Contents june 2008 In Every Issue

3 | Editorial

4 | Newsline

8 | Potluck

Newsletters 10 25 Allegheny East 27 Allegheny West News & Features 29 Chesapeake 31 Columbia Union College 33 Highland View Academy 10 | Remembering the Vision 35 Mountain View Some 3,500 people gathered recently in Ohio to commemorate 37 Mt. Vernon Academy the 150th anniversary of the vision that led Adventist co-founder 39 New Jersey Ellen G. White to write The Great Controversy. We take you there through photos and quotes. 41 Ohio 43 Pennsylvania 14 | What Does The Great 45 Potomac 47 Shenandoah Valley Controversy Mean to You? Academy Have you read or recently re-read Ellen White’s prolific work 48 Takoma Academy The Great Controversy? Why is it so significant to our church and future? As you contemplate its meaning in your life, read what attendees at last month’s commemorative gathering had to say. 51 | Bulletin Board 16 | 10 Tip-Top Students 56 | Last Words Brian Jones This graduation season, we pause to recognize the Columbia Union Conference’s On the Web Caring Heart Award recipi - Stay connected to your church ents. On top of studying, family. Stop by regularly to enjoy working, and engaging in current news, videos, podcasts, photo blogs, and more. extracurricular sports, music, or spiritual activities, these columbiaunion.org exemplary students demon -

strate personal commitment to About the Cover: These service and witnessing. Meet this year’s awardees from the Columbia Union presidents Columbia Union’s 10 academies and find out why they are tops! gathered in Kettering, Ohio, last month at Ridgeleigh Terrace, the one-time mansion of inventor Charles F. Kettering. It currently serves as headquarters for Kettering Adventist HealthCare. Photo by Lee Ann Yahle.

2 | VISITOR Editorial dave weigley

Remember the Vision, Experience the Mission

f you don’t become a Seventh-day Adventist, I’ll never marry you!” Those were the words my father heard after proposing to his would-be bride. And before Ihe led my mother down the aisle, he did indeed join the church. Pretty interest - ing way to do evangelism, don’t you think? But my mother, Hazel Gates Weigley, was convinced that the message of this church was important. If she were going to marry and raise a family, it would be a family of Seventh-day Adventists. This conviction my mother possessed came from becoming acquainted with the book The Great Controversy . Her faith journey began when a colporteur sold a copy of this prophetic work to her sister and brother-in-law, Evelyn and Darwin Heisey. As they read it, they were intrigued and decided to take Bible studies from the local Adventist pastor, who hap - pened to be the father of It Is Written founder George Vandeman. After sharing with the other family members what they had learned, my mother, her brother Merle Gates, and their mother—my grand - mother Nannie—decided to become Seventh-day Adventists along with Evelyn and Darwin. All of this came about because of The Great Controversy , which its author, Ellen G. White, said she “appreciated above silver or gold.”

GETTING TO THE CORE What is it about this book that makes it so special, and why would we recognize the 150th anniver - sary of its writing? The Great Controversy was the last of five books in White’s Conflict of the Ages series, a collection of books that should be in every home. They identify the great struggle between Christ and Satan that culminates in Christ’s final victory and the restoration of this world to its original Edenic beau - ty. According to White, it outlines the closing scenes of Earth’s history and bears powerful testimony on behalf of the truth. “I am more anxious to see a wide circula - tion for this book than for any others I have written; for in The Great Controversy , the last message of warning to the world is given more distinctly than in any of my other books …” she noted in Colporteur Ministry , pp. 127-128. This really gets to the core of why there is a On March 30, 1858, in this Lovett’s Grove, Seventh-day Adventist movement and why there is a Ohio, schoolhouse, Adventist co-founder need to share the timely message of Revelation 14 with Ellen G. White experienced an enlightening the entire world. vision about the “great controversy” To help us understand it better and prepare for the between Christ and Satan. end of time, God called a dedicated woman who became a vessel in His hand. She received a powerful vision outlining the major issues facing the church through the ages—issues that when closely studied are the bedrock theme of the Holy Bible and also are seen more and more in these end times. We, too, have the privilege of seeing a glimpse of this vision as we study, pray, and open ourselves to the leading of the Holy Spirit. And as my mother, father, aunt, and grandmother did in the years after they accepted this truth, we can find joy in sharing these truths with our family, friends, commu - nity, and the world, letting them know that the conflict is almost ended and Jesus is soon to return. So I again encourage you to read or re-read The Great Controversy and remember the vision. And, as you study and pray, commit yourself to experience the mission!

Dave Weigley ([email protected]) is president of the Columbia Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Visit his photo blog at columbiaunion.org.

JUNE 2008 | 3 Newsline celeste ryan blyden

Church Smith was the lyricist for the Baltimore Youth Communication official 2005 General Conference Receive Governor’s Leader Dies Session song. Titled “Jesus Award Christ How We Adore You,” he Reger C. Smith Jr ., associate The United Youth Service wrote it to portray “Christ’s communication director for Corps, a ministry of Seventh- many facets as a provider, men - public rela - day Adventist youth from tor, creator, and redeemer.” tions for the Baltimore-area churches, was He leaves a wife, Delores; a worldwide honored recently as a recipient daughter, Katie, and son, Ross; Seventh-day of the Governor’s Volunteer two sisters; and his parents. An Adventist Service Award. Four youth and older sister preceded him in Church, four adult members of the corps death 10 years ago. died last —Adventist accepted the award from month following a lengthy News Network Maryland Lt. Gov. Anthony illness. He was 54. Brown (center). Throughout 27 years of service Kettering College to his church, the talented graphic Graduates Record 294 designer worked in public rela - At its 40th annual commence - tions at Hadley Memorial ment, Kettering College of Hospital in Washington, D.C., co- Medical Arts conferred degrees owned a Maryland-based graphic and certificates on a record 294 design firm, worked at the graduates. This eclipses last Review and Herald Publishing year’s record of 237 graduates Association in Hagerstown, Md., and marks the third straight and even designed and wrote for record-setting graduation class. A ministry of Baltimore the Visitor magazine. He used his Commencement speaker, Adventist Community Services, photography and design skills on Alvin Jackson, MD , an the United Youth Service Corps numerous projects, creating Allegheny West Conference is comprised of 120 youth from brochures, banners, and other member and director of the 12 churches. Members gather public relations materials for Ohio Department of Health, each month to learn about a churches, schools, ministries, and spoke about specific community concern other church organizations. He growing up (homelessness, AIDS, etc.) and was the prime coordinator for the in the south, explore ways they can partner 2003 construction of a visitor’s in a commu - with the community to address center at the Adventist World nity founded such issues. “Our goal is to Headquarters, seen by more than by former teach youth how to model 7,000 people each year. slaves after Christ’s method of ministry,” A longtime member of the Civil War. He shared how says Pastor Darriel Hoy (far Allegheny East Conference’s this tight-knit community not right) who facilitates the corps Breath of Life church in Fort only looked after each other, but in partnership with church Washington, Md., he was also looked after their own health - youth leaders and youth pas - duly regarded as a talented care needs. That upbringing ulti - tors.— Trish Swann musician, composer, arranger, mately guided him to a life that and singer. In addition to per - has been dedicated to serving Correction —An article forming at his church and the underserved. He challenged by Hamlet Canosa, EdD, vice churches across the country, he the graduates to use their God- president for Education at the was involved with numerous given gifts to help change the Columbia Union Conference, musical groups, including the world. Look within your hearts has been printed in the Summer well-known Breath of Life and provide a glimmer of hope issue of The Journal of Adventist Quartet and Heritage Singers. for those who are less fortunate, Education. See http: //educa - Many people don’t know that he said. —Mindy Claggett tion.gc.adventist.org/jae.

4 | VISITOR Newsline

Outstanding Choral Conductors New Music Guild Honors 22 Jerry Taylor, Kettering (Ohio) church and David Green, Seabrook church, Lanham, Md. wenty-two professional of musical gifts in the church, and highly talented and develop training programs Outstanding Accompanist T Victoria Alma Castello, Metropolitan musicians from around the to enhance musical ability in church, Hyattsville, Md., and Columbia Union were honored young musicians. The awards Reginald Reid, Community Praise recently during the first Guild program is their newest venture. Center, Alexandria, Va. of Adventist Musicians Music “I am grateful to all who Outstanding Band Director Awards Ceremony. Run like a played a part in bringing this Tim Vandeman, Takoma Academy, project to fruition,” said Nelson. Takoma Park, Md. (pictured, center) Churches and schools across Outstanding Music Teacher the union submitted nominations Esther Wroten, Dupont Park church, in 2007, while a panel of hand - Washington, D.C. picked judges recently selected Outstanding Minister of Music the winners in eight categories. Erich Mace, Hampden Heights At the awards program held church, Reading, Pa. at the Adventist World Headquarters in Silver Spring, Outstanding Church Pianist Mary Ann Sisson, Hightstown (N.J.) Hollywood-studded Grammy Md., Pastor Charles Tapp of church Awards ceremony, the event Potomac Conference’s Seabrook featured numerous musical church in Lanham, Md., used his Outstanding Organist performances, speeches, and Marcellus Breach, Capital Memorial church, Washington, D.C. well-deserved applause. Jeanette Nelson , a music Most Valuable Assistant educator and member of Josepha Hammond, Dupont Park church Allegheny East Conference’s (AEC) Rising Star Award Dupont Park Wendell David Phipps, Seabrook church in church Washington, Lifetime of Excellence in Music: D.C., found - rich, bass voice to serve as the Virginia-Gene Rittenhouse, ed the Guild show’s announcer. Then emcees Columbia Union College, Takoma of Adventist Jude Patrick, MD, MPH, of AEC’s Park, Md. (pictured, below) Musicians in 1991 with nine Capitol Hill church and David Alma Blackmon, Dupont Park charter members. Its mission is Starks of AEC’s Dupont Park church to encourage and promote excel - church, both in the nation’s capi - Eugene Reid, Emmanuel-Brinklow lence in the performance of tal, revealed the winners (listed). church, Ashton, Md. sacred music, provide a forum One special segment of the Allen Breach, Dupont Park church for mutual support of Adventist show was the announcement of musicians, stimulate expression the Alyne Dumas Lee Award, Edward Jackson, Dupont Park church presented to up-and-coming Laddie Bell, Seabrook church

Y musician Sheri Jackson also of H P

A Dupont Park church. Nevilla Ottley, Metropolitan church R G O T “This was an evening I will Francisco de Araujo, Frederick O H

P never, ever forget,” concluded (Md.) church N E E one attendee about the event. R Charles Lee Brooks (posthumous), G

Y “There were many performances First church, Washington, D.C. B S

O worthy of Carnegie Hall,” T Gwendolyn and Allen Foster, O H P added another. —Beth Michaels Ebenezer church, Philadelphia

JUNE 2008 | 5 Newsline celeste ryan blyden Retired Columbia Union Presidents Honored he highlight of the midyear current president, Dave Weigley. Tmeeting of the Columbia Honorees, accompanied by Union Conference Executive wives or family members, were Committee, held in Kettering, presented with centennial Ohio, last month, was a special mementos and displays that fea - luncheon honoring six retired tured photos, quotes, and high - presidents of the Columbia lights from their tenures. They Union Conference. Themed included William Quigley, who “Celebrating a Century of served from 1973-78 and co- presided with his predecessor Cree Sandefur (deceased) over the first ordination of a woman as church elder; Ron Wisbey, who served from 1985-1994 and implemented the “Vision 2000” initiative that positioned the site in Columbia, Md., and Neal local church as the central focus C. Wilson, who led from 1962-66 of the denomination; Ralph and went on to serve as presi - Martin (left), who served from dent of the worldwide Seventh- 1994-97 and was noted for train - day Adventist Church. ing and developing future lead - “You inspired my life and

Leadership,” the event was the culmination of the union’s year - long centennial celebration. It historically brought to the same location those who led the union for over half of its 100-year exis - tence. Since it was organized in 1907, the Columbia Union has had 16 presidents, including the

ers; and Harold Lee (above), ministry,” said Weigley, elected who served from 1998-2006 and after Lee’s 2006 retirement. He was remembered for establishing thanked them for their dedicat - a global mission service initiative ed leadership, service to God’s and adopting the theme “help - church, and example to current ing people celebrate God’s leaders. “You led faithfully, and transforming grace.” Also hon - may we also lead in such a way ored, but not present due to that those who come behind us health concerns, were Wallace find us faithful.” Coe, who led from 1978-85 and The keynote speaker for the spearheaded the relocation of the tribute was Charles Bradford union headquarters to its current (left), retired president of the

6 | VISITOR Newsline

North American Division. He highly, and we also are so reminisced about the former thrilled to see the progress this presidents and his connections union is making beyond what to the Columbia Union during we saw or expected. The church their tenures. They also remi - has blossomed and grown in a nisced and expressed their beautiful way.” appreciation for the event. “I spent nine years in Potomac Conference and three- Retired president Ron Wisbey, plus years in the Columbia who now serves on the board of Union. They were such pleasant Versacare, Inc., an organization days, but I doubt that any day that provides grants for creative was more enjoyable than this ministry projects, unveiled “I Was particular day when I was able Hungry … .” This specially com - to come back and be honored missioned Nathan Greene painting with the other former union will be featured in one of Kettering presidents,” said Martin whose Adventist HealthCare’s facilities sentiment was shared by all. and encourages viewers to show “It’s a reunion that we value compassion to their fellow man.

Celebrating Leadership: The current and retired Columbia Union Conference presidents standing with their spouses are (left to right) Dave and Becky Weigley, William Quigley, Joann and Ralph Martin, Barbara and Harold Lee, and Delores and Ron Wisbey. Photo by Lee Ann Yahle

JUNE 2008 | 7 Potluck beth michaels

What’s New? teach your participants about the Keeping kings and queens of the Bible Book > Politics and our true heritage as children Score and Prophecy of the King of Kings. Produced This new release begins with in partnership with the North Internet Use by Columbia an introduction on the founda - American Division, their evan - Union Members tions of freedom and the role of gelism kit—complete with liberty in prophecy, music, manuals for each station 79% Personal Internet Access then tackles reli - of learning, and a CD with print - (General Public) gious freedom in able resources—is designed for a 60% Personal Internet Access the workplace, the five-day VBS program that marriage debate, accommodates many different 50% Using Broadband and more. The book styles of learning. “Our hope is 21% Using Dial-up combines the that each child who experiences insights of eight the program will come away Source: Center for Creative Ministry/ highly qualified not only better understanding Columbia Union Conference 2007 Survey experts, including three of the the character of God, but also Columbia Union’s own—Dave embracing their own place as a Morgan, Jonathan Gallagher, child of the and James Standish. King,” says Insight magazine, theFlow— “The reader will gain the Candy “where people talk about the background to understand past DeVore, the Water of Life ”—is clean and events but also, more importantly , company’s Christ centered. new events as they develop,” children’s “Our goal is to connect with explains Standish, Seventh-day religious youth on their level and interact Adventist Church director of education with them in a way they are Legislative Affairs and a member resource familiar,” says Nick Bejarano, of the Capital Memorial church coordinator and member of the site administrator. “We also want in Washington, D.C. “You don’t Highland View church. Get start - to create a place where youth of have to be an Adventist ed at adventistbookcenter.com. all faiths can come and learn Christian to realize that the inter - —Celeste Ryan Blyden about our unique Adventist mes - section of religion and public sage and what it has to offer policy is of critical importance. Social them in the 21st century.” We have unique insights that Networking To make new friends, visit allow us to lead—not simply to Website > theFlow http: //insightmagazine.ning.com. parrot—the beliefs of others.” Move over MySpace! Christian Learn to protect your rights youth now have safe Internet ter - by picking up a copy at your ritory to mingle, create profiles, WholeHealth local Adventist Book Center. upload videos, start discussions, and join groups. Created by Little Things Matter Resource > Keeping track of our daily VBS Program Kit eating patterns is one of the Castles and keys to successful weight man - Crowns: A Royal agement. However, scientists at Adventure the USDA’s Beltsville Human Are you gearing up for this Nutrition Research Center in summer’s Vacation Bible School Maryland found that people do (VBS)? The Review and Herald not necessarily remember their Publishing Association in past accurately. When they Hagerstown, Md., wants you to asked 98 men and women how

8 | VISITOR What You Bring to the Table much they ate in a 24-hour In the Spotlight > Al Newhart period, they found that six out of seven women underre - ou’ve seen him at conven - For decades the powerful ported by an average of 621 Ytions, churches, camp meet - messages were immortalized calories, and six out of 10 men ings, retreats, and even General on cassette, but now Newhart underreported by an average Conference Sessions, fastidi - and his wife and ministry part - of 581 calories. ously setting up his recording ner, Marion—members of Often it isn’t the type and machines and equipping speak - Pennsylvania Conference’s volume of food eaten during ers with microphones. In case Harrisburg First church—offer mealtimes that is forgotten, but you’ve wondered, that tall, CDs, DVDs, and even MP3 the seemingly insignificant “lit - lanky gentleman with the files. With the demise of cas - tle” bites of food throughout white hair and warm grin is sette tapes, they recently the day: the Pringles chip sample Al Newhart, founder of changed the name to American at the grocery store (10 calories); American Cassette Ministries. Christian Ministries. “But,” the midafternoon His 33-year-old ministry notes Al, “once in a while we chocolate kiss (25 houses some 20,000 record - still get requests for cassettes.” calories); the oat - ings—the “biggest archive of To get your sermons; semi - meal cookie picked Adventist speakers in the nars; nature DVDs; music CDs; up in the break room world.” His 48-page catalog and copies of the children’s (35 calories), and the reads like a who’s who among program, Your Story Hour , visit food sampled while renowned Adventist preachers americanchristianministries.org cooking dinner or and evangelists including or call (800) 233-4450. —Celeste during clean up. C.D. Brooks, Joe Crews, Doug Ryan Blyden The impact of Batchelor, and many other these little bites adds up. A reg - greats who have delivered ular daily intake of merely 50 powerful sermons and testi - extra calories adds up to a five- monies you’d like to hear again. pound weight gain over the It all started in 1975 when year. If you struggle to main - 52-year-old Newhart, an engi - tain a healthy weight, challenge neer for Bell Telephone, retired yourself to pay attention to the early because he felt impressed little things. They matter. —Lilly by the Holy Spirit to start a Tryon, MSN, RN, Adventist tape ministry. “Then, out of WholeHealth Wellness Center the blue, I got a call from longtime Adventist revivalist Emilio Knechtle asking me to tape his messages,” recalls Newhart. He did that for Web Watch 20-plus years, promoting Knechtle’s recordings world - wide. He expanded the min - religiousliberty.info istry at the request of other speakers who wanted to make Access more resources, get free their keynote sermons or semi - email updates about our unique nars available to the masses. Adventist perspective on religious “Many people have been liberty, and learn how to be a part changed by listening to the of the annual Religious Liberty tapes because they highlight Summit this year, June 12-14. Christ, share the gospel, and dis - pel deception,” says Newhart.

JUNE 2008 | 9 Remembering the Vision

I CAME FOR THE FELLOWSHIP and to hear Elder 3,500 Commemorate [Charles] Bradford,” said William Rodriguez, from the Lorain (Ohio) Spanish church. “I came to hear Smuts Van Great Controversy Rooyen and he did not disappoint,” said Worthington Vision, Book, Message (Ohio) member Suzy Juarros. “I came to hear the Heritage Singers,” said Joe Marrow of Cincinnati’s Shiloh church. “I By Celeste Ryan Blyden came to hear the messages,” said Beverly Banga-an who traveled with a small group from Taylor Mill, Ky. They joined some 3,500 members and leaders who gathered in Kettering, Ohio, last month for a special event commemorating the 150th anniversary of the vision that sparked Ellen White’s writing of The Great Controversy. Sponsored by the Ohio Conference, Kettering Adventist HealthCare, and the Columbia Union Conference, the Sabbath event was packed with inspiring messages, all types of music, and well- planned programs for all ages. “It was great to wake up and see so many people gathering here,” said Carrie Smith, a dormitory student at Kettering College of Medical Arts. “I wanted to see what it was all about.” According to Raj Attiken, president of the Ohio Conference, which spearheaded the event, it was all about inspiration, fellowship, heritage, solidarity, and hope in the long- awaited advent of Jesus Christ. “It’s good for us to tell the story and to recognize that our lives and what we do are part of the larger story of God, His universe, and this con - troversy that’s going on,” he said. “Events like this give us a sense of the movement of history within the church and a future we can embrace and shape as we remain faith - ful both to the gospel and to the mission that God has given us.” Jan Paulsen, president of the worldwide Seventh-day Adventist Church and speak - er for divine worship, commended the organizers on their efforts: “This is a wonderful occasion,” he said. “Apart from the fact that we’ve come together to remember and cel - ebrate, what a spiritual fellowship this has been, what a wonderful experience of nur - turing the family in the faith that we share.”

10 | VISITOR While the young adults packed the Kettering church sanctuary and the youth enjoyed activities in the gym, the adults filled this tent to overflowing.

Speaker Smuts Vocalist Kenniecia Van Rooyen Grant sings appeal for speaker Charles Bradford. E L H

A Event Coordinator Y

N Hubert Cisneros N A E E L D N A

, A R I E V I L O E D S U L L E C R A M

, N E D Y L B N A Y R E T S E L E C Y

B Raj Attikan greets S

O attendees. T O H P FROM THE PULPIT

Most Adventists are so familiar with Ellen White’s insights regarding the ongoing cosmic conflict between Christ and Satan that we almost take them for granted. Our understanding of the great controversy impacts nearly everything that we believe and practice. It has brought us profound theological understanding of such truths as the character of God, the origin of sin, and God’s solution to the sin problem, to name a few. But also, in practical, day-to-day ways, those same insights into the cosmic battle now raging impact the way we think, live, worship, and share our faith. —James R. Nix, director, Ellen G. White Estate

Today we have gathered to remember a vision—a distinct message—given by our Lord to a brand new movement a century and a half ago. Many years have passed since that vision was given, and all of the pioneers have since gone to their rest awaiting its final fulfillment. But the vision and the mission of that young movement have not changed. It is still our mission and purpose to give the clari - on call of the three angels’ messages of Revelation 14 and prepare the world for the return of Jesus Christ. —Dave Weigley, president, Columbia Union Conference

The gift of God in Jesus Christ was and is God’s solution to the sin problem. It’s the only thing that’s going to secure victory in the great contro - versy. There is no other solution; there is no other answer. So the initiative God has taken in Jesus Christ is an offer to us, which we must accept if we’re going to be on the winning side. If we don’t accept this offer, there is no victory for us. Jesus Christ is God’s only solution. —Jan Paulsen, president, Seventh-day Adventist Church Young Adult Speaker Clarissa Worley Sproul

God’s vision is to restore and heal the universe. The core mission of the great controversy is to unite the entire universe in Christ. In Ephesians 1 we learn that the tool God uses is the church, which means that somehow this remnant that God has called into being through Revelation is going to play a central role. … One of the problems with the remnant concept is that it strikes people in today’s world as arrogant and self- serving. And that’s not the case. Historical remnants in the Bible were always flawed. They were never per - fect, they had people who made mistakes, and they had people who were not faithful to the message. But God will use a flawed people with a mission. … So, we’re flawed, we’re challenged, but we have a great God and a great message. There is no greater mission on this Earth. —Jon Paulien, dean, School of Religion, Loma Linda University (Calif.)

JUNE 2008 | 13 What Does the Great Controversy Mean to You?

The vision Ellen White had gives us context and structure for a world - view that is premised in hope. This helps us make sense of the pain and suffering in the world and gives us a sense of peace that ulti - mately all things will work together. It’s also an affirmation that God has been involved in this movement from the inception, and we know that He’s continuing to lead. —Karl Haffner (left), senior pastor, Kettering Church; speaker, young adult worship service

It’s all about the war for our souls. It’s going on constantly around us, and it’s really important that we are aware of it. Ellen White was an inspired speaker and a lot of her materials really helped me understand the Bible and a lot of other things better. —Carrie Smith (above), student, Kettering College of Medical Arts

This book helps me understand why we have sin in the world, about the history of the Christian church in general, and why I’m a Seventh-day Adventist. I wish members understood that this conflict between Christ and Satan is going to continue all the way to the end, and then there will be confirmation that God is God. —Joe Marrow (left), Shiloh Church, Cincinnati It means that there’s hope for humanity and hope for our A speaker asked how many of us are tired of this world, and salvation. We are in the end times, and we need to hurry up I am in many ways… . The controversy goes on, however, the and spread the message because we’re running out of battle is already won, and we don’t need to worry. I know time. —William Rodriguez, Lorain Spanish Church where my heart is, I know where my home is, I know my fam - ily’s going to be there, so I’m not anxious or worried. I’m not It’s a very enlightening book that has great authority and thinking about the end in any kind of scary way. I know Jesus messages for the last times. It’s important to know, as the loves me and wants me to be in heaven with Him. And that’s end of time draws near, what events that are going to take a positive thing. —Suzy Juarros, Worthington Church place and how to be ready for those events. —Leonard Lewis, Clifton Church, Cincinnati As part of the remnant we have a huge responsibility that we cannot run away from—to be true to our Lord every moment of our lives and to be able to confirm for our communities the times in which we live and help clarify what is com - ing. —Frank Perez, president and CEO, Kettering Adventist HealthCare; event co-sponsor

see more photos at columbiaunion.org

JUNE 2008 | 15 Tip-Top 10 Students Meet the 2007-08 Caring Heart Award Recipients

n March we featured exemplary year’s Caring Heart Award to Matt Master in principals and schools in the Visitor . thankfulness and appreciation for his example. Now, in this graduation season, we spotlight exemplary students who recently received the Caring Heart 2•Michael McDowell Award. This Christian Service Happy to Give Back Recognition Award honors second - ary school students who have Michael McDowell is receiving scholarship funds demonstrated a personal commit - from the Commonweal Association and has to ment to service and witnessing maintain community service hours. However, the activities. Every year a junior or real reason this junior at Potomac Conference’s senior from each Adventist acade - Takoma Academy (TA) does community service is my is chosen to receive the award, to give back to his neighborhood and church— which includes a $500 scholarship Potomac’s Pennsylvania Avenue church in Capitol to be used toward a mission trip or Heights, Md. Many people have done good things college tuition. The North American for McDowell, and he is so thankful that he feels Division Board of Education estab - he must give back. lished the scholarship with private One experience that will have a lasting impact on funding. Congratulations to the him was volunteering for Share-A-Thon, a fundrais - Columbia Union recipients: er for WGTS, Columbia Union College’s radio sta - tion. He loved answering the phones and had the opportunity to be on air, which meant a lot to him. 1•Matthew Master TA requires 20 hours of community service for A Driving Force for Good each year of attendance, but McDowell has already logged over 400 hours in his three years of Whether it is leading fellow students in worship, attendance. That’s why he’s TA’s Caring Heart visiting the elderly, participating in a mission Award recipient. trip, or touring to spread God’s love through music, if something is happening to benefit oth - ers, Matt Master is not far away. This four-year 3•Seth Mayers senior at Pennsylvania Conference’s Blue Caring in so Many Ways Mountain Academy (BMA) has served in numer - ous leadership positions including Student Ever since he first enrolled in Potomac’s Association (SA) president. Not only has he Richmond Academy (RA) in the sixth grade, sen - taken part in dozens of service activities and ior Seth Mayers has shown a willingness to help tasks, he routinely is the creative, driving force in any capacity, with a graciousness that is rare. behind them. Indeed BMA has been blessed by He has put up Christmas trees, carried risers, the passion of his leadership and the openness of painted buildings, raked leaves, hauled comput - his heart. That’s why we chose to bestow this ers, delivered Christmas presents, dug holes for

16 | VISITOR playground equipment, and performed many 5•Andy Ford other acts of service. In 2005 his quick thinking Always Willing to Serve and knowledge of CPR helped save his cousin’s life after a Motocross racing accident. At Ohio Conference’s Spring Valley Academy Today Mayers also serves in a position of great (SVA), senior Andy Ford is known for his will - trust as a student operator of RA’s computer net - ingness to serve. His desire to help those in need work. RA’s kindergartners run to play with him and is so great that he regularly volunteers in the have given him the nickname “Cornbread.” He, in campus ministry program at SVA, helping with turn, has nicknames for them and enjoys giving youth rallies, vespers, and Bible studies. For them attention. several years he has assisted the Kettering Through the years, Mayers has shown outstand - (Ohio) church with children’s and youth min - ing sportsmanship in competition swimming, istries programs. And this year, he so wanted to soccer, and Motocross racing. He loves to work participate in SVA’s mission trip to the Holbrook with his hands and is currently rebuilding a 1973 Indian Reservation that he worked extra shifts to Toyota FJ40. He is also pursuing a pilot’s license raise the money. and would eventually like to be a helicopter pilot. Indeed, Ford has shown a spirit that is worthy of being recognized with the Caring Heart Award.

4•Julie Marques Leading by Example

Graduating senior Julie Marques will long be remembered at Chesapeake Conference’s Highland View Academy (HVA). She came to HVA from Brazil at the end of her freshman year. Though she was not proficient in English, she got involved right away. Her caring attitude, ready smile, and genuine interest in others immediately won her many friends. Teachers also quickly came to love this intelligent, highly motivated student. During her junior year, Marques was elected class president, and this year served as SA’s public relations officer. She proved to be 1 a very capable leader, yet 5 2 could often be found quietly working behind the scenes. In 4 3 addition to her leadership roles, she engaged in Bible retreats, nursing home visitations, the 30-Hour Famine, and Operation Christmas Child. Perhaps Marques, whose calm - ing confidence has a positive impact on everyone she encoun - ters, can best be described as someone who leads and serves by example—and with love! supplies, made greeting cards, and prayed with people. In addition, she helped plan weekly pro - grams for her peers. Her eagerness to participate often spilled over to her friends and peers, engaging many in various proj - ects and ministries. For these and other demonstrations of selfless service, MVA is proud to acknowl - edge Stertz as this year’s caring heart recipient.

6 10 7 7•Morgan Jedamski 9 8 A True Gentleman

Morgan Jedamski is a true gentle - man. He has the rare ability to see and answer needs before being asked. If there’s a door to be opened or a heavy load to be carried, this four-year senior at Potomac’s Shenandoah Valley Academy (SVA) can always be counted on to help. Over the years, he has participated in SVA’s Spring Break mission trips, Sabbath afternoon trips to feed the homeless in Washington, D.C., and local nursing home visitations. Even if he is not participat - ing in an actual event, the church junior deacon 6•Samantha Stertz and employee in SVA’s plant services depart - Selfless Servant ment can be found helping in the background. Known as a peacemaker, he is able to diffuse Throughout her time at Ohio’s Mount Vernon tense situations and calm tempers in a Christ- Academy (MVA), senior Samantha Stertz has been like manner. He is the type of student every a wonderful example of caring for others. One of school dreams of having and has clearly demon - her strengths was her willingness to be involved strated the caring heart and giving spirit recog - with children, and they seemed drawn to her. To nized in this award. provide them with an active environment where they could learn Bible truths in an age-appropriate way, she created, planned, and led “Children’s 8•Dwight LaMar King Church” once a month and participated in a pup - Anointed and Willing pet ministry for area children. Also very active in MVA’s voluntary service Dwight LaMar King is a senior at Allegheny East program, Stertz collected food, distributed Conference’s Pine Forge Academy (PFA). The

18 | VISITOR honors student excels in academics and co-curric - 10 •Melissa Breetzke ular activities. He enjoys basketball, baseball, A True Servant cross-country running, tennis, and singing with the renowned PFA Choir. Faculty and students at Most importantly, King has consistently Spencerville Adventist demonstrated outstanding passion and caring Academy (SAA) in Silver for his fellow man. He serves as a church junior Spring, Md., agree that Melissa deacon; is involved extensively in PFA’s commu - Breetzke is the essence of a nity service programs; and has helped facilitate truly caring individual. Her the “Bible warriors,” a door-to-door witnessing disposition is always friendly, endeavor targeting the community surrounding her Christian spirit is strong, this historic boarding academy. Indeed, King is a and her willingness to give is warm, loving, anointed young man, willing to always evident. Breetzke never work in any capacity. For this, and more, we seeks the limelight. Instead, honor him with the Caring Heart Award. she quietly serves in ways often unnoticed, such as volun - teering for three months as a 9•Anna Murat hospital chaplain. She is also Defined by Caring on the prayer team at the adjoining Spencerville church. If you look up “caring heart” in the dictionary, At SAA, Breetzke is student don’t be surprised to see a picture of Anna chaplain and religious vice Murat. This senior came to Potomac’s Tidewater president, constantly reflecting Adventist Academy as a blossoming sixth-grader the spirit of Christ. For the full of energy and expectations. Since that time, many at SAA who have been she has grown into a beautiful, Christian young touched by her kind heart, lady who always puts God first. This school this graduating senior will year, she was the senior class president, year - be missed. book editor, a pre-K student volunteer, and a soprano choir member. She also does gymnastics and loves to play basketball, volleyball, softball, and soccer. Murat is also an active member of Potomac’s Portsmouth (Va.) church, where she serves as a role model for youth. She works with VBS and Flag Camp, teaches Sabbath School, gives chil - dren’s stories, and often provides special music with her sisters. Beyond church and school, Murat readily demonstrates what it means to love and give to others unselfishly, and often goes out of her way to help others. In addition to helping her mother teach others about healthy living, she voluntarily transports students to and from school when they have no other way to get there. And most notably, she recently used her time, talents, and abilities to help further the gospel by serving as a missionary in the Brazilian Amazon.

JUNE 2008

New Life Member Honored, Promotes Gas-Price Prayer

ocky Twyman, a member of the New Life church in Gaithersburg, Md., has been in the news recently for a Rnumber of community activities and contributions. Most recently, in honor of National Volunteer Week, the Montgomery County Council presented Twyman with a proclama - tion dedicating April 29 as Rocky Twyman Day. The honor was a result of his efforts to recruit nearly 14,000 minority donors to the national bone marrow registry since 1992. The Congressional Medal of Honor Society also recently saluted Twyman for his bone marrow registry activism. The society declared him the Maryland finalist for its newly created Above & Beyond Citizen Honors, the nation’s most prestigious civilian award. In addi - tion to the dignitaries, celebrities, and athletes who attended the gala, the four living U.S. presidents and the Joint Chiefs of Staff were invited to join the 51 honor recipients. Twyman hopes to carry his bone marrow drives to next year’s Oscar awards ceremony. The community organizer and public relations consultant recently founded another outreach effort, uniting people of varying faiths Brian Williams, anchor for nbc nightly news , and nationalities around the country. Pray Down the High Gas congratulates Rocky Twyman after the Congressional Medal of Honor Society gala Prices Movement swept across the country and gained media where the New Life church member was attention. He urged citizens to go to the pump and use the power acknowledged for being the Maryland finalist for of prayer to make the prices fall.— Beth Michaels the new Above & Beyond Citizen Honors. NEWS United Missionary Youth Week New Speaker Announced for Camp Meeting Forges Commitments As published in the May issue of Exposé , Charles D. The United Missionary company in East Lansdowne, Brooks (right) is the guest speaker for Pa., recently hosted its first youth week of prayer. Under one of two divine services for Allegheny the theme “Deliverance,” event speaker Edwin Smith of East Conference Camp Meeting. the Newtonville (N.J.) First However, the date that he will be church emphasized the speaking has changed from June 28 importance of trusting God to July 5. Brooks is speaker/director in seemingly difficult and emeritus of the Breath of Life challenging situations. His Ministries, and has served the denomi - nuts-and-bolts examination nation for more than 56 years. of riveting and well-known A second speaker has been indentified for the divine Bible stories resounded service on June 28. Jesse Wilson, DMin (left), is the with the swelling congrega - director of the Doctor of Ministry pro - tion each evening. gram in Urban Ministries for Andrews A youth singing group University (Mich.) and the associate (above) was formed during the week and presented a professor of religion at Oakwood contemporary number on the closing Sabbath, much to University (Ala.). He is a sought-after the congregation’s delight. Pastor Wayne Scott com - spokesman in the areas of church-com - mended youth leader Paulette Allwood and her AY munity relations, civil rights, and police team, Clive McLean and Kingsley Wright, for accepting misconduct in urban areas. Wilson has the challenge of coordinating the week’s event. pastored in Tennessee, Alabama, and McLean reported that their team prayed for each Southern California, and has frequently appeared on attendee to have an encounter with Jesus. By week’s major television networks such as BET and CourtTV, as end, 13 young people gave their hearts to the Lord. well as the Tavis Smiley Show .

JUNE 2008 | 25 s s o

Delaware, Bay Area Ministerials r t

. l

Sponsor Katrina Mission Trip e s o j y

Members of the conference’s The volunteers built fences, b s o

Delaware Valley and Bay Area mounted vinyl siding, remodeled a t o h

Ministerials (below) answered the kitchen and bathroom, tiled and p Macedonian call found in Acts 16:9 sheet-rocked a new room, and to go and help. A group of 21 vol - painted home exteriors. Some hous - unteers recently boarded airplanes es were power washed to remove traveling from Philadelphia to New water stains and markings that iden - Mission trip volunteers help renovate the Orleans with the goal of helping at tify if a home has been inspected by roof of one of the six Katrina-destroyed least six families affected by local police or military. The Spirit of homes they helped to rebuild. Hurricane Katrina continue on the the Lord was in their midst as they road to recovery. prayed each day for help in winning souls to Christ. National Association of Katrina Those who should be thanked Evacuees. for their participation and leader - There is still much to do in New ship during the trip are ministerial Orleans. Many are still homeless pastors William E. Hall, Pete and in need of assistance, others Palmer, and Stephen A. Boyce, as still have not been able to contact well as the conference’s ACS family members and don’t know if director, Minnie McNeil. Astley they are alive, and many others Shakes from Philadelphia served are depressed and in need of as project manager. The host encouragement.— Stephen A. organization for the trip was the Boyce, Sr. Dupont Park Celebrates Renovations, Youth Day

The Dupont Park church in Adventist church for when the Washington, D.C., was recently situation was reversed. honored with a number of distin - Another political figure wor - guished visitors following the culmi - shipped with Dupont Park during nation of a $1.2 million renovation its Youth Day service. County of their church facility. Among those executive Jack Johnson (Howard who attended the weeklong cele - County, Maryland) joyfully joined in bration were world church leaders, the celebration. The day included a former pastors, and U.S. Rep. rousing sermon by Youth Pastor Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas. The Gregory Nelson and a performance renovation, spearheaded by Senior The youth choir stands in front of one of by a 60-voiced youth/celebration Pastor Emil D. Peeler, DMin, and the church’s new plasma screens—one choir directed by Linda Brown. overseen by treasurer Terrell result of their $1.2 million renovation Following the service, nearly 200 project. youth answered the call for a spirit- filled consecration and rededica - Danley, includes a state-of-the-art tion to the Lord. In the afternoon, sound system, 10 plasma screens, attendees enjoyed a concert by the furnishings, lighting, new pews and Positive Vibrations Youth Steel carpet, renovated restrooms, a Orchestra.— Jerri McLean marble-tiled lobby, and more. During the renovations, the neighboring New Macedonia Allegheny East Conference PO Box 266, Pine Forge, PA 19548 Baptist Church opened their facili - Phone: (610) 326-4610 ty for Dupont Park members to www.myalleghenyeast.com Dupont Park member Jerri McLean joins use at no cost. The Baptist mem - President, Charles L. Cheatham Communication Director, Robert Booker county executive Jack Johnson in cele - bers were happy to repay the brating Youth Day. Editor, Beth Michaels

26 | VISITOR JUNE 2008

Hillcrest Pathfinder Receives Distinguished Youth Award

aron A. Horne, a 13-year-old member of the Hillcrest church in APittsburgh, was recently one of 13 youth from around the nation to be presented the Distinguished Youth Award from the North American Division Youth and Young Adult Ministries office. The awards were presented during the Youth Leadership Summit held in Dallas. Horne’s loving fellow church members nominated him for the award, proudly boasting of his many outstanding qualities. He was ultimately selected because of his excellence in Pathfinders and academics—two of the award’s four categories. Here are some of the things church mem - bers said about him: “Aaron exhibits leadership qualities among his fellow Pathfinders and Hillcrest church member Aaron A. Horne was also recently among 80 middle- and peers and is dedicated and committed to the things he puts to his mind. high-school aged students to be awarded Extracurricular activities keep him busy and occupied, yet he has learned to —for a second time—the prestigious manage his time well. Baptized when he was 10, Aaron maintains his faith Pittsburgh Carson Scholars Fund, present - in God and has a high respect and honor for his parents, guardians, adults, ed by Benjamin Carson, MD. and peers. As an 8th-grader at the St. Bartholomew School in Pittsburgh, he maintains a grade point average above 3.75 and is consistently on the honor roll. His service to community is seen in conservatory and neighborhood clean up projects, feeding the homeless, and assisting the elderly in various activities.”

Ephesus Members Lead New Lambs to the Water

ne of the greatest joys of the Ephesus church in ministry: videotaping OColumbus, Ohio, is filling the baptismal pool and Sabbath sermons and shar - witnessing “kingdom candidates” give their lives to ing them with friends. Christ. Five such individuals recently made this life- Ephesus’ associate and changing decision, and all of them are evidence of the youth pastor Ken Dixon (bot - importance of friendship evangelism. tom, far right) conducted Senior Pastor William T. Cox, DMin, started a relation - studies with Ariann Jade ship with James and Mecca Glenn and continued to Herna’ndez and Ashley study with them. The couple decided to follow the Lord Palmer (bottom, center) and all the way and have even started their own evangelistic they, too, made their deci - sion for Christ. Now these young ladies are excited about being witnesses for Jesus. Herna’ndez is seeking missionary opportunities and Palmer is endeavoring to share the gospel with young people. Ephesus member Jacqueline Parris recently invited her co-worker Fred Logan (above, center) to church. Soon after Logan attended, Parris introduced him to Paul Lambert (above, right), a conference Bible work - er, and asked him if he’d conduct Bible studies with Logan. When Lambert asked him about following the Lord all the way, Logan gladly accepted and now continues to share the gospel with anyone who will listen.— Paul Lambert

JUNE 2008 | 27 Youth Experience “Extreme Makeover” at Congress

outh from across the Allegheny West territory recent - Yly converged in Akron, Ohio, for the conference-wide youth congress. Under the theme “Experiencing an Extreme Makeover,” attendees went seeking spiritual growth, personal development, fun, and fellowship. To help kick off the Wednesday night opening ses - sion, Cleveland area churches can - celled their prayer meeting services and joined the youth for a power- packed prayer service. James Doggette, DMin, professor Master Guide of Homiletics area coordina - A young group from the Maranatha at Oakwood tors were church in Cleveland does a sign University (Ala.), happy to join in language presentation. and senior pastor the fun. of the Madison Mission church in Madison, Ala., district. The main youth speak - was the guest speaker. He chal - er was Andrea Trusty-King lenged the youth to commit them - (below), co-pastor of the selves to a relationship with God Maranatha church in San Diego. that leads to the ultimate extreme Adults and young kids were makeover: sanctification. not left out of the The delegates were enthralled fun and spiritual lift. with the workshops and presen - Yvonne Footman ters, including David Wallace, a and her crew from youth motivational speaker from A father proudly poses with Beaufort, S.C., con - Las Vegas; Carla Valles, creator of his children after they publicly ducted a children’s the No Excuses youth ministry in accepted Christ as their Savior congress covering Elyria, Ohio; Karen Thrower from through baptism. the topic of money South Atlantic Conference; and management. Emil Jack McCrary, pastor of Charlottesville/Gordonsville, Va. Peeler, DMin, senior pastor of the Dupont Park church in Washington, D.C., came and blessed the adults. A choir from Charleston, S.C., closed the Sabbath with a concert.

Donald Burden, AWC youth leader, directs the drum corp in a Pathfinder parade through Cleveland.

Catch the Vision is published in the Visitor by the Allegheny West Conference 1339 East Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43205 Musical group Under Construction, comprised of members from Phone: (614) 252-5271 ■ President, James L. Lewis Cleveland area churches, leads the youth congress praise service. Editor, Bryant Taylor ■ www.awcsda.com

28 | VISITOR JUNE 2008 Feed Me Heavenly Convenient Food

he central petition of the Lord’s Prayer—“give us this day our daily bread”—relates our heavenly Father to every Tdetail of our lives, and it teaches us that there is nothing in life too trivial to bring to God. It underscores our absolute dependence upon Him for everything, and it expresses our conviction that He is more than able to meet our needs. Like the song goes: “When we have exhausted our store of endurance, when our strength has failed ‘ere the day is half done, when we reach the end of our hoarded resources, the Father’s full giving has only begun. His love has no limits; His grace has no measure, His power no boundary known unto men; for out of His infinite resources in Jesus, He giveth and giveth and giveth again.” This petition additionally expresses our confidence that God will also supply the greatest necessity of life: Jesus. For in effect we pray, “Father, give me this day, Jesus—in all His strength to match my weakness, in all His patience to meet my hurried life, in all His purity to meet my sin, etc.” It is summed up in the petition of the old spiritual, “In the morning when I rise, give me Jesus.” And may I be so bold as to suggest that a better translation of this petition might read like this: “Give us this day, bread suited for our need.” It may be the bread of joy, or the bread of tears, but, whatever it is, we know it comes from the hand of a loving Father who knows our true needs. This realization makes my heart echo the prayer of the wise man, which seems to me the great Rob Vandeman commentary upon this petition: “ …feed me with food convenient for me” (Prov. 30:8). President

Baltimore Korean Church Breaks Ground

n a recent cool, Sunday morning, members of the youth chapel, OBaltimore Korean church gathered at the site of their three offices, 17 future church home in Columbia, Md. They praised God classrooms, and for His leading and turned over dirt in a ceremony mark - a gymnasium. ing the commencement of their long-anticipated building The estimated project. The four-acre site sits on a hilltop overlooking cost of the new Grace Drive (just west of the intersection of Route 32 facility (and land) and Cedar Lane) at the is $4.3 million, south end of town. made possible When completed in in part by a early 2009, the 25,000 Pastor James Miho Lim and conference loan from the sq. ft. complex will president Rob Vandeman help lead the Columbia Union include a 350-seat groundbreaking ceremony. Revolving Fund. worship center, a The ground - breaking cere - mony featured encouragement from county executive Ken Ulman and county council vice chair Mary Kay Sigaty (both of Howard County, Maryland), representatives from Meka Conference, church, and Construction, and conference leaders. county leaders all put The 170-member congregation has been gold-plated shovels to meeting in Severn (Md.) near Fort Meade for work in over-turning ground for the Baltimore the past 25 years. The church views the move Korean church’s new as strategic, since Howard County has a large four-acre complex in concentration of first- and second-generation Columbia, Md. Korean residents.

JUNE 2008 | 29 Highland View Mission Team Continues Building in Honduras

he Chesapeake Conference continues to play a Corea reports that his own church members are Tleadership role in short-term mission projects to also making an impact in the Santa Barbara communi - Honduras. The first of three teams targeting projects in ty. Highland View Academy (HVA) alumna Felicia Ford Santa Barbara during 2008 recently spent a week has been teaching English at El Hogar for the past working toward the completion of a sanctuary/multipur - year, and Corea’s eldest daughter, Mandy, also an HVA pose auditorium at Instituto REACH Internacional. alumna, will be one of three college students spending Coordinating their efforts with a group from Campion the coming school year there as part of an ADRA proj - Academy in Colorado, the Chesapeake team completed ect. The relief agency distributes food supplies every the upper level of five weeks to more than 65,000 residents in the sur - the new facility. rounding communities. Each group took Steve Herr, HVA chaplain and Bible teacher, served materials and as the team pastor on this trip. He also participated in labored to see the very first two trips to Santa Barbara while a stu - the building proj - dent at HVA 13 years ago. In one of his Sabbath ect advance morning sermons, Herr recounted his experience and quickly. All that shared the impact those trips made upon his life and remains to be fin - how they helped him choose his life work. ished on the Steve Finney, youth pastor of the Martinsburg auditorium is the (W.Va.) church, reports that a group he is coordinating installation of the The Highland View church in Hagerstown, will head to Santa Barbara in July. That group will be roof, which will Md., donated a brand new computer lab, working on a small Adventist church in town and hopes be tackled by a including 64 new computers, for Instituto to complete their REACH Internacional. group this $6,000 project August. within two trips. Pastor Vladimir Corea of the Highland View church The strategy in Hagerstown, Md., served as the mission trip coordi - of targeting a nator. “To say that the Lord is doing amazing things project with there is a terrible understatement,” he said. Corea also repeated trips noted that the assistant administrator and one English seems to be teacher at El Hogar de Niños orphanage were once paying good students there when the first Chesapeake team arrived dividends on in the mid-1990s. Another former student is now the investment. attending River Platte University in Argentina and plans The impact to return to Santa Barbara to teach. Adventists are making in the community is becoming evi - dent. Team Highland View church pastor Vladimir members are Corea (right) and two Highland View always impressed Academy students mix mortar for making by the reception brick blocks. they receive. For the past two years, the visiting teams have stayed in a private facility near the orphanage. The family that owns the building are not Adventist, but have provid - ed 24-hour security and have not charged the groups for its use.

The Challenge is published in the Visitor by the The Highland View team takes a rest at the neighboring El Hogar Chesapeake Conference ■ 6600 Martin Road, Columbia, MD 21044 de Niños Adventist orphanage. Phone: (410) 995-1910 ■ President, Rob Vandeman

30 | VISITOR JUNE 2008

2008 Graduates Celebrate Commencement Weekend

olumbia Union College (CUC) recently celebrated account the possibilities CCommencement weekend, held at the campus’ inside each student. Sligo church. During the weekend, graduates received a Vijayan Charles (left), a number of inspiring messages, including a Consecration general surgeon and CUC message from alumna Stefanie Johnson (’01), controller Board of Trustees member, at Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences. Her mes - gave the Commencement sage “Act as if… ” address titled “Faith and challenged students to Science: Navigating the keep their lives con - 21st Century.” He urged nected to God through students to get on the ball faith. “We follow a God and to “know where you are that no one else can going; life is a voyage.” He warned them to take the pre - see. Are you going to cautions necessary for the journey, gather the tools believe without see - needed for success, be ready at all times—opportunity ing?” she asked. never waits for convenience—and banish fear to ensure Johnson reminded success. “All fear is subject to failure,” said Charles, “but More than 170 students gathered them that belief without with God all things are possible.” to celebrate their achievements action will fade away At the culmination of the weekend, college president during Commencement weekend. and die. Weymouth Spence, EdD, conferred degrees to 174 Gaspar Colón, PhD, graduates and encouraged them to begin each day director of the Center for Metropolitan Ministry and reli - with the Lord. “From now on, start your day by saying, gion professor, empowered the graduates on Sabbath ‘Every day I will add value to others,’” he charged. to accept God’s calling for their lives through his mes - Among those graduating were 41 Masters of Business sage titled “Up, For This is the Day…!” Administration, 24 Bachelors of Arts, three Bachelors During Commencement, math major and senior class of Music, 99 Bachelors of Science, and seven associ - president Laci Lizzaraga thanked those faculty and staff ate degrees .—Michael Martell, Candace Hamilton, and members who saw beyond the obvious and took into Daniella Daley

Freshmen Conduct Campus Church Service

he freshmen class recently organized a campus their plans to the Lord based Tchurch service. The student-led service included a on the promise found in cello trio (below), testimonies, praise and worship, and a Proverbs 16:3. “God is rock - special sign language performance. The service was ing our world, trying to get well attended by all groups of the student body. our attention to draw us Senior theology closer to Him,” he said. major John Paul “This service was not only Dukate (right) deliv - intended for the freshmen, ered a compelling but to unite everyone in sermon titled God,” said class president “Planning for the and biology major Steev Campbell. Berny Jacques, a Future: No Vision, junior history and political studies major, added, “It No Purpose.” was a blessed experience and I was happy to see Dukate encouraged students take part.” students to commit

JUNE 2008 | 31 Graduates Reunite for 2008 Alumni Weekend

ormer graduates recently and staff member Anthony G. Freturned to Columbia Union Futcher were commended for their College’s campus for Alumni service to the campus community Weekend. The event included three and presented with the Zella days filled with G. Arthur Keough Holbert Awards. Lectures, worship services, an Robert Lemon (’73), treasurer at alumni business meeting, and an the Adventist World Headquarters, exciting tour of Washington, D.C. received the Alumni of the Year Graduates in honor classes ’98, award for his dedication to church ’88, ’83, ’78, ’68, ’58, and ’48 service. During his Sabbath ser - attended, and all attendees mon, titled “Where Should We Be received an update on the college Found?” Lemon also encouraged from president Weymouth Spence, the congregation to find themselves EdD, at the annual banquet. Spence at the feet of Jesus. Left to right: Rebecca Spence joined her shared his vision for the college and Honorary Alumni of the Year husband and college president, his hopes for improved quality edu - awards went to Judy Cichosz, a Weymouth, when he and CUC supporter cation as a result of the streamlined friend and supporter of the college, Judy Cichosz were awarded Honorary academic programs. Alumni awards by outgoing alumni presi - dent Lee Wisel (’74) and new Alumni “Each school will share equal Association president Duane Reid (’01). importance in CUC’s new three- school model: the School of Arts and Social Sciences, School of Health Sciences and Wellness, and a number of songs on the piano, School of Graduate and including his hit song “Angel,” Professional Studies,” explained which gets regular airtime on the Spence. He discussed how the college radio station WGTS 91.9 arrangement of majors into the FM.— Tanisha Greenidge three schools will benefit students. During the vespers service, a number of awards and dedications were presented. Student missionar - CALENDAR ies were dedicated (right) during a special prayer led by CUC chaplain and president Spence. Cichosz told Otis Coutsoumpos. Senior theology the audience she feels that CUC June major Sara May Colón and faculty possesses a secret ingredient that 6 Summer Session I Ends differentiates it from other colleges. 8-12 Xtreme PSP Class “I sense the presence of the Lord 9-Jul. 3 Summer Session II whenever I visit Wilkinson Hall, the library, and other areas on campus,” July she explained. Newly elected Alumni Association 4 Independence Day— president Duane Reid recognized Campus Closed Spence for his commitment to 7-31 Summer Session III higher education. “The Alumni 14-18 Xtreme PSP Classes Association wanted to let Dr. 31 Summer Spence know that as an honorary Commencement alumni, he will always be part of the CUC family,” said Reid.

The weekend ended with a The Gateway is published in the Visitor special concert featuring John by Columbia Union College Stoddart (’93), a well-known con - 7600 Flower Ave., Takoma Park, MD 20912 Alumni shared memories and laughs Phone: (800) 835-4212 ■ www.cuc.edu during the annual banquet in the Sligo temporary music recording artist Weymouth Spence, President church atrium. and producer. Stoddart performed Tanisha Greenidge, Editor

32 | VISITOR JUNE 2008

www.highlandviewacademy.com We Can Start Anew

ummer is, without question, my favorite season. Mostly, I suppose, it is because of the warm weather. For Seducators, though, it is also time to catch a breath and look forward to a fresh start. It is a time to celebrate the successes of the previous school year, recover from mistakes made, and an opportunity to redirect efforts to make improvements for the year to come. It is a blessing to enjoy successes and a blessing to have fresh starts! I’m so grateful for a God who lets us start anew. We can put away our failures and mistakes with a prayer. Though we may remember them with pain, He throws them into the depths of the sea to be forgotten forever! I’m grateful that He also celebrates our successes with us. It simply feels good to know He is proud of us, even though what we view as accomplishments are trivial by comparison. Even though most of you reading this are probably not educators, I encourage you to take some time this summer to reflect—celebrate the successes in your life, throw your errors Sheri Tydings into the sea, and cherish the fact that our God does the same! Principal

Students Continue Mission Work in Honduras

group of 10 Highland View Academy (HVA) students house. Any of the 65,000 people living in the vicinity can A and 10 members of the Highland View church in get beans, rice, and oil in exchange for 80 hours of Hagerstown, Md., recently traveled to Santa Barbara, physical labor per month, including fixing the mountain Honduras, for the dirt roads so government and ADRA vehicles can annual Spring access the remote villages. The group also toured the Break Mission Santa Barbara hospital, which Highland View groups Trip. Their goal have assisted in past years. While at the hospital, two was to work with TV news stations interviewed Pastor Vladimir Corea and an organization some of the students about their experience. called REACH Later that day, Ministries, which the group went runs an orphan - to a park called age, elementary Pulaphanzak, and high school, where they got The Highland View team, along with their and day care cen - to hike to a cave local hires, proudly displays their nearly ter. The project for behind a large, completed work in Santa Barbara. the Highland View beautiful water - group was to add fall. “I really walls to the auditorium of the high school, Instituto bonded with the REACH Internacional. The auditorium will be a multipur - older children pose facility for school and civic functions for the city. who came with Sophomore Nathaniel Bankes and junior Eventually it will also become the Gualjoco Seventh-day us to the park Mary Hostettler help lay bricks for the Adventist Church. and enjoyed the new auditorium/multipurpose room of When not working, the group spent time at El Hogar intensity of the Instituto REACH Internacional. de Niños orphanage eating meals, having worship, and waterfall,” said playing with the children. “Making a connection with junior Korrin Battle. the local people who live and work there is the most Santa Barbara holds a special place in the hearts of meaningful thing we can do on a mission trip,” said HVA students and church members. During the past 13 Stephen Herr, HVA chaplain. years, Chesapeake Conference and HVA students have One day during the trip, the group took a break to gone to Santa Barbara eight times, including three tour Santa Barbara. The first stop was the ADRA ware - times a year for the past three years.— Stephen Herr

JUNE 2008 | 33 Music Students Experience Scandinavian Life

wenty-six HVA students and chaperones recently found themselves on a Tflight headed north. The Music Department tour to Scandinavia was underway! Although the group landed during Iceland’s sunrise, it was the middle of the night for Marylanders. The jetlag made it hard for them to stay awake, but a visit to the Blue Lagoon Spa revived spirits and bodies. After soaking in its healing waters, the group was off to Reykjavik. Throughout the tour to Iceland, Finland, Sweden, and Norway, the HVA group stayed at Adventist schools where they were well cared for by new Scandinavian friends. HVA combined voices from its traditional and gospel choirs to perform several times during the trip, and were blessed to partici - pate in worship services in other languages. Students experienced the HVA students experienced life in four Northern Lights, unique foods, four different languages, an overnight ferry Scandinavian countries during the recent ride, and ate in an Adventist restaurant! The castle in Turku, Finland, and the Music Department tour. ship museum in Stockholm, Sweden, were some historical highlights, and everyone enjoyed the amazing power of nature while visiting the Gullfoss waterfall and geysers in Iceland. “I really enjoyed the tour because I got to visit parts of the world I’d never been to, and to minister through music,” said junior Kyly Bauer. For more photos, visit http://hvascandinaviatour2008.blogspot.com .—Jennifer Payne Campus Gets a Needed Facelift

he HVA campus is undergoing much of this work would not have Tsome needed renovations. been possible without the generous Throughout the summer months, a contributions of the Chesapeake multitude of improvements will be Conference, the Commonweal made. New windows and exterior Foundation, Herb and Marilyn doors and new, energy-efficient Dennison, other private donors, and heating and air-conditioning sys - volunteer laborers, including mem - tems are being installed in the dor - bers of the Highland View church in mitories. In addition to enhancing Hagerstown, Md., and the their aesthetics, these improve - Williamsport (Md.) church. ments will substantially lower ener - The new administration building entryway gy usage and cost. The dorm is partially completed. CALENDAR bathrooms will also look new, with upgraded plumbing fixtures, Other campus projects include July repaired showers, and new tile. new, weather-barrier entrances and 11 Early Application Deadline roofing for the administration build - ing, upgraded bathrooms in the gym - 31 Application Deadline nasium, new sidewalks, and insula - tion repairs. “We have needed some August of these improvements for quite 13 Registration for Community some time,” reports principal Sheri Students, 5-8 p.m. Tydings, “and I am amazed at the generosity of so many people. Not 17 Registration for Dormitory only have individuals and organiza - Students, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. tions given tremendous financial sup - 18 First Day of School port, many others have saved us 22-23 Commitment Weekend thousands of dollars by giving their time and labor expertise.” During the past several years, Highlander is published in the Visitor the school—under the guidance of by the Highland View Academy Volunteers from the Williamsport (Md.) business manager Andrew Choi— 10100 Academy Drive, Hagerstown, MD 21740 ■ Phone: (301) 739-8480 church repair and re-shingle the roof of has been able to set aside funds for Fax: (301) 733-4770 ■ Editor, Sheri Tydings HVA’s administration building. capital improvements. However, www.highlandviewacademy.com

34 | VISITOR JUNE 2008 Get Involved in Youth Ministries!

ondering what do to this summer? Well, let me put your wondering heart to rest. I believe everyone should Wget involved with youth programs in their region. There are many ways to get involved. Send your children to summer camp at the Valley Vista Adventist Center in Huttonsville, W.Va. Activities planned by our skilled and responsible staff promise fun for every child. Best of all is the camp’s spiritual atmosphere. Last year there were 48 decisions for baptism among nearly 100 campers—nearly half of the attendees. God is working at Valley Vista, and I believe every one who comes to camp with an open heart will leave with a stronger walk with God. This year the camp theme is “Burn the Ships.” I don’t want to give anything away, but we’re encouraging our youth to forget the things of the world and look to Christ. You can also support youth through our active Pathfinder groups or through school activities. Just last month, our schools participated in an inspirational mission trip to help people in Pittsburgh. And if you come to camp meeting, you may hear people talk about ShareHim evan - gelism, where youth are leading meetings and preaching in churches and on college campuses. They are involved in serving Christ. This summer the conference opens a new building where our youth may be refreshed and equipped for service. Thank you to those of you who have supported our youth in this Geoff Starr way. I, and the youth, look forward to seeing you this summer. Youth Director

Wheeling Church News

Member Pursues Outreach for Christ work for the welfare of the community. More leaders Rosemary Zuk (below) is committed to blanketing accepted the invitation than were ultimately able to the city of Wheeling (W.Va.) with Steps to Christ , come, but two judges were able to appear: Hon. accompanied by a Bible study offer— Arthur Recht (left) and Hon. James P. Mazzone. They all at her own expense. In order to both expressed their appreciation for being invited to accomplish this goal, Zuk, a member a meeting uncolored with partisan motives, but of the Wheeling church, saves money instead for from her modest retirement funds friendship’s until she accumulates enough to sake and to be afford a new mailing to an uncovered spiritually fed part of the city. It will take her a year from Scripture. or so to complete this mission, but she deems it well For special worth the investment. Dozens of Bible study leads have music, Richard emerged from this mailing project, which will help foster Gummerson, attendance to the Wheeling church’s hosting of a major retired from the ShareHim outreach in coming months. U.S. Army Band, sang “America Members Honor Civic Leaders the Beautiful” in When the Wheeling (W.Va.) church board approved a moving and a plan to invite the civic leaders in its county to a spe - meditative fash - cial service, the secretary promptly ion. Pastor Brian sent out RSVP notices of invitation Jones presented a message from Isaiah 9:6,7, a text to the local mayor, fire chief, sheriff, that elucidates the qualities of Christ’s perfect govern - chief of police, and judges. The invi - ment of righteousness and peace. Pastor Jones also tation assured them that this was gifted each visiting official (above) a copy of The World’s not a political event but one dedi - Next Superpower by evangelist Mark Finley. Weirton cated to affirming them in their church members, who joined in the service, have decid - demanding and often thankless ed to have a similar event next year at their church.

JUNE 2008 | 35 Highland School Installs New Geothermal System

tudents at Highland Adventist School (HAS) in Elkins, W.Va., Shad to endure a lot of noise during classes recently. The school installed a geothermal heating and cooling system that required the drilling of six, 200-ft. geothermal wells. Frame Drilling Company, owned and operated by Elkins church member Jack Frame III, installed the new system. A geothermal sys - tem provides many advantages over a conventional one. It is “green,” or economically friendly, because it produces no greenhouse gasses, no pollution, and will operate at a fraction of the cost of a convention - al system. Additionally, because it has no open flame, it produces no possibility of explosion. The system is part of the school’s energy- conserving design, which includes extra insulated walls and ceilings, a conditioned crawl space, and a building-wide heat recovery system. The Frame Drilling Company works on hole number “We want to thank Frame Drilling Company for their expertise on 5 for Highland Adventist School’s new geothermal this project,” stated Elkins church pastor Don Jacko, who served heating and cooling system. as general contractor for the building project. “This is a great con - tribution to our energy-efficient building plan. The students and staff are really enjoying the even, pleasant heat of the new, energy-efficient system, and our treasurer is pleased by the lowered utility bills.”— Cheryl Jacko

Highland Students Learn Hydroponic Science

tudents at Highland Adventist SSchool will soon be growing Mountain View tomatoes thanks to a $600 grant EVENTS from the Society for Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh, a non-profit organization dedicated to the June advancement of analytical chem - 2 Walk 100 Miles Ends, istry through science education. Valley Vista Adventist “The program we developed for Center (VVAC) our grant proposal is a classroom 15-20 Lifeguard Camp, VVAC science unit where we will be Eighth-graders Joel Grey, Scott Wentz, growing plants using a hydroponic and Chryston Alley help assemble the 20-28 Camp Meeting, VVAC growing system,” stated principal new hydroponic growing system. Cheryl Jacko. “The students will compare various hydroponic growing conditions and nutrient July mixtures to see which one works 6-13 Adventure Camp, VVAC best for growing tomatoes and other vegetables.” She continues, 13-20 Junior Camp, VVAC “Hands-on science education is a 20-27 Teen Camp, VVAC major component of our academic program, so we are really looking forward to experimenting with the new equipment.”

HAS offers a challenging, Mountain Viewpoint is published in the Christian curriculum for students Visitor by the Mountain View Conference Highland biology teacher Don Jacko in grades K-12. Contact the 1400 Liberty Street, Parkersburg, WV 26101 ■ Phone: (304) 422-4581 (center) helps students set up new equip - school at (304) 636-4274 or President, Larry Boggess ment for growing hydroponic vegetables. highlandadventistschool.org. Editor, Brian Jones ■ www.mtviewconf.org

36 | VISITOR SpiriMOUNT VERNON ACADEMYT JUNE 2008 A Family United in Purpose

ducating young people is a tremendously important responsibility that requires the talents, prayers, finances, Eand emotional support of so many people; it takes a family. At Mount Vernon Academy (MVA), we are very for - tunate to have our beloved alumni as an active part of our family. This year’s alumni weekend was exciting as old friends were reunited and new memories made. As I visited with alumni of all ages, I remained encouraged that they are still excited about their alma mater and MVA’s mission to model Christ’s character through selfless service to others. Many of them have or are currently serving their “brothers and sisters,” both in this country and abroad, and know the importance of lending a helping hand. Because of our alumni’s faithful and generous financial support and prayers, students are able to receive a quality, Christian education and to benefit from unique, service-oriented opportuni - ties. Hearing students tell stories about how they have been impacted by their mission experi - ences or community outreach projects is such a blessing. Through interacting respectfully and showing random acts of kindness to those around them, I know our students’ lives have been changed because they are following Christ’s leading. Margaret Sutton Yes, we are a big family at MVA; we are united. The faculty/staff, alumni, parents, and Director of friends pray that our students will continue modeling the character of Christ through self - Development/ less service to others as they continue on life’s journey. Alumni Relations

Sophomores Study Church History in Battle Creek

n reviewing our past history, having traveled over Mich., to visit the Ievery step of advance to our present standing, I can birthplace of the say, Praise God! As I see what the Lord has wrought, Adventist Church. I am filled with astonishment, and with confidence in Students spent Christ as leader. We have nothing to fear for the time touring the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord Adventist Historic has led us and His teaching in our past history” ( Life Village, a collec - Sketches of Ellen G. White , p. 196). tion of homes and With these words as their inspiration, MVA sopho - buildings that are mores recently traveled north to historic Battle Creek, a prominent part of our church’s history. Attendees were inspired by Sophomores Victor Burke and Jake stories of the Erskine experience a turn-of-the-century early Adventist exercise machine during their recent trip pioneers, and felt to Battle Creek, Mich. a closer connec - tion to their past. The annual trip to Battle Creek fits into the sopho - more curriculum nicely, but the true purpose is to inspire today’s young people with the same passion and zeal as the early believers. The world needs the message of the Adventist Church now more than ever. Christ is coming soon! The founders of our church believed and lived this message. The students of MVA now have a clearer understanding of who they are, and thus a clearer Students also visited the Sojourner Truth memorial. understanding of where they must go.— Tim Soper

JUNE 2008 | 37 SpiriT

Career Fair Provides Glimpse Into Future

ount Vernon Academy recently hosted its annual career fair to shift the Mstudents’ minds to their futures. School leaders want students to start considering possible careers, so they will be motivated to succeed now. Various professionals, including the local mayor, a physician, nurse, psychologist, and real estate agent attended and answered questions about their different fields of work. The students inquired about education requirements, average salary, benefits, and daily routines in order to obtain a better understanding of each career. All of the community professionals enjoyed their time with the students, found them to be bright and inquisi - tive, and have pledged to assist with future career fairs on campus. “The career fair allowed us to see a glimpse of what our futures might Joe Lee, MVA’s career counselor, meets hold,” reflected sophomore Ashley Evans. “We were able to realize the pros with juniors Bruce Cuevas and Sherika and cons of what career choices would be best for our futures.”— Joe Lee Blanc and sophomore Jason Holmes.

Rock & Roll Fitness Program a Success

o you not know that in a race all the runners run, with the academy to develop a nomination campaign. Dbut only one receives the prize? So run that you Hospital employees appointed their fittest coworkers, may obtain it” (1 Corin. 9:24). then MVA students interviewed the top nominees and With this text as inspiration, MVA’s Rock & Roll ( rock featured them in a short video. The entire MVA student representing muscle building and roll referring to cardio body then voted for one male and one female hospital exercises) Fitness Program was designed to help stu - employee to showcase in this year’s Rock & Roll video. dents establish lifelong exercise habits. Through the “The response to the challenge was wonderful,” program, students are able to interact with adults who reported Mentzer. “It really got [our employees] thinking have made fitness a priority in their lives regardless of about the benefits of exercise, and it was a wonderful way the time, effort, and sacrifice it requires. to promote healthy lifestyles and fitness to students.” During its first year, Rock & Roll highlighted the fitness MVA plans to continue utilizing the Rock & Roll philosophies of MVA staff. Participants were selected by campaign for getting involved with community organi - a group of students who admired those staff members zations and helping its students realize that fitness is for their dedication to fitness. Despite busy personal and an important aspect of any profession. professional lives, many of our staff accepted the person - al fitness challenge and felt encouraged to become even more active in their exercise programs. This year the program expanded into the local com - calendar munity through Knox Community Hospital. Jason Mentzer, the hospital’s wellness coordinator, worked of events

August 10-13 Girls Basketball Camp 10-14 RA Training 17 Freshmen Registration 18 Freshmen Classes Begin 20 Registration 21 Classes Begin 27 Lake Day 28-31 Senior Survival 31 Sunday School

Spirit is published in the Visitor by Mount Vernon Academy 525 Wooster Road, Mount Vernon, OH 43050 ■ Phone: Senior Samantha Stertz and sophomore James Syvertson inter - (740) 397-5411 ■ Principal, David Daniels ■ www.mvacademy.org view a Knox Community Hospital employee. Editor, Amy Soper

38 | VISITOR JUNE 2008

Pillar Families are a Stronghold for Our Youth

or the past decade, youth specialists from all denominations have declared that youth ministry today is in cri - Fsis. “It’s one factor we haven’t mentioned: our woeful inability as mainline protestants to retain our young,” said United Methodist Bishop Will Willimon in the August 17, 1997, issue of Christianity Today (pp. 17-18). As a church, we have not been effective in leading our young people to mature Christian adulthood. Even with all the training— from the North American Division to the local conferences—and the increasing number of resources available to those of us leading youth ministry, we are seeing no appreciable increase in the percentage of adults in our cul - ture who are living out their faith. The family or, more specifically, parents can help reverse this trend. A recent USA Today Weekend survey of more than 250,000 teenagers indicated that 70 percent of them identified their parents as the most important influence in their lives. Parents, please read and live Deuteronomy 6:4-9. We all have to suffer either the pain of disci - pline or the pain of regret. Parents, let us all reinstate the family altar in our homes. Let us wake up early to pray and study the Bible as a family. Let us honor God as good stewards and evan - gelize with our families, our loved ones, and neighbors. Ellen White told us, “If Christian parents seek Him earnestly, He will fill their mouths with arguments, and for His name’s sake will work mightily in their behalf in the conversion of their children ( Testimonies to the Church , Vol. 5, Laffit Cortés p. 323). May the Lord bless us as we strive to raise an army of youth by establishing Youth/Communication strong families around our conference. Director

NEWS

Robbinsville Youth Raises Funds for Greece First Newark English Church Ordains Pastor My name is Stefanie Kanellis (below), and I am 16 Conference officials and pastoral leadership of the years old. My nationality is Greek, from my dad’s side First Newark English church recently ordained their of the family. Recently I raised money for victims of the pastor, Andre D. wild fires that ravaged Greece last year. The wild fires Ascalon (right), to destroyed homes, churches, schools, hospitals, busi - the gospel ministry nesses, land, etc., and almost consumed Ancient during a special cer - Olympia. I’m glad that other countries helped the peo - emony. Members, ple of Greece to contain and stop the fires, but I want - family, and visitors ed to do something to help the people. Greece is a helped celebrate wonderful place. the occasion. I started at my school, Meadow View Junior Academy, The service start - in Chesterfield. I made two types of buttons that students ed with a prayerful and parents could receive for a donation. I also got dona - song by the tions from my home church’s youth choir, church, Robbinsville, and followed by a mes - the Saint George Greek sage from conference president José Cortés. Cortés Orthodox Church near reminded all attendees that being a pastor involves my house let me use “responsibility and faithfulness to God,” and their parking lot to do a explained that an ordination is “more than a prom - carwash. A few of my ise—it is a divine calling from God.” friends helped me wash After the presentation of a robe and certificate, cars after their church and a superb piano duo by two young members, services. With the help of Tiyannah Stewart and Jennifer Remy, the service these groups, I raised a came to a close with another song by Caroline total of $729.50. DeFreitas.— Gabrielle A. Baker

JUNE 2008 | 39 School Preps Laity for Evangelism e

ow do you reach a dying world with the n e e

saving message of the gospel? How do r

H g m

you appeal to a technologically connected i j

culture that is seemingly so disconnected from y b o

the truth? How can the words of an t o h

unschooled carpenter from the Middle East, p recorded 2,000 years ago, resonate today in an iTunes, Xbox, MySpace world? More than 200 lay members from across New Jersey recently flocked to the Tranquil Valley Retreat Center in Tranquility to grapple with the answers. The “School of Evangelism” is a confer - ence-sponsored event and is part of an ongo - ing effort to involve more members in evan - Members of the Dover and Morristown Spanish churches participate in a gelism and to reach more lost souls. This breakout session on developing an evangelistic budget. year’s event featured a lively, but intense, mix of seminars, brainstorming sessions, worship, and personal devotion time. Instructors included conference office staff and pastors from various districts. The history of the church, the role of worship in evangelism, elements of an evangelistic sermon, and preparing a budget for an evangelistic campaign were among the many topics addressed. Conference president José Cortés hopes that each attendee will participate in an evangelistic campaign some time this year, including some who will be featured speakers. Given the limited funds available to support church - es in this regard, the conference is seeking at least 100 faith partners willing to pledge $1,000 toward evangelism this year. In response to an appeal made during the program, a number of the attendees signed pledges. Besides the evangelism school, in an attempt to activate even more of the laity for service, assistant director of Personal Ministries Pastor Tom Dunham hopes to conduct seminars on helping members identify their ministry profile. Additional training for elders is also planned.— Peter Anderson

Women’s Ministries Retreat Delivers Blessings

nglish-speaking ladies from tion of blessings from the Lord’s Eacross New Jersey and as far servant from the Oregon away as England recently traveled Conference, Ginny Allen. to the Grand Hotel in beautiful The blessings did abound. Cape May for the 12th Annual Allen was the speaker at the first Spring Women’s Ministries Retreat. Women’s Ministries retreat, and Attendees arrived with an expecta - ladies who had attended were quite happy to have her return. With an emphasis on prayer, Allen presented four seminars over the course of the weekend. She shared ways to have effective Bible study, and outlined steps to obtain an effective prayer life. Attendee Kayo Yamamoto, an exchange The weekend also included a student from Japan, had fun participating “Sweet Hour of Prayer” each morn - in the “Crazy Hat Parade.” ing, and the famous “Crazy Hat Parade” on Saturday evening. The New Jersey News is published in the gorgeous scenery, warm sunshine, Visitor by the New Jersey Conference Newly appointed Women’s Ministries wonderful fellowship, and tasty 2160 Brunswick Ave., Trenton NJ 08648 ■ director Amalia Aguero (left) enjoys inter - meals left all the ladies talking Phone: (609) 392-7131 President, José Cortés ■ Editor, Laffit Cortés ■ acting “on stage” with retreat guest about saving up to attend next www.njcsda.org speaker Ginny Allen. year.— Gloria Izzard

40 | VISITOR JUNE 2008

Newark Congregation Celebrates Baptisms

ix people recently made the decision for baptism at the Newark church, Seach one with a unique story about what brought them to this important step in their lives. Steve Allen found the church through the witness of church elder Donna Goodall. Four young people also took the stand for Christ. MaKayla Davis, Austin Grimm, and Joshua and Nicholas Lines all attend the Newark school and recently completed Bible studies with their pastor. The day of their baptism, it was also Nicholas’ birthday, so he was born twice that day! Although Zina Kennedy has attended the church for 50 years, she never took this final step. When Pastor Tom Hughes asked her to join, she enthu - siastically said, “Yes!” Kennedy’s son, E.J., who is an ordained Adventist Young and “old” baptismal candidates at the Newark church take a stand for Christ. minister, was happy to join Pastor Hughes in the baptismal tank. It was certainly a day of rejoicing in heaven and on Earth!

Cleveland Hungarian Celebrates 30th Anniversary

he Cleveland Hungarian church has been worshipping The Cleveland Tin the same building for 30 years, due to the hard Hungarian work of its founding members. In order to commemorate church had its this milestone, the church recently hosted a special two- humble begin - day celebration under the theme nings at the “Great is Thy Faithfulness.” It was a local YMCA. time of homecoming for many—a Throughout the chance to see familiar faces and the years, members opportunity to make new friends. also enjoyed Guest speaker Erno Osz-Farkas services in the (right), secretary of the Hungarian basements of The Cleveland Hungarian congregation sings Union Conference, blessed attendees other Adventist praises during the celebration weekend. with his Sabbath message. The weekend also included churches and special performances by the church choir, orchestra, and even in the pas - Ghanaian group, while founding members recounted their tor’s home. Members dreamed of a church to call their church-building experiences with attendees. own, and finally started taking steps toward that dream in 1973 by purchasing land in Westlake. Ground-break - ing started in July 1975, and with fervent prayer, dedi - cation, sacrifice, and manual labor, the church was completed. They held their first service in March 1978. Today the church is a thriving congregation consist - ing of members from several nationalities, including Hungarian, Yugoslavian, Romanian, Peruvian, Indian, and English, with services held in both Hungarian and English. Members are active in many ministries and use their talents to conduct health seminars and cooking schools, produce TV and radio programs, participate in the combined choir, men’s choir, and orchestra, and lead the youth in Pathfinders. They are grateful for how The church’s founding members get special recognition during the Lord has led them and look forward to His guid - the 30th anniversary celebration. ance in the years to come.— Andrea Sestak

JUNE 2008 | 41 New Hope Fellowship Plants Church, Hosts Outreach

ew Hope Adventist Fellowship, located in Clyde, has stepped out in faith to plant a new church facility in Nnearby Fremont. They have been renting a facility in Fremont—a larger city with more outreach options—since September 2007. In keeping with their mission statement “to reach out, nurture, and meet the physical and spiri - tual needs of our community,” local pastor Marius Marton recently enlisted the assistance of conference youth director Mike Stevenson to help plan and organize a door-to-door outreach day in Fremont. The congregation happily welcomed volunteers from the Ravenna and Reynoldsburg Pathfinder clubs to help with the day of community ministry. After an inspiring sermon by Stevenson and a fellowship meal, the group of 18 volun - teers (left) distributed books, magazines, tracts, brochures, flyers, and Bible study cards to approximately 350 area homes. Residents were invited to take advantage of the church’s free services, including seminars on health, diet, and personal finances; marriage counseling; and Bible studies. Members also offered to meet their physical needs, such as helping the disabled get their groceries, medication, or books; to visit them; or read to them from the Word of God. It was an abundantly blessed Sabbath for all, and the response from the community was immediate! In the week following the outreach, people called for services and Bible studies, and one person started attending church.

Kettering Music Director Earns Guild Award

erry Taylor (right), 22-year music director of the JKettering church, was recently rewarded for his enduring tenure in musical leadership. At the recent Guild of Adventist Musicians Music Awards Ceremony in Silver Spring, Md., Taylor was one of 22 highly tal - ented musicians from around the Columbia Union to be honored. Following peer nominations sent in last year, Taylor won the Outstanding Choral Conductor award. “It was a bit of a surprise, a little embarrassing, and yet I think everyone likes to know that others think they have done a good job,” said Taylor of the award. Taylor grew up in Adventist schools, and says, “I worked my way through college as the church janitor— not a glamorous job, but it gave me keys and access teaching at Ozark Academy (Ariz.) for four years, he to the college church pipe organ.” He earned his went onto Shenandoah Valley Academy in New Market, Master in Church Music in 1981 from Indiana Va., “where I built the pipe organ in the church there.” University, graduating with “highest distinction.” After Of his many accomplishments, one of Taylor’s favorites was being able to convert a 12-member choir at Kettering church to a complete music department with a 50-member choir, string orchestra, brass ensemble, four handbell choirs, and some developing praise teams. He is also quite proud of his two adult sons, Greg and Todd. Greg is a Bible teacher at Spencerville Adventist Academy in Silver Spring, Md. Todd is a manager in Cincinnati. —Beth Michaels

Mission Ohio is published in the Visitor by the Ohio Conference ■ P.O. Box 1230, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050 Phone: (740) 397-4665 ■ President, Raj Attiken Editor, Nancy Barnett ■ www.ohioadventist.org

42 | VISITOR JUNE 2008

New Castle Dedicates Church Building

embers of the New Castle church have faced more than their share of struggles during the past several years. MAn explosion in their community revealed structural damage to the building that led to its demolition. Led by lay leaders Albert Ranalla and Douglas Dickson, this small group of believers continued meeting in a rented space and ministering to the community. New Castle members coordinate the Signs of the Times magazine min - istry for the five Adventist churches in the area. They deliver more than 200 copies each month. These contacts have recently led to more than 10 Bible studies. While the studies have been conducted through the mail, Ed Beers, a new Bible worker in the area, is beginning to make personal contacts and to offer continuing one-on-one Bible studies. After much searching and prayer, the New Castle group recently located a new church building and was able to purchase it without a mortgage. While it needs much work, members are excited to have a new home and recently dedicated the building. They have big plans this year, beginning with a six-night marriage seminar with speaker Dwayne O’Fill, followed by New Castle church members are proud of a cooking school. In September, Dick Faber, lay pastor for the neighboring their new church building and have big Shenango Valley church, will help New Castle hold an evangelistic series. plans for outreach this year.

Adventist WholeHealth Welcomes New Administrator

heryl Goff (below) steps in as administrator for Hackettstown Hospital in New Jersey. He has also CAdventist WholeHealth Network (AWHN) located worked for Shawnee Mission, the Treasury Department in Reading, succeeding Dick Spotts. She recently at the Adventist World Headquarters, and several spent eight years at the Pottsville Hospital. A gradu - academies, including BMA in Hamburg and the former ate of Blue Mountain Garden State Academy in New Jersey. He came out Academy (BMA), Goff of retirement to serve as director of operations for brings a background in Reading Rehab. After retiring a second time in 1998, cardiac rehabilitation Spotts worked part-time for the Adventist Book and lifestyle manage - Center in Hamburg. ment of disease. She Spotts left retirement again in 2006 to serve in his believes that health recent role at AWHN. He’s attempting to retire again. ministry is an effective “That’s it,” he says, then laughs and adds, “No, that’s not first step in evangel - true.” He finds work hard to leave. But his wife, Donna, ism. “People can’t has other plans. She told him, “You’re not working after think about spiritual 50 years of marriage!” things when they’re But Spotts has already concerned about their health,” Goff states. “I’ve seen been offered a job at an lives change dramatically when they begin living ABC in Texas. The cou - healthy lives.” She’s excited about being able to ple moved to Keene in “finally take lifestyle management into ministry.” May to be closer to their Goff and her husband, Ron, are members of the grandchildren. He plans Anchor Pointe church plant in Shoemakersville. They on being involved in the have two college-aged sons, James and Jonathon. school where they Outgoing administrator Spotts (right) retired for the attend. He feels confi - first time in 1996. At the time he was working as the dent that Goff will do a senior vice president and chief operating officer for great job with AWHN.

JUNE 2008 | 43 Blue Mountain Academy Principal Accepts Call

lue Mountain Academy principal Spencer Hannah (right) recently accepted the call to Bhelp lead Shenandoah Valley Academy (SVA) in New Market, Va. Hannah has served at BMA for 14 years, nine of those as principal and five as vice principal. Both of his children are BMA graduates. Spencer asks for continued support of the school, saying, “I want to thank Pennsylvania constituents for their support of BMA. You can be proud of your school.” He adds, “It is a flagship among boarding schools across North America. They still need your support to deal with a physical plant that is over 50 years old. They are working on remodeling and repairing both dormitories over the next few years and will not be able to accomplish that without your support.” “Spencer has served BMA faithfully and with great strength,” comments conference president Ray Hartwell. “Under his leadership, a different climate and attitude toward learning and campus life has emerged. The spiritual atmosphere has been lifted, and his ability to treat students redemptively has added immensely to the development of so many BMA students and graduates.” He adds, “The enrollment has continued to climb and several new initiatives have been accomplished, others have been started and are showing fruit. Spencer will be missed, and we all wish he and Eva every blessing in the Lord.”

Conference Says Farewell to Retiring Staff Members

Alan Dean – Dean (below) and his deported his parents to Siberia. He accountant wife, Betty, moved to Pennsylvania was miraculously placed in the care before his grad - in February 1996. They had recently of his aunt and grandparents. Three uation in 1965. closed a bakery years later, they escaped to He held several and natural Germany, where his aunt joined the other positions foods business Adventist Church. After immigrating there before in Roanoke, Va. to the United States, the family moving to The couple joined a church in New York City Pennsylvania. moved near where Kotter started fourth grade. Pelley retired in Pittsburgh to be He transferred to Blue Mountain April after 42 years of service in the closer to Dean’s Academy during his senior year. Adventist Church. He will continue elderly father After graduating from Columbia to reside in Sinking Springs and and to work with the nearby Union College and then the semi - looks forward to spending more Richland church. Fulfilling a dream, nary at Andrews University (Mich.), time with family and enjoying his Dean enrolled in the conference lay Kotter (below) started his pastoral hobbies: walking, gardening, and pastor training program. ministry in South Boston, Va. music appreciation. Upon completing his training in Kotter and his wife, Bonnie, 1998, Dean was invited to pastor the retire after 37 Butler/Richland district. During the years of full- next four years, he helped complete time pastoral the new sanctuary for the Richland ministry. He church and a new home for the recently served June Butler church. In 2002 Dean was the Harrisburg transferred to the Seneca/Warren First church, 13-21 Camp Meeting, Blue district, where he pastored until this but has also Mountain Academy past May. He helped implement pastored in five 22-29 Adventurer Camp community health screenings, cook - conferences. The couple plans to Laurel Lake Camp ing classes, health seminars, county spend their retirement reconnecting (LLC) fair booths, and events throughout with friends, writing, traveling, and 29-July 6 Family Camp, LLC the district. Dean now hopes to assisting their local church. assist churches in western Virginia Pennsylvania Pen is published in the and to join in some mission trips. Lester Pelley – Pelley (right) has Visitor by the Pennsylvania Conference been a conference associate treas - 720 Museum Road, Reading, PA 19611 V. Eric Kotter – Three weeks after urer since August 1997. He started Phone: (610) 374-8331, ext. 210 President, Ray Hartwell ■ Editor, Tamyra Kotter’s birth in the Baltic country of his career at Atlantic Union College Horst ■ www.paconference.org Estonia, communist soldiers (Mass.), where he was hired as an

44 | VISITOR JUNE 2008 Who Makes Up Your Congregation?

am fascinated by the diverse communities that we have in Potomac. Some have strong ties to their history and Ihaven’t changed characteristics in over a hundred years. Some have changed so much that those who lived there 100 years ago wouldn’t recognize them. Other communities have such a strong legacy that they could write a book. Then there are those that are off the beaten track, and many of us don’t notice them at all. Some commu - nities are hard to miss—they have every type of ethnicity, lifestyle, economic status, social issue, and political affil - iation. What kind of community are you in? The “pen of inspiration” has told us that, as disciples, it is our privilege to go. “The world is perishing for want of the gospel… In the command to go into the highways and hedges, Christ sets forth the work of all whom He calls to minister in His name. The whole world is the field for Christ’s ministers. The whole human family is comprised in their congregation. The Lord desires that His word of grace shall be brought home to every soul” ( Christ’s Object Lessons , p. 228). Do you think of the people that are standing in line with you at the grocery store, at the gas station, or at the concert you attended as members of your congregation? Now there is a new twist! Let’s turn our communities upside down for the kingdom. After all, they are all mem - Bill Miller bers of our congregation. President

Potomac Sets New Course for Evangelism len Altermatt (below), the new conference associ - that some studies have shown that the best retention Gate of pastoral ministry/evangelism, is “extremely rates come from those individuals who already have a excited” about his new assignment. “With our confer - relationship or connection with someone in the congre - ence’s emphasis on growing healthy disciple-making gation. “One of my passions is to help churches devel - churches, evangelism op a harvest mentality, where members are experienc - plays an important ing the joy of soul winning and seeing the results lived role,” he says. “Our out in the lives of those they have led to Jesus.” Lord’s command is to, To help Potomac members experience this joy, ‘go make disciples’. Altermatt has set what he calls “ambitious goals” You can’t make a new that Potomac expects to reach by the power and disciple unless you first grace of God: win them.” ■ Every church holding an evangelistic meeting will Altermatt observes have a plan, which includes the necessary pre-work that when members and follow-up. become involved in soul winning, great things ■ Every church will have at least one baptism begin - happen. The Florida native and church growth expert is ning in 2009. looking at new, creative ways for churches to reach into ■ Increase the number of evangelistic meetings held their communities and become intentional about making each year by 10 percent. connections. “One of my objectives is to provide ■ Host a field school of evangelism in conjunction with resources to pastors and churches that will give many one of our colleges by 2010. options and opportunities for everyone to see how and ■ where they can fulfill God’s call in their lives,” he clarifies. Hold a multi-church, citywide series by 2010. Part of the challenge Altermatt sees is getting con - ■ Reach the following baptismal goals: 1,950 in 2008; gregations to move away from the old paradigm. “In the 2,250 in 2009; and 2,500 in 2010. past, we have relied upon the brochure to garner in a crowd, but it’s left out an important piece of the puzzle,” Altermatt extends this invitation: “Catch the vision he explains. “There is little or no connection between with me and become an active agent for Christ in your those who come and the current members.” He notes church. This is a partnership that will change your life.”

JUNE 2008 | 45 NEWS

Vienna Students Highlight Story of Jesus Ashton, Md., and Ivan Warden, associate director for The Vienna (Va.) church sanctuary was filled with the Ellen G. White Estate. members, friends, and proud parents as more than 70 of “There was an outstanding spirit there,” said Ray Vienna Adventist Academy’s 84 students presented a Pichette, PhD (below), vice president for pastoral min - special Easter istry and retreat presenter. “We were all blessed by program full of deeply spiritual sermons, and the seminars were pur - seasonal songs poseful and practical on growing healthy churches. and recitations. God showed up and blessed us.” The program Attending pastors started with also appreciated the instrumental sessions. “My elders praise by piano and I have been coming students fol - to the retreat for the lowed by a past four years,” com - recorder selec - mented Brandon E

L tion from the fourth- and sixth-graders (above). Other Koleda, pastor of the T T I Williamsburg (Va.) H performances included a memorized recitation of “One

. E Solitary Life” by fourth-grader Kevin Ghimire, a self- church. “As a pastor, it D I

V is a great time to bond

A penned composition by fourth-grader Max Bromme, a D

Y presentation by eighth-grader Vivian Arnez, and a num - with my leadership team. At each retreat, we learn more B

S ber of musical selections by various school choirs. and more about leading our congregation to greater O T

O Seventh-grader Blake Brown (below) was the guest health and growth. Most importantly, we learn together.” H P speaker, performing his self-written piece “Were Hyattsville Evangelistic Series Brings Revival You There? (According Following a decision by the Hyattsville (Md.) church to Simon Peter).” and their pastor, Ebenezer Samuel, in late 2007 to start “I am so pleased focusing on personal evangelism, every Sabbath was with all the students devoted to encouraging members to follow Christ’s and faculty,” said commission to the church. Then the church went a Nicole Abonkhese, step further and principal. “Christian hosted a week - education provides the end of lay evan - best chance for chil - gelism training dren to be well grounded in the knowledge of Jesus led by Mario and to be prepared for whatever the future might Torres and his hold.”— Evelyn Shanko Robinson team from the Frederick (Md.) Elders Retreats Bring Inspiration, Purpose church. Whether in the rustic setting of Camp Blue Ridge in One result of Montebello, Va., or in the modern sanctuary of the the session was Hyattsville (Md.) church pastor Ebenezer Damascus (Md.) Grace Fellowship church, the 2008 the organization Samuel (far left) proudly poses with new of a month-long Elders Retreats challenged attendees. Elders from and current members. across the conference were commissioned to shift the prophetic seminar, focus of their congrega - which the church had not done since 2000. Touching on tions to winning lost the awesome power of God during creation, the Holy souls for the kingdom. Spirit took control and five people were baptized. The two events saw a “The team had a wonderful time sharing the gospel, total attendance of and the meetings have given us an opportunity to work nearly 200. Keynote together,” commented Pastor Samuel. “We look forward speakers were to launching another series in the fall.”— Diane Bryson Marcellus Robinson, DMin (left), senior pas - Potomac People is published in the Visitor by the Potomac Conference ■ 606 Greenville Ave., Staunton, VA 24401 tor of the Emmanuel- Phone: (540) 886-0771 ■ www.pcsda.org ■ President, Bill Brinklow church in Miller ■ Communication Director, Don Wood

46 | VISITOR SHENANDOAH VALLEY ACADEMY HAPPENINGS JUNE 2008 www.shenandoahvalleyacademy.org

Visiting School “Tribes” Experience Academy Life

he Shenandoah Valley Academy (SVA) campus ships were in sports, Twas alive with activity recently as students from music, Bible knowl - schools around the Eastern half of the country came edge, and math. down to the valley to experience Academy Days. Members of the tribes More than 160 young guests from Virginia, Maryland, of Dan and Issachar Connecticut, and as far away as Florida, participated were each awarded in the weekend activities. cash prizes for earning Upon arrival, students were assigned to a “tribe” the highest number of and introduced to their SVA student ambassadors, who points for the weekend. hosted them throughout the weekend. Tribes toured “I got to do activities the campus in a series of six stops, their groupings with others, meet new evidenced by various tribal colors and by placards people, and make new announcing “Reuben” friends,” said Nicolas or “Gad” (or one of Lapido, an eighth- Academy Days visitors have a Jacob’s other sons), grader from John great time using the new handheld which the ambassa - Nevins Andrews School remote answer devices that coor - dors herded along. in Takoma Park, Md. dinate with SVA’s SmartBoards. As visiting students “I really like SVA. It toured the campus, takes away the from the they got acquainted distractions of the city so you can focus more on God.” with the dorms, church, “At first I was a bit nervous,” added Reuben pool, student center Ramirez, an eighth-grader at Shenandoah Valley and other buildings. At Adventist Elementary School, “but the ambassadors each stop, they were were really helpful and answered any questions that we Current SVA students invite given an opportunity to had. I also had a great time getting to know people Academy Days guests to join their earn points for their from other schools.” campus families for daily prayer time. tribe by answering a As SVA’s director trivia question about of recruiting, Gail that particular area. Daneker, bid the Meanwhile, parents and sponsors met in the auditorium young guests good - for a chat with principal Dale Twomley, PhD. bye, she felt a per - Due to chilly weather, the cookout, picnic supper was sonal connection to moved to the cafeteria, after which guests loaded buses many of them. “They for a ride over the mountain to tour Luray Caverns. Later, came with open an ice cream social was followed by worship in the hearts and giving chapel. Any remaining energy was burned off in the gym spirits,” she said. “It during scholarship auditions for sports and music. was an incredible Additional students arrived on Monday morning, two days.” joining Sunday’s guests in mini-sessions of six classes Potential students try out for volleyball Anyone inter - typically taken by freshmen. At each stop, tribes were scholarships during their recent visit. ested in attending again given the opportunity to earn points through a SVA this August fun activity or quiz, as well as learn a bit about what can contact typically happens in that class. Daneker at (540) 740-2210. We’d love to see some After lunch the focus turned to SVA’s seventh “tribe” members return. objective: fun. Tribes competed in three-legged races, Frisbee tosses, balloon bursting contests, and various Happenings is published in the Visitor by Shenandoah Valley other activities to, again, earn points for their tribe. The Academy ■ 234 West Lee Highway, New Market, VA 22844 afternoon concluded with a closing assembly when Phone: (540) 740-3161 ■ Principal, Dale Twomley, PhD Email: [email protected] $57,000 in scholarships—each valued from $500 to www.shenandoahvalleycademy.org $1,500—was awarded to 53 attendees. The scholar -

JUNE 2008 | 47 8 0 0 2 E N U J

Mission Work in Tanzania Changes Students’ Lives

e and 10 other students and nine adults from us and getting MTakoma Academy (TA) recently boarded Ethiopian our attention. Airlines on our way to the Mt. Kilimanjaro Airport in Everyone had the Arusha, Tanzania. We were on our way to help rebuild hardest time leav - an orphanage. ing: Seeing the The first thing we noticed upon our arrival was that kids cry as we Africa is very different from the television portrayal of left was so sad. one big desert. Once we stepped off the plane, we saw Traveling to beautiful, tall green trees, lovely flowers, and stunning Tanzania made us landscapes. It was also realize that we soon apparent that the have a lot of rea - Tanzanians work very sons to be grate - hard and are grateful ful. We take for for everything they granted little Trip volunteers lay iron mesh before pour - have. Many of them things like paved ing the concrete floor of the new facility. wear the same clothes roads, traffic laws, every day and were water pressure, happy to have them. and loving parents. We assume that each morning we They live in such will have food and electricity. Our rituals and habits even poverty that it was dif - make us forget to say thank you. The trip was a reminder ficult to believe that to be grateful for the things God has allowed us to have. their living arrange - Coming home was sad because we miss the children TA students and adults arrive in ments did not depress and realize we don’t have the finances to go back and Tanzania ready to get to work. them. We asked one check on them. However, there are people here that need native if he liked living just as much help. There are people the way he did, and, who would be happy and grateful to surprisingly, he answered yes; that was his home and receive just a little portion of kindness, he did not want to leave. These wonderful people were maybe just a smile or a meal. For some, happy with just barely enough to get by. we might be the only Jesus they see. Our work on the orphanage included moving heavy You do not need to have superpowers bricks, big rocks, gravel, and making cement. It was to change the world; you just need the torture, and at the end of the day, everyone was love of Jesus in your heart to Sheri Thorn exhausted. However, seeing the smiles on the chil - make a difference. Junior dren’s faces gave us all the energy boost we needed to keep going. The orphans were very Calendar attachable June and would hug and kiss 4,5 Semester Exams us. All they 6 Last Day of School/Exam Make Up Day wanted to do 6-8 Graduation Weekend was hold our hands. It 29 Registration, Noon-4 p.m. softened our hearts to see Juniors Jamal Douglas and Kris Austin, and TA Today is published in the Visitor by Takoma Academy the joy they 8120 Carroll Ave., Takoma Park, MD 20912 ■ Phone: seniors David Byass and Vijay Ganta spend (301) 434-4700 ■ Principal, C. Dunbar Henri ■ www.ta.edu got from some fun and quality time with the Tanzanian playing with orphans.

48 | VISITOR Talking About Freedom

Did you know that the Columbia Union Conference has a religious liberty radio program? Adrian Westney, at the Columbia Union Public Affairs and Religious Liberty office, hosts Talking About Freedom. Each week Westney interviews guests on various topics relating to religious liberty.

Airs each Sabbath, 7:30 a.m. WGTS-FM—91.9 www.wgts.org

Bulletin Board

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Word count is based upon the spaces between words in normal usage. adventistchildindia.org or email cover letters and curriculum vitae [email protected]. Display Advertising: For rates and information, go to should be sent to denise columbiaunion.org/go/advertising , or call toll-free (888) 4-visitor dunzweiler, phd, dean, p.o. ADVENTIST HOMESCHOOL (local, 410-997-3414 or 301-596-0800) and ask for beth michaels at box 370, collegedale, tn 37315; GRADES K-12: ext. 574. [email protected]; (423) 236- true homeschool assistance from 2776. the place where homeschooling began. Follow children’s interests, EMPLOYMENT SOUTHERN ADVENTIST immerse scripture in all subjects. LOMA LINDA UNIVERSITY— UNIVERSITY’S a university, a medical center with make home, bonding with parents school of education and and god the best educational insti - four hospitals, and a physicians psychology seeks full-time faculty group. these resources have tutions. balance book study with HOSPITALIST for teaching counseling or clinical helped us become one of the best missionary emphasis, work, and OPPORTUNITIES psychology. doctorate required or service. special needs, gifted. en universities and health systems in abd by may 2009. related IN NORTH GEORGIA the nation. we currently have espanol tambien. moore academy degrees/experiences may be con - (541) 296-4926. faculty positions in microbiology sidered. graduation from an apa- and molecular genetics available. 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Outstanding Adventist of graduate and medical students 10% DISCOUNT. Karohn young, principal; elementary and high school is essential. interested individuals home of the pinless/rechargeable contact: (866) 715-7752; within community. should submit (by mail or email) true minutes phonecard. true [email protected]. minutes long distance service is Southern Adventist University curriculum vitae, a statement of research and teaching interests, 1.9 cents/minute including uK within 45 minutes. and the names and contact and canada. no tax, no fee, information, including email no expiration. visit phonecard - August Visitor To learn more contact: addresses, of three references to land. com and choose the best plan for all your phone calls [email protected] dr. hansel m. 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JUNE 2008 | 51 Bulletin Board

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52 | VISITOR Bulletin Board

OUTER BANKS, N.C., BEACH SHENANDOAH VALLEY HOUSE FOR RENT: ACADEMY (SVA) Jn 6 Jn 13 Jn 20 Jn 27 July 4 beautiful 4br, 3.5ba beach will host a dessert reception for house for rent in corolla. great all sva alumni during potomac Baltimore 8:31 8:34 8:36 8:37 8:36 room,14 ft. cathedral ceiling, hot conference camp meeting Friday, tub, sleeps 13. unobstructed view june 20, at 6 p.m., in the former of lake, easy walking distance to home ec room on the lower level Cincinnati 9:02 9:05 9:07 9:08 9:07 beach. $1,395 weekly july/ of the student center. all former august. call (252) 261-2326. ask students and staff and their families Cleveland 8:58 9:02 9:04 9:04 9:04 for unit s266 or view property at are invited to join us for this evening kittydunes.com. of good food and fellowship. Columbus 8:58 9:02 9:04 9:05 9:04 PROFESSIONAL ANNOUNCEMENTS WORKSHOP FOR NURSES, Jersey City 8:25 8:29 8:31 8:32 8:31 june 20, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., new PHILADELPHIA ACADEMY market, va. topic: "intentional Norfolk 8:22 8:25 8:28 8:28 8:28 PICTURE NEEDED: spiritual encounters: integrating if you have a picture of the Faith into nursing practice." Parkersburg 8:50 8:54 8:56 8:58 8:56 academy on germantown ceus. visit adventistnursingcon - avenue, in philadelphia, please nection.org for details and to Philadelphia 8:27 8:31 8:33 8:34 8:33 send to philadelphia academy register, or email linda royer at alumni association, email [email protected], or call Pittsburgh 8:48 8:51 8:54 8:54 8:53 [email protected] or (540) 477-9653. mail to caesar dimemmo, Reading 8:31 8:35 8:37 8:38 8:37 1161 mountain rd, newburg, MUSIC AT THE 2010 pa 17240. GC SESSION in atlanta, june 23 through july Richmond 8:29 8:32 8:34 8:35 8:34 MISSION TRIPS TO 3. needed: high-quality sacred HONDURAS JULY AND music from vocalists, instrumen - Roanoke 8:38 8:41 8:44 8:44 8:44 AUGUST 2008: talists, choirs, ensembles, etc. chesapeake conference will please visit gcsession.org for Toledo 9:06 9:10 9:12 9:13 9:12 be hosting two mission trips details and application. send all this summer to an orphanage requested materials to nad music Trenton 8:26 8:30 8:32 8:33 8:32 in honduras. july 10-20 will be coordinator, attn: ron christman, for high-school-aged students. 12501 old columbia pike, silver Wash., D.C . 8:31 8:35 8:37 8:38 8:37 the second trip is august 3-15 spring, md 20904-6600. deadline and is geared for college stu - for application: january 31, 2009. dents and young adults. if you are interested and would like SABBATH SERVICES more information, please AT YELLOWSTONE contact ann reynolds at NATIONAL PARK: SUNSET CALENDAR [email protected] or mid-america union, rocky call (410) 995-1910. mountain conference, and centura health will be providing sabbath GROUT, Geraldine Isabel (Hale), editor of the Atlantic Union Gleaner services at yellowstone national born june 16, 1923, in west for 22 years. retiring in 1996, she park from may 31 through august groton, mass.; died February 21, ended her long career of service to Maryland Men 30. please plan to join these serv - 2008, in clinton, mass. she and the church. she will be missed by of Faith ices if you will be visiting the park her husband actively served the her husband, john, of 50 years, this summer. For more information, south lancaster village church for her nieces and nephews, and other Presented by contact rocky mountain many years. she was the church family members and friends. she Personal Ministries conference, (303) 282-3670. historian, founder of the church’s was preceded in death by her sis - Atholton and Baltimore First SINGLES POTLUCK AT adventist heritage center, and ters marjory and thelma. Seventh-day Adventist communication director. she was CAMP MEETING LINDSJO, Eleanor M., churches the youngest of three girls. she enjoy camp meeting at born december 21, 1909, in graduated from groton high shenandoah valley academy (234 crescent mills, calif.; died February school in 1941, and earned her Upcoming Events: west lee highway, new market, 7, 2008, in dayton, md. she was a undergraduate degree and mas - va 22844 (pcsda.org/pc_ camp - member of the triadelphia church ter’s in education (1950) at boston Clifford Goldstein meeting/campmeeting.asp). after in clarksville, md. eleanor taught in university and her doctor of July 29 at 7 p.m. the divine service, all singles are adventist elementary schools in philosophy in business education Baltimore First Church invited to a potluck at 720 wisconsin, michigan, illinois, from the university of indiana in battlefield bluff drive, new oregon, and john nevins andrews 1960. she married john grout on Third Annual Conference market, va 22844. For directions, elementary school in takoma park, april 21, 1957. she began her October 4 - All day visit asamchesapeake.com or md. she also taught at walla walla career as a teacher at troy high Mt. Aetna Camp and contact cynthia malcolm, college. she edited and wrote school in troy, n.h., in 1947. in Retreat Center (540) 740-3332. textbooks for the general 1949 she continued her teaching conference education department Hagerstown, Md. career at south lancaster for 22 years. she is survived by a OBITUARIES academy, where she was also sister, arlene grimley, and preced - women’s dean. she spent three Visit: mmof.org ed in death by her husband, dr. DONOPHAN, Alvin C., years at columbia union college in holger lindsjo, who taught at the born december 18, 1918, in Kent takoma park, md., where she was For more information: adventist seminary at andrews county, del.; died november 23, department head and an associate university (mich.), and columbia 2007, in Kent county, del. he was professor of business education. Email union college in takoma park, md. a member of the Forest grove she taught secretarial science at [email protected] church in dover, del. an army war atlantic union college in south METZINGER, Mary A., hero, he served in both wwii and lancaster, mass. she was also a born February 28, 1913, in Phone Korea, receiving many awards and licensed nursing home administra - youngstown, ohio; died march 18, medals, including two bronze stars. (410) 465-6864 tor at the hale convalescent home 2008, in poland, ohio. she was a survivors: his wife, mable; sons Baltimore First Church in west groton, mass., for several member of the evergreen church in john, david, and steven; and years. she worked as a secretary boardman, ohio. she belonged to daughters, maryann and gloria. in the e. e. miles bindery and was the dorcas society and taught

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jesus. her favorite bible verse was at their community services hagerstown church. he is phil. 4:13, which became her center and eastern shore junior survived by a step-daughter, motto. during wwii she worked at academy. Frank was a building anna marie johnson; stepsons, truscon steel corp. she retired in contractor, and is survived by his raymond johnson, charlie 1973 from north side hospital as a wife, virginia; sons and daugh - johnson, and gregory sterner; nurses aide. she is survived by ters-in-law, Franklin jr. and sue eight step-grandchildren; and four daughter and son-in-law martha tyler and ronald g. and sherry step-great-grandchildren. and robert enlow of canfield, tyler; a brother, james tyler; a YUSCHAK, Rachael, ohio; daughter and son-in-law sister, nellie leonard; and three born july 24, 1925, in Fort maryann and allen smith of grandchildren, Kyle, lauren, seneca, ohio; died February 25, peoria, ariz.; daughter susan and jill. 2008, in Frederick, pa. she was a waldo of glendale, ariz.; brother VAN METER, Catherine, member of the evergreen church michael blasko and his wife, diane, born august 2, 1933, in in boardman, ohio. rachael and brother andrew blasko, both montgomery county, md.; graduated from nursing school at of middletown, ohio; 12 grandchil - died october 21, 2007, in chaffin in 1966 and retired from dren; and 15 great-grandchildren. hagerstown, md. she was a st. elizabeth hospital in 1986. mary was preceded in death by member of the triadelphia she is survived by her husband, her parents, john and anna church in brookeville, md. peter yuschak; daughter, Karen (dernyer) blasko; husband, survivors: her daughter, gail yuschak; daughters and sons-in- lawrence (bud) mesinger; brother hedges; sons donald, robert, law: tina (russ) nesmith of john blasko; two grandchildren; and charles vanmeter; and a Frederick, pa., and rose (peyton) and two great-grandchildren. brother, joshua dill. bogley of jefferson, md.; a SAMMONS, Delores E. brother, harvey Flory of Fort WEST, Robert Lee, born january 9, 1925, in battle myers, Fla.; and a sister, margaret born september 9, 1938, in creek, mich.; died november 29, Katherine pourhassani, of lisbon, rochelle, ga.; died october 2007, in Kent county, del. she md. she was preceded in death 22, 2007, in hagerstown, md. was a member of the Forest by her parents, harvey and ruth he was a member of the grove church in dover, del. she shaull Flory. is survived by her husband, uylsses; sons emery and arden; and daughters sharon, cathy, jill, OBITUARY SUBMISSION vanessa, and tammy. TYLER, Franklin M. Sr., For information on placing an obituary in the Visitor , born February 19, 1934, in please call Sandra Jones at (888)4-VISITOR easton, md.; died december 24, or email [email protected]. 2007, in easton, md. he was a dedicated member of the Obituaries are placed in the order they are received, grasonville (md.) church, serving on a space-available basis.

VISITOR SUBSCRIPTION SLIGO BY THE SEA INFORMATION Are you a professional, 2008 would you like to receive the student, or Visitor , or are you on the mailing list but have an address change? freelancer June 28 July 5 working in the Steve Chavez Dave Weigley Please email or call toll-free: communication field? [email protected] ■ print July 12 July 19 (888) 4-VISITOR ■ broadcast Larry Evans ■ Terry Johnsson or mail to: technology ■ public relations August 2 Columbia Union Visitor ■ education July 26 Subscription Services ■ radio Becky Brillhart Fred Kinsey 5427 Twin Knolls Road Columbia, MD 21045 JOIN THE August 16 August 9 please include the name of Society of Ben Carson William Johnsson the conference where your Adventist Marianne Scriven & membership is held and your Communicators Hillhaven Chorale Group telephone number. if an address change, also send your www.adventistcommunicator.org August 23 August 30 previous address as listed on the magazine label. Kermit Netteburg William Loveless To get information and If you live outside the electronic newsletters, email: Services held at Columbia Union Conference [email protected] territory, a year’s subscription St. Peter’s Lutheran Church (12 issues) is $15. 10301 Coastal Hwy., Ocean City, Md. NEXT CONVENTION : (410) 524-7474 Please make your check payable to: Denver Sabbath School: 10 a.m.—Worship Service: 11 a.m. columbia union Visitor October 9-12, 2008 Casual dress is appropriate. and mail to the above address.

54 | VISITOR Last Words brian jones

Celeste Ryan Blyden ■ Editor Beth Michaels ■ Associate Editor for Newsletters Kelly Butler Coe ■ Art Director & Designer Why I am a Seventh-day Sandra Jones ■ Copy Editor & Bulletin Board Editor Adventist

PUBLISHING BOARD : Dave Weigley (chair), Celeste Ryan Blyden (secretary), Raj Attiken, Seth Bardu, Larry Boggess, rom early childhood, I yearned to Charles Cheatham, José Cortés, J. Neville Harcombe, Ray Hartwell, James L. Lewis, Bill Miller, Rob Vandeman understand life’s meaning. Having MISSION STATEMENT been raised in a nonreligious home, the The Visitor provides news and information, resources for effective F ministry, and insight on issues with a spiritual focus to help people field of conjecture on spiritual truth was wide celebrate God's transforming grace in preparation for His return. open to me. From age 13 onward, I was filled COLUMBIA UNION CONFERENCE OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS ■ 5427 Twin Knolls Road, Columbia, MD 21045 with wonder. “Who am I?” “How did I origi - (888) 4-VISITOR ■ http://www.columbiaunion.org nate?” “What is life’s true aim?” These ques - Free to Columbia Union members. All others—$15 per year. tions so consumed me that I dropped out of COLUMBIA UNION CONFERENCE Dave Weigley President college at 18 to embark on a self-guided tour into mystic realms J. Neville Harcombe Executive Secretary unknown. On this wayward search, I nearly destroyed my life. Seth Bardu Treasurer Frank Bondurant Vice President/Ministry Development My guiding light was the occult and westernized forms of Hamlet Canosa Vice President/Education Walter Carson Vice President/ General Counsel/PARL eastern religion. This track led me into briery paths that ended in Edward Motschiedler Special Asst. to the President Celeste Ryan Blyden Asst. to the President/Communication a morass of addiction to psychedelic drugs. Occasionally I would Rubén Ramos Asst. to the President/Multilingual Min. Harold Greene Information Technology cry out for deliverance, only to plunge back into deeper darkness. Curtis Boore Plant Services I had no idea what Christianity taught, except that its adherents Peggy Lee Revolving Fund Carol Wright Undertreasurer worshiped a crucified martyr and kept certain holidays draped CONFERENCES with decorations, merriment, and indulgence. ALLEGHENY EAST: Charles L. Cheatham, President; Robert Booker, Visitor Correspondent; P.O. Box 266, Pine Forge, PA 19548. But in my early 20s, through a marvelous chain of provi - Tel. (610) 326-4610 ■ www.myalleghenyeast.com dences, the Lord brought me to a grateful acceptance of Christ as ALLEGHENY WEST: James L. Lewis, President; Bryant Taylor, Visitor Correspondent; 1339 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43205. my Savior, and a growing surrender to His grace. Through Tel. (614) 252-5271 ■ www.awcsda.com earnest Bible study, my spiritual experience became molded by CHESAPEAKE: Rob Vandeman, President; (vacant), Visitor Correspondent; 6600 Martin Rd., Columbia, MD 21044. the glorious power of God’s Word (see Matt. 4:4; John 8:31-36; Tel. (410) 995-1910 James 1 and 2). Having settled this, I resolved not to evaluate any MOUNTAIN VIEW: Larry Boggess, President; Brian Jones, Visitor Correspondent; 1400 Liberty St., Parkersburg, WV 26101. teaching of the Bible by its acceptance with professed Christians. Tel. (304) 422-4581 ■ www.mtviewconf.org NEW JERSEY: José Cortés, President; Laffit Cortés, Visitor Correspondent; 2160 Brunswick Ave., Trenton, NJ 08648. Tel. (609) 392-7131 ■ www.njcsda.org SPECIAL CHURCH, SPECIAL MISSION OHIO: Raj Attiken, President; Nancy Barnett, Visitor With the help of a consecrated Adventist couple, Frank and Correspondent; P.O. Box 1230, Mount Vernon, OH 43050. Tel. (740) 397-4665 ■ www.ohioadventist.org Evelyn Earl, I gained a wide-angle view of the “great controversy” PENNSYLVANIA: Ray Hartwell, President; Tamyra Horst, Visitor theme in the Bible, and saw that God had raised up a movement Correspondent; 720 Museum Rd., Reading, PA 19611. Tel. (610) 374-8331 ■ www.paconference.org from virtually all denominations, as prophesied in Revelation chap - POTOMAC: Bill Miller, President; Don Wood, Visitor ters 10-14. This special church with a special mission was unique Correspondent; 606 Greenville Avenue, Staunton, VA 24401. Tel. (540) 886-0771 ■ www.pcsda.org because of its adherence to the whole counsel of God, and its com - COLLEGES mitment to rapidly disseminate saving truth in all its fullness COLUMBIA UNION COLLEGE: Weymouth Spence, President; (vacant), Visitor Correspondent; 7600 Flower Ave., Takoma Park, worldwide. This church magnified Christ and His righteousness MD 20912. Tel. (301) 891-4000 ■ www.cuc.edu (Tit. 2:11-14; Rev. 14:6-12). This church stood ready, with unbiased KETTERING COLLEGE OF MEDICAL ARTS: Charles Scriven, President; Mindy Claggett, Visitor Correspondent; 3737 Southern compassion, to meet the needs of suffering humanity, whether it be Blvd., Kettering, OH 45429. Tel. (937) 395-8601 ■ www.kcma.edu one person or whole nations stricken with calamity (see Isa. 58). HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS This church did not beg the world’s pardon for keeping the com - ADVENTIST HEALTHCARE: William G. “Bill” Robertson, President & CEO; Ray Tetz, Visitor Correspondent; 1801 Research Blvd., mandments of God and having the faith and testimony of Jesus Suite 400, Rockville, MD 20850. Tel. (301) 315-3030 www.adventisthealthcare.com (Rev. 14:12; 19:10). This church loved and served as Christ did. KETTERING ADVENTIST HEALTHCARE: Frank Perez, President I respected these principles then and still do. And that is why I & CEO; Kathryn Stiles, Visitor Correspondent; 3965 Southern Blvd., Kettering, OH 45429. Tel. (937) 395-8167 am a Seventh-day Adventist. www.kmcnetwork.org Published by the Columbia Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Printed at the Review & Herald Publishing Association. Brian Jones, baptized in 1975, pastors the Weirton and Wheeling Adventis t ® and Seventh-day Adventis t ® are the registered trade - marks of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventist s ®. (W.Va.) churches and serves as communication director for the Volume 113 ■ Issue 6 Mountain View Conference.

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