Pastor Jan Paulsen Elected World Church Leader LETTERS
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March 11, 1999 World Edition Pastor Jan Paulsen Elected World Church Leader LETTERS Adventists and Adoption White children” in America. Christmas tree or lights in the win- Regarding Pamela Maize Harris’s We can only imagine the emotional dows bears much resemblance to reli- “Their Fight for Family” (Dec. 17 wringer that Geneth Wolfer was put gious narrow-mindedness and igno- Cutting Edge Edition). As one who has through with the endless “But I’ve got rance. We do not need a pagan holi- experienced both infertility problems another one for you” calls. Our experi- day once a year to remind us of our and adoptions (both as an adoptee and ence adopting our wonderful daughter glorious hope. as an adoptive mother), I really appre- from China was utter simplicity by ciate the light shed on this situation— comparison. —Tamie J. Faw struggles with infertility, trials and We would encourage people inter- BILLINGS, MONTANA challenges of adoption, and finally the ested in international adoption to joy that adoption can provide. The extend their research beyond the two article showed that a family formed agencies mentioned. Hundreds of dedi- A most excellent article! Bill Knott put through adoption can be unique, spe- cated agencies facilitate international our bad happenings in the true light. cial, and a rewarding solution for many. adoptions from around the world. A This year my health became such that I I was adopted into an Adventist good place to start is the website: can no longer work. The origin of the family as an infant in 1962. Now, 36 www.rainbowkids.com. A whole new Christmas date may be pagan, but what years later, I’ve been blessed with the world has literally opened to us with we celebrate is love and life given to us opportunity to do what was done for the adoption of our daughter, Thacia. eternally. Our Christmas tree is up all me. My husband and I have been able year long to remind us of the gift that to adopt a boy from a Romanian —Ralph and Franice Stirling God has given us. Thank you for such orphanage and a baby girl born to a COLLEGE PLACE, WASHINGTON a hopeful article. teenager—giving a home of Christian [email protected] love and acceptance to these two little —Tonda E. McCullaugh ones in need. Note: The correct number for Adventist APISON, TENNESSEE Adoption is an option. My children Adoption and Family Services is 503-232- and I are living proof. Thanks to 1211, not the number given in Adventist Pamela Maize Harris for the uplifting, Review, December 17, 1998, page 15. The Way We Treat Each Other positive article. Gary Krause’s “The Way We Treat Each Other” (Dec. 17) was refreshing. I —Dolly (Wetmore) Surak Coming Out of the Dark have suffered through the persecutions READING, PENNSYLVANIA Bill Knott’s articles have always been of well-meaning church members, just an inspiration to me, but I feel com- as he mentions in his article. Yes, I pelled to speak out regarding his have been soundly counseled because I We were delighted to find adoption “Coming Out of the Dark” (Dec. 17). was serving as a deacon and forgot my featured in the Review, but were some- Since when are the pagan origins asso- suit coat. However, in many congrega- what disappointed to see so little men- ciated with Christmas an “inconse- tions I attend, the deacons are usually tion of international adoption. Just as quential” matter? The Israelites made a mixed dressed, from formal to casual. I adoption is not a second-class, last- “feast unto the Lord” and worshiped a have been told that jewelry is inappro- resort way to form a family, neither is golden calf, saying that it represented priate, yet the persons telling me this international adoption a last-ditch way the God who brought them up out of were wearing a very expensive brooch, to find a child. There are much better Egypt. Was Jehovah pleased? tie clasp, or watch. reasons for international adoption Saying that good news has not Too many people don’t go to than the “decreased availability of arrived at a house where there is not a church because they feel that they are 2 (298) ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 11, 1999 under a microscope. I do not attend Ministering in the Last Days church to be a member of a social Regarding Chris Blake’s “The Last club—or so that I can dress like every- Days: What Are You Getting Ready one else. I attend church because I For?” (Dec. 17). I agree with his state- love the Lord and want to serve Him. ment that “Christianity has never been Isn’t that what it is all about? about isolationism.” Nevertheless, I am COVER STORY concerned that the focus of the mes- —Andrew Eide sage completely ignores the biblical 8 Special Report: Pastor Jan Paulsen REDLANDS, CALIFORNIA warning (Sodom and Gomorrah, with Elected World Church Lot’s family) that God’s people should Leader not dwell in the larger cities and BY THE EDITORS I want to thank Gary Krause for hav- should hasten to move into less popu- ing the courage to speak out in our lated areas in order to avoid the serious 17 Special Report, cont’d church paper about the way we treat problems connected with city living, each other. This is long overdue. Our especially in times of crisis. local church is full of people who have Perhaps the argument to stay and ARTICLES come from other Adventist churches minister is not valid if the days are where they have been treated as coming in which a third to three 14 The Finger of God Krause describes. Some people are so fourths of those in the cities truly will Has His touch made a difference wounded that they almost seem to die. What good shall we be when in your life? invite emotional and spiritual abuse— hordes of hungry, sick, drug-addicted, BY GERALD KLINGBEIL because that is how they have always etc., people invade our homes in search 22 Christ’s Counterculture been treated. Our young people are of physical alleviation of their pain and Taking the road less traveled. the greatest recipients of this subtle suffering? Shall we perish with them BY DAVID N. MARSHALL and not-so-subtle condemnation. since any food or help we have will not Speak it loud and clear! I love the last more than a few days, if that long? 26 My Mother’s Sabbath Cutting Edge Edition, and I am 66! Or shall we be in a position to visit the She wouldn’t back down. cities in chaos when the acute stage is BY SVETOZAR VITOROVICH AS TOLD TO ANN VITOROVICH —Janis Walter over—to lead those willing to an out- MCDONALD, TENNESSEE post setting in which the quiet serenity allows God’s voice to penetrate the DEPARTMENTS clouds of disbelief and doubt and give There is a lot of painful truth in Gary them the certainty of God’s salvation? 2 Letters Krause’s article on harsh judgmental- 7 Give & Take ism in the Adventist Church. —Gordon A. Gilkes 16 Bible Questions Answered Ironically, in the process of making his BLYTHE, CALIFORNIA point, Krause lets loose with some 21 Faith Alive! pretty harsh judgments of his own! 24 Adventist World Radio One Life at a Time Perhaps it is only natural. Do we not 30 Bulletin Board have the “judgment hour message”? Heidi Gang is right when she says that I want to commend him, though, for the most effective way to reach the 31 Reflections deciding to wear a coat the next time masses is “one life at a time” (“One Life he preaches in that church. In every at a Time,” Nov. 19). It is easy for us to culture, subculture, and locality, there is be overwhelmed with the enormity of EDITORIALS a tradition of what is appropriate for the gospel commission. Jesus could 5 When the Time Is Ripe certain occasions. In some churches the have been overwhelmed with the enor- minister wears a surplice; in others, a mity of His task. But He focused pri- 6 When the Lights Go Out Geneva gown; in yet others, a morning marily on “one life at a time.” We coat with tails. In most of our churches would do well to follow His example. PRINGER a fairly dark suitcoat is expected. Con- Then by His grace and power the task NEXT WEEK D. S OEL forming to the established sense of pro- He gave us will be accomplished. J priety is simply a matter of courtesy. Letters to God —Vialo Weis Adventist collegians open their hearts. —Robert M. Johnston YUKON, OKLAHOMA OVER PHOTO BY BERRIEN SPRINGS, MICHIGAN C ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 11, 1999 (299) 3 “Behold, I come quickly . .” Our mission is to uplift Jesus Christ through stories of His matchless love, news of His present workings, help for knowing Him better, and hope in His soon return. Publisher General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Executive Publisher William G. Johnsson Associate Publisher Charlotte McClure Publishing Board: Phil Follett, vice-chair; Lowell Cooper; William G. Johnsson; Robert E. Lemon; A. C. McClure; Ardis D. Stenbakken, Donald R. Sahly; Ted N. C. Wilson; Robert Nixon, legal advisor Editor William G. Johnsson Associate Editors Roy Adams, Bill Knott Managing Editor Myrna Tetz News Editor Carlos Medley Assistant Editors Stephen Chavez, Andy Nash Editorial Assistant Ella Rydzewski Administrative Secretary Chitra Barnabas Editorial Secretary Jean Sequeira Art Director Bill Kirstein Designer Bill Tymeson Design Assistant/Production Stephanie Kaping Ad Sales Genia Blumenberg Subscriber Services Steve Hanson Consulting Editors: G.