SUMMER 2021

Hartland's Influence Spreads to Nigeria 6 TRAINING A Bridge for ST Hurting Hearts 8 21 CENTURY MISSIONARIES Something Very Different 11 PRESIDENT'S PERSPECTIVE Norbert Restrepo

As a Thief in the Night The day of the Lord will come unexpectedly.

he coming of the Lord is illustrated several times in Scripture as a thief coming Tin the night. “For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.” 1 Thessalonians 5:2. However, Jesus stated clearly that “as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” Matthew 24:27. He further added, “And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.” Matthew 24: 30. Therefore, the coming of the Lord as a thief does not mean that it will be a secret event. What then could be the main purpose of this illustration? The pen of inspiration answers: “Before the Flood, after Noah entered the ark, God shut him in, and shut the ungodly out; but for seven days the people, knowing not that their doom was fixed, continued their careless, pleasure-loving life, and mocked the warnings of impending judgment. ‘So,’ says the Saviour, ‘shall also the coming of the Son of man be’ (Matthew 24:39). Silently, unnoticed as the midnight thief, will come the decisive hour which marks the fixing of every man’s destiny, the final withdrawal of mercy’s offer to guilty men.”1 Scripture provides evidence that probation will close shortly before Christ’s second coming. The parable of the ten virgins conveys this lesson. The book of Revelation indicates that before Christ’s second coming, the righteous will be sealed and that those who are filthy shall remain filthy still. To Daniel also was revealed a day when the books will be opened and the judgment will be set before Christ’s second coming. See Matthew 25; Revelation 7 and 22; Daniel 7:10. “The righteous and the wicked will still be living upon the earth in their mortal state—men will be planting and building, eating and drinking, all unconscious that the final, irrevocable decision has been pronounced in the sanctuary above.”2 Oh, may we be sober and vigilant so that day will not overtake us as a thief!

1 Ellen G. White, Last Day Events, p. 230. 2 White, The Great Controversy, p. 491.

2 VOL. 27 NO. 2 | HARTLAND MINISTRY REPORT NEW STAFF

“I had made a pledge that I would give FROM WALL back to the community. And so I quit my job and went to work for a community outreach program. It was basically an after-school program that allowed me to STREET TO work with kids and their families. I had a passion to help them.” This pivotal decision set him on the HARTLAND road to eventually getting his master’s and then his doctorate in educational Dr. Andrew Smith brings a wealth of leadership, in addition to his master’s experience to our Education Department. in finance and economics. After a rich experience in working with at-risk by Rachel Perry youth, he eventually transitioned into higher education, teaching at Argosy, Southwestern, and Washington Adventist University (where he continues to teach as an adjunct professor). Along the way he also gained experience as an athlete, a professional truck driver, and a commercial pilot. “Each step of the way I’ve seen why the Lord allowed me to do certain things, because from each of those forays into different disciplines or occupations, I’ve learned so much. As a teacher I’m able to draw on those experiences and use them as object lessons, and it has a way of helping the students to grasp the concepts and theories in a more tangible way.” As the new chair of the Education Department at Hartland College, Dr. Smith looks forward to training teachers for the mission field, be it in the cities or in remote locations around the world. “My charge is to ensure that each hen Andrew Smith began his first degree offering is biblically based, Wjob at one of the largest investment spiritually sound, and pedagogically firms on Wall Street, he never dreamed that relevant to uplift students’ faith in Jesus one day his career path would lead him to Christ. Secondly, I aim to develop a train missionaries at a tiny Seventh-day solid curriculum focused on training Adventist college in Virginia. professional teachers who are competent, Although he loved working in finance Spirit-filled, and adequately equipped to and economics, the rushed lifestyle quickly serve in the mission field for which they wore him down. It was around this time are called. I am a sower of seeds and I that he remembered a promise he had leave the increase up to God.” made during his time as a peer counselor Dr. Smith is truly an answer to our in college. prayers, and we are so blessed to have him here with us! 540-672-3100 | [email protected] | hartland.edu 3 ALUMNI

olombian-born Jonathan Santana came to Hartland to study Cpastoral evangelism, impressed that this was God’s calling for his life. His student years had a far-reaching effect on him: “Hartland greatly impacted my life spiritually and academically,” Jonathan says. “I grew spiritually through the study of the Bible in my classes and through the spiritual environment Hartland provides. It also impacted me academically because I acquired the mental disciplines needed to approach a postgraduate degree and do research properly and professionally.” THE Jonathan’s experience at Hartland impacted him in other ways too. “One of the most valuable things I took away from Hartland is the servant spirit that dominates in mostly every staff and RIPPLE student. I deeply appreciate everyone’s humility and willingness to help and serve.” While Jonathan was at Hartland, God gave him an unusual EFFECT opportunity to impact other lives. In his second year, he and another student were invited to co-pastor a small Spanish church. “Seeing some of my Bible study contacts being God’s work in baptized and giving their lives to Jesus was my strongest Jonathan’s life confirmation that God was calling me to pastoral ministry,” continues to impact Jonathan recalls. many other lives. Sadly, Jonathan suffered some personal tragedy while he was a student, but he looks upon even this as an experience by Gillian Bethel that has ultimately impacted him and others for good: “I learned how God uses tragedies and difficulties to enrich our testimony and impact more lives for Jesus,” he reflects. To round out Jonathan’s training, God guided him to an internship in Maryland. A pastor in the Chesapeake Conference asked Hartland for a bilingual intern to work with English- and Spanish- speaking congregations. Jonathan is still working there as a graduate. During his ministry as an assistant pastor, Jonathan’s personal testimony, his love for God, and his knowledge of the Bible have impacted many more lives. He recounts, “Seeing the first ten of my Bible contacts being baptized on the same day was one of the most exciting and memorable experiences I have ever had in my ministry.” While he ministers to everyone, Jonathan especially loves working with youth. “I’m passionate about teaching and ministering to young people personally. I see myself working as a pastor and/or Bible teacher,” he says. Certainly, God has more plans to impact Jonathan’s life so that the ripples will continue to bless and change other lives. Please pray for his ministry.

4 VOL. 27 NO. 2 | HARTLAND MINISTRY REPORT COLLEGE

TRAINING 21ST CENTURY Hartland College is adding some exciting MISSIONARIES new classes to its core curriculum! by Kevin Grams

artland College’s reason for their chosen area of ministry. Hexistence is to educate 21st century A new Digital Ministry Fundamentals missionary professionals to spread the class will teach students how to use gospel to the world. Our mission is to social media, webpages, multimedia, and ensure that every student is expertly traditional instructional technologies to trained in their chosen vocation to improve their presentations, lectures, serve wherever the Lord might lead. sermons, and outreach efforts. Throughout the past year, the college Our new Ministry & Leadership and administration and department chairs Ministry & Economics classes will offer have spent many hours reviewing, students opportunities to learn how to assessing, and evaluating our be effective leaders while developing effectiveness at reaching this goal. The the business aspects of their future result of this review has led to some ministries. exciting innovations in our curriculum The class Entrepreneurial Mindset that we would like to share with you. continues this training by showing One of our most significant updates students how to combine business is our improved core curriculum. It and mission using innovative is important for us to maintain the entrepreneurial principles. solid biblical instruction that Hartland Every Hartland student will also receive College is well known for, while adding training in life and health coaching, additional classes that will benefit which is being used effectively in the missionaries-in-training. mission field to encourage people to make practical changes that improve We have now included four new their life and wellbeing. classes in missiology and a world history course that will teach students This is only a brief summary of some of about the history and culture of the enhancements we have made at our the various people groups they will college. We very much covet your prayers encounter throughout the world. and support as we continue the important We have also added a teaching task of training young people for service in seminar that will give all of our the various mission fields of the world. students basic strategies for effective instruction specifically tailored to

540-672-3100 | [email protected] | hartland.edu 5 LORD, SEND ME

Hartland's Influence Spreads to Nigeria

A new alumni project, Elim Lands, is equipping the next generation of medical missionaries in Dorcas's homeland. by Rachel Perry

must get advanced training in a place was accepted. As her friends continued I that will equip me for my calling. The developing plans for the school, she and thought pressed continuously in Dorcas her fellow Hartland students helped to Akintunde’s mind. organize two mission trips (Lift Him Up After an Adventist medical missionary and H.E.L.P Nigeria) to aid the progress training center near her home closed of the young project. In 2017, it officially in 2013, a few of Dorcas’s friends began opened with two students. praying about starting a new one. In In 2019, Dorcas graduated from 2015, God provided for the purchase of Hartland College with a bachelor’s degree a property for the new training school; in health ministry and a fervent desire to meanwhile, Dorcas, feeling unqualified yet return to teach at the new training school wanting to help, applied to receive further God had provided—Elim Lands Nigeria. training and experience at Hartland and Today, she and her husband Vojtech

6 VOL. 27 NO. 2 | HARTLAND MINISTRY REPORT Ligenza are the directors of this growing Here is where the “Lord, Send Me” (LSM) ministry. I’ll let her tell you more about it. program comes in. Through your gifts to “Elim Lands is committed to training LSM, Elim Lands can receive additional Hartland's Influence youth in spreading the gospel through support and funds to help expand their medical missionary work. Since 2017, ministry and realize their vision. Look we have trained more than 60 medical for more reports on this project in future Spreads to Nigeria missionaries. Students are provided issues of Hartland Ministry Report. with opportunities to be equipped We are excited that alumni like Dorcas in many areas of life. Firstly, they are are active in ministry and have big plans, trained in vocational work (carpentry, and we want to help them be successful. welding, bricklaying, farming, tiling, and Will you join us in encouraging them by trading); secondly, they are trained in your prayers and gifts? helping the sick to recover (using natural remedies, health expos, community health surveying, health education, home care services, and natural health food production); and lastly, they are trained in how to give Bible studies and better acquaint themselves with Scripture. “Year by year, we see the necessity of schools like Elim Lands. Unemployment in Nigeria is increasing daily, leaving the youth idle and useless, and later leading The boys’ hostel also houses one health guest, a to an unhealthy influence in society. Our treatment room, and a classroom/cafeteria. training school not only generates income for them through vocational training, but also encourages them to use all their God- given faculties to touch souls.” WHAT IS “LORD, SEND ME”? Hartland’s stated vision is to have Our Vision for a Lifestyle Center “alumni serving in every nation, In order to train medical missionaries supporting the mission of the Seventh- effectively, a lifestyle center is needed so day Adventist Church to prepare the students can have hands-on experience in world for Christ’s soon return.” Part of treating health guests. our strategy to accomplish this is the “Our vision is to have a separate “Lord, Send Me” program. building for accommodating health guests, In 2010, a vision was born to assist as we are currently using the boys’ hostel. alumni wanting to develop their own This limits the number of health guests self-supporting ministries. Many we can have, as well as the male students students desired to start projects back we can admit. We would like to stop telling home, but without sufficient aid, they people, ‘Oh sorry, the rooms are occupied; struggled to be successful. wait until we have a space for you.’ We Since its inception, LSM has nurtured can only take three patients maximum. three alumni projects— Purelight Three rooms aren’t enough when there are Missions in South Africa, Santos hundreds and maybe thousands of people Evangelistic Training Institute in waiting to know Christ and His healing Brazil, and Loma Linda Campestre in power. It saddens us that we cannot Colombia. All have transitioned into offer our services to many more people, thriving affiliate ministries of Hartland especially knowing we have the human College. We look forward to seeing resources to treat more than three people many more, by God’s grace! at a time.”

540-672-3100 | [email protected] | hartland.edu 7 INTERN really miss my dad,” mixed with the tears that were now streaming down her face. As we talked, she shared many painful A Bridge situations that she had been dealing with for nearly 20 years—including the gradual loss of her father to a brain illness. for Hurting Then, we laid everything before God. We acknowledged that the One able to help her is the One who was tempted Hearts with the same WHYs that were filling her mind, and Who is now ready to intercede for her—Jesus Christ. The final result? An God used Hartland overwhelmed sister in Christ relaxed and College to set me started to breathe easily again. on a journey of Over and over during my internship reconciliation—first with Straight to the Heart Ministry, I have to Him, and then been reminded that nothing is about me. connecting others It’s all about the Lord and the way He by Vanesa Esteche with Him. used Hartland College to set me on my journey of reconciliation, to Himself first, and then as a bridge between Him and hurting people like this woman. he patterns of thinking I perceived Despite my shortcomings, He is in the lady in front of me were T showing me how He is willing to come so distressing that I simply couldn’t to the rescue of souls in despair, and He overlook the matter. Thankfully, a caring wants to use me—a mere Bible worker Savior orchestrated everything for us to intern—in the process. It amazes me be team partners at a training activity every time. For that reason, as a Hartland I was helping to coordinate as a Bible graduate, I will carry this "ministry of intern. reconciliation" I was given to the ends of As we sat together in the empty room, the earth so more souls can be reconciled I broke the ice by asking a question: to Him until the day He returns. “If you could go anywhere in the world How many other souls are crushed by right now, where would you go?” devastating circumstances and simply “Greece,” she replied. need a "bridge" built from a Bible-based, “And if you could choose a person prayerful listening ear? How many of us with whom to go, who would that person are willing to help equip more students be”—I paused—“apart from your dad?” like me today, so we can let Him work I managed to finish my sentence, yes, through us? Will you? but not without hearing a painful “I

8 VOL. 27 NO. 2 | HARTLAND MINISTRY REPORT OUTREACHCOLLEGE OPENING DOORS FOR LITERATURE EVANGELISM As Hartland’s canvassing program expands, we’d like to share a frontline story and highlight a few new developments.

by Amir Davis

nly ten seconds after driving away from a couple of student canvassers, I heard a Ocall on my radio, “Mobile 1, Administrative Assistance.” “That fast?” I asked myself. “I hadn’t seen a police officer when I left them.” I made a U-turn and, sure enough, there he was. He walked over with a smile and asked what we were doing. As we spoke, I gave him a basic overview of our work and the scholarship program which has been helping students for decades. He asked more questions about how long we’d been doing this, the work around the country, and how much longer we’d be doing it today. Then he added, “I met one of your buddies yesterday when I was off duty. He was very nice. You all can keep doing what you’re doing.” Wow! One canvasser’s kindness to an off-duty police officer opened doors for other canvassers to keep working undisturbed. The Lord moves hearts, does He not? Both students and leaders are being transformed by the Holy Spirit while they engage in the canvassing work. “I’ve seen introverts become bold. I’ve seen people who were weak in their faith become stronger,” says student leader Diego Rodriguez. “As for me, it’s changed my whole purpose and attitude in life.” Such a transformation of character is the most important work, for it is essential to the soul’s salvation. Therefore, Hartland College wants to cooperate with the Holy Spirit by encouraging and empowering young people to share their faith through this means. While canvassing has always been an integral part of Hartland’s curriculum, we want to see this program develop extensively. Current developments and plans for the canvassing program at Hartland include: • Reestablishing a sustainable canvassing industry right here on campus. • Involving every freshman in the canvassing outreach. • Training students to be leaders. • Holding weekend canvassing workshops for churches and youth groups.

“God has placed opportunities within our reach to help everybody—the student body, the community, and the school—at the same time,” says Diego. “My vision is for the school to have a flourishing program that will attract more young people.” We are privileged to share the message of God’s love through truth-filled literature. We thank those who support the work here at Hartland and who have responded to God’s call to extend the work of literature evangelism, whether as a donor or an active soldier.

540-672-3100 | [email protected] | hartland.edu 9 MISSIONARY TRAINING FUND

price—Jesus Christ—and to live for Him. Because he gave His life to Jesus at a young age, the principles of salvation stuck with him despite exposure to worldly influences. As he got older, he followed in the footsteps of his elder brother and often joined him in ministry. “I really looked up to him,” recounts Michael. In 2018, Michael joined Amazing Facts Center of Evangelism, Africa (AFCOE Africa) to train as a lay evangelist. While there, “another transformation began happening in my life,” he says. “As I read one of the required books, Christian Service [by Ellen G. White], I was so amazed. It rebuked my character and my negligence of God’s work.” God was working in Michael’s life. He realized that he could use his nursing profession to serve God; however he felt the need for further training. A friend introduced Michael to Hartland College and encouraged him to apply. His prayer was, “Lord, if You really want me to go, please open all the ways.” Despite financial constraints, Michael coupled his faith with works and applied to Hartland, SEEKING THE trusting that “if God wants me to go, He will provide.” Today Michael is a pastoral evangelism GREATEST PEARL major at Hartland under the Missionary Training Fund scholarship program. He Michael came from the Pearl of Africa is richly blessed! “Something that God has been teaching me is transformation to learn how to teach others to seek of character: patience, time management, the Pearl of great price. organization, health, relating with people of different cultures.” Above all, he’s by Enos Mbuga learning to make the Bible the foundation of his faith and beliefs, “getting to know who God is.” After graduation, Michael f God ever opens a way for me to study wants to use his health, Bible, and media Ioutside my country, I will go immediately. knowledge to evangelize the world and to This idea came to Michael Miriga’s mind start other schools in Africa. around the same time he began to Michael greatly appreciates those who recognize God’s call to ministry. give to the Missionary Training Fund. “I Michael is a student from Uganda, a am just so grateful from the bottom of my beautiful East African country known as heart that you are willing to help someone the “Pearl of Africa.” From his childhood, you don’t know to get an education and Michael sought to find the Pearl of great spread the Word of God. God bless you!”

10 VOL. 27 NO. 2 | HARTLAND MINISTRY REPORT HARTLAND LIFESTYLE CENTER SOMETHING VERY DIFFERENT Hartland's Cancer Care program is increasing John's health and happiness. by Gillian Bethel

ohn’s blood pressure was too high, and Jother health conditions were bothering him, as well as stress. He knew he needed a lifestyle change but wasn’t sure how to go about it. A friend told him about a family member who’d been to Hartland Lifestyle Center and got better, but John was busy and didn’t follow it up. That seems to be the biggest part of it, A few years later, a cancer diagnosis because you really need that spiritual spurred John to review treatment options. component.” “I wanted to do something very different,” How did the program impact John’s he says. He remembered Hartland and health? “A lot of the issues went away! My found the cancer care program—the blood pressure became normal. The various different treatment he was looking for! “It’s conditions returned to normal, too. The a wholistic approach,” John comments. “It greatest part is that I’m happy and healthy, combines science with natural remedies and I’m still continuing with the routine.” and lifestyle change.” John takes advantage of the At Hartland, John learned how to cook comprehensive post-session support and plant-based meals and do hydrotherapy; follow-up offered by the lifestyle center: “I he learned more about exercise, how come here as often as I can, each month to establish a routine, and how to have usually, to keep up on things and get better devotions. But he says the best was the IV treatments, which I believe are meeting others who were in a similar tremendously important. It gives me a situation. “There was a sense of unity and chance to reconnect with people here, understanding with one another,” which he which I really enjoy, and find out what’s found very encouraging. going on and how others are doing. It’s just John especially enjoyed his hydrotherapy a great way to network.” treatments: “Just fantastic stuff, but it’s What would John say to others battling the people here that make it work.” He cancer? “I would recommend the program also appreciated the morning and evening as a viable alternative. I don’t believe you devotionals and the informal sharing and can get these results through mainstream prayer among staff and guests. “It opened medicine.” the path for us to share the Word of God.

Hartland Ministry Report | VOL. 27 NO. 2 Copyright ©2021 Hartland Institute | Printed in the USA | All Rights Reserved We want to hear from you! Send us your comments, questions, or address changes.

Editor: Rachel A. Perry Email: [email protected]. Telephone: 540-672-1995. Write: Donor Relations, Layout and Design: Alyona Vlasova 444 Hartland Oak Dr, Rapidan, VA 22733. Upcoming Events

Summer Conference July 14–18, 2021 Speakers: Steve Grabiner, Dee Casper, and Rodney Bowes SUMMER CONFERENCE | JULY 14–18, 2021 Contact: Events Coordinator (540) 672-1927 About the speakers: Fall Convocation October 15–17, 2021 Steven Grabiner is president of Outpost Centers Speaker: Neil Nedley International (OCI), where he encourages, mentors, and Contact: Events Coordinator challenges ministry leaders around the world. He has a (540) 672-1927 wide range of experience as a ministry leader, pastor, educator, and evangelist. Winter Convocation January 28–30, 2022 Speakers: Chris Holland Dee Casper is director of the CORE Evangelism Training and Conrad Vine Program (www.paconference.org/core). He was baptized in Contact: Events Coordinator 2010 and has been involved in ministry ever since. He loves (540) 672-1927 investing in young people, and opening their eyes to the beauty of the everlasting gospel, and the value that God Spring Convocation places on each of them individually. April 29–May 1, 2022 Speakers: Stephen Bohr and Chuck Holtry II Rodney Bowes has served as a pastor, evangelist, teacher,

Contact: Events Coordinator

(540) 672-1927 and medical missionary trainer. Since 1999 he has served in various ministries with a passion to share the present truth through health evangelism. He currently works as one of the You may register for our events divisional directors for LIGHT for projects in Africa and East online at booking.hartland.edu. Asia. He is also the president of Health Education Resources. We look forward to seeing you! We thank those who have given in memory of… Gary Sherman by Lynn Sherman Lucille Swithers (mother) by Robin and Bonnie Rogers Mary Ellen Lenihan by Carl Rennhack Ron Mitrowski by Gail Mitrowski Sharon Franklin Hardy by Joyce Rogers Walker Thank you for Hartland College your support! Hartland Publications Hartland Lifestyle Center In honor of… We are happy to provide a free subscription to Hartland Jesus, our Savior by Robin Ministry Report with a hartlandinstitute and Bonnie Rogers donation of any amount. Two ways to donate: Staff Openings 1. Mail Hartland College 2. Online: give.hartland.edu Agriculture Worker/Educator College Administrative Assistant/Registrar Events Coordinator/Human Resources Lifestyle Center and Medical Clinic Business Manager Marketing and Communications Director For additional openings, visit our website at hartland.edu.