theory of his Doctrinal questions, church disci- ings of God to them. . . . We sustain a own, views peculiar to himself, and each pline, and other issues loss when we neglect the privilege of claims that his views are in accordance In spite of the widespread availability associating together to strengthen and with the word of God.”3 of the Bible, the Spirit of Prophecy, encourage one another in the service of

6 The Reformation Herald, Vol. 53, No. 1 God. The truths of His word lose their How do we choose a place for a stability? These and other questions vividness and importance in our minds. GC session? come up when the prospective place Our hearts cease to be enlightened and The choosing of a place for a GC of a forthcoming GC session is under aroused by the sanctifying infl uence, delegation session is not an easy discussion. and we decline in spirituality. In our in- matter. A fi nal decision can be made tercourse as Christians we lose much by by the GC Council, and the place can Sessions of prayer lack of sympathy with one another. He be announced worldwide, only after When preparations are made for who shuts himself up to himself is not the Council has found answers to a the holding of a GC session, much fi lling the position that God designed number of questions, such as: where more than human wisdom, technical he should. We are all children of one and who? arrangements, and personal experience Father, dependent upon one another The GC Council suggests one, are needed. At every step the plans for for happiness. The claims of God and of two, or three tentative areas—for such a session are placed before the humanity are upon us. It is the proper example, Europe, North America, Lord in prayer. And when the circular cultivation of the social elements of South America—and asks which union letter announcing the place and time our nature that brings us into sympathy or fi eld would be willing and able to of the conference is sent out, many of with our brethren and affords us happi- host the delegation. No union or fi eld our brethren and sisters are requested ness in our efforts to bless others.”7 will extend an invitation without fi rst to mention this important event every “The greater the responsibilities considering: whether they can secure day in their prayers, entreating the Lord placed upon the human agent, and the a suitable place (we repeat: a suitable to bless the preparations, to protect the larger his opportunities to dictate and place) for the session well in advance; delegates on their trip there and back, control, the more harm he is sure to do whether they can obtain competent and to take the work of the delegation if he does not carefully follow the way personnel and organize adequate into His own hands, so that everything of the Lord and labor in harmony with services to handle the delegation for may be done according to His will. the decisions arrived at by the general three weeks; whether they can fi nance “It is now that we are to learn this body of believers in united council.”8 the cost (food, lodging, and local trans- lesson of prevailing prayer, of unyield- portation). Of course, the neighboring ing faith. The greatest victories of the Plans for the advancement of the unions and fi elds are expected to help. church of Christ or to the individual work While, on the one hand, these unions Christian are not those that are gained A General Conference delegation and fi elds incur heavy expenses with by talent or education, by wealth session is the most appropriate time the entertaining of a GC delegation or the favor of men. They are those and place for the representatives of the session, on the other hand they save a victories that are gained in the audi- church to acquaint one another with considerable amount of money by not ence chamber with God, when earnest, the problems, needs, and possibilities having to buy expensive airline tickets agonizing faith lays hold upon the existing in each area. This enables them for their delegates. mighty arm of power.”10 R to adopt both local and general plans References for the advancement of the work and Important considerations to secure mutual cooperation. The union or fi eld serving as a host 1 The Acts of the Apostles, p. 196. 2 may overlook certain questions which Ibid., pp. 196, 197. Election of GC offi cers 3 Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 428. may be important to the GC Council 4 The Acts of the Apostles, p. 190. “God has not set any kingly power and to the delegates in general. For 5 Ibid., p. 197. in the Seventh-day Adventist Church to example: What will be the total cost of 6 Ibid., p. 96. control the whole body or to control transportation for the delegation—if 7 Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 540, 541. 8 any branch of the work. He has not the session is held in Nortn America? The Acts of the Apostles, p. 199. 9 Testimonies, vol. 8, p. 236. provided that the burden of leadership In South America? Are visas required, 10 Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 203. shall rest upon a few men. Responsi- and how troublesome and expensive is bilities are distributed among a large it to obtain these visas? Are there easy number of competent men. telephone connections to and from “Every member of the church has the place of the conference? How are a voice in choosing offi cers of the the postal services of the country church. The church chooses the offi cers in question? How about of the state conferences. Delegates its political and chosen by the state conferences choose economic the offi cers of the union conferences and delegates chosen by the union conferences choose the of- fi cers of the General Conference.”9

7 n Tuesday afternoon, their experiences and share their advice fi cers, the outgoing administration laid August 23, 2011, the 21st when needed. Francisco Devai (1967– down their offi ces and the temporary delegation session of the 1979), Wilhelm Volpp (1979–1983), offi cers took over the responsibilities of Seventh Day Adventist John Moreno (1983–1991), and operating the session. Reform Movement was Alfredo C. Sas (1995–2003). Neville The delegation subsequently divided seated with 159 of the 204 S. Brittain (1991–1995), who left just into six temporary committees: Nomi- Odelegates representing a worldwide before the delegation session began, nating, Doctrinal, Finance, Bylaws, church membership of Medical, and Plans. 37,330. The meeting was Below are excerpts held at the new youth from the opening ad- property building that was dress of the outgoing developed by the Roma- president of the General nian Union near Sibiu, in Conference, Duraisamy a village called Porumbacu Sureshkumar, to the de Sus, Romania. delegates assembled It was our privilege to from the four corners of recognize two units on the the world. continent of Africa that have become self-support- Excerpts from the ing members of the world opening address of sisterhood of churches. D. Sureshkumar The Angola Union with Once again, after 1,367 members, and the many years (since Rwanda Field with 1,017 Puslinch, Ontario, members. was a speaker at the public meetings in Canada, in 1983), we are holding a It is always exciting to see the work Sibiu, Romania. delegation session on our own church of the Lord entering into new territo- After all the reports were presented property. We read (COL 69) that Christ ries. During this term, the Ethiopian from the outgoing administration, is waiting for a perfect reproduction of Union Mission was established in along with many questions being asked His character before Jesus will come Africa with a total membership of 551 and responded to, on Thursday, August again. A prophecy is recorded for those at the end of 2010. In the northern part 25, 2011, the temporary offi cers were living in the last generation that their of South America, a new unit was also elected. Davi Paes Silva was the tempo- identity sign will be “in their mouth was established: the Suriname Mission with rary chairman, Peter D. Lausevic the as- found no guile” (Revelation 14:5). God just a few members. sistant to the temporary chairman, and claims that He would produce a people Several former GC presidents were Eli Tenorio da Silva as the temporary without deceit. In the book The Desire present during the meetings to give secretary. After the election of these of- of Ages, p. 671, we have an account that

8 The Reformation Herald, Vol. 53, No. 1 the honor of God and Christ is involved We have a duty to give this light to ters talked with him. That prompted his in accomplishing the perfection of the others. Isaiah says, “arise and shine.” Un- decision. We need to pull the talents of character of His people. If we are His less we shine, how can we be the watch- the youth to work for the Lord. people, then a progressive character ing people on the walls of Zion? We are We pledged ourselves to the work of must be seen as we develop from one guardians and are given the duty. God training our leaders and youth, to estab- grace to another grace, from one glory says we have to give the warning, and lish missionary schools in many places, to another glory. In Romans 8:17 it if we do not give the warning and the and to hold seminars. Many ordained states that we will have a wonderful wicked will surely die, then their blood people have increased since then. The opportunity to partake in the heirship will be upon us. We have a life and death training programs were our priority. of Christ. In 1 John 3:2 it states that obligation. It is not just a privilege but “Missionary operations are constant- we are His children. The children of a an obligation to fulfi ll the requirements ly embarrassed for want of workers of royal family have a clear recognition of of duties. If we do not receive the unc- the right class of mind—workers who who they are, whether they contribute tion of the Holy Spirit, we are powerless. have devotion and piety that will cor- something or not, simply because of Without power, we are actionless. With- rectly represent our faith. their title. Who can be the children of out action, we are dead, and this would “There are many who ought to God? Romans 8:14 answers this. We be a very dangerous situation. become missionaries, but who never need to have leadership because of who Through the church eventually will enter the fi eld because those who are we are. We need to be guided by the be made manifest the fi nal and full united with them in church capacity or Holy Spirit and then we become the display of the love of God to the world in our colleges do not feel the burden to children of God. that is to be lightened with its glory.1 labor with them, to open before them Can we be controlled by another Our prayer should be, “Lord, help me to the claims of God upon all their powers, spirit? 2 Corinthians 11:4. It is possible have Thy light” or we lose our purpose. and do not pray with and for them.”2 that there can be another spirit, other The fi rst settlers in America were We should appeal and pray for them gospel, or other Jesus that is guiding us. a people of vision. They made a city and with them, so we can channel the But there is only one condition to be council. In the next year they built a resources for the benefi t of God. the children of God, and that is to be road for 5 miles into the forest. In the “Those who have the spiritual over- guided by the Spirit of God. In order fourth year they impeached the council, sight of the church should devise ways for us to be guided by the Spirit of God, for they did not understand where that and means by which an opportunity we need another prior step (John 1:12). road would go. But in the U.S.A. today, may be given to every member of the We must receive and accept Jesus Christ it is the only country that has the lon- church to act some part in God’s work. as our personal Saviour, and then we gest and widest network of roads. If they Too often in the past this has not been receive the power. This is a judicial right, did not catch the vision, they would be done. Plans have not been clearly laid a legal authority, and then we have the only a nation among the nations. We and fully carried out whereby the tal- power to execute and to perform. That need to catch the vision. ents of all might be employed in active will be the greatest experience. The We can in our generation fi nish the service. There are but few who realize honor of God and Christ is involved in Lord’s work. Then, why not ask for how much has been lost because of the perfection of the character of His the power to fi nish the work today? this.”3 We cannot overlook the talents people. It is not our honor or character We have something to tell the people, of our young people. that is involved here. It is His honor and we have something to tell Jesus. One We should keep in our mind the 11th character that will perfect His people. thing we can say, Thank you Lord, for commandment: “A new command- Can He do so? Yes, otherwise He would saving my soul, for guiding my hand, ment I give unto you, That ye love one not have made this promise. for bringing me here, for choosing me. another; as I have loved you, that ye also God’s people have a great work to We need to experience the depth of His love one another. By this shall all men do. The world must see that in the love and His blessing. know that ye are my disciples, if ye have church the truth is preached, the truth As we commence our work, we need love one to another” (John 13:34, 35). is lived. Jesus says “I am the truth” and to do an evaluation, a self-evaluation Please read John 17 repeatedly that we He is the complete system of truth. and then a strategic planning. My may fulfi ll the prayer of Jesus. David said, Thy law and command- burden is for the young people: One “For to me to live is Christ, and to ments are truth and holiness. These are group are those that need to be sus- die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). May this the people that have that truth, that tained; the other are the young profes- conference have this aim. Let us ask His practice the truth which also have the sionals with quality of life and quality grace that we can do all things through commandments of God and the testi- of strength and talent. These resources His power and grace. Amen. R mony of Jesus. This is the identifi cation of our young people are wasted in the References mark of His people. To this people Philistine land. I want to thank the Lord He gives the title of a holy nation, a that my son is working for the church. 1 Testimonies to Ministers, p. 50. 2 Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, pp. peculiar people who are called out of When he was about to be employed by 500, 501. darkness into this marvellous light. a large corporation, one of our minis- 3 Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 116.

The Reformation Herald, Vol. 53, No. 1 9 Newly Elected GENERAL CON EXECUTIVE OFFICES Manuel Henda North American Region ADDITIONAL COMMIT- President: D. Samy Doss Secretary: Liviu Tudoroiu TEES & COUNCILS Segundo D. Guzman Davi Paes Silva Central American Region Bylaws Committee: Petru Mangul Secretary: Segundo D. Guzman Peter D. Lausevic, Chair 1st Vice President: Ferenc Matyas Walter Lukic D. Sureshkumar Rolly C. Dumaguit South American Region Jorai Pereira da Cruz 2nd Vice President: Romulo P. Borges Secretary: Romulo P. Borges Marcos A. Silva Pedrazas Peter D. Lausevic Adrian I. Finaru Assistant: Samuel D. Diaz Jaime L. de Campos Secretary: Marius D. Stroia Eli Tenorio da Silva Dragan Ivanov DEPARTMENTS Doctrinal Committee: Treasurer: Paul E. Chapman Auditor: Pedro M. da Conceicao Davi Paes Silva, Chair Rudolfo Gessner David Zic D. Sureshkumar Colporteur: Adrian I. Finaru Peter D. Lausevic Executive Committee: REGIONS Education/Family: Eli Tenorio da Silva Davi Paes Silva, Chair African Region Marius D. Stroia Dorival N. Dumitru D. Sureshkumar Secretary: Manuel Henda Doctrinal Council: Peter D. Lausevic Medical: Dragan Ivanov Assistant: John Bosco Davi Paes Silva, Chair Eli Tenorio da Silva Missionary: Adrian I. Finaru D. Sureshkumar Rudolfo Gessner Asian Region Peter D. Lausevic Liviu Tudoroiu Secretary: D. Samy Doss Publishing: Daniel Lee Eli Tenorio da Silva Daniel Lee Assistant: Alwyn Vedhasingh Assistant: Gennadiy Melnychuk Dorival N. Dumitru Council: European Region Reformation Herald: Joel Ramos da Silva Davi Paes Silva, Chair Secretary: Ferenc Matyas Daniel Lee Marcos Wagner Rodrigues Vaz D. Sureshkumar Eurasian Region Sabbath School: Samuel D. Diaz Peter D. Lausevic Nelu Iancu Secretary: Petru Mangul Paul E. Chapman Eli Tenorio da Silva Marcelo L. Gines Rudolfo Gessner Pacifi c Region Stewardship/Welfare: Anatoli Bogatov Liviu Tudoroiu Secretary: Rolly C. Dumaguit D. Sureshkumar Simeon Karvatski Daniel Lee Assistant: Nehemiah Chang Youth: David Zic Zeferino Dovala

10 The Reformation Herald, Vol. 53, No. 1 NFERENCE OFFICERS

Ovidiu G. Nasui Luis Farit Gonzalez, South America Neville S. Brittain Francharle Figueiroa Jose A. Usuga Dorothy Ilic, Correspondence Alfredo C. Sas Giselle Lanuza Eduardo Lainez and Translator Daniel Dumitru Moises Heredia Edgar Moreno Francisco Devai Missionary Dept. Committee: Youth Committee: Edgar Ramos Adrian I. Finaru, Chair Web subcommittee: David Zic, Chair Alwin Vedhasingh Liviu Tudoroiu B. Montrose, Chair Ozren Burisa Benjamin P. Thiel Peter D. Lausevic Jovica Mladenovic Caleb Fountain Djordje Bosanac Ysaac Chichipe Ineka Lausevic Music Subcommittee Editorial Board: John Bosco Lysander Dumitru Marcos Pedrazas, Chair Davi Paes Silva, Chair Michel-Angel Ducheine Media Subcommittee Djordje Bosanac B. Montrose Adrian Finaru, Chair Stewardship Committee: B. Montrose Daniel Lee Daniel Lee D. Sureshkumar, Chair Vili Popovic A. Balbach Joel Antonio David Zic, Assistant Isaac Terceros Tobias Stockler Eduardo Merlo Evanildo Cruz Luz Eli Tenorio da Silva Family Committee: Doru Ganea Pedro M. da Conceicao D. Sureshkumar Marius D. Stroia, Chair Danko Ilic Public Relations Committee: Davi Paes Silva Finance Committee: D. Sureshkumar, Chair Welfare Committee: D. Sureshkumar Paul Gavric, Chair Jaime L. de Campos D. Sureshkumar, Chair Walter Lukic Jacob Risko Marcos A. Silva Pedrazas David Zic, Assistant Fivi Picu Charles Balbach Jovica Mladenovic John Lausevic Marian Ionita Education Committee: Maryann Estevez Publishing Dept. Committee: Sabbath School Committee: Marius D. Stroia, Chair Daniel Lee, Chair Paul E. Chapman, Chair Davi Paes Silva Medical Committee: Gennadiy Melnychuk Jim Newman D. Sureshkumar Dragan Ivanov, Chair Marius D. Stroia Tabitha Hauptman Daniel Campodonico Melita Lasek, Secretary Marcelo L. Gines Mary Wiseman Daniel Lee Valerian Raileanu, Europe Jaime L. de Campos Emil Barbu Alasdair Pow, Pacifi c Colporteur Committee: Mihaela Raileanu John Baer, North America Publications Approval Board: Adrian I. Finaru, Chair Nahum Lopez, Central America Brian Jaksic, Chair Rolly C. Dumaguit

The Reformation Herald, Vol. 53, No. 1 11 MISSION IN ACTION

Adapted From the Report Presented by Manuel Henda

THE AFRICAN REGION

New interest has bbeeneen created in BENIBENINN. SSimilarimilar to hhowow CaCameroonmeroon was African countries entered evevangelized,angelized tthehe Gospel Worker from t is a good thing The African countries where the Nigeria has been assigned to visit this to give thanks unto message of Reformation has entered neighboring country to create aware- the Lord, and to sing are: Angola, Benin, Botswana, Bu- ness about the Present Truth. And he is praises unto thy name, O rundi, Cameroon, Congo (DRC), gaining so much ground in this coun- most High: to shew forth thy Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, try that soon there will be a harvest of Ilovingkindness in the morning, and Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nige- fi rst fruits. thy faithfulness every night, upon an ria, Rwanda, Seychelles, South Africa, The development of the work in instrument of ten strings, and upon Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, BOTSWANA is moving forward and the psaltery; upon the harp with a Zimbabwe. one full-time worker is engaged in the solemn sound. For thou, Lord, hast work for this prosperous country. made me glad through thy work: I will ANGOLA has progressed to being a BURUNDI is a poor country, yet, triumph in the works of thy hands. Union in November 2009. The country rich in faith in the saving message of O Lord, how great are thy works! and is divided into four fi elds. The Angolan reformation. thy thoughts are very deep” (Psalm Missionary School fi nished its fi rst A worker from Nigeria was assigned 92:1–5). graduation in November 2009. to begin the work in CAMEROON. The

12 The Reformation Herald, Vol. 53, No. 1 The work in Africa has progressed through God’s merciful grace bestowed on faithful believers and sacrifi cial supporters.

work is established and needs encour- term. A medical/evangelism seminar agement. with much interest was conducted The DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF in rural towns, and a monument for CONGO faces challenges as a nation, the Lord was erected for the occasion. due especially to diffi culties in trans- Members and interested folk attended portation resulting from the destruc- from all Africa and overseas. tion of the basic infrastructure during The believers in SEYCHELLES are the civil war. Nevertheless, God’s work few yet joyous in their fervor for the presses forward, and the country is Lord. large and with many missions. The SOUTH AFRICAN FIELD The work in ETHIOPIA formally CONFERENCE has generated much began in November 2008. The work is interest and many souls added to the divided into 3 missions and is orga- fold. Camp meetings and tents have nized into a Union Mission to promote been held to arouse interest among the rapidly growing interest. the people. These yielded their sure The work in GHANA continues to results. The SOUTH AFRICAN RESDA go forward. MISSION FIELD also presses onward. KENYA is the hub of Central Africa. The work in TANZANIA started The believers in this country are working with just two members—and with the untiringly for the soon coming of our assistance of the Kenyan Mission, the Saviour. The last reorganization demon- work spread and was organized in strated how brethren working in unity (December 2007). There are interested can achieve great things for the Lord. The people in many different cities in brethren and sisters are of much courage Tanzania. The registration process was as a new chapel was erected, and two completed in November 2007. primary schools were established. TOGO was penetrated by our breth- MOZAMBIQUE was reorganized in ren in Ghana, with the health message 2008, and the message is growing with initially. There are many interested much interest. souls. A worker was placed in MALAWI The work in UGANDA was reorga- from the Zambian Mission, and the nized (December 2007) and is stable fi rst souls were baptized in 2008. and moving forward and upward. There is a group in NAMIBIA from The Zambian Mission is well orga- Angola. The believers are assisted by nized and has great potential. In July- the GC with English literature, and in- August 2009, ZAMBIA was blessed to terest is being shown for the message. host the African Workers’ Seminar. The work in NIGERIA is divided The nation of ZIMBABWE has into two missions. The registration of experienced an economic crisis till our organization was completed with 2009. Nevertheless, the work is still the government in August, 2010. progressing. They have distributed the The brethren and sisters of the EAST Bible Workers to different cities and NIGERIA MISSION are of good cour- towns to do greater works. age and are erecting a monument for In summary, through the power of the Lord. God, the progress of the work in Africa The message of reform has a has prospered through His merciful wonderful impact on the unstable area grace, the earnest faith of the believ- of ethnic clashes in the vicinity of the ers in this region, and the sacrifi cial CENTRAL NIGERIAN MISSION. dedication and heartfelt support of The message in RWANDA has grown brethren and sisters from various marvelously during the last four-year countries around the world. R

The Reformation Herald, Vol. 53, No. 1 13 MISSION IN ACTION

Adapted from the report of Bro. D. Samy Doss

THE ASIAN REGION

VisitationsVisis tations to somsomee plplacesaces rrequireequire of eeducationducation bbeforeefore ththee pepeopleople ccanan uun-n-n muchmuchh efforteffort because of tthehe ddiverseiverse kikindn dederstandrstand tthem,hem oorr ththeyey tthehe ppeople.eoplle AAndndn of landscapeslandsd capes anandd ininaccessibleaccessible llocationsocation he great com- at every step there are great diffi culties to with normal mode of transportation. mission of our Lord be encountered in the work.”1 Nevertheless, the Lord has been by our and Saviour Jesus Christ In BANGLADESH and West Bengal side so that we are able to do a lot of work sends us out to proclaim the we have interested souls in the message for His cause. New groups, churches, mis- gospel to a lost world, many of of reformation and we continue to sions, and fi elds have been established. whom will hate us for it, according to study with them. Notably the church in Bangalore was TJohn 15:18–21. INDIA, the world’s largest demo- established in the state of Karnataka. “Certain countries have advantages cratic country and the second most In Andhrapradesh, another state that mark them as centers of education populous country which is housing 1.2 in India with a population of over and infl uence. In the English-speaking billion or more, has many dimensional 70 million, an awakening is taking nations and the Protestant nations of diversities. On one hand, we have place. Here a team of about 15 pastors Europe it is comparatively easy to fi nd freedom to preach the gospel as this is belonging to different denominations access to the people, and there are many constitutionally a secular country. On or individual ministries has asked for a advantages for establishing institutions the other hand, we cannot preach the prolonged seminar wherein we present and carrying forward our work. In some gospel openly as many of the states in studies on deeper subjects. God will- other lands, such as India and China, the India have a ban on conversion, which ing, there may come a great harvest in workers must go through a long course can overrule the Federal law. this state in the near future.

14 The Reformation Herald, Vol. 53, No. 1 “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. . . If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you” (John 5:18, 20).

In the state of Jarkhant there are From the constant outbreak of with them. Soon there will be avenues several souls from some local tribes religious violence against Christians in opened for our work to be established. interested in our message. At least four certain states and the natural calamities SRI LANKA is a perpetually war- volunteer workers are laboring for that occur around us in the form of stricken country. The just-ended ethno- these souls. Here, the Maoist activists earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic erup- political confl ict sees bomb blasts (an insurgent group) hinder the work. tions, wars, rumors of wars, spiritual almost every day and military actions The brethren, however, work hard to declension, moral decay, and easy-go everywhere. However, the country was carry the torch of truth in this underde- fi lthy societies, all cause us to under- visited several times and the brethren veloped state. stand that the coming of our Lord is and sisters encouraged. We held a In Manipur, where the majority of near—and it is much nearer than when camp meeting in December 2010. It’s our people live, there was a prolonged we fi rst believed. our duty to pray for this troubled coun- strike for 69 days. People had been suf- Since MALDIVES is a Muslim coun- try and our believers there. fering for want of food and other vital try, it’s very diffi cult to work here as We do have some interested souls in commodities; for the strike blocked well. We have visited this country and THAILAND. two main national highways which found some interested people. There are four members in the link Manipur with the mainland. This We have 4 members in MALAYSIA. nation of UNITED ARAB EMIRATES. paralyzed the movement of vehicles and Plans are underway to penetrate this There is a great potential to do a mis- commodities. The resultant was that country to seek for souls athirst for the sionary venture in this country. prices escalated and people found it gospel of Christ. Overall, there is a real spirit of hard to cope with the situation and the The believers in MYANMAR are excitement, thankfulness, and unity work also suffered in a great measure. encouraged by our visits. among our people. God is knitting us By the grace of God, a few monu- The mountainous Hindu nation of together with His web of love, consoli- ments for the Lord were built during NEPAL has its own sets of problems. dating friendships and brotherhood this quadrennium as well. Politically, it struggled to fi nd its prime that the work may go forward. As mentioned, India is housing 1.2 minister, and it is a diffi cult country We are also praying and considering billion people—which is almost twice again as the country has a complete other regions of the world where we the population of Africa—having sev- ban on conversion. You cannot baptize might be of help. We plan to continue eral states with a population of more one soul in this country. They have and extend our services to God’s fl ock than many countries in the world. to be carried across the border for of missionary workers around the We have very good reason to expand baptism. A group of believers still is world. But friend, that’s where you our work in this region as it is a heathen encouraged in the Lord. There are two come in. It is only because of your land and the birthplace and bosom of members in OMAN. prayers and fi nancial support that we so many heathen religions of the world. PAKISTAN has suffered from terror- are able to help many missionaries stay Here is where we are to preach Christ. ism and instability. Our believers are on their fi eld of service and continue “Among earth’s inhabitants, scat- always at the verge of martyrdom for their vital work for the Lord. As we do, tered in every land, there are those the sake of the gospel. It is a nation more and more people will have the who have not bowed the knee to Baal. that hates and persecutes Christians. experience of hearing the gospel for Like the stars of heaven, which appear The believers here are trying to the fi rst time, and letting the words of only at night, these faithful ones will acquire a plot for a church in Karachi, scripture “wash over them” in a life- shine forth when darkness covers the the business city—and to establish a transforming way. earth and gross darkness the people. In school. Thank you for caring about those heathen Africa, in the Catholic lands We do have 2 members in SAUDI who haven’t heard, and for those who of Europe and of South America, in ARABIA who have moved to this Arab have dedicated their lives to bring China, in India, in the islands of the nation. This is one of the hardest the Good Tidings! May God be with sea, and in all the dark corners of the countries to do missionary work. Our us and bless and strengthen us all. earth, God has in reserve a fi rmament people, however, try their best to fi nd AMEN. R of chosen ones that will yet shine forth souls for Christ and also remain strong References amidst the darkness, revealing clearly to the core. to an apostate world the transforming There are interested souls in SINGA- 1 Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 25. 2 power of obedience to His law.”2 PORE, and we keep on communicating Prophets and Kings, pp. 188, 189.

The Reformation Herald, Vol. 53, No. 1 15 MISSION IN ACTION

Presented by the Regional Secretary, Bro. Eduardo Lainez

THE CENTRAL REGION AMERICAN

CaribbCaribbeanean SeSeaa ththee pplaceslaces wwherehere we have membershimembershipp are HAITIHAITI,, DDOMIN-OMIN- MeMexico,xico CeCentralntral AmAmerica,erica aandnd CColom-olom ICAN REPUBLICREPUBLIC, PUERTO RICORICO, ith great bia; three fi elds: Venezuela, Domini- GUADELOUPE, MARTINIQUE, thankfulness for can Republic, and Haiti; six missions: SAINT LUCIA, DOMINICA, GUYANA, God’s protection Puerto Rico, Guadeloupe, Martinique, and FRENCH GUIANA. The total is 19 and the blessing of Saint Lucia, Guyana, and French countries. In the other islands where our brethren and sisters, Guyana. The Region has an estimated we have Sabbath School students “wherefore we receiving a 2,400 members, ecclesiastically served include BARBADOS, JAMAICA, and Wkingdom which cannot be moved, let by 13 ministers and 18 elders. Follow- CUBA. us have grace, whereby we may serve ing the American isthmus from north During this term there has been God acceptably with reverence and to south, it comprises the countries an increase in the membership of the godly fear” (Hebrews 12:28). of MEXICO, GUATEMALA, BELIZE, church, and we have had the privilege The Central American Region is EL SALVADOR, HONDURAS, NI- of anointing new ministers and elders, located in the center of the American CARAGUA, COSTA RICA, PANAMA, reaching new regions in countries continent which serves three unions: COLOMBIA, and VENEZUELA. In the where we already have the work estab-

16 The Reformation Herald, Vol. 53, No. 1 Reaching out to new souls, educating the next generation.

lished, and in making contacts with of volunteers from the United States other countries. of America in their project to help Missionary schools are established Honduras, other donations and local in the following countries: Mexico, efforts from the local brethren, new Honduras, Colombia, Venezuela, properties have been purchased, new Dominican Republic, and Haiti. These temples have been built, others have schools have been supported and been repaired from being ruined by led by the General Conference. I am natural disasters, and other projects thankful for this valuable contribution are under construction. It is not pos- to our region. In addition, the Lord has sible to mention them all, but we, the blessed us with: brethren and sisters of this region are grateful for all your great help. • 6 elementary schools (Mexico, May the Lord’s blessing be poured Honduras, and Colombia). in this solemn assembly is the desire • 2 high schools (Honduras and of my heart, and let us keep in mind Colombia). the vocation of our high calling to • 1 colporteur school (Honduras). which we have been called with the in- spired words from the Lord’s servant: The missionary schools and colpor- “The greatest work, the noblest teur school have been of great value in effort, in which men can engage, is the preparation of the young people to point sinners to the Lamb of God. who are happily accepting the call to True ministers are colaborers with work in the cause of the Lord Jesus the Lord in the accomplishment of Christ. I thank the Lord for giving us His purposes. God says to them, Go, many young people in the Central teach and preach Christ. Instruct and American Region, as can be seen in the educate all who know not of His youth conventions, conferences, and grace, His goodness, and His mercy. other spiritual meetings. Most of them Teach the people. ‘How then shall they are a valuable promise that can carry call on Him in whom they have not the responsibilities of the holy cause of believed? and how shall they believe the holy gospel in the future. in Him of whom they have not heard? The colporteur work has been a and how shall they hear without a great spiritual and economic bless- preacher?’ (Romans 10:14). . . . ing in whichever country it has been “ ‘How beautiful upon the moun- established. The countries of this tains are the feet of him that bringeth Region with the greatest potential in the good tidings, that publisheth peace; colporteur work are Mexico, Honduras, that bringeth good tidings of good, that Guatemala, El Salvador, Belize, Panama, publisheth salvation; that saith unto Nicaragua, Colombia, and Venezuela. Zion, Thy God reigneth!’ ‘Break forth Thanks to the efforts of the Colporteur into joy, sing together, ye waste places Department director and the Publishing of Jerusalem: for the Lord hath com- Department of the General Conference, forted His people, He hath redeemed it has been possible to maintain active Jerusalem. The Lord hath made bare the colporteur work in this Region. May His holy arm in the eyes of all the na- God’s name be praised. tions; and all the ends of the earth shall With the wonderful assistance from see the salvation of our God’ (Isaiah the brethren and sisters throughout 52:7, 9, 10).”1 R the globe in the form of the First Sab- bath Offerings, donations from the References General Conference, the collaboration 1 Gospel Workers, pp. 18, 19.

The Reformation Herald, Vol. 53, No. 1 17 MISSION IN ACTION

Presented by the Regional Secretary, Bro. Simeon Karvatski

THE EURASIAN REGION

eevents.vents. OnlOnlyy becbecauseause ooff ththee woworkrk tthath is beibeingng ddoneone in heaheavenven in our bbehalf,eha wawasas inn ttravailrar vail ooff soul fforor the rredemp-eddemp as ddescribedescribed in ReveRevelationlation 77:1–3,:1 3 ththat ast not away therefore tion of the world, and those who are we have been able to hold this delega- your confi dence, which laborers together with God are repre- tion session once more in Romania. hath great recompence of sentatives of Christ to our world and The Eurasian Region is very vast reward. For ye have need will have compassion for the lost and and is composed of many countries of of patience, that, after ye have will travail in soul for the redemption different nationalities, different politi- Cdone the will of God, ye might receive of men. Unless the church awakes and cal systems, different religions known the promise. For yet a little while, and attends to her post of duty, God will worldwide as well as locally. We fi nd he that shall come will come, and will charge the loss of souls to her account. them all here! The climate is mostly not tarry. Now the just shall live by I have a deep interest that the work of rigorous and cold. faith: but if any man draw back, my God shall advance.”1 THE EAST-EUROPEAN UNION soul shall have no pleasure in him” What do we see today? The earth embraces the countries of Ukraine, (Hebrews 10:35–38). cannot bear the people’s iniquity Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Latvia, “There is a great work to be done in anymore. In politics we see only land and Belarus. the earth, and the Lord Jesus has taken redistribution. The developments in The life of the church and its men into copartnership with Himself, the economic and religious move- ministry cannot be divided. That is the in order that heavenly agencies may ments impel us to serious meditation reason why in UKRAINE we con- cooperate with human agencies. Christ and action as we prepare for the fi nal duct—for the insiders as well as for the

18 The Reformation Herald, Vol. 53, No. 1 The warmth of Christ’s truth radiates comfort in this rigorous and cold climate.

outsiders of the church—seminars on conduct individualized work with the there as a missionary fi eld, and we medical, welfare, youth, and children’s local people. have an ordained minister working programs. We organize outside librar- The work slowly moves forward in there. We pay much attention to the ies in crowded places. We have spiritual BELARUS also. We are preparing work- missionary work in this country as meetings and delegation sessions in ers who will move to this country to the people are not acquainted with the fi elds and unions regularly. We activate the missionary work. There we the Reform Movement. We are plan- have baptisms and new people are have different opposing forces, but we ning to buy a property for a place of brought into the church. Besides that, have possibilities to work there. worship. In March 2010 we held a we prepare the workers for ordination We can say that there is religious medical-missionary outreach in Libe- and ordain them for the ministry. freedom in the BALTIC COUNTRIES, rets. Many people were interested in There are other ministries that we are and we can work there notwithstand- the teachings of our church, and new doing in the church as well. We are ing other forms of diffi culties that exist interests have developed. living and working among the people in the area. Because of the fi nancial There is need of a worker for of this world, and their interests are crisis, people are moving to differ- SLOVAKIA. Here the people are more changing—they are more interested in ent countries to fi nd work, and this receptive and are seeking for the truth. the things of the world. There are also migration causes us to lose contact There are members in ISRAEL. Due to diffi culties and controversies, for sure. with the people. We have members and the country’s constant political and reli- In Ukraine we organized a mission- interested people there, and we need gious confl icts, there are diffi culties for ary school with the participation of more workers that know their localized our people. They move to different areas, brethren from the General Conference. languages. and we lose contact with them. But there As a result 85% of the former students MOLDOVA is a very small country, are opportunities to work there. are actively engaged in the work in and it is very God-fearing. The Mol- My wish and prayer is that there several countries. dovan Union consists of three fi elds. should be no new teachings or new RUSSIA is a huge country where we We have had spiritual meetings and ideas in the doctrinal questions in have a lot of work to do, but we have delegation sessions there. They are the Reform Movement as we are not limited religious freedom there. The organizing various spiritual meetings, to be exposed to the infl uences of the infl uence of the Orthodox Church is missionary programs, seminars, youth world—and especially to the infl uences growing stronger, yet notwithstand- and children programs, weddings, of other churches. In our life and in the ing the diffi culties, the work of our baptisms, and ordinations. They are service we are to follow the heavenly church is developing with God’s help. also building new churches. example: “And let them make me a We organize missionary programs in There is also some work being done sanctuary; that I may dwell among different places, youth and children’s in TURKEY, where we have church them. According to all that I shew thee, programs, and we conduct baptisms. members. We have had good results after the pattern of the tabernacle, Gospel workers from other countries despite the diffi culties, hindrances, and and the pattern of all the instruments are been sent to this fi eld to help in the controversies. Many members are mov- thereof, even so shall ye make it. . . . ministry. ing to other countries. And look that thou make them after In the near future we plan to POLAND is a Catholic country. The their pattern, which was shewed thee organize the Russian Union, and this Reform Movement is registered there. in the mount” (Exodus 25:8, 9, 40). is only the beginning of the work that We organize different meetings in this Then we’ll have success and the Lord’s is to be carrying forward according to country and conduct missionary work blessings! “Then he answered and Christ’s commission. with the help of the young people. In spake unto me, saying, This is the word In KAZAKHSTAN and UZBEKI- February 2010 we had a medical-mis- of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, STAN Islam dominates and it is sionary outreach there. The headquar- Not by might, nor by power, but by my especially fanatical and political in ters of the Field is in Katowice. spirit, saith the Lord of hosts” (Zecha- Uzbekistan. There is religious intoler- In CZECH REPUBLIC the people riah 4:6). ance, and they are introducing stricter are very indifferent—religiously May the Lord bless you abun- laws against Christianity. Many people speaking. They are not interested in dantly! R have had to move to other countries. spiritual things, even though in name Reference But the work is still going on as we only they are Lutherans, Hussites, and 1 organize different programs and Catholics. Our church is organized Testimonies to Ministers, pp. 198, 199.

The Reformation Herald, Vol. 53, No. 1 19 MISSION IN ACTION

Adapted From the Report of Marin Barbu

THE EUROPEAN REGION

DuringDurir ng tthehe llastast fofourur yyears,ears, ththee ReformReform MMovementovement hahass hahadd ththee fofol-l- can bfbe centers for educationd id and prepa- lowingl i organizationi i structure iin thishi h that men would praise ration of our future missionaries, and continent: two unions (Romanian the Lord for his goodness, they have also made plans as to how and the South Slavonic), nine fi elds and for his wonderful to spread the present truth. In some (Austrian, Bulgarian, French, North works to the children of countries, our spiritual conferences German, South German, Hungarian, men! Let them exalt him also have been held in different cities than Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish) and in the congregation of the people, before and new people interested in the English and Finnish Fields. Oand praise him in the assembly of the Bible truth have been invited to attend. In ROMANIA, on January 1, 2010, elders” (Psalm 107:31,32). In other countries nutrition seminars in a solemn atmosphere, 37 students The continent of Europe has been have been planned, along with seminars graduated from the courses of the deeply affected by the worldwide on health, family life, prophecy, and missionary school in Fagaras, being fi nancial crisis, and as believers we have evangelistic methods. available to contribute with their talents sought with fasting and prayer to fi nd Geneva has been under the atten- wherever they will be needed. A new solutions on a local level for the many tion of the GC for the organizing of group took their place in the classroom. problems it has caused to families in all an ample public evangelistic action in Various seminars, youth conventions, economic brackets. Our fellow cowork- the summer of 2010. Since then a good and spiritual conventions have been ers have been concerned to maintain infl uence and interested souls continue organized. At the same time, our print- our standards high so that our churches in SWITZERLAND. ing shop has offered a large and varied

20 The Reformation Herald, Vol. 53, No. 1 Faced with new economic challenges, the European believers press on by faith.

choice of publications at prices acces- In GERMANY, twice a year the chapel in Montijo was dedicated, sible to all categories of readers, so that believers from the North German Field and the meetings of our local church the Present Truth should be able to fi nd (to which the believers in DENMARK, continue to be held there, as well as access into the houses of the people. SWEDEN, and HOLLAND are at- seminars, public conferences, and The SOUTH SLAVONIC UNION tached), and the South German Field interesting youth conventions. In has especially enjoyed positive spiritual (to which the members of Switzerland January 2011, Portugal hosted the fi rst growth lately. Twice a year, in the beau- are attached), they all come together musical congress held in Europe, with tiful building of Stara Pazova, spiritual in Lindach, where the headquarters of very interesting topics. conferences have been held where the the South Field is located. Here they The brethren and sisters in SPAIN believers from all the republics compos- organize seminars, public meetings, are spread all over the country. There ing the Union have been encouraged and youth conventions. are groups and local churches in Ma- by the interesting spiritual and health The majority of our members in the drid, Barcelona, Castellon, and Malaga. studies. Public meetings have been con- ITALIAN FIELD live and work in the The members from Madrid and the ducted in Novi Sad as well. In this city, northern half of the territory, being or- surroundings gather at our property in through the hard work, goodwill, and ganized in the local churches of Trieste, Alcala de Henares. Here they organize generosity of the brethren and sisters Turin, Milan, Ponti a Poppi, but there seminars, public conferences, and abroad, a new chapel has been erected. is also an active group in Rome as well youth conventions. The young people in Croatia contrib- as many isolated brethren and sisters In GREAT BRITAIN there are almost uted to the organizing and conducting spread in the different regions of the 20 friends who meet each Sabbath in a of the evangelistic meeting in Geneva, country. rented place in London. Switzerland, in 2010, and we hope that In HUNGARY there are almost 200 In FINLAND there is a group of with their energies they will dedicate members organized in several local faithful brethren and sisters who live themselves unto other missionary churches and groups all around the close to Helsinki, and they encourage activities in Europe in the coming years, country. The members gather for three themselves each Sabbath studying our encouraging other young people to get or even four times a year in Mogyorod, Sabbath Bible Lessons. involved in missionary action. close to Budapest, in the nice chapel In ALBANIA there is a group of ap- The Austrian Field consists of three which hosts our headquarters in proximately 20 people interested in the local churches: Wolfern, Graz, Vienna, Hungary. Here they conduct medical- truth. A family has been sent to work and several isolated members. In AUS- missionary seminars, family seminars, in Vlore (on the Eastern shore of the TRIA there are two Bible workers and in youth conventions, nutrition seminars, Adriatic Sea). The Sabbath Bible Lessons, Wolfern (where the current headquarters and spiritual conventions. The young the book Steps to Christ, and various of the Austrian Field is located), spiritual people are very active, helping with pamphlets have been translated and conventions are held quite often with their nice brass band and the well- printed in Albanian and widely distrib- the participation of the brethren and sis- prepared choir to missionary activities uted. We hope to see some fruits soon ters from Germany, Romania, and Italy. in Hungary and even abroad. of the sacrifi ces made in Albania. In BULGARIA our brethren and sisters Even with the absence of a perma- Throughout most of Europe, have been blessed with two new chapels nent minister in PORTUGAL, the Lord Christendom has lost the moral and re- since 2007. With great sacrifi ce, they has richly blessed His work there. A ligious power it had during the time of bought and renovated a 3-story building group of dedicated members invested the Reformers. The countries of Europe in the Kiril i Metodi Sreet in Sofi a, where their means in advertising two health must be evangelized again. Non-Chris- the Bulgarian headquarters is located. books, and the Lord returned the tian religions have developed here as In 2010 the believers purchased a nice money and brought the blessing of a result of the migration to the west building in Dolno Oriahovita, with a people interested in the truth. The of Muslims, Buddhists, and Hindus. garden and inner courtyard, and there new building of the Montijo chapel In this region we need well-prepared we had our fi rst spiritual convention and has been built, they bought a nice missionaries who are able to face these delegation session. chapel in Portimao for the Moldavian serious challenges. All need to be on In FRANCE, there are believers in brethren and sisters who are organized guard against the increasing challenges greater Paris and Grenoble. In 2010 the as a local church there, they prepared and even against persecution. May the young people in the French Field had a the new candidates for baptism, and heavenly Father strengthen and sanctify successful involvement in the Geneva many people wrote letters of thanks us with the benefi cial presence of the evangelistic program. for the books sent. In April 2010, the Holy Spirit! R

The Reformation Herald, Vol. 53, No. 1 21 MISSION IN ACTION

Adapted From the Report of Liviu Tudoroiu THE NORTH AMERICAN REGION

tthehe RReformeform MMovementovement mmanifestsanifests iitsts In tthehe mmidstidst ooff apapocalypticocalyptic evevents,ents prpresenceesence iinn ththee ththreeree mamajorjor ununits:its: f, when evil cometh the Reform Movement, a relatively the East Canadian Field, the Quebec upon us, as the sword, small number of people, looks with Mission, and the West Canadian Field. judgment, or pestilence, astonishment at the forces of light Our members from this area share or famine, we stand before and darkness colliding for the last their generous support to God’s work this house, and in thy presence, and most apprehensive confl ict ever. around the world. I(for thy name is in this house,) and In this global crisis, we, the brethren The UNITED STATES OF AMER- cry unto thee in our affl iction, then and sisters from the North American ICA is the country of the Bible. It is thou wilt hear and help” (2 Chronicles Region, have survived with the hope the place where the largest amount 20:9). that the people of God will stand the of translations, printing, and ex- It would have never crossed test of time. portation of the Holy Book has anyone’s mind that the events of As CANADA is geographically the been done, in comparison with any recent years could become a reality. second largest country in the world, other country in the world. It is the

22 The Reformation Herald, Vol. 53, No. 1 As we reach out to the world by faith, the Lord opens new doors.

country that has offered the world that have been done in this important the best version of what freedom country: was meant to be. Many countries, far An international GC project was held and near, have followed in a certain in LAS VEGAS (Nevada) where the “Ul- way the pattern of the United States timate Collapse Series” was presented. Constitution for a while. The people The project continues to be taken care of of God in America have benefi ted by the WNAU as an organized church. for a long period of time of all the We have a constant attendance of visi- privileges and prosperity of which tors and interested souls. The goal is that other countries have never dreamed. by next year the new Nevada Mission At the present time things are chang- will become a reality. ing with an overwhelming rapidity. A series of Revelation studies was The global economical collapse, and presented in NASHVILLE (Tennessee) events without precedent like the to new souls interested in the Present “9/11” calamity, have all called for Truth. a serious review of what America A prophecy seminar called “Exit to wants to become, and inevitably as the End” was held in WASHINGTON, a normal course of action, what the DC. The support of the fi eld was world wants to become. Changes in great. A web page was created and the educational perspective, culture, over 12,000 hits were noticed access- mentality, and behavior will redefi ne ing the page. the values of religion and faith for A new project was started in what we call in our religious vocabu- ROCKLIN (California), which lary—the end of time. combines the health and spiritual In the United States of America, the aspects of the truth for this time. It Reform Movement has historical roots was entitled “Health Impact 2011,” as well. The organizational structure and the outcome was very good. A displays one union (west coast), meeting called “Changing Lifestyle” under the name of the Western North followed. Today there is a consistent American Union (WNAU), and three group of over 10 participants con- other fi elds: the South East U.S. Field, tinuing to visit. the East-Central U.S. Field, and the The same project was held in Eastern U.S. Field. OCALA, (Florida), where the brethren Every servant of the Lord Jesus must and sisters were very cooperative as have a passion for souls. I fervently well. It was well attended, and a lot of believe that administration is not the people were interested in a follow-up. purpose itself but a means through Another “Health Impact 2011” which we accomplish a professional, meeting was held in BEAUMONT well-organized activity in God’s (California) near Loma Linda, a tradi- vineyard. The church, however, is tional SDA environment. It is worthy organized for service—the salvation to mention that the attendees were a of souls. That is why the preaching of diverse group, and that we also had the gospel must have priority. Beside an Egyptian family attending, who administration, which is very much were impressed with the nature of the needed, our hearts must be on the seminar, and the way we introduced side of saving souls. the truth to the people. The Lord’s work has continued May God the Father of all people, to be carried on in various places in the God of the whole universe, be in the United States, but here are a few control of the work and the conclu- samples of some of the new projects sion of His work. Amen. R

The Reformation Herald, Vol. 53, No. 1 23 MISSION IN ACTION

Adapted From the Report of John Ciric

THE PACIFIC REGION

is oonene wworkerorker anandd a trtrainee-workerainee-worker in NEWNEW ZEZEALANDALAND. There was recentlrecentlyy a ThereThere are three organizedorganized unions: the baptism,baptism, and several visitors are alalsoso AustralasianA t l i UUnion,i andd ththe NNorthth andd beingb i preparedd ffor bbaptism.ti ThThe maini rise, shine; for thy South Chinese Unions. line of work is visiting individuals and light is come, and We are thankful to the Lord that groups, Bible studies, Bible correspon- the glory of the Lord AUSTRALIA has taken a supporting dence courses, and also going from is risen upon thee. For, role in the Region. Many countries door to door distributing our literature. Abehold, the darkness shall cover the are looking to Australia for person- Another method used is by giving out earth, and gross darkness the people: nel, fi nancial, moral, and spiritual or letterboxing with the card offering but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and support. The Australasian Union has the book or correspondence course. his glory shall be seen upon thee. And given much support to the work The method seems to be working fi ne. the Gentiles shall come to thy light, in the Region and especially in the The work in PAPUA NEW GUINEA and kings to the brightness of thy ris- island missions of the South Pacifi c. (PNG) is carried out by the local mem- ing” (Isaiah 60:1–3). Further, it continues to help as needed bers. We entered there in 1998, and we The Pacifi c Region has grown since in providing training programs and thank the Lord that the work is steadily the Lord called me to work in this assisting in many situations in these progressing, despite the diffi culties very vast and diverse part of the world. developing missions. Presently, there that the enemy of souls throws on our

24 The Reformation Herald, Vol. 53, No. 1 The Lords has precious jewels in this wide and heavily-populated region.

way. The country is developing and We can be thankful to the Lord for ing very fast with capital investments our fellow believers there are in need. the wonderful work that is going on from outside. Since all those that were A number of younger brethren are in FRENCH POLYNESIA. The way the baptized come from a Buddhist back- carrying the burden of the work and brethren are working is by involving ground, they are slow to fully grasp the are looking to extend the work further all the membership. How do they precious message of Christ. Our way of from home into new areas of PNG do that? They grow watermelons to life—and especially vegetarianism—is where the message has not yet reached. fi nance the Lord’s cause. I have wit- hard for the people to understand. The Of 24 provinces, we have already nessed them in action. One brother work here is not easy, and to survive reached nearly half of them. gave some land to plant watermelons. one must have a lot of determination Thank the Lord our brethren and sis- Then the believers all come together and encouragement. ters in FIJI are having good experiences to prepare the soil, then another day CHINA is the largest country in our in proclaiming this wonderful message. they plant the seeds, and all take Region and the most populous in the The work started in 1998—six months turns watering them. Three months world. The message continues to reach before PNG. There was some interest later they can easily sell the beautiful new people and places, but still we here, and we continued to build on crop. That is how they have now been are really only scratching the surface. that. Work has steadily progressed able to carry the message to every Over 1.4 billion people live and work since that time, and we thank the Lord island in the archipelago. in this country and supply the world’s that most of the believers are well In NEW CALEDONIA there are two needs in goods of all descriptions. The established in the truth. groups, though no Bible worker. The work is truly great and the laborers are The mission fi eld in SAMOA consists believers are holding to the truth and few, but they continue to press on and of two islands: Western, and American Sa- are sharing with people around them reach out to new areas. The brethren moa. There are members on both islands, the message of salvation. They have a and sisters are active and continue to organized into one fi eld. A seminar was lovely church building where they are look at ways and means to witness. recently held there as well as a baptism. meeting regularly. VIETNAM is the second-to-last coun- The Lord works in many ways that Thanks to the Lord, the work in try where our message has entered. This we do not expect. Testimonies to Minis- JAPAN is steady, and the brethren and is a Communist country, and restrictions ters, page 300, was experienced on this sisters are looking to increase their are in force. Our Lord has children here group of islands. A brother and sister borders. There is new interest in the also and is calling us to do the work from Australia spent their vacation in truth for this time, and it is our hope while the day lasts. The membership of VANUATU, where they encountered a that some of the interested ones will Vietnam has grown to be near 90. keen interest in our message. Studies make their covenant with the Lord. He Although NORTH KOREA is one followed with two groups here—and has been merciful to the members there of the most restricted countries, and as a result, many are now part of God’s and protected them in the time of the we still do not have members there, church in this archipelago of little great natural disaster in this populous this wonderful message is nonethe- islands and few large islands. There country, and we lost none. less fi nding its place in the hearts of are three full-time Bible workers who The work in KOREA continues to a number of people who are studying are actively working for the Lord in grow, and small gains are made. This is our Sabbath Bible Lessons. proclaiming this precious message. On a strong Buddhist country, but thanks Contact is also being made with these islands both English and French to the Lord that the work continues to believers in CAMBODIA and LAOS. are spoken, and we praise the Lord for progress steadily from year to year. New At present no actual visits are made, some younger people who speak both souls have been added to the church but literature is passed on to them. We of these languages so the message is over time. The brethren and sisters are in pray that the Lord will open the way carried strongly throughout the islands. good courage and making plans how to for the message to be shared freely. We have also received a donation carry the work to new places and reach SOLOMON ISLANDS is the most of land and a church building from a new people. This is a fast developing recent country in our Region where the brother who is now our member. By the country and great effort is needed, as message has been taken. By God’s grace, grace of the Lord we have been able to people are not used to Christian values. we now have members there as well. register our church. One of our Austra- MONGOLIA is a large landlocked May the mighty power of our lian brethren runs a school in Vanuatu, country in Asia, situated between heavenly Father attend this message, and it is a wonderful witness to the China on the south and Russia on the and that the name of Jesus may be community of the message for this time. north. The capital Ulaanbaatar is grow- proclaimed to all the world! R

The Reformation Herald, Vol. 53, No. 1 25 MISSION IN ACTION

Compiled from the Bible and the writings of E. G. White, with commentary by Matheus Souza da Silva THE SOUTH REGION AMERICAN

nenessss aandnd wworldlyorrlddlyy llusts,ustst , wee sshouldhould liliveve sosoberly,berlr y, rrighteously,igghteoe uslyl , anandd gogodly,odly,y iinn ththisiss ouourur tetest.ests . At tthishis titimeime wwee mumustst ggatherata her prpresentrese ene t woworld;rld; llookingookking ffororo tthathah t blblessedese seed warmthh ffrom theh coldnessld off others,h hdhhope, and the gloriousl i appearingif of theh eloved, when I gave all courage from their cowardice, and loyalty great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; diligence to write unto from their treason.”1 who gave himself for us, that he might you of the common “I saw a company who stood well redeem us from all iniquity, and purify salvation, it was needful guarded and fi rm, giving no counte- unto himself a peculiar people, zealous for me to write unto you, and exhort nance to those who would unsettle the of good works” (Titus 2:11–14). Byou that ye should earnestly contend established faith of the body.”2 “Dearly beloved, I beseech you as for the faith which was once delivered The Lord assures us: “Now therefore, strangers and pilgrims, abstain from unto the saints” (Jude 3). if ye will obey my voice indeed, and fl eshly lusts, which war against the “Now is the time for God’s people to keep my covenant, then ye shall be a soul” (1 Peter 2:11). show themselves true to principle. When peculiar treasure unto me above all “Seventh-day Adventists have been the religion of Christ is most held in con- people: for all the earth is mine: and ye chosen by God as a peculiar people, tempt, when His law is most despised, shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, separate from the world.”3 then should our zeal be the warmest and an holy nation. These are the “When the truth we now cherish was and our courage and fi rmness the most words which thou shalt speak unto the fi rst seen to be Bible truth, how very unfl inching. To stand in defense of truth children of Israel” (Exodus 19:5, 6). strange it appeared, and how strong and righteousness when the majority “For the grace of God that bringeth was the opposition we had to meet in forsake us, to fi ght the battles of the Lord salvation hath appeared to all men, presenting it to the people for the fi rst when champions are few—this will be teaching us that, denying ungodli- time; but how earnest and sincere were

26 The Reformation Herald, Vol. 53, No. 1 The Lord calls us to a solemn re-consecration and a renewing of our vows to be faithful to our high calling as Reformers.

the obedient, truth-loving laborers! independence, making no compro- In some South American countries We were indeed a peculiar people. We mise with its corrupt and idolatrous the effects of global warming have were few in numbers, without wealth, practices. It will require courage and in- been felt: For example, fl oods, earth- without worldly wisdom or worldly dependence to rise above the religious quakes, and droughts. On the day of honors; and yet we believed God and standard of the Christian world.”10 the huge Chilean earthquake, we praise were strong and successful, a terror to This is a solemn moment for our God that we were still able to have evildoers. Our love for one another was movement, as almost all of our dear our Sabbath School. Throughout the steadfast; it was not easily shaken.”4 pioneers are resting, and as new workers whole Sabbath day we felt the earth “As a people, we are looked upon as continue the Lord’s work, that the same tremble beneath our feet. Electricity peculiar. Our position and faith distin- faith, courage, and zeal for the truth that and communications were down. After guish us from every other denomina- our pioneers had may also be ours. We a few days, along with the pastors of tion. If we are in life and character no feel the mighty hand of God upon His the Union, we went to visit our breth- better than worldlings, they will point humble people during these 86 years of ren and sisters who were affected the the fi nger of scorn at us and say: ‘These our existence as the prophesied Reform most. By a miracle from God, not one are Seventh-day Adventists.’ ”5 Movement. May the faith and the holy of our Chilean believers had lost his “It is Satan’s work to mingle evil doctrines that make us a peculiar and or her life. For all this may His name with good, and to remove the distinc- separate people from the world be be praised. We believe that the mercy tion between good and evil. Christ strengthened and confi rmed. of God was and is about His humble would have a church that labors to Seminars and baptisms are being people, who by His grace are looking separate the evil from the good, whose held, our institutions are carrying out to do His will. members will not willingly tolerate our important mission throughout Let us always keep in mind God’s wrongdoing, but will expel it from the South America, where our work has design that there always be a live tes- heart and life.”6 already been established in most of the timony in the church, that His people “Those who will be heirs of God, countries in that continent. Here are may be one; that they may have the and joint heirs with Christ to the just a few samples of the newer projects same vision, the same spirit. This can- immortal inheritance, will be peculiar. which have occurred recently: not be done without a clear, defi nite, Yes, so peculiar that God places a mark The fi rst boarding school is now in and live testimony within the church. upon them as His, wholly His. Think PERU, a joint venture of great signifi - The Lord calls us to a solemn re- ye that God will receive, honor, and cance to our work, especially in the consecration and a renewing of our acknowledge a people so mixed up sense of preparing the young people to vows to be faithful to our high calling with the world that they differ from serve in the cause. as Reformers. them only in name?”7 The canvassing work is established “It would be a scene well-pleasing to “Jesus is coming; and will He fi nd a in almost all the countries, especially in God and angels, would His professed people conformed to the world? and BRAZIL, where we experimented with a followers in this generation unite, as will He acknowledge these as His peo- canvassing school with positive results. did Israel of old [referring especially to ple that He has purifi ed unto Himself? By the grace of God we held the fi rst holy the revival in the days of Nehemiah], Oh, no. None but the pure and holy convocation of canvassers in Brazil. We in a solemn covenant to ‘observe and will He acknowledge as His. Those concluded with a dinner for the partici- do all the commandments of the Lord who have been purifi ed and made pants, there being approximately 300 our Lord, and his judgments and his white through suffering, and have kept people. It was a very uplifting experience statutes’ (Nehemiah 10:29).”10 R themselves separate, unspotted from for our people, especially for the colpor- References the world, He will own as His.”8 teurs. Our goal is to have a worldwide 1 “Satan has devised a state of things holy convocation for colporteurs. Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 136. 2 Early Writings, p. 258. whereby the proclamation of the In regards to the economy we have 3 Christian Service, p. 147. third angel’s message shall be bound been greatly blessed. We have established 4 Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 534. about. We must beware of his plans the biblical teaching found in Romans 5 Ibid., p. 138. and methods. There must be no toning 13:8, to work without debts, and we have 6 The Review and Herald, December 4, 1900. 7 down of the truth.”9 moved forward in this direction. Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 287. 8 Ibid., p. 133. “Our only safety is to stand as God’s In almost all the unions and fi elds, 9 Evangelism, p. 230. peculiar people. We must not yield one pastors and ministers from their own 10 Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 78. inch to the customs and fashions of countries are leading out the Lord’s work. 11 The SDA Bible Commentary [E. G. White Com- this degenerate age, but stand in moral This is a great victory for our Region. ments], vol. 3, p. 1139.

The Reformation Herald, Vol. 53, No. 1 27 “Our Conference meetings, in which business seasons when the heavenly counsels are HIGHLIG THE D

number of A decision was also made to provide recommenda- educational materials on: tions from the • Nutrition (providing information temporary Medi- on the proper use of fats and oils, Acal Committee were consid- carbohydrates, calorie intake, omega ered by the session, including the 3 and vitamin B12 intake, and the following: detrimental effects of consuming soft A Health Correspondence drinks such as Coca Cola, coffee, and Course consisting of 12 lessons teas containing stimulants). has been prepared, and it was • Diseases (including information agreed to forward this to the and health instruction regarding mod- incoming Publications/Review ern diseases which affect our church Committee for approval and members such as arthritis, diabetes, publishing. stress, high cholesterol, and obesity). The decision for permanent Regional Health Committees to • Electronic devices (including in- be established in every region formation regarding the health risks as- to oversee the medical sociated with the use of mobile phones mission- and electronic devices on the body; as ary work well as those associated with the use of was well TV, the Internet, and computer games). received.

28 The Reformation Herald, Vol. 53, No. 1 relating to the cause is transacted, are special made known to those assembled.” The General Conference Bulletin, February 4, 1895. HTS FROM ECISIONS

• Lifestyle (the health risks involved work within its units, and that each in practicing poor sleeping habits, lack union/General Conference Unit of regular exercise, living a sedentary should send its medical missionary lifestyle, and the wearing of high- reports regularly to the GC Medical heeled footwear). Missionary Department. All of our Missionary Schools are The servant of the Lord has told now to include some theoretical and us: “I wish to say that the medical practical training in medical mission- missionary work is God’s work. ary work within their compulsory The Lord wants every one of His curriculum and in the training of ministers to come into line. Take missionaries. This is in harmony with hold of the medical missionary the following counsel: “I wish to tell work, and it will give you access you that soon there will be no work to the people. Their hearts will be done in ministerial lines but medical touched as you minister to their missionary work.”1 necessities. As you relieve their It was also decided that suitably sufferings, you will fi nd opportu- trained personnel within each region nity to speak to them of the love be selected to run training seminars for of Jesus.”3 the ministers and workers of the region in the area of medical missionary work. “In new fi elds no work is so successful as medical missionary work. If our ministers would work earnestly to obtain an education in medical missionary lines, they would be far better fi tted to do the work Christ did as a medical missionary.”2 In addition to the selection of regional trainers, it was decided that every union and General Confer- ence Unit elect local medical missionary department offi cers to lead out in the medical missionary

The Reformation Herald, Vol. 53, No. 1 29 “[God] has so arranged matters that delegates to our conferences. These men

After considering the suc- result of the Plans Committee report, cessful medical outreach the following decisions were made: programs conducted in • A Music subcommittee, function- the previous term, it was ing under the Youth Department, is to decided that medical be created and charged with the task teams continue to be of preparing guideline materials that organized to visit needy will be sent to all units of the General areas in order to con- Conference. duct medical missionary outreach programs. • The Missionary Department should The temporary consider expanding evangelistic mis- Medical Committee also sionary projects in developing countries, presented its recommen- as well as to focus missionary efforts dations on IVF (in vitro in unreached areas for the salvation of fertilization) treatments souls. and the health issues • The preparation of suitable evan- associated with various gelistic materials, including Bible Study birth control methods. Guides, PowerPoint Presentations, These recommendations and video materials such as “Treasures have been forwarded to of Truth,” was given to the incoming the incoming Doctrinal Missionary Department Committee to Committee implement them. for further consider- • It was agreed that in order to ation from involve and empower lay members to an ethical do missionary work, every local church perspec- should organize small missionary tive. teams. An ap- The delegates considered further peal was recommendations from the Finance also made Committee and Plans Committee. The for the main decisions included the following: support • It was clarifi ed that a “new mis- of the sion” should be self-supporting within sanato- a six-year period from the time of its riums in initial development. In an effort to Brazil encourage the fi nancial independence and Ro- of new missions, the General Confer- mania. ence administration will assist these As a missions with the design and imple-

30 The Reformation Herald, Vol. 53, No. 1 chosen men shall go as are to be tried and proved.” Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 262.

mentation of income-generating projects. The Stewardship Department will be responsible to raise welfare seed funds for these projects.

• The Sabbath School Department was urged to dedicate at least one quarterly during each four-year term of the Sabbath Bible Lessons to the subject of missionary work.

• The four-year cy- cles of Sabbath School lessons for teenagers (13–16) and juniors (9–12), which have some lessons still to be published for each cycle, are to be completed as soon as possible.

• The importance of the welfare work was rec- ognized by the delegates, and a decision was taken that in order for the welfare work to function more effi ciently and to be better organized, the GC Stewardship/Welfare Department will provide the necessary orientation and support to each unit in order to have this work registered wherever this department is not yet recognized by the government.

Porumbacu Declaration It was resolved that the ministry of the church take a fi rm position regarding the various aspects of worldliness in the areas of health, dress, and Sabbath reform as stated in our existing resolutions. We

The Reformation Herald, Vol. 53, No. 1 31 “Raise the standard of piety and truth and holiness Compare scripture with scripture. Encourage

need to clearly implement the • There is further need to educate disciplinary process as found in the churches at large to understand Matthew 18:15–18 with the pur- the clear biblical reasons underlying pose of rescuing these souls from the principles of our church regarding peril. This work is to begin with the beliefs as found in the existing the ministers (Hosea 4:9; Proverbs resolutions. The work of educating the 27:23; Evangelism, p. 272:1). We churches must be combined with the need to understand that personal presentation of the messages from the ideas that are not clearly stated in book of Revelation in connection with the existing resolutions Christ as our personal Savior. “If our are not to be promoted people were half awake, if they realized by any worker. the nearness of the events portrayed in The following work the Revelation, a reformation would needs to be done: be wrought in our churches, and many • The most impor- more would believe the message. . . . tant work is that of self- But whatever phase of the subject is examination, fi rst for presented, uplift Jesus as the center of the ministry and then of all hope, ‘the Root and the Offspring the membership at large of David, and the bright and morning (2 Corinthians 13:5). Star’(Revelation 22:16).”4 • Each minister needs • The only way to succeed in the to understand the prin- work of reformation is that each mem- ciples found in Matthew ber must understand his or her need 18 regarding the personal of a Saviour. “Before there could be labor for souls in sacrifi c- any permanent reformation the people ing his own self-dignity must be led to feel their utter inability and even laying down in themselves to render obedience his life for the salvation to God. They had broken His law, it of the souls he is working condemned them as transgressors, and with (Thoughts From the it provided no way of escape. While Mount of Blessing, pp. 128, they trusted in their own strength and 129). Individual ministers righteousness, it was impossible for should not contact those them to secure the pardon of their in leadership roles for sins; they could not meet the claims assistance until they have of God’s perfect law, and it was in vain done their personal labor. that they pledged themselves to serve God. It was only

32 The Reformation Herald, Vol. 53, No. 1 higher, still higher. the people to study their Bibles.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 20, pp. 170, 171.

by faith in Christ that they could secure Oh, no. None but the pure and holy pardon of sin and receive strength to will He acknowledge as His. Those obey God’s law. They must cease to rely who have been purifi ed and made upon their own efforts for salvation, white through suffering, and have kept they must trust wholly in the merits of themselves separate, unspotted from the promised Saviour, if they would be the world, He will own as His.”9 “If my accepted of God.”5 people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, • After working with souls for a suf- and seek my face, and turn from their fi cient time, “All exhibitions of pride in wicked ways; then will I hear from dress, which is forbidden in the word heaven, and will forgive their sin, and of God, should be suffi cient reason for will heal their land” (2 Chroni- 6 church discipline.” This applies to all cles 7:14). R areas of worldliness, including intem- perance in working, eating, drinking, References 7 dressing, and sleeping. 1 Evangelism, p. 523. 2 • The workers and ministers who Medical Ministry, p. 239. 3 Evangelism, pp. 523, 524. do not produce the fruit of their labors 4 Testimonies to Ministers, p. within twelve months need to evaluate 118. their calling. “To those whom He calls 5 Patriarchs and Prophets, p. to the work of the ministry, the Lord 524. 6 will give tact and skill and understand- Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 647. 7 Ibid., vol. 6, p. 374. ing. If after laboring for twelve months 8 Evangelism, pp. 686, 687. in evangelistic work, a man has no fruit 9 Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 133. to show for his efforts, if the people for whom he has labored are not benefi t- ed, if he has not lifted the standard in new places, and no souls are converted by his labors, that man should humble his heart before God, and endeavor to know if he has not mistaken his call- ing. The wages paid by the conference should be given to those who show fruit for their labor.”8 • “Jesus is coming; and will He fi nd a people conformed to the world? and will He acknowledge these as His peo- ple that He has purifi ed unto Himself?

The Reformation Herald, Vol. 53, No. 1 33 21st General Conference DELEGATES

General Conference (at large)

D. Sureshkumar Davi Paes Silva Peter D. Lausevic Paul Balbach Roberto Martins Duarte President 1st Vice President 2nd Vice President Secretary (absent) Treasurer

Marin Barbu John Ciric Simeon Karvatski Eduardo Lainez D. Samy Doss Matheus Souza da Silva European Regional Pacifi c Regional Secretary East European Regional Central American Regional Asian Regional South American Regional Secretary (absent) Secretary Secretary Secretary Secretary

Manuel Henda Liviu Tudoroiu Mario F. Alvarado Rolly C. Dumaguit Maryann Estevez Paul Gavric African Regional Secretary North American Regional Education/Family Colporteur/Missionary Auditor Finance Committee Assistant Secretary Department Secretary Department Secretary Chairman

Dragan Ivanov Daniel Lee Alfredo Carlos Sas Eli Tenorio da Silva David Zic Dorival N. Dumitru Medical Department Reformation Herald Publication Approval Youth Department Welfare/Stewardship Council member Secretary Publishing Assn. Director Committee Chair Secretary Department Secretary

34 The Reformation Herald, Vol. 53, No. 1 African Region

Herculano Benjamim Zeferino Dovala Manuel Henda Jose Nguepe Apolo de Castro Ninganja Joao Baptista Praia Angolan Union Angolan Union Angolan Union Angolan Union Angolan Union Angolan Union

EdisonEdison BigirimanaBigirrimaim na SymphorienSymphorienN Ntabazonkizatabazoonkin za TimotheeTimmotht eee N. KabKabambaamba Timothee K. Mabangi AlbertAlbert B. KyKyembeembe MegaleMegale D. Holemo Holemo Burundi Mission Burundi Mission Congo Kasai Central East Congo Kasai Central East East Congo Mission Ethiopian Union Mission

SileshiSileshi T.T. TeklemariamTeklemariam JoraiJorai PereiraPerPe eire a dada CruzCruz NephtaliNephtali N. HabHabimaima PheniasPhenias HitabatumaHitabatuma GerardGerard ManiragabaManiragaba FelicienFelicien BButerautera Ethiopian Union Mission Kenyan Mission North Kivu Mission North Kivu Mission North Kivu Mission Rwandan Field

SylSylvainvain GateGaterara ChristineChristine MuMuhawenimanahawenimana JohnJohn B.B. NsengiyumvaNsengiyumva Josias RwabuziziRwabuzizi GabbinGabbin S. NtuliNtuli JethroJethro M. SitSitholehole Rwandan Field Rwandan Field Rwandan Field Rwandan Field South African Field South African Field

PauPaull BB.. KKomboniomboni GeoffGeoff rreyey S.S. WaenoWaeno JeanJean KKarimarim K.K. KasongaKasonga NewtonNewton KaKakonkokonko StephenStephen BB.. MMusondausonda SimonSimon MukuniMukuni South Kivu Mission Ugandan Mission West Kasai Mission-Tshikapa Zambian Mission Zambian Mission Zimbawean Mission

The Reformation Herald, Vol. 53, No. 1 35 Asian Region

Paulraj Santhanam JJeyasingh Devapiriyamm SSanthanam Murugesann Alwyn Vedhasingh North Indian North Indian Union North Indian Union North Indian Union

Herbert M. William Zahid (Tony) Williams Rajasekar K. Israel Sekar Soundrapandian Pakistan Mission Pakistan Mission South Indian Union South Indian Union

Central American Region

Victor O. Garcia Segundo D. Guzman Luis A. Amaya Juan Resendiz Jose R. Gamez Juan L. Rodriguez Jose A. Usuga Central American Union Dominican Field Central American Union Mexican Union Central American Union Mexican Union Mexican Union

Eurasian Region

Anatolii Bogatov Pavlo Brovchenko Vyacheslav Melnychuk Oleksandr Pash Viktor Pysaniuk East European Union East European Union East European Union East European Union East European Union

Alexander Volgin Iacob Costas Gheorghi Dovbenco Petru Mangul Anatolie Mariceanu East European Union Moldovan Union Moldovan Union Moldovan Union Moldovan Union

36 The Reformation Herald, Vol. 53, No. 1 European Region

Denis J. Amory Hans W. Woywod Ovidiu G. Nasui Ferenc Matyas Miklos Zagoni-Szabo Jose R. Domingos Giordano Tinta French Field German Field North German Field South Hungarian Field Hungarian Field Italian Field Italian Field

Pedro M. da Conceicao Moises Heredia Dumitru Ardeleanu Costel Bardas Ioan Bobes Ioan Bogdan Vasile Buftea Portuguese Field Portuguese Field Romanian Union Romanian Union Romanian Union Romanian Union Romanian Union

Nelu Iancu Radu Ionita Simion Muresan Lucian Oprea Paul Petcu Fivi Picu Valerian-Constantin Raileanu Romanian Union Romanian Union Romanian Union Romanian Union Romanian Union Romanian Union Romanian Union

Marius D. Stroia Marcu Suteu-Albu Djordje Bosanac Danilo Zic Emil Paul Jose S. Romero Pavle D. Mikich Romanian Union Romanian Union South Slavonic Union South Slavonic Union Spain Field Spain Field Bulgarian Field

North American Region

Walter Lukic Camilo A. Rodriguez Ljuban Vukotic Leslie D. Bauer East Canadian Field Eastern U.S. Field East-Central U.S. Field Southeast U.S. Field

Homero Paredes Adrian I. Finaru Marian M. Ionita Jose A. Senior Southeast U.S. Field Western North American Union Western North American Union Western North American Union

The Reformation Herald, Vol. 53, No. 1 37 Pacifi c Region

Paul E. Chapman Alasdair S. Pow Benjamin P. Thiel Marcelo L. Gines Jong Hwan Hyun Australasian Union Conference Australasian Union Conference Australasian Union Conference Philippine Union South Korean Field

South American Region

Jesus E. Bautista Edgar Ramos Samuel Ramos Franz B. Terceros Josias Tavares de Almeida Rômulo P. Borges Bolivian Union Bolivian Union Bolivian Union Bolivian Union Brazilian Union North Brazilian Union North

Isaias Silva Caires Edson Oliveira Custódio Luis Carlos de Melo Wagner dos Santos Guidini Evanildo Ferreira Figueiroa Francharle Ferreira Figueiroa Brazilian Union North Brazilian Union North Brazilian Union North Brazilian Union North Brazilian Union North Brazilian Union North

Rudolfo Gessner Jose Guidini Renato Konrath de Oliveira Mariano L. de Santana Delvacir Dias Preto Josimar R. Cardoso de Oliveira Brazilian Union North Brazilian Union North Brazilian Union North Brazilian Union North Brazilian Union North Brazilian Union North

Daniel da Silva Rocha Lourival Jose de Santana Silvan Paulo Silva Valterrubem Sousa Santos Marcos Wagner Rodrigues Vaz Paulo Cesar Bento Brazilian Union North Brazilian Union North Brazilian Union North Brazilian Union North Brazilian Union North Brazilian Union South

38 The Reformation Herald, Vol. 53, No. 1 Jose Francisco Campos Jaime L. de Campos Daniel Duarte Carneiro Jose Aparecido Corte Andre Marcelo Devai Artur Gessner Brazilian Union South Brazilian Union South Brazilian Union South Brazilian Union South Brazilian Union South Brazilian Union South

Aroldo Gessner Luis Farit Gonzalez Carlos Mello Mangueira Hilton Pereira Castro Ronaldo Araujo Ramos Edson Meireles Ribeiro Brazilian Union South Brazilian Union South Brazilian Union South Brazilian Union South Brazilian Union South Brazilian Union South

Francisco de Assis Rodrigues Jose H. Pereira dos Santos Joel Ramos da Silva Gildo Andrade da Silva Marcos A. Silva Pedrazas Jose Pereira de Souza Brazilian Union South Brazilian Union South Brazilian Union South Brazilian Union South Brazilian Union South Brazilian Union South

Carlos Enrique Linares Max Eleazar Uribe Hermenciano Guiza Edgar Moreno Javier Alonso Silva Victor Hugo Figueroa Chilean Union Chilean Union Colombian Union Colombian Union Colombian Union Ecuador Field

Wilson Joff re Salvador Demetrio C. Alva David Chichipe Ysaac Chichipe Augusto Chino Samuel D. Diaz Ecuador Field Peruvian Union Peruvian Union Peruvian Union Peruvian Union Peruvian Union

Julio L. Duire Jorge Vidal Garayar Manuel J. Rodriguez Guillermo Yañac Raul Hernan Cordova Elias R. Devai William M. Forero Peruvian Union Peruvian Union Peruvian Union Peruvian Union South American Southern Union South American Southern Union Venezuelan Field

The Reformation Herald, Vol. 53, No. 1 39 Periodical Postage PAID Roanoke, VA 24022

P.O. Box 7240 Roanoke, VA 24019-0240 Return Service Requested MOVING? Please let us know.

Building in Harmony “We are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building” (1 Corinthians 3:9).

hen Jesus lived as gry and blamed each other. The whole plan fell the Son of Man on earth, apart in strife and bloodshed. The project ended He was a carpenter who built up a disaster! That is where the name “Babylon” things. It’s amazing to think how comes from—it means “confusion.” the same One who designed and The opposite is found among the children built the whole universe also came to of God. We are called to leave the Babylon of Wour little world to build! He who had been the this world. We are called to cooperate in obey- exalted commander in heaven laid aside His ing God, not in rebelling to do our own will kingly crown to live and labor among us. He and way. When the church comes together for started His career on earth by working together worship or business, we work together. Sweet By B. Montrose with Joseph in the carpenter’s shop. There He harmony and order are to prevail. Each person gave a simple example to us of how to cooper- has his or her assigned task or duty. If we do not ate cheerfully with others to achieve something keep in mind what we are trying to accomplish, good. and who is to do what, the result will be off In order for any project to succeed, the balance—and confusion will result. people working on it must be willing to That is why the church holds big worldwide help each other and work together. meetings every four years. There we can remind Remember what happened at the ourselves of the wonderful faith we share and tower of Babel: When the languag- the truths we believe. We can decide the plans es were confused, those laying the we have to promote the upholding and spread- brick at the top could no longer ing of the everlasting gospel in this earth. We work with those at the base. Men can fi gure out in a fair and intelligent way who were posted at different points, should do what, and where they should do it. each to receive and report to Then the project that Christ has assigned to us— the next below him the orders His great commission of going to all the world for needed material, or other to preach the gospel to every creature—will directions regarding the work. bring glory and honor to His name. And we will But the messages got mixed have the delightful joy of getting to help! up, so the wrong materials The apostle Paul explains: “Now he that plan- were sent. Confusion teth and he that watereth are one: and every man and dismay followed. shall receive his own reward according to his All the work came to own labour. . . . I have laid the foundation, and a stop; there was no another buildeth thereon. But let every man take more harmony or heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foun- cooperation. The dation can no man lay than that is laid, which is builders became an- Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:8–11). R