Teach Them the Bible Narrow the Road That Leads to Life, and Only a Few ﬁnd It” (Matthew 7:13-14, NIV)

Sharing News and Inspiration from the Southwestern Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists 8

In this Issue... DEPARTMENTS CREATION Health ...... 4 Not Your Shades of Grace ...... 5 Pass It On ...... 6 Visión Hispana ...... 7 Father’s Church FEATURES Not Your Father’s Church ...... 8 Youth Ministry Today ...... 10 10 A Generation of Youth for Christ . . 14

NEWS Arkansas-Louisiana ...... 16

SEPTEMBER 2011 Youth Oklahoma ...... 20 14 Southwest Region ...... 24 Texas ...... 28 Texico ...... 32 Ministry Southwestern Adventist University . . 36 ASI Convention Report ...... 38

ETCETERA Classiﬁed Ads ...... 40 Today Announcements ...... 44 Obituaries ...... 45 MyFaith ...... 46 For the Record ...... 47 A Generation of Youth for Christ—p. 14

SEPTEMBER 2011, Vol. 110, No. 9. The Southwestern Union Record is a monthly publication of the Seventh-day Adventist churches in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Texas, and is published at the headquarters of the Southwestern Union Conference, 777 S. Burleson Blvd., Burleson, TX 76028, 817.295.0476. Printed at Pacific Press Publishing Association in Nampa, Idaho. www.SouthwesternAdventist.org. OnO the Cover DespiteDe any statistics you might have heard about young adults who are leaving theth church, not all of them have chosen that route. Many young adults are passionatelyp embracing our beliefs and the commission we’ve been given to taket the gospel to the whole world. Turn the pages of this issue to learn about the vibrant ministries young adults are involved in around the nation and right here in the Southwestern Union.

2 Southwestern Union Record President’s Perspective»

BY LARRY MOORE » SOUTHWESTERN UNION CONFERENCE PRESIDENT It’s Your Church

It’s been a long time since I was a young person—but not so long that I can’t remember how important programs tailored for youth were to me. Back in the day, we had programs like “Missionary Volunteers” (MV) or “Adventist Youth Society” (AYS). We would do “Investment” projects to increase our oﬀerings, and go “Ingathering” during the holiday season. “Colporteuring” or “canvassing” was a common way to earn money for school. And “canned food drives” were a regular annual event. In short, we were recruits in the Lord’s army to reach the lost for eternity.

The names of our programs may have changed, but the goals from an entertainment perspective. are still the same. And while styles of worship among the youth When I talk to young people, they tell me that what they real- here in the Southwestern Union vary greatly, there is a common ly want is something real. They want the chance to serve. They purpose that brings them together. desire meaningful interactions with their church. They want op- There was a period in the 80s and 90s when youth ministry portunities to become involved in missions and outreach. They started to conform to what I call an MTV model—attempting to want to participate in relevant Bible study and prayer. In short, entertain our young people. Music, drama, and humor were all they don’t want to sit on the sidelines; they want to be on the play- incorporated to create the most engaging programs possible. But ing field. And more and more, they are. over time, it became clear that simply entertaining our young peo- The Southwestern Union is blessed to have myriad opportu- ple was not what they wanted or needed. Of course, there’s noth- nities for young people to go on mission trips, preach evangelistic ing inherently wrong with music, a skit, or a humorous story. But series, build churches, provide disaster relief, go door-to-door with entertaining our youth is not enough. Anything we attempt will literature, and share their faith with their neighbors and friends. fall short of the glamour and glitz the secular world has to offer If you’re a young person, and your church doesn’t have service opportunities available, don’t wait for an adult to make the suggestion, do it yourself. Create a committee of friends and trusted adult leaders to brainstorm ways you can impact your community. Roll up your sleeves and join the movement of Adventist youth who are actively changing the world. Young people started this church, and young people will finish the work. Don’t wait for your parents to pass the baton to you. God has already given you the call. This is not your father’s church—it’s yours.

www.swurecord.org | SEPTEMBER 2011 3 CREATION Health

BY LYNELL LAMOUNTAIN

Five Tips From God For Less Stress

Our nation is stressed out as the aftershocks of the Great Recession shake people’s conﬁdence. Burdened by fear and overwhelmed by worry, they are driven to the edge. The economy barely has a pulse, people are out of work, and it seems every few weeks we hear of someone else who snapped and went on a shooting rampage.

Chronic stress is fracturing health, hearts, and hope. Tip number one: Choose to trust God. The first step for When surveyed, a majority of Americans report they have experiencing God’s peace is choosing to trust Him with every wor- moderate to high levels of stress and do not know how to change ry and concern and seek His guidance. it. What rattles them most is stress about money, the economy, Tip number two: Choose to trust God with all your and job stability. heart. Full peace requires full trust. We must surrender all of our Many people confess that heart–every last portion. Revival and transformation are born C Choice one of their greatest sources within when we trust God fully. of stress is family responsibili- Tip number three: Choose to relax in what God already ties. Parents especially feel the knows. R Rest weight. But 69 percent of them Proverbs says to “lean not on your own understanding.” The have the illusion that their chil- word “lean” in Hebrew means to rest “all of your weight.” God’s E Environment dren are not strongly affected by understanding is perfect and it just makes good sense to relax in their stress. However, 91 percent what He already knows. Although there might be question marks of children say they know mom in our minds, there are none in His. A Activity or dad is stressed because of their Tip number four: Make Him our first priority always. yelling, arguing and complain- Every day in every way we are to make God our first priority T Trust ing–and it makes them feel sad, in every area of our lives. The outcome is a heart that overflows worried, and frustrated. with His peace, power, and presence. Can you guess the most Tip number five: Choose to act. I Interpersonal common reason people give for The Bible says that God makes our paths straight. A path sug- RELATIONSHIPS being unable to manage their gests action–a journey from point A to point B. One of the greatest O Outlook stress effectively? Not enough antidotes to stress and worry is action. As God’s eternal children, time. They are just too busy, they we are a people who take action and follow His leading whether say. it is through the Red Sea, fiery furnace or the cross. We trust. We N Nutrition We have a wonderful op- obey. We move. We are a movement of grace, truth, and healing. portunity during these uncertain In our world we are surrounded by challenges. No matter what CREATIONhealth.com times to shine brightly for Jesus we face today or tomorrow, experiencing the transformational Christ by letting letting others power of a loving, trusting God will have a profound and positive get a glimpse of His faithfulness so they, too, may find a Refuge effect on us. God expresses His desire to be by our side through of Strength. every challenge. He longs for us to trust Him with our challenges, Jesus is never stressed, worried, or afraid. And this same ex- to look up to Him and cling to His strong hand. He longs for us to perience can be ours. All we have to do is apply His “tips” for hav- rest in His loving arms. And He will give us His strength, courage ing less stress, found in Proverbs 3:5-6. and peace. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your That’s CREATION Health! own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will

make your paths straight.” Lynell LaMountain writes from Florida Hospital in Orlando, Fla.

4 Southwestern Union Record Shades of Grace BY MIKE TUCKER » SPEAKER/DIRECTOR, FAITH FOR TODAYTODAY Responding to God’s Voice

The Apostle Paul had an opportunity to give his testimony to King Agrippa. After relating his Damascus road experience Paul said: “Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared ﬁrst to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works beﬁtting repentance” (Acts 26:19-20, NKJV).

The definition of the word “repent” implies more than just Marvelous!” feeling sorry for your sins. It indicates a decision to change the The first thing Jack Eckerd did was to call in his president for trajectory of a life. To repent means that we engage in a complete Eckerd Drug and tell him: “Take Playboy and Penthouse out of about face and begin to head in a different direction. my stores.” The president said, “You can’t mean that, Mr. Eckerd. Repentance may involve sacrifice. It is often painful. How- We make three million dollars a year on those books.” He said, ever, those whose lives have been changed by Jesus will never be “Take ‘em out of my stores.” And in 1,700 stores across America happy until they surrender to the promptings of the Holy Spirit those magazines were removed from the shelves because a man to make meaningful changes. Because God loves you, He won’t had given his life to Christ. let you off the hook until you respond to it. Here is a story that Colson called Jack Eckerd and said, “Did you do that because illustrates this difficult lesson. of your commitment to Christ?” He said, “Why else would I give Quite some time ago former Watergate defendant and cur- away three million dollars? The Lord wouldn’t let me off the hook.” rent Christian author Charles Colson was on the Bill Buckley tele- Jack Eckerd then wrote a letter to all the presidents of all the vision program talking about criminal justice. A few days later he other drugstore chains, and he said, “I’ve taken it out of my store. got a call from Jack Eckerd, founder of the Eckerd Drug chain. He Why don’t you take it out of yours?” Not a one answered him. But saw Colson on television and asked him to come to Florida. He felt then Eckerd’s Drugs began to get floods of people coming in to that Florida had a criminal justice crisis and wanted to team up buy things at Eckerd’s because they’d taken Playboy and Pent- with Colson to do something about it. house out. So then People’s Drug saw that and removed the maga- Colson traveled around the state on Eckerd’s Lear jet, talking zines from their shelves. Next Dart Drug and then Revco removed to politicians about reforms. Everywhere they went Jack Eckerd them from their shelves. Then the 7-11 chairman, who sat on Jack would introduce Colson to the crowds and say, “This is Chuck Eckerd’s board, finally gave in and 5,000 7-11 stores removed the Colson, my friend. He’s born again. I’m not. I wish I were.” And magazines, as well. In a period of 12 months, 11,000 retail outlets then he’d sit down. in America removed Playboy and Penthouse because God wouldn’t Every time they got back on the airplane Colson would tell let one of his men off the hook. Jack about Jesus. When Colson left, he gave Eckerd some books This is a great illustration of what it means to repent. God and then kept in touch for about a year. will not let you off the hook with some issue in your life. Eventu- One day Eckerd called up Colson and told him that he be- ally, if you respond, God takes that decision and does something lieved that Jesus was, in fact, resurrected from the dead. When wonderful with it. Repentance is responding to God’s voice when Eckerd finished, Colson said, “You’re born again!” He said, “No, I’m he won’t let you alone about something in your life. not, I haven’t felt anything.” Colson said, “Yes, you are! Pray with me right now.” After they prayed Eckerd said, “I am born again! Mike Tucker, speaker/director of Faith for Today

www.swurecord.org | SEPTEMBER 2011 5 Pass it On... A Monthly Focus on Evangelism in the Southwest

BY ANN IKONNE, PRESIDENT, SOUTHERN YOUTH CONFERENCE Young Adults Inspired to Finish the Work SOUTHERN YOUTH CONFERENCE ENGAGES YOUNG ADULTS IN THE CHURCH’S MISSION

he Southern Youth Conference (SYC) is a young adult-led our Sabbath ministry based in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex that services, with Thosts annual conferences for young people who live in the guests from south. One cannot help but notice the underrepresentation or South Texas near absence of church members between the ages of 18-35. Many to Arkansas. young adults are inactive because they are not engaged in their At SYC local churches and do not feel welcomed, equipped, or worthy to we have the participate. opportunity SYC was formed in August 2008, when a small group of young to hear inspir- adults from the Richardson, Tex., church realized there were lim- ing and pow- ited training and mentorship opportunities for young adults in their erful sermons. region. After much prayer, we decided to create a union-wide orga- nization to assist young people. The leaders of SYC decided to host annual symposiums that challenge attendees to renew and expand their SYC attendees decorating greeting cards for residents of a local relationship with God, use their nursing home. spiritual gifts to spread the gospel, and fellowship with likeminded young adults. In addition, those who register In June of 2009, SYC hosted its for SYC have access to relevant first conference at the North Dallas and edifying seminars. Past Adventist Academy in Richardson. topics have included Witness- The theme “CHOSEN” was select- ing in the Workplace, Christian ed, based on 1 Peter 2:9, and empha- Courtship, Adventist History, sized reclaiming the identity and Christian Money Manage- mission that we have as Seventh- ment, The Mind of Christ, and day Adventists. SYC was blessed to Foundations of our Faith. At- have almost 300 attendees from Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, San tendees are also encouraged to participate in all of our outreach ac- Antonio, Brownsville, and Oklahoma City. tivities. We engage in door-to-door evangelism, as well as visit nurs- With the Lord’s coming so eminent, we selected the theme ing homes and host a community health fair. “Send Me” for the second annual conference, using Isaiah 6:8 as its The organizers of SYC have been blessed by the ongoing sup- basis. SYC 2010 took place Labor Day Weekend at the Spring Branch port and mentorship from the leaders of the Richardson church, the Spanish church, where services and seminars were conducted in Mosier Valley church, the Texas Conference, the Southwest Region Spanish and English. Conference, and ASI (Adventist-Layman’s Services and Industries). At SYC 2011 we wanted to remind our attendees that God has We hope and pray that our ministry continues to inspire young reassured us of the boundless love He has for those who believe in adults to be partakers in finishing the work and spreading the gospel. Him and persevere in His work. Despite the ills that may befall us, SYC 2012 will take place Thursday, June 28 – Sunday, July 1, 2012 we have confidence that the Lord will be with us. Victory is guaran- at the Richardson church. For more information, visit www.sycweb. teed, so we declare ourselves “Unstoppable.” SYC 2011 was hosted at net, find us on Facebook, or e-mail [email protected]. the Richardson church on July 7-10. More than 500 people attended

6 Southwestern Union Record Visión Hispana

UN BREVE NOTICIERO MENSUAL DEL SUROESTEE STE Quien Eres UN EVENTO PARA LOS JÓVENES DE LA IGLESIA ADVENTISTA HISPANA DE KEENE

urante las fechas de 27 hasta el 30 de Julio del 2011, el de- Chicago, Ill., Sixto Ramos, Jr., y Arnoldo Cervantes. Ellos tuvieron partamento de jóvenes de la Iglesia Adventista Hispana varios temas para la iglesia entera sobre la adoración y sobre la res- Dde Keene “Youth Worship” tuvo un evento con el tema ponsabilidad de ser Adventistas del Séptimo Día. Compartieron sus “Quien Eres.” Los oradores invitados eran dos jóvenes del área de poderosos testimonios personales y como Cristo cambio sus vidas. Además de predicar cada noche, los oradores predicaron el sábado por la mañana en el gimnasio de la iglesia para el programa principal de youth worship, que incluye jóvenes de todo el área, que se toma acabo el último sábado de cada mes. Más de 200 jóvenes se reunieron el sábado por la ma- ñana para escuchar la palabra de Dios. La mayoría de esos jóvenes se quedaron para almorzar y convivir juntos un poco. El sábado por la tarde, los oradores dieron seminarios en ingles y español sobre “como tener devocional personal” y “evangelismo personal” para entrenar y motivar a los jóvenes a tener una relación más estrecha con Cristo y también a com- partir con otros el evangelio, que es nues- tro propósito como Adventistas. El tema final se llevo a cabo el sábado por la tarde durante la sociedad de jóvenes. Sixto Ra- mos, Jr., tuvo el tema final e hizo un lla- mado, donde varios jóvenes respondieron. Una joven en particular, fue tocada por el Espíritu Santo esa tarde. Ella nunca había venido a la iglesia pero decidió venir esa tarde y fue impactada grandemente. Ella ha comunicado que quiere estudios bíblicos. Concluyo este evento con un social en el gimnasio. Los jóvenes jugaron balon- cesto y voleibol. Los jóvenes de la iglesia disfrutaron mucho de las predicaciones y los seminarios de este fin de semana. Mostraron un deseo de aprender más de lo que Dios espera de ellos. La visión que la Iglesia Adventista Hispana de Keene y el cuerpo pastoral tiene para Youth Wors- hip, es entrenar y educar a los jóvenes de la impor- Foto de arriba: Arnoldo Cervantes dando un seminario el sábado por la tarde sobre evangelismo personal. tancia de tener una relación intima con Jesús por medio del estu- dio de la biblia, y la oración. Sobre estas lineas: Sixto Ramos dando un seminario a los jóvenes sobre como tener devociones personal.

www.swurecord.org | SEPTEMBER 2011 7 Not Your Father’s Church

Teens and Young Adults gather together in prayer Manny Cruz “at the foot of the cross” during IGNITION in Dallas, Tex. More than 2,000 attended the four-day event.

“It hit me right there and then. We as a church are doing the same youth ministry that we did 50 years ago! With so many of our youth and young adults leaving the church, something needs to change.”

love spending time with my parents and listening to their sto- “That was a great AYS program, it reminded me of my teenage Iries about how it was when they were growing up. I especially years–the AY songs, the morning watch, everything– just like it enjoy when my father shares his experiences as a teenager was back then.” I then asked my mother, “Are these the same songs growing up in Mexico. Whenever my parents and I share stories, you used to sing?” “Yes,” she responded. “Are these the same things we always end up talking about church and God. One of the things you all used to do?” Again, she said yes. It hit me right there and they always say to me is, “Son, things are not the way they used to then. We as a church are doing the same youth ministry that we be. Times have changed.” You see, my parents are very traditional. did 50 years ago! Something needs to change. They enjoy church just the way it is and the way it has been for the I think that one reason our youth and young adults leave the last 50 years. And that’s OK. church is that the church has become irrelevant to them. Whether A few years ago I was visiting my parents, and on Sabbath my or not you agree with this statement, the reality is that young peo- mother asked me to accompany her to AYS[1] at her church. As I ple leave the church. In several places around the North Ameri- sat through what I felt was a very boring 90 minutes (and this was can Division territory, including the Southwestern Union, youth supposed to be a youth program!), I noticed that there were not and young adults continue to leave the church. This is not good very many youth or young adults attending. When the program news; however, I am thankful to God, because I am seeing more was over, as we were leaving the church, my mother said to me, and more churches and church leaders doing something about

8 Southwestern Union Record the problem instead of just talking about it. I am also extremely ing a revolution,” IGNITION focuses on young adult leadership encouraged, because as I travel around the U.S., Canada, and Ber- development with experiences, training, worship, and intensives muda, I see that not all young people are leaving the church. Some intended to equip and empower young adults. IGNITION is spon- have stayed. Here are just a few examples: sored by the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists [NAD], and endorsed by the NAD Young Adult Ministry Advisory [YAMA]:www.adventistyouthministries.org. Home Makeover Project Until a couple years ago, the youth/young adult program at the Arizona camp meeting was the same ol’ thing. Then someone Social Media came up with the idea of going into the community and helping Using social media, young adults are constantly connecting and out someone in need. So the Arizona Youth Camp Meeting team sharing Jesus with their friends. Prayer requests, news, words of combined forces with the City of Prescott, Ariz., during the week encouragement, thoughts for the day, etc., are constantly posted of June 11-19, to reach out to a woman named Mari, who had lost in real time. Our own Adventist Youth Space, which has over her teenage son in 2007. Mari is a big advocate for reaching trou- 6,000 members, and PC Jovenes (Spanish) with over 15,000 mem- bled teens in her community, but she had not had a group of teens bers, are ministry tools that Adventist youth/young adults are us- at her home since her son Kendall passed away. God connected ing to fellowship and create community as well as to witness for our group of Adventist youth with a woman who needed love and Christ. Imagine this “online church” with over 21,000 members. a little help with her home. Each year the youth/young adults and You can access it here: www.AdventistYouthSpace.com. their Home Makeover Project are featured during the adult camp meeting. You can watch the story on video here http://www.adventistyouthspace.com/video/2011-arizona-home-makeover- Relevant Worship documentary The YG church in Arlington, Tex., is a wonderful example of what young adults can and will do as church leaders. When I have visited this church, I am encouraged to see a thriving congregation Adventist Competitor in World Tri- that is targeting the “Younger Generation” and reaching many for athlon the Kingdom of God. The ministry style that is carried out may differ from what I would call a “traditional” church; however the One ministry that continues to grow and is mostly led by young message is as Adventist as it can get. I applaud the leadership of adults is Adventist Christian Fellowship (ACF). This is a ministry for the Arlington church and many other churches across our divi- students on secular colleges and universities. One amazing story is sion who continue to offer opportunities for youth/young adults that of Christine Wallace. She came to Christ through the witness to carry out their God-given ministries, whether they are “tradi- of Adventist students at York University in Toronto, Canada. Now tional” or not. God is using her to witness through the Adventist healthy lifestyle as a qualifier for the Woman’s World Triathlon to influence others for Christ. The Pioneer Memorial church has asked this young Generation of Youth for Christ adult to lead their health ministry. You can read her full story here: With a more traditional approach to worship and training, http://gallery.mailchimp.com/7ae0ea6bef9ab5c680763331f/ GYC’s annual convention gathers young adults from around the files/Being_All_That_We_Can_Be.pdf world to focus on evangelism and door-to-door witnessing. Com- pletely run by youth and young adults, the convention is a wonderful four-day event. Visit http://gycweb.org/. GODencounters Why are some youth/young adults NOT leaving the church? Another excellent ministry by young adults is GODencounters What is it that makes them stay? I would like to suggest that it is (www.godencounters.org). Launched in 2002 by Allan Martin, because they feel they are a part of the church. In other words, the NAD Young Adult Ministries coordinator, GODencounters aims church they attend has made them feel welcome, loved, and ap- to deepen devotion to Jesus by developing disciples, walking reck- preciated and has included them in the activities and ministries of lessly in His footsteps. Thousands of young adults in North Amer- the church. How are youth/young adults involved in your church? ica have attended the GODencounters conferences and many have become God followers through this ministry. When I attend Manny Cruz is associate director of the North American these gatherings, I get excited to see young adults leading and ac- Division Youth Ministries Department. tively participating in their local church.

[1] AYS – (Adventist Youth Society) a youth program typically held IGNITION on Friday night or Sabbath afternoon IGNITION is the North American Division’s ministry for young adults. “Fueled by worship,” “ignited to disciple,” “spark-

www.swurecord.org | SEPTEMBER 2011 9 Youth Ministry Today Teens pray during a Spanish youth rally at Tulsa Adventist Academy.

Geraldo Alonso II

“If the purpose of youth ministry were to be entertainment, there is no way that we could compete with the world. If we are to be successful at keeping our youth in the church, it is essential that we start following the teachings of the Bible.”

here are we with youth ministry? It seems as though ming had to have all sorts of entertainment or the youth would Wthe Seventh-day Adventist Church is struggling to not show up and engage in a Christian walk. keep our youth engaged. Statistics indicate that as It is true that we have to make things fun for our youth because, many as 80 percent of our youth will leave the church upon grad- let’s face it, otherwise the youth will not show up. However, as one uating from high school or reaching their 18th birthday. Why are of my mentors shared with me, we as youth ministers have to be we struggling to keep them engaged? In years past the approach entertaining but we cannot and should not be entertainment. If to youth ministry has been entertainment. However, I believe this you analyze this statement, you see that it is very profound and it idea has done more harm than good. Youth ministers and leaders can lead to some dilemmas. The question arises, How are we sup- believed that pizza parties, movie nights, and entertainment were posed to balance being entertaining and not being entertainment? enough to keep youth in the church. It was believed that program- (This you will have to pray about earnestly and ask the Holy Spirit

10 Southwestern Union Record to guide you.) ing essential for any group of likeminded Christians. After Jesus As youth leaders we are to give the youth everything that they ascended to heaven and the Holy Spirit was poured out on the need to become Christian young men and women. If we do not Apostles, something incredible occurred. On the day of Pentecost do this work as youth ministers/leaders/mentors, there is no dif- 3,000 individuals accepted Jesus following the sermon that Peter ference between us and the rest of the world. Our work in youth preached. At this point in history I imagine the question arose, ministry is of the utmost importance, because we are not the only “Now what do we do?” ones working to win our youth. That is why the Bible tells us, “For This is probably the same question many of you have been ask- our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, ing as youth ministers and leaders. Now what do we do with our against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and youth? against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephe- If we are to be successful at keeping our youth in the church, sians 6:12, NIV). it is essential that we start following the teachings of the Bible. If the purpose of youth ministry were to be entertainment, Shortly after the 3,000 were baptized we are told, “They devot- there is no way that we could compete with the world. Consider ed themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the what Jesus Himself tells us when He says, “Enter through the nar- breaking of bread and to prayer” (Acts 2:42, NIV). row gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and Teach Them the Bible narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it” (Matthew 7:13-14, NIV). If we spend the majority of our time being entertain- We need to have our youth exposed to the Bible and the teach- ment, then we are leading our youth down a path of destruction. ings found within. For years it was thought that if we kept our So what are we supposed to do instead? The answer is not easy, youth entertained they would stay in the church. This has not neither is there just one answer, nor is there only one plan of ac- worked and it is now time to give our youth a firm foundation tion, because the reality is that every youth group is different. Just in the things of God. Matthew Hargett, 3rd & 4th grade teacher as every church is different, each youth group has its own unique at Tulsa Adventist Academy, has taken on the challenge trying to makeup. To figure out what we are supposed to be doing with our give his students a firm foundation. Hargett uses every oppor- youth takes much prayer and time with God, because things are tunity he can to share Bible promises that are applicable to his constantly changing with our youth. students. This instruction goes beyond classroom devotionals and However, there are four things the Bible mentions as be- Bible class.

James Bokovoy

www.swurecord.org | SEPTEMBER 2011 11 Encourage Fellowship

The next component to a successful youth group is to encour- eating with. At my church in Muskogee we have been struggling to age fellowship. True fellowship is that moment beyond which keep our youth engaged in Sabbath School. To get our youth com- conversations are superficial, but it is also past that moment when ing to Sabbath School we are going to try breaking bread together. vulnerability is present. It’s when we are able to share with one Many of the youth say they are hungry when they are at church, another what is really going on in our lives without the fear of gos- so we will try to satisfy their needs and give them a pastry/baked sip. Fellowship helps us share with one another and to encourage good and orange juice. While the youth are eating, we are going to each other to trust God. This is extremely important because our try to encourage fellowship and not spend this time passively. We youth are well connected with the world (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, will be utilizing every moment the youth are in church to get them etc.) but often they lack real, substantive, healthy and structured engaged in a Christ-centered walk. relationships that lead to God. During our Oklahoma Camp Meeting the Earliteen Division Pray made sure to encourage fellowship with all the teens who came to the meetings. Pastors Kevin Bruce, Stephen Carlile and Ryan Neill The final piece to a successful youth group is prayer. It is said incorporated time into their program for “Hot Topic” discussions. that the average American spends about one minute in prayer During this time they encouraged the youth to text message their a week. It is also said that the average pastor spends about one questions to the pastors and then they would give them Christ- minute and a half in prayer per week. Notice that the key word in centered and Bible-based answers. This allowed the youth to be both these statements is average. Some might be praying more, honest with each other and many made up their minds to stand but some might also be praying less. It seems to me that one of the up for God. The best part of this fellowship is that the pastors con- difficult challenges we have as Christians is that we do not pray nected with the youth so that the youth knew they were in a safe enough. I honestly believe that if we can teach our youth to pray place. and get them praying, it will dramatically change the landscape of our church. Break Bread Together During our summer camp at Wewoka Woods this past summer, all the staff intentionally incorporated prayer into everything they The third element will help with fellowship but it is also impor- did. The counselors would pray with their kids in the mornings tant in that it goes beyond fellowship. “Breaking bread” involves and evenings. After raising and lowering the flag on the parade more than eating together; it meets the needs of those you are ground each unit of campers would pray together. Praying was an

12 Southwestern Union Record integral part of the summer camp program. On one occasion we It is hard to stomach the fact that 80 percent of our youth are saw some severe storms producing strong winds, hail and having leaving the church. It seems that some of the approaches we have the potential to produce tornadoes. After noticing the possible tried in the past are not working. I pray that the Holy Spirit will threat, the summer camp staﬀ along with the campers prayed continue to work on every church leader and youth leader to for protection as these storms came towards us. We prayed that change this statistic. We are told by Ellen White that the youth God’s will be done and what occurred next was incredible! The and young people will be instrumental in bringing forth the Sec- storms broke up into two parts and traveled around us and once ond Coming, so perhaps it is time to work harder to keep this de- the storms passed us they connected together and continued their mographic within the church. path. Everyone one of the staﬀ and campers experienced God an- Geraldo Alonso swering prayer! II is camp director for the Oklahoma Conference.

Stephen Carlile leading the earlieen class at the Oklahoma camp meeting.

www.swurecord.org | SEPTEMBER 2011 13 A Generation of Youth for Christ

Justin McNeilus, GYC president

n December 29, 2010, more than 7,000 young adults alize that 50 busses weren’t going to be enough and frantically be- Opoured into Baltimore, Md., for Generation of Youth for gan adding more. Ultimately we sent out 72 busses with more than Christ’s (GYC) ninth annual conference. The theme, No 3,000 young people! Turning Back, was a challenge to young people to take a whole- In two hours, 80,000 pieces of literature were distributed to hearted stand for Christ without thought of going back to the nearly 40,000 homes. We prayed with more than 2,000 people at world. the door, and received 1,500 requests for Bible studies! For four days, attendees are immersed in Bible study, prayer, and It’s evident that young people are eager for the opportunity to fellowship. Dozens of speakers share a wealth of information on be active in ministry. Even when we had the conference in Minne- topics that are relevant to young people. It’s intense! sota–in December!–the young people still went out door-to-door! Yet one aspect of the conference stands out from the rest. The enthusiasm is infectious. Every year we’re told that the highlight of GYC is the outreach A girl from Scotland came to GYC this past year but didn’t want day. This provides an to do outreach. A friend opportunity for attend- Alden J. Ho Photography convinced her to try it ees to not just listen, but and she had an amazing to actually go out and experience. She went share their faith. Four home to Scotland and years ago, when GYC organized her church to was last in Baltimore, go out door-to-door ev- we needed 29 buses to ery week! transport everyone for And she’s not alone. outreach. This year we More than 40 countries initially planned for 50 were represented at our buses in faith that we 2010 conference and could ﬁll them all. there’s a steady stream As the conference of similar reports from neared, we began to re- around the world: a young person encoun- Alden J. Ho Photography ters God at this event called GYC, He changes their life, and they return home to their church where they begin working for Him. One young man told me that some friends from his church had gone to GYC the year before and when they came back he saw the change in their lives. Now he was there at GYC because he wanted that same experience and to experience change in his own life. Not only are attendees impacted by this event, but the cities that host it are too. When we returned to Baltimore this past year, we discovered that several of the church members we were working with to coordinate outreach had become Adventists

14 Southwestern Union Record Alden J. Ho Photography

through GYC attendees to “seek for it, pray for it, be- knocking on their doors lieve for it.” back in 2006 during our That’s exactly what we’re conference in Baltimore! doing. This has been the story We’re gathering in one of GYC from the start. The place, with one purpose: to initial conference was orga- pray—to plead—for the Holy nized by a handful of college Spirit. The focus isn’t on the students who used their outward, but on the heart. parents’ credit cards to rent If there is one GYC confer- a facility. Completely uncer- ence to go to, this is the one. tain of what to expect, the Join thousands of other attendance that ﬁrst year far young people in Houston, exceeded what they’d imag- Tex., from December 28, 2011 ined. to January 1, 2012 to seek to It was apparent that this understand, desire, exper- was bigger than a group of ience, and share the gift of students, the attendees, or the Holy Spirit. Speakers in- the event itself–God was at clude Dwight Nelson, Mark work. Finley, Stephen Bohr, Sebas- Every year we’ve been tian Braxton, Doug Batch- “blown away” by the ways elor, and more. that God uses the confer- For additional details, pro- ence to change lives. motional materials, bulletin This year’s theme, Fill Me, inserts, pricing, or to regis- is an individual prayer for ter, please visit www.gycweb. the outpouring of the Holy org. Spirit. Yet as God’s people, “Could there be a convo- our individual prayers rise cation of all the churches of to heaven as a single plea— earth, the object of their united Our Earnest Plea. cry should be for the Holy Spirit.” (2 Manuscript Release, p. 24). Gen- The potential is huge. eration of Youth for Christ 2011 will be such a convocation. Fill Me: God desires to pour upon His people the early Our Earnest Plea. and latter rains. Jesus said, “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heav- More than 7,000 young people from over 40 countries atteded the GYC enly Father give the Holy Spirit to those meetings in Baltimore, Md., in 2010. who ask Him!” (Luke

11:13). Indeed, “the Spirit Alden J. Ho Photography awaits our demand and reception.” “It is the privilege of the church to have it now,” and we are counseled

www.swurecord.orgwww.swureco | SEPTEMBER 2011 15 Alden J. Ho Photography 16 Arkansas-Louisiana Conference Southwestern UnionRecord youth willstepuptothechallengeand vide theguidanceandencouragement, that whensomeonehassteppedintopro- guidance andinstruction,butIhavefound a littleencouragement,andsomeneed difference. Someareshy, somejustneed lar today. the negativesentimentsthataresopopu- for metowitnessyoungpeoplewhodefy the livesofothers,ithasbeengratifying young peopletobringtransformation to criticize andtominimizethepotentialfor people. Whilesomany havebeenquickto again inthelivesofsomany ofouryoung titude thatIhaveseenexhibitedtimeand piness. It hastodowithaspiritandat- Our youngpeopletoday mail [email protected]. Call479.283.7537 ore- Box 8106,Springdale, AR72764. mail toMelody Rodde,Women’s Ministriesdirector, P.O. GodKnowsYourName.org Cost for thisevent: Mountain Pine,AR 71956 361 CampYorktown Lane Camp Yorktown Bay Conference Center September 30–October2,2011 walkwithJesus”“We women withanextraordinary areordinary ARKLA Women’s Conference andRetreat God KnowsYour Name nights lodginginair-conditioned cabins. Travel toandfromconference isnotincluded.Visit The costincludesfivewonderfulvegetarianmealsandtwo a greatdealofsatisfactionandhap- something thathasbroughtme Recently I have observed Recently Ihaveobserved Arkansas-Louisiana News Youth MakingaDifference $95.00 are toprintregistrationform and makinga those baptized, butthatsomanythose baptized, ofthose they werewith,notonlythenumbersof leadership, theyexpressedhowpleased As Ivisitedlaterwiththelocalconference weallrejoicedatthe310baptisms! service, However, attheendofmassbaptismal baptisms fromthe20evangelisticsites. ership indicatedthattherewouldbe200 people. preaching andinteractingwiththelocal They didanabsolutelyincrediblejobof thankful andproudIwasofourstudents. ings. Icannotbegintoexpressyouhow Philippines toconductevangelisticmeet- Sandia ViewAcademy wenttogethertothe Adventist Academy and12studentsfrom past Marchwhen15studentsfromOzark nessed thisinamostdramaticway this then meet–orexceed–expectations! Iwit- Initial estimatesbylocalchurchlead- and speakers. the seminars mation about more infor- Web site for Check outthe ful speakers! power-very the line-up of want tomiss You won’t www. country living,missions,andpracticalChristianity.country Jeff alsoconducts seminarsoncommunicationbetweenspouses, Laymen Ministriesmissionmagazinereachesover11,000readers. andthe Theirbookstore shipsmaterialsallovertheworld, cific. South India,reaching75million peoplearoundAsiaandthePa- gramming for 3ABNandTheHope Channel,andbroadcastsfrom has becomeLaymen Ministries. Laymen Ministriesproducespro- Their goalwastoestablishsometypeof“outpost ministry,” which derness” propertyandbeganbuildingalife together withGod. “get away fromtheold life completely.” Theyboughtsome“wil- Two years later, Jeff andChristyweremarriedtheydecidedto would neverbethesameagain!But cuttingoldtieswasnoteasy. they heard provided answerstotheirquestionsandlife for them gelistic meetingtomake funoftheevangelist.TheBible truths Jeffold, andhis16-year-old Christy, girlfriend, wentintoanevan- tian, butGodhadotherideas.At18years one timesaidhewouldneverbeaChris- 501.865.3234 Bonnerdale, AR 71933 709 AdventistChurchRoad Church Bonnerdale Seventh-day Adventist November 11-12, 2011 Family EnrichmentWeekend The speaker isJeff Reich.Jeff Reichat For moreinformation, callJune Bates: have accomplishedthis cision tobebaptized.Ourpastorscouldnot enced otheryoungpeopletomaketheirde- me, “ baptized wereyoungpeople.Theysaidto will make (and aremaking)adifference! create for themtheopportunities.They use theirGod-given talents,ifwewilljust Yet Ibelievethemajoritywillrespondto those whowillchoosenottobeinvolved. like youryoungpeopledid!”Yes, thereare who connectwithotheryoungpeoplejust work inevangelism!Theywillbetheones have, andtrainthem,putthemto to utilizeouryoungpeoplejustlike you “What thishastaughtusisthatweneed hnte de hscmetr. Then theyaddedthiscommentary. It wasyouryoung peoplethatinflu- Steve Orian, .” president Triple Play for South Louisiana Spanish

Churches Arkansas-Louisiana Conference

BATON ROUGE » On May 1, Gerald Mar- gil, pastor, started a series of three evangelistic meetings in his district with Salomon Espinoza, pastor/evangelist from Nica- ragua. Baton Rouge Spanish was the ﬁrst to reap the results on May 7, with seven baptisms. The small company at Larose followed a week-long series with four baptisms on May 14, and the week of May 21 ended with three more people being baptized in the church of Kenner. What a wonderful harvest! We thank God with all our hearts for the miracles and testimonies of those who were witnesses in this beautiful journey of faith.

Gerald Margil, pastor

Fourteen people were baptized as a result of evangelistic meetings in the Spanish districts of Baton Rouge, Larose, and Kenner.

www.swurecord.org | SEPTEMBER 2011 17 Arkansas-Louisiana News Dallas Brazilian SDA Ensemble Performs at Bonnerdale

BONNERDALE » On Sabbath, May 14, the Bonnerdale church was blessed with the music of the Dallas Brazilian SDA Ensem- ble. The ensemble provided special music for Sabbath School and church, giving members a taste of what was to come during the afternoon concert. The ensemble played such songs as “The Prayer,” “Pach- elbel’s Canon,” and some selections from Michael W. Smith’s album, “Freedom.” In- terspersed in their concert program were songs performed by the group, Faithful Trio. The Dallas Brazilian SDA Ensemble truly brought an added blessing through their music and their obvious passion for the Creator of music.

Amanda Meseraull

Faithful Trio (right) and the Dallas Brazilian Ensemble (below) blessed the members of the Bonnerdale, Ark., church with beautiful music. Arkansas-Louisiana Conference Arkansas-Louisiana

18 Southwestern Union Record Disaster Relief Team Helps Tornado Victims BENTON » On Saturday, April 30, several lady named “Ms. Pat” had several large trees people in yellow.” The experience was very

members from the Benton church went down in her yard. Thankfully, the weather rewarding and reminds me that we should Arkansas-Louisiana Conference to Conway, Ark., with the Disaster Relief was nice and we were able to help get her always be a witness for Christ and that we Team to help victims of the tornados that yard passable. Before we left, she thanked are called to be His hands and feet. had hit earlier in the week. We found a us for our willingness to help a stranger Francis Caple place that needed our help, as a sweet little and said that she would never forget “the

Ms. Pat (center) with the group who helped clean up her yard.

Ten Children Dedicated at Pocahontas Church POCAHONTAS » The Pocahontas, Ark., Brandt family, with five-month-old Ka- children, including six-month-old Jaxon; church seems to be growing by leaps and son; the Borreson-Todd family, with five and the Berry family, with three children. bounds—especially in the The Pocahontas church is area of children. Praise the blessed with a quiver full of Lord! We have had three arrows from the Lord. new baby boys, all born within a few months. How- Elaine Denton-Jones ever, we were pleasantly surprised to find that, in actuality, 10 children asked to be dedicated to the Lord. Baby dedication at Pocahontas church: Johnnie and Elizabeth They ranged in age from six Scales, Roland Scales; Sarah months to eight years old. Brandt, Kason Brandt; Chris Four families were repre- Borreson and Donya Todd, sented in the dedication: James, Joseph, Jaylin, Jessamin, The Scales family, with and Jaxon; Anora Berry, Hannah, Larissa, and Jace. four-month-old Roland; the

www.swurecord.org | SEPTEMBER 2011 19 20 Oklahoma Conference Southwestern UnionRecord landing. Tillie tells about the day that they landing. Tillie tellsabout theday that that dispersedindifferent directionsupon heldfour bombs because it it wascalled, nized andfeared the“umbrella bomb,” as intownrecog- sky. It seemsthat everyone sounds madeastheydropped fromthe est bombshelter and namingbombsbythe remember thenumberofstepstonear- to andherfriendsweretrying ers,” Tillie and thenamesofnewest“croon- able tosafely learnthelatestdancesteps still II. WhileteenagersinAmericawere life inwar-torn LondonduringWorld War heryoung some interestingstoriesabout bride?” youknowaregoingtohear knowIwasawar the question“Did you lie Christensenopensaconversation with B Broken Arrow, Oklahoma” Tillie ChristensenNamed “Ms. Senior and sweetness, yet lack nutritional value. But and sweetness,yetlacknutritionalvalue. But ture eyesthesemay appeartohavelotsoffun appearance ofacolorfulcandystore.To ma- In comparison,otherchurchestake onthe ter, heavyinweight,andextremelyvaluable. church asbricksofpuregold–brilliant inlus- torted lenses. that make thecomparisonslookthroughdis- smaller Adventistchurch.But oftentheeyes might feel ill-fitted whentheywalkintoa chance toblendinanddisappear, whileyouth own churches.Thesemegachurchesoffer a meager successesinsoulwinningour churches exhibit,withwhatcanseemlike the growththatsomenon-denominational their localcongregation. Adventist, andoftenfindithard tofitinto out whatitreallymeanstobeaSeventh-day tofigure truth. Many youngadultsaretrying cause ofaninternalstrugglefor meaningand ROKEN A mature Adventist might view their A matureAdventistmightviewtheir They arechallengedwhencomparing Young peopleoftenleavethe churchbe- and why? their neighbors what they believe their neighborswhattheybelieve A RROW essary to confidently share with toconfidentlysharewith essary knowledge andeducationnec- and young adults have the and youngadultshavethe Oklahoma News Do your children, youth, Do yourchildren,youth, Help Them Gofor theGold » When91-year-old Til- ok owr omn oesois from forward tomany morestories look her tripsandrejoicewhenshe returns.We always sadtoseeTillie take offononeof are law, Clayton Calvert,our pastor. We with herdaughter, Barbara, and son-in- livesonaranch her homenowandshe However, shedoesconsiderBroken Arrow atherhomeinTexas. during thewinter time visitingwiththemandvacationing enth-day AdventiststationedinLondon. thebrideofayoungSev- London, became is howTillie, bornintotheJewish faithin thatsweptheroff feet, andthat dier tells ofthehandsomeyoungAmericansol- parent’s backyard. She blushesstillasshe it waslaterfound intherainbarrelin her couldn’t easilylocatethefourth bomb, but ience, theycan’t make educateddecisionson is good.Withoutpersonalstudyandexper- young peopleto“taste andsee” thattheLord the heartsofouryoungpeople. there mustbeadeeperconnectiontocapture Handshakes andhugsarewonderful,but buttobelong. people tonotjustattend, gregation needstofindways for theyoung remove theirdistortedlenses.Thelocalcon- sistently weneedtohelptheyoungpeople gregations. Inorder for thistohappencon- grow andbecomeleadersinourowncon- closer toChrist.We wantthemtostay and ity alonethatitisindeedreal. cannot expectthemtoacceptonourauthor- discovered howpureandtrueitreallyis.We have nevertestedthegoldfor themselvesand gold. Theydon’t seethevaluebecausethey ceived ittobefake andingenuous,like fools’ been distorted lenses,theyseewhatthey’ve eyes lookatthelocalcongregationthrough traction undeniable.However, whenyoung and inviting, thetasteissweet,andat- young people,theviewismuchdifferent. through thedistortedlensofsomany ofour Tillie hasfour childrenandspendsher We mustcreateopportunitiesfor our We wanttoseeouryoungpeopledraw Comparitively, thecandystoreisvibrant told is gold.But overtime,theyhaveper- draws everyone toher.draws everyone like spiritthat contagious Christ- beautiful she has a beautiful lady, but Not only isshea row, Oklahoma. Senior Broken Ar- lie wasnamedMs. bride.” the “blushingwar your laborandwalktogetheronstreetsofgold. took interestin,andyouwillenjoythefruitsof standing inheavenwiththeyoungpersonyou grasp thebeautyofwhatweholdtrue. how valuabletheyareandengagethemto than enoughtoshowyouthandyoungadults and real,theircareloveshouldbemore and stay involved. Ifadvocatesareprayerful challenge theirknowledge,askquestions, not beequippedfor. Theadvocateshould of assistancefor challengestheadvocatemay They canpointtheway toothersthatcanbe ests andlookingfor signsofspiritualfatigue. looking outfor theyoungperson’s bestinter- ent whoisadvocatingfor themindividually young personhassomeoneotherthanapar- tion. Begintodevelopaprogramwhereevery ginning ofasolutionfor your localcongrega- gold thatlastsforever. sweetness,theywillgoforthe temporary the truth fromtheerror. Ratherthangoingfor selves. Thentheywillbeabletodiscernthe Bible study. Letthemtestthegoldfor them- Let’switness, andserve. challengethemwith to empoweryoungpeoplepreach,share, where theywouldratherbe.Let’s findways Richard Castillo, Broken Arrow pageant. by thewinnerofMiss presented withflowers Arrow, Oklahoma. Shewas named Ms. SeniorBroken Christensen was recently Ninety-one-year-old Tillie Recently, Til- The great hope is that one day you will be The greathopeisthatoneday youwillbe Here isachallengeandhopefullythebe- Oklahoma youth/young adultministries Judy Marquette Oklahoma Conference 21 Youth class leader Youth | SEPTEMBER | 2011

Oklahoma Camp Meeting Oklahoma Jim Landelius, www.swurecord.org The mayor told us at the meeting that told us at the meeting The mayor While preaching, teaching, and Bible in the city. While the group has received group has received While the in the city. the projects they thanks every year for have completed,letter an official including manager in 2009, from the Public Works the park in this year the city re-dedicated to 100+ tempera- (due a short ceremony city coun- the mayor, that included tures) other city officials. cil representatives, and was given by A certificate of appreciation to James Fisher Chayne Seminole mayor of the commu- who is in charge Bokovoy, nity service portion of the youth program at camp meeting. residents of the city wanted to know many who the young people were who were re- storing the park in such hot weather. On the houses, a small from one of one day, group of children shouted, “Thank you!” as the group painted. be a significant aspect studies will always of reaching out to people, the youth at the camp meeting are being taught Oklahoma that there are other “lines of Christian ser- as well. that can reach people, vice” each year by the Ministries Native Department of the Oklahoma Conference. There are several American Native tribes represented in Seminole and the hope is to friends to make benefit evange- held listic efforts The youth class at the Oklahoma camp meeting took paint brushes, rollers, and rollers, paint brushes, meeting took camp at the Oklahoma class The youth This in Seminole. Playground up the Jim Magurie of paint and spruced 15 gallons a re-dedication during of Seminole the mayor from recognition kind act brought at the park. officials with city ceremony Before After Each morning, the group would leave Each morning, the The community projects are sponsored pate in another “line . . . of Christian ser- “line . . . of Christian pate in another vice.” youth three years, the the past For Seminole on different in have worked This the community. projects to improve and Jim Bokovoy two pastors, James year, of the city parks in a Landelius, chose one American neighbor- predominantly Native hood to repaint. the sweltering heat around 7:15 to beat of the Southwestern that hovers over most months. Armed during the summer Union and 15 gallons with rollers, paintbrushes, Magu- of paint, the youth repainted Jim rie park in its original red, white, and blue theme.

A Call to Stand to Stand A Call In the book In the book »

, page 65, Ellen White makes this Ellen White makes , page 65,

Each year, youth ages 16 to 18 come to youth ages Each year, EWOKA Apart in which lines “There are many statement: help- opportunity for the youth can find Let them organize into bands ful effort. Christian service, and the cooperation for and an encourage- will prove an assistance teachers, by taking an and ment. Parents of the young people, interest in the work the benefit of their will be able to give them and can help them own larger experience, good.” for effective their efforts to make camp for Adventist Center Woods Wewoka offer- meeting. In addition to the standard study and worship services,ing of Bible the youth class has the opportunity to partici-

W Oklahoma Youth Trained for Service for Trained Youth Oklahoma 22 Oklahoma Conference Southwestern UnionRecord munity! It wastrulyabreathoffreshairto tential for children’s inourcom- ministry our churchmemberstoseethegreatpo- craft eachnight.It wassuchablessingto puppet skitsandBible stories,anddidtheir es astheysang,played games,listenedto I sawsomany smilesonthechildren’s fac- to seewhattheteamhadinstorefor them. ward community. energetic nightlyprogramfor theWood- to comeandpresentavibrant,Spirit-filled, tives WithAMission” (NWAM) VBSteam had anawesomeopportunityfor the“Na- That is,untilthisyearwhenourchurch many things,theplanswerelaidaside. VBS programfor severalyearsbutaswith Our churchhadbeenwantingtohavea welcomed 60childrentotheprogram! opened attheWoodward churchandwe “action-packed” asVacation Bible School W An Action-packed VBS! Woodward church thispastsummer. Sixty children eagerly attended aVBS program withaNative American flavor atthe OODWARD Each night 50-60 very excitedEach night50-60 very kidscame » TheeveningofJuly 5was Oklahoma News t ive American w Many thanksto allthose previous week. th S the children’s closed theVBS come bonded withthisteamandbe i our Native Americancommunit t tion ofNati ward communityhasalargerepresenta i some teamfor allowin you toTroy an Noah of Bi come ea see somany ofGo who wereresponsiblefor allowing Many thanksto all those previous week. that NWAM madeontheirchildrenthe School andchurchtowitnesstheimpact the children’s parentscometoSabbath closed theVBSprogramandsawmany of come backnextyear! bonded withthisteamandbeggedthemto in northwest Oklahoma. Thekidstruly our Native Americancommunityhere treat for theNWAM teamtominister tion ofNative Americansanditwasareal ward communityhasalargerepresenta- in ourcommunityandchurch.TheWood- some teamfor allowingGodtousethem you toTroy andAnaHickstheirawe- Noah, Jonah, andEsther. of Bible stories,suchastheProdigalSon, come eagerlyeachnighttolearnavariety see somany ofGod’s specialyoungpeople n nort n ourcommunityan r chool andchurchtowitnesstheimpact eat h at July 9 was a very specialSabbathaswe avery July 9 was We specialthank- wanttoextendavery J W o wereresponsi uly 9 was a very specialSabbathaswe avery uly 9 was e want to extend a very specialthank-e wanttoextendavery f bl N , b Jonah o e stories,suc WA ac r h g west O k t erl fl h nextyear M avor atthe e v y , NWAM andEsther e Americansan eachni ma d p p AnaHic kl arents cometoSabbath de ro d a gr h ’s specia h bl ! o oma. T d g ast am andsawman n tea e for a ht tolearnavariet c g th h . Godtousethem k m urc h ei s an e Pro l r to youngpeop d h h gg it ch ll e . T mini d owing t ed themto il k d w h h dr i i e Woo d as area g eir aw y s tru a en ste here l Son, r y t he d to o e l l y y e - - - f l

our c our churchtobeblessedbytheirministry!

h urc h to b e bl esse Rick andCindyMercer d

b y t h eir ministry !

Oklahoma Conference 23 Judy Marquette | SEPTEMBER | 2011

www.swurecord.org “The moment I set foot in my church I church in my foot “The moment I set obvious to see God was working was “It of your age, race, or gender, “Regardless Honey Caranzo, third row, fourth from left, with with left, from fourth row, third Honey Caranzo, of Honey’s as a result baptized those who were in the Philippines. meetings evangelistic tion between Ozark Adventist Academy, Academy, Ozark Adventist tion between We and ShareHim. Sandia View Academy, six assistants from had nine preachers and diligently practiced our we day Every OAA. Then, times a day. sermons three or more in the afternoon, our drivers around four own us to our take would pick us up to churches. I was actually going to a sense of fear. felt this dawned on me that be preaching! It was really a mission trip and not a vaca- alone, do this tion. I realized that I couldn’t was diligently each night. It so I prayed to amazing to see how God used 15 teens preach His Word. in the hearts of the Philippino people. The preachers told us to expect 200 conference on even less. However, baptisms, maybe after a seemingly endless baptismal day, Christ, amount of people being reborn for to the total number baptized amounted 310. you are you feel if God can use you. Even not capable, God can equip you with the willing.” if you are capability, Instead ommittee of the Oklahoma Conference of Seventh-day Adventists of Seventh-day Conference ommittee of the Oklahoma Others, Blessed Blessed “On March 10 around 4 a.m., 15 kids and March 10 around 4 a.m., 15 kids “On space in another upcoming mission trip upcoming space in another a year on various mis- and plans to spend graduation. When sion trips after college returned from the Philippines, Honey the Sabbath- she organized and executed the participation morning program with an inspirational gave of our youth. Honey was tru- sermon and the congregation graciously wrote a report Honey ly blessed. trip experience, about her recent mission which follows: an Ozark Adventist two adults boarded to were on our way shuttle. We Academy airport and one Arkansas the Northwest step closer to our destination, the Philip- pines. This mission trip was a collabora- LEGAL NOTICE Bless Bless Trevor W. Thompson, Oklahoma Conference secretary Conference Thompson, Oklahoma W. Trevor But Was Was But Often we think of Often we the » s r r c o t b n r n n u y, m m a du RROWRR d as AA o re reat, ivi y s our g h

d of B N mem g meet y E h ll In Notice is hereby given that the Constitution and Bylaws C and Bylaws is hereby given that the Constitution i Notice Notice Individuals desiring to make suggestions concerning the work of this committee should submit them in writing to Trevor W. W. suggestions concerning the work of this committee should submit them in writing to Trevor Individuals desiring to make een so i klaho

b s that she OK Thompso homa Cit wi Oklahoma Conference of Seventh-day AdventistsO will meet on Sunday, October 16, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at the Oklahoma Conference Office, located at 4735 NW 63rd Street, Okla- Street, 4735 NW 63rd Office, located at Conference Oklahoma October 16, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at the will meet on Sunday, OK. homa City, 73123, or by emailing to: [email protected]. OK City, 32098, Oklahoma Box Thompson, P.O. urc ose w y armon, tha ROKENR as er mission t h h

B She Went to Went She B blessings our missionaries bring to those blessings our missionaries times, many But that hear the good news. those who the message re- are bringing greater blessing, than ceive as great, if not a to the tes- According those who receive it. of timony Honey Arrow member Broken of Caranzo, daughter and Christy Sonny what happened on Harmon, that is exactly her mission trip to the Philippines. Honey to have a lot of fun that she intended says with her friends and that the spiritual side was not as important–that is, until she ac- It tually interacted with the people there. has been so inspirational to see the change in to her fellow as she witnesses Honey church members. She is now trying to find c was not as i tually interac h in Hone h sa with her frie timon Caranzo, H those who a ceive as t blessin that hear the 24 Southwest Region Conference Southwestern UnionRecord of loveandappreciation totheirfathers, crophone, womenandchildren gavewords carefully executed detail.Atthe mi- every charge givenbySonjaPolley, the women andthe tothedecorations, theserving, ed, detailed menuitemsthatthemen suggest- into theprogram,anditshowed.From the ple wasasked toposefor apicture. when theyarrivedattheirtables,eachcou- ried menwereescortedbytheirwives,and their seatsbyoneoftheladies.Themar- were tolineupandwaitbeescorted tipurpose buildingnextdoor, wherethey themen weredirectedtothemul- service, Attheendofchurch Sabbath services. on Mother’s Day/Women’s Day. the menhadprepareddinnerfor theladies ThispastMay, prepared aspecialdinner. To honorthem,theladiesofchurch day for themenofMemorial church. trained ouryouthwell,withdays,mis- army [ ofyouth,rightlytrained, weneedallhandsondeck.“Withan work, and youngadults.Inorder tofinishthis the joysofgospelinfrontouryouth to them.For fartoolongwehavedangled adults. We musttrustthispreciousgospel must firsttrusttheyouthandyoung lead inourchurches. they areheldbackuntilaparticularageto budgets tomanagerightoutofschool,yet sity graduatesaregivenmultibillion-dollar could be.Many ofourcollegeanduniver- can lead.Oh, howfarfromthetruththis claims thatonlythosewhoare35andolder lent inourworshippingcommunitiesthat them tolead.Thereisanothermyth preva- phantly. However, wehavenotallowed ing themfor over60yearstoleadtrium- M Men of Memorial Church Honored Men ofMemorial ChurchHonored now! We have beentrainingandprepar- ANSFIELD The womenputagreatdealofplanning The programwasheldaftertheregular I believewemustdothreethings.We ing tocome?Theyouthareready row.” But whenistomorrowgo- youth arethechurchoftomor- , L proudly proclaimthat“The A Southwest RegionNews The TREFactor I haveheard leaders . » ue2 wasaspecial June 25 and wehave love andappreciation. event wasabeautifuldisplay of husbands, andfriends.Theentire developed byhisjobofshepherding. Many him. David’s abilitytomeetchallengeswas Goliath becauseoftheresponsibilitygiven dence andcouragetomeetthechallengeof ofDavid. Thisyouthhadtheconfi-story confidence andcourage.Iamdrawntothe pared for heaven.Responsibilitydevelops than todevelopcharactersthatarepre- velops character. Whatbetteropportunity their spiritualgrowth.Responsibilityde- just watchuseachweekdoesnothingfor Expecting ouryouthandyoungadultsto sponsibility toouryouthandyoungadults. mean. worthy also.Whatwesay mustbewhatwe also meansthattheadultsmustbetrust- relevance ifwedon’t trustouryouth.Trust adults. Ourchurchwilldieaslowdeathof ability, surety, etc.,ofouryouthandyoung trust, thatis,relyontheintegrity, strength, whole world!” coming Saviormightbecarriedtothe risen,andsoon-the messageofacrucified, meetings inourlocalchurches youthcongresses,andweekly sion trips, a specialdinnerfor themenonJune25. The ladies oftheMemorialchurch prepared Cowboy Campmeeting Another thingwemustdoisgivere- welcome!! Bikers are Athens TX75752 6829 FM317 Lone Star Camp Sept. 30-Oct 2 (Education, Precious Fuller L. p. 271 howsoon ] ). We must adults, wewilllosethem. Unless weengageouryouthandyoung engaged intheirfaithwalkalittlelonger. age ouryouthandyoungadultstostay tations. Trying thesemay helptoencour- tors: Trust, Responsibility, RealisticExpec- gospel, onemay wanttousetheTREfac- to completetasks. veloping lowself-esteemandtheinability of reach,theindividualissusceptibletode- Christian. Whenexpectationsarefarout for. Thishelpsindevelopingabalanced provide theexpectationswearelooking When weengageouryouthneedto tofulfilltherolesuccessfully.necessary because wedon’t providetheresources equipped orskilledfor. Ormaybe theyfail We askfolks tofillpositionstheyarenot Too many timeswesetuppeopletofail. we mustalsogiverealisticexpectations. David. the characteritdevelopedinDavid–King would say itwasalowlyrole,butlookat To facilitatetheswiftspreadingof Finally, Ibelievewiththeresponsibility Samuel Green, president Southwest Region Conference 25 Adventurer Adventurer | SEPTEMBER | 2011

area coordinator, Oklahoma Oklahoma coordinator, area Aleta Z. Runnels, your federation: Carl Birl Carl Birl your federation: at (Ark-La-Tex) hc828385@ valomet.com; Gwen Williams at glwilliams@ Cities) (Capital aldine.k12.tx.us; Wil- Janice Texas) Central son (North at [email protected]; or (Oklahoma) Aleta Runnels at runnelsfamily@peoplepc. com. Eager Beavers, Little Lambs and their Lambs Little Beavers, Eager time at “sweet” a enjoyed families at held Retreat Family the Adventurer in September. Camp Star Lone www.swurecord.org Now that the camporee is over, area co- that the camporee is over, Now ers their Adventurers with presented the and goody bags. Adventur- gifts, awards, ers who attended camporee will also the on their to display receive a special patch class A uniforms. planning the 2011 Adventur- are ordinators September 16- Retreat, to be held er Family about the retreat, or to more details 18. For Eager an Adventurer, ﬁnd out how to start or Little Lamb club in your church, Beaver, in area coordinator please contact the Sabbath activities consisted of the Ad- Sabbath activities consisted learned that, like magnets of opposite po- magnets like learned that, will draw He we draw close to God, if larity, close to us. venturers sharing worship with the Path- parade a one-mile ﬁnders, marching in neighborhood, through an Athens and and boxes, prayer singing songs, making stories as they earned dramatizing Bible After sunset, the Adven- two Bible awards. a camp- Time,” turers had a blast at “WOW oree-syle carnival complete with games, Camporee rides, prizes, and food! as lead- concluded on Sunday “Knowing Jesus is Sweet” is Sweet” Jesus “Knowing » . EX

, T

The lesson was high- THENS

A Adventurers Enjoy a “Sweet” Spring Camporee Spring a “Sweet” Enjoy Adventurers was the theme of the Southwest Region of the Southwest was the theme Adventurer SpringConference Camporee, Near- Camp. at Lone Star 10-12 held June ly 60 Adventurers, Little Eager Beavers, gathered to en- Lambs, and their families worship, communityjoy camping, nature, throughout the outreach, and fun activities off with kicked activities Friday’s weekend. earning the Camper several Adventurers camp- by assisting with their club’s Award Afterward,site set-up. in they participated Award, the Honey several activities to earn including learning honey, how bees make creating a lap- book full of bee facts, and tast- ing several fla- vors of honey. when Naturally, the Adven- turers tasted honey and wax directly from a honeycomb, many said that the honey was really really, sweet, which provided a per- object lesson from fect Psalm which says 19:10, laws are even that God’s than honey and “sweeter the honeycomb.” lighted with a field trip to the Athens Arbore- tum, where a professional from the beekeeper East Associa- Beekeepers Texas tion showed us an active beehive and further ex- plained the honey-making Adventur- process. Later, ers explored the science of magnetism as they experi- mented with various magnetic and non-magnetic objects to earn the Mag- With nets Award. James they 4:8 as the focus, 26 Southwest Region Conference Southwestern UnionRecord ering pizzasfor thestudents duringFriday tion atBerean,oftendonating anddeliv- to getinvolved inhisgrandson’s educa- hecontinued. each day withGod,” liked theideaofmy grandsonbeginning the homeworkwasactuallychecked. Ialso enjoyed hisreceivinghomeworkandthat compete,” heproudlyexclaimed. “I really what Igot.Thepublicschoolsjustcouldn’t Christian educationfor Alvin,andthat’s “I wantedagood for thenexteightyears. a staunchBaptistwouldreturntoBerean for whatwouldfollow. Thisgrandsonof teacher andthatyearwouldsetthepace ashisfirst Cherrie Sealeswouldserve School atitsnewlocation5100Osborne. his uncle,littleAlvingottoattendBerean to Berean.However, unlike hismotherand age, thedecisionwasmade.He wasgoing the timelittleAlvinreachedkindergarten to Berean,”saidGrandfather Johnson. By son (Alvin)becameschoolage,hewouldgo right thenandtherethatwhenmy grand- dren receivedatBereanthatIdetermined pressed withtheeducationthatmy chil- Bruce” andErmaWilliams. “I wassoim- her distinguishedstaffincluded“Sister late LilburneThompsonwasprincipaland Street, whereitremainedfor 31years.The Berean whentheschoolwasonSouth14th brother, Jonathan Davis, bothattended named andwithwhomheresides. father, AlvinJohnson, for whomAlvinwas The answerlieswiththegraduate’s grand- you’re notevenamemberofthechurch?” tist schoolfor nineconsecutiveyearsand send yourchildtoaSeventh-day Adven- question thenbecomes“Why wouldyou enth-day AdventistChurch.Theobvious family thenornowisamemberoftheSev- that neitherthegraduatenorany ofhis narily, thiswouldnotbeunusual–except Christian Academy thispastMay. Ordi- uation fromwhatisnowBereanAdventist ago andendedwithhiseighth-grade grad- ten attheformer BereanSchoolnineyears B Alvin Johnson Graduates From EighthGrade “Why wouldyousendyourchildtoaSeventh-dayAdventistschoolfornineconsecutive ATON Grandfather Alvinalsomadeitapoint Alvin’s mother, AnnJohnson, andher R OUGE » It beganwithkindergar- Southwest RegionNews years andyou’renotevenamemberofthechurch?” be moved...” suffer thy foot to Psalm 121:3,“He willnot proceedings byreading would begintheevening’s it wasonlynaturalthathe recent Bereanstudent.So longest tenureofany other distinction ofhavingthe but ofthethree,hehad was hethelonemale, center aisles,notonly one ofBerean’s two Proudly struttingdown tional nightfor Alvin. Alvin. elder experience,” echoedthe this lastopportunitytoenjoythe (and theotherstudents) tohave year atBereanandIcertainlywantedhim principal. “Thiswasmy grandson’s final van,” reportsJerome Pondexter, Berean’s lemma, withouthesitation,heoffered his when Alvin’s grandfatherlearnedofourdi- overhead expensefor eachstudent.But ever, doingsowouldhaveincreasedthe school. “We couldhaverentedavan;how- to LoneStar Campfor theannualoutdoor term, theyneededavanfor transportation rescue when,inAprilofthispastschool In fact,itwashewhocametothestudents’ lunch andrunningerrandsfor theschool. Graduation wasanemo- when Bereanwillonceagainhavetheup- school. I’m just lookingforward totheday he’ll beabletoreadhisBible andpray in won’t havewhatBereanhas,butatleast rolled himinanotherChristianschool. “It education begunatBereanandhasen- that AlvinshouldcontinuetheChristian However, hisgrandfatherisdetermined offer educationbeyondtheeighthgrade. a different schoolbecauseBereandoesnot time inhis13years,Alvinwillbeattending casion. which wasthescripturechosenfor theoc- per grades.AndIcertainlyhopeit’s before When schoolopensthisfall,for thefirst Alvin graduates,” he chuckles. “I, Alvin graduates,”hechuckles. “I, will notbemoved” fromwhat emy andthatAlvin’s “foot he haslearnedinourschool. Adventist ChristianAcad- ish hismemoriesofBerean pray thathewilllongcher- trusting Alvintothem.We the Johnsons for en- too, pray tothatend,” Berean churchthank Evelyn M.Edwards ean Academy and chimes inprin- Pondexter. Ber- cipal Jerome Southwest Region Conference 27 Maurice Turner | SEPTEMBER | 2011

Bible Bowl this year, you Bowl this year, Bible are welcome to join us at the nationals on October 21 and 22 as a judge or to help inter- with logistics. If you’re ested in joining us, or if your a Bible church would like Bowl demonstration dur- program, contact ing an AY Maurice Turner. Adults from the Hebron church in church the Hebron from Adults and the Memorial Tex., Houston, competing La., in Mansfield, church Bowl Bible Region’S at Southwest championship competition. http://ccyf.shutterfly.com/1107. Second Runner-up: North Central Central North Second Runner-up: First Runner-up: Capitol Cities, Capitol Cities, Runner-up: First Champion: Ark-La-Tex, Mansfield Champion: Ark-La-Tex, First Runner-up: North Central Tex- Central North Runner-up: First Champion: Capitol Cities, Austin Al- Austin Champion: Capitol Cities, First Runner-up: North Central Tex- Central North Runner-up: First Champion: Capitol Cities Houston Houston Champion: Capitol Cities First Runner-up: Capitol Cities, Capitol Cities, Runner-up: First Champion: North Central Texas, Dal- Texas, Central Champion: North Second Runner-up: North Central Central North Second Runner-up: First Runner-up: Capitol Cities Hous- Capitol Cities Runner-up: First Champion: Capitol Cities Houston Houston Capitol Cities Champion: Texas, Dallas, City Temple City Dallas, Texas, Houston, Hebron* (Will represent at Hebron* Houston, national championship.) Memorial as, Fort Worth, Forest Hill Forest Worth, as, Fort pha as, Dallas, City Temple City as, Dallas, Berean Houston, Berean Houston, las, City Temple las, City Texas, Killeen, New Hope New Killeen, Texas, ton Fondren Berean www.swurecord.org Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü Ü If you’ve played Bible Bowl or coached Bible played If you’ve For pictures of this event, follow this pictures of this event, follow For Adult Division (36 years old and above) Young Adult Division (23-35 years old) Adult Division (23-35 Young Senior Youth Division (16-22 years old) years Division (16-22 Senior Youth Junior Division (10-15 years old) Division (10-15 Junior Pre-Junior Division (6-9 years old) Division (6-9 Pre-Junior link: results of the championship are as follows: championship are results of the Earlier that day Linda Thompson, cap- Earlier that day participated in this Three federations onstrated the true spirit of Bible Bowl and the true spirit of Bible onstrated two teams camaraderie. These Christian games held at the All-star together played Con- Youth United in April 2011 at the second gress and finished to- runner-up they became great gether there. As a result, the utmost respect for friends and showed two give up a chance to go To one another. champs conference years in a row as the to the first runner- and graciously concede humility and love. up team showed true indicated how Fuller captain Tim Team respect the Hebron much they love and they want- team and said this was the way ed to show it. team, told Maurice tain of the Hebron this ministry that she loves so Turner win much that even if her team doesn’t to the championship she will still go on the nationals as a judge and to support the team that wins. And her faithfulness was After this amazing announce- rewarded. conference ment was made, Roger Wade, made another surprising youth director, decided to reward announcement. He selfless act by offer- Mansfield Memorial’s going of their expenses for half ing to pay to the nationals to support their friends and to serve as judges. Bowl Championship: Ark-La- Bible year’s Tex- Central and North Cities, Capitol Tex, as, representing seven churches. The final epresenting the Capitol An amazing, memorable An amazing, » . EX , T

However, when the Mansfield Memo- However, in a selfless act has never been seen Such THENS event took place at the Southwest Region Region place at the Southwest event took 20 on on June Bowl Championship Bible It Camp. Lone Star the campgrounds of of because a game, it wasn’t during wasn’t or spectators, it the number of participants close even during those nail-biting wasn’t we had some of those. moments, although took place during The memorable event City when the Dallas ceremony the awards the North church, representing Temple received the sec- Federation, Texas Central ond and the Houston trophy, runner-up church, r Hebron the first received Federation, Cities run- trophy. ner-up rial church, representing the Ark-La-Tex their first- came to receive Federation, they made a place championship trophy, that startling announcement. They asked the first runner-up team from the Hebron church be allowed to represent the con- rather than themselves atference the Na- in tional Championship games to be held October in Detroit, Mich. Maurice Turner, Bowl coordinator, Bible Region Southwest team again Memorial the Mansfield asked When if they were sure, and they affirmed. if they would team was asked the Hebron they said yes. accept the offer, Region and Bowl in the Southwest a Bible dem- This anywhere. I would dare to say

A SWR Bible Bowl Championship Bowl Bible SWR 28 Texas Conference Southwestern UnionRecord Jefferson Academy Church Welcomes New Pastor J and Pat Gonzales,along withCody Tullock they havedubbed“TheFurnace.” Michael the churchinoldstorebuilding, which ed aclassoftheirownacrossthe streetfrom sharing withour“partner.” has beenagreatexperiencestudyingand votions toPreparefortheSecondComing us throughthe During prayer meetingsPastor Crain led have receivedseveralBible studyrequests. Everyone seemstobereceptive andwe inthearea. and get-acquainted surveys Crain leading,wehavebeendoinghealth istered for thepastsixyears.WithPastor the stateofWashington, wherehemin- come ournewpastor, Jeffery Crain, from enth-day Adventistchurchishappytowel- the camp’s programmingdirectors,wanted ration. Thisyear, DevinAnavitarte andI, camp, thestaffcomestogetherinprepa- them, andpreparethem? thing inourpowertoreachthem,teach the churchoneday. Shouldn’t wedoevery- the hopeofouryouth.Theywillbeleading may soundradical,butItrulybelievein to allwhowantedattend.Someofthis would beenormousandmadeavailable effective itisatministering,ourcamps goes onatcamp. Ifpeopleknewjusthow summercamp’sundervalued fullpotential. our campers.Asachurchwehaveseriously out ways toshareourloveofJesus with is attheforefront ofourmindsasweseek truth atNameless Valley Ranch.Ministry conception couldn’t befurtherfromthe small, oreveninsignificant,butthatmis- what goesonatcamptobesomewhat experience thatmany peopleconsider EFFERSON other plansfallthrough.It hasbeenmy In addition,theyoungadultshave start- A weekbefore thecamperscometo I wanttochangeourperceptionofwhat It isn’t ajobyoufallbackonwhen kids tosimplybewatchedover. service. It isnotaplaceforservice. » TheJefferson Academy Sev- Texas News Camp isnotababysitting 40 DaysofPrayerandDe- Affirming OurCamp Staff . It tions for theentirechurch. ings andhaveplannedseveral socialfunc- things theyneededtoenhance theirmeet- sponsored abake saletoraisemoney for disasters thatoccurredthissummer. They money for the tornado other churchestoraise they havetaken to been aprogramthat outreach projectshas sermon. Oneoftheir seniors preachingthe one oftheacademy with church service even presentedthe outreach. Theyhave in theprogramsand have beenleadingout and Jared Trabucco, its summercampsessioninJuly andour the firsttime. the placewheremany ofusmeetJesus for place tosendyouryouth.Summer campis for afew weeks.It ismorethanjustasafe mer campisn’t justsomeplacetohavefun our union,butinentirechurch.Sum- program,notonlyin mer campministry that wechangetheperceptionofsum- important sus withsomeone.It issovery there isnohighercallingthantoshareJe- summer wewantedthemtoknowthat wasn’t a“real” job. how thinkthatwhattheydidatcamp can’t ithurtsthattheysome- comeback, in life, butmorethanthefactthatthey people mustmoveonanddootherthings is timefor metogetarealjob.” say, “No, Ican’t workatcampanymore; it continues tobreakourheartswhenthey different staffmemberstoreturn,yet it at camp, wehadbeenhappytoaskmany time. Throughoutthemany yearsworking staff thathadbeenbotheringusfor some to sharesomethingswiththerestof Nameless Valley Ranchjustfinished That iswhy duringourstaffweekthis I understandthatthereisatimewhen Joey, Alyssa, Jeff andTara Crain—Jefferson church’s newest pastoral family. book/thefurnace10.com job theydidthissummer. time toaffirmthemandsupportthereal camp staffmember, make sureyoutake the of that.Thenexttimeyouseeasummer our churchandsummercampisabigpart see them.Great thingsarehappeningin affirm thesekindsofactions anytime we people. We needmoreofthis;weto sus vacationsandspendstimewithHis CampistheplacewhereJe- a ministry! “real” job, thenwhatis? others aboutthecharacterofGodisn’t a one topointahighercalling.Ifteaching about thecharacterofGodandIdefyany- spent theirsummerteachingcampers God. ThestaffofNameless Valley Ranch acteristics oflovearethecharacteristics understandingthatthechar-about God, that inlearningaboutlovewelearned on. We anddiscovered debated, discussed, Why dowelove?How dowelove?andso of questions,suchas:Whatisloveexactly? which gaveustheopportunitytoaskalot theme was“TheLoveoftheGuardian,” For moreinformation goto Everyone shouldknowthatcampis J. Coker, campprogramming co-director . Sylvia Downs www.face- Texas Conference 29 Bob Sengele Bob | SEPTEMBER | 2011

Estella Selby folds a completed quilt and quilt a completed folds Selby Estella pack Comacho and Blanca Frye Tammy After a four-week process of mov- After a four-week readies it for distribution. it for readies bag. each into essential toiletries still be a deal-breaker. Nevertheless, Nevertheless, still be a deal-breaker. care of that concern, God had taken us the space too. The county oﬀered it a at the minimum rental to make legal transaction: $1 per year! Bags of Love ing in and setting up, is now operating in its new quarters, www.swurecord.org Since Norma Jean brought Bags of Love brought Bags of Jean Norma Since with an office, cutting room, sewing room, and bagging room, all dedicated to helping children through difficult circumstances. women up to a dozen Each Wednesday, gather across the street from the county hours to put love in several courthouse for With the help some special child. a bag for of a recent open house event, dozens of love city and county officials saw Christ’s area through ﬂowing out to the Conroe our church. more than 300 young lives have to Conroe, been touched by this program. What a us! area and for the Conroe blessing for This was an un-budgeted mission ef- This was an un-budgeted The solution came after much prayer house operation, and there was no room of Love needed a new home, Bags to grow. but where? so rental of commercial office space or fort, even a small warehouse area was beyond so, there was a desire to make reach. Even this program more visible to the commu- com- an impossible and it seemed like nity, not to God! bination—but when the and several false starts. However, the husband Johnson, time was right, Ray team members and an of one of the “Bags” a vacant found assistant county attorney, suite in a county-owned building 4-room The in the heart of downtown Conroe. news was wonderful, but the rent could ter seeing an article in ter seeing a ladies’ a local paper, group in a Presbyte- rian church organized their own quilt-a-thon to supply our team quilts. with hand-made the Soon, however, was space problem again limiting not only production, but participation. Our church group was at maximum a house-to- capacity for group Bags of Love In Seventh-day Conroe 2008, »

The mission of Bags of Love is to The mission of Bags

Norma Jean quickly Jean Norma months of its quiet launch, Within a few in March 2010, we lost Norma Sadly, ONROE

C Bags of Love of Bags provide comfort to children (infants to age to children provide comfort from their homes, who are displaced 17) interven- usually after law enforcement a scene that is all too common tion. It’s across the country—parents are arrested to care facilities or and children are taken homes with nothing but the clothes foster of hope on their backs. Often, the only ray these kids in such dismal circumstanc- for es is being given a “Bag containing a of Love” handmade quilt, toys, a animal, books, stuffed and toiletry items. won the approval of the church board, Conroe but there was no room available at the church academy) Pre-K—12 (a on the working for bags or storing materials. With a handful of other ladies, she began to gather supplies and distribution arrange for of the finished product through local social service agencies, using her home as the base of operations. Bags of Love was making a dramatic im- area and other parts of pact in the Conroe with up to a dozen Montgomery County, volunteers meeting regularly in the Rose pace with the needs of three home to keep separate agencies that work with displaced children. but the to cancer, Jean continued her vision. Charlotte Hamil- “Bag ton, a charter member of the Conroe main caregiver Jean’s and Norma Ladies” home as the her during her illness, offered storage depot, and the group met at vari- the bags coming. Af- ous homes to keep Adventist church member Norma Jean Jean Norma Adventist church member community outreach Rose, introduced the Bags of Love to the program known as church. 30 Texas Conference Southwestern UnionRecord their competition. camping,orfriendlyChristian nity service, recounting itslatestexploitsincommu- Wednesday-night meetingsoronSabbath, atits witness thegroupinaction,either Alvaradochurchmemberscan given week, themselves modelPathfinders. Duringany Alvarado MidnightWarriors havenproven with anenthusiasmthatdoesn’t quit,the A Model Pathfinders atAlvaradoSDA Vargas, Tony Seery, Liliya Trusyuk, JaqueWillson, Larry Seery. Vargas, Kilory Weis, Colton Weidman. Back, from left: Jeremy drill teams atthe2011Texas Camporee. Front, from left: Jessica LVARADO Other Pathfinder clubs trying tobuild Other Pathfinder clubstrying The Alvarado MidnightWarriors were oneofthefirst-place

programs may wanttoknow:How » At 40membersstrongand At Texas News Pathfinder, Tim Sinclair. “groomed” for clubleadershipbyformer an alreadyflourishingprogramandwas club leadertwoyearsago,hesteppedinto to be.I’m reallyjustheretofacilitatethat.” that’sistry activebecausethekidswantit said clubleaderBoGendke. “Thisisamin- the kidssharewiththeirfriendsandsoon,” our ownchurch,it’s reallysomethingthat does Alvaradodoit? Gendke admitsthatwhenhebecamethe “Since themajorityofkidsarenotfrom veterans during and Jessica Vargas serve breakfast to wounded From left: Emily Peterson, Caleb Hannah, Ride to Recovery . ministry, cleanChristianfun. orgood, looking toengageitsyouth in devotion, remains amodelgroupfor any church Meanwhile, theAlvarado Pathfinder Club promises tostay strongfor yearstocome. leadership, andfired-up youth,theclub friends.” camping, doingtheirhonors,orbeingwith “seeing thekidsexcited… whetherit’s for part ofleadingtheMidnightWarriors is spiritual aspectofPathfinders.” fun. We’ve gotto putthefocus backonthe spiritual growthwhenthefocus isonlyon size,” saidGendke. “Thereisnotasmuch aspect, whichalotofclubsdon’t empha- honors themselves,butonthespiritual without theaddedspiritualemphasis. Pathfinder clubcouldnotbeprosperous the contrary, Gendke maintainsthathis major emphasisonhonorsorawards. On as asurprisethattheclubdoesnotplace rien Springs, Mich. division Bible BowlCompetition inBer- In addition,theclubtookfirstplacein Precision Drillatthe2011Texas Camporee. club wasoneofseveraltotake first place in the Bliss andFort Hood duringthelastpartof for theIntrepid fast toabout200veteransfromthe the Pathfinders. opportunities,orothereventsforservice larly organizecampingtrips,community meetings, Boandhiswife, Deborah,regu- enjoyed asayoungster. thathe experience thefunandministry says, addingthathewantstohelpkids handful ofenthusiasticstaffmembers. a supportivefamily, andalotofhelpfrom own long-held enthusiasmfor Pathfinders, exact—Gendke iskeeping italivewithhis sor toestablishtheprogram—11 yearstobe With itswell-established past, solid Still, Gendke maintainsthatthebest “We don’t placesomuchemphasison With atrackrecord like this,itmay come break- April,thegrouphelpedserve In In additiontofacilitatingweeklyclub “[Pathfinders] wasmy he childhood,” But howeverlongittookhispredeces- Ride 2Recovery , as well as military basesFort, aswellmilitary . Severalweekslater, the Lindsey Gendke Center Texas Conference 31 Sandy Castillo Ely Ray Juanillo Ely Ray | SEPTEMBER | 2011

With a busy first-half of the year of the year first-half a busy With and the Castillo Angel behind them, to forward looking are Angels Atascosa strong. finishing the year his Pathfinders and help pave the and help his Pathfinders American Di- to the North way Achievement Bible vision-level competition. They know and trust that they can do all things through Christ, who strength- ens them, and they anticipate a strong end to an otherwise busy year. www.swurecord.org There were approximately 300 people There were approximately During the March competition, the March competition, During the break by vol- They started their spring relatives, and friends of the children were relatives, and friends of the children were pro- to watch the VBS graduation invited a gram, during which each child received VBS certificate of completion. inside the church that night, with more The impact than half being non-Adventist. families of VBS can be great, since a few who attended our VBS program last year are now members of our church. Everyone had a great time and VBS continues to be of evange- tools one of the most effective are looking forward lism in our church. We to an even better VBS next summer. More than 75 kids showed up for the up for than 75 kids showed More School program Bible Vacation PandaMania recent Houston. near Spanish church at the Alief Atascosa Angels once again demonstrated once again demonstrated Atascosa Angels attain- and biblical knowledge, their skill first place. tie for ing a four-way church’s First unteering at the Atascosa were in Pathfinders VBS program. The leading classes, help- charge of activities, snacks. The ing in crafts, and distributing Castillo, is a Angel new director, club’s whose mission is to study with 17-year-old co-director and church music director, co-director and church music director, VBS. helped give the kids an unforgettable helped with crafts, volunteers Numerous les- snacks, games, and interactive Bible sons. The children learned that God made us, listens to us, loves us no matter what, and gives good gifts. The evening activities ad- included games, crafts, movies, Bible ventures, and concluded with closing ex- evening the parents, ercises. On Saturday and key. The plaque read: I commit myself read: I commit myself The plaque and key. until heart, and hands, eyes, my to purity, was engraved with The key I marry. the day which was attached to the “Pure,” the word attending for T-shirt plaque and an MIQ After the fellowship all of the meetings. they competed at luncheon that followed, Achievement and won first the area Bible They went onto the place among 15 clubs. in bowl, which was held conference-level March. Most Important Important Most , hosted by Doug Series Atascosa Angels Path- The During 27 the week of June » » (MIQ) (MIQ)

Ely Ray Juanillo, VBS co-director and Juanillo, Ely Ray In early February, these In early February, OUSTON TASCOSA church treasurer, and Karen Velasco, VBS and Karen Velasco, church treasurer, to July 1 moreto July than 75 children, including par- 50 children from the local community, ticipated in the VBS program at Houston church. The PandaMania Alief Spanish VBS theme encouraged the children to and let their love “wild love” explore God’s shine.

H God’s Wild Love Comes to Life at VBS to Life Comes Wild Love God’s

A Active Year for Atascosa Angels Pathfinders Angels Atascosa for Year Active Batchelor, and was presented every and was presented Fri- Batchelor, the month. throughout and Saturday day were incredibly Though the Pathfinders from 1 and 2 Cor- busy memorizing verses Achievement the area Bible inthians for Bowl) that would take competition (Bible they attended every place in February, complaint. meeting without evening they Each Wednesday the Bible would practice for Bowl, reading a chapter from and discussing it Corinthians afterwards. shared with the Pathfinders church what they had learned and memorized. During the MIQ series they learned how important it is to honor God by respecting their bodies. And after the sermon they were presented with a purity plaque finder Club started the year off with a bang. started the year off finder Club January began with The Questions 32 Texico Conference Southwestern UnionRecord decorating crewaday andahalftofinish who helpedastheywereable.It tookour leaders, 10crewandafew others with thestaff,whichincluded12station rientos. Theydidanawesomejob, along riz Berzosaandherassistant,Bianca Bar- June 26-30, underthedirectionofBeat- church heldVacation Bible Schoolfrom our youthandyoungadults,becauseGod church whenwearegone?Ihavefaithin few years.Whatisgoingtohappenthe I’ve heard similarsentimentsoverthepast forthto carry Hismissionandmessage. of peoplehastaken upthecrossofChrist stronger thanitwasandanewgeneration 35 yearssincehesaidthis.Thatchurchis and stilldotoday.) It hasbeenmorethan of thismanGod.(Irespectedhimthen listened intentlytotheheartfelt musings don’t I seehowthechurchwillsurvive.” toourchurch.I financially orotherwise young adultsarejustnotascommitted older membersaregone.Theyouthand whenwe think thechurchwillsurvive O VBS IsPopular WithKids DESSA the localchurch.He “Jim, said, Idon’t was concernedaboutthefutureof , T church elderoneevening.He I wastalkingtoarespected EX before Ibecameaminister, . Texico News “I Don’t ThinktheChurchWill Survive” A numberofyearsago, » TheOdessaSpanish Treats, WildBible Adventures,Bamboo nia, Crazy Crafts andMissions,Tree Top cluded Sing andPlay, Chadder’s Movie Ma- had grownto78.Theactivitystationsin- and bytheendofweekthatnumber day approximately 40-45 kidsattended, picking upmostofthekids.Onfirst one ofourchurchmembersdrovearound decorating thewholechurch.Every day keep thesethingssecret,andthosewho be forgiven thee.’ It isunnaturalfor any to and thewords ofChristtothem, ‘Thy sins Scriptures, theirprayers, theirsoulagony, sent, theresultsoftheirsearching of GodandJesus ChristwhomHe has hungering andthirstingfor theknowledge step theleadingsofHoly Spirit—their will relatetheirexperience,tracingstepby pression. ThosewhohaveputonChrist heaven-born loveofChristmustfindex- into theheartwilllongtoproclaimit.The this becausetheycannotdootherwise. young inourmovementwillspearhead this worktoagloriousconclusionandthe Remember, itisHis!Godgoingtobring operate tothebestofourabilitywithHim. allthingsarepossible. WeGod, simplyco- men, thingsseemimpossible,butwith is leadingthem. “All whoreceivethegospelmessage God continuestoleadHischurch.With each day. children were attending Spanish church, 78 of VBS attheOdessa By theendofweek if theycouldstill early. Othersasked VBS finishedso them asked why end andoneof VBS cametoan were sadwhen Preschool Pandas. dy Wrap Up, and Blast Games,Row- The children They repliedthatthey asked themiftheyweregoingtoattend. and them thatitwouldstartonSunday if Iknewanything aboutVBSandItold two littleboyswhowerevisitingasked me withher.ed bysharingastory OnSaturday if itwasworthhavingVBS, andIrespond- love VBS. Iwasasked byachurchmember kids knowhowmuch such ablessingto they couldhelpoutascrewleaders.It is thenletthemknow could and them they come toVBSwhentheyturn20!Itold them, aswell. the children,butfor thosewhoworkwith have VBS. It isagreatblessing, notonlyfor should church Ithinkevery bus arrived. bus topickthemuponehourbefore the that herkidswerereadyand waiting for the amothertoldme Facebook andone day, even ifit had onlybeenfor those twoboys. a blessing,andyes,itisworthhavingVBS, come.WhatIheard therewas planning to same blessing”( be theirdesirethatothersshallreceivethe them thedepositariesofsacredtruthwill do so.InproportionastheLord hasmade are filledwiththeloveofChristwillnot survived. church elderwillseethatthehas heaven–young andold–and thatrespected are takingitupnow. Soonwewillallgoto The youngtookupthetaskthenandthey anditwill. It hassurvived, would survive. elder waswhowonderedifthechurch and theold.Iamalmostasoldnow God’s church,andthatincludestheyoung let thismessagesinkintooblivion.We are ignore thegospelcommission,andwillnot keep silent,willnotrefusetogive, old. Thosewhoaretrulytouchedcannot 125). vr a otdpcue f B on VBS Every day Ipostedpicturesof God isstilltouchinglives,youngand Christ’s ObjectLessons, Jim Stevens, love VBSandwere Tina Berzosa president p. p. Texico Conference 33 principal | SEPTEMBER | 2011

Susan Zimmermann, www.swurecord.org As the service concluded, the congrega- our chil- watch over is, “Lord, prayer My tion was asked to sing the ﬁnal praise song, to sing the tion was asked was beautiful to hear Praise.” It Will Sing “I joyfully singing. I am sure that one every help but sing along the angels couldn’t was 31:49) (Genesis with us. The Mizpah ing prayer. chosen as the clos they are an forget dren and never let them our church.” indispensable part of songs, kids’ favorites, and timeless hymns. and timeless hymns. favorites, songs, kids’ recited Bible song, students Between each how we can and described verses of praise of Many now and forever. praise our Lord by props and the songs were accompanied song was the one hand motions. A favorite joined the board during which the school school in singing to My is the Way “Jesus raised members Board House.” Father’s sang the refrain, “Joy, red hearts as they Joy!” Joy, It was a privilege for a privilege for was It » . EX , T

The church program started with an The church program The church service included a warm Our message was entitled “Journey Lubbock Junior Academy students Academy Junior Lubbock leadership excellent demonstrated the entire as they conducted potential 14. on May service worship UBBOCK

L Students Conduct Worship Service Worship Conduct Students the students of Lubbock Junior Academy Academy of Lubbock Junior the students service the entire worship to conduct on 14. Our church is anxious to Sabbath, May their potential assist students in realizing Ad- the Seventh-day as future leaders of ventist Church. the North video highlighting eight-minute Sev- goals to make American Division’s exemplary Adventist education enth-day students as the and cutting edge. Next, in, they shook the hands of mem- walked like bers of the congregation. An exercise this helps students realize they are a vital part of the church and have a responsibility can also help take to reach out to others. It the timidness a young person might away experience around strangers. a story, come, an interesting children’s wel a persuasive of- prayer, thought-provoking prayer. offertory and an antiphonal fertory, was collected by our the offering Even youngest students. of Praise,” which included classic praise 34 Texico Conference Southwestern UnionRecord a goodplace,sinceitwasonlytwotime that theDominicanRepublicwouldbe tor, togettheplanrolling.It wasdecided western Union andaShareHim coordina- Association coordinator for theSouth- went toKathy McKey, MinisterialSpouses response waspositiveandimmediately, I having ourweekend retreatin2011.The series inEnglishorSpanish, inplaceof trip, witheachoneconductingherown ested inparticipatinga10-day mission during thatretreatiftheymightbeinter- in doingthesamething.Iasked thewives ference pastors’ wiveswouldbeinterested IwonderediftheTexicoAs Ilistened, Con- ShareHim preaching experienceinAfrica. president, Gordon Retzer, toldabouttheir Retzer,Cheryl wife ofSouthernUnion ern Union president,MaxTrevino, and Betty Trevino, wife offormer Southwest- February 21,2009.ThatSabbathmorning treat overtwoyearsagoinDallas, Tex., on first union-sponsored Pastor’s Wives’ Re- A Dominican Republic Texico Pastors’ Wives Preachinthe LBUQUERQUE , N.M Texico News EX . » It beganatthe requesting time off from work, andreview- requesting timeofffromwork, ports, immunizations,travelarrangements, days before ourdeparture.Obtaining pass- $33,000 goal,whichwasreachedjusttwo sales, offerings, donations,etc.,tomeetour were fundraisersofepicproportions,bake sites. zones away andwewouldpresentat20 During thefollowing twoyearsthere followed thenextmorningtoprepareus merous cords. TheShareHim orientation a projector, oneortwocomputers,andnu- Everyonehauled the DominicanRepublic. the 12-hour-plus triptoSantoDomingoin port by8:00a.m.onWednesday, June 22 for preparationstobemade. the necessary ing andeditingsermonswerejustafew of The grouparrivedattheAlbuquerque air- Texico Conference 35 | SEPTEMBER | 2011 Association coordinator

Texico Ministerial Spouses Spouses Ministerial Texico Rita Stevens, www.swurecord.org I think I could write a book on the experi- astors the Amarillo Spanish church along with along Spanish church the Amarillo astors day morning was to have worship togetherday on the beach of the beautiful Caribbean Stevens, baptism. Jim and witness Joaquin’s president, told the story Conference Texico healed.of the man born blind whom Jesus vice- Union Southwestern Duane McKey, ministerial, evangelism and president for the baptism. What a great end- performed lives. ing to the new beginning of so many more 120 baptisms, with many had over We baptism when we left. people preparing for certainlyences of all the ladies. Our 11 days strengthened the believers and brought sal- Spirit vation to the unbelievers. The Holy was present and the presentations were powerful and persuasive. Thanks to all who contributed financially and through prayer. Also, thank you to the pastors who came along and supported their wives, and also of all, we us. Most filled one open site for His protection and that our thank God for during this at bay health problems stayed event. God al- life-changing unforgettable lowed us to have the privilege of speaking on not His behalf and to watch Him transform only the lives of those we preached to, but our own lives. Joanne Rodriguez, whose husband p Joanne Rodriguez, Members of the pastors’ wives group that traveled to the Dominican Republic rejoiced in rejoiced Republic the Dominican to that traveled group wives Members of the pastors’ Kathy McKee of the Southwestern Union teaches an orientation class prior to the launch of evangelistic of evangelistic the launch prior to class an orientation Union teaches of the Southwestern McKee Kathy Now back to Daniel. Daniel’s mom, Daisy, mom, Daisy, Daniel’s back to Daniel. Now The very last thing that we did before knowing that others gave their lives to Christ as a result of their efforts. of Christ as a result to their lives that others gave knowing meetings in the Dominican Republic conducted by pastors’ wives. pastors’ by conducted Republic in the Dominican meetings she preached. where at the church spending time with the children enjoyed other congregations, several Previous page, top: page, Previous bottom: page, Previous Friday, three days later, she left the hospital later, three days Friday, ofwith normal lab results and the blessings 2 through children (ages her doctor and four What a miracle! And to go on the trip. 12) what a blessing that she was able to fly out from a closer airport. This helped to give her the trip. strength for who was been born in the wife, is a pastor’s Joa- brother, Dominican Republic. Daisy’s quin, who still lives there, left home at the sang pro- age of 13 and left God behind. He in the Dominican Republic. Daisy fessionally her meetings and contacted him to sing for he agreed. She told him that he must sing religious songs and he consented. The first decided to go to his nephewnight Joaquin instead of going to meeting to sing Daniel’s assigned interpreter site. Daniel’s his sister’s un- was having difficulty interpreting, so his to be his translator! The offered cle, Joaquin, on the Sabbath and spoke night Daniel third translated. Later that night, Joaquin Joaquin get and said, “I York called his mother in New going to be baptized!” When it! I get it! I’m made his first appeal at his meetings,Daniel whichhis uncle was the first to go forward, had a powerful impact on others. we left the Dominican Republic on Sun- The trip to the meetings was add- 17), (age son, Daniel One pastor’s we were to leave, before Then, eight days for our meetings beginning on beginning our meetings for and Excitement evening. Friday high as the time toanxiety ran meetings drew near. begin the were speakers first-time Many how God wouldwondering work,use them to do His but would.He had confidence that suchOthers joined our group, of the wife as Donna Jackson, Jackson; NAD president, Dan Women’s Carmen Griffith, the for Ministries director oth- and Union; Southwestern parts of the ers from different country. each night was an experience in itself. Flat tires, cars “dying” in the road, windshield wipers not working, and near car accidents were so common- times weplace that I lost count of how many were divinely protected. Several wives had medical problems that should or could have butprevented them from going on the trip, each one. there was special protection for All 20 sites were filled that first night. There of God’s amazing experiences were so many sure each leading and intervention that I’m woman could write her own story. it was time ed to our group two weeks before if he to leave. His dad called me and asked did you waitcould go. I almost said, “Why I told him that until now to ask?” but I didn’t. there was a possibility that one of the wives would not be able to go (which would leave one of the church sites open) and I would I called the dad back a know later that day. couple of hours later and said that if Daniel we had a passport and could be a speaker, At the same time, him. had a spot open for Lynette, one of the wives, called to see if she could fly out of Abilene instead of Albuquer- que because she had a mandatory meeting we flew out, which would before the day Al- the for her to make it very difficult make flight. This meant we now had abuquerque Daniel. open, which was used for ticket Lynette was hospitalized with acute pancre- atitis, which the doctors said was life-threat- ening. This did not dampen her determi- prayers Many nation to join us on the trip. were ascending to heaven on her behalf. On 36 Southwestern Adventist University Southwestern UnionRecord Southwestern’s departmentof for theboy’s deanonoccasion. committee, andsubstituted of theschool’s discipline as theHVA villagedean,chair Highland View, hehadserved him to.Duringhistimeat ing Southwestern encouraged dents ofhiswhowereattend- when twoformer academy stu- position atSouthwestern in2001 in Hagerstown,Md. taught religionatHighlandViewAcademy was inchargeofcampusministriesand and generalmath.From 1998 to2001,he where healsotaughtreligion,health,PE Modesto Academy from1991 to1998, seven teachers. the schoolhadgrownto130studentsand time theylefttheschooleightyearslater, schoolinModesto, Calif.Byementary the teachers andprincipalata35-studentel- asthesole 1983. Theirfirstjobwasserving 2010. educational leadershipatSouthwestern in in 1983. He completedamaster’s degreein ucation andminorsinreligionbiology he graduatedwithadegreeinphysical ed- emy andthenPacific Union College, where nus shortlyafterjoiningthem. the United States; hisfatherdiedofteta- His motherbecamearegisterednursein obligationbeforemilitary hejoinedthem. andstayed behindtofinishuphis military father wasaphysician intheIndonesian moved toLosAngeleswhenhewas4.His men for theUniversity for 10years. May, 2011.Before asdeanof that,heserved vice presidentfor since student services president, onFriday, July 1. son, Southwestern AdventistUniversity announcement camefromDr. EricAnder- at Southwestern AdventistUniversity. The named vicepresidentfor studentservices James TheNamed VPFor Student Services Cheryl recently joined Cheryl James appliedfor thedeanofmen asprincipalat Dean Thealsoserved He andhiswife, weremarriedin Cheryl, Dean TheattendedLomaLindaAcad- Born inIndonesia,James andhisfamily asacting James Thehasbeenserving hasbeen James The(pronounced Tay) University News coming The sawmany in- cess inacademics.” foster students’ suc- work togetherto “We allneedto active,” hesays. appropriately pro- to dowithbeing success. “A lothas cusing onstudent and(2)service; fo- dition ofcustomer Southwestern’s tra- job as(1)continuing priorities inthenew tive council. the university’s administra- on Association. He willalsoserve pointing facultysponsorsfor theStudent helpingplanassemblies,ap- handbook, already hard atworkrevisingthestudent student discipline.AsthenewVP, James is student activities,regionaland ment, residentialliving,healthservices, ing careercounseling,place- demic programsoftheuniversity, includ- coordinates anddevelopsthenon-aca- (also knownasdeanofstudents)services thevicepresidentforhandbook, student and Jordan, age21. have twogrownchildren,Janelle, age23, education asanassistantprofessor. They As deanofmen,Dean Dean Theseeshis According totheuniversitystudent faculty for and hisdedication,hard work, widely respectedbybothstudentsand According toAnderson,heis Banquet. vice attheannualFaculty Awards Service Adventist University for meritoriousser- the Extra MileAward fromSouthwestern time for students.” mester ofschool,it’s make itorbreak “If youdon’t haveagameplanthatfirstse- plans toworkcloselywithfacultyandstaff. do whathecantohelppreventthat,and yet struggledacademically. He wantsto fun socialactivitiesatSouthwestern, and freshmen whowerecaughtupinthemany On January 30,2011,DeanThereceived On January “commitment mental- toaservice Southwestern Adventist University. president for Student Services at James Thehasbeennamedvice t. DeanTheis“one of ity.” the outstandingstudent role.” good steadinhisnew services leadersinthe services denomination,” he will standhimin states. Extra MileAward forward toagood year withJames earned himan talents that “I amlooking Anderson. “The in thisessential position,” says Glen Robinson Southwestern Union 37 in downtown | SEPTEMBER | 2011

our per room. Use the code www.swurecord.org Sheraton Dallas Hotel and Portuguese.

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http://festivalofthelaity.com "Seventh-day Adventist" to receive the convention rate. Call 1-800-325-3535 or (214) 922-8000, or go to "Seventh-day Adventist" to receive the convention rate. Call 1-800-325-3535 http://festivalofthelaity.com Dallas, Texas. Make each moment come alive as you experience the warmest hospitality, most Dallas, Texas. Make each moment come alive as you experience the warmest The Sheraton Dallas Hotel accommodating environment, and most vibrant location in all of Dallas. brings the spirit of the city to life like no other! The special convention rate is $112 per night, plus tax, for up to f The 2011 Festival Of The Laity is being held at the beautiful General Festival Information - 301.680.6430

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Ted Wilson President, of General Conference Seventh-day Adventists North American Division Frank Bondurant Vice President, Columbia Union Conference Adult Ministries, Carol Barron James Black, Sr. Director, Youth & Young Adult Ministries, North American Division Mark Finley Assistant to the President, of General Conference Seventh-day Adventists

Dallas, TX 75201 400 N Olive Street,

http://festivalofthelaity.com Southwestern Union News Union Southwestern Featured General Session Speakers: Featured General 38 North American Division Southwestern UnionRecord tions fromallovertheworld. representing 221ministriesandorganiza- it hallhadarecord-breaking 338booths, president, onSabbathmorning.Theexhib- Ted N. C. Wilson,Adventistworldchurch more than3,300 peoplewhocametohear higher thisyear. from California localsalsodrovenumbers that significantsupportandattendance ed thisyear’s attendance.But Adamssays registration fee structuresnodoubtaffect- from yeartoyear. Recentadjustmentsin hard topindownwhy thenumberschange lection andhousingcoordinator, says it’s economy anduncertaintimes. were enjoyedbysomany, despiteavolatile and gratefulthattheirplanningefforts the world.ASIleaderswerebothsurprised projectsaround carefully-selected ministry above the$1.5 milliongoal—to support47 also gaveapproximately $2.1million—well Sacramento Convention Center. They ternational Convention August3–6atthe hibitors participatedinthe2011ASIIn- Numbers inSacramento ASI Convention DrawsRecord Brandon Clay interactive minutes duringtheFriday-evening general session. including all majordoctrinesandprophecies, in38very To Terry Anderson,ASIvice president Extra chairshadtobesetupfor the George Adams,ASIconvention sitese- Record numbersofattendeesandex- Ivor Myers covered theentire Great Controversy theme, NAD News ministries, packed theentireGreat Con- president ofPower oftheLambandARME (Calif.) Seventh-day AdventistChurchand Ivor Myers, pastoroftheTempleton Hills of theneedfor courage.OnFriday night, Amazing Facts inRoseville,Calif.,spoke dress, DougBatchelor, speaker/director for ing Strong.” reflected intheconvention theme,“Finish- by acommonsenseofurgencyandhope ers and24seminarpresentersweremarked presented byeightgeneralsessionspeak- wave afterofcrisis.Themessages collectively wondershowtorespond and seculargatheringsalike, astheworld increasingly tossedaroundinreligious live in.” indicate aseriousnessaboutthetimeswe ing theafternoonprogram.It seemedto by tohearthetestimoniespresenteddur- he said.“But thisyear, many morestayed back totheirhotelroomsandtake anap,” “That’s thetimewhenpeopleusuallygo “ASI Presents” programwasmosttelling. Sabbath afternoonattendanceatthe for evangelismfromFranktown, Colo., During theopeningnightkeynote ad- “The timeswelivein.”Thatphraseis on Friday night. Audience membersleaned forward to catch every word ofIvor Myers’ fast-paced presentation lingen, agreed.“I knowIwasmeanttohear family andIhadmissedthisconvention.” alize itwouldhavebeenagreatlossifmy Friday-evening sermonjustmademere- “butprobablyIvorgreat,” hesaid, Myers’ night. “Every aspectoftheconvention was why Icame!” “Nowmoment” whentheythink, Iknow person generallyhasadifferent “defining erated atASIconventions. Ofcourse,each witnessing inspiration,andnewideasgen- value ofthenetworkingopportunities, wants tomiss!”hesays. conventions. “Now, nooneinthefamily grown childrenandgrandchildrentothe wife, Alejandra,havestartedbringingtheir tended sevenASIconventions. He andhis ASI Southwestern Union chapter, hasat- physical therapistandpresidentofthe ment issignificant. understanding ofwhy theAdventistmove- minutes thatleftlistenerswithaclearer trines andprophecies,into38breathtaking troversy theme,includingallmajordoc- His daughter, AliciaAlvarez, alsoofHar- For Courtney, ithappenedonFriday Nearly allwhoattendrecognizethe Floyd Courtney, aHarlingen,Tex., Adam Jackson North American Division 39 . Many . Many Taylor Bond Taylor director for ASI. for director is the communication is the | SEPTEMBER | 2011

www.asiministries.org Conna Bond www.swurecord.org This year, ASI officers were elected or This year, his leadership plans, Fournier Regarding All general sessions and seminars from the entire Dallas/Ft. Worth metro area. the entire Dallas/Ft. Worth technical support— the That idea—and he had a few arose from a conversation years ago with someone at a neighboring exhibit hall booth. ASI convention with Frank terms, two-year re-elected for Institute in Love- of Eden Valley Fournier land, taking the helm as president. Colo. em- Despite natural reticence, Fournier braced the challenge of leadership and ac- and gavel from cepted the symbolic Bible a Califor- Reitz, outgoing president Norm nia attorney who will continue serving as member. an ASI board is to bring the burden heart’s said, “My around to spiritual preparation of focus people to ensure success in our min- God’s presented the morning istries.” Fournier devotionals during the convention. will be made available for the convention online viewing or download on the ASI site at Web are already posted. Next year’s convention convention year’s are already posted. Next Tex. will be held August 8–11 in Dallas, This year, Alvarez took advan- This year, The annual ASI convention The annual ASI convention be fully appreciated when you yourself.” experience it for tage of the opportunity to visit the various Adventist academy booths in the exhibit hall, inter- viewing the staﬀ and students. have the time and don’t “We money to travel across the country to check all of them out,” she great were able to get said. “We about academies information of!” even heard we hadn’t has been likened to a worldwide has been likened church camp meeting, complete ovoy Paul Karmy, a cement business owner Karmy, Paul Chester Clark III of Ouachita Hills Academy and College in Arkansas closed the convention with a Sabbath the convention closed in Arkansas and College Academy Hills III of Ouachita Clark Chester presentation. vespers with powerful speakers, life-changing life-changing with powerful speakers, personal testimonies, and awe-inspiring music. Those who attend can expect to return home with changed perspectives— and sometimes changed circumstances. experienced a Some who have never before sense of mission or calling ﬁnd themselves establishing medical outreach centers in ministering to the needs of Zimbabwe, orphans in Haiti, or simply sharing their faith with friends in their inner circle with a new sense of purpose and understanding. has helped to estab- Tex., from Burleson, lish a Christian radio station that reaches James Bok Brandon Clay Brandon

For many families, attending the ASI many For An earliteen division participant helps out with division An earliteen in Sacramento project service community a local during the convention. In addition to the 47 projects funded by the ASI Convention special Convention ASI the funded by projects the 47 In addition to Volunteers Maranatha presented of ADRA representatives offering, Churches One-Day build to $1 million with a check for International the world. around convention takes the place of a family va- the place of takes convention cation, with all the attendant costs but are not a fam- more eternal blessings. “We ily with means,” said Alvarez, “but the Lord us to go to ASI. provided for has always we attended our first convention, Before someone encouraged me with those very I am so glad we went. ASI can only words. this specific sermon, which applied the and the message of the sanctuary life to my us as Adventists. But purpose God has for experience to just that I cannot narrow my with were packed days one night. All four blessings and much learning.” NAD News NAD Etcetera... Classified Ads living room/meeting room. voice program, directing vocal diabetes, high blood pres- Orchard, blueberries. Ideal for groups, advising undergradu- sure, high cholesterol, arthritis, REAL ESTATE/HOUSING sanitarium/multi-family. 1200 ates, and teaching under- cancer, obesity, depression, ft on large creek. 112-yr old graduate courses and voice stress, or smoking? Wellness Summit Ridge Retirement livable log cabin, RV/picnic lessons. Doctoral degree in Secrets Lifestyle Center can Center, 15 miles east of area, seclusion. $309,000. More music preferred. Send CV and help! Affordable 5-day, live-in Oklahoma City, needs you. A information at: 423.488.7010, references to Bruce Forbes, health program in beauti- new retirement home can be http://sites.google.com/site/ [email protected]. ful NW Arkansas. For further built for you, or there are sev- billsherm/greenacres or information, visit our Web site eral existing homes, duplexes, [email protected]. Pharmacy director oppor- wellnesssecrets4u.com or call apartments, and mobile homes tunity available with Gordon 479.752.8555. available. A church is on EMPLOYMENT Hospital, a member of Ad- campus and new friends await ventist Health System. PharmD Move with an award-win- you. Call Bill, 405.454.6538, for Chemistry professor sought preferred. The ideal candidate ning agency. Apex Moving a free tour. by Union College, Lincoln, NE. will have three or more years & Storage partners with the PhD/ABD preferred; strong director level experience in General Conference to provide Near new Lake Whitney commitment to integrating a hospital setting. Gordon quality moves at a discounted Ranch, beautiful 1-acre Adventist faith, teaching, and Hospital is located within 1 rate. Call us for all your reloca- wooded home sites avail- scholarship essential. Several hour of Chattanooga, TN and tion needs! Adventist beliefs able. Ten-minute drive from specialties acceptable; budget Atlanta, GA. Southern Adven- uncompromised. Contact new Lake Whitney Ranch; ½ approved. Submit vita and tist University is only a 45-min- Marcy Dante’ at 800.766.1902, mile from Uncle Gus’ Marina. cover letter to Dr. Carrie Wolfe, ute drive. Please contact jeni. for a free estimate. Visit us at Paved roads. Water available. chair, Division of Science, [email protected] ,706-602- www.apexmoving.com/ad- Restricted lots. From $9,000. [email protected]. 7800, extension 2345 for more ventist/. Call 254.622.2902. information or apply online, Union College seeks commit- www.gordonhospital.com. Planning an Evangelistic Centerville, TN, 28 acres, ted SDA candidate for tenure Series or Health Seminar? 4500 square foot lodge-type track faculty position in MISCELLANEOUS Have questions? Need afford- home with 4 bedrooms/3 voice/choral music begin- able, professionally prepared baths, 4 more bedrooms ning June 2012. Responsi- Wellness Secrets. Do you or handbills, brochures, signs, partially finished, and 21x27x15 bilities include overseeing the someone you know suffer with banners, and mailing services?

The Great Controversy Project (GCP) is a Spirit-ﬁlled witnessing opportunity of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The purpose of GCP is to spread the life-changing message of The Great Controversy (The Great Hope), by Ellen G. White, around the world. Members are personally invited to join with their Division, Union, Conference and church as each makes plans for mass distribution of this powerful volume. Every church department is challenged to make distribution plans a part of their ministry outreach. The GCP has two powerful phases, each made up of three words. Phase One: Personally Read It. Allow the Holy Spirit to revive and reform you as you read and study it during 2011 and beyond. Phase Two: Personally Share It. Purchase multiple copies and distribute to family, friends and strangers throughout 2012 and 2013. God will use this volume to awaken consciousness, highlight the Word and point to Christ.

Each specially - discounted book, available 2012 through 2013, will contain an introduction letter, Bible study, local denominational contact information and The Great Hope public website address.

Please visit us at: www.TheGreatHope.org

40 Southwestern Union Record Big bites of banana strengthen your immunity

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www.swurecord.org | SEPTEMBER 2011 41 Winter Park, Florida | www.AdventistHealthSystem.com | Explore employment, call 407-975-3792 Etcetera... Call free, 800.274.0016 and ask City. www.leesrv.com or e-mail available to some; will trade. You are cordially invited to for HOPE Customer Service or Lee Litchfield at Lee@leesrv. For a “no hassle” simple and join the Woodlands Advent visit www.hopesource.com. com. easy purchase program, please Fellowship on a tour of the You deserve the best with contact Lyndon DeWitt at “Holy Land” with evangelist Ric confidence and peace of mind. Authors Wanted. If you’ve 817.202.8091. I can help you! Swaningson, February 19-29, Your friends at Hamblin’s HOPE written your life story, want 2012. You’ve studied your Bible deliver on-time. to tell others of God’s love, or Southern Adventist Univer- and you know the places, now desire to share your spiritual sity offers master’s degrees in it’s time to experience it. For RVs!! Adventist owned and ideas and want it published, business, counseling, educa- information: www.woodland- operated RV dealership has call TEACHServices.com at tion, nursing, religion and sadventfellowship.org. been helping SDAs for over 35 518.353.6992 for a FREE manu- social work. Flexibility is pro- years. Huge inventory of new script review. vided through online and on- AdventistSingles.org free and used trailers and mo- campus programs. Financial 14-day trial! Join thousands torhomes. Jayco, Newmar and Have you driven a Ford aid may be available. For more of Adventist singles online. Hurricane. Courtesy airport lately? Cleburne Ford has ex- information, call 423.236.2585 Free chat, search, profiles, pickup and on-site hookups. tended special “fleet pricing” to or visit www.southern.edu/ match notifications! Adven- Call toll-free 888.933.9300. all Adventist church members. graduatedegrees. tist owners since 1993. Visit Lee’s RV Superstore, Oklahoma A $3,000 government voucher www.ElliotDylan.com for the Undercover Angels series of novels for Christian teens that build on biblical principles and reinforce integrity. Great for Sabbath reading, church and home schools, and gifts!

Single and over 40? The only interracial group for Adventist singles over 40. Stay home and meet new friends in USA with a Pen Pal monthly newsletter of members and album. For information, send large, self- addressed, stamped envelope to ASO 40, 2747 Nonpareil, Sutherlin, OR 97479.

New! Bite-size Bible Truth tracts for sharing. Full color, full message, brochure-size witnessing tracts. Place a pack of 50 wherever people wait or check-out–offices, repair shops, beauty salons, etc. Your choice of 8 titles. 50/$7.95, 400/$50.00, 800/$88.00, 1000/$99.95 plus postage. Free display boxes on request. For free samples and quantity discounts, call 800.777.2848. www.familyheritagebooks. com.

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42 Southwestern Union Record Established in 1985

Send us your ADHD Boys! ,QWHJUDWHG&RPPXQLFDWLRQ Ages 12 - 18 7KH+XERI([FHOOHQFH We provide... 2&72%(5 Residential Care, Counseling Remedial Schooling and &+,&$*2,//,12,6 9LNPZ[LY Peace of Mind ;VKH` DGYHQWLVWFRPPXQLFDWRURUJ Advent Home Learning Center .(<127(63($.(5 900 County Road 950, Calhoun, TN 37309 'DYLG1HII&KULVWLDQLW\7RGD\HGLWRULQFKLHI Tel: 423-336-5052, E-mail: [email protected] www.adventhome.org available for your church. 877.875.6532, www.IdealSat- elliteServices.com or www. SatelliteEvangelism.com. http://www.internationalbibles.com. A fully function- ing, international, on-line, Christian bookstore accessible 24/7 for your convenience. We’re offering church supplies, Bible reference books and foreign language Bibles, acces- sories, software, audio Bibles, the latest in gospel music and more. To place your order, call 402.502.0883 or use our secure Web site, http://www. internationalbibles.com.

Coming Soon! Fall Spiritual Revival at the Hurst Seventh- day Adventist Church in Hurst, Tex., October 6-8, 2011. Key- note speaker: Pastor Victor Gill of Amazing Discoveries. For more information, call Pastor Kyle Baldwin 817.946.5920. 100 W. Hurst Blvd., Hurst, TX 76053.

www.swurecord.org | SEPTEMBER 2011 43 Etcetera... Obituaries Dickerson. Survivors: wife, Lois 29, 2011 in North Little Rock, Announcements Dickerson; sons, Dennis Dick- Ark. He was a veteran and a DICKERSON, Carl Melvin, erson of Crowley, Tex., Michael member of the Little Rock Help for Africa. Gently used born June 4, 1927 in Fort Scott, Dickerson of Ringgold, Ga., church. Survivors: sister, children’s clothes and toys Kan., and died July 31, 2011 in Jon Dickerson of Salem, Oreg.; Louise Adams of Fowlkes, Ind.; are needed to take to an Sublimity, Oreg. Carl served in daughters, Deborah Nakamura sons, Mike Climer of El Dorado, orphanage in Zimbabwe by the U.S. Army following World of Kapaa, Hawaii, Terri Capps of Ark., Patrick Aubrey Climer of a mission group. Monetary War II, and later was food ser- Hannibal, Mo. St. Petersburg, Fla.; daughters, donations are also helpful vice director for Valley Grande Diane Kuhlers of Texas, Judith to defray the cost of ship- Academy and Ozark Adventist CLIMER, Aubrey, Jr., born Ann Lewis of Joplin, Mo.; 12 ping. All donations must be Academy. He was preceded August 25, 1925 in Crocket grandchildren, and 17 great- delivered before September in death by a son, Donald County, Tenn., and died June grandchildren. 20, 2011 to the Southwest- ern Union Conference in Burleson, Tex. For more info, contact [email protected]. Any excess donations that cannot be shipped will be donated to a local charity.

Oak Park Academy Alumni Reunion, October 7 & 8. Meet with classmates and friends at Gates Memo- rial Hall, 825 15th Street, Nevada, IA. Honor Classes: ’36, ’41,’46,’51,’56,’61,’66,’71,’7 6, (81,’82,’83). For additional information, go to www. opaliniowa.com.

Sheyenne River Academy/ Dakota Adventist Academy Alumni Weekend, Sept 30-Oct 2, 2011, at Dakota Adventist Academy, 15905 Sheyenne Circle, Bismarck, ND. Honor Classes: ‘42, ‘47, ‘52, ‘57, ‘62, ‘72, ‘82, ‘87, ‘92, ‘02, ‘07. For more information, call 701.258.9000 ext 236, or visit our Web site at www. dakotaadventistacademy.org/ alumni/alumnievents.

The Ft. Worth Area Coro- nary Health Improvement Project (CHIP) will begin on Tuesday, October 4 at 7:00 a.m. in the lower ﬂoor conference room at Huguley Memorial Hospital with HeartScreen No. 1. Meetings begin on Thursday, Octo- ber 6 and continue every Sunday, Wednesday, and Thursday through November 10. For more information, call Larry Blewett, M.P.H., at 817.556.3235 or 817.526.4654 or Yvonne at 817.933.4472.

44 Southwestern Union Record LESTER, Harold Ramon, born Kimberly Seebeck; daughters WAINWRIGHT, Jerry W., dren, and one great-grandchild. May 18, 1922 in Shreveport, and sons-in-law, Shelli and Na- born June 13, 1934 in Tulsa, La., and died June 12, 2011 in than Chapman, Shari and Frank Okla., and died July 12, 2011 in YOUNG, John F., born June Shreveport. He was a member Taglavore; ten grandchildren; Salem, Ark. Jerry and his wife, 9, 1925 in Evansburg, Pa., of the Shreveport First church. foster son, J. and Cyndi Flores, Kathleen, became members and died January 22, 2011 in Harold was preceded in death and many other foster children of the Seventh-day Adventist Clifton, Tex. After three years by his wife, Cecile Fulco Lester; and grandchildren. Church after attending a Rev- in the U.S. Navy, John enrolled and brother, Albert Lester. Sur- elation Seminar in Wichita, Kan. at Washington Missionary Col- vivors: brothers-in-law, Philip SMITH, Stephen William, He was an active member of lege in Tacoma Park, Md., and A. Fulco and wife, Jill; V.J. Fulco born May 21, 1950 in Hot the Mammoth Spring church. graduated with a degree in Re- and wife, JoAnn, of Louisiana; Springs, Ark., and died June 13, Survivors: wife, Kathleen ligion and History in 1951. He and sister-in-law, Mary Lester 2011 in Texarkana, Tex. Steve Wainwright; son and daughter- served as pastor in Colorado of Shreveport. was active in the Texarkana in-law, Larry and Terry Wain- for many years. He was pre- church and local Kiwanis Club. wright of Glenwood Springs, ceded in death by his brother, MEIER, Humberto, J., born in He was a graduate of La Sierra Colo.; two grandchildren, and Arthur Young and grandson, Brazil and died March 11, 2011. University and studied Psychol- one great-grandchild. Dane Young. Survivors: wife, As the son of missionaries, he ogy at Andrews University. Therissa Crabtree Young; sister, grew up in South America, Survivors: wife, Sherry Smith; YOUNG, Clarence J., born Elizabeth Willauer of Staunton, where he later worked in sisters and brothers-in-law, September 3, 1944 in New Va.; daughter and son-in-law, Peru on the Amazon Mission Arlene and Dwayne Tucker, Hope, Ark., and died July 8, Naomi and Leroy Nabors of Launches and at the Nevati Joan Marie and Charlie Cook, 2011 in Hot Springs, Ark. He Cranfills Gap, Tex.; sons and Station for the Inca Union Mis- Maxine Smith; brother and was a member of the Hot daughters-in-law, Timothy and sion and East and South Peru sister-in-law, Arley and Sharon Springs church. Survivors: Kim Young of Midlothian, Tex., Missions. He continued his Smith of Texarkana; sons and wife, Patricia Ballowe Young; Stephen and Holly Young of ministry in the Arkansas-Loui- daughter-in-law, Michael and sons and daughters-in-law, McGregor, Tex.; step-daughter, siana and Potomac Conferenc- Martha Smith, Jonathan Smith Trent and Candice Young, and Elena Benson of Farmington, es, where he helped establish of Texarkana; daughter, Carrie John and Angel Young of Hot Ark., step-son and daughter-in- several Spanish churches. Smith of Texarkana, and one Springs; daughters and son- law, Eric and Charlene Benson Survivors: wife, Mary Lou Palau grandchild. in-law, Malissa and Randy Hill, of Marrero, La.; two grandsons, Meier; two brothers, and one Carey Gates; seven grandchil- and great-grandchildren. sister; daughter, Monica Mc- SORENSON, Willard (Bill), Cartney; sons, Carlos Arturo born April 24, 1927 in Coweta, Meier and Juan Meier; and Okla., and died May 29, 2011 Upcoming Camp Meetings: many grandchildren and great- in Ranenden, Ark. He served GODencounters Conference: Sept. 15-17, Arlington, Tex. grandchildren. as a pastor in Oklahoma, Il- linois, Arizona, and Arkansas. Bonnerdale Cowboy: Sept. 30-Oct. 1, Bonnerdale, Ark. SANFORD, Hugh (Dalton), Survivors: wife, Betty; son, Lone Star Camp Cowboy: Sept. 30-Oct. 1, Athens, Tex. born March 12, 1937 in Center, Christopher (Chris) Sorenson Springtown Fall Round-up: Oct. 13-15, Springtown, Ark. Tex., and died June 28, 2011 of McKinney, Tex.; daughter, in Springdale, Ark. Dalton was Audrey McGrew of Ranenden; what some people called a and two grandchildren. “super salesman.” Survivors: Sabbath Sunset Calendar wife, Lou Sanford; daughters, WARREN, Alice Coney, born Sep 2 Sep 9 Sep 16 Sep 23 Sep 30 Oct 7 Debbie Brazil, Tammy Shelley, November 20, 1905 in Mag- Abilene, TX 8:04 7:55 7:46 7:36 7:27 7:17 Tonya Wineland, Vicki Howard; nolia, Miss., and died June 27, Albuquerque, NM 7:34 7:24 7:14 7:04 6:54 6:43 son, Reggie Sanford; 13 grand- 2011 in New Orleans, La. She Amarillo, TX 8:15 8:05 7:55 7:44 7:35 7:24 children, and five great-grand- was a member of the Westbank Brownsville, TX 7:50 7:42 7:35 7:27 7:19 7:11 7:52 7:43 7:34 7:25 7:15 7:05 children. United church and served as a Dallas, TX El Paso, TX 7:30 7:22 7:12 7:03 6:54 6:44 deaconess, usher, community Fort Worth/Keene, TX 7:55 7:46 7:36 7:26 7:17 7:07 SEEBECK, C.W. (Doc), died on service helper, and assistant Gallup, NM 7:43 7:33 7:23 7:13 7:02 6:52 June 14, 2011 in San Mar- Pathfinder leader. At 105 years Galveston/Houston, TX 7:44 7:36 7:27 7:19 7:10 7:01 cos, Tex. He was a long-time of age, she was the oldest Gentry, AR 7:46 7:36 7:26 7:16 7:05 6:54 builder who constructed more person living in Louisiana. Sur- Little Rock, AR 7:36 7:26 7:16 7:07 6:56 6:46 than 300 homes in the area. As vivors: daughters, Willia Ruth Muskogee, OK 7:49 7:40 7:29 7:19 7:08 6:58 an avid cyclist he logged more Stansberry and Abena Barton New Orleans, LA 7:23 7:15 7:06 6:58 6:49 6:40 7:58 7:48 7:38 7:28 7:17 7:07 than 100,000 miles on his bi- of New Orleans; sister, Minnie Oklahoma City, OK Roswell, NM 7:24 7:14 7:05 6:55 6:46 6:36 cycle. He was a member of the Cheney of Detroit, Mich.; ten San Antonio, TX 7:56 7:48 7:40 7:31 7:22 7:14 San Marcos church. Survivors: grandchildren, 40 great-grand- Shreveport, LA 7:40 7:31 7:22 7:12 7:03 6:53 wife, June Seebeck; son and children, and 57 great-great- Tulsa, OK 7:52 7:42 7:32 7:22 7:11 7:01 daughter-in-law, Curtis and grandchildren.

www.swurecord.org | SEPTEMBER 2011 45 A monthly column for yyyyouth by youth BYBY ELISSA TESCH Stepping Out in Faith

IT BEGAN IN THE PHILIPPINES. That was my ﬁrst mission trip, and as I sat on the plane ﬂight back, I re- solved that it would not be my last. Two hundred and thirty people had accepted the Lord, yet still many more precious souls out there had never heard of the Lord. I knew that the harvest was plentiful, but the workers were few.

I am a nineteen-year-old college student and just ﬁnished my excitement kicked in; I really was going! ﬁrst year at a community college taking general education cours- The Lord had made what I thought to es. Around January of this year, I began to feel impressed that the be an impossible dream a reality. Lord wanted me to take my witnessing for Him, not one step, but This fall I leave for an elev- en-month student missionary term in Southeast Asia. Pub- lic evangelism is not welcome in the country I will be working in, but that is why I am going. Those people need the Lord. I will be teaching English, but my priority will be making friends, spreading the gospel message, and winning souls for Christ. My family has been very sup- portive during this whole process. I deeply appreciate their words of encouragement Elissa Tesch has been to the Philippines and also to Romania. She makes friends and prayers. I with the children wherever she goes. know that through the strength of the a whole leap forward. I felt that the Lord wanted me to march Lord and with the sup- completely out of my comfort zone and by so doing, develop a port of my friends and stronger and closer relationship with Him. family, this mission trip That’s when I thought of Adventist Frontier Missions. I knew will be a success for the they sent student missionaries overseas, and I decided to apply Lord. and see if AFM might accept me, and they did. That’s when the

46 Southwestern Union Record For the Record » BY MARK BOND » COMMUNICATION DIRECTOR, SOUTHWESTERNN UUNIONNION Two Guys and the Word A few years ago, my cousin, Stephen Carlile, and his friend, Kevin Bruce, both pastors side of your faith be a good opportunity in the Tulsa area, began working in the earliteen division at the Oklahoma Conference to witness to them?” or “The guy that I’m Camp Meeting. They developed a program called “Hot Topics,” which grew to be one dating is taking me the a wrong direction—what should I do?” of the most popular youth meetings on campus. Each evening, they talked about real They both quipped at times, “I’ve got issues and real situations that are affecting our teens. an opinion on this, but my opinion isn’t Armed with good-natured humor 60 virtual participants and a handful of what’s important. Let’s see what God’s and their Bibles, they tackled tough issues live viewers from the youth room at the opinion is in the Word.” such as abuse, toxic relationships, religion, Adventist Fellowship church in Tulsa. Another appealing aspect of the sexting, dating, pornography, sharing your I happened to be driving home from program was that they used personal faith, witnessing, and bullying. After a Oklahoma when it came time for the pro- experiences and testimonies to make their successful camp meeting, someone came gram to start, so I found a wifi hotspot in point. Without sugar-coating the issues, up to them and suggested, “You guys Ardmore, and took a break from the drive they talked about personal triumphs and should have a show!” So they came up to log in from my computer. I enjoyed failures and how God had intervened in with the idea to do a year-round webcast their fun, uninhibited approach. Kevin is their lives, ultimately bringing them to the that deals with these issues. African-American; Stephen is a blonde- godly women who are now their wives. On Sunday, August 14, their dreams haired, blue-eyed white guy. But their Each Sunday evening at 7 p.m., Ste- became reality as they launched “Two friendship transcends race or ethnicity. phen and Kevin will be online digging into Guys and the Word.” During the inaugural They laughingly teased about why Kevin God’s Word to find relevant answers to live-streaming webcast, they dove into was sitting in the black chair and Stephen the tough issues facing our young people. the topic of dating and courtship, and was not. (They switched seats halfway Encourage the young adults you know to looked at what advice the Bible offers on through, to plenty of laughs.) visit www.twoguysandtheword.com. the topic. Through text messages, Twit- But although the tone was lightheart- ter feeds, Facebook posts, Skype, and a ed throughout the webcast, they didn’t live, moderated online chat, they fielded shy away from answering tough questions, questions and comments from more than like, “Wouldn’t dating someone from out-

EDITORIALEDIEDITI ORIAL STSTAFFAFF Vice-President ...... Eddie Canales Religious Liberty ...... Samuel L. Green EditorEditor...... Mark Bond Vice-President ...... Buford Griffith, Jr. Revolving Fund ...... Carlos Ribeiro [email protected] Vice-President ...... Duane McKey Sabbath School ...... Buford Griffith, Jr. AssociateAssociate EEditorditor ...... Pat Humphrey Undertreasurer...... Joel Wallace Shepherdess ...... Kathy McKey [email protected] Trust Services ...... Joel Wallace AssistantAssistant Editor/DesignerEditor/D ...... Reggie Johnson DEPARTMENT DIRECTORS Women’s Ministries . . . Carmen Fuentes-Griffith [email protected] ASI/Communication ...... Mark Bond Subscriptions AdvertisingAdvertising ManagerManag ...... Dianne Jones Children’s Ministries ...... Margaret Taglavore Free to all Southwestern Union church members. [email protected] Education ...... Eunice Warﬁeld Non-member subscription is $12/year. SOUTHWESTERNSOUTHWEST UNION OFFICERS Family Ministries ...... Buford Griffith, Jr. Submissions PresidentPresident...... Larry Moore Hispanic Ministries...... Eddie Canales Articles for the Record will be edited for length and content. Because space is limited, stories and articles are SecretarySecretary...... Information Systems ...... Jerrilynn J. Bicek selected on the basis of interest and relevance to those TreasurerTreasurer ...... Deryl Knutson Personal Ministries...... Eddie Canales around the Southwestern Union.

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