May 9, 2013 Vol. 190, No. 13

www.adventistreview.org

May 9, 2013

Hope Channel Ukraine Inaugurated 12 An Errand for a Rainy Day 21 Kids Eat Free 24

Un-Real Bringing faith a n d practice into focus

“Behold, I come quickly . . .” Our mission is to uplift Jesus Christ by presenting stories of His matchless love, news of His present workings, help for knowing Him better, and hope in His soon return.

16 22 10 7 COVER FEATURE ARTICLES DEPARTMENTS EDITORIALS 16 Un-Real 2 2 Eloquent Moments 4 Letters 6 Bill Knott Shane Anderson of Silence BRICOM Musings How do the young people Oliver L. Jacques 7 Page 7 in your life view the reality When words are 7 Gerald A. Klingbeil of being a Seventh-day inadequate 8 World News & Agendas Adventist Christian? Perspectives 2 4 Kids Eat Free 13 Give & Take Lael Caesar What a great way to 15 Introducing the Why make us all feel special! 21 Searching the Obvious 2 8 31 Years as a CEO DeLona Lang Bell 2 7 GLOW Stories John Sackett shares his 31 Reflections perspective on Adventist Next Week health care: where it’s been, where it’s going. Christ, or Kona? A tiny fraction of those who ON THE COVER qualify compete in the Iron- man Triathlon. But to qualify, Knowing Jesus as Friend and be accepted, and choose Savior is the only way to bring not to compete is phenom- into focus. enal; so is Alicia Trott.

Publisher General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists®, Executive Publisher Bill Knott, Associate Publisher Claude Richli, Publishing Board: Ted N. C. Wilson, chair; Benjamin D. Schoun, vice chair; Bill Knott, secretary; Lisa Beardsley-Hardy; Daniel R. Jackson; Robert Lemon; Geoffrey Mbwana; G. T. Ng; Daisy Orion; Juan Prestol; Michael Ryan; ; Mark Thomas; Karnik Doukmetzian, legal adviser. Editor Bill Knott, Associate Editors Lael Caesar, Gerald A. Klingbeil, Coordinating Editor Stephen Chavez, Online Editor Carlos Medley, Features Editor Sandra Blackmer, Young Adult Editor Kimberly Luste Maran, KidsView Editor Wilona Karimabadi, News Editor Mark A. Kellner, Operations Manager Merle Poirier, Financial Manager Rachel Child, Editorial Assistant Marvene Thorpe-Baptiste, Assistant to the Editor Gina Wahlen, Quality Assurance/Social Media Coordinator Jean Boonstra, Marketing Director Claude Richli, Editor-at-Large Mark A. Finley, Senior Advisor E. Edward Zinke, Art Director Bryan Gray, Design Daniel Añez, Desktop Technician Fred Wuerstlin, Ad Sales Glen Gohlke, Subscriber Services Steve Hanson. To Writers: Writer’s guidelines are available at the Web site: www.adventistreview.org and click “About the Review.” For a printed copy, send a self-addressed en- velope to: Writer’s Guidelines, Adventist Review, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904-6600. E-mail: [email protected]. Web site: www.adventistreview.org.P ostmaster: Send address changes to Adventist Review, 55 West Oak Ridge Drive, Hagerstown, MD 21740-7301. Unless otherwise noted, Bible texts in this issue are from theH oly Bible, New International Version. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Unless otherwise noted, all photos are © Thinkstock 2013.T he Adventist Review (ISSN 0161- 1119), published since 1849, is the general paper of the Seventh-day Adventist® Church. It is published by the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists® and is printed 36 times a year on the second, third, and fourth Thursdays of each month by the Review and Herald® Publishing Association, 55 West Oak Ridge Drive, Hagerstown, MD 21740. Periodical postage paid at Hagerstown, MD 21740. Copyright © 2013, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists®. PRINTED IN THE U.S.A. Vol. 190, No. 13

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www.AdventistReview.org | May 9, 2013 | (387) 3 Let us rather seek and adopt Prisoners of Fear biblical values and attitudes »»In his March 14 editorial as exemplified in the life of “Prisoners of Fear,” Stephen Jesus. Chavez wrote “In the coun- inbox Jonathan Peinado Letters From Our Readers tries of the world in which Jacksonville, Florida Christianity is the predomi- nant religion, the weeks lead- »»Thanks for printing the »»Thank you so much for ing up to the observance of article “Reclaiming the addressing difficult topics in Christ’s birth, His death, and Library,” with which I heart- the March 14 editorials. For His resurrection are prime ily agree. I confess, however, so many of us it is much eas- opportunities to share our that I have not come in con- ier to stay with the famil- faith, not our fears.” Really? tact with the ideas against iar—whether authors, Is this the reason we Advent- which Bill Knott so deftly practices, or patterns of ists should join in celebrat- writes. Perhaps it is because I thinking. And, of course, we ing Easter? Should we follow need to be more widely read do tend to believe that our the majority for a lack of any (irony intended). way of looking at things is other sound reason? For the Bill Krick “the right way.” It can some- same way of thinking, California times even feel threatening should we join in keeping to consider that there may be Sunday, going away from March 14 Editorials other ways of looking at keeping the real Sabbath, Reclaiming »»I’m writing to thank Bill dearly held viewpoints that Saturday? the Library Knott, Stephen Chavez, and might also have merit. Yet we Won H. Bae »»“Reclaiming the Library,” the Review staff for having can learn so much from Marlborough, by Bill Knott (Mar. 14, 2013), the courage to publish the other Christians who have Massachusetts was a breath of fresh air! If editorials “Reclaiming the faced and overcome chal- we really believe that all Library” and “Prisoners of lenges that have led them to truth is God’s truth, sooner Fear” (Mar. 14). The sectari- a closer walk with God. or later we are bound to anism and fear-based ideolo- As we explore topics such find out that every idea, gies outlined by Knott and as what is so amazing about every proposition—by Chavez are key characteris- grace, how the heart of the either comparison or con- tics of fundamentalism. Fun- Beloved draws us closer to trast—can’t help but get us damentalism can be Him, ways other Christians closer to “the truth that is in described as a posture of have used spiritual practices Jesus.” When we are fear, reaction, separateness, such as simplicity or solitude grounded on the Word, there over-againstness, and or fasting to clear their lives is nothing to fear; in fact, as aggression found among all of the clutter that keeps them we make the most of the religious movements. In fact, from listening to and grow- Do I Need a Gun? insights of others, we are according to church histo- ing toward God, we can gain »»Claude Richli’s article “Do I still able to bring “every rian Martin Marty, religious courage from the experi- Need a Gun?” (Mar. 14) is an thought into captivity to the fundamentalism is on the ences of our spiritual fore- interesting article that raises obedience of Christ” (2 Cor. rise across the religious bears and benefit from the some great questions, espe- 10:5, NKJV).* Rightly under- spectrum (Jewish, Muslim, wisdom God gave them as cially now that guns are a hot stood, the laws of phys- Hindu, and Christian). we continue on our life’s commodity. I have been a ics and sociology, of biology Our church does not exist journey toward our heavenly gun owner for many years and astronomy, as well as in a vacuum, therefore it home. And as “loving and and enjoy shooting. most literary endeavors, should not surprise us to see lovable Christians” maybe The article discussed using point to the “manifold wis- this same religious trend we can draw more people to a gun as a means of self- dom of God” (Eph. 3:10, KJV), echoed in our own church. I Jesus as we recognize how defense, or as a weapon. to the Author of it all. No dis- join my voice with that of the He has led others in their Many Adventists find it per- claimers needed! Review in warning our church journeys, and lift Him up in fectly reasonable to have a Marcos Paseggi members against adopting ours. hammer, bat, crowbar, mace, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada the destructive attitudes and Tamara Russell or other potentially lethal values of fundamentalism. via e-mail

4 (388) | www.AdventistReview.org | May 9, 2013 “weapon” at their disposal, in order to protect them- selves or their family. A gun Let us make a concerted effort to curb violence as a is also a weapon, and also means of entertainment and blame the perpetrators of potentially lethal. The gun was created as a tool to kill “ crime, not the weapons they choose. things. But, bow and arrows, spears, swords, slingshots, —d. richardson, Northglenn, Colorado and numerous other items that are widely accepted by ”

January 17, 2013 Adventists were as well. 30,000 gunshot deaths in a sword, are tools that can be Vol. 190, No. 2

January 17, 2013 www.adventistreview.org 7 Archery and even tomahawk year. . . . This is disturbing. used legally or illegally as A Wave and a Greeting Religiously Unaffiliated 8 Swell Worldwide 26 throwing are taught at our What bothers me is the knee- weapons of offense. What Divine Assassin? camps and in our Pathfinder jerk reaction to any major this world needs is properly Religious Freedom in clubs. Yet I suppose because violence involving a gun. No educated users who know the guns are loud and “scary” new laws on the books are how and when to use them, IS one of the most and have incredible power, going to change one thing and when not to. fundamentalS freedom many Adventists—and about these statistics. Let law We also need far less vio- unde r attack? Christians, for that matter— enforcement enforce the lence on television entertain- are quick to demonize them. laws on the books already, ment, which too often while many publicans and There is a bigger question and make sure the judges indoctrinates our minds sinners came to hear with here that needs consider- and prosecutors tend to their with misuse of guns. And we open minds and went home ation: whether it is right and end of the responsibility. need enforcement of existing justified. biblical to protect one’s self, Deaths by guns do not laws on gun use and owner- It is positively judgmental family, and other innocents. make it into the top list of ship. Some laws may need to categorize people as “left” Guns are definitely a causes of deaths. The Ameri- strengthening to cover peo- or “right.” In God there is no timely topic for us to discuss, can health-care system is the ple with unsound minds, east or west, male or female. and for individuals of our third leading cause of death preventing them from M. E. Hardin faith to develop an opinion per year in the United obtaining weapons for Scottsdale, Arizona about. My hope is that the States—up to 225,000 deaths misuse. media, unsubstantiated per year are caused by the I have owned guns for * Texts credited to NKJV are from the New King James Version. Copyright © fears, and an ignorance of health system. Maybe we more than 60 years without 1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. firearms, will not be the fac- should direct more of our shame and make no apology Used by permission. All rights reserved. tors forming those opinions. energy to cleaning up the for how they are used, but Christian Yaste health system to make it my favorite weapon is the Charlotte, North Carolina safer. sword of the spirit, the Word I have spent more than 20 of God. Let us make a con- We welcome your letters, noting, »»Claude Richli’s article was years in law enforcement certed effort to curb violence as always, that inclusion of a letter well written and interesting. and 41 years as a minister; as a means of entertainment in this section does not imply that I have a couple of questions, and I would much rather and blame the perpetrators the ideas expressed are endorsed by however. What if that first have a law-abiding citizen of crime, not the weapons either the editors of the Adventist person through the door was armed than unarmed. The they choose. Review or the General Conference. swinging a machete or was church probably needs to D. Richardson Short, specific, timely letters have holding a gun? A rubber mal- leave the gun issue alone and Northglenn, Colorado the best chance at being published let is no match for either. concentrate on soul winning. (please include your complete And what about those people Jim Cox Religious Freedom address and phone number—even who have been killed, raped, Rural Retreat, Virginia in America with e-mail messages). Letters will or seriously injured when »»It was disappointing to be edited for space and clarity only. they might have protected About Guns and Love read the partisan article Send correspondence to Letters to themselves if they had a gun? »»The two articles in the “Religious Freedom in Amer- the Editor, Adventist Review, 12501 Granted, no one should try March 14 Review about guns ica,” by Nicholas P. Miller, in Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD to use a gun if they have not by Claude Richli and Katia our church paper (Jan. 17, 20904-6600; Internet: letters@ been properly trained in how Reinert missed the main 2013). Let’s not forget it was adventistreview.org. to use it. issues. Guns, like Peter’s the so-called religious right Richli gives the figure of that crucified our Lord Jesus,

www.AdventistReview.org | May 9, 2013 | (389) 5 Editorials BRICOM Musings1 “Help us to hear your Word as it is, not as we imagine it to be.” The one praying knew what he was asking, for he offered his petition in a room crowded with differing theories of biblical interpretation. New Testament scholars, church historians, Old Testament exegetes, and systematic theologians knelt around the hollow square of committee tables before picking up their work for the day. A thousand years of Adventist ministry and scholarship paused to confess with the apostle Paul, “Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known” (1 Cor. 13:12, NRSV).2 The prayer is fundamentally biblical and essentially Adventist. It also acknowledges an enduring challenge for a people who have for 150 years maintained that they have no creed but the Bible: how do we remain open to the fresh insights of the Spirit—and simultaneously loyal to “the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints” (Jude 3, NRSV)? Bill Our dilemma grows from the very devotional habits that anchor individual Adventists in the Knott truths of Scripture. Each time I pick up my Bible—in whatever version, at whatever time of day—I bring to it my accumulated history of reading God’s Word, my usual ways of under- standing how to faithfully interpret and apply that Word, and even my personal preferences for some passages of Scripture over others. From my father I learned a fondness for the Psalms, as he had from his father. My seminary professors communicated their passion for Paul’s epistles: my heart still sings the great assur- ance of salvation by faith in Jesus I found in early-morning classes. I love Luke’s narratives of Jesus’ healing miracles. I celebrate the Lord who tailored His restoration to the unique needs of each hurting man and woman. But it would be an incomplete gospel and even a distorted view of Scripture if I never read the books of Moses or winced at narratives of Uzzah, Saul, and Achan. My preference for the Psalms doesn’t preclude my need to read the prophets—major and minor—or ponder the sweep of God’s activity in history through Isaiah, Daniel, and Revelation. My affection for the accessible Jesus of the parables ought never make me miss the soul-shaking image of “the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple” (Isa. 6:1, KJV). Hearing God’s Word as it is—and not as we imagine it to be, or remember it to be—requires both the structure of all the Spirit has taught us about how to read His Word and the supple- ness to learn things the Spirit may yet seek to teach us. Ideally we come to read the Word with both full seriousness and full humility, neither clinging to a past interpretation of the Word when the Spirit urges change, nor abandoning “the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history”3 because of some momentary enthusiasm. Just here we learn how much we need each other in the task of staying faithful to both Scrip- ture and the Spirit—why Jesus gives His Word to His church rather than only to individual believers. The careful listening to each other that happens when we study Scripture prayerfully; the humility that allows for the possibility that our earlier understandings may have been incomplete—these are the hallmarks of a people who live reverently with the Word and with each other. In such a room we pray to hear again a mighty rushing wind. In such a room we pray to trace again the tongues of flame that set the world on fire. n

1 The Biblical Research Institute Committee is an international group of Adventist Bible scholars, theologians, church histori- ans, and administrators. It meets semiannually to discuss theological trends in the church, review papers and books proposed for publication, and respond to requests from the world church for study and guidance. 2 Bible texts credited to NRSV are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by permission. 3 Ellen G. White, Life Sketches of Ellen G. White (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1915), p. 196.

6 (390) | www.AdventistReview.org | May 9, 2013 Agendas We all have them. Agendas drive the big picture of our lives or the minute details of our daily commute. An agenda lays out the plan for a church board meeting or the next four years of an elected president. Usually they are based on value systems— imagined or real—and they affect all aspects of who we are. Over the past months I have read a number of letters reaching the offices of the Adventist Review that suggest that this magazine has a hidden agenda. A few see us on the side of gun-control advo- cates; others believe they can detect where we are on the women’s ordination debate. There are even some who suspect that the editors of this magazine are attracted to mysticism. Others are very sure we are still giving the trumpet “a certain sound.” So after having been assigned varying degrees of conservative or liberal bents, I will declare our agenda as I serve in these offices. We want to uphold biblical truth, revealed in the written and the living Word. We are willing to ask questions and listen to arguments, but will not experiment Gerald A. in the pages of this magazine. We believe in the creative community of writers, editors, designers, Klingbeil and everybody else involved in the ministry of the Adventist Review. This community is not immune to errors in judgment and timing—but it is working hard to deserve the trust that has so long been invested in it. I have noticed that when we look for (hidden) agendas, we really are seeking to classify. It feels more comfortable when we “know” where another person stands on a given issue—and yet we are prone to put in neatly labeled drawers that which often cannot be put into a drawer. So here is my ultimate agenda for this magazine. In the complexities of living life at the end of time I will keep on looking to Jesus—the one who had only one agenda—seeking and saving the lost (Luke 19:10). That’s an agenda worth imitating. n

A Tale of Two Travelers agatjit Singh Bahadur was the omer Russell Salisbury, Jruling maharaja of Kapurthala, Hsuperintendent of the India Union India, in 1915. He traveled Mission, was finally on his way home. A extensively, spending as much missionary, he’d left India in September as six months a year away from 1915 to attend an Annual Council in home. In March of that year he Loma Linda, California, mostly at the left on a tour of the United States, urging of other Adventist leaders. Canada, England, and France. In The meetings completed, he booked December he booked passage passage to India via the European route. home on the S.S. Persia (top right), World War I made the Pacific route leaving from Marseilles, France. safer, but Salisbury had work and a Loaded onto the ship into a wife waiting in India, and this route was secure vault were gold, silver, and faster. He made it safely to London, and precious gems valued at £1 million then to Marseilles on the S.S. Persia. He he had collected on his journey. was one stop away from home.

On December 30, just as passengers were sitting down to lunch, a German U-boat torpedoed the Persia, hitting it broadside. The ship listed and sank in less than 10 minutes; most of the 519 passengers were thrown into the frigid water. Survivors floated for 30 hours before being rescued. Salisbury did not survive. The maharaja, being tipped off that the ship had been targeted by the Germans, did not get on board, but sent a stand-in instead, who did survive. His fortune of gold, silver, and precious gems went down with the ship. In 2003 the wreckage of the Persia was discovered—its treasure cargo of primary interest. Eventually more than 200 precious gems were salvaged from its vault. Salisbury, a committed worker for the gospel, waits an even more wonderful “salvage operation” when his Lord and Savior returns to rescue him from his watery grave. World News & Perspectives

■■WORLD CHURCH pointment of the so-called Millerite movement, which expected the return No More Anniversaries, Wilson of Christ on October 22, 1844, still Says in Spring Meeting Sermon believed in the soon return of Jesus, Wilson noted, but now refused to set At Battle Creek, Sabbath message dates. Nevertheless, many believed the calls for recapture of urgency. work of proclaiming the three angels’ messages of Revelation 14 would be By MARK A. KELLNER, news editor, reporting from Battle Creek, Michigan completed quickly and that Christ’s Meeting in the city where the Seventh- since leaders of the then-nascent move- return was imminent. day Adventist Church’s General Confer- ment voted to organize the loosely knit Today’s 17-million-member Seventh- ence was first organized, members of the confederation of believers into a Gen- day Adventist Church still passionately world church’s Executive Committee eral Conference. proclaims Christ’s imminent return, he heard a direct call from General Confer- “This is a very sad anniversary,” Wil- observed. Wilson, the twentieth presi- ence president Ted N. C. Wilson not to son told delegates gathered for the dent of the General Conference since its forget the lessons learned from Ad- 11:00 a.m. worship service. “We should organization in 1863, asked whether the ventist history. have been home by now! The Lord has movement has been as faithful to God’s Wilson spoke during a Sabbath ser- wanted to come long before this. Why commands and counsels as it might mon on April 13, 2013, at the Seventh- celebrate any more anniversaries when have been. day Adventist Tabernacle in downtown we could be in heaven?” “Why must we wait on this earth any Battle Creek, Michigan, part of a week- The early Adventist pioneers, many of longer?” Wilson asked. “Why must we end planned to commemorate 150 years whom had survived the Great Disap- observe more anniversaries of the

COMMEMORATIVE CONGREGATION: Leaders from the world divisions of the Seventh-day Adventist Church were among worshippers on Sabbath, April 13, 2013, at the Battle Creek Tabernacle in downtown Battle Creek, Michigan.

8 (392) | www.AdventistReview.org | May 9, 2013 establishment of the General Confer- ment’s many global operations as it ence? Are we guilty of not obeying and continues to work to proclaim the gos- following our own counsels and going pel message. backward and not forward? God has “The General Conference will con- called the Seventh-day Adventist tinue to stand firm for God’s truth as Church as a movement to a unique mes- the overall supervising body of God’s sage and a unique mission. When will worldwide work,” Wilson said. “It will we fully embrace it and remember /ANN oberts not lessen its strong guiding and nur- God’s leading in our past and not forget turing role over all Seventh-day Advent- Him? How long will we, like ancient ists worldwide until ultimately Israel, keep breaking our promises to religious persecution prevents organi- R : B randan P hotos the Lord and following our own counsel REMEMBERING BEGINNINGS: “We are zations from functioning. The General and not His?” celebrating 150 years here in Battle Creek Conference, by God’s grace and His In his Sabbath message, which was because we don’t want to forget who we power, will not be decentralized, neu- also carried live on the , a are, where we came from, and what God tralized, or sidelined.” has in store for us as His people—a unique satellite network owned by the General people with a unique message at a unique Concluding his remarks, Wilson said Conference, Wilson explained why the time in earth’s history,” General Confer- the mission given to the Seventh-day anniversary was important, not as a ence president Ted N. C. Wilson told wor- Adventist Church, from its pioneer days time for celebration, but as a challenge shippers on Sabbath, April 13, 2013, at the and the organization of the General for Adventists now. Battle Creek Tabernacle in the city where Conference in Battle Creek 150 years Adventists organized as a General Confer- “We are celebrating 150 years here in ence 150 years ago. ago, is uniquely intended for this Battle Creek because we don’t want to movement. forget who we are, where we came York and many other cities with the “This message will not pass to from, and what God has in store for us power of the loud cry with our Mission another group or church,” Wilson as His people—a unique people with a to the Cities Project! It is time to fully declared. “There will not be another unique message at a unique time in utilize comprehensive health ministry remnant church. You and I are part of earth’s history,” Wilson said. “Jesus is to act as the right arm to the gospel the final church God has prepared. coming soon! All the signs point to the message. It is time to ‘tell the world,’ ” [The] 150 years of the General Confer- climax of earth’s history. It is time to he added, noting several world church ence is simply a call to move forward on proclaim the three angels’ messages outreach initiatives. that great journey on that narrow path- with Holy Spirit power. It is time to The General Conference president way, allowing God to make revival and reap the results from the Great Contro- stressed that world church leaders will reformation real and actual in our lives versy Project. It is time to enter New continue their role of guiding the move- and in the church.” n

■■North America U.S. Court Gives Green Light for Adventist’s Workplace Discrimination Trial Bus driver will get hearing over Sabbath observance-related firing By ANSEL OLIVER, Adventist News Network

A Seventh-day Adventist school bus Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit in proper notice for his Friday night driver in the U.S. state of Louisiana has New Orleans against his former absences, but was later terminated for won the right from a federal appeals employer First Student, Inc., the largest absenteeism. court to proceed with a workplace dis- school bus company in North America. A district court dismissed the case (in crimination case over his observance of Though he had informed his supervi- which Antoine filed suit in January of Sabbath. sors of his request not to work on Fri- 2010) in November of 2011. Last week’s On April 10, 2013, Robert Antoine was day nights, the court found that First ruling by the higher appeals court granted a unanimous decision from a Student had not followed up on its means the case can now move forward. three-judge panel at the United States offer of swapping his shift. He gave “This demonstrates how hard it can

www.AdventistReview.org | May 9, 2013 | (393) 9 World News & Perspectives

be for a person just to get a trial,” said Todd McFarland, who serves as an asso- ciate general counsel for the Adventist Church’s world headquarters and argued the case for Antoine in Septem- ber. “A lot of times just getting a trial is half the battle.” Seventh-day Adventists observe the biblical Sabbath from sunset Friday to sunset Saturday. Federal employment law in the United States says an employer must make “reasonable accommodations” for the religious observances of employees, ardner as long as it doesn’t have to “incur undue hardship.” G : S ean photo First Student did not respond to a FAVORABLE DECISION: The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit ruled in favor of an request for comment. Adventist bus driver who was fired from his job for his observance of Sabbath, despite his requests of supervisors for schedule changes. The court, which handed down the ruling The Fifth Circuit, one of 13 U.S. fed- on April 10, 2013, is located in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States. eral appeals courts, is located in New Orleans and has jurisdiction for the McFarland says the church’s Office of ing Sabbath observance and files friend states of Louisiana, Mississippi, and General Counsel routinely assists with of the court briefs in support of people Texas. workplace discrimination cases regard- of other faiths. n

■■REMEMBRANCE Robert W. Olson, Former White Estate Director, Dies Defended Spirit of Prophecy during 1980s attacks, published first EGW CD-ROM By MARK A. KELLNER, news editor

When the hot flame of controversy “Robert Olson was affirming and lapped at the work and legacy of Ellen G. supportive, and you knew if he gave you White, an outgoing academic whose his word about something you could friendliness was renowned stepped up count on it,” said James R. Nix, current to defend her ministry and confront her director of the White Estate. “In addi- critics. tion to his kind, warm, open personal- photo A rchive Robert W. Olson, 92, for 12 years ity, he was a scholar, but a very humble WHITE ESTATE LEADER: Robert W. Olson, director of the Ellen G. White Estate, and approachable one. Whether he was 92, director of the Ellen G. White Estate passed to his rest on April 15, 2013, at exegeting a biblical text or talking about from 1978 to 1990, passed to his rest on his residence in the Fletcher Park Inn, something in the writings of Ellen April 15, 2013. Hendersonville, North Carolina. Before White, Bob’s clear thinking coupled his 1990 retirement Olson served the with his natural teaching skills, hand: “When the ministry of Ellen denomination for 47 years. His ministry enhanced from his many years in the White came under attack in the 1980s, included work as a pastor, evangelist, college classroom, caused him to be a Robert Olson provided solid leadership youth pastor, and educator, before suc- much in-demand speaker.” and honest answers to the questions ceeding Arthur White, Ellen’s grandson, Tim Poirier, associate director of the raised. And it was under his administra- as White Estate director. White Estate, saw Olson’s impact first- tion that the first Ellen G. White

10 (394) | www.AdventistReview.org | May 9, 2013 CD-ROM was produced.” chaired the Ellen G. White board of England, and another year of teaching The production of a computer-read- trustees and authored Through Crisis to at Columbia before he able disc containing the writings of Victory, 1888-1901, a history of the Sev- became Religion Department chair and Ellen G. White, a pioneering cofounder enth-day Adventist Church from the professor at PUC, his alma mater. of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, famous 1888 General Conference ses- By the time he was called to the White was something of a daring step in the sion through the 1901 reorganization. Estate as an associate director in 1974, first decade of personal computing. CD- Olson earned a Bachelor of Arts Olson had earned a Master of Divinity ROM drives were relatively expensive, degree from Pacific Union College degree from the Seventh-day Adventist and the first White CD-ROM was not (PUC), Angwin, California, in 1943, the Theological Seminary and a Doctor of inexpensive. But thousands of units were sold, White Estate officials said, beginning the digi- tal dissemination of her work, which today is available on smartphones and tablet devices through specialized, free appli- cations, and on computers via the Internet, also free. Olson brought what Poirier called “an academic approach” to the mission of the White Estate, something that was nec- essary when two Seventh-day Adventist ministers, Walter Rea and , challenged both the veracity of Ellen White’s writings, as well as, in Ford’s case, the church’s understanding of the , a key Seventh-day Adventist belief based on the biblical books of

Daniel and Revelation. photo state In March 1981 the White W hite E Estate published Olson’s book THREE COLLEAGUES: Robert W. Olson (left) with Arthur L. White (right) and Kenneth H. Wood One Hundred and One Questions on (former chairman of the board) seen in 1985 at the White Estate offices the Sanctuary and Ellen G. White, which the author hoped would “help year he became a pastor-evangelist for Theology degree from the Southwestern the reader to see truth more clearly, and the Northern California Conference. He Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort so have strong confidence in the gift of was ordained to the gospel ministry in Worth, Texas. prophecy and in the special message 1946, the year he became youth pastor Olson’s first wife, Rowena, and sec- being proclaimed by the Seventh-day and associate professor of religion at ond wife, Rose, preceded him in death. Adventist Church.” the College of Medical Evangelists (now His two children, A. Wesley and Evelyn Robert Wesley Olson was born Octo- ). Georgeson, and his wife, Lorraine, ber 25, 1920, in Oshawa, Ontario, Can- In 1954, having earned an M.A. from survive. ada, a child of A. J. Olson, a Seventh-day the Seventh-day Adventist Theological “He was a friend to everyone; he had Adventist minister and educator. His Seminary, he began a two-year post as a great sense of humor and thought the uncle was Albert Victor Olson, an an associate religion professor at best of everyone,” Poirier said. Noting ordained minister who served the Columbia Union College (now Washing- that Olson had hired him as a 23-year- movement as president of the Southern ton Adventist University) in Takoma old, Poirier added that Olson was “con- European Division and later as a vice Park, Maryland. This was followed in fident in giving young people a chance president of the General Conference of 1956 by four years as principal (presi- to serve” the Seventh-day Adventist Seventh-day Adventists. A. V. Olson also dent) of Newbold College in Bracknell, Church. n

www.AdventistReview.org | May 9, 2013 | (395) 11 World News & Perspectives

■■EURO-ASIA DIVISION Hope Channel Ukraine Is Church’s Fourth Satellite Channel in Adventist satellite TV network to open , Africa outlets soon By ADVENTIST NEWS NETWORK

The March 1, 2013, launch of Hope Daniel Reband, who oversees TV pro- , based in Channel Ukraine gives the Seventh-day duction for the movement’s Euro-Asia England, Speranta TV in Romania, and Adventist Church its fourth full-time sat- Division, based in Moscow, said, “Hav- Hope Channel Germany. ellite channel in Europe, along with ing lived under Communism and expe- The Adventist Church also operates growing Internet channels potentially rienced for many years countless six Internet Hope Channel broadcast laying the ground for future satellite obstacles to sharing our message, I can channels in Europe—Bulgaria, Czech transmissions. hardly believe what I am seeing.” Republic, Hungary, Italy, Norway, and The opening caps a nearly five-year Hope Channel Ukraine currently Poland. application process for a license to operates a Ukrainian- and a Russian- Hope Channel Ukraine is the four- operate. In August Hope Channel language studio in the capital, Kiev, and teenth full-time satellite channel in the Ukraine became the first Protestant TV branches in eight other cities. global Hope Channel network. channel officially granted broadcast dis- Church members in the Ukraine for is set to tribution rights across the Eastern years financially supported the develop- launch as the network’s next satellite European country and the former ment of the media ministry outreach, channel in August. The channel already Soviet Republic. said Kandus Thorp, Hope Channel vice operates online. Similarly, the Internet- The network can now broadcast on president for international development. based Hope Channel Indonesia is some 600 cable networks, potentially There are roughly 60,000 Adventist scheduled to also make the transition to reaching up to 60 percent of the coun- Church members in the Ukraine. a satellite channel later this year. Also try’s population. Roughly 45 million The channel joins its three other sis- upcoming is the launch of Hope Chan- people live in the Ukraine. ter satellite channels on the continent— nel Africa, officials said. n y ESD courtes photo KIEV OPENING: Seventh-day Adventist Church leaders hold a commemorative plaque on the opening day of operations for Hope Chan- nel Ukraine in Kiev on March 1, 2013. The new channel is expected to potentially reach 60 percent of the country’s population.

12 (396) | www.AdventistReview.org | May 9, 2013 y crews © terr Sound Bites

adventist life “To pray to have the mind of Christ and Kalani, my 2½-year-old granddaughter, was to be dedicated Sabbath afternoon. We were driving to a needlessly expose ourselves to simulated park by the Columbia River, where the “ceremony” was to take place, as Kalani’s aunt Alyssa explained what we were going to do. “We are going to ask Jesus to be sin is incongruous and hypocritical.” your best friend,” she said. —Richard O’Ffill, regarding TV and movie watching in a dis cussion on his Web site’s Later, as Kalani was riding on my shoulders back to forum in 2011; submitted by Kay Russell the car she remarked, “I married Jesus.” —Mickey Rana, Brewster, Washington

When I was growing up in the 1980s, church constit- herald’s trumpet uency meetings were three hours away by car, and in our very small church it was often one of my parents Hi, kids! Herald’s trumpet is once again who would make that trip with another church mem- hidden somewhere in this magazine. If you find ber. Sometimes a sibling or I would also attend, with it, send a postcard telling us where. Be sure to include your coloring book in tow. The long drive, longer meetings, name and address! Then we’ll randomly choose three winning postcards. and drive home were worth it to us for the lunch the In our last contest (Feb. 21, 2013) we had 15 entries! Our three winners were constituents were served. What was this great menu? Annabelle Harper, from Martinez, Georgia; Olivia Jacobs, from Peru, Maine; A paper lunch bag with a mayonnaise and Worthing- and Nathan Ward, from Cleburne, Texas. Each received a book from Pacific ton turkey slice sandwich, Little Debbie dessert snack, Press. Where was the trumpet? On page 19. and an individual-sized If you can find the trumpet this time, send your postcard to Herald’s Sunny Delight. Having Trumpet, Adventist Review, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, a meal such as this is MD 20904-6600. The prize will be . . . a surprise! Look for the three still such a treat for me winners’ names in the May 9, 2013, edition of the Adventist Review. to this day, despite the Have fun searching and keep trumpeting Jesus’ love—and His Second great home-cooked Coming! food we grew up with POEM and still eat! —Gennifer Anderson, In a World of Sin Oakdale, California Dreaming with eyes wide open. Dreaming of a better life, a truer hope. Dreaming the pain away, the tears dried. Dreaming my eyes sparkled,

And the Resurrection crossed. —Karen A. Hurst, Altadena, California

www.AdventistReview.org | May 9, 2013 | (397) 13 (398) Introducing the Why You Can’t Sharpen Your Own Sword Sometimes we tend to read the Bible in pockets. If you grew up in a Christian home, it’s probably impossible for you to count the number of times you’ve heard the stories about David and Goliath, Daniel and the lions’ den, and Moses parting the Red Sea. But unless you’re a Bible scholar, you probably can’t rattle off the messages of all the Minor Prophets, or recite the historical time line of Paul’s New Testament letters. I’m not saying this is a bad thing; certain passages—especially stories—are innately more interesting and hold our attention. That being said, when it comes to our Bible heroes, it’s important to understand the lessons, patterns, and trajectory of their lives as a whole. Case in point: Out of curiosity, throughout the month of March I watched The Bible on the History Channel. Although I wouldn’t necessarily endorse the five-part miniseries (because of dozens of inac- curacies and intense violence), seeing the story unroll in chronological order left me thinking about certain elements a bit differently—especially the story of David. David bursts onto the scene in 1 Samuel 16. With Saul’s life falling apart, God sends the prophet Samuel to the house of Jesse to find a new king. To everyone’s surprise, Samuel anoints David, the youngest boy in the family, as the next ruler of Israel. You know the next part: David becomes an Israelite hero for killing the Philistine warrior Goliath with just a sling and a stone. At first King Saul takes David under his wing. But soon jealousy gets the best of Saul, and he is bent on killing David to keep his throne safe. What follows is a massive game of cat and mouse, with David and his loyal followers hiding in caves to elude Saul and his men. On one occasion, however, the hunter became the hunted. Unbeknown to Saul, David had tracked him to the back corner of a cave. Standing behind him, knife in hand, David had the opportunity to save his own life by ending Saul’s. You can imagine the war in David’s mind: Jimmy I should kill him. You’ll understand, won’t You, Lord? On the other hand, You hand-picked Saul, right? Maybe Phillips I shouldn’t take matters into my own hands . . . And he didn’t. David spared Saul’s life simply because Saul was God’s anointed king. Had he wanted to, David could have easily “pulled a Jacob,” and helped God fulfill His own promise. After all, David was anointed too. But David was different. That’s why God called him “a man after my own heart” (Acts 13:22). We don’t know when David’s downward spiral began. But something happened to the man after God’s own heart between the cave and the palace rooftop, something that led him down a path of adultery, deception, and murder. Imagine if David were a president or leader in today’s world. How would we look at him? For the rest of his days he’d be branded as a notorious political criminal worse than many a scoundrel of our time. The fall from grace would be monumental. So why did David fall in the first place? David, the great warrior-turned-king, fell into temptation when he laid down the weapons of war for a life of wealth and comfort. When David decided to stay home instead of accompanying his men into battle, he not only abandoned his duty—he lost touch with the men who held him accountable. It doesn’t matter how well we know our Bibles, how faithful we’ve been in the past, or what elevated position God Himself has called us to take. If we let our guard down and lose all sense of accountability, eventually we’ll see the depths of depravity to which the human heart can sink. Whom has God put in your life to sharpen you? Don’t let anything sever that connection. As exemplified by King David, a dull blade is easily defeated. n

Jimmy Phillips ([email protected]) writes from Bakersfield, California, where he is electronic media coordinator for San Joaquin Community Hospital. Visit his Web site at introducingthewhy.com.

www.AdventistReview.org | May 9, 2013 | (399) 15 Cover Story

Young Adventists and the current reality crisis Un-Real By Shane Anderson ome time ago I was teaching searching for its rightful owner.” adults who are living a surprisingly a class com- They were not joking. As you might imag- stark blend of the altruistic and the prised of about 20 high ine, we now had more than enough material hedonistic, the orthodox and the hereti- school students. Nearly all to cover for the remainder of our class. cal. Their hybrid Adventist lifestyles were “lifers”: baptized Sev- range from the odd (the young man I Senth-day Adventist young people who A Crisis of Reality know who boasts to his health-con- had attended church weekly for the vast It’s tempting to see this experience as scious friends about the virtues of the majority of their lives. The topic for the an interesting, but ultimately insignifi- message—all while day was honesty, and with the wide cant, ripple on the sea of youthful moral downing his sixth cup of coffee that range of cultures and demographics development. After all, everyone strug- morning); to the ironic (the many represented that day, we were soon eye- gles with various moral issues, and young Adventist women I’ve known ball-deep in a lively discussion trum- young people sometimes more than oth- who frequently sport fishnet stockings, peting widely divergent points of ers. Besides, the high school students in stiletto heels, and skirts high enough to view—divergent, that is, until I asked a that class (whom seemingly simple question: “If you I loved and had found a $100 bill on the sidewalk, what worked with for There’s been a steadily increasing would you do?” years) generally number of both fringe and active The answer was swift, loud, and had high stan- Seventh-day Adventist youth and unanimous: “Keep it!” dards in most I’ve taught a lot of youth and young areas of their young adults who are living a adult Sabbath school classes throughout lives. surprisingly stark blend of the the years. But never before had I heard a But that’s just altruistic and the hedonistic, the class answer so quickly, so uniformly, and it: Why such stark orthodox and the heretical. indeed, so selfishly about what seemed a inconsistency? softball of an ethics question. “You Was it just hap- mean,” I countered, “you wouldn’t try to penstance that find the owner—maybe ask a nearby fiscal honesty didn’t merit honorable give astronauts nosebleeds while simul- store clerk or passerby if someone had mention for even one of the students in taneously complaining about the boor- mentioned losing some money?” that class? Or were their answers instead ish behavior of “guys these days”); to “No way,” the enthusiastic answer a reflection of a more serious phenome- the profoundly destructive (the young, came: “Finders, keepers.” non affecting Adventist youth culture in lifelong Adventists I’ve known through- “But what if you had lost $100?” I general? out the years who still maintain ties probed, hoping to generate some empa- After reflecting on my past two with the church while regularly partici- thy. “Wouldn’t you want someone to ask of working with high school pating in the occult, living sexually dan- around and try to find you?” Oh, defi- and college students, I think the answer gerous lives, or freely using a variety of nitely, came the response. “So why, to that last question is most likely yes. narcotics and illegal drugs). And notice carefully: these young Ad- ventists often do not sense a need to resolve their conflicted lifestyles.They may recog- nize their inconsistencies, and certainly some do want to get rid of them. But a surprising number do not; they are comfortable with their contradictions. (And as with the $100 bill example ear- lier, they may even see those contradic- tions as virtuous.) How could increasing numbers of young people who’ve been raised in the church and presumably taught sound then,” I asked, “wouldn’t you do the And though I readily admit my lack of biblical principles come to live in ways

Un-Real same for whoever lost their $100 bill?” scientific support, my intuition says clearly at odds with those principles? “Because,” the students reasoned, “$100 that there’s been a steadily increasing I have a theory: Perhaps for a signifi- is a lot of money, and you can’t risk losing number of both fringe and active Sev- cant swath of Adventist young people such a generous blessing as free money by enth-day Adventist youth and young today, is simply un-real.

www.AdventistReview.org | May 9, 2013 | (401) 17 and H erald © R eview y A nderson H arr In focusing so much on relationship and so little world through un- encountered many young people, raised on behavior, we unwittingly real eyes. on the fabricated reality of visual media, Think about it. who find the average Adventist worship give the unbalanced Nearly all visual experience to be less than breathtaking. impression that our media productions Some churches (including my own) behavior is irrelevant to our aimed at children, have tried to compensate for this by youth, and young having livelier music, a stronger media relationship with Christ. adults—whether “feel,” greater integration of young peo- fiction or nonfic- ple into worship leadership, quicker tion, sacred or sec- transitions, etc. These can be helpful. ular—are usually But after years of experimenting with Three Un-Realities presented by people (actors) who are these solutions, I’m increasingly con- The hyphen in un-real is intentional. pretending to be someone they’re not. vinced there is something deeper that Many of today’s young people perceive Their scripted (and often storybook) must be addressed: the core nature of Adventism as being contrived, formu- endings bear little resemblance to the many Adventist worship services today. laic, and (believe it or not, given our messy unpredictability of real living. That nature is un-real. education system) intellectually vacu- Their special effects can make reality I don’t deny that Adventist worship is ous—in a hyphenated word, un-real. seem unnatural and boring. And their meaningful to many people. But this I suggest at least three explanations story lines are nearly all—regardless of doesn’t erase some troubling realities. for this phenomenon: the complexity of the issues they deal For instance, unlike the early Christian 1. Young Adventists’ worldviews are with—resolved in 30 or 60 minutes of church,2 many of our worship services often dominated by visual media. I viv- viewing time. That, by any definition, is are predictable from week to week, both idly recall nearly 20 years ago telling my un-real. in order and content. Furthermore, first-ever youth group that I didn’t own a I do see positive uses for some visual while the Bible speaks of the priesthood TV. After they regained consciousness, media in appropriate doses. My children of all believers, it’s typically paid clergy several in the group implored me to and I enjoy watching selected portions who lead out in most facets of our repent of my sin of media omission—if of it (though alas, my old youth group churches and their worship. (And how not for my sake, for the sake of my chil- would be embarrassed if they knew we many of us can imagine or remember it dren. “Seriously, Pastor Shane,” one of still don’t have cable). I also use visual being any other way?) During a major- them genuinely pleaded, “your kids will media at times in my sermons. ity of the services I’ve either been to or be, like, such incredible nerds if they don’t But media saturation is another mat- participated in—and again, unlike New get to watch TV!” Such was their joined- ter. I sadly see an increasingly wide Testament era worship (see 1 Cor. at-the-hip dependency on media, even in swath of baptized, lifelong Adventist 14:26)3—nearly all congregants sit qui- the technological dark ages of the 1990s. young people whom I love and care for etly with little interaction with one Numerous scholars1 have noted that that have grown up saturated with another (the very design of the seating today’s overwhelming dominance of visual media. They often have attention in most churches discourages such visual media (TV, movies, the Web, video spans the length of a movie scene interaction). Few will feel comfortable games, etc.) means dramatically less change; a craving for and even an expec- saying anything other than the occa- influence for words and ideas, and dra- tation of the effortless fame they see sional “Amen.” Ironically, this is matically increased influence for con- their media heroes enjoying; and an because higher levels of participation trived images. Image is thus regularly almost impenetrably cynical edge that, are often seen as a distraction from the winning out over substance. And it’s when translated, says: “Everything is “atmosphere” of worship. As a conse- this defeat of substance that dominates contrived. Everything is a special effect. quence, most attendees on Sabbath the lives of too many young people, I am a target audience. You’ve got 30 mornings do essentially nothing but lis- including young Adventists. seconds . . . entertain me—if you can!” ten during the service. Few worship- Some may argue that Adventist par- Why do they think this way? Kids who pers—including young worshippers— ents are more careful about the media month after month, year after year, are satu- seem to leave inspired (much less diet their children dine on than nonreli- rated with the un-real inevitably develop un- equipped) to reach someone else for gious parents might be. However—and real worldviews. Christ. Yet we claim this is “real”—the please notice this carefully—such This leads to a related and second real worship of our real God. choosiness may not matter in this case, possible explanation for young Advent- Whatever happened to the spontane- because nearly all mass-produced visual ists’ contradictory lifestyles: ous, Jesus-centered, soul-stirring, inter- media is by its very nature un-real, inevitably 2. Young Adventists today often have active worship of God that the New encouraging viewers saturated in it to see the a church experience that is un-real. I’ve Testament boasts of?4 Perhaps your

18 (402) | www.AdventistReview.org | May 9, 2013 church has it, but many do not. I find it legalism. They instead have massive un-real Adventism and thus to pro- increasingly hard to disagree with trouble with moral relativism and its foundly contradictory and harmful life- young people who see so many of our natural end, secularism. Thus, there are styles among Adventist young people. scripted, clergy-centric, nonparticipa- two things wrong with the quoted state- What can we do to help them ditch the tory worship routines as being unin- ment: timing and balance. The timing of un-real in favor of genuine, whole-per- spiring and, yes, un-real. the above speakers is out of step with son relationships with Christ? 3. Many young Adventists today have most young people’s current reality. 1. Cut back on young people’s visual an un-real understanding of Christ. In As for balance, it’s true that what one media exposure. This one’s probably addition to un-real worldviews and un- watches, wears, eats, etc., is emphatically obvious—and probably much easier real church experiences, there’s another not the core of a relationship with Christ. said than done! But do what you can. factor leading to young Adventists’ But relationship without rules can just Consider dramatically reducing the comfort with contradiction: an unbal- as easily lead to rebellion as rules with- visual media exposure of the young peo- anced view of Christ. out relationship. And in focusing so ple you directly care for. And for young I want to be careful with how I word much on relationship and so little on adults who make their own decisions, this, not the least reason being that I don’t behavior, we unwittingly give the unbal- engage them. Get to know them. Care for want to come across as legalistic. I firmly anced impression that our behavior is them as Christ would. Then, when believe that I’m saved by God’s grace, not irrelevant to our relationship with appropriate, talk gently about possible my works, and that there’s “not one Christ—an enslaving proposition that contradictions between what they take thread of human devising”5 in Christ’s can’t be sustained from Scripture. in through the media and their relation- garment of salvation. But I fear that—how Interestingly, many young Adventists ship with Christ. Don’t condemn; be sen- else can I say it?—the Christ we often present today are more attracted to (even if sitive, be honest—and let them decide. to our young people asks too little of them. And they’re initially leery of) a God who Some will reject your counsel, as is their in so presenting, we’ve unintentionally dares to affect everything in their lives— right. But I’ve been amazed at how life- played right into the hands of their bud- including their behavior—than they are changing and liberating such simple ding “Adventism is un-real” mind-set. to a God who “loves” them and yet conversations can be as the fog of con- For instance, I’ve heard repeatedly for appears uninterested in what they tradiction that’s clouded a young per- many years sincere, impassioned speak- watch, wear, or eat. And when we older son’s view for years is removed. ers unintentionally tell large groups of adults persist in presenting an unbal- 2. Transform Sabbath mornings into Adventist youth and young adults that anced Christ that ends up asking too lit- New Testament worship experiences. As Christ loves them and is, therefore, only tle of His followers, we shouldn’t be our reference from Acts 4 clearly shows, marginally interested in what they actu- surprised if more and more young peo- two hallmarks of New Testament wor- ally do in their lives. “Just trust in ple are saying, “This is irrelevant to my ship were orderly spontaneity, and Jesus,” the speakers often say. “Don’t life. This is an un-real relationship. Christ engagement with God.6 The scripted, worry about what you watch, wear, eat, is un-real. I have no need of such a God.” sacrificial worship system of the Old etc.—that will all come naturally once Testament did not immediately vanish, the relationship’s in place.” A Better Way but for the Pentecostal community of Forty years ago this message was des- All three of these factors—an un-real, believers Christ had become the Chris- perately needed in legalistic quarters of media-dominated worldview; an un- tian’s all-sufficient sacrifice. They came Adventism. But times have changed real church experience; and an un-real to understand that all Christians were drastically. I repeat: times have changed view of Christ—can naturally lead to drastically. Today most young people I know have absolutely no trouble with

| May 9, 2013 | (403) 19 now priests of God. Even the holy build- First, we must let Jesus speak for 1 Drawing on the influential work of scholars such ings where God had lived were eventu- Himself—that is, get youth and young as Neil Postman and Marshall McLuhan, Arthur Hunt ally set aside,7 because every Christian adults to read . . . wait for it . . . the Bible. in his book The Vanishing Word: The Veneration of Visual (and the Christian fellowship itself) was This would represent a radical step for Imagery in the Postmodern World argues persuasively that current society has moved from a word/idea-based cul- now God’s holy temple. New Testament most young Adventists (and most older ture to a strongly image-based culture, representing a worship was thus personally engaging, Adventists, for that matter), most of major and ominous shift toward paganism. unscripted, and usually done in small whom do not read their Bibles on a reg- 2 “Christ’s work was to establish an altogether dif- ferent worship” for His church, one free from the cold 8 10 groups. The latter attribute helped all ular basis. Some young people simply scriptedness that characterized the religious obser- worshippers who wished to directly won’t take this step. But others will.11 vances of the previous centuries (see Acts 4:23; Ellen G. participate by selecting songs, testifying Take advantage of natural opportuni- White, [Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn. 1898], p. 157; see also John 4:20, 21; to God’s love, requesting prayer, actively ties, such as Sabbath school discussions, Gal. 4:8-11; Heb. 10:11, 12, 19-25). sharing in Bible study, etc. Christians reading and discussing the Bible on its 3 Note Paul’s balance in 1 Corinthians 14—he grew to know Jesus and each other well, terms, not ours. Get into the Word so opposes confusion in worship while supporting every member participating in worship. and were thus inspired and equipped to that young people can know the Word, 4 Paul’s criteria for New Testament worship is both disciple others. It was a revolutionary Jesus. In letting Jesus speak for Himself, inspiring and intimidating: it must be so real that change compared to how worship had they can see Him as He is, for real. And even unbelievers in attendance exclaim, “God is really among you!” (1 Cor. 14:25). been conducted for the previous 4,000 by His grace, they can then—at least— 5 Ellen G. White, Christ’s Object Lessons (Washington, years. And, oh, was it real! have a foundation for living consis- D.C.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1900), p. 311. New Testament worship is pro- tently, with ever-decreasing aberrations, 6 It’s sometimes forgotten that in all of the New Tes- tament there is no script for Christian worship. No foundly challenging to implement with and for Him. script by definition equals spontaneity (see 1 Cor. today. But one way we’re pursuing it Second, teach Adventist young people 14:24, 27-32). This change was according to Christ’s with the church I serve is by starting apologetics: the biblical and philosophi- design (John 4:20, 21). Spontaneity, coupled with orderliness (1 Cor. 14:33, 40) and transforming “house churches.” These are church cal defense of the Christian faith. I’m engagement with Christ (see Heb. 10:1-25; E. G. White, groups with real members, most of dead serious about this. This is espe- The Desire of Ages, pp. 36, 157), were instead to be the whom will no longer attend services at cially urgent for the 70 percent of Ad- church’s guiding worship principles, with implemen- tation details left up to worshippers. our church building on Sabbaths. They ventist college and university students 7 It’s easy to forget the starkness of Acts 7:48: “How- will worship and reach others for Christ attending non-Adventist institutions, ever, the Most High does not live in houses made by by following New Testament principles where secular teachers and curricula human hands.” This may well challenge our inclina- tion to elevate a human-made structure as a uniquely mentioned. It’s an unpredictable ven- are cutting the un-real Christ to rib- holy receptacle of Christ. ture—but there’s no question it’s real. bons. Apologetics, rightly learned by 8 Up until the fourth century A.D., Christians rarely And unsurprisingly, the largest age our young people,12 can help them see built large meeting places. Instead, small groups meet- ing in homes were the norm (see Acts 2:46; Rom. 16:5; group pursuing membership in these that Christ is real, that He makes logical 1 Cor. 16:19; Col. 4:15; Philemon 1, 2). house churches is young adults. sense, and that He’s more than a warm 9 Consider searching Ellen White’s writings for the How should you implement New Tes- fuzzy or imaginary friend. They can not words “social meeting.” It can be surprising to dis- cover what Adventist worship looked like for the first tament worship features in your only successfully defend their faith, but, 60-70 years of our history: no settled pastors leading church? There’s no one-size-fits-all as a side benefit, also keep their life- churches, full membership engagement, etc. We were answer—and I’m not implying that you styles liberatingly Adventist, even in a different church then. 10 Informal surveys conducted by others and me discontinue your Sabbath morning hostile territory. usually indicate that less than 25 percent of young Ad- church service. That you pursue it is, in Third, and most important, we adults ventists regularly study the Bible. my book, nonnegotiable. Consider find- must be real ourselves. We must fight 11 Witness 6,000 young people—6,000!—descending on Seattle at a recent GYC conference, a conference dedi- ing creative ways to have smaller wor- against the faux in our own lives, doing cated to the exposition and real application of the Bible. ship gatherings (10-20 people, perhaps), whatever it takes to be real Christians, 12 To get a young Adventist you know started in either on Sabbath or at other times. real Adventists, engaged in a real rela- apologetics, check out works by Ravi Zacharias, Timothy Keller (his book The Reason for God is a great Reduce your dependence on clergy. Pro- tionship with our very real God. Such place to start), Norman Geisler, William Lane Craig, vide for orderly spontaneity in your living is essential and attractive, even to and our own . (The authors from worship, such that any attendee can add young people raised in an un-real world. other faith backgrounds are recommended for their general approaches to Christian apologetics. No gen- to or even alter the content of worship Years ago my Sabbath school class pro- eral endorsement of their specific theological perspec- within mutually agreed-upon guide- vided a small taste of how un-reality can tives is intended.) lines.9 Such worship is high-octane fuel invade young Adventists’ lives. Today I for knowing Christ and becoming believe that invasion is spreading. But Shane Anderson is senior equipped to reach others for Him. un-reality is no match for the real Jesus. pastor of the New Market 3. Teach young Adventists to know Let us be real for Him, and may God bless Seventh-day Adventist Church and defend the real Jesus. This calls for us abundantly as we diligently help our in Virginia. at least three things: young people do the same. n

20 (404) | www.AdventistReview.org | May 9, 2013 Searching the Obvious An Errand for a Rainy Day As rainy days go, this one happened to have the brightest sunlight. * * * It’s a Sunday morning, and I have errands to complete. Amid a hazy drizzle I sit at the stoplight noticing the buildings surrounding the square where my next stop, the grocery store, is located. At the opposite end of the store is a nursing home. I know that nursing home. Just a week ago I received an e-mail from my friend Lynn, who had placed her uncle in a retirement home. She asked if I could keep him in my prayers. As the light turns green I make an illegal U-turn and head toward the retirement home. At the reception area I ask to see Henry, and a nurse walks me down the hall. She asks how I know Henry. I explain that I’m a friend of the family. I don’t really know Henry. She points me toward an open door. If the Holy Spirit has inspired me to visit Henry, it must be for a reason. What is that reason? There he is. He sits in his wheelchair, looking out the window, deep in thought. I am almost tempted to step quietly away from the doorway. In a slow, careful motion he turns his gaze away from the window, looks at me, and smiles. “I know you,” he smiles. “Come sit with me.” I glance around the room and see a small desk with a chair. I move close to him. We have a bit of small talk in which he shares how blessed he is to be in a good retirement center. They care for him. He is at peace and has a beautiful view to the garden from his bed- room window. As I look into his blue eyes, he becomes more familiar. I remember him from Lynn’s graduation, and the day when friends gathered to move Lynn into her new apartment. He seemed stronger then. He wasn’t in a wheelchair then. He was vibrant and made us all laugh then. Time has passed since I last saw you. When the small talk ends, he looks out the window again, in silence. Should I leave? He begins to talk again, still gazing out the window. Dixil He tells me that every day he walks with God. There has been much loss in his life. His wife and Rodríquez daughter passed 15 years ago in a traffic accident. It was a challenge to help raise his two nieces, Lynn and Beverly. Six years ago Beverly died from cancer at age 28. He pauses for a moment. There are no tears, no break in his voice. He is calm. He tells me that the easiest thing for us is to try to search for reasons that things happen. “It seems important for us to understand, right?” he says, breaking his gaze and looking at me for a moment. “What must be important for us is to daily, constantly, walk with God.” He tells me that for all he cannot understand, God has provided comfort and peace. As he stares out the window I take in the honest beauty of his words. I ask him to tell me about his walks with God, and he points to the desk where the Bible rests. I bring it to him, and Henry opens it to Genesis 5. He reads, “ ‘And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him’ ” (Gen. 5:24, KJV). “That’s all we know,” says Henry. “But to walk with someone, every minute of the day—that makes the relationship special.” I glance at Henry’s wheelchair. He walks with God. This is a spiritual walk. Just as Enoch walked with God, Henry is in constant dialogue with his Savior, Redeemer, and Friend. I look out the window; the rain has dissipated, and the sun is creeping through the clouds. Henry tells me it’s the perfect time to walk outside and find a nice sunny spot in the sidewalk by the garden. I push the wheelchair outside, recognizing the importance of this “errand.” I don’t know if this visit was more mean- ingful for Henry or for me, but I was grateful for the opportunity to share this walk with Henry—just the three of us. n

Dixil Rodriguez, a university professor and volunteer hospital chaplain, lives in Texas. Join the conversation at [email protected].

www.AdventistReview.org | May 9, 2013 | (405) 21 Story

Since babyhood Ollie has shown a curious interest in objects belonging to his parents or grandparents. A small box filled with my cuff links and tie clasps is frequently visited, as is his grandmother’s assortment of pins and broaches. Silver napkin rings are also enjoyed. His “jewels” are arranged on the carpet for his enjoyment. Pressing the miniature Grecian urn to his heart and shouting Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy,” he knocks on our door, and after a moment of reflection, and with a beatific , he offers his grandmother the recently acquired trea- sure. She hesitates to accept it, but he persists. Fredonia doesn’t cry, but she, brushing a tear, is strangely silent. Turning to me with manly pride, Ollie says, “I gived it to her.” Moved by the little guy’s joyful generosity, I retire to my study and drop into my recliner. A long-buried memory is resurrected.

Long Ago and Far Away

I am 8 years old, the oldest of three children who, with my parents, live at y crews 1019 South Fetterly Street in a develop-

© terr ing village east of Los Angeles. Daddy Eloquent Moments works and studies at the White Memo- rial and L.A. County hospitals complet- of ing the medical course. By any standard Silence we are poor; but Mama, rather than seeking a paying job, has chosen to stay When words are inadequate home with her children and “econo- mize,” a concept she frequently voices. Building a neat minibarn and pen, BY OLIVER L. JACQUES she keeps two goats. Eggs from a dozen o Ollie, our 3-year-old grandson, it is the rarest chickens and a well-kept garden enrich of treasures: an empty perfume bottle. A token our diet. We have few toys but lots of of affection from his father to his mother, the activity. Mama tells friends that she is exquisitely crafted gift had been designed to please “growing up with her children.” She also promotes responsibility. My the eye as well as the nose. The perfume is spent. regular job is in the garage, where, TBut Ollie, always attracted to beautiful objects, holds the bottle using a red-wheeled hand mill, I grind close and admires its form. Fashioned after an elegant Grecian bulk wheat and corn for the next morn- urn, its ruby-red body is adorned with a wreath of shining gold. ing’s breakfast. The work, for me, is not easy. If I tire quickly, there is, sadly, no

22 (406) | www.AdventistReview.org | May 9, 2013 second helping of porridge! Brought to you said you needed,” I exclaim. “I the stunning grandeur and beauty of a boil the previous evening, the freshly bought it for you!” the New Jerusalem. cooked meal is put into an insulated pot My beautiful mother pauses, then, With heart overflowing with emotion Mom calls a “fireless cooker.” Still hot, looking puzzled, puts down her iron our heavenly Father opens His arms to with a serving of goat’s cream, it makes and sweeps me into her arms. Hugging receive His once-wayward children. In an inexpensive but nutritious breakfast. me, she begins to sob. I wonder why she poignant language the prophet Having demonstrated a degree of doesn’t say something. She just cries describes the moment: “The Lord thy dependability in this and other chores, softly, kissing me and holding me close. God in the midst of thee is mighty; he Mama invites me to a “business will save, he will rejoice over thee meeting.” “You are learning with joy; he will rest in his love responsibility, and it’s time for I wonder why she [Hebrew: “he will be silent in his you to receive wages,” she says in doesn’t say something. love”], he will joy over thee with her warm low voice. “I’ve decided singing” (Zeph. 3:17, KJV). to pay you 25 cents each week. If She just cries softly. Who of us has not found them- you do well you may, after a while, selves unable to speak in a get a raise. We’ll see how you manage.” “Why are you crying, Mama? I moment of deep emotion? Can it be so I am thrilled. She is talking about real thought you’d like it.” with the Father? Since the day of our cre- money! A miniature Model T Ford like But she cannot talk. Then hugging me ation, God has, often through silence, com- Daddy’s flashes through my mind. I recall again, she tenderly hums a tune. When municated His love through natural seeing one at Woolworth’s for 10 cents. she is composed, she says in her gentle, human relationships, the wonders and But Mama isn’t through. “Of course, warm voice, “The dish is beautiful. I like beauties of nature, the sacred writings, the you will want to pay tithe; five cents in it very much. But you are so beautiful. I heavens—all eloquently declaring the full- two weeks.” love you so much more. Thank you! I ness of divine love. Can the human mind For me, the prospect of managing real shall always treasure it!” even begin to understand the emotion and money is exhilarating. power in the heart of God when, after a Two weeks pass, and I tell Mama I’d A Father’s Love moment of silence, He joys “over the saved like to go shopping. Woolworth’s is less Zephaniah was a truly spiritual with singing,” and they, in that transcen- than two blocks away. While walking prophet who witnessed internationally dent hour, are deemed beautiful? n down Whittier Boulevard, I think of the troubling times. While tirelessly warning roads I’ll make on the earthen moun- surrounding nations of impending judg- Oliver L. Jacques served as a tain in a corner of the garden for the ments, he prophetically assures his peo- pastor, teacher, missionary, and neat little car I am now able and eager to ple of a revealing view of the welcome to administrator. He passed away buy. I know where the toys are displayed be given the redeemed—the dramatic in September 2012. and soon find the model I want. moment of final triumph and reunion. But while waiting for a clerk, I pass a Jesus said there’s rejoicing in heaven display of tableware. Included is an when one sinner repents and joins the assortment of green glass serving family of His Father. Imagine the dishes. I recall Mama saying a few days response in God’s heart when a count- ? What Do You Think? ago as she set the table that we could use less multitude of the faithful is given another serving dish. Beyond my reach, the ultimate welcome. Consider the 1. Do you remember receiving a gift that at the back of the counter is a collection scene: For 6,000 years God’s once- took your breath away? What made of serving bowls. I ask a clerk to hand beautiful family has been fractured and it special? The gesture, the price, the me one that seems the right size. I learn afflicted. False accusations, disobedi- thoughtfulness, all of the above? it is priced at 29 cents! I think of Mama ence, estrangement, hostility, and rebel- 2. Gift giving is an art. Who, in your and know how I will spend my wages. lion have characterized the behavior of experience, does it particularly well? With a surge of excitement I give the many. Others, even denying the exis- What makes them so effective? clerk a quarter and a nickel. Running tence of their Creator, abuse and slaugh- 3. Jesus often gave people gifts. Give home, I’m walking on air; flushed with ter each other, threatening to destroy three examples, and tell why the gifts feelings of exuberant joy. I can hardly the very earth in a flaming holocaust. were so appropriate to those persons wait to deliver my gift. But now the great controversy is at those times. Mama is ironing in the kitchen. Pass- resolved; the cosmic war is won. A great 4. As you imagine life from God’s per- ing her, I take my treasure to the break- multitude of believers have responded spective, what can we offer Him that fast nook and remove it from the bag. to divine expressions of God’s unfailing honors Him the most? “Look, Mama, I found a bowl, the kind love. The saved are secure, rejoicing in

www.AdventistReview.org | May 9, 2013 | (407) 23 Heart and Soul: Theology

24 (408) | www.AdventistReview.org | May 9, 2013 BY LAEL CAESAR

ayden could not contain himself. and flow and flood all the banks of him, and by his wounds we are healed. He had discovered something human existence so “that whoever We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each worth celebrating, and nobody believes in him shall not perish but have of us has turned to our own way; and would hold him back. Jayden and eternal life” (John 3:16). The gifts of the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of Carol had come to the restaurant God’s ocean of love are pleasures forev- us all” (Isa. 53:4-6). “God made him who Jbecause they were hungry. But now ermore even now (Ps. 16:11), and end- had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Jayden had an even more compelling less exultation in the presence of His him we might become the righteous- reason for being there. “Look, Mom,” he glory in the hereafter (1 Peter 4:13; Jude ness of God” (2 Cor. 5:21). said, pointing to the flyer on the table, 24). God’s giving empowers the perse- It is because Jesus became sin that we “Kids eat free! It says kids eat free!” cuted sufferer for Christ to boast of may reign in glory, reside in heavenly Now Jayden was hungry again. This abuse and laugh at personal infirmity; it mansions, and walk on gold. It was no time he had Christian for company. gives them the capacity to “delight in ordinary deal. Nor was it simple. In Maybe they could go to a restaurant. weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in Gethsemane Christ faced down Satan in “Dad, can we go to the restaurant where persecutions, in difficulties.” They can a conflict for which the devil had been kids eat free?” do this, not because they are masochis- preparing throughout Christ’s minis- “Well,” Christian replied, “we’ll see tic, but because God’s gifts include such try.1 And knowing what he reserved as what we can do.” Christian shared noth- insight into the nature of the conflict his masterstroke increases my own ing of Jayden’s allegiance to the kids- between good and evil that while others shame of self and wonder at my God eat-free destination. “You’re not paying wring hands, swear fire, and bang heads and Savior. For Satan’s intended coup for any of it anyway,” he said to Jayden. against walls in thorough frustration, de grâce was me, incessant taunts about “So I don’t understand why you’re so they understand that through the gift of how useless—indeed, how counterintu- excited about it.” God’s grace, “when I am weak, then I am itive—it was to do anything redemptive But Jayden was excited. By the time strong” (2 Cor. 12:10). So it is with God’s for people such as me: “Satan pressed they’d gotten to the restaurant he had glorious, gracious giving. Kids eat free! the situation upon the Redeemer: The found a reason to sing his song some 20 people who claim to be above all others times or more: “Kids eat free,” he Gifts Have Their Price in temporal and spiritual advantages chanted, “kids eat free.” Once in the res- But gifts are not worthless because have rejected You. . . . One of Your own taurant, he was no less ecstatic: “Kids there is no cost to the receiver. Jayden’s disciples . . . will betray You. One of Your eat free, Daddy, kids eat free!” thrill at a free restaurant meal or two most zealous followers will deny You. should not faintly reflect the depth of All will forsake You.”2 God’s Free Gifts awe we feel at the Not everyone is as excited about cost to God of His God’s free food as Jayden was about the gifts to us. God’s restaurant’s. In fact, it has never been gifts of life have We all eat free possible to properly enumerate God’s their price. Paul’s because the grace that gives free gifts to His kids. Perhaps because of boasts of infirmity us life is the gift of God. their sheer abundance and consistency, and his confidence humanity, even Christian humanity, may in persecution have take them too much for granted. The their price. Our constant daily giving of our gracious pleasure at God’s right hand costs How Shrewd Was God (Ps. 68:19), who blesses with His something. Heaven’s streets of gold Satan’s Ploy? sun the evil and the good, and bathes have their price. Without His payment And did it work? God be praised that with His showers the just and unjust the gifts would never become ours, it did not. God be glorified that Satan (Matt. 5:45), all flows out from the one would never ever be accessible. The failed. Note simply that Satan did not boundlessly immeasurable resource of blessings come at an astonishing fail because he miscalculated. He hadn’t His omnipotence, the blessed sacri- exchange rate. It is trash for cash, our been wasting his time planning and pre- fice of His only-begotten Son. garbage for His gold: “Surely he took up paring. The trivia with which he rou- The waves of that all- our pain and bore our suffering, yet we tinely conquers us—sensualities to stir encompassing gift considered him punished by God, the flesh; gaudy, skin-deep visions to roar and rush stricken by him, and afflicted. But he awaken craving through the eyes; the was pierced for our transgressions, he temptation to be number one, or simply was crushed for our iniquities; the pun- in the top 5 or 10 percent, or just the top ishment that brought us peace was on half of the ordered sequence of humans,

www.AdventistReview.org | May 9, 2013 | (409) 25 or, at the very least, ahead of someone atheists enjoy their eating because of the 5:20) continues working in us, by the else, listings that would justify stupid same sacrifice that believers do. Jesus’ same token, “to will and to act in order pride in our personal life—these would cross is stamped on all their exotic loaves to fulfill his good purpose” (Phil. 2:13). not work with the Lord of glory. of 15-grain bread; and its reflection swims We may not have to endure the Neither would those promises of in the bowls of their thinnest Communist stripes by which Jesus healed us, or be greatness once proffered in the wilder- soup. “Never one, saint or sinner, eats his stoned to death, or sawn in two. Others ness now serve any purpose. Offers of daily food, but he is nourished by the body have been and still suffer that way. wealth, tests of Jesus’ insecurity, of His and the blood of Christ.”5 Atheists too owe “They went about in sheepskins and trust in the Father’s protection and the their brain cells and their power to theo- goatskins, destitute, persecuted and angels’ loyal intervention on His rize to the same source that their believing mistreated—the world was not worthy behalf—all these had been tried and had sisters and brothers do. Fantastically of them. They wandered in deserts and failed. Now, in his last and fiercest enough, this includes their genius mountains, living in caves and in holes assault, he was harnessing his shrewd- deployed against Jesus’ existence, or the in the ground” (Heb. 11:37, 38). est ploys, hurling his best deceptions or faux nobility that mocks its deity with the And yet, despite their pride in being the worst evils that he could muster at impractical explanation that He was quite called to suffer for Jesus, none would Jesus. He failed only because Jesus’ nice but very misguided. I have known a argue that her stoning or his being grasp of faith in His Father was firmer man to claim that he was Aaron the high sawn in two had earned them anything and stronger and more unshakable than priest and be dismissed by me and my fel- from God. They know, as we should, that Satan’s strongest pull. Be not deceived, low villagers as addle-brained. If I did not living godly goes against the grain of though. “Christ’s whole being abhorred know the Scriptures, I might be able to this world. It is the choice we make for the thought” that the devil spoke to His believe that a person claiming to be their Jesus’ sake. For Paul, as for every other soul. “That those whom He had under- total fulfillment, to be truth’s incarnation, grateful recipient of grace, whatever taken to save, those whom He loved so and the only source of life for all humans, would otherwise be gain counts as loss much, should unite in the plots of Satan, was different from that drug-deluded for the sake of Christ. “What is more,” this pierced His soul. The conflict was madman who once walked the streets of he continues, “I consider everything a terrible.”3 Satan’s on-target jibes about my village many years ago on the island of loss because of the surpassing worth of what the local elder was really good for, St. Vincent. The wonder of God’s gifts is knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for about what the Sabbath school superin- that healing is still available to the insane whose sake I have lost all things. I con- tendent was actually up to, about the soul, and forgiveness to the brilliant blas- sider them garbage, that I may gain youth leader’s consistent Saturday- phemer. We all eat free because the grace Christ” (Phil. 3:7, 8). night activities—all these hooked barbs that gives us life is the gift of God. Gaining Christ in time is all there is kept tearing the flesh out of Jesus’ heart. to gain. And so is gaining Him for eter- “Just desserts” was the devil’s awful A Final Bestowal nity. There is no difference. argument. He knows what sinners Jesus is not yet finished with His giv- “Kids eat free” is not just 6-year-old deserve. And Jesus does too. But He ing. Sure, He has already fought and Jayden’s excitement. It is, in time, the chose to be treated as He knew the trea- won against the devil. He has already honor of every last, finally lost, oblivious surer and I deserved, that we might be announced to the universe, “It is fin- human. And glory be to God, it is, for now treated as we know He deserves: “He was ished” (John 19:30). It is indeed finished, and forever, the incomparable privilege of condemned for our [arrogance and pre- though the dragon’s tail still thrashes; my saved-by-purchase soul, bought and tense, our dishonesty and indulgence], in though much havoc still disrupts earth’s washed by the blood of the Lamb, and fed which He had no share, that we might be order; though deathless immortality is and sustained through time and eternity justified by His righteousness, in which yet to crown our brows. But the faith He by the material and spiritual nourish- we had no share. He suffered the death has given that overcomes the world ment of undeserved, free grace. n which was ours, that we might receive (1 John 5:4) is ours to assist Him in 1 Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages (Mountain View, the life which was His. “With His stripes mopping up operations. With that gift Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1898), pp. 686, 687. we are healed.”4 Beware, dear Christian: of faith we cooperate in the work of the 2 Ibid., p. 687. we do not eat free because we deserve it, victorious army. In the spiritual warfare 3 Ibid. 4 Ibid., p. 25. or because the service is easy, or because that engages us, final operations involve 5 Ibid., p. 660. the food is cheap. us at least as much as they do our adver- saries. For even as we continue to liber- Atheists Should Be Grateful ate prisoners of war from the devil’s Lael Caesar is celebrating free Nor does the atheist. Atheist kids eat camps our own maturation by grace food with Jayden and with all free too, whatever their explanations continues. The God who commissions the saints. He is an associate about the evolution of restaurants, or their us to beseech others, as Christ’s ambas- editor of the Adventist Review theories on the sources of their meals, sadors, to be reconciled to Him (2 Cor. and magazines.

26 (410) | www.AdventistReview.org | May 9, 2013 GLOW Stories

Giving light to our world—GLOW—is an outreach initiative in multiple NAD conferences based on the concept of church members carrying Adventist literature with them wherever they go and handing it out, free of charge, at every opportunity. Here are two short stories of lives touched by GLOW:

Giving Light to Our World

A woman mailed a GLOW tract on the topic of the state of the Story 1 dead to a friend, who then sent a photocopy of it to her brother. Her brother then phoned her, and they had a Bible study on the topic over the phone. He later called the GLOW office and said, “If Adventists believe this, then I’m interested in finding the closest Adventist church to me.”

A nonchurch member named Leslie, who was on parole at the Story 2 time, became familiar with GLOW tracts and began taking them with him to give to prisoners whenever he visited them in jail. He ini- tially distributed hundreds of GLOW tracts as well as numerous Bibles to the inmates there. Since then he has orchestrated the distribution of more than 3 million tracts throughout the United States.

Stories compiled by Central California Conference GLOW director Nelson Ernst. To learn more about GLOW, go to sdaglow.org.

www.AdventistReview.org | May 9, 2013 | (411) 27 Adventist Life BY DELONA LANG BELL “I’m always amazed by how the Holy t’s a chilly night, but everything Spirit blesses our human effort, and about the evening feels warm, as because of this, people recognize that more than 800 people—doctors, they’re participating in a spiritual nurses, caregivers, staff—stream moment,” he says. “Prayer is the most CEO into the hospital’s annual intimate form of care.” Iemployee recognition dinner in the Reflects on snowy suburb of Boulder, Colorado. A Long Way From It’s a tradition that consistently There to Here draws standing-room-only crowds and Sackett’s love for this hospital’s mission that brings the Avista Adventist Hospi- and people has characterized his work at tal family together and reinforces their Avista from the day he was hired as an culture of mission. administrative assistant at Boulder Tonight there will be good food, Memorial Hospital 31 years ago. As CEO, prizes, decorations, and laughter. he eventually oversaw the building of But it will begin with a moment of Avista, and is always quick to acknowledge quiet contemplation and prayer, while the work of his team and divine guidance John Sackett, chief executive officer, when there’s mention of success. takes the stage with his cello to take While most hospital executives stay part in what has now become a tradi- fewer than six years at any one hospital, 31 tion: playing “The Lord’s Prayer” for his Sackett’s 23 as Avista’s CEO puts him on extended hospital family. a short list among health-care leaders— Years Sackett will tell you he’s not an and gives him a deep love for the hospi- accomplished or gifted musician. For tal, its history, and his community. him, it’s not a performance, but a He’ll be the first to admit that those prayer—a way of being vulnerable and years have been transforming years John personal as a leader. He hopes it will be both for the hospital—and for himself. a gift from his heart that allows them to As one of those people who values the Sackett collectively enter a moment of prayer past and imagines the future with equal that binds them together. force, it seems fitting that he serves at dedicates the hospital with such historical signifi- cance to both the region and the Sev- three enth-day Adventist Church—the hospital whose roots go back to the decades establishment of Colorado Sanitarium, to later known as Boulder Sanitarium. Adventist health care.

AVISTA ADVENTIST HOSPITAL: The 114-bed full- service hospital is located in a suburb of Boulder, Colorado. y ompan y of CMB ell C

(412) ourtes C photo “Our mission has been the same for icate line between profit and people those He healed. “Sacred, appropriate 100 years,” says Sackett, reflecting on the must always retain a healthy tension. touch is an aspect of healing. Prayer is a sometimes difficult journey. “It’s a He recalls a time he was asked to go part of this.” sobering responsibility to be the CEO of to an ICU where a friend was dying of Prayer, he insists, is part of what’s an organization that was the third Ad- emphysema. In the corner sat the man’s unique about an Adventist hospital, and ventist hospital to be opened. If you look grandson, crying. something he’s intentional about. Each at the board minutes of those early days, “I told him that we were a praying morning a prayer is read over Avista’s the people gave their lifeblood to keep hospital, and asked if it would be OK if I intercom. On Wednesdays the administra- this organization going. It would be prayed for his grandfather, who was in a tive group prays for the hospital, their tragic if the mission were lost because I coma. I did, and then the emotions employees, their patients, and any prayer didn’t do my job in the best way I could. I broke free. Later his grandmother told requests they receive. His staff is encour- value the legacy. And if Ellen White came me how healing that moment was. aged to pray with patients themselves, if back to see Avista, I would hope that she That’s what Jesus was about.” they feel called to do so, rather than calling would say, ‘This is exactly what our Sackett likes to talk about the princi- a chaplain. All this, he says, is mission work. church’s health-care institutions should ples that can guide Adventist health care Brian, the Avista security supervisor, is be doing.’ She was revolutionary.” today if we look at Jesus’ work as healer. a good example of this. He happened Sackett will tell you that being a hos- They’re simple, but not automatic. upon a terrified patient, 20 weeks preg- pital CEO is a spiritual journey—one First, he says, although Jesus could nant with twins, when things were not that brings him into a close realization have conducted a mass-healing event, going well. Serious medical complica- of his inadequacy to solve every chal- He healed each person individually and tions threatened the lives of her babies, lenge they face, and one that forces him in person—one at a time. Doing this and she was being readied for urgent to his knees to look for divine guidance. honors the uniqueness of each person. transport to a higher level of care. Brian “Sometimes you throw your hands Second, Jesus went out of His way to knew there was no time to call a chaplain, up and recognize that ‘there’s nothing value those whom society undervalued. but he also felt impressed to pray for the more I can do’ about a situation. I have “We’re a productivity-based society, so family. The words of Sackett encouraging to come to a point where I hand it off to people who can’t produce might be the staff to pray with patients as they felt God. I can be dedicated, loyal, and hard- overlooked. Often we see this in the called to do so came to his mind, and he working, but there’s an acknowledge- elderly, the very young, or people with pushed past his hesitance and asked God ment in this kind of leadership that one physical or mental handicaps.” to give him the words to say. Since then, can reach the end of his own abilities,” Third, Jesus almost always touched he’s set a goal of finding someone to pray he adds. “All of this is humbling, and with every day, and he encourages his increases your reliance on God in a team to do likewise. more mature way.” And finally, Jesus asks nothing in

If Jesus Were to Walk These Halls Sackett will tell you that although good business practices are essential, health care shouldn’t think of itself as a big business—but as a mission. The del- C hristianson ames : J P hoto MUSICAL PHYSICIAN: Every Christ- mas, Avista Adventist Hospital CEO John Sackett plays “The Lord’s Prayer” on his cello at the annual employee recognition dinner. HEALING TOUCH: Sackett is an advocate for appropriate touch, the reading of God’s Word, and prayer as aspects of healing in a hospital.

return. “We don’t do this to make others become Adventists, but because we are Adventists. It’s a ministry. Jesus didn’t ask people what they believed before He healed them. He just saw a need and took care of it. When people are ill, they aren’t focused on the nuances of theol-

ogy. They want to know that God loves askol them, and that the people taking care of them love them,” says Sackett. To live and work in an Adventist hos- : E llen J photo pital, he contends, is to bring a glimpse “I’ve tried to leverage my experience these things, but our country can’t of God into the lives of people when as a patient on behalf of our patients,” afford them. So the vision for prevention they’re most vulnerable. New life, death, he says. “We pay a lot of attention to the that gave birth to Adventist health care crisis—the most deeply human experi- whole patient experience—how food has come full ,” he says. “It’s excit- ences—often occur in a hospital. So cre- tastes, how clean the hospital is, allow- ing to see how our hospital has rede- ating a culture that sees the sacredness ing patients to eat whatever they want fined itself with this focus. At times our of these moments is important to him whenever they want it. We were one of doctors are even going into the sickest and to their patients. “People with the first in the area to have private of patients’ homes to assess them and strong families and a faith in God and rooms and bathrooms.” their environment and look for ways to heaven die more peacefully,” he says. And today, not only is there a dis- improve their quality of life and avert a tinctly spiritual atmosphere at the hos- health crisis.” Seeing the Hospital pital, Avista ranks among the nation’s Sackett knows that there will be chal- From Both Sides top hospitals for patient, employee, and lenges ahead, that the hospital is bigger Sackett’s story as a health-care leader physician satisfaction. And this, say his than him, and that the work of the hos- can’t be separated from his personal colleagues, can be tied at least in part to pital is bigger than any one person. battle with cystic fibrosis, which, at the the CEO’s own insistence on paying “You couldn’t build what we have here time he was born, predicted an average attention to how people are treated— in just five years. I want to give God rec- lifespan of 12 years. whether they’re employees, patients, or ognition for what’s happened here. It’s given the energetic 56-year-old guests of the hospital. Good things take time to grow, but can Sackett a unique vantage point to a hos- But if the past has taught him any- be destroyed easily.” pital as both CEO and patient, and has thing, it’s that as a leader, he has to be Being at a place for a long time means made him an ardent evangelist for the intentional about mission—while that people know both one’s personal unique brand of health care that always adapting to how it’s carried out. strengths and weaknesses, he says. But Adventism is capable of delivering. “When the first Adventist hospitals on the other hand, when he talks about were founded, there simply needing to be mission-led, they know weren’t good treatments for he’s not faking it. “We really strive to many diseases, so prevention live the mission.” n had to be a focus. Now we have Since this article was written, John Sackett was named president of Shady Grove Ad- ventist Hospital, a 331-bed hospital in Rock- ville, Maryland.--Editors AVISTA VOLUNTEER: Every week specially trained dogs DeLona Lang Bell is president of CMBell visit the hospital bringing Company, which assists businesses and other calming, tender moments to organizations with communication, market- askol interested patients and staff. ing, and branding. : E llen J photo

30 (414) | www.AdventistReview.org | May 9, 2013 Reflections The Perfect Opportunity I had just taken my grandma to the airport for her flight back to America. She had been visiting to meet her first great-granddaughter. We took the train into Sydney, said our goodbyes, prayed for safe travels, then went our separate ways. On my way back home, I prayed that God would help me meet someone to share the gospel with. The train that day was so crowded there was nowhere to sit. It also felt really weird just to start a random conversation with someone. So I prayed for the right opportunity. After about an hour on the train I stopped and met a friend for lunch. Afterward I boarded another train and kept praying for the right moment to witness. Almost an hour passed, and I was close to home when an older gentleman offered me the seat right beside him. We didn’t say much at first, but I felt as though this was my opportunity. I noticed him eating a piece of carrot cake, so I mentioned that that was one of my favorite desserts. He laughed, and our conversation began. He soon noticed my American accent and told me about his son who had just got married in San Diego, Cali- fornia. He went on to explain how his son had studied at a Baptist college in America and that his family were all Baptists. I expressed how wonderful it was to have a family who followed Jesus together, and I began to share how I had given my life to Jesus as well. As we talked, an older woman who had boarded the train at the last stop was looking for a seat. I offered her the seat next to us, but she sat down across the aisle instead. I did not pay much attention to her after that, turning my attention back to the conversation with the man. I explained how I had come to the conclusion that I wanted to follow the Bible to the best of my abilities, and that was why I had become a Seventh-day Adventist. He was very interested in my story, and we exchanged contact details to keep in touch. As I stood up to get off the train, we shook hands, and I told him I was looking forward to speaking with him again. Just then the woman who had been sitting across the aisle handed the man a brand-new DVD and study guide developed by . As it turned out, she had been listening to our conversation the whole time. “I think you will enjoy these,” she told the man, and without saying another word we both got off the train together. I couldn’t help laughing as we stepped onto the loading platform of the station. After introducing ourselves, I learned she was a part-time lecturer at Avondale College. Both she and her husband specialized in Hebrew in the Theology Department there. As she left, I recognized how God had worked everything together. It was incredible to realize how God heard my prayers and answered them, giving me the best opportunity I could have had to share the gospel with someone. Not only did He the perfect situation, but brought a fellow believer to sit right beside me to help share the truth. I praise God every time I think about how incred- ibly He answers our prayers. What an amazing God we serve! n

Blake Penland lives in Australia with his beautiful wife, Malvinas, and their children, Malan and Misper.