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

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4 (300) ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 11, 1999 EDITORIAL When the Time Is Ripe ROY ADAMS

atholic-bashing Adventists turn me off. And And a high Catholic official at the council pointed out so do Adventists who exist in a perpetual crisis one other obstacle. Whereas the WCC takes stands on a mode, painting dark scenarios every time the variety of issues of public policy, “the Vatican, through its Roman pontiff sneezes. At diplomatic corps, [has] a very different way the same time, however, of responding.” Cgiven our knowledge of history and escha- That simple observation gets to the heart tology, we ought to remain intelligently of the issue, suggesting that the Catholic alert to contemporary developments hav- Church is really in a completely different ing potential implications for our mission. league from the WCC. Here we have, after One thing we need to watch, I think, is all, the extraordinary phenomenon of a reli- the Roman Catholic Church’s relationship gious entity with a regular international to the World Council of Churches (WCC). “diplomatic corps,” its ambassadors recognized When the WCC formed in 1948, the and credentialed in many capitals around the Catholic Church was not part of it. In the world and with the United Nations. succeeding years, however, more and more This translates into a gargantuan differ- contacts developed, leading in 1965 to the formation of a Joint ence in clout between the WCC and the Vatican, a fact that Working Group (JWG) between the two entities. In addition, became evident to me again when the WCC, on its first Catholics now contribute half the membership of the WCC’s weekend in Harare, staged what it billed as a “Celebration Faith and Order Commission and are full members of the WCC With Zimbabwe Churches” in the city’s Rufaro stadium. It Commission on World Mission and Evangelism. In his report to was a beautiful afternoon under a pleasant cloud cover, no the WCC Eighth Assembly last December in Harare, humidity, the temperature perfect in the low seventies. Zimbabwe,1 the moderator cited the papal encyclical Ut Unum What looked like the whole assembly showed up to watch Sint, in which the Roman pontiff expresses the Catholic colorful local choirs dance out their hallelujahs on the stadi- Church’s “irrevocable commitment” to Christian unity. This, um’s open green. All told, however, not more than 9,000 the moderator said, “should be considered as a milestone in the took up places in the 60,000-seat sports arena. recent history of the ecumenical movement.” 2 Later Janice Love, of the United Methodist Church in But some assembly delegates still expressed frustration over the U.S., and a high-profile person in council circles, gave what they saw as foot-dragging by the Catholic Church. “The me her take on the event: “We gave a party and no one relationship . . . , though cordial, is stagnant,” one said. “There’s came. That should be a concern to us.” been no ecumenical breakthrough. Divisions continue over the Indeed. For had it been announced that the pope would Eucharist, baptism, and ecclesiology.” be at that meeting, hundreds of thousands—if not millions— would have been rushing the stadium gates to get in. Other Obstacles With centuries of experience in negotiation, As several Catholic representatives attending the council diplomacy, and cunning, the Catholic Church pointed out, the situation is an exceedingly tricky one for is well aware of the huge imbalance that pic- the Catholic Church. Under the present WCC constitution, ture represents. I suspect that it knows churches are admitted as members essentially on a national exactly what it wants out of the WCC, and or regional basis. But the Catholic Church is an international will have a pretty good idea when the entity, with a tight, centralized bureaucracy. As a JWG time is ripe. Unity in some form will

ISC report put it: “It is one church with a worldwide mission.” eventually emerge. And I leave unsaid D As well as a huge membership, we might add—1 billion what might happen after that. HOTO faithful. The critical issue would be how to structure a © P 1 For my report on the meeting, see Catholic delegation that would be acceptable to both the Adventist Review, Feb. 11, pp. 14-19.

HOTO 2 P WCC and the Catholic Church. WCC document PL3.1, p. 11.

ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 11, 1999 (301) 5 EDITORIAL When the Lights CARLOS MEDLEY Go Out

“They that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, dressed in an overcoat, doing her math homework at the Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee” (Ps. 9:10). kitchen table—by flashlight. My 18-year-old was studying Chaucer by flashlight under multiple layers of blankets and n January I had the opportunity quilts. Fortunately, the electricity was of traveling to San Diego to restored within the hour, and we attend the annual meeting of began putting our lives back together. Adventist Editors International. We were stripped While no one should have to go The professional growth meet- through such an ordeal, my wife and Iing offers attendees a rare opportunity of the comforts I both learned some valuable lessons to participate in skill-centered work- that will help us face not only life’s shops and to dialogue with fellow edi- of home. emergencies but also the bumps in tors about the general direction of the road on our spiritual journey. Adventist publishing. Here are just a few. Located on the southern tip of California about 20 miles Make preparation. Experiencing such a crisis has shown north of Mexico, San Diego offered a lovely setting for the us exactly what it takes to be prepared, and we were woe- midwinter meetings. I loved the warm January sun and gentle fully unprepared to handle the ordeal. Some of my col- breezes off the Pacific. It was just the therapy I needed after leagues said that we had a dry run for the Y2K crisis. In any leaving the subfreezing temperatures in Washington, D.C. event, a few essentials like a kerosene heater, an electric Unfortunately, as I basked in the near tropical climate, generator, a portable gas stove, and a few heavy-duty flash- unbeknown to me my family was suffering through a frigid ice lights would have made all the difference in the world. storm. The storm closed area schools in Maryland, northern Also in our spiritual life God has given us some essen- Virginia, and the District of Columbia, and knocked out elec- tials, such as Bible study and prayer to face our trials. trical power in more than 200,000 homes—including my own. Under the plight of the disadvantaged. For the first time, My joy plunged into anxious despair as I learned of their my children got a small glimpse of what it’s like to be disad- plight. Just imagine living in a house with no lights, no vantaged. For a few hours they were stripped of the comforts heat, no refrigeration, and no stove or microwave—in sub- of home and lived (symbolically) as refugees, dependent on freezing temperatures. the hospitality of others. During the first 24 hours, beginning Friday morning, From this experience has sprung a new appreciation for January 15, my wife and two daughters opted to stay in the the words of Jesus, who said: “Foxes have holes and birds of house. Many of our friends were facing the same plight. the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay Some gracious church members brought a meal and a his head” (Matt. 8:20, NIV). propane stove. However, the hours turned into one, two, Appreciate our precious church family. Christians three, then four-plus days (108 total hours), and my wife often call themselves the family of God. However, it’s and two daughters sought refuge in the homes of relatives only in emergencies like these that we come to and fellow church members whose power had been restored. understand the enormous support network, the While all this was going on I faithfully attended my meet- wonderful safety net, that God’s worldwide ings and wondered just what I could do from California to family really is. ease the situation. I got home Monday evening to find my Perhaps the most important lesson in house lit by a single flashlight that was focused on a note this experience is that God really cares that told me how to locate the family. After I reunited with about His children, and if we put our them, we all bedded down at a relative’s apartment. trust totally in Him we will have On Tuesday morning we were off to school and work, and I the divine assurance that He’s was confident that power would return during the day. there waiting to help—when the However, when I returned home I found my 10-year-old lights go out.

6 (302) ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 11, 1999 ADVENTIST LIFE On their way from Shillong, India, to the 1995 General Conference session in Utrecht, Holland, my parents spent some time in Jordan. Deplaning at the Amman airport, a sense of exhilaration of being in REWS the Middle East overcame C

them. ERRY GIVE& T When they went to the trolley corner, the care- taker looked at my father LLUSTRATION BY

and insisted, “Have dinner I first, sir.” Initially very sur- prised, my parents accepted the command as part of the famed Middle Eastern or Bedouin hospitality and began walking around looking for an eatery for transit passengers. Finally they approached an airport officer, who, between fits of laughter, explained that the caretaker had actually said: “Half TAKE dinar first, sir.” —James Warjri, Hong Kong WAIT TILL YOU HEAR HIS NAME Feeling that seat belts are a good idea, we always tried to belt our children up, even while serving as missionaries overseas. On a recent trip to Indonesia the taxi we were taking didn’t have seat belts for the children. “That’s OK,” commented our 3-year-old, Trevor. “Jesus is a good seat belt!” —Candice Jaqua Johnson, Silang, Cavite, Philippines

HERALD’S TRUMPET Hey, kids! Before we talk about Herald’s hidden trumpet, we want to welcome all the new Adventist kids out there. Bright-eyed children are the absolute best part about the Adventist Church. We’re so glad that you’ve decided to worship Jesus Christ with us. If you’re not familiar with this contest, here’s how it works. Every five weeks Herald’s trumpet is hidden somewhere in this magazine. We’re not ONE OF A KIND: We’re a little late with telling where, so please don’t call us at midnight asking for clues, OK? If you this, but the Adventist Review would like to can find the trumpet (your parents are allowed to help), send a postcard congratulate David and Gail Johnson on the telling us where you found it. Then we’ll randomly choose three winning October 15, 1998, birth of their fourth child: Matthew Mark-Luke Johnson. That’s postcards. right—5-month-old Matthew is a living In our last contest (February 4) our three winners were: Laura Sunder-Rao, of reminder of the four Gospels. Strasburg, Virginia; Diego Amorocho, of Washington, North Carolina; and Kessiah Grenz, of Garfield, Washington. Laura, Diego, and Kessiah received Great Stories for Kids 2, by Jerry D. Thomas. WE NEED YOU Send Give & Take submissions to . . . Where was the trumpet? In the photo on page 19. Give & Take, Adventist Review, 12501 Old If you can find the trumpet this time, send your postcard to Herald’s Trumpet Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904; at the Give & Take address on this page. The prize is Miracle Stories From the Fax: 301-680-6638; E-mail: Bible, a Review and Herald book by Ruth Redding Brand and Charles Mills. [email protected]. Please Look for the three winners’ names in the April 15 Cutting Edge Edition of the include phone number. Submissions will not be returned. Review. Have fun searching!

ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 11, 1999 (303) 7 SPECIAL REPORT Paulsen Chosen to Lead World Church Executive Committee Chooses European as General Conference President

BY THE EDITORS

TUESDAY, MARCH 2 In a daylong session described by many as the most unusual asked to serve, even despite misgivings. “The Lord has led, and they had ever seen, members of the Executive Committee of I have found it safe to let the committee decide,” he declared. the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists on “That’s the way we’ve done it, in the knowledge and with the Monday elected Jan Paulsen to lead the 10-million-member assurance that the Holy Spirit is leading His church, that He is denomination. moving us all steadfastly forward, and that the Lord will Paulsen, 64, has been a general vice president of the church achieve His objectives. Accepting this position, we will try to since 1995, and previously served as president of the church’s be servants of the Lord in achieving His mission and His Trans-European Division, a college objectives.” president, a missionary to West In a statement specifically addressed Africa, and a ministerial director to General Conference employees, (see “An Open Person,” p. 10). Paulsen added: “We are a very, very Originally from Narvik, Norway, diverse family in this house. Our talents Paulsen is the first European and differ; we think differently. We have dif- only the second non-North ferent temperaments, and we don’t always American to be elected to the agree. We don’t always see eye-to-eye. I church’s top leadership post in 136 want you to know I think that’s fine. years. He is also the first president to That’s just fine. We don’t have to agree hold an earned doctoral degree. on everything. Fluent in Norwegian, German, “And I want you to know, my col- Danish, and English, Paulsen is also leagues, that you can talk to me and feel seen by many as a symbol of the safe. . . . It’s OK to disagree with me. increasingly non-American member- We’re going to work our way around what- ship of the church. Ninety percent of ever differences that may be, because it’s the church’s membership is outside important that at the end of the day we North America, with the most rapid pull together and that what the Lord has growth occurring in the South in mind, what the Lord wants to accom- Pacific, Africa, and South and plish, that we can set about doing it.” Central America. Church leaders were quick to affirm “How do you prepare for some- the choice of Paulsen as the denomina- thing like this?” Paulsen asked tion’s new leader. rhetorically as he and his wife were “I’ve been on a lot of nominating introduced to a Tuesday morning gathering of Executive committees,” says Robert Kloosterhuis, who has served along- Committee members and General Conference employees. To side Paulsen as one of six general vice presidents of the church, appreciative laughter he added, “Twenty-four hours ago I lived “and I think we did more praying this time. There was a una- in a world of pure innocence.” nimity of spirit, and a sense that we had all done the right “There have been many people—in the family and thing.” friends—who have assured me of their prayers, and (I have) “In Portuguese, we have a word—‘polivalente’—that the support of my good wife, Kari,” Paulsen continued. “That describes a multitalented and multifaceted person,” says Leo helps me—that helped us—as we talked about this to say, Ranzolin, general vice-president of the church and former ‘Right. That’s what we will do.’” world youth leader. “That’s the kind of leader Jan Paulsen will Paulsen then recounted his personal practice through 40 be for this church. I really believe he is the man for this hour.” years of ministry of accepting positions in which he has been “I think he is an excellent choice,” adds Lowell Cooper,

8 (304) ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 11, 1999 SPECIAL REPORT

who became a general vice president last October. “He also has endeavors. Moore had filed a civil lawsuit in August 1998 the grace to work with all kinds of people.” against Folkenberg, attorney Walter Carson, and accountant Fellow Scandinavian Bertil Wiklander, who succeeded Ben Kochenower, who had all served on the boards of two Paulsen as president of the church’s Trans-European Division, independent charitable organizations. is equally optimistic about Paulsen’s new role. “He has a strong The General Conference Corporation and the church’s Inter- capacity for work, and he certainly loves the church. He also American Division were also named in the suit, but were not has great respect for the opinions of others. But no one can expected to figure prominently in the litigation. The General lead this church alone. He’ll need God’s blessing and our sup- Conference Corporation had never had any dealings with port.” Moore, and the Inter-American Division ceased all contacts “After the painful events of the last few weeks, our move- with him in 1989 when he began serving a prison sentence for ment needs a leader who can bring healing,” says Clifford an unrelated felony grand theft conviction. Goldstein, editor of the adult In a surprise development on Sabbath school Study Guides and Friday, February 26, Moore a well-known Adventist author. announced that he was with- “Elder Paulsen is the kind of per- drawing the lawsuit, and indi- son who can do that important cated that he had reached a con- work just now. fidential out-of-court settlement “His international perspective with the individuals named in is going to be a great asset to the the civil suit. Folkenberg con- church,” Goldstein adds. “The firmed settlement of the lawsuit election of a European to lead in a Monday morning statement the world church illustrates a to Executive Committee mem- true maturation of this move- bers (see “One Amazing ment and an affirmation that all Morning,” p. 17). parts of the church need to be “Church leaders have natu- included in the decision-making rally been concerned with these process.” events,” says Rick Remmers, pas- Selma Chaij, a lay member of tor of the Atholton, Maryland, the Executive Committee and a Seventh-day Adventist Church professional counselor, also sees a and a member of the Executive need for the new president to Committee. “But we’d do well to bind up wounds just now. “My remember that the mission of prayer is that Elder Paulsen can the church is much larger than help bring healing to Elder the election of any individual as Folkenberg, his family, and all its leader. For thousands of other church families who feel Seventh-day Adventists around hurt and bewildered by these the world, these matters will events,” she says. only reach real significance if Pastor and Mrs. Jan Paulsen Matthew Bediako, originally they yield a church system that from Ghana and a vice president more effectively empowers them since 1995, has known Paulsen for more than 30 years. “He to do what the Holy Spirit is urging them to do.” was my Bible teacher in high school and my theology teacher Paulsen’s term will run until the next scheduled quinquen- in college,” Bediako says admiringly. “His missionary service in nial meeting of the world church in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, his early years has enabled him to be sensitive to other cul- in June 2000. More than 2,000 delegates are expected at the tures.” Toronto General Conference session, where they will elect offi- PRINGER Paulsen’s election comes just three weeks after General cers, endorse new initiatives, and vote policy changes for the D. S Conference president Robert Folkenberg resigned amid allega- denomination. OEL J tions of inappropriate use of his office to forward the business ventures of James Moore, a Sacramento, California, business- HOTO BY

P man and onetime associate with Folkenberg in several business

ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 11, 1999 (305) 9 SPECIAL REPORT

“An Open Person”—Pastor Jan Paulsen William Johnsson interviews the new president of the world church

The following interview was conducted Tuesday morning, March 2, 12 hours after Pastor Paulsen was elected.

Johnsson: What’s it like to wake up this morning and No, he was not. It was a very simple home that I grew up find yourself leading the world church? in. My father was a shoemaker, a cobbler. So I grew up, not Paulsen: Stunned. It obviously is something that is totally in poverty exactly, but it was very simple. unanticipated. Was it in Norway? I’ve been away from this house—the General It was in Norway, north Norway. But my father and my Conference—for the past two weeks, and knowing that there mother were wonderful believers. When I told my mother would be some sort of a change here, one ponders, one won- early this morning what had happened, she wept, but she ders, one prays, and said, “The Lord one searches one’s will give you soul. I prayed strength. The Lord much, but I met no will help you.” prophet on the Which is of course way. There was no my conviction Samuel to say, also. “This is the way; Is your father this is it.” I suppose living? in that sense God He passed away didn’t help me too 12 or 13 years ago. much, but then in What about another way I sup- your family? pose God was say- My wife is a ing, “I have a good wonderful support system. I’m there to me. She has the with the Spirit. I’m ability to tell me there with the the truth without committee, and let inhibitions. We that do its job and have three chil- see how it goes.” dren. Our oldest is And that’s what a daughter, who is happened. married and lives Let’s talk about Jan Paulsen, if you don’t mind. How in England. She teaches pediatric nursing in London at the would you describe yourself? university there. Then we have two sons. The older one I am not a very complicated person. I think that I am lives and works in Oslo, and the younger one is in Haiti quite an open person. It matters a lot to me that there is working for ADRA. peace and an atmosphere of tolerance and kindness. I think Now, you are, I believe, the second non-North that it is more important in given circumstances to have American to become president. The first was C. H. demonstrated kindness than to demonstrate that you’re Watson, in the 1930s, who happened to be an Australian. right. These things have great value to me. You’re the first European. Tell us about your upbringing. Yes. I grew up in an Adventist home. A wonderful, wonderful What is the significance of that? Adventist home. I don’t see any particular significance in that. Our church Was your father a pastor? is a very international community, with more than 90 per-

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cent of our membership outside North America. The fact that probably is a correct description. I don’t know that there that they should now choose a president who comes from a is an easy answer to it. However, all of us who work at a cen- part of the world other than North America is, I see, a quite tral office such as the world headquarters have to be conscious natural development. of the fact that that is an issue and that we have to make You have served overseas, I believe. Tell us a little every effort to communicate with the local church and every about that. effort to stay close and be within ready reach of the church in I began my min- any country. To enter into their life, into their issues, into istry in Norway as a their concerns, so that we’re not living in an isolated little pastor. But as a place, as it were, all by ourselves. young man of 27, I With your earned doctoral degree and considerable and my young fam- experience in academia, I expect you have a particular ily were called to interest in education and young people. Ghana. I taught Yes. The years that I spent in education and the academ- Bible in our teacher ic environment were very rewarding, fruitful, happy years. I training college in think I understand a fair bit about what their concerns and Bekwai. Then we burdens are. And I want the academic and education envi- were invited to go ronment to know that in me they have no hostile force at to our college in the General Conference. The educational work of our Nigeria, which was church is a huge thing with so many many institutions, and a senior college, the I want them to be supportive of the church and will want to first one established be supportive of them. I think it is important, however, that for sub-Saharan all of our educational institutions and particularly the insti- Africans. tutions of higher learning be clear about their identity and The six years in about their participation in the mission of the church. To West Africa were that end I will do my best to support them. truly wonderful A number of constituencies in the church will be inter- years. My understanding of both the diverse cultures of the ested to see how you’ll relate to them or if you have a church and of how wonderfully God works in various circum- message for them. I think of the young people and women stances came clear to me. My assignments there varied a bit— in particular. first teaching theology, and later serving as president of the I am very college. much aware of We are an unusual church, a remarkable church— the fact that the worldwide and diverse. Yet it is also a great challenge to young make up a keep this church together. How do we maintain the world very significant family of the Adventist Church? part of the For our large international family to hold together, I church. Women think it’s important that we have a sense of mutuality in also make up a that we share resources, we get together in counsel, and we huge part of our agree on how we are going to formulate our statements. church. Both of These are significant elements to keep us together as one these groups family. At the same time, it is important that the creative have had cause elements that service the church be placed very close to to wonder about where the church lives, where the church has its life. And the strength of thereby reflect obedience to God in that particular structure. their own role in You’re talking about the local congregation, I take it. the church. I Yes, I am. And about the national church, also. want to see both PRINGER Let me follow up on that. It seems to me that for many the youth and D. S

OEL of our people the General Conference is seen as a large, women in the J remote, impersonal bureaucracy. Do you have any church take a thoughts on how we might try to bridge the gulf? strong creative HOTOS BY

P I think you’ve made a valid point. It troubles me also that role in the life

ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 11, 1999 (307) 11 SPECIAL REPORT

and in the witness of the church. And I say this recognizing Let’s talk about communications. On the one hand we that this is not something that I intend to give to them. God have this vast increase in technology. On the other hand has already given it to them. I merely recognize that the there is the simple way of one-on-one, the word of mouth church is theirs. The church needs them, and the church is spreading the gospel, which is at the heart of it. How do going to use them. We would be in a miserable state if we you see this coming together? were not to find creative roles for both the youth and the Let me say first of all that technology—that’s where we women in our church. are, this is the age. That’s where we have been taken also as How would you describe your leadership style? a church, and Elder Folkenberg, my predecessor, has done an Democracy is probably outstanding job in that respect. We the best way we have to shouldn’t even contemplate the idea of go forward. I feel very going back. We are simply using the strongly that the people I resources of today and will continue to work with should feel do so and develop that. What I would that they have a ready not want to see happen is that we end and open access to the up defining evangelism, witness, out- ones who are elected to reach—whatever term we choose—as office. I have no inten- being essentially that which is deliv- tion of doing this job in ered by satellite. The heart of the wit- isolation. There will be a ness and growth of the church is at the fair bit of travel, but I do local church. The pastor with the expect to spend a fair bit laypeople in the local church, they of time in this office. I must own the initiative for the witness function best when I can and for the growth of the church. So I talk with people about see and would support strongly that the issues before us the responsibility for the witness of the before we get locked into church is very much in the hands of any fixed procedures. the pastors and of the local churches. I We are a church for see the other things that we can de- whom mission is core— liver by satellite as a blessed addition it’s part of our being. to the witnessing outreach of the local What do you see as the church. opportunities for mis- You mentioned pastors. I think it’s sion? true to say that some, maybe many, What this church pastors today are feeling embattled, embarked on almost 10 overworked, and so on. Do you have years ago when we a word for the pastors who are the accepted the concept of shepherds of our flocks around the Global Mission, of enter- world? ing into unentered areas, is something that is really at the Well, I would say to them that it is a difficult assignment heart of Adventism. We will be committed to this and will that they have, and yet it is a wonderfully blessed assign- continue this until the Lord returns—until the task is fin- ment. They are Christ’s ambassadors. They are working for ished. I am wholeheartedly committed to the objectives of Him and He is ever with them. It is not an easy task that Global Mission. they have been given, but they didn’t choose it as you would I look forward to working closely with Global Mission choose any other profession. They were called to it. here in this house, but it is not only done here. Yes, we have I was 15 years of age when I felt strongly that the Lord a modest-sized office here to serve Global Mission but it had called me to the pastorate, and I never looked back. really is happening out there. There are thousands of volun- That in a sense is also what drives me—a sense that this is teers who are working and who have been trained elsewhere. what God wants me to do. I would be miserable if I didn’t So I see Global Mission from this house as a resource center, do this. And I think most of our pastors feel the same way. as an opportunity to give some direction and counsel to vari- They are doing it because God wants them to do it. And ous areas and various initiatives. there simply isn’t another life for them that has that attrac-

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tion. And I would say to these pastors without whom we want to listen to the brethren and the sisters and move could not carry on as a church, “Remain strong in the Lord. together. If I saw this as some kind of secular presidency or if The Lord who has called you will be there with you and will I saw this as some kind of royalty, it would scare the living give you strength from week to week.” daylights out of me, but we are together. It is the Lord who What do you see as the big issues facing the church owns it. He calls us. I think, I believe, He was present in the today? process yesterday. So I take confidence and strength in that, What I see as a big challenge for the church is in its inter- and I will do my best with Him. nationality. It is very, very important that as the church con- Do you have any particular passage of Scripture to which tinues to grow internation- you turn most frequently? ally—and it will grow rapidly Of course there are many. internationally—the weight of But whenever I reflect on what the leadership and the creative God expects of me, Micah 6:8 forces that sustain the growing comes to mind: “He hath church are recognized as being shewed thee, O man, what is widely distributed throughout good; and what doth the Lord the world field. That is not a require of thee but to do justly, diminishing of the importance and to love mercy, and to walk of the General Conference. It humbly with thy God.” is simply recognizing the real- How does Jan Paulsen ity that it is better for the recharge? Obviously, you go to church that the creative forces the Lord, but there must be among our people in various some other sources to recharge cultures and nationalities, and your batteries. of various talents around the Yes, yes, there are. It’s not a world find expression there. I very complicated thing. My think it is important that we wife is an enormous support and allow and support that particu- resource for me. I couldn’t do lar kind of development. this without her support. And I The office that you have have many friends. And my been called to is so demand- family, my larger family. When ing, the task so huge. What somebody comes up to me and is your perspective as you says, “I want you to know that I embark on this adventure am praying for you in this par- with the Lord? I don’t know ticular situation,” this means an any other way to describe it enormous amount to me. because without the Lord If you could meet one-on- there will surely be no going one each of those individual forward. Adventists around the world, The task, the assignment, the office, its largeness cannot most of whom will not meet you, what would you like to be described. I find no words that can adequately capture say to these people—the so-called little people, but they how I see it. I see it as a huge assignment but also as a won- are not little? derful opportunity. I don’t want to sound overly brave, but in No, they are not. They are the church. It’s very impor- a sense I find joy in the fact that there is an opportunity to tant what you are saying. Without them we have no place, be part of leadership also in this particular sense. My depen- we have no function. They are the church. But I would say dence on the Lord is unqualified. Although I have been 40 to them, “I am going to meet you soon. We are all bound for years in this work, I still belong to fallen humanity, and I the kingdom. The Lord is coming soon. Hang in there. Be make my mistakes personally and in decisions and profession- strong. Do His bidding. That’s what I try to do, and we will ally. The mistakes are there, and yet with the Lord, I know meet.” that He sustains us in our frailty. He takes our willingness. I pray that He will take my willingness and use it creatively. For related stories, see pages 17-20. I will do my level best. I talk to the Lord regularly. I will

ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 11, 1999 (309) 13 BIBLE STUDY The Finger of God

BY GERALD A. KLINGBEIL

URING MY PERSONAL DEVOTION ONE morning some years ago, I came across a curious I’d like to focus on the Exodus 8:19 occurrence a statement. Jesus was the speaker. “But if I cast moment. It gives us, I believe, the backdrop to understand- out demons with the finger of God,” He said, ing Jesus’ use of that strange expression in Luke 11:20. D “surely the kingdom of God has come upon you” (Luke 11:20, NKJV). Dividing Line Between Human and Divine Power It’s five minutes to midnight. And God’s people must be The Setting freed! His promise must be kept. So He sends Moses and Jesus was having another row with His “eternal opposi- Aaron out to face Pharaoh. The showdown that developed we tion.” The Bible mentions only the crowd (verse 14), but we know today as the 10 plagues. When we study this calamity in can be sure that the Pharisees were part of the group that, its totality, we soon realize that it is couched in creation lan- immediately following one of Jesus’ miracles, began to cast guage2—a somewhat distorted creation, however. doubts on the supernatural occurrence.1 “He casteth out When Aaron raises his staff in Exodus 8:16, 17, he strikes devils through Beelzebub,” they said, their voices saturated the “dust” of the “land.” The Hebrew terms for dust and land with jealousy and incredulity. are well known in the Genesis account of Creation (Gen. 1:1, “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to deso- 11, 15, 17, etc.; 2:7).3 The object of Creation is the “land,” lation,” Jesus answered (verses 15-17). It was a focused and the material of humankind’s creation is the dust.” response on Jesus’ part, showing the Pharisees’ charge to be However, while the story reminds us of the Creation account, totally illogical. “But if I drive out demons by the finger of the main focus is the struggle between Pharaoh and God. God,” He said, “then the kingdom of God is very near.” From old Egyptian texts and images we know that the What caught my attention that morning in my study was Egyptians regarded their Pharaoh as a demigod.4 He was the expression “finger of God.” What did it mean? Why did supposed to maintain the peace of the land and to keep Jesus not just say “the power of God” or “the power of the the country from slipping into chaos. But now as the Holy Spirit”? plague crisis develops, Pharaoh begins to look more and When I started to study theology I began doing something more helpless. He calls in his specialists—the sorcerers, that I still practice whenever I come across a question that I scientists, and magicians. By their tricks and fraud they cannot answer: I put it into “storage”—I write it in a special manage to duplicate the first two plagues, and the heart of book (or nowadays in a special file on my computer). So the Pharaoh is “hardened.” “finger of God” ended up in cold storage—until last year, When we discuss the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart in our when I rediscovered the same expression in a place where I’d Sabbath school classes or discussion groups, we usually see it not been looking for it: in the Old Testament. through Western eyes, putting the emphasis on who was The phrase “finger of God” occurs three times in the Old responsible for the hardening and on whether it was really Testament: Exodus 8:19; 31:18; and Deuteronomy 9:10. The fair. However, reading both Hebrew Old Testament and last two occurrences describe the giving of the law at Mount Egyptian literature, one finds a totally different perspective Sinai, where God wrote the Ten Commandments into the on this age-old issue. tablets of stone “with His own finger.” Here the finger of What the text in Exodus actually conveys is a religious God suggests the importance of the law of God. God ac- polemic against the theology of the pharaohs. The heart was tually took the trouble to write it down in His own “hand- very important in Egyptian religious thought because it was writing” for you and me. “weighed” before the dead could enter the “other side” of the

14 (310) ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 11, 1999 Whenever you encounter this expression in Scripture, look out —something big is happening.

supposed netherworld. In this sense, the throne of Egypt, could not match have to get our hands dirty. What a God weighed Pharaoh’s heart and found the creative/destructive power of challenge to each of us to get on our it lacking. After all, this was not a con- Israel’s God. And it also constituted a knees, get out those questions buried in test of equals (from the viewpoint of the recognition of the God of Aaron and “cold storage,” and start looking for biblical author), but one of a judge with Moses (although Pharaoh’s specialists answers. ■ the person to be judged. Pharaoh does do not mention Him by name). not come out on top, but is instead 1 See Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., indicted by this unknown God of the Eureka! 1940), pp. 321-323. Hebrews. What an embarrassment! I sit back from my computer . . . 2 See T. E. Fretheim, “The Plagues as awed. Wow! Such a little phrase and Ecological Signs of Historical Disaster,” Journal of Biblical Literature 110 (1991): 385-396; Z. Three Important Divisions so much to discover! Zevit, “The Priestly Redaction and Interpre- When one looks at the structure of When Jesus referred to the finger of tation of the Plague Narrative in Exodus,” Jewish the plague narrative one finds that the God, He clearly had in mind the expe- Quarterly Review 66 (1976): 193-211. Zevit has actually observed a very interesting connection plagues can be divided into three units rience of the Egyptian magicians and between the Creation account and the plague of three plagues each, culminating in Pharaoh, who found themselves obliged, narrative by connecting the Hebrew phrase “and the tenth plague, the death of the in spite of themselves, to proclaim the God spoke” (Gen. 1:3, 6, 9, 11, 14, 20, 24, 26, 28, 29) with the 10 plagues, during which God firstborn. The organizing factor seems presence of God, His creative power, speaks again through Moses. to be the severity of the plagues. and His involvement in human affairs. 3 Many more connections might be cited if The first three plagues describe sim- Jesus is actually saying: “Listen up, space permitted. 4 D. B. Redford, Egypt, Canaan, and Israel in ply irritations. Blood, frogs, and gnats folks, if this has been done by the fin- Ancient Times (Princeton, N.J.: Princeton are not pleasant, but one can somehow ger of God—and I have proven that to University Press, 1992), pp. 366, 367. manage. The second set of plagues you—then it means that God’s king- 5 See W. C. Kaiser, Jr., “Exodus,” in F. E. Gaebelein, ed., Expositor’s Bible Commentary, ed. describes destruction. And the third dom has come close to you. He is the (Grand Rapids: Zondervan Pub. House, 1990), depicts death.5 Thus the third plague is one who has the authority and the vol. 2, pp. 348, 349; and J. K. Hoffmeier, Israel in at a crucial point in the story. Up to power, and He has entrusted it to me. Egypt (New York/Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1997), pp. 145, 146. now the religious specialists were able Don’t you see that I am the one you

UTLER to duplicate the “signs” that Moses and have been waiting for?” B Aaron had produced, but this time How often do you and I just “hang ALPH

R “they could not” (Ex. 8:18). They were around” God’s Word without really Gerald A. Klingbeil is a pro- then obliged to report to Pharaoh that investing anything of ourselves, our fessor at Peruvian Union “this is the finger of God.” time, or our creative energy into it. We University in Lima, Peru. The proclamation came as a sur- crave multimedia entertainment and LLUSTRATION BY I prise. Pharaoh, the demigod sitting on soapy encounters, in which we don’t

ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 11, 1999 (311) 15 BIBLE QUESTIONS ANSWERED The Ultimate Test ANGEL MANUEL RODRÍGUEZ

hy did the Lord ask Abraham to offer said to Abraham, “Now I know . . .” Since the Lord knew his son as a sacrifice? from the beginning that Abraham was a faithful servant The text gives only one answer: the (Gen. 18:19), through this revelation God intended to Lord was testing share with others what He already Abraham (Gen. knew. It served to vindicate Him W22:1). But why was the test neces- and His servant. sary? The biblical context—in a In desperation 4. The Nature of the Test: To sense, the full story of Abraham—is understand God’s request to most important for a proper under- Abraham’s faith Abraham we must remember that standing of this story. Isaac was a gift from God, the result 1. Immediate Context: Scholars in the Lord of a miracle. The patriarch’s future as have observed a relation between the mediator of God’s blessing to the Genesis 22 and the sending away of nations was dependent on Isaac. By Hagar and Ishmael in Genesis 21:1- held him. asking Abraham to sacrifice Isaac, 20. Ishmael and Isaac are both God was telling the prophet that the removed from Abraham’s family, there is a journey, both are covenant relationship had come to an end. He was request- about to die, both are rescued by God, etc. Notice also that ing that the gift be given back to Him. Abraham, because of the story of Hagar and Ishmael is placed in the middle of the his sin, did not deserve it; the Lord was rejecting him. story of Abimelech. This story was introduced in Genesis But the test reveals the true depth of the patriarch’s faith 20:1-18, interrupted by Genesis 21:1-20, and concluded in and commitment to the Lord. His confidence in the Lord was chapter 21:22-34. Genesis 20-22 forms one basic literary unit. so firm that he was willing to relinquish the gift, to cast him- 2. Significance of the Context: The stories of Abraham and self into the arms of a merciful God and trust in His forgiving Abimelech, Hagar and Ishmael, have one thing in common: grace: “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offer- they both reveal Abraham’s lack of trust in the Lord and ing, my son,” he said (Gen. 22:8, NIV). To the servants he God’s apparent indifference to it. asserted, “Stay here. . . . We will worship and then we will Because of Abraham’s lie, Abimelech questioned the come back to you” (verse 5, NIV). In the darkness of hope- Lord’s justice and integrity (Gen. 20:4-6) and the righteous- lessness and desperation his faith in the Lord held him. He ness of the patriarch (verse 9). Yet the Lord said to the king seems to be saying, “Even if there’s no future for me, I will that Abraham was His prophet and that Abraham should still serve the Lord and wait on Him.” pray for the king in order that the king might be forgiven. The Lord provided a substitute for Isaac, a future for The second story witnesses to the infidelity of Abraham— Abraham. The blood of a sacrificial victim was poured out, his attempt to fulfill the divine promise on his own—and God’s Abraham was forgiven, and the covenant was renewed faithfulness in giving him the gift of the son, Isaac, through (verses 15-18). God revealed Himself as the one who does Sarah. Once more God seems to be indifferent to the sin of His not condone sin and yet is merciful. servant. In fact, one could conclude that Abraham had broken In the experience of Abraham we see Him providing a the covenant he made with the Lord (Gen. 17:1, 2). substitute, His Son, for our sins. If we find ourselves on the 3. The Purpose of the Test: The resolution of the problems road of hopelessness, the Lord has still provided for us a described in the previous chapters is found in Genesis 22. wonderful future. The Lord decided to “test” Abraham. This verb is used to indicate something imperceptible that is going to be made Angel Manuel Rodríguez is an associate director of known; the hidden will be revealed. The test will reveal the the Biblical Research Institute of the General true self, the person as he or she really is with respect to Conference. God (e.g., Ex. 16:4; Deut. 8:2). Indeed, at the end of the story the angel of the Lord

16 (312) ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 11, 1999 SPECIAL REPORT One Amazing Morning A Look Inside the March 1 Meeting

BY THE EDITORS

“It was one of the most difficult mornings I’ve ever been reported in previous Adventist Review news releases, the Ad through,” says one member of the General Conference Hoc Group spent nearly 25 hours listening to presentations Executive Committee. “Each of us in the room brought our by Phil Hiroshima, the church-retained attorney who had hopes, our concerns—our prayers—to the process, and of discovered the irregularities, and from Elder Folkenberg and course, we saw it in different ways.” his attorneys, as well as closed-door sessions in which they The March 1 special session of the 268-member deliberated the significance of the charges. Executive Committee was called on January 27 to consider The Ad Hoc Group’s January 27 report to an expanded allegations of misuse of office by then-president Robert S. ADCOM that included 10 of the 12 world division presi- Folkenberg. Folkenberg’s February 7 resignation changed the dents of the church recommended that a special session of direction of the March meeting from a judicial to an elec- the General Conference Executive Committee be convened tive process, but committee members still had pointed ques- on March 1 to “express itself on a question of confidence tions to ask about his actions and the process by which he concerning Elder Folkenberg’s continued leadership.” left office. ADCOM’s endorsement of the Ad Hoc Group’s recom- Executive Committee chair and acting president G. mendations set the stage for the March 1 meeting. Ralph Thompson opened the meeting by briefly rehearsing Following Thompson’s review of the process, church lead- the history of the process that required the special meeting. ers graciously allowed Folkenberg—who as former president According to Thompson, allegations about possible inap- is automatically a life member of the Executive propriate business dealings by Folkenberg were first reviewed Committee—to make an extended statement to the com- with himself and General Conference treasurer Robert mittee. Speaking from notes, Folkenberg thanked committee Rawson in early January 1999. A meeting of the President’s members for the privilege of serving the church for the pre- Executive Advisory Committee (PREXAD), including four vious eight and a half years, and summarized key initiatives General Conference officers and the six general vice presi- that had been launched during his term. dents, then studied the same information over the weekend Noting his advocacy of the “Total Commitment to God” of January 8-10. Later document, which called that week the vice for greater accountability presidents helped at each level of the design an investigative church, Folkenberg added, process subsequently “I also am subject to an endorsed on January 13 accountability process, and by the 30-member that is, in part, why we are General Conference here.” Administrative Folkenberg then briefly Committee reviewed the sequence of (ADCOM). events in his relationship A special 19-mem- with James Moore, a ber Ad Hoc Group Sacramento, California, composed of lay and businessman who had employed Executive made accusations against Committee members him and others in a civil was authorized by suit filed in August 1998. ADCOM to fully Describing himself as investigate the matter “deeply repentant” that he and deliver its findings Executive Committee members and General Conference employees pray for didn’t disassociate himself on January 27. As God’s guidance during the Monday morning devotional time. from Moore much earlier,

ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 11, 1999 (313) 17 SPECIAL REPORT

Folkenberg nonetheless defended his motivations for the 20- was available for distribution, but expressed the hope that year business dealings, noting that neither he nor the church releasing it would not be necessary. had ended up profiting from the long-term relationship with Harold Baptiste, secretary of the North American Moore. Division, then reminded committee members that a rejec- Folkenberg told the committee members that he had tion of the motion to accept Folkenberg’s resignation would resigned “to avoid further conflict and pain to my family and not automatically allow him to continue as General the church I love.” He also acknowledged that a confidential Conference president. If the resignation were not accepted, out-of-court settlement had been reached in the lawsuit ini- the committee would then be required to turn to consider- tiated against him and others by Moore, and indicated that ing the full information about the allegations, as called for it had included a financial component. in the ADCOM vote that convened the meeting. Other “These positions are not a mantle we own,” Folkenberg committee members quickly affirmed Baptiste’s comments, admonished. “We are loaned these responsibilities for as long and urged members to accept the Folkenberg resignation. as the church feels we can effectively carry them out. When Returning to the microphone, Folkenberg declared that it the time comes to lay down that mantle, we should not be was not in his interest or that of the church to continue a possessive of it but step aside for the good of the church.” lengthy discussion of the matter. Even if offered the presi- Folkenberg’s speech was followed by numerous statements dency again, he insisted, he would respectfully decline the from lay and employee members of the committee who opportunity. insisted on further disclosures of information about the Committee members then moved quickly to a vote on process by which he came to leave office. Several went so far the motion to accept Folkenberg’s resignation. The motion as to recommend that committee members reject the motion passed with near unanimity, and the committee then began on the floor to accept his resignation. selecting persons to lead out in the process for nominating a Thompson informed members that more and detailed new president. information about the allegations against Elder Folkenberg Forward to the Promised Land day in all kinds of weather—through adversity and prosperity, through turbulence and calm, through Red Seas One could feel the tension as members of the General and Jordans.” Conference (GC) Committee and GC office staff assem- bled for the opening worship of a specially called GC com- “It is not by administrative skills and human power, not by mittee, March 1. Chosen to speak was former Inter- academic accomplishments and professional know-how, not American Division president Elder George W. Brown. We by well-crafted policies and impressive programs, not by state- include here a few excerpts from his encouraging mes- of-the-art technology, not by surplus liquidity and operating sage.—Editors. capital—‘but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of Hosts’ (Zech. 4:6). It should be God’s agenda, “Today’s message is a good news message! not ours.” It is a vivid reminder that our God is able and available to transform our crises into triumph, “‘Speak unto the children of Israel, . . . go and our bad news into the good news of ulti- forward’ (Ex. 14:15). Here God calls for action mate deliverance through our triumphant born of divine unction. I am fascinated by the Lord.” New International Version’s rendering of this imperative: ‘Tell the Israelites to move on.’ “Like the people of the Exodus movement, This gets right to the point: Don’t remain the people of the Advent movement will face trapped, terrified, paralyzed, and confused by their Red Sea crises: But the good news is crisis. Move on; go forward!” that in each crisis, however grim and perplex- ing, we have the unfailing assurance that our Supreme “And so it must be for the Advent movement as we face the Leader will lead His pilgrim people all the way to the new millennium with its problems, possibilities, crises, and Promised Land. ‘The Lord went before [His people] . . . by challenges. For us there shall be no retreat, no looking day . . . and by night.’ (Ex. 13:22). Likewise, the God of the back, no detours, no hesitation, no marking time—only for- Advent movement is on duty leading His people 24 hours a ward in faith!”

18 (314) ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 11, 1999 SPECIAL REPORT

Makvala Shavlikadze, lay member, World Voices Republic of Georgia “When I heard information about all this [the Folkenberg resignation] on the Internet in my country, I was very Sibrina Kalliokoski, pastor, Finland sad. Then I began to pray about choos- “Elder Paulsen was my teacher at ing a new president, and I hoped things Newbold College. I’m very happy and would go well here. . . . I know we pleased. He is a good theologian. He elected him [Paulsen] by God’s will. has natural authority. He has strength The Holy Spirit was the leader of our thoughts yesterday.” and kindness combined. He’s experi- enced in many areas—evangelism, mis- Delbert Baker, Oakwood College pres- sion, administration, education. He ident, Alabama, United States values the work of women in ministry, “Elder Paulsen has an excellent and is very supportive.” opportunity to position the church to respond to the needs of the global Harald Wollan, president of community. It’s time to come together Bangladesh Union, Bangladesh in unity to do the work of the Lord as “Everyone came with a prayerful we move toward the twenty-first attitude. I’m pleased that we came to century.” the decision after a time of prayer. I’m glad that God will continue to lead Alicia E. DeSistiva, lay member, His people, because this is the time Colombia that we should not worry with the pol- “The Lord is coming very soon, so itics of the church but be concerned Elder Paulsen may be our last president. with the mission of the church.” We need to support him. . . . We don’t have time for politics. We need to cross Pat Gustin, member at large, director the Jordan. It’s not the time to be of the Institute of World Mission at divided. It’s time to be close to Jesus Andrews University, Michigan, United Christ and support our leaders.” States “I know, respect, and trust Elder Jere Patzer, president of the North Paulsen. I’m proud of the church for Pacific Union, Oregon, United States electing someone who is not from “It’s obvious that the prayers of mil- North America. This decision reflected lions of Adventists were answered, the world nature of the church. Elder including my own. In what has been, Paulsen’s work with Global Mission and his own mission and had the potential to continue to experience made him attractive to me. He has a heart for be, a very divisive issue, God brought mission.” unity and focus. There was a corporate sense that God had definitely led.” Alvin Ringer, lay member, Alabama, United States Marion Fields, lay member, Australia “I feel confident that “It didn’t come all together [for me] Elder Paulsen will bring until Jan Paulsen stood up this morn- terrific leadership. He’s ing. The things that he said this morn- personable. He’s a spiritual ing really touched me—‘You can come man and will work well and talk to me,’ and ‘You’ll be safe,’ with committees.” and ‘You can disagree with me, and that’s fine.’”

ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 11, 1999 (315) 19 SPECIAL REPORT

Orville Parchment, president of the Brad Thorp, assistant to the president Seventh-day Adventist Church in of the General Conference with Canada Adventist Global Communications “It was the fairest route to have the Network entire Executive Committee to serve as “I’m very happy that the church the Nominating Committee. Everyone addressed the issue and the problem had an opportunity to participate in encountered as quickly and rapidly as the process. Everyone had an opportu- they have. I think this shows real nity to speak.” maturity and openness—that we are not trying to sweep things under the carpet or create a spin Olga Pernavchuk, lay member, story giving different interpretations to the reality of the Ukraine situation.” “We would like him [Paulsen] to visit our country often. To know how we live. To stand on the top of the mountain and to understand our life, even our economic conditions in which we live. This is very important to us.”

NEWSBREAK

ADRA Assists Colombia overlap of relief efforts,” explains Pinto. “So many roads Earthquake Victims are buried or have disappeared. The only way to reach some of the affected areas is by motorcycle or plane.” ollowing the earthquake that flattened 20 towns and Jaime Pita, ADRA director for the Pacific region, F villages in five provinces in western Colombia in helped with the damage assessment and worked with January, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency Quindio governor Henry Gomez Tabares to find a location (ADRA) is collecting and delivering relief materials in- between Bogotá, the capital, and Calarca for warehousing country and assisting in damage assessments. ADRA’s relief materials. The day after the earthquake ADRA/Colombia staff and This temporary location will hold items such as food, volunteers delivered more than 100 baskets of food to fami- water, warm clothes, blankets, and kitchen items, as well lies in Calarca, reports Ivonne Uruea, national relief coordi- as provisional items such as plastic sheeting, tents, and nator for ADRA/Colombia. Each basket contained enough mattresses that ADRA is collecting from its regional office food to feed a six-member family for one week. warehouses throughout the country. ADRA International has made an initial commitment of ADRA/Colombia is running continuous micro-enter- US$10,000 and ADRA/Canada of US$5,000 for additional prise programs throughout the country. Some of its benefi- relief efforts. Carlos Pinto, youth leader and the person in ciaries are reportedly in the disaster area. charge of ADRA rescue teams, says of the damage, “No one ADRA/Colombia also operates a program to help dis- can imagine the sadness we are seeing here. Radio and TV placed victims of violence, funded by ADRA/Spain. stations cannot depict the reality of the devastation.” The earthquake, measuring 6.0 on the Richter scale, is reportedly News Notes the worst natural disaster to hit Colombia since 1985, when an avalanche and mudslide buried about 25,000 people. ✔ Correction: In our February 18 Special Report ADRA and GARSA, a Seventh-day Adventist rescue article “What Happens Next?” two errors appeared. The and relief group, worked with the Red Cross in assessing first acting president of the General Conference was damage in the areas most affected by the earthquake. W. C. White (1888-1889); terms of service for General “ADRA/Colombia decided to provide assistance where Conference presidents when the denomination first most organizations are not able to reach, avoiding an organized were one year, not two years.

20 (316) ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 11, 1999 FAITH ALIVE! Practical Faith CALVIN B. ROCK

have dear friends who for some time have been we can regard Him as a “loving Father.” Do you? stocking up for the time of trouble. They’ve pur- The truth is just the opposite from your conclusion. chased property in a remote mountain area and are Consider: Adam and Eve were created in absolute perfec- placing various essentials, tion, placed in beautiful Eden, i.e., foodstuffs, electric gen- promised immortality, and blessed Ierators, etc., so that they can be with communion with God—all somewhat comfortable when we How can God clearly acts of love. are made to flee for our lives. And since God did not desire Now, after the recent papal pro- be called a that they serve Him from fear but nouncement regarding the from willing obedience, He gave Sabbath, they have intensified loving Father? them the power of choice—that too their preparations. Is this the kind an act of love. He accompanied the of thing we’re supposed to do? capacity of choice with warnings Perhaps there are some hideouts so remote and so secure regarding Lucifer’s fall and the likelihood of his stealthy but that they will provide safety for those who plan ahead. ruinous approach (see The Story of Redemption, pp. 29-31). However, it is difficult to imagine success in structuring for This also reflects God’s love. comfort under the circumstances that will then exist. My Even their sentence of death was a manifestation of love. sense is that the efforts of those now devising to escape dis- Had they, with the physical and moral consequences of their covery by an enemy equipped with highly sophisticated self-willed transgression, been permitted endless life, the uni- detection equipment and rapid vehicular mobility are well- verse would have been victimized by the anomaly of everlasting meaning but futile. evil. Thus even Adam and Eve’s demise reflected God’s love. In describing the situation of the end-times Ellen White And it was love that gave them hardships to occupy their stated: “The people of God will flee from the cities and vil- minds, to develop their characters, and to direct their alle- lages and associate together in companies, dwelling in the giances to God. It was love that for 4,000 years bore promise most desolate and solitary places. Many will find refuge in of the Messiah; and it was love, incomprehensible love, that the strongholds of the mountains. . . . But many of all forged the Father’s agreement with the Son and brought nations and of all classes, high and low, rich and poor, black Him to earth as our substitute and sacrifice. and white, will be cast into the most unjust and cruel Recently, while witnessing the birth of our fifth grand- bondage. The beloved of God pass weary days bound in child, a beautiful baby girl, I watched in wonder and tears as chains, shut in by prison bars, sentenced to be slain, some our eldest daughter painfully brought life into the world. I apparently left to die of starvation in dark and loathsome was particularly moved when during her last, most powerful dungeons” (Last Day Events, pp. 259, 260). contractions she turned to me with fearful eyes and anxiously I would suggest that the most feasible preparation for pleaded, “Daddy, the pain—the pain!” In that tense moment such trying times as these is not “stocking up” in mountain I think I experienced, if but faintly, the Father’s great love in caves, but “storing up” in our hearts the lofty promises of allowing His Son to suffer the horrors of Calvary. His tolera- God while daily reaffirming our faith in His providence. tion of the travail that satisfied the terms of our salvation is the highest evidence of His loving heart. eeing how God treated Adam and Eve, how can What more can a loving God do? He be called a loving Father? God may have some form of love, but it is not parental, as in the word S Calvin B. Rock is a general vice president of the “Father.” The clergy hum the “loving Father” tune General Conference. He holds doctoral degrees in endlessly and never stop to think about what they’re ministry and Christian ethics. saying. From the way God treated Adam and Eve—and in fact, the whole human race—I don’t understand how

ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 11, 1999 (317) 21 LIFESTYLE

Christ’s Counterculture What’s your level of commitment?

BY DAVID N. MARSHALL

HAT ARE THE THINGS MOST ■ the divorce rate has passed 50 percent in most states important in your life? ■ 76 percent of kids experiment with drugs while they ■ Your position or status? Your are still at school, and enough carry on with drugs afterward monthly salary and perks? to fuel a drug-driven crime wave of mugging, thieving, ■ A flashy house and another upstate? assault, and murder that won’t quit. W■ Popularity with your peers? Paul, on a top-o’-the-range horse en route to Damascus, ■ The size, make, type, and year of your car? aimed to capture the practitioners of Christ’s counterculture. ■ Those diplomas you have that prove how clever you are? He was a driven high achiever. He had an impeccable pedi- ■ The awards on your walls that prove you are an achiever? gree, and was proud of it—a Hebrew of the Hebrews. He ■ A wardrobe full of the latest gear—Gucci, Armani, had the Oscars, he had the Pulitzer prizes, and as is the way Ralph Lauren, Dior, Dolce and Gabbana, Nike, Calvin Klein, with achievers in the material sphere, he had transferred his Versace, Jean-Paul Gautier, Hugo Boss, Yves Saint Laurent? mentality into the spiritual sphere:2 he had the Nobel Prize ■ The feeling of accomplishment? for do-it-yourself righteousness. If your answer is yes to any or most of those questions, Then he met Jesus, who had been pestering Paul for some you may have cause for concern, Jesus-wise. It is possible time with the claims and values of His counterculture. that you are in the economic and pop culture fast lane— “Paul, it’s getting harder for you to kick against it!” 3 And that you’re like so many others. The trouble is, Christ Jesus is the only achiever with a capital A, and the only doesn’t want you to be like so many others. His teaching truly perfect achiever at that. launched a radical counterculture that now, as at the time of Paul stopped kicking. the launch, is the route to satisfaction at the personal level He dissolved under the heat of the Sun of Righteousness. and to the spiritual high ground. And when he was reassembled in accordance with the val- On a mountain in Palestine Jesus caught hold of worldly ues of Christ’s counterculture, what he had thought was values—aims, fads, fashions, ambitions, and standards. He important—the Gucci, Armani, Versace, Audi A8 culture throttled some and turned the rest on their heads. He said and the Nobel Prize for do-it-yourself righteousness—was that the kingdom and His righteousness were first, and that totally unimportant. No, worse; it was rubbish. we can rely on Him for the basics of life. Not a glamorous Listen to him, will you? “Whatever was to my profit I spouse, house, and lifestyle first, and give the kingdom a now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I passing thought on a Saturday morning if for a split second consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing great- some shoutin’ an stompin’ preacher captures your imagina- ness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have tion. (“Brilliant sermon! First-class entertainment! Better lost all things. I consider them rubbish”—rubbish, mark than the TV, and funnier!”) you—“that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not hav- The Audi A8, Gucci, Dolce, Versace, high-achiever cul- ing a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but ture is the one in which: that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness ■ fewer than half of marriages take place in church in that comes from God and is by faith.” 4 most Western countries The world of the first century was, in some respects, similar ■ membership of many denominations in Europe and North to the radical materialism we have seen in the West in the America is barely growing or (more likely) in steep decline1 eighties and nineties. The value of people was calculated in ■ children are having children terms of money, possessions, privileges, ambitions, attitudes,

22 (318) ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 11, 1999 friends, and pedigree. The opener to regard themselves as superior to the repeatedly taught this lesson to His Jesus’ sermon on the mount was a series apostle Paul, who said, “I know I am status-seeking disciples, especially of body blows to the prevailing culture rotten through and through. . . . when He so dramatically humbled of His day—and now, to ours. Oh, what a miserable person I them by washing their feet. Those who acknowledge their pov- am! Who will free me from 2. Am I willing to listen? On the erty of spirit (who rely wholly on God this life that is domi- Mount of Transfiguration Peter, full of for their salvation) nated by sin?” bright ideas, was told by God to “lis- Now notice ten” to His Son.6 When Martha busied Paul’s answer herself about in the kitchen while to his own Jesus was talking, she received a gentle question, rebuke for not being like Mary, who sat and take quietly—and listened.7 heart. 3. Am I willing to be corrected? How “Thank well do I receive honest criticism when God! others speak the truth in love?8 4. How well do I submit to those who are over me?9 Am I willing to involve myself in an evangelistic program that, though arranged by my elected representatives, holds no kudos for me? Am I willing to follow even when I do not fully understand the reasons why, or even when I do not naturally enjoy what I am being asked to do? 5. Can I share my life with others in open and honest fellowship?10 6. Am I learning humility? Can I rejoice with those who rejoice and be genuinely glad when others are blessed in some way or other? 11 We began with a quiz. We ended with a quiz. In which did you score higher? ■

* Unless otherwise specified, quotations are from the New International Version.

1 UK Christian Handbook (Council of and who mourn The Churches for Britain and Ireland, 1998). 2 See Phil. 3:4-6. that poverty; the answer is 3 See Acts 9:3; 26:14. meek; those who in Jesus 4 Phil. 3:7-9, NIV. hunger for righteous- Christ our Lord. 5 Rom. 7:18-8:1, NLT. 6 Luke 9:36. ness, the merciful; the . . . So now there is 7 Luke 10:41. pure in heart; the peacemak- no condemnation for 8 Matt. 18:15. 9 1 Thess. 5:12; Heb. 13:17. ers; and those persecuted those who belong to 10 5 1 John 1. because of righteousness are the people Christ Jesus.” 11 Phil. 2:3. who, in the Jesus counterculture, in- But “those who belong to Christ herit the earth. They also inherit the Jesus” are called to discipleship. And kingdom of heaven. “discipleship” involves embracing In Christ’s counterculture too every aspect of Christ’s counterculture. David N. Marshall is editor many Adventists fall at first base— We began with the test of your of Stanborough Press Ltd., that acknowledgment of poverty of materialism. Let’s finish with a test of in Grantham, Lincolnshire, spirit. If they can’t earn their way to your discipleship: England. heaven, they’ll do without. They 1. Am I willing to serve? Jesus

ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 11, 1999 (319) 23 ADVENTIST WORLD RADIO

What I Learned in CHINA

Underlying the dramatic stories we heard was a simple yet startling fact.

BY DONALD JACOBSEN

NEARLY MISSED IT. WITH A COUPLE one Sabbath. I felt quite unprepared, but I just got out my colleagues I recently went to China to see what effect AWR notes and preached from them.” She added, with a broadcasts by Adventist World Radio (AWR) were twinkle in her eye, “I recorded the [audio portion of the] having there. But I nearly missed a most important NET ’98 programs and gave them away to my neighbors. I Iinsight. hope Pastor Nelson doesn’t catch me.” Adventist World Radio broadcasts 123 hours per week At a meeting in a little upstairs room of a side-street into China from our flagship station on the island of Guam restaurant we met “Mrs Leong.” I’d guess she is in her early in the western Pacific. The British Broadcasting Corporation 50s, has had no formal schooling, and can neither read nor (BBC) did a survey in 1997 that told us that AWR has 1.13 write. She and her husband have been separated for 12 years, million listeners in mainland China. and she had grown to hate him so deeply that in 1990 she Programs are produced every day in our studio in Asia tried to hire someone to kill him. However, in 1991 she and broadcast from Guam, and all over this most populous began listening to AWR and accepted Christ, and her life nation on earth people are listening to the story of Jesus pro- was transformed. Soon after, she was baptized and joined a claimed in the setting of the messages of the three angels of house church. Revelation 14. “A few days later,” she told me, “I went out into the coun- We met with about a hundred of our listeners in a half try to visit some friends and tell them about my newfound dozen cities. Here’s what they told us: joy in Jesus. They asked me to preach in their Sunday church. I was very frightened, but I gave my testimony. Then Hearing and Sharing I preached to them about the Sabbath, as I had learned it on “Mrs. Chen,” a gracious, gray-haired woman, is the leader AWR. About 40 members of that church accepted the of one of the house churches we visited. She is retired from Sabbath that day and have been keeping it ever since. a large Chinese university, where she taught English. This “Now I witness everywhere I go. Every week I go out into radiant Christian told us her story: “One day I tuned in to the countryside. I have opportunities to witness on the bus, AWR by accident, and there I learned about Jesus. Pastor in churches, on the street. I almost always have a chance to Wong’s voice [one of the regular speakers in Mandarin] talk to someone about Jesus. became so precious to me that I sometimes still hold my “One day I was riding on the train and began to witness radio to my chest like I would hug an angel. It has become to another passenger. Others wanted to hear, so I began to my constant companion. I feel that I have had a seminary preach to the whole train car. The conductor came by, and I course in the Bible by listening to AWR. thought he was going to tell me to stop, but he listened for a “After I became a member, the church asked me to speak few minutes and told me to stand up on the seat so those at

24 (320) ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 11, 1999 the other end of the car could hear better. Even though I can’t read, I just remember the programs I hear on AWR, and sometimes I preach for two hours. The people seem to like it because they stay and listen. “One day I was arrested for preach- ing on the street. A police car was sent to get me, and on the way to the police station I began witnessing to the officer who was driving the car. After a while I said, ‘Do you know why I have been arrested?’ He asked why. I replied, ‘God arranged it so I could tell you about Jesus.’” About her husband from whom she is still estranged, she says, “God has taken away all of my hatred. SEARCHING: Many Chinese seek “something more” in their lives. And many are being “intro- Now I pray only for his conversion.” duced” to Jesus through broadcasts aired from the AWR facility in Guam. In an area in south central China, we met with a group of believers who elements that we normally count on to China visit with renewed gratitude to told us another delightful story. Many hold the church together. There are no God for providing His end-time of them come to church by “trishaw,” a Adventist schools, no hospitals, no con- church with the marvelous tool of small three-wheeled motorized vehicle ferences or unions, no camp meetings, radio, by which the gospel story can be that holds three or four people. Some no Adventist Review. Only unconnected told. We also gained a profound appre- of the members have been witnessing groups of believers scattered across that ciation for the imperative of AWR’s to one of the trishaw drivers in partic- huge land. But the one influence that ministry in this great nation. We ular. They told us, “He isn’t a believer helps hold them together is Adventist developed a deep respect for members yet, but now he will carry only World Radio. They told us that from and leaders there, many of whom put Adventists on the Sabbath.” one end of the country to the other. their faith on the line every day. While in China we learned that One house church elder told us he At a worship service on our last religious freedom has improved some- became a Christian by listening to the Sabbath in China we stood with the what and that the economy is growing broadcasts, then looked for a year try- congregation as they sang (in fast in this beautiful country. ing to find a Voice of Hope church to Chinese, of course), “Take my life and join (Voice of Hope is what we call our let it be, consecrated, Lord, to Thee. A Common Bond programs). He was finally led to one of . . .” You’ll remember some of the But here’s what I almost missed: in our house churches and is now a bap- words: “Take my hands and let them China there are almost none of those tized member and an elder in that move at the impulse of Thy love” and house church. He said, “I “Take my love; my Lord, I pour at looked for a year to find a Thy feet its treasure store.” Many Sabbathkeeping church, but wept as they sang, and so did we, as AWR held me till I found it.” we realized how real was the implica- AWR’s broadcasts serve as tion of their song. These are our the glue that gives cohesion brothers and sisters, and many of and consistency to our people’s them know firsthand what it means to understanding of Scripture. make a commitment to Christ that Day after day they all hear the could cost them everything. same biblical teaching. In “Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so meeting with our division lead- is good news from a far country” (Prov. ers in Seoul, South Korea, 25:25, RSV). ■ later, some of them told us that the broadcasts of AWR “serve Donald Jacobsen is president more than any other single fac- of Adventist World Radio. tor to tie our members into the LET IT SHINE: The joy of knowing Jesus is evident on world church family.” the face of an AWR listener in China. We came away from our

ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 11, 1999 (321) 25 STORY

God had a defender when His holy day was threatened.

BY SVETOZAR VITOROVICH as told to ANN VITOROVICH

NE FRIDAY AFTERNOON IN

early April 1946 my twin brother,

Voya, and I emerged from the

barn where we had strewn fresh

straw after feeding and watering Othe sheep and cows. Outside, a brisk breeze embraced us, cooling and refreshing our sweating faces. Together we

walked toward the house while the sun sent shadows sprawl-

ing across the meadow and under the trees in the orchard.

26 (322) ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 11, 1999 Through the open gate, which sep- began to shake under our feet. To our past us, made a U-turn, and stopped arated the orchard from the backyard, amazement, when the lead tractor abruptly near the four tractors. Cars we spied Father and his eldest brother, reached our house, it turned through were not a common sight, and this one, Deka, talking across the wooden fence the open gate that bordered the road a Mercedes, was even less common. that divided our two properties. With and drove to the back of our house. A slim, tall man in his 30s stepped the enthusiasm of 13-year-olds who One by one the other tractors followed out; he was buttoned into a dark- had completed their last chore before and parked side by side under the large brown jacket and ribbed trousers and a carefree weekend, we raced toward greening apple trees behind our house. was wearing an officer’s military cap. them. A startled mother hen, pecking and It was Drago. He tossed a relaxed “We’re all done!” Our words spoken scratching the ground beneath the salute to the four young drivers, each simultaneously flew ahead of us, collid- trees, scattered with her brood in a now standing beside his tractor. ing with a wall of gloom and falling flurry of clucking and peeping. “Good day, Aunt Mara,” Drago limply at our feet. The men stood called out to Mother when he saw silent and unresponsive, their brows her descending the stairs and walk- furrowed, their eyes looking sad and ing toward him. He used the term to lusterless, as though their whole show respect and affection, since his world had gone dark. family and ours were good friends. Voya and I exchanged glances. Mother stood before him, her ker- Four huge chief-framed round face turned Curtain Call upward, her blue eyes full of ques- After four years of Nazi occupa- Russian-built tions. “Drago, my son, why are these tion, World War II had ended just tractors here?” the year before. The Federal farm tractors The directness of this simple peas- People’s Republic of Yugoslavia ant woman seemed to take Drago by replaced the kingdom of Yugoslavia. surprise. He was a war hero, a deco- The victorious Communist-based were rolling rated Partisan, who for four years Partisans won the internal struggle had fought the Nazis, slept under for control and began establishing a in our haystacks, and hid in barns. Now he new order. Our “liberators” were lib- was president of our village collec- erating landowners of their property, direction. tive farm and not accustomed to dividing and distributing it among being questioned. An idealist, he others, and nationalizing private was committed to the Communist businesses for the state. idea of equality in spite of his They confiscated 60 hectares wealthy roots. (150 acres) of our 100-hectare (250- “Well, Aunt Mara,” he replied, acre) family estate in Glusci, Serbia, I frowned toward Voya, who clearing his throat, “we plan to plow leaving only 10 hectares (25 acres) for frowned back. Father and Deka threw the land in front of your house tomor- each of the families of my father and “What now?” glances at each other row morning, and we want to leave his three brothers. They appropriated and shifted their stances, but did not the tractors here overnight.” our grain mill and brick factory, putting move from their places at the fence. Mother’s bushy eyebrows lowered young patriots in charge—strangers The four of us looked on like observers like storm clouds over a clear blue sky. who were unappreciative of the fore- in a theater—aloof, detached. By nature Mother was not one to sight, sweat, and sacrifice invested by The back door of the house creaked invite confrontation, but recent years the former owners, who now worked as as Mother opened it and peered out. had developed in her the courage to hired hands. Her blue eyes widened as she moved stand up for her convictions. She Suddenly, like the thunder of an out to the top of the four concrete spoke sweetly, choosing her words with approaching storm, a distant rumbling steps. Wiping her hands on her care. “Drago, our family has lived on shattered the silence, invading our con- embroidered linen apron, she surveyed this land for three generations. We sciousness and rattling the wall of the scene and cast a questioning didn’t sell it, so in the eyes of God it

REWS gloom that surrounded us. Our atten- glance at Father. He returned it with still belongs to our family.” C tion was jerked down the road, where raised eyebrows and a silent shrug. Drago shifted to one foot, looking ERRY

T four huge Russian-built farm tractors, uncomfortable. each pulling a four-bladed plow, were Confrontation Mother continued, “Tomorrow is rolling in our direction. As the tractors Just then a dark-green car whirred the seventh day, Drago, God’s holy drew slowly closer, the rumbling and through the front gateway, horn honk- day, a day of rest. God forbids us to LLUSTRATION BY I clacking crescendoed and the ground ing, diesel engine clacking. It drove work on that day. Don’t plow this land

ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 11, 1999 (323) 27 on the Sabbath. If you must plow it, Mara, that you honor God and your Drago frowned. “So where am I in wait until Monday.” Sabbath. My father is also a religious that picture?” Drago tilted his cap up to scratch man. In the Serbian Eastern Orthodox “You are the alien within my his dark-haired head. “Aunt Mara,” he Church the priest gives him exemption gates,” Mother replied. “Men estab- finally said with a grin, “God and reli- to gather hay and harvest crops on lished Sunday, but God blessed the gion—that’s an old idea.” He gestured Sunday if bad weather threatens. Now, seventh day and made it sacred, and widely. “The new idea is that there is you’re not telling me the Bible specifi- He forbids plowing on that day.” She no God.” His hands fell to his sides. cally forbids plowing on your holy day, turned to Exodus 34:21 and read “No, my son. Just the opposite. To are you?” He cocked his head to the aloud: “‘Six days you shall labor, but seek after God is the new idea,” side with an air of confidence. on the seventh day you shall rest; Mother replied quickly. “As long as “Drago, let me read what God says even during the plowing season and 3,000 years ago there were some who about the Sabbath.” She flipped the harvest you must rest’” (NIV). believed your idea, and the Bible gave pages to Exodus 20:8-11: “‘Remember Drago looked incredulous. He them a certain name.” the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six shook his head. This undefeated war- Drago raised an eyebrow and cast a days you shall labor and do all your rior had been defeated by a gentle lit- glimpse over his shoulder at the young work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath tle woman and a worn old book. “Let drivers. He turned to Mother with a to the Lord your God. On it you shall me see that.” He bent toward Mother puzzled look. “The Bible has a name not do any work, neither you, nor your and squinted at the book. When he for us?” son or daughter, nor your manservant or had read the words himself, his voice “Yes, Drago. You can read it yourself.” maidservant, nor your animals, nor the sounded earnest as he asked, “Tell me, “Well, I . . .” he began, but before alien within your gates. For in six days Aunt Mara, what would happen if I he could finish, Mother was climbing the Lord made the heavens and the disregarded everything you read to the steps to the house. She returned earth, the sea, and all that is in them, me?” He stroked his chin thoughtfully. with a worn-looking old black book. but he rested on the seventh day. “I don’t know, Drago. That’s God’s Slips of paper peeked out from Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath business. But I can read you what He between its dog-eared pages. day and made it holy’” (NIV). says.” Flipping through the pages to “There are two verses here written by the same man, a king.” She contin- ued as if there had been no interrup- tion, leafing through the well-marked pages to Psalm 14:1, 2. Drago immedi- ately removed his cap and put it under his arm, betraying the reverence of the old ways he had not yet forgotten. His companions did the same. “‘The fool says in his heart, “There is no God,”’” Mother read (NIV). Having finished, she offered the open Bible to Drago. His face turned crimson. “I, I’ve never held a Bible before.” He stared uncertainly at Mother and then at the book. Finally he took it carefully in his hands and read the verse where Mother’s finger pointed: “‘The fool says . . . ’” His voice faded, but his lips continued to move. He returned the book to Mother. Then he laughed a staccato, uncertain laugh. He threw a glance toward his men and shouted, “Say, fellows, this book calls us fools.” They laughed too.

Contagious Convictions When he turned back to Mother his face appeared serious. “That’s fine, Aunt

28 (324) ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 11, 1999 Ezekiel 3:19, she read: “‘But if you do and I followed close behind. Svetozar warn the wicked man and he does not The wind stiffened and rustled the (Steve) turn from his wickedness or from his tops of the leafing trees. In the west the Vitorovich evil ways, he will die for his sin; but sinking sun, having tinted and gilded is an you will have saved yourself ’” (NIV). the evening sky with a final burst of architect She let him see the words again, then ruby rays, ushered in the Sabbath. who lives in New York City. Ann closed the book. On Monday Drago and the trac- Vitorovich is a freelance writer who is Drago drew back and glared at the tors returned to plow our land, but married to Steve’s brother, Voya (left); book in Mother’s hands. He spoke never in all the years our family lived they live in Sebring, Florida. softly, as if to himself: “First this book there did anyone come to work “our” calls us fools; then it threatens us with land on my mother’s Sabbath. ■ death.” For a long minute he remained silent. Then with a sudden smile and a quick nod, he placed his cap back on his head, spun around, and strode briskly toward his car, shouting to his men as he walked. “Drive those tractors to my yard. Tomorrow we’ll plow another field.” Quickly the four men jumped onto their tractors and revved the engines. When Drago reached his car, he turned back for one last look at Mother. She was still standing where he had left her, still clasping her Bible in her hands. There was a bewildered expression on his face as he climbed into his car and started up the noisy motor. It was still there when he drove past us, nodded a greeting, and sped through the gate and down the road. One by one the four tractors fol- lowed, clacking and rumbling slowly off our property, each driver acknowl- edging us with a nod of the head or a wave as he drove past. Through the hazy cloud of dust that swirled upward in their wake, envelop- ing us like an unlikely blessing, we watched until the last tractor disap- peared. As the cloud dispersed, we looked at each other. Father and Deka had come alive. Light sparkled in their eyes, happy smiles gladdened all our faces, and praises rang out from Mother’s lips: “Thank You, Jesus!”

Confident in Him Though Father and Deka did not subscribe to Mother’s Sabbathkeeping faith, they were inspired by her courage. In a time when the struggle was no longer to survive the war but to endure the peace, here was a small vic- tory. Deka turned toward his house. Father put his arm around Mother’s shoulder, and they walked home. Voya

ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 11, 1999 (325) 29 dean, Lakpahana Adventist College and August 3, 1998. Seminary, Mailapitiya, Sri Lanka, and Marilyn Paul Pichot, returning to serve as vice rec- Kay Gantz left Los Angeles September 30, 1998. tor, Adventist University, Zurcher Campus, Stephen Roscoe Guptill, returning to serve Antananarivo, Madagascar, Rupelin Pichot, and as education director, Southern Asia-Pacific three children left Washington, D.C., August Division, Silang, Cavite, Philippines, and 18, 1998. Margaret Davis Guptill left Los Angeles July 12, Byron Lewis Reynolds, returning to serve as 1998. physical therapist, Mission Health Promotion Johan R. Haakmat, returning to serve as Center, Saraburi, Thailand, Carol Reynolds, assistant professor of religion, West Indies and three sons left San Francisco June 14, 1998. College, Jamaica, West Indies, and Olga Edwin Earl Reynolds, returning to serve as Veronica Haakmat left Miami August 9, 1998. associate professor of New Testament, Adventist Myron Allen Iseminger, returning to serve International Institute of Advanced Studies, as treasurer, Egypt Field, Heliopolis, Egypt, Silang, Cavite, Philippines, Connie Reynolds, Candace Iseminger, and one child left Portland, and two children left Seattle September 24, 1998. Regular Missionary Oregon, August 12, 1998. Gerald Eugene Rogers, returning to serve as Kenneth Paul Jameson, returning to serve as construction supervisor, Cambodia Attached Service manager, Southern Publishing Association, Cape District, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and Sharon Town, South Africa, and Patricia Ann Jameson Kay Rogers left San Francisco June 28, 1998. left San Francisco September 6, 1998. Duane Clifton Rollins, returning to serve as The following persons have left their Kwangrae Andrew Kim, to serve as dentist, treasurer, Guam-Micronesia Mission, Agana homes to work in other countries or to Guam SDA Clinic, Tamuning, Guam, Sunhee Heights, Guam, and Marilyn LaVonne Rollins return to missionary service. Please Connie Kim, and one child, of Colton, left Houston August 3, 1998. remember them in your prayers. California, left Los Angeles June 20, 1998. Kenneth Dale Rose, returning to serve as Richard William Ludders, returning to serve physician, Penang Adventist Hospital, Pulau as director of Saipan Adventist Clinic, Saipan, Pinang, Malaysia, Lana Dee Rose, and three Charles Donald Arnett, returning to serve Heidi Ludders, and two children left Detroit children left Los Angeles October 6, 1998. as director of the dental clinic at Community July 1, 1998. Donald Dean Sandquist, returning to serve Hospital of SDA, Trinidad, West Indies, and R. Martin Moores, returning to serve as as dentist, St. Kitts Dental Clinic, Basseterre, St. Janet Edna Arnett left New York September 3, treasurer, Northern Asia-Pacific Division, Kitts, West Indies, and Esther Jane Sandquist 1998. Koyang City, Korea, left Halifax, Nova Scotia, left Seattle September 8, 1998. Ronald Dean Bissell, returning to serve as August 22, 1998. Robert Lynn Stacey, returning to serve as theology professor, Adventist International Arne Nielsen, returning to serve as princi- dentist, Palau SDA Clinic, Koror, Palau, Institute of Advanced Studies, Silang, Cavite, pal, Maxwell Adventist Academy, Nairobi Western Caroline Islands, Jeannine Stacey, and Philippines, and Anne Alethea Bissell left Kenya, East Africa, Colleen Nielsen, and three two children left Los Angeles July 29, 1998. Seattle August 10, 1998. children left Atlanta August 9, 1998. Anthony Markus Stahl, returning to serve Naomi Bullard, returning to serve as nursing Harold Eugene Peters, to serve as presi- as finance director, ADRA/Nicaragua, Managua, instructor and department chairperson, dent, Pacific Adventist University, Boroko, Nicaragua, and Karina Virgith Stahl left University of Eastern Africa Baraton, Eldoret, Papua New Guinea, and Verna Ruth Peters, Houston June 14, 1998. Kenya, East Africa, left Miami July 8, 1998. of New Port Richey, Florida, left San Francisco Perry Dean Burtch, returning to serve as dentist, Yaounde Dental Clinic, Yaounde, Cameroon, and Monita Jean Burtch left Los Angeles May 8, 1998. Richard Eugene Clark, returning to serve as associate professor, Adventist University of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines, Janice Lee Clark, and three children left Minneapolis May 27, 1998. Mario Alfredo Collins, returning to serve as editor in chief, Inter-American Division Publishing Ministry, Montemorelos, Mexico, and Luisa Domato Collins left McAllen, Texas, September 21, 1998. William Quinton Dickerson, returning to serve as principal, Bangkok Overseas Church School, Bangkok, Thailand, and Elizabeth Grace Dickerson left Seattle July 29, 1998. Ellis Wayne Easley, returning to serve as teacher, Maxwell Adventist Academy, Nairobi, Kenya, and Wanda Lee Easley left Washington, D.C., August 5, 1998. Paul Wilbur Essig, Jr., returning to serve as educational consultant, Lakpahana Adventist College and Seminary, Mailapitiya, Sri Lanka, and Karen Jean Essig left Memphis July 26, 1998. Garey Edwin Gantz, returning to serve as

30 (326) ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 11, 1999 REFLECTIONS You Want to Go BY KATHLEEN TAYLOR Where?

t was class night at my daughter’s high school gradua- having an apartment. The other SMs were great. Things tion. When Laura’s turn came to talk about her goals were going well. Could we send materials to help individu- she announced to the world (and to the humiliation of alized learning and to brighten up the classroom, and small the family) that her ambition was toys to pass out at branch Sabbath to live in a trailer on the beach school? We used every inch of space in Iand spend her days surfing. the boxes we sent. Then in the middle of her freshman Thanksgiving approached. The mes- year at college (and perhaps to make it sages were beginning to sound desperate. more palatable to the family) she Teaching was hard; discipline was hard. decided to do this as a student mis- The SMs we talked to assured us this was sionary (SM) in the middle of the pretty normal for this time of year, that Pacific Ocean on the island of Majuro. the Christmas trip to Guam would help. Quite frankly, we hoped she knew We prayed that all of them would make what she was doing. it until Christmas. We learned that we After quizzing the students we knew may not be able to be there when our who had served as missionaries in this young people need us, but God can part of the world we learned that each always be there. student missionary’s experience is quite different. This We had been encouraged by the parents of former SMs to mean that the list of essentials differs as well. Because Laura visit if at all possible. Our family agonized over the money was working at summer camp, it fell my lot to buy these for a trip and eventually decided that I should go alone. I things. One of the must-have items was shampoo to pre- learned that these SMs are the finest young people you can vent skin rot and lice. This was embarrassing, as the sales- imagine. I was able to observe Laura in the classroom, and I people naturally concluded that I must have the problems was very proud. She was doing a good job despite all the the shampoo was to correct. misgivings she had about her teaching. One former student missionary suggested that a bread- maker was a perfect thing to take. hat else did I learn from my daughter’s time as “What?” I said. “That’s ridiculous. Even I don’t own a an SM? I learned once again that God cares breadmaker.” Wmore about my daughter than I do. I learned But others agreed. We debated and we prayed. God pro- that He will keep His promise to be with her even if she vided a lightweight used breadmaker that Laura used almost herself may not realize that He is there. I learned that He every day. I learned that God cares about even small things is already making something beautiful of the life that He that affect our comfort when He has a job for us to do. has given this child of mine. I learned that I can let my Four young men told us that dehydrated fruit sent by one daughter go out for a year to surf on the South Pacific or mother was a lifesaver. Without a large variety of fruit avail- anywhere else God wants her to go and He will be there. able other than bananas and coconuts, the two buckets of She may come back with teeth that really need cleaning, dried apricots she sent lasted only two weeks. Would she a messed-up complexion, four-inch surf scars, and a pro- please send more? She was sorry to inform him that they tein deficiency, but nonetheless she will be stronger and had eaten the entire crop from eight trees. better than she was before He gave her that task. ■ With this forewarning we began to dehydrate every type TOCK S of fruit that was available. We dried strawberries, can- Kathleen Taylor is a mother who writes from taloupe, kiwis, peaches, pears, apricots, blueberries, cranber- IGITAL Angwin, California.

© D ries, tomatoes, and yes, you can dehydrate watermelon. We talked to Laura a few days after she arrived in HOTO P Majuro. The roommate situation was good. It was fun

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