the kaesi Afritan Union Mafiosi of So

VOL. 19 — DECEMBER 1965 — No. 2 leaiattce

By Paul B. of the GOSPEL Ricchiuti

I F one were very still, and listened carefully, he could barely hear it. Faintly and ever so sweetly came a hushed melody threading its way down from the hills. The soft breezes of the night ushered it into the ancient town of Bethlehem. It was the fluted music of a shepherd settling his flock. All day there had been an unusually heavy tramping of feet, mingled with the sound of wheels turning upon the rocky road. Tired visitors had flooded into the town and overcrowded the inn. A man and his wife were even spending the night in a stable. It had been a hard day, but now night had fallen. "And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them and the glory of the Lord shone round about them ; and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." Luke 2 :8-11. He brought good news joyous news. News to make everybody happy in all the world. News radiant with the glory of heaven. News that would change history — and a thousand million lives. Thrilled by the glowing vision, the shepherds left their sheep and hastened to Bethlehem "and found Mary, and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger." Luke 2:16. The night goes on, then sunrise. Songbirds fly through a veil of morning mist steaming in the sun. Distant sounds toll the waking of the day. Slowly over the rim of the hills peers the brilliant ball of the sun. Cattle tread upon well-worn paths leading to pasture land. This is the beginning, the start of a new day. And Christ, the Rock of our salvation. God's love is mani- of a new era. fested through Christ whose revelation is given Crowds begin to move in the market place. These to us in the Holy Scriptures. The essence of Christian are they who slept while the Saviour was born. religion is love; love to God and to our fellowmen. There is a slight rumour about a star, shepherds, Christ our perfect example tells us in John 13:34, 35 and angels. It is soon forgotten. They have more that, "A new commandment I give unto you, that ye important business here, with Rome. They are here love one another; as I have loved you, that ye to be taxed. This is their concern. also love one another. By this shall all men know The radiance of the gospel flashed in a brilliant that ye are my disciples." star against the blackness of that night. It has shone When love is not expressed, it fades and finally down the darkened centuries. It shines still today, dies out. When Christianity is not manifested, it glowing with hope, joy and peace, and good will. dies out. If it is not shared with others it vanishes. Hope of life eternal. joy at sins forgiven. Peace Christianity is manifested in worship, in trust, in through confidence in the goodness of God. obedience, in self-surrender, in faith-sharing, in kind- Soon will arise another brilliance in the sky, ness and love and in a prayerful life. outshining the star of Bethlehem. The heaven will There are many Christians in our fold today who blaze with glory as Christ comes to the earth the are so selfish that they have decided to keep their second time. Happy are those who have this hope religion to themselves. They fail to realise that God's in their hearts today. arithmetic is not man's in the sense that, the more a Christian gives to others the more he is paid back. The major cause of squabbles and dissensions in our Churches today is that the members do not go out to win others to the fold. They, therefore, have time to sit down and relax, chat, think about unnecessary matters and find fault against their neigh- Christians & Christianity bours. The devil is actively engaged enlisting idle men into his army. By Japheth Agboka, Someone has said, "The Church is never a place, Student, Adventist College of West Africa but always a people; never a fold, but always a flock ; never a sacred building, but always a believing If there are some related topics that should assembly. The Church is you who pray, not where thoroughly be noted by Christians today, they should you pray." The Church is then an organized body that be Theology and Christian Religion. Many people moves in unison. The Church should be an army in confuse the meanings of these two terms. Whereas which all the Christian soldiers are active and disci- Theology is a science of God, religion is an art of pline is maintained. living. Theology and religion are bound together by In the old sam-buggy days in the United States a strong chord of brotherhood and thus they are when wagons, pulled by horses, were used in travell- mutually dependent upon each other. What then ing, passengers who were going places bought their is religion in the real spiritual sense? It is a life — first, second and third class tickets. Since the wagons the life that a man lives when he gets the awareness were not divided into classes, all the passengers that he owes a personal obligation to God his had to sit anywhere they liked. What made the Maker and as a result walks in right filial relation difference? During the course of the long journey, with Him. The Christian is convicted in his mind of as soon as the wagon came to a hill and the team God's nature, of His requirements, of His mercy of horses could no longer pull the wagon forward, and love. the third-class ticket-holders had to come down and Not all Theologians are Christians; for theology push. The second-class ticket-holders would walk by is just an intellectual understanding of the nature the side of the wagon and watch while the first-class of God. But when theology — a knowledge of God ticket holders would be riding unconcerned in the — is coupled with Christianity — an art of living wagon. If the Church is the wagon, what kind of a Christlike life, — a new man is born, not of flesh Christian are you? A first, second or third class and blood but of the Spirit of God. Christian? Dr. Augustus Hopkins Strong has said that: "Reli- The Apostle Paul admonishes us in Colossians 2: gion, in its essential idea, is a life in God, in 6-10 that, "As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus communion with God, and under the control of the the Lord, so walk ye in Him. Rooted and built up indwelling Spirit of God." When the Christian in Him, and established in the faith, as ye have places himself, submissively, under Christ, the Holy been taught abounding therein with thanksgiving. Spirit works through him and he knows the truth Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy which becomes the foundation of his faith that is after the rudiments of the world, and not after built on Christ. The Christian religion, therefore, is Christ. For in Him dwelleth all the fulness of the a spiritual experience based on the faith in God the Godhead bodily. Ye are complete in Him." Creator of the universe who is revealed through May God bless us as we strive to walk with Him. Page 2 WEST AFRICAN ADVENT MESSENGER Saved in a Humble Dispensary By Mrs. H. I. Watts Wife of the President of the Bougainville Mission, British Solomon Islands

"What is that I hear?" above the bed, and a long plastic tube can save their "Think it is the wind, whining through the trees," girl. my husband replies. The mother is quietly crying by the head of her "Sounds like someone wailing — see, it is louder daughter's bed now and the father clasps the cold now !" Sure enough, the noise proves to be the strange, hand of his beloved girl in his own and his face eerie wailing, characteristic of the native in the South wears the anxious drawn look of one fearful and Pacific, and it is coming from a group of natives deeply worried. approaching our small "house-sik" (clinic) on the As I look from one to the other of the family, island of Bougainville in the Solomon Islands. Does my mind flies back to nursing in the homeland. Often it mean that help is needed, or is it too late? I had been by the bedside of a seriously ill patient "Dear God, we need your help. Please give us and been deeply moved by the anxiety and sorrow wisdom to know what to do and to be able to remain shown by the loved ones. Now, nursing under calm, whatever the emergency." much different conditions and among these primitive With this prayer on my lips and in my heart, Solomon Island people, I could see that their love I hasten across from our home to the humble little was just as deep and their anxiety just as real. two-roomed dispensary, which has to serve as out- As we wait for the steady "Drip-drip" to bring patients clinic, infant welfare clinic, obstetric hos- strength to the near lifeless body, we pray again. pital and general hospital. There I find the un- The faith in God which these folk have so recently conscious form of a young girl. Automatically feeling learned now shows on the faces of the relatives as for her pulse, I find it to be very weak, her skin they keep their loving vigil. cold and clammy and her breathing laboured. What a joy when several hours later Mary opens It is evident that this daughter of one of our her eyes! We continue to feed her intravenously faithful church members from high in the mountains, for several days and Mary makes a slow but sure is close to death's door. The relatives are expecting recovery. each breath to be Mary's last, hence the wailing. I This happened only a few weeks ago and Mary have great difficulty in trying to extract some infor- is now in school here, healthy and happy, and indeed mation regarding the girl's case history. Being very thankful. mountain natives, only a few have a knowledge of Dear Sabbath School members, we only have a pidgin English and even that is very limited. They humble dispensary, inadequate and ill-equipped. We talk incessantly backwards and forwards to each long to reach others and bring medical aid to other in their own "place-talk" (local venacular). more and more of your needy brothers and sisters "What has happened'?" I ask. "Has she been bitten of the South Pacific. We will do our part, will you by something poisonous or is she being held by the do all you can to assist us? evil spirits?" (Unfortunately we are still fighting against superstitions and fears among these people). In this simple building, sister Watts has been instrumental "Dear God, what am I to do to save this child of in saving many lives. We must do our very best to see that Thine? She is to come into our District School here she gets a more representative building in which to carry on her life-saving work. this year. Help me to know what to do, for I must act quickly." Just then Mary's body writhes as though in great pain and she vomits, or should I say attempts to vomit. Here is a sympton ! Has this happened before ? Gradually I am able to extract the story that Mary has been vomiting for ten days and unable to retain food or water. No wonder she is shocked. Her body is dehydrated, almost to the point of not being able to carry on any longer. Quickly! The intravenous tray, the intravenous fluids and soon "food" and water are being administered to Mary's grossly dehydrated body. In amazement, the relatives look on. They cannot understand how a bottle of "water", suspended DECEMBER, 1965 Pace 3 II hat Christmas Means to Me

By A. A. Etteb

CHRISTMAS means different things to different Christmas. He is blind to realities. He is oblivious people. First, consider the attitude of many people in to the obvious. He is living in a fool's paradise. the commercial world. To some businessmen Christ- These things — materialism, money, pleasure — mas merely means an opportunity to make money. all are crowding Christ out of every day of the year. In our modern world we have seen how Christmas These very things are crowding Christ out of many has been commercialized. Competition is keen. Busi- homes and out of many hearts. Many persons are so nessmen — Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catho- busy with a thousand and one other things that they lics — vie with each other in their preparation for the have no time to consider the message of the Babe celebration of the occasion in nearly all communities. of Bethlehem. Some of these men do not believe in Christ. They When Christ was born in Bethlehem, the Sacred may even hate Him and blaspheme His holy name. Record says that they "laid Him in a manger; However, Christmas has become big business and because there was no room for them in the inn." therefore cannot be ignored. Luke 2 :7. Cash registers ring out a "Merry Christmas" to In many hearts and in many homes it is still true the ears of the mercenary minded. They are more that there is no room for Jesus Christ. Plenty of room concerned to hear about their profit from Christmas for other guests and for other things, but no room than to about the prophet from Bethlehem. The in their thinking or planning for Him. There are clinking sound of silver is sweeter music to some too many other things in the modern show windows than the song of the angels above the manger crib. of this world to capture our attention and consume In the world of pleasure Christmas means some- our time. But no room for Him. Christ has been thing else. Pleasure seeking consumes the time and crowded out by the crowd — the crowd of people thought of many persons. Instead of imbibing the and the crowd of things! Christ has been crowded out spirit of Christmas, many choose to imbibe Christmas of Christmas! spirits. For such people the holiday is an opportunity Let us, then, this year put Christ into Christmas. to celebrate Christmas in the wrong way. Yes, let us put Christ into every day. Christmas must The apostle Paul said, "I keep under my body, mean more to us than a beautifully decorated ever- and bring it into subjection." 1 Cor. 9:27. "I conquer green tree. It must mean more than merely giving and subdue my body," is the way the George M. gifts to those we love. Christmas must mean more Lamsa translation reads. than a big Christmas dinner on a beautifully spread It means something to conquer our appetites table surrounded by friends and loved ones. (even for huge Christmas dinners) and to keep all Remember, there are many innocent children who will our passions and desires under control. It means not have a merry Christmas, indeed, will not have something to conquer our hatreds, our fears, our even enough food to eat to stop the gnawing pangs doubts, and our anxieties. It means something to of hunger, unless — we do something about it ! conquer our selfishness, even for special Christmas Christmas means forgetting self and remembering gifts for ourselves. those who will have no Christmas without us. It You cannot conquer yourself or conquer in life by means leaving our little heavens as Jesus left His big celebrating Christmas or any other day in the wrong heaven to visit those who needed help and who way. When you live the wrong way, you turn life needed to hear a message of peace on earth and good around. LIVE spells live, but when you turn it will to men. around it spells evil. LIVED spells lived, but when Christmas means that a hard, cruel, selfish, war- turned around it spells devil. When a man has lived weary world looks for a brief time into the face of the wrong way and has turned life around, he has not God. It looks in a manger into the face of lived straight; he has lived for the devil and not a little Babe. It sees a fleeting vision of what a little for God. Babe can do to make a better world. One glance at You cannot have a merry Christmas or a happy new that manger Baby and we find the finest answer to year, you cannot have a truly happy day any time the famous question Faraday put to Cromwell, "What of the year when you have turned life around; good is a baby?" The world hears for a moment the when you have become a slave to passions and vices song of the angels singing, "Peace on earth, good that bound you like a quarry slave scourged and will to men." It sees how hard, selfish hearts can be driven each night to the dungeon of dissipation. Such broken and the fountains of love begin to flow in a man is not sitting on top of the world; the world is a gladsome stream. It sees the miser's clutched hand on top of him. Such a man cannot have a merry relax for a day as a little flash of light from heaven Page 4 WEST AFRICAN ADVENT MESSENGER

hope in lonely, hungry hearts that have long been waiting by the empty letterbox. No, Christmas is not eating, drinking, parties, or a Christmas tree. It is not the gifts we send or receive. It is the spirit of love ; the Spirit of God walking abroad in the land. It is the only time of the year when some hearts are open to let Him in. Oh, that we would make every day Christmas! To me, Christmas means we may hear the music of the bells of love. It means we may smell the fragrance of the rose of love. Christmas means our darkened world is lightened and brightened by light from the candle of love. Christmas means that love still lives in the human heart !

Baptism at Ihie By Pastor Ronald H. Surridge

The great aim of Seventh-day Adventist education is, to promote among our students, the development of body, mind and soul. Because of national and economic pressure it is relatively easy to concentrate on physical and mental development but rather more difficult to promote the spiritual aspect of the students' life. The joint administration of Nigerian Training College and Adventist High School at Ihie, East Nigeria have never allowed the true vision of educa- tion to fade. In recent years there have been difficulties in obtaining trained Bible Teachers, nevertheless a fine work has been done by teachers, who have given unstintingly of their time to ensure that the word Christmas is far more than just a time to dress up and have a of God has been taught at Ihie. festival, it is the special time in the year when we should Last year Brother Isaac Nwabia working alone forget self, and think of others. as a padre and Bible teacher was instrumental in bringinrr, 46 souls into the church. In late 1964, however, he was joined by Brother shines into his darkened soul. And many a Scrooge James Akwandu and Pastor R. H. Surridge. There becomes human again. are almost 500 students at Ihie, a good number of Christmas finds some businessmen forgetting, for whom are not Adventists. These young people will a fleeting moment, their profits from the account books be going out into teaching and other professions of as they hear the prophets of the Sacred Book. They importance where their influence may be felt through- forget about getting and learn about giving. Some out Nigeria. Surely there is no finer field for evan- will suddenly discover this great truth: We make gelism than in our educational institutions. a living by what we get, but we make a life by On Sabbath July 19, Pastor A. J. Dickey, Doctor what we give! S. A. Nagel and the College Pastor bapti'ed forty Christmas helps many people begin to live another souls in a newly constructed baptistry, situated among way of life. The wise men of old, after seeing Jesus, the palm trees beside the College Church. The occa- went back "another way." They too had found a sion was especially happy for Doctor Nagel who new way of life, a better way of living. Christmas baptized his own daughter, Betty soon to leave for could mean just that to anyone who will celebrate study in America. the day correctly. We believe that the Holy Spirit is working in Christmas causes many prodigal sons and daughters Ihie, guiding the young people into a closer, fuller to pause in their wayward, downward course — fellowship with Christ. to think of mother and father and home! Then We invite all who read this article to pray with kind letters and little remembrances are sent to revive us for the staff and students at Ihie. DECEMBER, 1965 Page 5 11 /14o as) a ISOUZ

By Raymond H. Libby

What ancient prophecy foretold the birth of Jesus? wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger; because there was no room For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given." for them in the inn." Luke 2 :7. Isaiah 9:6.

By what miraculous birth was this Son to be dis- What place did the Son of God hold before hit tinguished? earthly birth? "Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a Son, "Who is the image of the invisible God, the and shall call His name Immanuel." Isaiah 7:14. First-born of every creature : for by Him were all things created, that are in earth, visible, and How was this inspired prophecy fulfilled? invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers : all things were "And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: created by Him, and for Him; and He is before all for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, things, and by Him all things consist." Colossians thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth 1 :15-17. a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest, . . . The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and What did God's Son forsake to redeem lost man? the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee : therefore also that holy thing which shall be born "Who, being in the form of God, thought it not of thee shall be called the Son of God." Luke robbery to be equal with God : but made Himself 1:30-35. of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men." NOTE: Jesus means "Saviour," Matthew 1 :23. Mar- Philippians 2 :6, 7. gin. Immanuel means "God with us" (Matthew 1: 23), and our salvation could be accomplished only by God's becoming one with us to be our Saviour. This How was this divine humility demonstrated at the He did in the person of Jesus Christ. first communion service?

According to Bible prophecy, where was Christ "Jesus knowing that the Father had given all to be born? things into His hands and that He was come from God, and went to God ; He riseth from supper, "But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be and laid aside His garments; and took a towel, little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of and girded Himself. After that He poureth water thee shall He come forth unto Me that is to be into a basin, and began to wash the disciples feet, Ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been and to wipe them with the towel wherewith He was from of old, from everlasting." Micah 5:2. girded." John 13:3-5.

Into what tribe of Israel was the Son of God To what extent did the Son of God obey His to be born? Father's will? "The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh "And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled come; and unto Him shall the gathering of the Himself, and became obedient unto death, even people be." Genesis 49:10. the death of the cross. Philippians 2:8. NOTE: Nearly 1,700 years before Jesus was born in Bethlehem, Jacob named the tribe of Judah as the What was the purpose of this obedience? honoured one through which the Messiah would come. "Son though He was, He had to prove the meaning In what lowly place was the holy Babe of Bethlehem of obedience through all that He suffered. Then, born? when He had been proved the perfect Son, He became the source of eternal salvation to all who "And she brought forth her first-born Son, And should obey Him." Hebrews 5 :8, 9, Phillips. Page 6 WEST AFRICAN ADVENT MESSENGER Why did God's Son come to earth to live among men? your offspring and her offspring; he will crush your head and you will crush his heel." Genesis 3:15. "Thou shalt call His name Jesus: for He shall Berkeley Version. save His people from their sins." Matthew 1:21. NOTE: "When He had by Himself purged our sins, When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, what did the (He) sat down on the right hand of the Majesty herald angels sing? on high." Hebrews 1:3. The Holy One must needs come to earth to become our Sin Bearer, to save us "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, from our sins. good will toward men." Luke 2:14.

Why did God send His precious Son to this world? What will the Son of God accomplish finally as the Son of man? "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in "Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." not yet appear what we shall be: but we know John 3:16. that, whey,e shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is." 1 John 3:2. Did both Father and Son know in advance what would happen? How completely will we obey God when we are transformed by His grace? "The Lamb slain from the foundation of the world." Rev. 13:8. "I will put My laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, NOTE: Before our world was created Christ, the and they shall be to Me a people." Hebrews 8:10. Creator, dedicated Himself to the redemption of man should he ever fall into sin. Man did fall, and What confession of faith will every Bible Christian immediately God held out to the sinner the promise sincerely make? of the coming Deliverer in these words spoken to Satan as represented by the serpent: "I will put "Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is enmity between you and the woman; also between come in the flesh is of God." 1 John 4:2.

DECEMBER, 1965 Page 7 atl e4s J76essa5e

¶ We are most happy to welcome home to our By Marjorie H. Cooper Union, two fine sons of Africa who have recently been to the U.S.A. to obtain their M.A. Degrees. David Izima and his wife return to Nigeria, Have you heard the angels' message where Brother Izima takes up an appointment on the teaching staff of the Adventist College of West Echoing o'er the hills of time? Africa. Israel Agboka also returns from Andrews Do you know the heav'nly story University, to teach at the Bekwai Secondary School, Sounding from the heights of glory? Ghana. Welcome, and congratulations on your achievements here and overseas. List! while angels sing again! "Peace on earth, good will to men!" ¶ The Administration and staff of the Ile-Ife Hos- pital are, no doubt, very pleased to welcome two additional doctors to help bear the heavy burden Do you heed the angels' message of responsibility and medical care. Dr. Lester Rhymes and his wife, and Dr. Klaus Olsen and family are Unto you — a Saviour born? indeed most welcome, We trust they will enjoy their Perfect peace is then your story, service here in West Africa. Christ in you — the hope of glory; IT Jengre Hospital will also rejoice at the arrival E'en though strife be all around, of their much needed new staff physician. Dr. and Peace within your heart is found. Mrs. Kenneth Kelln are offered the warmth of a good Adventist welcome, as they settle in to their new work at Jengre. Will you tell the angels' message The Liberian Mission, which has had the mis- To some weary, anxious soul? fortune of being without adequate leadership for Banish fear with Love's sweet story. some little time, will rejoice at the arrival of their new officers. A warm welcome is extended to Pastor Lo! He co.nes again in glory; S. B. Johansen, the new President of the Liberian Sorrow, sin, and strife will cease Mission and also to Brother Jorgen Anderson, the Secretary-Treasurer. We also include in our welcome, When He appears, the Prince of Peace. Sister Johansen, and the two children, and Sister Andersen with her three children. We trust these two fine families will settle comfortably in Monrovia Peace on earth is still the message, and do much for the progress of God's work in List again! bewilder'd one. Liberia. Now accept the angels' story, Liberia also benefits by the arrival at Konola Peace and love from Heaven's glory; Academy of Brother and sister Richard Gibbon and Let His light within you burn, their two children. Brother Gibbon takes up the teaching of science at Konola. Very special emphasis Look with joy for His return. is being laid upon this important subject throughout Africa to-day. The Gibbon family is therefore doubly welcome. ¶ We are also happy to inform you that a new Union Evangelist in the person of Pastor Richard Faber, has arrived to take up his first appointment in West Africa, in that great city of Ibadan, Nigeria. We extend our warmest welcome to Pastor and Mrs. Faber, and their three children. EDITOR: GLYNNE MEREDITH ASSOCIATE EDITOR: MRS. N. B. NIELSEN ¶ On Sept. 8, to Brother and Sister G. Turnbull Official Organ of the West African Union Mission of Seventh-day was born, Elizabeth Margret, at the Northern Ngwa Adventists - P. 0. Box 1016 - Accra - Ghana County Hospital. Printed at The Advent Press - P. 0. Box 0102 - Accra - Ghana