General Conference Session Bulletin

ADVENTISTREVIEW.ORG GENERAL CONFERENCESESSION 8 PROCEEDINGS ANDACTIONS 38 CHANGINGHISTORY ONEHEART AT ATIME 26 SAN ANTONIO 360 24 APLAYGROUND ANDABATTLEFIELD FORSOULS 19 YOUNG ADVENTISTS HUGTHECITY 9 3 JULY 9, 2015 2 SHINEONTILLJESUSCOMES 32 DELEGATES VOTE ‘NO’ ON WOMEN’S ORDINATION ISSUE BULLETIN 6 " "© # # "# ! ! ! " "!$# "!$# NEWS

DELEGATES VOTE ‘NO’ ON WOMEN’S ORDINATION /ANN

ISSUE AR KENN DIXON KENN DIXON AR COVER PHOTO BY JOSEF KISSINGER /ANN GC SESSION BULLETIN: JULY 9, 2015 | ADVENTIST REVIEW 3 0.21%

58.44% 977 YES 1381 NO 5 ABSTAINED

41.35%

CHURCH PRESIDENT APPEALS TO MEMBERS TO UNITE IN THE CHURCH’S MISSION.

ANDREW MCCHESNEY AND MARCOS PASEGGI AR/ANN

elegates turned down a motion that Dwould have allowed each division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church to decide for itself whether to ordain women to the gospel ministry in its territory. By a margin of 1,381-977, with ﬁve ab- stentions, delegates by secret ballot ended a ﬁve-year process characterized by vigorous and sometimes acrimonious debate. General Conference president Ted N.C. Wilson appealed to church members to unite in the mission of the church after the vote at the 2015 General Conference session in San Antonio, Texas. “Now is the time to unify under the bloodstained banner of Jesus Christ and His power, not our power,” Wilson said after the ballots were counted on tables

at the front of the Alamodome stadium. /ANN AR “Now is the time to unify in our mission as Christ’s church.”

He thanked delegates for the “careful KENN DIXON and prayerful manner in which they carried themselves and addressed the sub- privacy of the vote to the best of our ability,” other the word “No,” also in five languages. ject” during six hours of discussion. said Nancy Lamoreaux, chief information of- The languages are English, Spanish, French, A secret ballot system was used that ficer for the General Conference and orga- German, and Portuguese. General Conference officers said offered nizer of the logistics for Wednesday’s vote. The secret balloting system was prepared the most fair and secure voting process The ballots were printed on special paper, well in advance of the General Conference possible. cut to the size of a half sheet of letter paper, session as a backup in case an electronic “We have tried to be transparent, hon- and divided in half. One half contained the voting system didn’t work, said undersecre- est, and thoughtful, and to ensure the word “Yes,” printed in five languages, and the tary Myron Iseminger, whose sector oversees

4 ADVENTIST REVIEW | GC SESSION BULLETIN: JULY 9, 2015 /ANN AR PIETER DAMSTEEGT PIETER DAMSTEEGT

“God gifts all believers with unique spiritual gifts to carry on the mission of the church and to edify and build up the body of Christ. Ordination is not a criterion for giftedness. I long for the church to keep in focus clearly that the Holy Spirit in the book of Acts was poured out on both men and women. The gifts of the Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12 belong to While delegates were discussing the ordination issue, church members were interceding in the prayer room. DOMINIK ZEH AR/ANN both men and women. “So ordination is not a voting at GC Sessions. The e-voting system, Both Wilson and Michael L. Ryan, a retir- which debuted at the GC session, proved ing general vice president of the General Con- criterion for service, witness, or problematic, and delegates voted on Sunday ference who chaired Wednesday’s discus- proclamation. I really believe to no longer use it. sions, voiced delight at the “sweet spirit” that “From the beginning we had a backup plan permeated the proceedings. now that we need to focus in case the electronic ballots didn’t work,” Ryan made sure proper meeting decorum on maximizing the gifts of all Iseminger said. was followed, chiding attendees several times Wilson, who opened the morning session for applauding during the discussions. Dele- members of the church —young with an appeal for all church members to gates agreed earlier to refrain from applause and old, male and female— abide by the vote’s outcome, underscored in an effort to keep emotions under control. both then and after the vote that decisions Ryan, who announced the ﬁnal vote re- coming together in unity to made by the General Conference in session sults, sharply admonished a group of Alamo- focus on the mission of the carry the highest authority in the Adventist dome attendees who broke into applause at Church. the outcome. church. We need to move from The daylong discussions, which began at “There is nothing triumphal about this,” our discussions on ordination 9:30 a.m. and broke for a two-hour lunch at he said. “There are no winners or losers.” noon, stopped nearly a dozen times for prayer. Erton Köhler, South American Division pres- to focus on how to reach a lost Participants engaged in silent prayer, one- ident, echoed Ryan’s sentiment that this was world for Christ.” on-one prayer, and group prayer. Scores more not a political contest. Session attendees packed special prayer “My expectation for the church is not to Mark Finley, evangelist, editor-at-large at Adventist Review rooms organized by the General Conference’s have winners or losers, but that each one Ministerial Association and Women’s Minis- may feel the decision as God’s and may make tries departments. it his or her own,” he told the Adventist Review.

GC SESSION BULLETIN: JULY 9, 2015 | ADVENTIST REVIEW 5 “Members of the North American Division are naturally disappointed in the vote, but we are very committed publicly and privately to our world church and to continuing our cooperative efforts to be a blessing in the world church. Our intention is to be a part of that ﬁnal movement that hastens the day when Jesus comes.” Daniel R. Jackson, president, North American Division /ANN

“Today North America faced a disappointment for AR many, many members and for the women who

are in ministry. For those who do not believe that ZEH DOMINIK “May everyone have the humility to acknowl- this was the right vote, I would challenge them to edge that God can manifest His will in a way think of Joshua and Caleb, who went forward af- that differs from personal opinion.” Jerry Page, Ministerial Association direc- ter they could not go into the promised land and tor, also spoke of humility. “If we take time in prayer, humble confession, repentance, stayed faithful to God’s people.” and service for others, we can move forward Don Livesay, president, Lake Union Conference, NAD instead of spinning around and going back- ward because of the conﬂicts,” he said. Lisa Beardsley-Hardy, education department director, said “We will keep preaching, and she hoped delegates would 2,363 show respect toward each other. we will keep uplifting Jesus.” “My hope and wish is for for- VOTES CAST bearance on behalf of our broth- Elizabeth Talbot, The Jesus 101 Biblical Institute ers and sisters who face ministry challenges in ministry that differ from ours around the world,” she said. “Forbearance is a grace that can only come from God, not to hold one another hostage or abandon the body when something offends us.” A total of 2,363 ballots were cast in the vote on a motion prepared by senior General Con- ference ofﬁcers and division presidents and approved at the 2014 Annual Council, a business meeting of world church leaders. The motion read in full: “After your prayerful study on ordination from the Bible, the writings of Ellen G. White, and the reports of the study commissions, and after your careful consideration of what is best for the church and the

/ANN fulﬁllment of its mission, is it acceptable for AR division executive committees, as they may deem it appropriate in their territories, to make provision for the ordination of women JOSEF KISSINGER JOSEF KISSINGER

6 ADVENTIST REVIEW | GC SESSION BULLETIN: JULY 9, 2015 “Our mission is bigger than any issue that may arise in the Seventh-day Adventist Church at any time of our church life. We must remain united. The Seventh-day Adventist Church has a mission and an agenda to finish the work that our Lord left to us. We should not allow any issue to divide us.” —Blasious Ruguri, East-Central Africa Division president /ANN AR PIETER DAMSTEEGT PIETER DAMSTEEGT /ANN AR KENN DIXON KENN DIXON

members had to trust that their counterparts in other divisions knew better what their local churches needed. Ryan also invited Wilson to make a statement. Wilson did not recommend a “yes” or “no” vote, saying only, “My views are rather well known and I believe them to be biblically based.” Wednesday’s proceedings began with an agreement from the delegates to end discus- /ANN

AR sion for a vote at 4:30 p.m. to begin the voting process. As the time approached, a number of delegates urged Ryan to extend the discussions, but Ryan declared the requests JOSEF KISSINGER JOSEF KISSINGER out of order. to the gospel ministry? Yes or No.” the proceedings was being carried out. General Conference executive secretary A total of 40 delegates—20 who supported Partway through the afternoon proceed- G.T. Ng indicated during Wednesday’s discus- and 20 who opposed the motion — took to ings, Ryan invited Jan Paulsen, a former presi- sions that the General Conference hoped for microphones to express their positions on dent of the General Conference, to make a full compliance from all church entities. the motion. The discussion was stopped 35 statement. “We are one church,” Ng said. times by delegates who wished to make “points Paulsen urged delegates to vote “yes,” say- Sandra Blackmar and Michael Campbell contributed to of order,” objections to how some aspect of ing it was a matter of trust. He said church this report.

GC SESSION BULLETIN: JULY 9, 2015 | ADVENTIST REVIEW 7 /ANN AR PHOTOS: JOSAFAT ZEMLEDUCH JOSAFAT PHOTOS:

receiving and the changes in her life,” Finley said. When Finley’s nightly meetings, titled “An- cient Discoveries,” began at the Shrine Audi- torium on San Antonio’s north side in May, Patty rode an Adventist Church-provided bus ADVENTIST MEMBERSHIP to the venue daily. She was baptized on the evening of July 3, the first Friday of the Gen- SURGES IN SAN ANTONIO eral Conference session in the Alamodome. DESPITE DAUNTING RAIN San Antonio’s north side, an area with little MAJOR EVANGELISTIC INITIATIVE SHOULD YIELD MORE THAN 700 BAPTISMS. historic Adventist presence, is an affluent community with multiple evangelical mega- ADVENTIST REVIEW BY EVAN KNOTT, /ANN churches. “Ancient Discoveries” attracted more eventh-day Adventist Church membership tic initiative culminated with a series of meet- than 1,100 nonmember guests in two months. Sin San Antonio, Texas, is on track to grow ings in May and June, posed a serious chal- “The attendees are quickly embracing by 20 percent as the result of a major evan- lenge to the effort, but people still attended Christ’s love with commitment and passion,” gelistic initiative, which for many weeks was the meetings. said Mark Lien, pastor of the newly formed threatened by record rainfall. “On a number of nights the rain just poured Northern Adventist Fellowship, a new con- More than 700 baptisms are expected by down,” he said. “It was very difficult for peo- gregation being planted as a result of the August 2015, the one-year anniversary of the ple to get there. Yet even on those low nights “Ancient Discoveries” series. “It’s an awesome start of the multifaceted evangelistic initia- we would have a significant audience with thing to be a part of.” tive led by veteran evangelist Mark Finley. us, no lower than 350 to 450. That would be Seventh-day Adventist General Conference The initiative was timed to move into its most on our bad nights with terrible, terrible rain president Ted N. C. Wilson participated in the public phase just before the opening of the pouring down.” last week of the “Ancient Discoveries” series, denomination’s quinquennial General Con- Finley, who praised God for the turnout, offering encouragement to pastors and volun- ference session in the Alamodome on July 2. said many people who are joining the church teers and preaching twice in the final week of “What’s significant about that number of first came into contact with Adventists through the campaign about the book of Revelation. baptisms is that we have only about 3,500 health and wellness programs conducted at “How exciting to see what God is doing in church members in San Antonio, with only local churches since August 2014 and a three- the lives of people when they hear the full about 2,000 to 2,200 attending church regu- day clinic that provided more than $20 mil- prophetic messages preached in Seventh- larly,” Finley said. “So if you take the 3,500 lion in free health care to 6,192 people at the day Adventist evangelistic meetings,” Wilson figure and you add 700 new persons, that’s Alamodome stadium in April. said. “We all become reconverted as we thrill 20 percent of the existing membership!” One such person is Patty. to the accuracy and depth of God’s Bible truth Speakers at the evangelistic meetings in “We were at the Alamodome for three days, and His plans for His people as we anticipate May and June also included South American and Patty came all three days,” Finley said. Christ’s soon coming.” evangelist Alejandro Bullón, Breath of Life “She was impressed with the joy on people’s Finley said San Antonio’s results could be television ministry speaker Carlton Byrd, and faces, the peace in their hearts.” replicated anywhere. young adult evangelist José Rojas. The free clinic ended on a Friday, and Patty “Our intent is to share with the Adventist The San Antonio region was inundated with walked into the Laurel Heights Seventh-day world field that you can take a city like San 14.9 inches (37.8 centimeters) of rain in May Adventist Church the next morning, on Sab- Antonio with a population of 1.2 million and and June, nearly double the annual average bath, he said. At the church, she signed up make a significant impact if you develop a for those months, causing flooding that made for programs such as Reversing Diabetes and biblical, Christ-centered, comprehensive strat- international headlines. Finley said the bad Natural Lifestyle Cooking. egy that focuses on the physical, mental, emo- weather, which arrived just as the evangelis- “She was so excited about what she was tional, and spiritual needs of people,” he said.

8 ADVENTIST REVIEW | GC SESSION BULLETIN: JULY 9, 2015 /ANN AR PHOTOS BY DOMINIK ZEH DOMINIK BY PHOTOS YOUNG ADVENTISTS HUG THE CITY

BY KIMBERLY LUSTE MARAN, ADVENTIST REVIEW/ANN

ello, my name is Linda, and you’re . . . ?” gates offer the hug, using a hug. “And they prayed with H “Marcus.” it to start a conversation. us too. At first I said, ‘No, it’s “I’m from Kenya. Where are you from?” Delegates are supposed to WHEN “I GOT THE too hot to be hugged,’ but he “I’m from Texas.” relate to, sympathize with, CALL FROM THE said it would be just a short “We are out here just giving hugs as part and encourage the people VOLUNTEER [hug], so I said, ‘O.K.’ I liked of our mission—and here to spread God’s they meet—then surprise when they asked to pray with COORDINATOR, Word. We are from the Seventh-day Advent- them with a dollar for par- us.” I DIDN’T EVEN ist Church.” ticipating. According to Im- Peralta, born in the Domini- And the brief conversation started. It ended pact city center hug coor- LET HER FINISH can Republic, moved to Wis- with a hug. And a smile. dinator Josue Peralta, del- SPEAKING, AND consin in 2002 and will study Linda Oyier, a 30-year-old from Nairobi, egates practiced verbal I SAID, ‘YEAH, economics and political sci- Kenya, is part of the Impact San Antonio young exchanges on the bus, ask- I’M WILLING. ence at the University of Wis- adult group focusing on community service ing each other about work consin this fall. He knows the LET’S DO IT.’ in the city center this week. After morning or school and sharing a team made a difference. He’s worship and a training session involving com- quick story about God in glad to be part of Impact and munity and prayer, about 500 Impact dele- their life. “There’s no bet- ” part of the city outreach: “God gates split up to various locations in San An- ter ice breaker than giving is good, He leads. When I got tonio. The group of 50 that included Oyier someone a genuine, caring hug,” said 19-year- the call from the volunteer coordinator, I didn’t went to the Alamo fort to give free hugs and old Peralta. “And following up with a word even let her finish speaking, and I said, ‘Yeah, offer people on the street a dollar for their about Christ in their lives, you’re pointing them I’m willing. Let’s do it.’” story. to Christ.” Although the exchanges with Alamo pass- “I wanted to do the city center project to Hundreds of people were approached and ersby were short and dollars weren’t given meet different people and spread God’s Word, engaged. A handful of men and women rest- out, the group believes the outreach was a His love, in a simple way,” Oyier said. “To tell ing in the shade in front of the Alamo were success. The bus trip back buzzed with ex- them that God is love—you don’t have to be pleasantly surprised by their exchange with citement as the delegates sang hymns. in our religion to know that God loves you. one gregarious group of young delegates who “When it’s meeting other people, when it’s We are all loved.” doled out hugs, chatted, prayed with the group, leading out and trying to get other people to The outreach involves the Impact delegates and finally sang “Happy Birthday” to one of fall in love with Jesus Christ, it’s just basic holding signs advertising free hugs—and ap- the men, a cancer survivor. logic,” said Peralta. “It’s win-win; can’t lose. proaching people near the Alamo. The dele- “It was good,” said a woman who received The Lord really blessed.”

GC SESSION BULLETIN: JULY 9, 2015 | ADVENTIST REVIEW 9 ADVENTIST REVIEW Local Baptist Church youth are helping to keep APP UNVEILED food service labor costs low by volunteering to distribute water at lunchtime. DAVID B. SHERWIN AR/ANN READING THE GOOD OL’ REVIEW IS NOW EASIER THAN EVER LOCAL BAPTIST CHURCH OFFERS HELPING HANDS BY STEPHEN CHAVEZ, ADVENTIST REVIEW/ANN YOUTH FROM BEAUTIFUL GATE BAPTIST CHURCH HELP KEEP FOOD SERVICE COSTS LOW. ust 166 years after James White carried the BY SANDRA BLACKMER, ADVENTIST REVIEW/ANN Jfirst edition of Present Truth to the post office in a carpetbag, the Adventist Review (AR) outh from the local Beautiful Gate Bap- for myself and my church so people will released its first app. Although the app’s re- Ytist Church have graciously been lend- learn who we are and what we stand for.” lease will likely be upstaged by other events ing a helping hand to food service workers taking place at the General Conference Ses- throughout the General Conference Session SCANNERS AND PLATE DISTRIBUTORS sion in San Antonio (Fundamental Beliefs, in San Antonio. As a result of their help with Adventist youth are doing their part to women’s ordination), the app significantly distributing bottles of water and frozen assist with the meal service as well. Some improves the availability of feature articles fruit bars to guests each day during the 14 teens are greeting the guests with a smile, until now only available in print or online. lunchtime meal, as well as overseeing the scanning their meal cards, and handing Speaking about changing reading habits, fresh fruit and cookie tables, session food them a plastic plate. Receiving no pay for Claude Richli, associate publisher of Advent- service director Jeanette Jump says labor their work, the young people still see it as ist Review, said, “We know a lot of people costs are being kept low. rewarding. consume information on the [Adventist Re- “The name of their group fits so well— “It’s fun to help people,” said Somiaya view] Web site, something like 300,000 visi- Helping Hands,” said Jump, also special Goulvourne from Tennessee, “and I’m mak- tors every month. But we also know that this events coordinator for Employee Food Ser- ing friends at the same time.” is not the way people want to read material vice for the General Conference office. “We Volunteer Jemima Klingbeil said that speak- that lifts them up, builds their faith, deepens are so grateful for their help.” ing multiple languages has been useful. their relationship with Jesus, and builds their The Helping Hands group of about 20 “I know only two languages—German and identity with the church.” people comprise mostly youth but also a English—but sometimes when I’m trying to The AR app takes most of the feature ar- few parents. They are raising funds to pay help a person who speaks Spanish, I call ticles that appear in print or online and makes for a week at summer camp for kids that my sister and say, ‘Hey, get over here,’ be- them completely portable in a digital format. can’t afford it themselves, so RK Group, the cause Hannah speaks Spanish,” Jemima said. Because news and news commentaries are catering company responsible for provid- Hannah Klingbeil noted that the cafete- frequently updated on the AR Web site, they ing the Session meals, is aiding their ef- ria is busiest on Sabbaths. will not be available on the app; but the rest forts. RK is donating funds to help pay the “We dash out of church and race here, of the magazine will be. Articles will appear way for the young Session worker campers. and then there’s a rush of people,” she said. just as they do on the Web site, except in a And the young people seem to be enjoying “On Sabbaths we feed thousands more format to fit smartphone screens. the job. people than during the week.” The Adventist Review app is available for “It’s been fun,” said Yairesan Chez from The scanning team is lead by David free from the Apple Store. But each issue is Helping Hands, adding that most of the Macomber, a bush pilot from Chad. available only to subscribers. A 12-month sub- people “have been really nice.” scription costs US$17.99, and single issues Witnessing other cultures has also been MAKING A DIFFERENCE? cost US$2.99. Now available only for Apple eye opening for some of the young people. So is all this young assistance really vital devices, the app will be accessible for An- Marisol Acosta said she’s appreciated how to the food service program? droid devices in a few weeks. the international Adventist group “are all “We could not have done it without their An AR app would have saved James White united. It’s a privilege to be part of it.” She help,” Jump said. “They are all truly amaz- an eight-mile walk in the July heat. added that it’s been “a great opportunity ing young people.”

10 ADVENTIST REVIEW | GC SESSION BULLETIN: JULY 9, 2015 Creation science is on display at the Faith and Science Council’s booth in the exhibition hall. DAVID B. SHERWIN AR/ANN

celebrate our belief in the biblical Creation and enjoy one another’s company.” Tickets for Living Waters are in limited quan- tity, and FSC representatives say they will be distributed on a first come, first served basis. In addition to the world premiere of Liv- ing Waters, FSC is also sponsoring a series of media presentations on Creation during the General Conference Session called “Yes, Cre- ation!” There will be presentations in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and French, and a schedule can be found at the FSC booth in the exhibit hall. “This is an opportunity for us to roll out some of the fabulous media that has been BRIGHT NEW WORLD produced in association with the Faith and UNDERLINING FAITH IN GENESIS Science Council,” says Standish. Attendees of the GC Session can also pur- BY EVAN KNOTT, ADVENTIST REVIEW/ANN chase a new book on Creation in the Old Tes- hat connects the world premiere of a exhibition patrons to examine. Attendees can tament co-produced by the Faith and Science Wmovie, a whale skeleton, and some of visit the booth to discover the “Fossil of the Council in cooperation with the Biblical Re- the best new scholarship about the biblical Day” as well as see the skeleton of a beluga search Institute and the Geoscience Research doctrine of Creation? whale. Institute. He Spoke and It Was: Divine Creation As one of the newest organizations exhib- “We tried to pull together a collection of in the Old Testament, edited by Adventist iting at this General Conference (GC) Session, fossils that illustrates various aspects of the Review associate editor Gerald Klingbeil, is the Faith and Science Council (FSC) is cele- fossil record and design in nature,” says the first book in a new Creation series pro- brating the close link between Creation and Standish. duced by this partnership. redemption. The exhibit (booth A502 of the The FSC exhibit is also distributing free He Spoke and It Was can be purchased exhibit hall) aims to demonstrate that the tickets to the world premiere of Living Wa- through the Adventist Book Center. A more relationship between the natural sciences ters: Intelligent Design in the Oceans of the comprehensive, scholarly version, The Gen- and the Bible’s account of creation can be World on July 10 in San Antonio. The docu- esis Account and Its Reverberations in the complementary. mentary, produced by Illustra Media, features Old Testament, can be purchased through Session attendees who visit the booth will breathtaking cinematography and examines Andrews University Press. The second volume find Geological Research Institute scientists evidences of a Creator from ocean life. of the Creation Series will deal with Creation available to the public for answering ques- “This is the latest from Illustra Media. Any- in the New Testament and is expected to be tions concerning biology, geology, paleontol- one who has seen their films knows that this released some time next year. ogy, and biblical Creation. is fabulous stuff!” says Standish. The Faith and Science Council was created “What we’re hoping to communicate is the The premiere of Living Waters is expected by the General Conference of Seventh-day everlasting gospel of Revelation 14:6-7—that to attract a large number of evangelical Chris- Adventists to study the interrelationships of we are to worship our Creator and our Re- tians from the greater San Antonio area in science and Scripture, with particular atten- deemer,” say Dr. Timothy Standish of the Geo- addition to the Adventists attending GC Ses- tion to Creation. The council’s membership science Research Institute. sion, reports Standish. “This is a wonderful comprises scientists, theologians, educators, The exhibit features a variety of fossils for way we all can join together as Christians and pastors, and church administrators.

GC SESSION BULLETIN: JULY 9, 2015 | ADVENTIST REVIEW 11 SPOTLIGHT

BEYOND FORGIVENESS TO RECONCILIATION THE STANDARD IS HIGHER FOR CHRISTIANS, MUCH HIGHER. /ANN AR DOMINIK ZEH DOMINIK

BY DAVID SEDLACEK or Jesus, there was no negotiating about to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a the priority of love. liar. For whoever does not love their brother F Once a clever lawyer asked Jesus about and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love the greatest commandment in the law. “Jesus God whom they have not seen” (1 John 4:20). replied: ‘ “Love the Lord your God with all This principle of love is foundational to all your heart and with all your soul and with all relationships because “God is love” (1 John your mind.” This is the first and greatest com- 4:8). Relationships between parents and chil- mandment. And the second is like it: “Love dren, spouses, and members of the church your neighbor as yourself.” All the Law and family are all subject to this principle of love. the Prophets hang on these two command- The sad reality is that in our humanness ments’ ” (Matt. 22:37-40). we often fall far short of this biblical impera- In other words, Jesus was emphasizing that tive. Self gets in the way and too frequently everything else in Scripture must be filtered unhealthy conflicts between people result in through the lens of love for God and, just as broken relationships. In this fallen world we important, love for our neighbors. hurt one another. In most cases the hurt is The apostle John wrote, “Whoever claims unintentional, but it’s still painful. As a

12 ADVENTIST REVIEW | GC SESSION BULLETIN: JULY 9, 2015 If God made peace with everyone by the death of Jesus on the cross, aren’t we compelled to do the same thing with each of our brothers and sisters, no matter how much we disagree about an issue?

result, a strain or distance can occur in rela- in my thinking because these patterns were fort from “the God of all comfort” (2 Cor. 1:3), tionships. Often relationships are broken, so deeply ingrained in my thinking, emotions, and from others in a trusted community. Hu- altogether in an attempt to keep from being and living. Despite who I still was at the time, mility in forgiveness acknowledges that I’m hurt again. this sister didn’t judge me, reject me, or dis- no better than those who hurt me, because tance herself from me. She simply loved my I’m capable of inflicting the same pain on MY STORY family and me. others. (If you are uncertain of this truth, sim- Nearly 30 years ago, when I first became At first I couldn’t understand. I judged her ply ask God to show you how you are like a Seventh-day Adventist, I had a narrow view as a flaming liberal. But that didn’t deter her those who hurt you.) of God’s love. I was raised in a family in which love for me. She kept her heart open to me, Forgiveness is a call to heart searching, to being right was more important than being even when mine was closed to her. I began see the hurting and sinful ways in my own loving. I loved God the best way I knew, but to understand God’s love through this sister heart (Ps. 139:23, 24). When someone hurts I didn’t understand that my relationship with to whom I am eternally grateful. I had never us, that person owes us a debt (Matt. 18:23- God was fear-based. My internal belief sys- experienced such a thing, and my heart was 35). The decision to forgive is a choice to no tem said, “If you don’t do everything right, melted. longer require satisfaction of that debt, but and keep all the commandments, you’ll be to stamp it “paid in full.” This implies that I judged and condemned.” PERFECT IN LOVE surrender the right to bring it up again and The problem with my fear-based religion Jesus shared this perspective with His fol- rub it in the person’s face. Like the Father, I was that in my self-righteousness I put my- lowers: “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love must cast it into the sea of forgetfulness. self as judge and jury above others. I looked your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I Forgiveness doesn’t gloss over differences down on others and condemned them be- tell you, love your enemies and pray for those or pretend they don’t exist, but it opens my cause they weren’t doing everything I con- who persecute you, that you may be children heart to others in love. Prayer for those who sidered right. Because I was so judgmental, of your Father in heaven. . . . If you love those hurt me opens my heart to them even more. I missed seeing people; and I saw their dif- who love you, what reward will you get? Are As the apostle Peter wrote: “Finally, all of you, ferences as faults. not even the tax collectors doing that? And be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one an- I left the organized church for a short time, if you greet only your own people, what are other, be compassionate and humble. Do not priding myself that I wasn’t leaving the “true you doing more than others? Do not even repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On church” but what I considered “Babylon,” or pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because the false church. I thought of myself as part heavenly Father is perfect” (Matt. 5:43-48). to this you were called so that you may inherit of the “true” remnant. I asked to have my In this passage from the Sermon on the a blessing” (1 Peter 3:8, 9). name removed from the church books. In this Mount, Jesus connects perfection with love. process, I hurt my wife, my children, and my The command to be perfect is the command MOVING TOWARD RECONCILIATION church family, to say nothing of how I hurt to love maturely and selflessly. Unfortunately, Through this process we are now positioned my precious Lord. instead of this type of love, we often relate for the possibility of reconciliation. Humanly Through a series of events the Lord intro- to others as functional enemies. Instead of speaking, the last thing we want to do is rec- duced me to a correct understanding of grace blessing them, we curse them; instead of do- oncile with those who hurt us. We want to and righteousness by faith. My heart was bro- ing good to them, we show hatred by the way stay away from them, cut them off, wish they ken. I went back to my church family, con- we treat them. If we pray for them at all, it’s didn’t exist. fessed the error of my previous thinking, and so that they will be molded into an image of I’m thankful God didn’t treat me that way. was welcomed back into its fellowship with our making. We were restored to relationship with God open arms. I was the recipient of the grace Forgiveness is an essential element of true through the work of Christ. “All this is from and forgiveness I so badly needed. Christian love. Humanly speaking, when we’re God, who reconciled us to himself through In this process one dear sister stands out. hurt by another person or group, we can Christ and gave us the ministry of reconcilia- We had moved to California to serve at Wei- choose whether or not to forgive. Forgive- tion: that God was reconciling the world to mar Institute. The Lord had already done a ness essentially involves acknowledging the himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins lot of work on me, but I was still quite rigid hurt, grieving the loss, and experiencing com- against them. And he has committed to us the

GC SESSION BULLETIN: JULY 9, 2015 | ADVENTIST REVIEW 13 ing the course of her illness. When they arrived, my friend prayed with her one last time. As she faintly recognized his voice, she physi- cally responded but was unable to speak. All the family was around her bed as the Sabbath drew to a close. Everyone knew the end was near. Her favorite songs were hymns. One of her sons put his iPhone next to her ear and played “I’d Rather Have Jesus.” While the song played, her body noticeably relaxed, and with a few short breaths she breathed her last. My friend went out to the patio to support his grieving brother. They were followed by nieces and nephews openly sobbing, express- ing their grief at the loss of their beloved grandmother. He soon realized that everyone had left the room except the women—his wife, daughter, and his brother’s two daughters- in-law. Before her death, the dying woman asked her eldest son that she be dressed before leaving her bed. The women minis- tered to her by washing and anointing her entire body with a fragrant lotion in a sacred ceremony reminiscent of the anointing of the body of Jesus. When they ﬁnished, they dressed the woman in one of her ﬁnest suits, as she had requested. The culmination of this sacred, private moment was to be a celebration. Ev- eryone was deeply moved. Perhaps the greatest fruit of this touching ceremony, however, was the reconciliation between family members who had long been

/ANN separated by relational stress. Some hadn’t AR spoken in many years. Now, at the death of this godly woman, years of bitterness melted away, and they held each other close. Later

JOSEF KISSINGER JOSEF KISSINGER at the funeral the woman’s three brothers, who hadn’t spoken to each other for many message of reconciliation” (2 Cor. 5:18, 19). him to reconcile to himself all things, whether years, stood with their arms around each other Are we willing to no longer count our broth- things on earth or things in heaven, by mak- beside the casket. Before she died she asked ers’ and sisters’ sins against them, but rather ing peace through his blood, shed on the that they put away the differences that had to be ministers of reconciliation, just as Jesus cross” (Col. 1:19, 20). separated them for so long. Their love for her was with us? This is the result of regeneration, If God made peace with everyone by the overcame their bitterness, and they granted of being a new person in Christ (verse 17). death of Jesus on the cross, aren’t we com- her request by reconciling. In practical terms, this means being will- pelled to do the same thing with each of our What will it take for us to be reconciled to ing to have conversation with those who hurt brothers and sisters, no matter how much one another? Is the death of our Lord and me, or who may see things differently than we disagree about an issue? Is being “right” Savior Jesus Christ enough? Will we crucify me. It means that I may have to listen care- about an issue more important than main- Him afresh, determined to hold on to our bit- fully without judgment so that I can hear the taining a loving relationship? terness and hatred? What else can we do to heart of others to understand how important bring our hearts into harmony with His char- an issue is to them. LOVE THAT COMPELS US acter of love? Reconciliation might mean a willingness She was dying; the family had been called. to apologize for a real or perceived hurt we My friend and his wife drove to Texas to be David Sedlacek is a professor of family ministry and discipleship at the Seventh-day Adventist Theologi- have caused others. “For God was pleased to with his brother and failing sister-in-law whom cal Seminary in Berrien Springs, Michigan, United have all his fullness dwell in him, and through he had prayed with and for many times dur- States.

14 ADVENTIST REVIEW | GC SESSION BULLETIN: JULY 9, 2015

Through Trials to Triumph

The Advent Movement and Jesus’ Return

DEVOTIONAL his was the moment they’d been INTO THE RIVER waiting for. After 40 years of wan- The time for stepping forward in faith dering and delayed hopes, of pitch- had come. I can hear the sounds of the T ing tents and digging graves, they shofar blasting in the camp, the shuffle were now at the edge of the Promised and bleat of a million feet and sheep and Land. goats. I can see the ark pressing forward, But between the children of Israel and and the people following down the bank. Canaan was the river Jordan, almost The priests approach the raging flow. They BY ALAIN CORALIE bursting at its banks. As they reached the dip their feet into the river. As dusty feet river, they “lodged there” (Joshua 3:1).1 meet frenzied, furious waters, the current DEVOTIONAL MESSAGE suddenly stops. They walk halfway over PRESENTED WEDNESDAY LODGED BY THE RIVER the Jordan and stand in the bed of the MORNING, JULY 8, 2015 This was no accident. As they lodged river as the people cross, not on muddy or by a surging and swollen river it dawned soggy ground, but on dry ground. on them that the task before them was As they crossed the Jordan, they waved humanly impossible: God would have to goodbye to years of wandering in the des- show up one way or another for them to ert and said hello to the land that flows make it. with milk and honey. And when they had Sometimes we have to lodge at some all crossed, Jordan rolled on as before, Jordan rivers to understand that only God overflowing its banks. can deliver! Sometimes we have to face darkness to know the Lord as our light; STONES OF REMEMBRANCE to become weak to recognize that the Then God told Joshua to do something Lord is our strength; to be broke to realize odd: He told Joshua to call out 12 leaders that God is our provider; to experience of the 12 tribes of Israel, command each sickness and pain to know the Balm that one to pick up a stone from the middle makes the wounded whole. of the river bed, and carry it on his shoul- Israel’s lodging at the river Jordan der into the Promised Land. Then they helped them understand that their situ- were to set up these stones as pillars at a ation required divine intervention. place called Gilgal. That period was also meant to be a Why did they have to set up this pillar? time of preparation for what God was What do these stones mean? If they could about to do. Joshua said to the people, speak they would cry out, “Your God is “Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the faithful!” Setting up these stones in Gilgal Lord will do wonders among you” (verse was to fix on the people’s mind that God 5). The Lord was about to perform won- had been faithful from their start in Egypt ders among His people, and His people to their crossing into the Promised Land. needed to be ready for it. They could not These stones were a sign (Joshua 4:5, enter into Canaan without some conse- 6), and “a memorial to the children of cration, some revival and reformation, Israel forever” (verse 7). They were a vivid some renewal and transformation. So as and tangible witness of God’s power and they waited at the edge of the Promised presence in Israel’s history. For God knew Land, the children of Israel consecrated that even a memorable event like the themselves to God. crossing of the river Jordan could soon be forgotten.

16 ADVENTIST REVIEW | GC SESSION BULLETIN: JULY 9, 2015 Sometimes we can be so forgetful. God the Jordan on the tenth day of the first blesses us, and we forget. God delivers us, month, and they camped in Gilgal on the God’s hand and we forget. God makes a way for us, east border of Jericho.” and we forget. So when God asks us to Mention of the tenth day of the first remember, He’s not simply asking us to month is significant. The Passover was can be seen exercise our memory skills—He’s asking instituted on the tenth day of the first us to dwell upon His action in our lives; month (Ex. 12:2, 3). Mentioning the tenth to cherish and celebrate the wonderful day of the first month reminds us here from the things He has done. that God had not forgotten His promise. It’s a dangerous thing to forget our past: The same God who initiated their depar- people that do not remember their his- ture from the land of slavery guaranteed beginning of tory are people with no identity and no their arrival into Canaan. The same God future; if we don’t know how we got here, who at Creation had said, “Let the dry we won’t know why we are here or how land appear” (Gen. 1:9), gathered up the this movement we’ll get there. We’ll suffer disorientation Jordan waters so that His people could and confusion regarding our present con- cross on dry ground. God had been faith- dition and our future direction. ful to His people. all the way Could this be a real danger we face as As we look back over the years, can we a people? Could it be that some of us feel testify that God has been good to us as a embarrassed by our past and want to people? Has He been faithful? Yes, He has! to where we distance ourselves from it in an effort to Who would have bet on a movement that be more trendy and relevant in this day started with a Great Disappointment? and age? Could it be that some of us do Who would have bet on a denomination are now: the not even know how we got here as a that started with a bunch of inexperi- denomination? enced youth and a 17-year-old girl who How can we forget people such as Wil- claimed to receive visions from God? Yet border of the liam Miller, Ellen White, or John N. here we are, decades later, one of the fast- Andrews? How can we forget the contri- est growing denominations, almost 20 butions of Anna Knight, H.M.S. Richards, million members around the world, with Promised Land. Sr., and E. E. Cleveland? How can we forget “nothing to fear for the future, except as 1844, 1863, and 1888? If there is a time we shall forget the way the Lord has led we should remember how God has moved us, and His teaching in our past history.”2 in the midst of history to bring about this great movement, it is now! STONES FOR TOMORROW We are not the product of some pro- What else do these stones mean? phetic misinterpretation! We are not the “When your children ask, . . . then you result of some hermeneutic miscalcula- shall let your children know, saying, tion! This church has been called into ‘Israel crossed over this Jordan on dry existence by God, established by God land’; . . . that all the peoples of the earth with a specific mission: to proclaim God’s may know the hand of the Lord, that it is final message to a perishing world, and mighty, that you may fear the Lord your to prepare people for Christ’s soon return. God forever” (Joshua 4:21-24). By all means, let’s not forget. If these stones could speak, they would Joshua 4:19 reminds us of God’s faith- proclaim, “Your God is mighty!” The text fulness: “Now the people came up from makes it clear that God wanted to let all

GC SESSION BULLETIN: JULY 9, 2015 | ADVENTIST REVIEW 17 the surrounding nations know that He is We point people to Jesus Christ, a Savior soon be enveloped into eternity. Trials mighty! He wanted to demonstrate that who can forgive them when they’ve gone and troubles will soon be history. Distress He specializes in the impossible, that He wrong, who can strengthen them when and sadness will soon make room for accomplishes the unfeasible and achieves they are weak and challenge them when gladness. Death will soon be canceled by the unattainable. they become complacent. They need to life, and this mortal body shall put on And God got the Canaanites’ attention! know that there is a God who can not only immortality. Yes, He’s coming again. They panicked (Joshua 5:1). But at the dry the river Jordan but also dry the tears Fellow pilgrims bound for our eternal same time, those stones at Gilgal were in their eyes in the new earth John saw. Canaan, lift up your eyes, lift up your also a message of encouragement and So tell them about the manger. Tell voices, “lift up the cup of salvation and empowerment to the Israelites, a sign of them about the cross. Tell them about the call on the name of the Lord” (Ps. 116:13, God’s continued presence, evidence that empty tomb. Tell them about our High NIV),3 He’s coming again. Sing a joyful He would still be working for them. These Priest. Tell them about His second com- song, He’s coming again. Tell the nations were not milestones only; they were ing. Tell them about Jesus, “that all the He’s coming again. Bless His name. Lift stepping-stones. They were to remind peoples of the earth may know the hand Him up. Rejoice in Him. Praise Him. them of past triumphs, and also point to of the Lord, that it is mighty, that you may Honor Him. Trust in Him! Lean on Him. future victories. fear the Lord your God forever.” Bow down before Him. Adore Him. Wor- Adventists are not only a community of We can count on His promises. And ship Him. He’s coming again! memory, but foremost a community of when He says He’s coming again, He’s 1 Unless otherwise noted, Bible texts in this article are from hope; an eschatological people. By deﬁni- coming again! It seems to me that up the New King James Version. Copyright © 1979, 1980, 1982 by tion, we look forward. We cannot afford above my head I can hear music in the air. Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. 2 Ellen G. White, Life Sketches of Ellen G. White (Mountain only to look back to our pioneers. We also Up above my head. I can hear the great View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1915), p. 196. need to be pioneers ourselves, forging trumpet sounding. Up above my head I 3 Texts credited to NIV are from the Holy Bible, New Interna- ahead, reaching out in mission and service, can hear the angels sounding the shout tional Version. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. knowing that God is still active, still lead- of His coming. ing. And we, His people, are to respond Fellow pilgrim, lift up your head and Alain Coralie is associate executive secretary of the East-Central Africa Division, located in Nairobi, accordingly. We are here to possess the behold your King. Shout with a voice of Kenya. He and his wife, Caroline, have one daughter, land. We are people with a mission! triumph. He’s coming again. Time will Audrey-Joy.

18 ADVENTIST REVIEW | GC SESSION BULLETIN: JULY 9, 2015 PAUL RATSARA PRESIDENT SOUTHERN AFRICA-INDIAN OCEAN DIVISION REPORT

In the midst of Africa’s breathtaking beauty, which includes Victoria Falls, live a people who long to connect with God, their Creator. PIXABAY

was perhaps the continent’s most active centenarian. Although he has slowed down a little, Sibanda at the age of 113 is now the world’s oldest active Pathfinder and Adventist preacher. Advocating a vegetarian diet, regular exercise, a good atti- tude, and constant trust in the Word of God, he is inspiring a deeper commitment for the three angels’ messages in the hearts of young and old. But the work of spreading the gospel is dependent on lay members. The division has only 1,552 pastors for its 9,992 churches and 13,068 companies and A Playground and a groups. LAY MEMBERS TAKE THE LEAD Church membership has grown rapidly Battlefield for Souls in the division as lay members lead. Many factors have contributed to the he Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Divi- God’s key instrument in this cosmic growth, but the use of small groups has sion is home to sandy deserts and lush struggle are the 3,346,372 members of the proven to be one of the most effective. Train forests. Seventh-day Adventist Church in the More than 31,000 people were baptized You will witness the world’s largest Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division. in just eight months after thousands of single sheet of falling water if you follow Here are some of their stories. small Bible study groups were organized the meandering Zambezi River through in Angola. More than 3,000 people southern Africa to Victoria Falls, where a TOTAL PARTICIPATION were baptized on a single Sabbath in perpetual rainbow creates a spectacular Rima is 6, and has diligently preached Madagascar. wonder of the world. the gospel in Madagascar for the past two Every new member immediately You will feel Africa if you go on safari years. Armed with the Bible, blessed with becomes a soul winner, a participant of in Botswana or Malawi, or if you opt for a good memory, and encouraged by his the division’s Fishers of Man program that an adventure in the last untouched rain mother, Rima stands tall as he preaches trains them to become disciples who lead forests of Madagascar. the Word. others to Jesus. When you breathe in the fresh air atop The Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Divi- Among the new soul winners is N. K. Table Mountain in South Africa, you will sion offers regular preaching seminars for Kerk, a former ordained minister in the exclaim: “ ‘In the beginning God created children, allowing them to sharpen their Dutch Reformed Church, now an Adven- the heavens and the earth!’ ” calling and to be equipped with homiletic tist evangelist. His decision to fully In the midst of such breathtaking skills. accept the biblical truths as taught by the beauty live a people who long to connect Child preachers are a growing phenom- Adventist Church testifies to the power with God, their Creator. enon in the division, but church members of the Word of God and the persuasive This is Africa: a playground and a bat- of all ages are sharing Jesus. influence of the Holy Spirit. tlefield for souls. Three years ago Jato Mailose Sibanda Our church members embrace Adventist

GC SESSION BULLETIN: JULY 9, 2015 | ADVENTIST REVIEW 19 Meals on Wheels plishes the mission of the church. On a Community Service grassroots level, training is ongoing in inspires hope and every church ministry. Spirit-ﬁlled men shares love with and women are training and being trained each of the millions in God’s service. of meals served Historically, Adventist education has every year. SID been the channel through which church pioneers spread the gospel. The tradition continues in the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division. With 149 high schools, 249 grade schools, and 12 institutions of Church cofounder Ellen G. White’s state- comforting those who are elderly. higher learning, the spirit of Adventist ment in Steps to Christ: “There is nothing It is Christ’s method of meeting people education is alive and well. As young more calculated to strengthen the intel- at their point of need that motivates vol- people graduate from our institutions and lect than the study of the Scriptures.”* For unteer and self-sponsored youth groups enter the job market, government and this reason, the division has fully to organize themselves into mission business leaders recognize the unique embraced Revived by His Word, the daily groups at home and beyond. Using their contribution that Adventist education is Bible reading plan from the General gifts and talents to the glory of God, making to improve local communities, Conference. young people are inspiring other young further raising the credibility of the Young people are especially active in people to surrender to Christ through the church. sharing Jesus. More than 1,000 young gift of music on the streets, in airports, in people from around the world descended stadiums, and at special events. CHURCHES, TV, AND HIV on South Africa and became the hands A division-wide growth in initiatives As the church in this region grows, the and feet of Jesus for Impact South Africa, and participation is linked to division need for more church buildings is also a division-organized prelude to the third leaders’ vision casting and consistent growing. We are indebted to Maranatha International Youth Congress. People’s efforts to develop leadership. We organize Volunteers International and other min- hearts melted as they saw the young an annual leadership summit that istry partners, such as Lightbearers people reaching out to those who are exposes church members to an interna- International and Remnant Publications, needy, preparing food for those who are tional group of God-fearing leaders and for their consistent investment in the poor, feeding those who are hungry, and helps them ensure that their work accom- growth of the division. Maranatha has completed 3.995 projects, including Rima is 6 and 2,797 churches. has diligently We have 3,955 literature evangelists preached sharing Jesus through the printed page. the gospel in From books to digital media, the divi- Madagascar for sion is employing every means to spread the past two the gospel. years. SIDMedia, located in Cape Town, South SID Africa, produces a variety of creative programs for Hope Channel to meet the spiritual needs of people who can be reached only through modern technology. Since January 1, 2015, Hope Channel Zambia has been broadcasting 24 hours a day, bringing hope and blessings to Zambians and others through powerful, Bible-based messages and inspirational music. Hope Channel Malawi was officially launched on February 15, 2015, and also broadcasts around the clock. In hard-to-reach villages in Madagascar, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, and Namibia, Adventist World Radio is making a significant difference through solar- powered or hand-cranked radios that it supplies.

20 ADVENTIST REVIEW | GC SESSION BULLETIN: JULY 9, 2015 During this quinquennium Africa lost they’re from—deserves the opportunity one of its greatest leaders, Nelson Man- to live a fulfilling and meaningful life. dela. We acknowledge and pay tribute to As Christians, that’s what we’ve been the role that he played in the struggle for called to do. Therefore no one is left out democracy in South Africa. of ADRA’s reach in the division. Since At the same time, as a church we place 1964 the Meals on Wheels community a high value on a key part of democracy— service has been inspiring hope and religious freedom—and have been proac- sharing love with every meal served. tive in engaging national and political Reaching out to destitute and vulnerable leaders in every country on our territory. elderly people and children, the church- In Botswana, Gaborone mayor Haskins owned agency operates 512 volunteer- Nkaigwa recently affirmed the Adventist driven service centers throughout health message after attending a health southern Africa. Millions of meals are seminar. served every year. We campaign regularly against the At 113, Jato Mailose Sibanda is the The Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Divi- world’s oldest active Pathfinder and abuse of women and children, showing sion is a territory that God’s finger has Adventist preacher. SID that the church is committed to the pro- touched with breathtaking views and tection and well-being of the vulnerable. unbelievable natural phenomena. But the Our friends and neighbors are looking at ing the way in encouraging others to Seventh-day Adventist Church in this Adventists as role models of destigmati- know their status by testing, thereby region is consistently demonstrating that zation against those who live with HIV/ receiving treatment and improving the the most precious jewels of Africa are not AIDS and are applauding our biblical quality of life. the waterfalls, diamonds, or nature, but position of abstinence before marriage. We believe that everybody—no matter the people, for whom Christ died. Adventists living with HIV/AIDS are lead- who they are, what they do, or where * Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1956, p. 90.

GC SESSION BULLETIN: JULY 9, 2015 | ADVENTIST REVIEW 21 22 ADVENTIST REVIEW EXHIBIT HALL FEATURE Peruvian UnionUniversity Booth B556 ADVENTIST REVIEW/ BY MARCOS PASEGGI, GC SESSION BULLETIN: JULY 9, 2015 | ANN invites delegatesandvisitors tostopby convention #B556ofthe centerbooth combined offerof43degree programs. country, over 13,000studentsanda with campusmain andtwo branches across the Peruvian Adventist University has one tered university now asa 1983,the in houreast andbeingeventuallyan char- citytal ofLima. Years later, aftermoving capi- Miraflores, 1919in the in in district a S flagshipThe in institution Peru is excited aboutitspresentfuture. and Peruvian Union exhibit University’s in the Industrial Institutewas Industrial the founded Peru in tion hascome longway a since eventh-day Adventist highereduca- a high order.” high a fostersacademicment that enterpriseof environ- healthy Christian a place with versity publicrelations a office. “Thisis says Le-Roy uni- director ofthe Alomía, make ourstudents’dreams come true,” better.” outforthe turn place isa as advertised, “where things university beauty ofthe the campus that, country,the giantposterreveals third a of Machu Picchu multicolor anda mapof impressive an plottedphotographwith to “enjoy wonders ofPeru.” the Together “We really we can together believe that Stories From Our Past The university, which is advertised as James Nix, director of the Ellen G. White a place “for young people with big dreams Estate, brings Adventist History to life and lofty ideals,” is based on the wholistic during the evening devotionals. approach to education advocated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Its three campuses strive to provide a balanced education. That is why a music school, a foreign language institute, student work What are early centers, and sports activities all find a place as part of the curriculum-related missionaries activities. “We have two immediate goals,” says Dr. Maximina Contreras Castro, the uni- telling us? versity president, in a brief interview with BY SANDRA BLACKMER, the Adventist Review. “We want to ADVENTIST REVIEW/ANN strengthen the degree programs by increasing and improving our laboratory erving 50 years as a missionary in a facilities. We are in urgent need of new foreign country. Risking personal labs for our program in medicine intro- S funds to purchase property for the duced three years ago and for our brand church. Traveling as a single woman all new program in architecture and civil the way to India from the United States to work as a missionary in a time when such things “just weren’t done.” White Estate director Jim Nix told these stories, and more, of Adventist missionaries during the first 50 years of the church’s mission program, on Wednesday evening, July 8. Session attendees learned of the deep, heartfelt commitment to God and incredible spirit of sacrifice evidenced by men and women during the formative years of Seventh-day Adventism—such as W. A. Spicer, a former GC president; William H. Anderson, a missionary to Africa; John Burden, founder of Loma Linda Sanitarium (now Loma Linda Uni- versity); and Georgia Burrus, a missionary to India. engineering. In addition, enrollment Focusing on Spicer, Nix shared the increase in degree programs in nutrition story of Spicer’s election as president of also demands new laboratories.” the General Conference at the 1922 GC “That’s not all,” adds Dr. Castro. “Our session in Battle Creek, following the greatest dream is to have a church build- nominating committee’s inability to ing on our campus. In recent years, we decide whether to reelect A. G. Daniells have been meeting in a huge makeshift to the post. A letter Spicer wrote to his tent, which is far from ideal.” wife following his election, which Nix “But we have begun the construction read, revealed his personal thoughts on of a church building, which, when fin- the surprising turn of events. ished, will seat 3,500,” says Contreras. Some delegates said they were aston- “Our goal is to complete the church build- ished by the stories and inspired by these ing by 2019, the year of our centennial people who gave their all for God. celebrations.”

GC SESSION BULLETIN: JULY 9, 2015 | ADVENTIST REVIEW 23 1. IT’S TIME TO PRAY: Delegates pray together during the Wednesday morning business session. PHOTO: KENN DIXON, AR/ANN 2. STORYTELLER EXTRAORDINAIRE: James Nix, director of the Ellen G. White Estate, brings Adventist history to life during an evening devotional. PHOTO: DICK DUERKSEN, AR/ANN 3. SERVICE WITH A SMILE: Kari Remmers (left) and Jemima Klingbeil, two of the faithful group of volunteers, check the meal tickets of GC Session attendees and delegates.

360˚ PHOTO: SETH SHAFFER, AR/ANN 4. FULL HOUSE: A picture of the Alamodome during the business session on Wednesday morning. Empty seats 1 were at a premium. PHOTO: SETH SHAFFER, AR/ANN 5. LONG LINES: Lines formed early behind the 2 microphones on the ﬂoor of the Alamodome during the ordination of women discussion on Wednesday morning. PHOTO: KENN DIXON, AR/ANN 6. THE QUEEN IS IN SESSION: Annalisa Quade in the children’s Sabbath school on the ﬁrst Sabbath of the GC Session. PHOTO: TOR TJERANSEN, AR/ANN 7. FROM EVERY NATION, TRIBE, TONGUE, AND PEOPLE. Tabitha N. Makana from the East-Central Africa Division during the evening report of her division. PHOTO: JOSAFAT ZEMLEDUCH, AR/ANN 8. SEND A POSTCARD: Visitors to the Columbia Union booth in the North American Division section of the convention center can take an unforgettable picture. PHOTO: ELSIE TJERANSEN, AR/ANN 9. A CHAIR IN ACTION: Mike Ryan, a general vice president of the General Conference, chairs the important Wednesday business session. PHOTO: TOR TJERANSEN, AR/ANN 10. GREAT COPY: A delegate absorbed in the reading of the daily bulletin of the Adventist Review.

SAN ANTONIO ANTONIO SAN PHOTO: TOR TTJERANSEN,JERANSEN, AR/ANN

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GC SESSION BULLETIN: JULY 9, 2015 | ADVENTIST REVIEW 25 SOUTH PACIFIC DIVISION REPORT

The South Paciﬁc Division is not only the largest Adventist division by territory, it is also the most diverse. SPD

Sudanese, and Chilean communities, among others, within its borders. So how do Adventists reach a territory so immense and a population so diverse? By remembering that we have nothing to fear when we recall how God has led in Adventist history. It was 1908 when the first three Sev- enth-day Adventist missionaries, Septi- mus and Edith Carr and Peni Tavodi, arrived in Port Moresby, capital of what is today Papua New Guinea. The governor had previously divided the area around Port Moresby between various Christian denominations. The Adventists met a “cool” reception from the other missionaries when they arrived. But they weren’t deterred. They headed out of Port Moresby to a remote area in the moun- tains to start their mission among the Koiari people. From the start, it didn’t go well. The Koiari were noted by early explorer Alexander Morton to be particularly warlike. They certainly weren’t interested in the gospel. The Adventists set up a mis- Changing History sion station and labored in remote Bisiatabu for a full year without a single baptism. The next year also ended with- One Heart at a Time out a baptism. The same pattern repeated over the next three years. hink of a globe. the largest Adventist division by terri- Finally, in the sixth year, a teenage boy Divide its circumference into thirds tory—it is also the most diverse. Papua was baptized. Soon after, the boy’s father Tin your mind. New Guinea alone has about 850 lan- withdrew him from the Adventist mis- Then imagine a division so immense guages. The division stretches from mod- sion, and that ended his association with that it stretches a third the circumference ern metropolises to some of the most the church. of that globe. isolated inhabited locations on earth. It If this beginning wasn’t discouraging That is the South Pacific Division. It includes the world’s most southern city, enough, Peni Tavodi, who by then was stretches almost 8,000 miles (13,000 kilo- where cold winds from the Antarctic married to Aliti, was bitten by a venom- meters), from the Cocos Islands in the blow, through to consistently balmy tropi- ous snake in 1918. He died, but not before west to Pitcairn Island in the east, and cal atolls. The division encompasses making a passionate appeal to the young from the Antarctic in the south to above countries that are majority Polynesian, men at the mission to give their lives to the equator in the north. Melanesian, Micronesian, and Caucasian. Jesus. The South Pacific Division is not only There are large Indian, Chinese, Arabic, Imagine the scene after Peni died. Ten

26 ADVENTIST REVIEW | GC SESSION BULLETIN: JULY 9, 2015 BARRY OLIVER PRESIDENT

years of extraordinary labor, and all to show for it was one teenage boy who had abandoned the faith, one dead missionary, his widow, and his fatherless children. Would you wake up the next day and preach the gospel again? It wasn’t until 1920—12 years after the first Adventist missionaries arrived and two years after Peni Tavodi died—that a boy named Baigani accepted the gospel. This time, however, things were different. Baigani served Jesus for many years and had a profound influence. More missionaries followed. In 1924 Pastor William Lock baptized 11 young people in Bisiatabu. By the mid-1930s Adventist missionaries were in many new areas of the country. The Lock family moved along a rugged trail known as the Kokoda Track, inland to the village of Efogi. There they set up a mission school and clinic. All along the Kokoda Track the Adventist message was preached. At the time, however, no one knew that in just a few short years the Kokoda Track would go from being an obscure trail in a history written, there is one chap that Avondale College of Higher Educa- forgotten part of the world to the center should get a large share of the praise. He tion in Australia is continuing to gain point of one of the greatest dramas in is the [Papuan]. . . . He sometimes arrives recognition. SPD human history: the battle between impe- with bleeding shoulders, puts the rial Japanese forces and the Australians, wounded gently down, shakes himself, bloodthirsty culture. What changed? New Zealanders, and their allies. grins, and off he goes for another trip.” For that, you have to go all the way back Unlike most battles, the lasting symbol- Speaking at the fiftieth anniversary of to 1908. Those 12 long years struggling ism of the Kokoda campaign is not a the Kokoda campaign in 1992, Australian to find a single person to accept the gos- fighter, general, or weapon. Rather it is prime minister P. J. Keating said: “Above pel had born fruit by the time of the the Papuans who displayed remarkable all, we should honor and express our pro- Kokoda campaign. “By the time World kindness and selflessness in assisting found admiration for the Papua New War II erupted, every village along the wounded soldiers to safety. So impressed Guinean carriers whose stalwart support Kokoda Trail had come under some mea- were the Australians by the Papuans that was crucial to the final victory.” sure of Adventist mission influence, with they called them “Kokoda angels.” Bert In recent years academics have striven baptized members in most village,” Alan Buros, an Australian combat engineer, to demythologize the Papuans who saved Smith wrote in Adventist Record on Sep- captured the admiration and thankful- wounded Australian and New Zealand tember 9, 1995. “The Koiaris had become ness Australian soldiers felt to those who soldiers. They note that many were so transformed that when the Japanese helped the wounded in a poem: “Many a coerced into service by the Australian penetrated the area in their advance lad will see his mother, and husbands see military. While this provides texture and toward Port Moresby, the Koiaris decided their wives, just because [Kokoda angels] context for the story, it still fails to explain to remain loyal to their missionary carried them to save their lives.” why people who were so mistreated were friends.” An Australian soldier put it this way: so kind in return. After all, the early Steven Barna, an Adventist pastor in “Believe me, when this war is over and its accounts of the people were of a warlike, villages along the Kokoda Track whose

GC SESSION BULLETIN: JULY 9, 2015 | ADVENTIST REVIEW 27 Paciﬁc Adventist University in Papua New Guinea is among the most selective universities in the world. SPD

Seventh-day Adventist Church is now the fastest growing multiethnic church in both New Zealand and Australia. In both countries Adventists run the premier health and wellness companies, which organize the biggest children’s tri- athlon series in the world and produces the most trusted breakfast food. Avondale College of Higher Education continues to gain recognition. Two Adventist grade schools surpassed 7,600 competitors to make it into the top 100 academic schools in Australia. Sydney Adventist Hospital is the largest private hospital in Australia. And Adventist Media is widely recognized as the leading Chris- tian media organization in the region. Across the Trans-Pacific, Mission to the Cities initiatives have resulted in excep- tional growth. In 2014, baptisms in Vanu- grandfather was a “Kokoda angel,” con- liness and respect and loyalty and cheer- atu soared by more than 550 percent, and firms that the kindness was linked to fulness. And, you know, I’ve got no beef baptisms in the Solomon islands rose by Christianity. “It was love that drove the for the Seventh-day Adventists . . . [but] if more than 250 percent. Baptisms in hearts of the people to help,” he says. you had to rely on a [Papuan] without Samoa increased by 400 percent in 2013. Firsthand accounts back this up. knowing him, or knowing the circum- Is the growth real? Jesus said that Pastor Lock, in his book Locks That Open stances, you know, the fact that he was a where our money is, that’s where our Doors, tells of receiving a letter of thanks Seventh-day Adventist would swing you.” hearts are. So let’s look at dollars and from Lieutenant R. I. McIlray, who wrote: In a time of greatest trial, the change cents. “I am writing this letter to tell you of the the gospel makes in people’s lives came During the past five years, the division’s grand job done by the [Papuans] of your through. tithe is up by 24 percent, growing at more mission . . . the good work of your people Today about 10 percent of Papua New than twice the increase in cost of living who apparently have by your example Guineans identify themselves as Seventh- in four of the five years. The division now and teachings reached a stage where they day Adventists in the national census. gives the highest world mission offerings can teach us something of Christian That is almost a half million more people as a percentage of tithe of any division in ideals.” claiming to be Adventists than the church the world. Australia, with its small popu- Perhaps an even more extraordinary counts as members. Maybe it is linked to lation, today is the fourth-highest tithe- report came from Australian commando the tremendous influence that the Sev- paying nation in the world, with Robin Sydney McKary, who said in an enth-day Adventist Church has in the Australians averaging almost 50 percent interview with Daniel Connell: “You had country today. Adventists occupy many more tithe per member than North your loyal and your disloyal [Papuans]. . high government offices. More than 50 Americans. . . Without being in any way sectarian, we percent of the students studying medicine Is it all good news? No. The Adventist found that the Seventh-day Adventists in the country are Adventists. Adventist Church in the South Pacific is in desperate were by far outstanding in loyalty. I know run a respected education and health net- need of the Holy Spirit. Our only hope is of not one Seventh-day Adventist adher- work around the country. Pacific Advent- Jesus. The same Jesus who walked with ent who was any way disloyal. I don’t ist University is among the most selective those early missionaries out of Port know what it is, but it just worked out that universities in the world. Moresby and down the Kokoda Track. The way. . . . The other religions could be one And Papua New Guinea is only one part same Jesus who lived in the hearts of the way or the other, but the Seventh-day of the South Pacific Division, where the Koiaris as they carried broken men back Adventists for some reason were particu- gospel is still changing history one heart to safety. The same Jesus who today con- larly loyal and . . . well, they always were at a time. tinues to change history across the South a cleaner people, they taught them clean- According to national censuses, the Pacific, one heart at a time.

28 ADVENTIST REVIEW | GC SESSION BULLETIN: JULY 9, 2015

30 ADVENTIST REVIEW EXHIBIT HALL FEATURE Outpost Centers International patient. Chris Borcherding, apilot for Peru Project, evacuates amedical Booth C1163 ADVENTIST REVIEW/ BY SANDRA BLACKMER, GC SESSION BULLETIN: JULY 9, 2015 | COURTESY OFOCI ANN OCI network impactsbigcities, remote villages. country settings to impact metropolitan settingstoimpactmetropolitan country Their collective isto workvision from worldwide.and evangelism ministries education, health, self-supporting lay-led, O other leaders and hear of their struggles struggles leaders and hear oftheir other River, where is director. pilot, Chris, a Peru Projects, located alongthe Amazon Borcherdings accepted call a toserve at veteran workers. with ing them The Chris and Amy Borcherding andconnect- and training foryoung couples such as support young leaders. Thatbeginswith personalandspirituallives the of ing in houses, amongothers. restaurants,etarian andpublishing programs, agricultural veg- development, centers, orphanages, evangelistic training include schools,ministries assisted-living Church new ones. andestablish These Seventh-day of the Adventistministries existing self-supporting to helpsustain continuesnization toexecute itsmission new institutions. tomany ofthese selor andencourager” son’s goalforOCI was toserve “coun- asa new organization. ofa formation Wil-the called ministries growth ofsupporting for Wildwood, in and Hospital Georgia. The president ofWildwood Lifestyle Center leadership ofWarren Wilson, former a communities.to their for creative ways tointroduce gospel the look growth asthey facilitates ministries’ makes available practical resources, and centers. OCI provides leadership training, “It has been a blessing to meet with blessingto meetwith a hasbeen “It OCI isparticularly committed toinvest- decades three More than later, orga- the OCI operation 1983underthe began in and support to a family toa ofsome100 and support nonproﬁt network, provides nurture Centers a utpost International (OCI), and how they’ve gotten past them,” the part of the organization’s ministry. Riverside Farm Institute in Zambia for 10, Borcherdings say. “[We] take courage that “It is vital that current leaders are con- was elected president in 2011. others have been here before, and God stantly sharing their experiences to help To learn more about Outpost Centers Inter- can use each of us.” prepare younger leaders,” Grabiner says. national, visit booth C1163 in the exhibit OCI president Steven Grabiner sees Grabiner, who previously served as OCI hall, or go to http://www.outpostcenters.org. mentoring young families as an essential vice president for 5 years and director of

On the Money Juan R. Prestol-Puesán (second from right), elected treasurer of the General Conference, stands with his predecessors (from left) Robert E. Lemon (2002-2015), Robert R. Rawson (1995-2002), and Donald F. Gilbert (1985-1995). Prestol-Puesán exudes confidence that the financial stewardship of the church, under God’s guidance and with the faithfulness of His people, will remain strong and mission-oriented. He is the twenty-sixth treasurer since the first General Conference session in 1863. PHOTO: DAVID B. SHERWIN

GC SESSION BULLETIN: JULY 9, 2015 | ADVENTIST REVIEW 31 SOUTHERN ASIA-PACIFIC DIVISION REPORT

Indonesia Cares: Indonesia care groups use contextualized resources. ABE CARPENA/SSD

good relationships in their locale. While a traditional family was the original focus, any Adventist member can invite other Adventists in their social circle to join together to make a family group. An IF befriends a non-church member family to become its CF. The bond between the IF and CF breaks down barriers as the friendship develops. This encourages open conversation about family life, health, and spiritual matters. A weekly study group is formed between these two families/family groups, using health and family materials as a starting point. Over time this group moves from these topics to Bible study. Meanwhile the local Shine On Till Jesus Comes! church hosts community-friendly activities with the CF in mind. Eventually the uring this past quinquennium the involved. Participation in annual Weeks CF is invited to an evangelistic series. The Southern Asia-Paciﬁc Division (SSD) of Prayer, Ten Days of Prayer, the 777 goal of this long-term collaboration Djoined the world church in emphasiz- prayer initiative, and daily Bible studies between the IF and local church would ing revival and reformation as the heart were encouraged at all levels of church be that the Adventist church become a of mission and evangelism. The motivat- organization. home for the CF. After baptism, new mem- ing slogan “Revival, Reformation, and bers continue to meet weekly with their Beyond” became the foundation for pro- INTEGRATED EVANGELISM LIFESTYLE care group for nurturing and discipleship. grams and activities in the entire region. As an umbrella for all SSD revival and Where this program is properly con- The rationale for this adaption of the reformation initiatives, the Integrated ducted, missions and conferences experi- world church’s slogan is that there have Evangelism Lifestyle (IEL) plan was con- ence tremendous growth. been calls for revival and reform in the ceived. Using a family approach, every In order to achieve the ideal use of the past, which started with great zeal and baptized member is encouraged to be program, individuals from the local level enthusiasm. After a while, however, the personally involved in a caring and loving to administrators were introduced to the movement flickered and faded away. ministry within the home and immediate concept in a variety of ways. Members Thus, the word “beyond” was added to neighborhood in partnership with the received resource materials to use in the emphasize the overarching objective of local church. Essentially this long-term local level. Training sessions about nur- revivals and calls for reform— the ﬁnish- program focuses on personal witnessing turing were held in the unions, missions, ing of the proclamation of the gospel and and nurturing of new church members. conferences, and institutions, as well as ushering in the return of Jesus. With this family approach to evange- for local pastors. Additionally, church Related programs from the world lism, IEL progresses in three phases over administrators in the region accepted the church headquarters were contextualized the course of a year. Two major compo- challenge of personally modeling the with the goal of members becoming more nents make the initiative effective when program. intentional in prayer, Bible study, and properly conducted: the IF (intercessor As a result, members were strength- personal witnessing. SSD departmental family) and the CF (cared family). The IF ened spiritually and became more directors developed programs for these is the Adventist family who spends time involved. Former members returned to areas and made sure that all church in Bible study and prayer as they experi- church, and new members joined. As a departments, services, and agencies were ence personal revival while establishing result, more than 200,000 new members

32 ADVENTIST REVIEW | GC SESSION BULLETIN: JULY 9, 2015 ALBERTO C. GULFAN PRESIDENT

were added in the challenging territory known as Mission to the Cities has been CENTERS OF INFLUENCE of SSD during this past quinquennium. heartily embraced here and was officially Another long-term aspect of Mission launched in Metro Manila with world to the Cities involves centers of influence. MEDIA church president Ted N. C. Wilson as the These are wholistic ministry establish- In addition to emphasis on personal main speaker. In addition, 75 satellite ments located in popular urban areas, and witnessing and one-to-one relationships, meetings were held simultaneously in offer interest-based services. In the SSD the SSD also focused on tapping technol- different parts of Manila during the two- they include restaurants, music schools, ogy to reach people on a larger scale. week series. and language centers. They are designed While the traditional way of sharing the In the months leading up to the evan- to be places where people can build rela- good news is still effective, the use of gelistic series, church members and lead- tionships and find a sense of belonging print media, the Internet, radio, and tele- ers engaged in a variety of community among new friends. vision have been vigorously promoted in evangelism programs in the areas of In Laos a vegetarian restaurant in the areas with such access. health and wellness, parenting, children capital city of Vientiane offers healthy food In October 2013 Hope Channel Philip- and youth, and compassionate acts. The and lifestyle improvement classes. In Thai- pines was officially inaugurated with the SSD’s One Year in Mission (OYIM-SSD) land members offered health, cooking, and acquisition of a national TV franchise and focused on friendship evangelism in the music classes as a prelude to a 25-site frequencies in major towns and cities business sector of Manila and subse- evangelistic series. After the series, interest across the country. Hope Channel Philip- quently studied the Bible with interested in the music classes remained so high that pines is also on satellite broadcast. Today there are Hope TV stations in three major Philippine cities: Manila, Cebu, and Cagayan de Oro. More than 20 FM and AM Adventist radio stations now broadcast positive programming throughout the archipelago. Programs in the four major dialects of the country—Tagalog, Cebuano, Hiligaynon, and Ilocano—are produced. To support the ongoing operation, church members have committed to giving at least 50 cents every Sabbath. On August 8, 2014, Hope Channel Indo- nesia was also officially inaugurated in A central Philippines care group emphasizes the family approach, which Jakarta. Today millions of Indonesians includes special children’s features. KIONA COSTELLO/SSD watch the Hope Channel in their own language. A small Adventist FM radio sta- young professionals there. a music school was opened to reach the tion was also inaugurated in Manado, With more than 3,000 people baptized community. There is even a mobile center North Sulawesi, Indonesia. It broadcasts during the May evangelistic series and the of influence in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. the good news of the coming kingdom to 7,000 baptisms resulting from related Originating from an existing urban health approximately a half million people. community programs offered by local ministry, a mobile medical unit brings churches, Hope Manila 2014 has resulted health care to high-need areas there. MISSION TO THE CITIES in more than 10,000 baptisms. The urban areas of SSD are prime audi- Field school training for city evangelism EDUCATION ences for our technology ministries. How- was offered to leaders of the nine unions Health care continues to be a practical ever, a more personalized approach is also and two attached missions of the SSD. method of meeting community needs. needed. To meet this need, Adventist city This training enabled them to initiate Mis- Countless medical missions are held in dwellers in SSD have developed unique sion to the Cities programs in the urban many of our SSD countries each year and evangelism programs in their communi- areas of Malaysia, Myanmar, Indonesia, bring free medical care to underprivileged ties. The urban evangelism initiative and other parts of the Philippines. communities.

GC SESSION BULLETIN: JULY 9, 2015 | ADVENTIST REVIEW 33 have a rich cultural spectrum. Within this CONCLUSION diversity we have a number of marginal- With almost 1 billion inhabitants in ized groups that we have attempted to the 14 countries of the division terri- reach in the last five years. tory, most of whom are non-Christians, For example, in a mountainous region the challenges are many. Religious free- of the Philippines, more than 70 Protes- dom is being challenged in some of our tant church leaders from the same tribal countries, but doors that were previ- group converted to Adventism. Nurturing ously closed are opening in others. Soci- of this specialized group continued in this etal problems such as poverty and quinquennium with culturally centered secularism are overwhelming in some fellowship and training and livelihood areas. But our members give and serve programs. Subsequently the number of as abundantly as they can in spite of converts has continued to grow while this. Civil unrest is part of the history membership retention remains stable. In in parts of the region, but our churches other areas of the SSD, dedicated Advent- seek to be centers of peace and positive A staff member at Manna vegetarian ists serve ethnic minority groups through influence. restaurant in Laos welcomes customers. literacy programs, livelihood projects, and Sometimes it seems an almost impos- TERESA COSTELLO/SSD health-care outreach. sible task to accomplish the mission of the church in this part of the world. How- A university-based blood drive held at ADRA ever, the joyful service, selfless attitudes, the Asia-Pacific International University The Adventist Development and Relief and resilient faith of our members (APIU) campus in Thailand received gov- Agency (ADRA) continues to maintain an inspires us. They walk with Jesus through ernment recognition after hosting a essential presence in SSD countries. Dur- their tiny villages, crowded neighbor- mobile eye surgery clinic for the Thai Red ing times of disaster ADRA volunteers hoods, and maze of metropolises bringing Cross Society. bring hope and needed supplies to the a word of encouragement, hope through After 30 years of dreaming, planning, people most affected. In the aftermath of health seminars, and enthusiasm for and praying, the education program of tragic events, rehabilitation and liveli- long-range lifestyle improvement. With the SSD has achieved a major break- hood projects sustain the well-being of the power of the Holy Spirit, we in the through with governmental approval for communities. Southern Asia-Pacific Division believe the opening of the first Adventist College In many areas of Southeast Asia there is that in God’s own time the work will be of Medicine in Asia. The College of Medi- a long history of not only this much-appre- finished. cine at the Adventist University of the ciated service but also of life improvement. For what has been accomplished dur- Philippines will begin classes in August ADRA Vietnam recently celebrated 25 ing these past five years, we ascribe glory, 2015. It will be the sixth College of Medi- years of service in the country and has initi- honor, and praise to God. We thank Him cine for the Adventist education system ated more than 200 projects among mar- for all His blessings and guidance. We also worldwide. ginalized groups. With a focus on health, thank the General Conference and other livelihood, environmental issues, and edu- sister organizations and institutions OUTREACH TO MARGINALIZED GROUPS cation, past projects have included disease worldwide for the assistance they have With more than 70 ethnic groups and prevention, microbusiness development, given to support the work in the SSD hundreds of dialects in our territory, we sanitation, and student sponsorships. territory.

ADRA Vietnam: ADRA Vietnam continues to bring hope to all parts of the country. ADRA VIETNAM

34 ADVENTIST REVIEW | GC SESSION BULLETIN: JULY 9, 2015 STATS & MISSION MISSION TO THE CITIES 1M+ URBAN AREAS: 1M+ URBAN AREAS: RATIO PER DIVISION THE FACTS: Urban areas of 1 million+ RATIO PER DIVISION POPULATION TO MEMBER POPULATION TO CONGREGATION Q Global Adventist-to-population ratio: one per 392 people 3,000 350,000 Q Adventist-to-population ratio in large urban areas: one per 555 2,750 people 300,000 2,500 Q Global Adventist-congregation-to- 2,250 population ratio: one per 50,000 250,000 2,000 Q Global Adventist-congregation- to-population ratio in large urban 1,750 200,000 areas: one per 90,000 1,500 Q 3.1 million of Adventism’s 150,000 18.48 million church members live 1,250 in large urban areas of 1 million 1000 people or more, that is, 16.77 100,000 percent. So only one in six 750 Adventists live in the areas that 500 are home to a quarter of the 50,000 world’s population. 250

Q 42 of the 504 urban areas of 0 0 SID

1 million+ have fewer than SID IAD IAD TED SSD ESD TED ECD SSD SPD ESD ECD SPD SUD EUD SAD NSD SUD EUD SAD NSD NAD NAD WAD 10 Adventists living in them. WAD

This map shows the most reached bers are in red (125 is the average strong Adventist presence are in and unreached cities in the world: size of an Adventist congregation, the Americas and sub-Saharan cities with more than 20,000 so red shows cities without the Africa, with just a few in Asia. The Adventist church members living equivalent of an Adventist congre- big cities with the weakest Advent- in them are in green; those cities gation in them). What this reveals ist presence are all in the 10/40 with fewer than 125 church mem- is that almost all big cities with a window—and in Europe.

DATA PROVIDED BY THE OFFICE OF ARCHIVES, STATISTICS, AND RESEARCH 36 ADVENTIST REVIEW

shouldn’t beon MUSIC FEATURE serve, thenwe stage because United ADVENTIST REVIEW/ BY JULIANABAIONI, “If wecan’t GC SESSION BULLETIN: JULY 9, 2015 | divine gift.” music isa ANN La Sierra group servesthrough music. you want to, God’s them Spirit leads.” shows when plansdon’t even goas that professoras a ofvocal “It studies, said, Chile. Gonzalez, who works Sierra atLa UniversidadSingers ofthe Adventista de ship ofMonday, Chamber the July 6,with evening wor- duringthe stage dome main privilege ofperforming the Alamo- on the The group alsohad session. of the two day timesa orthree scheduled various toperform on stages Holy Unitedings from Spirit, the isnow grassroots andbless- work, networking, formances. Thanks tomany prayers, group wasthe notscheduled forany per- session, solotenorduringthe ments asa scheduledhad been forseveral appoint- university different in contexts. last-minute invitation andrepresent the arethey torespond ﬂexible enough toa group, ranging from 10to16members, Sierra outreach smaller La asan tool. As a traveled signiﬁcantly usedby andisoften two yearsformed lessthan ago, hasalready California, despiteonly having been T While their director,While their Javier Gonzalez, from La Sierrafrom La University Riverside, in it means toexercise Thisgroup faith. he vocal ensembleUnited knows what

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can mingling beseen THURSDAY, JULY 9 Donnell Josiah MORE MUSIC Cherukuri Victor Sam United will be performing on various stages for the remainder Arautos do Rei of the session. Here is a listing of some other musical groups John Mathews or soloists who will be performing in the Alamodome from Kerri Williams Thursday evening through Sabbath, July 9-11.* Orlando West SDA Church Choir Loma Linda Southern Asia Adventist Community Choir Lucas Hernandez Oakwood Adventist Academy Elementary Choir Aeolians Michael Harris The Atteys

FRIDAY, JULY 10 Tiffany Campbell-Dailey Deon Muschette Stephanie Dawn Christina Martins Victor Clairmont Angela Bryant-Brown Neville Peter Pro-Musica Choir of Antillean University The Young Ambassadors Rudy Micelli Charles Haugabrooks Jennifer La Mountain

SABBATH, JULY 11 Rachel Hyman and Neville Peter UNAI Chorale Nigerian Adventist Centennial Choir in North America AFASS Angklung Ensemble “The Presence of God” (DVD), Williams Costa, brass and orchestra Jennifer LaMountain Mass Brass Group Adoration in Worship Mass Choir Mass Choir Aeolians Mary Grace Gellekanao Journey Ministries Banda Sinfónica de la Universidad de las Antillas Coral Carlos Gomes Restoration Magomeni Seventh-day Adventist Church Choir Jarrod McNaughton Mass Choir *This schedule was provided by the General Conference Music Committee, and will not include participants added to programming during the session.

GC SESSION BULLETIN: JULY 9, 2015 | ADVENTIST REVIEW 37 PROCEEDINGS/ACTIONS

GERARD DAMSTEEGT: I appreciate the efforts for inclusive language. But as I reiterated yesterday, inclu- Ninth Business Meeting sive language is being used if you can substitute “male” and “female.” In this case you cannot, because there Sixtieth General Conference session, July 7, 2015, 9:25 a.m. were no females that wrote any of the Bible. If we want to maintain the sola scriptura principle ELLA SIMMONS: I call to order the morning business “Symbolized” is a very broad term, but “typified” is we have to go back to “men.” session. [Prayer.] specific. ARTUR STELE: Because a number of speakers have We will continue our work on the fundamental REINALDO SIQUEIRA: I would like to support the use pointed out that this is a direct biblical reference, we beliefs. of the word “typified.” The Fundamental Beliefs have should stay with the Scriptures. I call Artur Stele and his team, Ángel Rodríguez and a specific purpose for the church, which is to maintain This is exactly what we have intended to do. The Bill Knott, to join us. The rules of participation on which the clarity of our beliefs. reference comes from 2 Peter 1:20, 21. There Peter uses we agreed yesterday and observed during the session ISTRAHEL SCHOREA: The word “typified” perhaps the Greek word anthropos. indicate there is a two-minute limit on individual con- gives a better meaning. But for us from the Nether- [In 1 Peter 3:1-5, speaking to wives about adornment, tributions from the floor, and we add an additional lands, English is not our first language, and if we have Peter says in verse 4: “let the hidden person . . .” or minute on contributions from the floor when transla- to translate this word, it may be problematic. And “hidden man . . .”; the Greek word there is anthropos.] tion is needed. maybe other countries will be dealing with the same When we go to 2 Peter 1:20, 21, Peter uses anthropos. The standard rule of order for repeat visits to the problem, so we want to stay with the word But he doesn’t say that men have written the prophecy. microphone is that if no one is in the queue and no “symbolized.” He speaks that anthropos have spoken the prophecy. one else wishes to speak, you may do so. BERTOLD HIBNER: I would like to ask about transla- And the Bible states about at least 10 women prophets, BERIT ELKJAER: It is my experience that our new tion. If we would were to translate the Fundamental and a number of prophecies are really presented as Adventists and our young people in the church have Beliefs into another language, and we have difficulties they were spoken; for example, by Anna, by Miriam, huge difficulty relating to our fundamental beliefs in to find the exact word, how much liberty do we have and others. the present formulation. One reason could be that we to adopt another word in such language? And so to be biblically correct, here the best way to are dealing with fundamental beliefs written 35 years ARTUR STELE: The intent of the Fundamental Beliefs interpret, to translate, the word anthropos is to be ago. In the meantime, we have received several new is to present them in the English language as clearly gender-inclusive. And so we believe that if you want translations of the Bible. as possible. Every other language really needs to do to be biblically correct, this is the way to go. I move that we set up a committee to rewrite our the best that is possible to present the intended JOHNG HAENG KWON: Mrs. White made a distinction fundamental beliefs in a modern language. meaning. between authors and writers. Back then God was This committee is not just to change a word here STEFAN GIULIANI: The comments seem redundant, referred to as author of the Bible, and the men who and there, but to work through the fundamental beliefs so I move the previous question. wrote the Bible were referred to as writers. and rewrite them in a modern language and maybe ELLA SIMMONS: I’m reminding you that we’re voting Mrs. White, in Selected Messages, book 1, page 25, even shorten them. to cease debate. [The previous question was voted; says, “The Bible points to God as its author; yet it was ELLA SIMMONS: I ask Dr. Stele to share with you debate ceased.] written by human hands.” And in Selected Messages, something that is in the making that might be [The main motion was voted.] book 1, page 21; “God, as a writer, is not represented helpful. ARTUR STELE: We now go to the fundamental belief [in the Bible]. The writers of the Bible were God’s ARTUR STELE: These fundamental beliefs are written 8, “The Great Controversy.” There was a suggestion penmen.” in such a way that would, in a short way, present what yesterday to replace the word “worldwide flood” by PASSMORE MULAMBO: On line 22 we use 2 Peter 1:20, we believe. It might not be the best evangelistic tool. “global flood.” 21, but we tweak it. And I would suggest that instead We intend, after these statements are accepted, to We have implemented the change. I therefore move of tweaking what we want to represent, could we not work on a book that will present them in a language the adoption of fundamental belief 8. state the verse as it is within Scripture? I believe this that is understandable for the young generation. MEGAN MOLÉ: Yesterday I presented a suggestion fundamental belief is foundational to scriptural ELLA SIMMONS: We have made note of this informa- to the committee regarding lines 28 and 29 that I authority, which influence all other fundamental beliefs tion and this request, and it will go to Steering deemed necessary. that we have. Committee. I was just wondering if this was considered by the I move that instead of tweaking the language of 2 LARRY BOGGESS: I would request that as these items committee. Peter 1:20, 21, we actually state the verse in quotation are presented we listen to the body, because I think ARTUR STELE: Yes, we have considered all the recom- marks. that is what we are here for, to give guidance as we mendations, and decided to accept only one change. ELLA SIMMONS: Or suggest it. move on these various agenda items. [Fundamental belief 8 was voted.] ERIC HENSEL: I would rather see the word “sole” ELLA SIMMONS: We will move to the report from the ELLA SIMMONS: Dr. Stele, the next item, please. instead of “definitive” in line 26 in order to make it clear small committee. ARTUR STELE: Now we go to the fundamental belief that SDAs stay on sola scriptura ground. ARTUR STELE: Yesterday, additional work was 1. Yesterday there was a request to reconsider the word KWABENA DONKOR: My comment has to do with the requested. We have worked hard, and we are ready to “final” since it has a chronological aspect to it. We replacement of the word “final” with “supreme.” I think present some of the results of our labor. revised that word and also made two other changes. we are dealing with a fundamental belief that has to There are four fundamental beliefs that have been The word “final” was replaced by “supreme.” We also deal with the use of Scripture in the church and in referred back: numbers 1, 6, 8, and 24. changed the expression “holy men” to “inspired theology, also. I’m wondering whether you’ve consid- Let’s start with the fundamental belief 24. A sug- authors,” and the sentence “God has committed to ered the word “normative.” gestion was made yesterday that we replace one word man” we replaced with “humanity.” I hear talk about sola scriptura. It means that we that appears twice in the context of typology. The sug- ROGER ROBERTSEN: The committee has been work- are looking at the Bible as a source of revelation but gestion was to replace the word “symbolized” with ing hard to find a better word, but for me it’s still not also the normative source. “typified.” good enough. I would like sola scriptura within the Would you consider the word “normative” instead We have therefore made the suggested change, and document. So we should use the word “sole” instead of “supreme”? I move it. of “only.” EDISON SAMRAJ: In understanding truth and keeping ELLA SIMMONS: We have a second. ARTUR STELE: We have considered many words, and the Reformation principle sola scriptura as our foun- RAY ROENNFELDT: I would remind the delegates that this is the one that we have retained. dational principle, I think it would be in order for us to the word “typified” is not used commonly in the English JIM HOWARD: Thank you, Madam Chair. I too would give focus that there’s nothing beyond or above it—— language these days, whereas “symbolized” is used. like to speak to line 22. The terminology “the uninspired it’s the final word. So I would recommend we keep the original wording. authors” is, I don’t believe, what we would want to do The word “ultimate” is more contative of finality BHAJU RAM SHRESTHA: I prefer to use “typified” to reflect what the Spirit of Prophecy uses when refer- than even “supreme.” because what it is in the context antitype and type. ring to those who wrote the Bible. L. JAMES GIBSON: I speak to line 22 on the word

38 ADVENTIST REVIEW | GC SESSION BULLETIN: JULY 9, 2015 “authors.” The use of the word “authors” on line 22 day. We have considered them, taking into consider- comment identified that there were certain things in does not exclude the concept that only men were ation also that our work on the fundamental belief 6 the material world formed by human beings that involved. assignment to harmonize fundamental belief 6 with should not be laid at the charge of God; thus that sen- We could substitute words such as “writers” or even the statement Affirmation of Creation. tence is removed. Now the beginning sentence is: “God “people” and accomplish the same thing. ÁNGEL RODRÍGUEZ: We made an effort to exclude, has revealed in Scripture the authentic and historical JUAN BOSCO VANEGA: When it comes to line 22, it as much as possible, terminology that was ambiguous, account of His creative activity.” refers to “authors.” Especially in Spanish, it would be so that intentionally the statement is rejecting evolu- Next we heard from a number of respondents on a bit of confusion, taken in mind, with Ellen G. White. tionary thinking, theistic evolution, or any way of inter- the floor that we needed to identify carefully the his- She presents God as the only author of the Bible. This preting Genesis 1 along evolutionary lines. toric Adventist understanding that God, at an earlier is why the apostle Peter says that the doctrines are That is my first point. I want to make two more com- date, created angels and other portions of the universe already explained. It would be better to leave it as it ments. The second has to do with the use of the word before moving to the creation of Planet Earth. And we is, as Peter says, “men of God.” “recent.” This word was found in the document Affirma- sought to embrace their contributions in the sentence DAVID RIPLEY: Perhaps it is the word “authors” that tion of Creation. We took it from there. We put it here. that now begins: “He created the universe, and in a may be tripping us up. If we make this gender-exclusive, The word is not used to date creation. In other words, recent six-day creation the Lord made “the heavens then we have to be saying that the words of Miriam the intention of the use of this word is not to date the and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them,” and were not inspired or the words of the mother of Jesus, divine act of creation. If I’m not mistaken, the church rested on the seventh day. The recitation of Exodus Mary, or those of Elizabeth were not inspired. We need has never officially dated the divine act of creation as 20:11. The many comments made yesterday identifying to say that those who spoke and wrote were all recorded in Genesis 1. the need for an understanding of sequence are inspired. The intention of the word is to help establish the embraced in what is now the second sentence of the JEROEN TUINSTRA: The Bible originated as an oral belief that the creation itself took place not too long document. tradition, so the stories of the Bible were told and ago. The third sentence, “Thus He established the Sab- therefore prophesied, and God has never been gender- We acknowledge that the genealogies found in the bath as a perpetual memorial of His creative work, exclusive with prophets. Bible are not complete, but they provide enough evi- performed and completed during six literal days that Today and yesterday it was claimed that the Spirit dence to indicate that creation took place not too long together with the Sabbath constituted the same unit of Prophecy has authority over the formulation of ago. of time that we call a week today.” This merely con- doctrine. My third comment is about the emphasis on the joined the ideas that we had been mandated as a Ellen White says that we are not to use her writings literal reading of the creation narrative. It is a historical committee by the session of 2010 to bring together the to settle doctrinal issues. The testimonies of Sister description of the event of creation. Affirmation of Creation and the previous language of White should not be carried to the front. BILL KNOTT: You will note that the initial sentence the fundamental belief “Creation.” “The Testimonies are not to take the place of the that had been proposed in the document as of yester- And from there, the document reads, as it did yes- Word. . . . Let all prove their positions from the Scrip- day has been removed, the one that says, “God is the terday, “The first man and woman were made in the tures and substantiate every point they claim as truth creator of all things.” It is not because we do not believe image of God as the crowning work of Creation, given from the revealed Word of God” [Evangelism, p. 256]. in God’s creative activity in all things. But one helpful dominion over the world, and charged with responsibil- “But God will have a people upon the earth to maintain the Bible, and the Bible only, as the standard of all doctrines and the basis of all reforms. . . . Before accept- SESSION SNAPSHOT ing any doctrine or precept, we should demand a plain “Thus saith the Lord” in its support” [The Great Con- troversy, p. 595]. We’re dealing here with the Bible. Let’s stick to the Bible. ELLA SIMMONS: Bill Knott will tell us the background information that would assist the body in understanding the motion. It is a clarification. BILL KNOTT: The committee is fully aware that we live in charged and contentious times, when others who mishandle Scripture attempt to read into it various agendas of social or political or cultural consequence. I can tell you, as someone who has functioned with this committee for the past four and a half years, that we have carefully, prayerfully worked to exclude those other social and cultural agendas from the work in front of you today. Our focus has been and continues to be one of integrity with the meaning of the Word of God and doing it in a way that Seventh-day Adventists around the world can wholeheartedly embrace and affirm this central understanding of the Scriptures at the heart of our faith. Many others, perhaps, have sometimes assumed that other agendas were creeping in. As someone who’s been with this process throughout, I can assure you, we have made every attempt to exclude those. ELLA SIMMONS: Thank you. It is clear, it is carried. [The motion to accept the fundamental belief on creation as proposed was approved.] ARTUR STELE: We will give some introductory remarks so that our delegates will understand the work While delegates are engaged in business on the floor of the Alamodome, their friends that was done in order to accomplish fundamental and family members enjoy a few moments of quiet “meditation.” belief 6, “Creation.” DOMINIK ZEH AR/ANN We have received a number of suggestions yester-

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ity to care for it. When the world was finished it was why do we rest on a literal seventh day? confusion as to what our church teaches, and this ‹very good,’ declaring the glory of God.” MARVIN WRAY: I am troubled by the inclusion of the motion clarifies it according to the Bible. I hope that short rationale for the changes that the word “recent” in there because it does not clarify. To CLIFFORD GOLDSTEIN: There have been some com- committee considered and is bringing back to you me this makes it more ambiguous. It’s not a biblical ments regarding why we need to be so specific with today will underscore the point that throughout this term. the language, and yet it’s very important. This issue five-year process we have been listening intently to When I go back and teach my congregation, who’s didn’t arise in a vacuum. those who are offering positive suggestions for improv- going to monitor whether I’m teaching it according to For decades now there has been an attempt, one ing the language of this fundamental belief. a formal definition or according to my understanding way or another, to try to bring into our church an ideol- ARTUR STELE: I would like to move this suggested and my interpretation? ogy that is completely, totally foreign and alien to bibli- wording of the fundamental belief 6, “Creation.” ROGER ROBERTSEN: I really don’t believe in in a six- cal principle. We are doing this purposely to exclude TED N. C. WILSON: We appreciate the opportunity day creation week. I believe in a seven-day creation evolution. to share about this particular fundamental belief, and week. The Bible says that God finished His creation on On line 35 I would suggest putting “and then” in a I want to thank you for the wonderful way in which you the seventh day. The Sabbath is not a symbol; it’s real- recent six-day creation the Lord made the heaven, the have progressed through these fundamental beliefs. ity. And we, as Sabbathkeepers, Seventh-day Advent- earth. I do think we want to be clear that we do not This particular item was voted to be brought to the ists, we should use the phrase “seven-day creation believe that the universe is 6,000 years old. Just adding General Conference for discussion and refinement. I week,” because the Sabbath, even though it is invisible, one word there would help make this distinction clear. personally very much endorse it. is still reality. FLOYD MORRIS: My understanding in terms of the There is an interesting observation about the word ARTUR STELE: We felt that the reference to the Sab- church’s position as articulated by the president just “recent.” bath several times down below in the statement takes now is that we believe that the earth has been created We have come to the point where we need to clarify care of it. If you take the statement as a whole, it raises 6,000 years ago, approximately. Now, if it is that I’m to that this process was not old. So “recent” is supposed no question. go by the English language, it does not accord with the to mean “not old.” KATHRYN PROFFITT: There is confusion with respect use of the word “recent.” Personally I firmly believe in what the Spirit of to science versus what the Bible says. God does not I have a suggestion that because of my visual chal- Prophecy has indicated and with what we have under- have to operate in terms of how empirical science lenge I’d like my wife to read. stood in terms of biblical historicity that the earth is humanly defines creation. It really is important when MRS. MORRIS: “He created the universe and in our approximately 6,000 years old. we talk about such words as “recent” or “literal days.” understanding of the six-day creation,” eliminating ELLA SIMMONS: We are ready for comments. “Even to even” means sunset to sunset. “recent.” JAMES STANDISH: We heard in our discussion that If God could not speak our life into existence, how BILL KNOTT: The suggestion was made from the floor there is some confusion over what “day” means in can He re-create us instantly? and had been considered as part of the committee’s Exodus 20. “For in six days the Lord made heaven and It is important that we as a church clarify, for not deliberations last evening about how to indicate the earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the only the world, but also for our teachers and profes- concept of sequence in the second sentence. We con- seventh day.” If the first six days weren’t literal days, sors, so they know clearly where we stand. There is cluded, after a lengthy discussion, that the clause “He created the universe,” with a comma, and a subsequent clause that begins “and in a recent six-day creation” in fact illustrates the sequence that Adventists have SESSION SNAPSHOT historically believed about God creating the angels and other portions of the universe and then at a later date moving to a six-day creation of the planet. However, the insertion of the word “later” seemed to us unneces- sary given the two clauses separated by the comma. ADRIAN PLATTS: My problem is with the sentence “He established the Sabbath as a perpetual memorial of His creative work, performed and completed during six literal days that together with the Sabbath constituted the same unit of time that we call a week today.” We measure time according to a rising and setting sun. When the sun has risen and set seven times, a week has elapsed. The week that is considered the template had a rising and setting sun on only three, possibly four, days, because the sun was created on the fourth day. This means there were only three or four literal days, and not six. I would ask the committee to reconsider this wording. ISRAEL KAFEERO: The word “recent” is necessary. And for that reason, I call the question to this motion. ELLA SIMMONS: We have a second? The motion is to move to the previous question. This vote calls for two-thirds, and no debate. All in favor raise your green cards. All opposed the same sign. The motion is carried. Dr. Stele, remind us of the motion. ARTUR STELE: The motion is to accept the fundamental belief 6, to amend it as was presented. ELLA SIMMONS: All in favor of the motion, raise your Digital clocks on the floor of the Alamodome count down the amount of time speak- green cards. ers at the various microphones have to voice their comments. All opposed, the same sign. KENN DIXON AR/ANN It is carried. ELLA SIMMONS: We’re going to item 143, “Statement

40 ADVENTIST REVIEW | GC SESSION BULLETIN: JULY 9, 2015 of Confidence in the Writings of Ellen G. White.” their study are found living in direct opposition to the with our hermeneutics when we say that we believe in ARTUR STELE: We are making a special attempt to plainest teachings. sola scriptura. But with using Ellen White to “correct show that the Scriptures and the writings of Ellen G. “Then, to leave men and women without excuse, inaccurate interpreting of the Bible,” Ellen G. White White are relevant. So it’s not an attempt to present in God gives plain and pointed testimonies, bringing them becomes the normative over the Bible and how the totality, but really something that we would like to back to the Word that they have neglected to follow” Bible should be read. This leads to use of her writings emphasize. [Selected Messages, book 3, p. 31]. as a corrector of biblical authority, as if everything she I am reading “Statement of Confidence” on page 71. ELLA SIMMONS: The amendment reads “Rather than wrote were 100 percent what we can understand in the “As the delegates to the 2015 General Conference ses- replacing the Bible, they uplift the normative character Bible. We would exclude the Holy Spirit for every reader sion in San Antonio, Texas, we express our deep grati- of Scripture,” period, deleting the remainder of that and never grow in knowledge if we take the sentence tude to God for the continuing presence of the various sentence. as we read it. spiritual gifts among His people (1 Cor. 12:4-11; Eph. [The amendment was defeated.] JOHN THOMAS: I call question on the motion. 4:11-14) and particularly for the prophetic guidance we VIVENCIO BERMUDEZ: In connection with the State- ELLA SIMMONS: I see support. All for the ceasing have received through the life and ministry of Ellen ment of Confidence, if it is proper, may I raise a question debate, please raise your cards. All opposed, same sign. White (1827-1915). as to what is the real stand of our church with regard Thank you. It is carried. In this case, we do actually “On the centennial of her death, we rejoice that her to the Spirit of Prophecy, or Ellen G. White’s writings? move to the original motion. And if we can see that writings have been made available around the globe First, is it a test of fellowship? And the second is Is it a motion as well. Dr. Stele, please remind us, and we will in many languages and in a variety of printed and elec- test of leadership? When I mean “test of fellowship,” move forward. tronic formats. can we baptize a person who does not accept this State- [The motion to approve the statement on confidence “We affirm our conviction that her writings are ment of Confidence? And can we appoint a church in the writings of Ellen G. White was voted. divinely inspired, truly Christ-centered, and Bible- leader who is not a firm believer of the gift of ARTUR STELE: I would like just to remind the dele- based. Rather than replacing the Bible, they uplift the prophecy? gates that it was stated that this statement is against normative character of Scripture and correct inac- LOWELL COOPER: I have a question about the the fundamental belief about the gift of prophecy. I curate interpretations of it derived from tradition, expression “modern culture” on line 23. And I’m won- would just remind that, in the statement that we voted human reason, personal experience, and modern dering if the use of this expression doesn’t allow room yesterday, we have the following sentence: “Her writings culture. for an interpretation that suggests wrong interpreta- speak with prophetic authority and provide comfort, “We commit ourselves to study the writings of Ellen tions of Scripture coming from premodern cultures guidance, construction, and correction to the church.” G. White prayerfully and with hearts willing to follow would not be addressed. It seems to me that if we So it’s in harmony with the fundamental belief. the counsels and instructions we find there. Whether deleted the word “modern,” we would strengthen the ERIC TEO: [Prayer.] individually, in the family, in small groups, in the class- document by including all forms of culture, not just room, or in the church, a combined study of the Bible modern. This is a suggestion. ELLA S. SIMMONS, Chair and her writings provide a transforming and faith- ERIC HENSEL: When we say that the writings of Ellen JOHN H. THOMAS, Secretary uplifting experience. G. White correct inaccurate interpretation of the Bible, NILTON D. AMORIM, GARY PATTERSON, “We encourage the continued development of both I feel that we, with good intentions, make a mistake and CLAUDE SABOT, Proceedings Editors worldwide and local strategies to foster the circulation of her writings inside and outside the church. The study of these writings is a powerful means to strengthen and prepare His people for the glorious appearing of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Tenth Business Meeting I move it. [The statement was moved and seconded.] Sixtieth General Conference session, July 7, 2015, 2:00 p.m. DENNIS MEIER: For clarity, I would move to amend the sentence to read “Rather than replacing the Bible, DELBERT BAKER: [Called session to order.] deacons. However, the pastor, in conjunction with the they uplift the normative character of Scripture,” and JONAS ARRAIS: [Prayer.] elder(s), has the primary responsibility for training the to delete the rest of the sentence. This, I feel, will correct DELBERT BAKER: At this time we call the GC corpora- deacons.” inaccurate interpretations derived from church tradition member meeting, which will be chaired by Presi- DELBERT BAKER: It has been moved and tions, human reason, personal experience, and modern dent Ted Wilson. seconded. culture. [GC corporation member meeting.] Discussion on the item now. RONALD NALIN: I’m speaking on the suggested DELBERT BAKER: Now we are moving on to the HARALD WOLLAN: The three words after “conference” amendment. Church Manual. will be deleted because it means that the Ministerial We should use “she exposes incorrect interpreta- Pastor Miranda and Harald Wollan will lead in the Association at all levels has the responsibility. tions, instead of “correct inaccurate interpretation.” The discussion. JONAS ARRAIS: By doing that, we will see the same lesser light points us to the greater light. ARMANDO MIRANDA: Item 413 is referring to the way that appears in the Church Manual, page 75, when it So I speak against the motion to amend. I’d like to deacons are trained and who is responsible for the talks about the elders. Over there it says “the Ministerial suggest that the word “normative character of Scrip- training of the deacons and deaconesses. Association” but does not mention “conference.” So it ture” makes it clear that we stand on the foundation Last year the Annual Council took an action to eliminates the idea that only on the conference level of sola scriptura. The Spirit of Prophecy is simply the approve that the Ministerial Association is in charge of do we have people in charge to train, to equip the lesser light pointing to the greater light. the training of deacons and deaconesses. In order to deacons and deaconesses in our church. My suggestion JIM HOWARD: “I recommend to you, dear reader, the reflect this, we propose to you the section that has to is also to include in this moment what is written on Word of God as the rule of your faith and practice” [Early do with the training of the deacons and deaconesses, page 106 regarding deaconesses, because the same Writings, p. 78]. Very clearly, the gift of prophecy given and we are inserting this into the Church Manual. phrase appears there. to us was for, at least in part, correcting those who err HARALD WOLLAN: Item 413, lines 41 to 43. ARMANDO MIRANDA: We agree with that. in their understanding of the Bible, and we need to I need to make a correction of what we brought to HARALD WOLLAN: We are talking about the training uphold that. you previously, because by mistake we have added on of the deacons in order to take care of all aspects of GERARD DAMSTEEGT: There is a problem with the line 41 “of the conference.” We need to delete that. the church. There are various departments that deal amendment. And I would like to cite the words of the The purpose with deleting it is to make it clear that with various sections of the mission of the church, and prophet in regard to the relationship of correction. “The it is the Ministerial Association that is responsible for they cooperate together with the elders and the pastors Word of God is sufficient to enlighten the most providing training material. where there is a need. The training material is provided beclouded mind, and may be understood by those who I move that we read from line 41 to 43 as follows: and produced by the Ministerial Association. Some- have any desire to understand it. But notwithstanding “The Ministerial Association, in connection with the times the material comes from the General Conference; all this, some who profess to make the Word of God departments, promotes the training and equipping of sometimes from the union; sometimes from the confer-

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ence. But the primary contact for the pastor to get the guages, we have no objection against it. There is a change of name of the Adventist Youth. training material will be the local conference. JONAS ARRAIS: I support this motion as it is. The Instead of Adventist Youth it’s now called Adventist DELBERT BAKER: We are ready for the vote. word “service” is not describing the ordinance. It is just Youth Ministries. Then the additional change of Advent- Those in favor, please uplift your card. describing the service of foot washing. ist Community Services or Dorcas Society, instead of Those opposed, same. DELBERT BAKER: That’s very helpful. Same micro- Community Services/Dorcas Society. It is carried. phone. We have Finn Eckhoff. I move this change. HARALD WOLLAN: On the next page we have deleted FINN ECKHOFF: The Church Manual does not explain DELBERT BAKER: It’s been moved and seconded. the difficult English word “ordinance” which is an old what is meant by the word “ordinance,” and to leave it Those in favor, uplift card. expression. in without explaining makes confusion. Those opposed, same sign. The statement now reads: “Deacons are not autho- MEGEN MOLÉ: I move the previous question. [The It is carried. rized to preside at the Lord’s Supper, baptism, or busi- previous question was voted. Then the main motion HARALD WOLLAN: Item 416 is a brief addition in ness meetings and are not permitted to perform the was approved.] which we outline who might be helpful in counting marriage ceremony or officiate at the reception of HARALD WOLLAN: We move to one item dealing with offerings to make sure that it is done in a proper fash- transfer of members.” the deaconesses. [Some changes have been ion. To make sure that we do not forget our deacons JUSTIN LYONS: The word “baptism” has been suggested.] and deaconesses, we have included that on line 12. inserted. When I read in Acts 6 that Philip was a deacon I’d like to move the amendments here. I move this addition. and baptized the eunuch, I’m wondering if we’re putting ED GALAN: For the sake of clarity I would implore DELBERT BAKER: It is moved and seconded. ourselves at odds with Scripture. that the GC leaders offer some form of a glossary. I’m Those in favor, uplift card. HARALD WOLLAN: We have never practiced that not asking that every jot and tittle and period and “T” Those opposed, same sign. individuals of the church can baptize unless they’re to be crossed. It is carried. ordained elders or pastors. I agree with what Elder Miranda: it’s impossible to HARALD WOLLAN: Number 417 deals with the Com- GERARD DAMSTEEGT: I call your attention to the provide all details in every section, but a glossary of munity Services/Dorcas Society leader. As I mentioned substitution of the word “ordinance” with “service.” In definitions for ordinance, license, credentials, etc., will previously, we have found it necessary to redefine the the New Testament we have three sacred ordinances. go a long way to helping all laypeople and workers of services there. It’s a little different than service. all divisions. On line 9: “Adventist Community Services Leader or DELBERT BAKER: Thank you. MEGEN MOLÉ: I move to replace the word “ordi- Dorcas Society Leader——The church elects the Advent- ARMANDO MIRANDA: We received this recommen- nances” with the phrase “the Lord’s Supper,” comma, ist Community Services leader or Dorcas Society leader, dation from one of the divisions. And one of the rea- “baptism,” and also that we replace the word “cannot” assistant leaders (as needed), and secretary-treasurer sons they presented to us is that the word with the phrase “are not permitted.” of Adventist Community Services, which in some areas “ordinances” is a difficult word to translate into dif- I’d like to move this amendment. is known as the Dorcas Society.” ferent languages. If there is another word that can DELBERT BAKER: I have a second. Then we refer to the note section, Chapter 14. “This replace it and be easily translated into different lan- [The amendment was seconded and approved.] organization gathers and prepared clothing, food, and other supplies for those in need and works closely with the Adventist men, deacons, deaconesses, and other church departments in community outreach. Adventist Community Services or Dorcas Society ministry, however, includes more than giving material aid. It focuses FUN FACT on identifying needs and responding with services based on these specific needs. Examples are educa- 100,000 tional seminars, community development, visiting, The number of photos that will be taken during the session by the team of 10 profes- counseling, and other services relevant to the sional photographers. community.” MARK FROELICH AR/ANN HARALD WOLLAN: On lines 25 and 26: “The Adventist Community Service leader or Dorcas Society leader is a member of the Personal Ministries Council and the church board.” And then on line 28: “. . . who is a member of the council as well as the church board.” I move these changes. DELBERT BAKER: It’s been moved and seconded. Now for discussion on this item. QEDUMUSA MATHONSI: Is Community Services syn- onymous to Dorcas? And if that’s the case, is the Adventist Men organization excluded in Community Services? MAY-ELLEN COLON: In many parts of the world the Dorcas Society is doing identical work with Adventist Community Services. And in the manual it appears that sometimes they can coexist. In some parts of the world that has caused confusion. DELBERT BAKER: All those in favor, uplift the card. Those opposed, the same sign. It’s carried. HARALD WOLLAN: By common consent we can agree that even in the heading we use Adventist Community Services or Dorcas Society leader; that we have the same word there on line 3 as we have on line 9. DELBERT BAKER: All those in favor, say “Aye.” All those in favor, say “Aye.” Those who are opposed. It is agreed.

42 ADVENTIST REVIEW | GC SESSION BULLETIN: JULY 9, 2015 ARMANDO MIRANDA: The next is item 418. Youth Ministry. On page 128 we are defining the Finance Committee. This is referring to the Youth Ministries. We accepted We now have Adventist Youth Ministries that It reads: “Each church should have a mission-driven, a new program in the Youth Ministries Department. I’m embraces all branches of youth ministry, starting with broad-based consultative financial planning and bud- referring to Public Campus Ministries. It was accepted Junior Youth, which covers Adventurers and Pathfind- geting process with a committee structure that can and voted during the 2014 Annual Council and is not ers; Senior Youth, etc. give detailed review to the ongoing financial planning included in the Church Manual. The second change is related to the introduction of and budgeting. In some cases, this may take the form We have also the suggested change of name of the Ambassador Ministry, which is a new level of min- of a finance committee. In other cases, in smaller Adventist Youth Society to Adventist Youth Ministries. istry that focuses on the needs of young people churches, this process may be handled directly by the This is more inclusive. between 16 and 21. Because of that we have come up church board. If the church establishes a separate The secretary will introduce the suggested changes with a relatively new term, “Young Adults,” to distin- Committee for this purpose, the responsibilities should and deletions of this section. guish between Ambassadors and the older ones. So include reviewing budget requests and the review of HARALD WOLLAN: This whole section we are starting under Senior Youth the ages 16 to 30 is now divided in the annual operating budget as well as a review of the on is actually a total rewrite. We will see at the end of two: Ambassadors, covering 16 to 21; and Young Adults, financial position of the church as reflected in the the document on this agenda item there is a lot of 22 to 30. financial statements. The approval of the budget and cross-outs. The third category is related to public campuses. the review of the financial statement shall then be On page 111 you have some definitions from line 24. The church felt the need for a special ministry for young recommended to the church board and onward to the You have Adventist Youth Mission, you have the motto, adults on public campuses. business meeting of the church for action.” [This was and the AYM. Then on lines 31, 32, and 33, various levels FRENSLY PANNEFLEK: Can somebody explain the approved by the delegates.] of the Youth Ministries are described. difference between AMiCUS and Public Campus HARALD WOLLAN: On page 124 we are dealing with From line 31, “The youth ministries program of the Ministries? the operation of the church board. church comprises three broad categories, namely: ARMANDO MIRANDA: AMiCUS is the acronym of [Additions and deletions were made.] [On page 125 Junior Youth,” specified here in parentheses; “Senior Adventist Ministries to College and University emphasis was placed on the primary functions of the Youth” is also specified in parentheses; “and Public Students. board, which is “to ensure that members are nurtured Campus Students,” and that is specified as well, as ages AMiCUS is the umbrella that include several depart- and mentored in a personal dynamic relationship with 16 to 30-plus. ments, including chaplaincy, youth, education, health Jesus Christ.”] From line 28 on page 112 you have the Adventist ministries. Public Campus Ministries is the specific [Another emphasis was on retention. On page 125 Youth Ministries Committee described. ministry that works and deals with the Adventist stu- it reads: “The church, individually and collectively, On line 31, the Adventist Youth Ministries Committee dents in public colleges and universities. shares responsibility for ensuring that every church includes the following church-elected officers: young DAVID TRIM: By restricting Public Campus Ministries member remains part of the body of Christ.”] adults, director, Public Campus Ministries director or to public college/university students, there is a danger On page 126, one of the responsibilities of the board coordinator, ambassador director, Pathfinder director, of misunderstanding. Many Adventist tertiary students is to “study membership lists and initiate plans for Adventurer director. are in private institutions; not Adventist institutions, reconnecting (reclaiming) members who have sepa- And then further down we are also changing just a but private ones. Elder Miranda did indicate that he rated from the church.” matter of capitalizing “S” in “schools,” Sabbath School. might be willing to change it. But seeing this is part of [The recommended changes were discussed.] And then we include the children’s ministries leader. the proposed change, then if this is being referred back, DELBERT BAKER: At this time we have a report from On page 113, line 1, it describes what takes place if perhaps that could be looked at. the Nominating Committee. there is no Ambassador ministry or youth ministry The wording I would suggest would be “the special HOMER TRECARTIN: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We established in the local church. needs of tertiary students on nondenominational cam- have a report. It’s still not our last report, but we are Line 5, Pathfinder and Adventure Ministries. It’s puses,” as I think that would cover everything. And I making progress. And our secretary, Dr. Leslie Pollard, described here that they are organized. And if they are would request that the committee look at it when it’s will read that to us. not, until such are organized, some plans need to be taken back. LESLIE POLLARD: We will present the slate of names, made for this age group to be taken care of. ARMANDO MIRANDA: We have no objections. It’s and we’d like, per yesterday’s desire of the delegates, From line 9 to line 11 we talk about the Adventist accepted. to vote the entire slate. Youth Ministry director, and we refer to the previous LANTE THOMPSON: I just want to plead if it’s possible Publishing, director, Almir Mauricio Marroni (new to name and the description of what he will do. for us to move the Public Campus Ministries from the this position). From line 18 to 20, Young Adults Committee, we Youth Department to the Chaplaincy Department. Treasury, associate treasurer, Mr. Delbert Pearman describe how that functions. The Young Adults Com- ARMANDO MIRANDA: The General Conference has (new to this position). mittee is responsible for the young adults’ activities approved at the Annual Council that Public Campus Education, associate director, Dr. Mike Lekic and so on. Ministries would be under the Youth Department. How- (incumbent). This continues down to line 13, the Public Campus ever, we never took any vote in regard to divisions and Education, associate director, Dr. Hudson Kibuuka Ministries, and this is an addition. unions or local fields. We said that each level will (incumbent). From line 31: “Strengthening the Youth Ministries of decide under what umbrella Public Campus Ministries Education, associate director, Dr. John Wesley Taylor the church, Public Campus Ministries (PCM), in collabo- will be. (incumbent). ration with the Adventist Ministry to college and uni- [The statement on Youth Ministries, after a few Education, associate director, Dr. Julian Melgosa versity students (AMiCUS), provides vision and strategic changes, was voted by the delegates.] (new to this position). planning for ministry to and support for Seventh-day HARALD WOLLAN: We will consider the issue of how Sabbath School and Personal Ministries, associate Adventist students (ages 16-30+) who attend public to deal with something being referred back to the director, Dr. Ramon Canals (new to this position). colleges, universities, and tertiary educational institu- Nominating Committee, because it’s not very clear. Public Affairs and Religious Liberty, director, Dr. A. tions around the world.” So the new wording we are suggesting is on page Ganoune Diop (new to this position). Line 37 describes the coordinator or the director of 119, lines 24-26: “After giving due consideration to the Public Affairs and Religious Liberty, associate direc- the Public Campus Ministries. objections presented, the committee will exercise its tor, Dr. Nelu Burcea (new to this position). GILBERT CANGY: I just would like to include a couple judgment as to whether or not any change is warranted Public Affairs and Religious Liberty, associate direc- of points of clarification. in the committee’s recommendation to the church tor, Dwayne Leslie (incumbent). Essentially, in terms of substance, there is no sig- business meeting.” [This was seconded and voted.] Women’s Ministries, associate director, Mrs. Racquel nificant changes to the previous document. But there DELBERT BAKER: Page 123. Arrais (incumbent). are three elements here that the body would need to HARALD WOLLAN: We now deal with the definition Children’s Ministries, associate director, Dr. Saustin be clear on. of the business meeting of the church. It hasn’t been Mfune (incumbent). First of all, there is a change in nomenclature. clearly understood that the business meeting is actu- Ministerial Association, associate director, Mr. Jonas Throughout the document the previously known ally the constituency meeting of the local church. Arrais (incumbent). Adventist Youth Society is being changed to Adventist [Changes on the business meetings were voted.] Ministerial Association, associate director, Dr. Robert

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Costa (incumbent). poor did not exclude them from teaching the faith. On Deaconesses Ministerial Association, associate director, Dr. Derek the contrary, they were fully qualified to instruct others Deaconesses were included in the official staff of Morris (incumbent). in the truth, and they engaged in the work with great the early Christian churches. Ministerial Association, associate director, Dr. Willie earnestness and success.”— AA 90. “I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a ser- Hucks II (incumbent). “The appointment of the seven to take the oversight vant of the church [deaconess] in Cenchrea, that you Ministerial Association, associate director, Dr. of special lines of work proved a great blessing to the may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the Anthony Kent (incumbent). church. These officers gave careful consideration to saints, and assist her in whatever business she has This is the slate of names representing the recom- individual needs as well as to the general financial need of you; for indeed she has been a helper of many mendations of the Nominating Committee. I so move interests of the church, and by their prudent manage- and of myself also” (Rom. 16:1, 2). them. ment and their godly example they were an important Deaconesses should be chosen for their consecra- DELBERT BAKER: Is there a second? Seconded. aid to their fellow officers in binding together the vari- tion and other qualifications that fit them for the duties We’re ready for a vote of the slate. ous interests of the church into a united whole.”—AA of the office. All those in favor of as read, please show by the 89. The Ministerial Association, in connection with the uplifted card. Today appointment of deacons through election departments, promotes the training and equipping of It’s very clear. brings similar blessings in church administration by deaconesses. However, the pastor, in conjunction with Those opposed, same sign. relieving pastors, elders, and other officers of duties the elder(s), has the primary responsibility for training Excellent. that deacons may perform well. the deaconesses. (See Notes, #3, p. 167) HOMER TRECARTIN: Mr. Chairman, Could we could “The time and strength of those who in the provi- Board of Deaconesses—If a church elects several bring them out to be introduced? dence of God have been placed in leading positions deaconesses, it should - No change [Applause.] of responsibility in the church should be spent in deal- Ordination Service for Deaconesses—Such a service DELBERT BAKER: Thank you. We welcome the new ing with the weightier matters demanding special service, like the ordination of deacons, would be car- persons. wisdom and largeness of heart. It is not in the order ried out by an ordained pastor currently credentialed DELBERT BAKER: Thank you for the report. We’ll just of God that such men should be appealed to for the by the conference. The ordination service should be continue on with the items with the Church Manual for adjustment of minor matters that others are well quali- characterized by simplicity and performed in the pres- the next few minutes. Let’s give them a hand. Thank fied to handle.”—AA 93. ence of the church. you. The Ministerial Association, in connection with the If they retain church membership, deaconesses do [Applause.] departments, promotes the training and equipping of not have to be ordained again if they move their mem- LORRAINE QUESTEL: I’d like to say how encouraged deacons. However, the pastor, in conjunction with the berships to other churches. When the term for which I am by the emphasis on retention and following up elder(s), has the primary responsibility for training the they were elected expires, they must be reelected if on the interests that are in harmony with our deacons. (See Notes, #3, p. 167) they are to continue to serve as deaconesses. mission. Board of Deacons—Where a church has a number Deaconesses Not Authorized to Preside—Deacon- HARALD WOLLAN: We have gotten a lot of good input. of deacons, it should - No change esses are not authorized to preside at any of the ser- And I think it is necessary that the Church Manual Com- Deacons Must Be Ordained—Newly elected deacons vices of the church or business meetings and cannot mittee will re-evaluate the document in line of some cannot fill their - No change perform the marriage ceremony or officiate at the of the input we have gotten. So I will take it back to the Deacons Not Authorized to Preside—Deacons are reception or transfer of members. Church Manual Committee. not authorized to preside at any of the ordinances of If a church has no one authorized to perform such DELBERT BAKER: In light of this it’s being suggested the church the Lord’s Supper, baptism, or business duties, the church leader shall contact the conference that we refer the document back to the committee. meetings and are not permitted to cannot perform the for assistance. ANDREI MOLDOVANU: [Prayer.] marriage ceremony or officiate at the reception or Duties of Deaconesses—Deaconesses serve the transfer of members. church in a wide variety of activities, including: DELBERT BAKER and TED N. C. WILSON, Chairs If a church has no one authorized to perform such 1. Greeting and Visiting Guests and Members—In JOHN H. THOMAS, Secretary duties, it the church leader shall contact the conference many - No change NILTON D. AMORIM, GARY B. PATTERSON, for assistance. 2. Assistance at Baptisms—Deaconesses ensure and CLAUDE SABOT, Proceedings Editors Duties of Deacons—The work of deacons involves a that female candidates - No change wide range of services for the church, including: 3. Arrangements for the Communion Service—Dea- 1. Assistance at Services and Meetings—Deacons conesses and deacons arrange for everything needed Session Actions are usually - No change for this service and see that everything used is cared 2. Visitation of Members—In many churches visita- for afterward. (See p. 121.) Sixtieth General Conference Session tion is arranged - No change Before the communion service begins, deaconesses July 7, 2015, 2:00 p.m. 3. Preparation for Baptismal Services—Deacons make arrangements for set the communion table, make necessary - No change including preparing the bread and wine, arranging the DEACONS - CHURCH MANUAL AMENDMENT 4. Assistance at Communion Service—At the cele- ordinance table, pouring the wine, placing the plates VOTED, To amend the Church Manual, Chapter 8, bration of the ordinance service of footwashing, the of unleavened bread, and covering the table with the Local Church Officers and Organizations, pages 76 to deacons or deaconesses provide everything needed, linen provided for that purpose. 78, Deacons, to read as follows: needed for the service, such as towels, basins, water, Deaconesses assist in the ordinance service of foot- and buckets. After the service they see that the utensils washing, giving special aid to women visitors and new Deacons and linen are washed and properly stored. members. The New Testament identifies the office of deacon Remaining bread and wine should not be con- 4. The Care of the Sick and the Poor—Deaconesses with the Greek word diakonos, from which the English sumed, but disposed of in a respectful manner by assist deacons in - No change “deacon” is derived. The Greek word is variously inter- deacons and deaconesses following the Lord’s 5. Care and Maintenance of Property—In churches preted as “servant, minister, writer, attendant” and in Supper. where the - No change Christian circles has acquired the specialized meaning 5. Care of the Sick and Aiding the Poor and Unfor- now attached to “deacon.” tunate—Deacons - No change FUNDS OF AUXILIARY ORGANIZATIONS (TREASURER) - The men who came to be known as the seven dea- 6. Care and Maintenance of Property—In churches CHURCH MANUAL AMENDMENT cons of the apostolic church were chosen and ordained where the - No change VOTED, To amend the Church Manual, Chapter 8, to attend to the business of the church. (See Acts 6:1-8.) Local Church Officers and Organizations, pages 81 and Their qualifications, slightly less exacting than those DEACONESSES - CHURCH MANUAL AMENDMENT 82, Funds of Auxiliary Organizations, to read as of elders, are listed in 1 Timothy 3:8-13. VOTED, To amend the Church Manual, Chapter 8, follows: “The fact that these brethren had been ordained Local Church Officers and Organizations, pages 78 and Funds of Auxiliary Organizations—Auxiliary organi- for the special work of looking after the needs of the 79, Deaconesses, to read as follows: zation funds include such funds as church outreach

44 ADVENTIST REVIEW | GC SESSION BULLETIN: JULY 9, 2015 programs, family life, Adventist Youth Ministries, YOUTH MINISTRIES - CHURCH MANUAL AMENDMENT specialized programs for primary/early school-age Adventist Community Services or Dorcas Society, Soci- VOTED, To refer Youth Ministries, Church Manual children designed to complement and strengthen ety, Community Services/Dorcas Society, Sabbath Amendment, back to the Church Manual Committee. parental involvement in early childhood development, school expense, and that portion of the health min- while Pathfinder Club meetings provide specialized istries funds belonging to the church, and may include YOUTH MEETINGS - CHURCH MANUAL AMENDMENT indoor and outdoor activities for the holistic develop- church school funds. All money received by and for VOTED, To amend the Church Manual, Chapter 10, ment of children from 10 to15 years old. Meetings and these organizations is turned over promptly to the Services and Other Meetings, pages 127 and 128, Youth other activities are to be carried out according to con- church treasurer by the secretary of the organization, Meetings, to read as follows: ference policies as outlined in the club manuals and the deacons, or whoever has received the funds. These in coordination with other youth-related and family- funds belong to the auxiliary organizations of the Youth Meetings related organizations of the church. church. They may be disbursed only by order of the Leaders of the church’s various youth groups should auxiliary organization to which they belong. schedule regular meetings that involve the church’s Adventist Youth Society Meetings—Adventist Youth The treasurer shall give receipts for all funds young people in meaningful activities that will tie them Society meetings should meet on a regular schedule received. On receiving money from the treasurer, the closer to the church and train them for useful service. and focus on developing the spiritual, mental, and secretary of the auxiliary organization shall give a (See also pp. 100-105.) physical characteristics of the church’s youth. Meetings proper receipt to the treasurer. Senior Youth Ministries Meetings (Ambassadors and also provide Christian social interaction and witnessing Young Adults)—Senior Youth Ministries meetings programs supporting the soul-winning plans of the RECEIPTS TO MEMBERS (TREASURER) - CHURCH MAN- should convene on a regular schedule and focus on church. The Adventist youth ministries committee UAL AMENDMENT developing the spiritual, mental, emotional, and physi- encourages and coordinates Adventist Youth Society VOTED, To amend the Church Manual, Chapter 8, cal characteristics of the church’s youth. Meetings also activities and those of other youth organizations. (See Local Church Officers and Organizations, page 83, provide Christian social interaction and witnessing p. 102.) For resources, see Notes, #9, p. 177. Receipts to Members, to read as follows: programs supporting the soul-winning plans of the Adventist Junior Youth Society Meetings—Adventist Receipts to Members—Receipts should be issued church. For resources, see Notes #9, p. 177. Junior Youth Society meetings are similar in purpose promptly for all money received from members, no Public Campus Ministries Meetings—Where the to Adventist Youth Society meetings but involve junior matter how small the amount, and a strict account of church has appointed a Public Campus Ministries direc- youth. If there is a church school, the Adventist Junior all receipts and payments should be kept by the trea- tor/coordinator, meetings should be organized to care Youth Society is usually a part of the school’s spiritual surer. All general offerings not in envelopes should be for the special needs of public college/university stu- curriculum. (See Notes, #10, p. 177.) counted by the treasurer in the presence of another dents in consultation with and support of the Adventist Ambassador Club Meetings—Ambassador Club officer, preferably a deacon or deaconess, deacon, and Youth Ministries Committee. meetings provide specialized programs to meet the a receipt given to such officer. Junior Youth Ministries Meetings (Adventurers and needs of youth, ages 16 through 21, and promote their Pathfinders)—Junior Youth Ministries meetings are involvement in the Church. Its meetings and other ADVENTIST COMMUNITY SERVICES LEADER OR DORCAS similar in purpose to Senior Youth Ministries, but activities are to be carried out according to conference SOCIETY LEADER – CHURCH MANUAL AMENDMENT involve junior youth. Adventurer Club meetings provide policies and in coordination with other youth/young VOTED, To amend the Church Manual, Chapter 8, Local Church Officers and Organizations, page 98, Com- munity Services/Dorcas Leader, to read as follows: SESSION SNAPSHOT Adventist Community Services Leader or Dorcas Society Leader—The church elects the Adventist Com- munity Services leader or Dorcas Society leader, assistant leaders (as needed), and secretary-treasurer of Adventist Community Services, which in some areas is known as the Dorcas Society. (See Notes, #14, p. 170.) This organization gathers and prepares clothing, food and other supplies for those in need and works closely with the Adventist Men, deacons, deaconesses, and other church departments in community outreach. Adventist Community Services or Dorcas Society ministry, however, includes more than giving material aid. It focuses on identifying needs and responding with services based on these specific needs. Examples are educational seminars, community development, visiting, counseling, and other services relevant to the community. Community Services/Dorcas Society Leader—The church elects the Community Services/ Dorcas Society leader, assistant leaders (as needed), and secretary-treasurer. This organization gathers and prepares clothing, food, and other supplies for those in need and works closely with the deacons and deaconesses. Community Services/Dorcas ministry, however, includes more than giving material aid. It encompasses adult education, visiting, homemaking, home nursing, counseling, and other services. The Adventist Community Services Leader or Dorcas Society Leader is a member of the Personal Ministries Council and the church board. If the church operates a Community Services center, the personal ministries council is its governing committee. The Council Young adults excited to be attendees at the 60th annual GC session with the opportu- appoints the director of the center, who is a member nity to witness the church’s vote on women’s ordination. of the Council as well as the church board. council. PIETER DAMSTEEGT AR/ANN

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adult ministries of the local church. However, if the request becomes a motion, it is non- Amendment, back to the Church Manual Committee. Pathfinder Club Meetings—The Pathfinder Club debatable and is decided by majority vote. meetings provide specialized programs for junior youth The chairperson should announce when and where BUSINESS MEETINGS - CHURCH MANUAL AMENDMENT and in some areas have replaced the Adventist Junior the committee will meet to hear objections. At that VOTED, To amend the Church Manual, Chapter 10, Youth Society meetings. Churches where both function time members making objections, or any other mem- Services and Other Meetings, pages 123 and 124, Busi- should coordinate their activities. Pathfinders will meet ber who desires to do so, should appear before the ness Meetings, to read as follows: according to conference departmental policy. committee. If the election is deferred because of objec- Adventurer Club Meetings—Adventurer Club meet- tions, it would be a serious matter for those raising Business Meetings ings provide specialized programs for primary/early objections to fail to appear before the committee. The local church operates within defined roles in school-age children designed to complement and The committee should give due consideration to Seventh-day Adventist Church structure. Within the strengthen parental involvement in early childhood the objections presented. If they are found to be justi- context of those roles, the business meeting is the development. Meetings and other activities are to be fied, the committee should substitute new names for governing body constituency meeting of the local carried out according to conference policies as outlined those to which objection was made. After giving due church. (See p. 29.) Members in regular standing are in the club manuals and in coordination with other consideration to the objections presented, the com- encouraged to attend and are entitled to vote. A mem- youth-related and family-related organizations of the mittee will exercise its judgment as to whether or not ber under censure has no right to participate by voice church. any change is warranted in the committee’s recom- or vote. mendation to the church business meeting. When the Business meetings shall be held at least once a year. OBJECTIONS TO THE REPORT OF THE NOMINATING COM- report is again presented, the church proceeds to vote The pastor, or the board in consultation with and sup- MITTEE - CHURCH MANUAL AMENDMENT on the report of the committee. port of the pastor, calls the meeting. Business meetings VOTED, To amend the Church Manual, Chapter 9, Trivial or groundless objections to any name should typically are announced a week or two in advance at Elections, page 109, Objections to the Report of the never be made, but if there are serious reasons that the regular Sabbath worship service, with detail as to Nominating Committee, to read as follows: any nomination should be changed, these reasons time and place. The pastor, an elder arranged by the Objections to the Report of the Nominating Com- should be stated to the nominating committee. pastor, or, in some cases, the conference president, mittee—Members may object to the nominating com- serves as chairperson of the business meeting. mittee’s report and should present their objections in UNAUTHORIZED SPEAKERS - CHURCH MANUAL Each church decides what the quorum will be for person to the committee before the second reading of AMENDMENT future meetings. Votes by proxy or letter are not the report by making an appointment through the VOTED, To refer Unauthorized Speakers, Church permitted. chairperson or pastor. Or, at the time of the second Manual Amendment, back to the Church Manual Major items should be decided at a regular or spe- reading of the report, a member may request that the Committee. cially called business meeting. whole report be referred without discussion to the The business meeting has authority over the board committee for further consideration. It is the usual COMMUNION SERVICE - CHURCH MANUAL AMENDMENT and may delegate responsibilities to the board in addi- procedure for the chairperson to accept the referral. VOTED, To refer Communion Service, Church Manual tion to those already assigned by the Church Manual. (See pp. 124-127.) The business meeting agenda should include reports about the work of the church. At least once a year the agenda should include reports covering church activities. Based on those reports, presentation of a FUN FACT proposed plan of action for the next year year, including an annual budget, should be presented for 2,500 people walked or ran in the InStep 4 Life 5K Fun Run for a total of 7,767 miles approval. When possible, reports and plans for the (12,500 kilometers) That’s more than the distance across the United States plus the next year should be presented in writing. (See Notes, distance across Africa. #7, pp. 176, 177.) JOSAFAT ZEMLEDUCH AR/ANN In order to maintain a spirit of cooperation between the church and conference, the church shall secure counsel from conference officers on all major matters. Conference and union officers (president, secretary, treasurer) or their designee may attend without vote (unless granted by the church) any business meeting of any church in their territory. An action to allow voting is not required if the officer is currently a member of that congregation.

FINANCE COMMITTEE - CHURCH MANUAL ADDITION VOTED, To add a new section, Finance Committee, to the Church Manual, Chapter 10, Services and Other Meetings, following Church Board and Its Meetings, on page 127, to read as follows:

Finance Committee Each church should have a mission-driven, broadly- based consultative financial planning and budgeting process with a committee structure that can give detailed review to the ongoing financial planning and budgeting. In some cases, this may take the form of a finance committee. In other cases, in smaller churches, this process may be handled directly by the church board. If the church establishes a separate committee for this purpose, the responsibilities should include reviewing budget requests and the review of the annual

46 ADVENTIST REVIEW | GC SESSION BULLETIN: JULY 9, 2015 operating budget as well as a review of the financial VOTED, To call for the vote on Church Board and It’s PUBLISHER General Conference of ® position of the church as reflected in the financial Meeting, Church Manual Amendment. Seventh-day Adventists statements. The approval of the budget and the review EXECUTIVE PUBLISHER Bill Knott of the financial statement shall then be recommended CHURCH BOARD AND ITS MEETINGS - CHURCH MANUAL ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Claude Richli PUBLISHING BOARD to the church board and onward to the business meet- AMENDMENT Ted N. C. Wilson, chair ing of the church for action. VOTED, To refer Church Board and It’s Meetings, Benjamin D. Schoun, vice chair Church Manual Amendment, back to the Church Manual Bill Knott, secretary Lisa Beardsley-Hardy, Daniel R. Jackson, CHURCH BOARD AND IT’S MEETING - CHURCH MANUAL Committee. Robert Lemon, Geoffrey Mbwana, G. T. AMENDMENT Ng; Daisy Orion; Juan Prestol, Michael Ryan, Ella Simmons, Karnik Doukmetzian, legal adviser

EDITOR Bill Knott NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT #5 ASSOCIATE EDITORS Lael Caesar, VOTED, To approve the following partial report of the Nominating Committee: Gerald A. Klingbeil NEWS EDITOR Andrew McChesney General Conference Anthony R Kent COORDINATING EDITOR Stephen Chavez Derek J Morris ONLINE EDITOR Carlos Medley Associate Treasurer FEATURES EDITOR Sandra Blackmer Delbert B Pearman Public Affairs and Religious Liberty YOUNG ADULT EDITOR Kimberly Associate Directors: Luste Maran Children’s Ministries Nelu Burcea KIDSVIEW EDITOR Wilona Karimabadi Associate Director: Dwayne O Leslie OPERATIONS MANAGER Merle Poirier Saustin S Mfune FINANCIAL MANAGER Rachel Child Publishing Ministries EDITORIAL ASSESSMENT COORDINATOR Education Director: Marvene Thorpe-Baptiste Associate Directors: Almir M Marroni MARKETING DIRECTOR Claude Richli Hudson E Kibuuka EDITORS-AT-LARGE Mark A. Finley, John M. Fowler Mike M Lekic Sabbath School/Personal Ministries SENIOR ADVISER E. Edward Zinke Julian M Melgosa Associate Director: ART DIRECTOR/DESIGNER Bryan Gray John Wesley Taylor V Ramon Canals LAYOUT TECHNICIAN Fred Wuerstlin

AD SALES Glen Gohlke Ministerial Association Women’s Ministries CIRCULATION Rebecca Hilde Associate Secretaries: Associate Director: Robert Costa Raquel C Arrais TO WRITERS: Writer’s guidelines are Willie E Hucks II available at the Adventist Review Web site: www.adventistreview.org and click “About the Review.” For a printed copy, send a self-addressed envelope to: Writer’s Guidelines, Adventist Review, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904. E-mail: [email protected]. Web site: www.adventistreview.org. Postmaster: Send address changes to Adventist Review, P.O. Box 5353, Nampa, ID 83653-5353. Stop by the booth - C1128 Unless otherwise noted, Bible texts in this issue are from the Holy Bible, New International Version. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved Receive a FREE gift*, sign up for a daily worldwide. Unless otherwise noted, all prominent photos are © Thinkstock 2015. drawing and take advantage of our The Adventist Review (ISSN 0161-1119), published since 1849, is the general paper convention specials - 20% off!!! of the Seventh-day Adventist® Church. It is published by the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists® and is printed 27 times a year (9 weekly, 8 monthly, 1 special, and 9 special supplements mailed in May, June, and July). Pacific Press Publishing Association, at 1350 North Kings Road, Nampa, ID 83687, is the printer of record. Periodical postage paid If you are unable to join us for the convention at Nampa, ID 83686, and additional mailing offices. Copyright © 2015, General you can still receive 20% offf a one-time order Conference of Seventh-day Adventists®. PRINTED IN THE U.S.A. by calling 1-800-987-7879 and mentioning SUBSCRIPTIONS: Twelve issues of the monthly Adventist Review, US$26.95 plus this ad. (Valid thru July 30, 2015.) additional postage outside North America. Single copy US$4.00. To order, send your name, address, and payment to: Adventist Review subscription desk, P.O. Box 5353, Nampa, Exciting Events Volumes 1 and 2 — Your Story Hour’s newest releases available now! ID 83653-5353 Orders can also be placed at Adventist YOUR STORY HOUR - Providing family friendly entertainment for 66 years! Book Centers. Prices subject to change. ADDRESS CHANGES *While supplies last. AND SUBSCRIPTION QUERIES: adventistreview@pacificpress.com. OR call 1-800-447-7377 or 208-465-2548.

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