January 14, 1999

World Edition LETTERS

A Literal World to Come my ego to say our membership is 240 Reading Calvin Rock’s response Regarding Samuele Bacchiocchi’s “Life or so rather than the 325 I inherited. regarding whether Adventists should in the World to Come” (Nov. 12). How But doesn’t Paul say in Galatians 2:20 help those cleaning up their property wonderful to read of a real home for real that the cross took care of ego? after a Sabbath tornado prompted people! It was enough to make a person Has this destroyed our church? We another question in my mind: What homesick—for heaven. And I believed just finished a fall evangelistic series would Jesus do? Rock’s answer was it all, even the part about the 12 gates emphasizing “Christ Our Righteousness,” right on. What a testimony if we got and the 12 foundations (which the and had a number of baptisms. Just as out there and helped on Sabbath and author doubts are to be taken literally). great a blessing has been the many rubbed elbows with our neighbors and I believe it, not just because Patriarchs requests for rebaptism, which include others. My Lord commands us to love and Prophets, Early Writings, and a host four elders who have seen the truth of another as He has loved us. of other Spirit of Prophecy writings say baptism in a fuller light and desire the they are real, but because my primary most intimate walk with their Saviour. —Kimberly Trewitt source, the Bible, tells me so. Their attitude of reconsecration has BELTON, TEXAS Keep all these good articles com- humbled me. Oh, yes, by God’s grace, ing—until He comes! tithe is up 10 percent over last year. Thanks to Bill Knott for allowing Waiting and Waiting —Bob DuBose, PASTOR God to use him to address this issue I read with interest Andy Nash’s com- HOT SPRINGS, NORTH CAROLINA with wisdom, courage, and honest ment in “NET ’98: A Titanic Step compassion. Forward” (Nov. NAD Edition): “While NET ’98 was a watershed campaign, it’s Inflated Numbers —Dale Martin, PASTOR quite possible that its numbers won’t be Long overdue is Bill Knott’s sensitive KENHORST BOULEVARD SDA CHURCH much different from those of past cam- yet direct confrontation of one of the READING, PENNSYLVANIA paigns. Many Adventists brought a church’s most serious problems (see wait-and-see attitude to this series—and “The Uses of the Past—II,” Nov. 12). didn’t risk inviting unbelieving friends.” The article implicitly reminded me November 12 Faith Alive! I found this to be so true in the that David’s prideful sin of numbering While I am an avid reader and sup- various churches I visited during the Israel is considered by God, but unfor- porter of the Adventist Review, I was series. Empty pews . . . and hearts tunately not by us, to be of a more dismayed to see Calvin Rock’s com- empty of the love of Jesus. What a serious nature than his twin sins of ments regarding Viagra, the impotence golden opportunity has been missed in adultery and murder. At least his num- drug, in which he stated that he did bringing others to a knowledge of the bers were honest, not the disingenuous not think using Viagra was sinful (see truth. We have certainly been unprof- figures of 800,000-900,000 North Faith Alive! Nov. 12). itable servants. What blessings the American members that we fling My concern is not Rock’s opinion— Lord might have bestowed on us if we around so readily. Doesn’t this make which I agree with—but the publica- had done our part. our sin worse before God? tion of such topics. They are strictly The greatest unbelief is not of Over the past two years our local personal between spouses and don’t “unbelieving friends,” but of our own church has prayerfully and carefully need to be publicized in the church’s unbelief. Or is it that Adventists don’t removed some 30 percent of our listed official literature. have unbelieving friends? membership. We have another 10 to 15 percent to be evaluated. It goes —William A. Moreno, M.D. —Nancy Jacobson without saying that it is humbling to SALEM, OREGON SOAP LAKE, WASHINGTON

2 (34) ADVENTIST REVIEW, JANUARY 14, 1999 Praise and Worship I agree with reader Lou Ellen Jenkins I read Mystery Visitor C’s review of (see Letters, Nov. NAD Edition) on the Olympia, Washington, church the need for tolerance toward different with interest because I live within easy worship styles. But her case falls into driving distance and have visited this special pleading when she says that church on more than one occasion. “some . . . genuinely love to praise the COVER STORY The reviewer writes: “I admit my per- Lord,” contrasting that with others sonal bias for majestic hymns, words who are “quiet and ultraconservative.” 8 Surprises in Bangladesh that are not repetitious or trite, and In my view, the tensions in our con- Beautiful and amazing sights in this land of natural disasters. music of a more classical tradition.” gregations come most often because BY WILLIAM G. JOHNSSON My dictionary defines trite as “worn advocates of celebration continue to out by constant use; stale.” It’s obvious imply that more conservative expres- ARTICLES that this comment was in reference to sions fall short of genuine praise. In the more contemporary praise choruses some places the church calendar will 12 A Community Connection used by the Olympia church. What’s even announce “praise Sabbath,” and Service opportunities for those who interesting to me is that the majority the bulletin for that week includes a don’t care who gets the credit. of contemporary praise songs and cho- period of “praise songs.” This clearly BY BETTY KOSSICK ruses are nearly word-for-word Scrip- places all other worship music outside ture. How can repeating Scripture in the approved style. 15 Angels in My Classroom song ever be trite? It’s interesting that It’s this invasive intolerance that They were there all the time. the most vivid picture we have of the divides us. Scheduling multiple ser- BY LAURELEE MISSEGHERS heavenly throne room in the book of vices won’t solve the problem, because 22 Utopia in the Caribbean Revelation describes the four living it will foster a spirit of competition Still trying to build a perfect society creatures who do not rest day or night, between the factions. The answer, I in an imperfect world. but continually praise God by saying suggest, is to maintain a standard ser- BY JEFFREY K. THOMPSON over and over, “Holy, holy, holy, Lord vice style, but include a weekly period God Almighty, who was and is and is of more contemporary music and 26 Not Without a Witness to come!” (Rev. 4:8, NKJV). Maybe singing. This is the only way we will Lessons from an Anglican preacher. someone should tell them that they exhibit tolerance and maintain unity. BY NIKOLAUS SATELMAJER are being repetitious. Unfortunately, the real issue here is —Frank Hutchins DEPARTMENTS not styles of praise and worship. Spiritual CHURCH ORGANIST 2 Letters things are spiritually discerned, and AND PIPE ORGAN BUILDER 7 Give & Take many of us have not yet learned how to MOUNTLAKE TERRACE, WASHINGTON ) “worship” God corporately because we 14 Faith Alive! have not learned how to “praise” God

17 Adventist World Radio MODIFIED corporately. It’s an issue of those moving Looking Good Y

18 World News & Perspectives ALL forward with God to worship Him in I think your graphic artists and design- DIGIT spirit and in truth and those who want ers deserve recognition for the amazing 25 Children’s Corner ( ISC to continue just to play church. look of the Review. I especially enjoyed 30 Bible Questions Answered D Mystery Visitor C gives a fine review the visual allegory on the “God Loves 31 Reflections HOTO

of the church from a “natural” point of New York” cover a while back. Keep © P view, but nothing was said about the up the good work! spiritual aspect of entering into wor- EDITORIALS PHOTO ship. What really matters when we —Michael Herndon 5 A Bridge So Near attend any church is, Was the power of INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA the Holy Spirit there? Did I meet God 6 No Golden Goose ACKGROUND / B there? What did He say to me? WSKI I can say with joy that when I have NEXT WEEK ABRO visited the Olympia church, the Holy D Y A

Spirit was there in power, and God did Being Kind to Your “Ex” R speak to me. Difficult? Yes. Impossible? No! BY PHOTO —Tammy Brear VER O

SHELTON, WASHINGTON C

ADVENTIST REVIEW, JANUARY 14, 1999 (35) 3 “Behold, I come quickly . . .”

Our mission is to uplift Jesus Christ through stories of His matchless love, news of His present workings, help for knowing Him better, and hope in His soon return. The Adventist Review (ISSN 0161-1119), published since 1849, is the general paper of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. It is published by the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and is printed 40 times a year each Thursday except the first Thursday of each month by the Review and Herald® Publishing Association. Periodicals postage paid at Hagerstown, MD 21740. Copyright © 1999, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Publishing Board: Robert S. Folkenberg, chair; Phil Follett, vice- chair; Lowell Cooper; William G. Johnsson; A. C. McClure; Dorothy Watts; Ted N. C. Wilson; Martin Ytreberg; Robert Nixon, legal advisor

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PRINTED IN THE U.S.A. Vol. 176, No. 2

4 (36) ADVENTIST REVIEW, JANUARY 14, 1999 EDITORIAL A Bridge So Near BILL KNOTT

y seatmate was halfway through her second grown wary of our health-care system, uncomfortable with its shot bottle of Jack Daniel’s before she size and uncertain of its goals, we dare not overlook the fact noticed the Adventist Review logo on my that millions of our neighbors persist in defining Adventism by shirt. Not that I was flaunting my employ- what they or those they love experience in a church-owned er’s name, mind you: after 10 days on a living center, clinic, or hospital. Mtransatlantic trip, you wear whatever’s left in the suitcase. It is impossible to overstate the dramatic, even revolution- “Are you a Seventh-day Adventist?” she asked in a ary, changes that have come to the health-care industry dur- husky, conspiratorial tone. ing the past 25 years, both in North America and around the She hardly waited for my “Yes” before continuing. “I globe. Technological advances, government regulation, and know a lot about Seventh-day Adventists,” she said confi- vastly increased competition have forced Adventist hospitals dently. “My father spent the last week of his life in an and health-care facilities to adapt “on the fly,” often at the Adventist hospital.” cost of members’ understanding the necessity or the wisdom of The words came more slowly now as she searched a those changes. A quarter century ago concerns were aired in whiskey-clouded memory. “He was a minister who ran a regular hospital constituency sessions. Today they merely rum- gospel mission in D.C. for 40 years. And the Adventist hos- ble underneath the pews. pital there didn’t even send us a bill.” Adventist health care can be justifiably proud that it has Other stories tumbled out. “I did my nurse’s training under even survived in this turbulent era. It must also be perplexed, an Adventist nursing instructor,” she remembered. “Was she however, that fewer and fewer church members seem able to ever tough! And I even worked a while—three months, I articulate its mission or are willing to promote its ministry. think it was—at Loma Linda University Hospital.” The bridge to renewed understanding, like other good “Then there was that time in North Africa when the bridges, needs to be built from both ends. only doctor who knew how to treat my husband was an Church members must acknowledge that there truly are Adventist physician who ran a rural clinic.” issues beyond their ken that require the gifts of trained and I listened as the topic shifted, amused at how the mix of Spirit-led health-care administrators. Members must covenant to alcohol and anonymity encourages confession at 40,000 feet. pray more than chide, encourage more than criticize, urging Even before she drifted off to sleep, head slumped against those they elect as conference and union leaders to responsibly her husband’s plaid sport coat, I was recalling similar carry their concerns to executive boards and advisory panels. exchanges across the miles and years. Health-care leaders must likewise embrace the some- “Seventh-day Adventist?” they would ask. “Let’s see; I had times messy and inefficient process of listening to a friend [brother, mother, aunt, neighbor] who was treated at Adventists in the pew—creating more opportunities for on- [worked at, lived near] an Adventist hospital five [10, 20] years site visits and increased dialogue. They must show a will- ago. Good people, you Adventists,” they would say, keeping ingness to hear the pain of those who have any reservations about distinctive theology well hidden. felt wounded, even by a healing ministry. My pastor’s heart has winced to note that local churches They must open a respectful discussion and evangelistic campaigns are almost never mentioned in with those who urge that Adventism’s those airborne conversations. With 4,500 congregations in image in health care should be simpler, North America and 10 times that number worldwide; with smaller, or more “natural.” They must hundreds of outreach efforts—from living rooms to stadi- illustrate that they have anchored ums—occurring at any given moment, it is nonetheless the mission statements deeply in the contact that persons have with Adventist health care that pages of inspired counsel. often shapes their image of our church. Nothing, save perhaps our pride, Acknowledging that fact—and embracing it—must become prevents this useful conversation. the centerpiece of any thoughtful outreach strategy for the next A world—hurting, hungry, five years. At a time when many rank-and-file Adventists have hopeful—waits.

ADVENTIST REVIEW, JANUARY 14, 1999 (37) 5 EDITORIAL No Golden Goose MYRNA TETZ

ew reading this would controvert such a statement as paign planned by Breath of Life to be uplinked to Nairobi, Kenya, “this world is in a mess.” An article in a recent and Mark Finley is circling the globe next year conducting reaping Baltimore Sun,1 by Alec Klein, reads “The corner of meetings—ACTS 2000. That’s all good. Ashburton Street and But let me ask again, “What are we Edmondson Avenue is quiet doing about the thousands who would Fthis morning.” But what Theresa never be attracted by a religious Smith remembers is gunfire—a kid God has a method brochure? About the thousands with who “got popped here just a few years not enough to eat? those who are ago.” A shot that killed her friend’s for purifying homeless? those who are drug addicts? father. Another man shot that same those who say that no such thing as night. “That’s all you see around our motives. the right way to love exists? here,” she says. “Death.” Let’s applaud the Roman Catholic She remembers “the man who sexu- bishops who have just called on their ally molested her throughout her childhood. The father she church members “to protect human dignity and to stand with those never knew. The fits of violence that got her kicked out of high who are poor and vulnerable . . . to give more generously to those in school. A flirtation with heroin that nearly killed her.” need . . . to live more simply in an affluent culture.” 4 Now she is a 28-year-old mother of three by three different Let’s praise the Lord for dedicated, sacrificing, self-effacing fathers. She’s living on a $468 monthly welfare check in a Seventh-day Adventist Church groups and individual members small upstairs room in her mother’s decaying house. who minister to the hungry, the lonely, the downtrodden, and Klein claims that “at this corner, in this hollowed-out those who know not God. And we’ll not forget we have Baltimore neighborhood, there are no answers.” ADRA. But we should (and could) do more. The statistics for Baltimore are alarming—unemployment Isaiah proclaims that God’s chosen method to purify our rate almost double the national average, thousands of births motives and reform our lives5 is to share our food, provide for each year to unwed mothers, twice as many people living below the poor, shelter the homeless, clothe the naked. the poverty level as the five surrounding counties combined,2 Now, I’m not a church leader. Not even a minister. But I can and hundreds of homeless. And Baltimore is only a classic read, and my reading includes such straightforward instructions example of people and their needs worldwide. as, “Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people.” Mingle, show sympathy, minister to needs, win confi- esides this unnumbered, nearly unreached (by our dence. Then do evangelism.6 church, at least) people group just described, there are Do we really need to ask, “How can the Adventist Church Bthousands of “secular” people who are not connected effectively reach major cities?” Or “What are the best methods to any religious group, do not know the Lord, and, for that and most effective tools?” 7 matter, do not want to know Him. We know. Then let’s do it. A woman responded to an article in Modern Maturity3 (yes, I’m entitled to read this magazine, thank you), “Weighing in on 1 Alec Klein, “Theresa,” Baltimore Sun, Nov. 15, Weighty Matters.” “We Americans are fat because we’re an 1998, p. 11F. 2 Gerard Shields, “Moving the Poor,” Baltimore anxious and depressed people. We keep looking for the right Sun, Oct. 27, 1998, p. 1A. way to love, the right answers, the golden goose. When we 3 Modern Maturity, September/October 1998, p. 5. don’t find it—because no such things exists—we get scared.” 4 John Rivera, in Baltimore Sun, Nov. 18, 1998, p. 3A. 5 The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Rather dismal picture, wouldn’t you say? Globally dismal too. vol. 4, p. 306. And what is the Seventh-day Adventist Church doing about it? 6 E. G. White, The Ministry of Healing, p. Well, as a world church we’ve just finished an evangelistic 143. 7 “NAD Leaders Focus on Urban thrust to six continents. The church in North America has identi- Evangelism,” Adventist Review, December fied five cities for big-city evangelism next year. There’s a cam- 1998, p. 18.

6 (38) ADVENTIST REVIEW, JANUARY 14, 1999 ADVENTIST LIFE In the early days of our college in France, Alfred Vaucher and Professor T were probably the most popular teachers on campus. One day Professor T told his stu- dents, “I am at your disposal. Feel free to contact me any time if you have something to say, and even if you have nothing to say.” Someone reported this to Vaucher, who then said to his students, “I am at your disposal any time. Feel free to come and see me if you have something to say. If you have nothing to say, go to Brother T.” —Pietro Copiz, Hinterkappelen, Switzerland

In our recent Sabbath school class at GI&VE Scheer Memorial Hospital church, the teacher asked, “What is the difference between constructive and destructive criticism?” REWS

A member answered, “When I criticize you, it’s C Y

constructive. When you criticize me, it’s destructive.” ERR —Ira Bailie, M.D., Scheer Memorial Hospital, Banepa, Nepal T BY

I have been receiving application letters from TION students all over Uganda ever since our hospital LLUSTRA opened a laboratory assistants training school. I have I been addressed as “Principal Totur,” “Principple Tutor,” “Madam Principal,” etc. TAKE However, one title vested on me by an applicant read: “Principal Torture.” —Leila Rocero, Bushenyi, Uganda, East Africa

AN INVITATION: FRESH 27 OLD LAND, NEW RITE

Hey, Give & ORDINANCE OF HUMILITY: Last March a Take readers: team representing the Middle East Union Do you visited Oman, the “land of frankincense,” have a to meet with believers and explore possi- real-life bilities for church growth. Some 50 anecdote Seventh-day Adventists have come from (serious or India, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines to live light) per- and work in Oman and are actively sharing taining to one of the Adventist Church’s 27 funda- mental beliefs? How about a short tes- timony, photo, drawing, painting, or (tasteful) cartoon? their faith in this ancient land. And kids: Do you like to color? During their visit the team conduct- The best coloring of each funda- ed evening meetings, celebrated mental belief will merit a free Communion (see photos), dedicated Review cap. (For that matter, we’ll a new building for a church for us in award all published contributors the city of Muscat, and visited mem- with a free cap.) bers in outlying areas. Story by We invite your contributions to Bruce Campbell Moyer; photos by our blockbuster April issue highlight- R. P. Sunil Kumarasiri. ing our beliefs—but we need them by February 1. Send to “Fresh 27” at the WE NEED YOU Give & Take address. Help us make Send Give & Take submissions to . . . Give & Take, Adventist Review, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, this one of the most creative, interest- Silver Spring, MD 20904; Fax: 301-680-6638; E-mail: [email protected]. Please ing treatments of Adventist beliefs include phone number. Submissions will not be returned. ever produced.

ADVENTIST REVIEW, JANUARY 14, 1999 (39) 7 COVER STORY

Surprises in Bangladesh Beautiful and amazing sights in this land of natural disasters

BY WILLIAM G. JOHNSSON

HAKA, BANGLADESH: MIRACLE SEMINARY: A wonderful new facility rises from the delta. The Since confession is good for one-quarter shot shows new girls’ the soul, I have to acknowl- dorm and cafeteria (right) with new edge that I made this trip orphanage (left) and elementary Dreluctantly. Still coughing school (right rear) under construction. from a flu bug that hitched a ride in my body during the Annual Council in Brazil, I didn’t relish angladesh is a vast rice field. the prospect of two nights straight The country lies like a huge on an airplane. Bmud pancake formed by the Plus, what would be so great delta of the Ganges (which about seeing a new seminary dedi- becomes the Padma), the cated? It was important to our peo- Brahamaputra (which becomes the ple in Bangladesh, no doubt, but didn’t warrant a story for Jamuna), and the Meghna rivers. the world church. The rivers and the silt they carry are its hope and its hor- But my boss, Elder Robert Folkenberg, kept urging me to ror. Rich soil and abundant water provide ideal conditions go, promising that this would be an event as big as the trip for paddy fields, but the flatness of the land makes it vulner- to Cuba last year, and that I should try to make it. I looked able to flooding. Periodically cyclones sweep in from the Bay at the travel itinerary, saw that I had a 12-hour layover in of Bengal and back up the rivers already swollen from snow New Delhi when I could catch a bed, and decided to go. melt thousands of miles away in Tibet. The raging waters In New Delhi, however, my plans came unglued. The air- change course, cut new paths, burst their banks, and inun- port itself provides no place to sleep, and while it advertised date Bangladesh. Homes of mud and thatch melt away, and TESIA AR accommodations right outside, you had to have a visa for millions of people who live perpetually on the cruel edge of © C

India to leave the airport. How to get that visa? You had to poverty become destitute yet once again. AP leave India! Try as I might, at 2:00 a.m. I couldn’t convince Last summer Bangladesh suffered the worst disaster in its / M

any official to make an exception for me, so I spent 12 hours history. The waters rose and rose in a hundred-year flood WSKI

sitting up in the transit lounge. that eventually covered an astonishing 70 percent of the ABRO D Y

After some 40 hours of travel I reached the hotel in country. Its population—126 million crowded into an area A R

Dhaka with only one thing on my mind. As my head hit the smaller than Wisconsin—plumbed new depths of misery. BY pillow, I could not imagine the surprises that the new day Bangladesh has endured political instability as well. It is a HOTOS and the ones following would bring. new nation, carved out of the subcontinent when India P

8 (40) ADVENTIST REVIEW, JANUARY 14, 1999 shook off the yoke of the British and soccer, fish- accomplished the Empire in 1947. In their final act, the ing in ponds. I seemingly impossi- departing rulers, faced with the mutual saw a happy, ble: the Jamuna has animosity of Hindus and Muslims, dis- friendly people been held on course membered the land to create Pakistan who smiled and and spanned. (“land of the pure”) for the Muslims. waved as we Pakistan itself was a geographical mon- passed by. ife in the vil- strosity: not only did it lack natural I learned lage of Bijatpur boundaries, but it came to birth in two about the new Lis simple, basic. parts, one in the west and one in the bridge over the If you can afford a east, with more than 1,000 miles sepa- Jamuna that vehicle, it will be a rating the two. opened last June, bicycle. If you need a The nation of Pakistan was doomed an engineering taxi, you hire a cycle to fly apart. Eventually the eastern seg- marvel. The river rickshaw. The one ment wrested its freedom and went its cuts Bangladesh paved road is narrow, own way as yet another new nation, in two, prevent- but it is choked with taking the name Bangladesh. That was ing produce from these vehicles and in 1971. the east from the occasional truck But internal violence threatened flowing into the HEADS UP: A village schoolboy shares his or car. the country. After just four years of capital, Dhaka. books with leader of the Adventist Church Bijatpur sits in the independence the first leader of The Jamuna in Bangladesh Harald Wollan. northwest of Bangladesh, Sheikh Mujibur (Mujib) shifts course as Bangladesh, and Rahman, and his family were assassi- much as 25 miles (40 kilometers) in a there is no way to get there quickly. nated in a military coup. Only 21 years single year; further, you would have to We went by plane from Dhaka, then a later, when Sheikh Mujib’s daughter, dig down two miles through the silt to couple hours by bus, then (when the Sheikh Hasina, was elected prime min- find solid rock for conventional road became too narrow for the bus) ister, were efforts successful in bringing pylons. But with Bangladesh putting crowded into the back of a pickup. those involved to trial. up $300 mil- On the way I made the acquain- But there is another side to lion and tance of Bob and Carole Dennis. They Bangladesh, and I hadn’t been pre- other left a comfortable situation at Pacific pared for it. The waters rise, but countries Union College—where Bob was prin- the waters fall, and the land chipping cipal of the prep school and Carole grows rice in abundance. I saw in, mod- worked as a cardiac nurse at St. Helena rice, rice, rice; rice on all sides; ern engi- Hospital—to serve in Bangladesh. Bob rice stretching to the horizon. neering is now president of our senior college, I saw men swinging sickles has which recently took the name and harvesting an abundant Bangladesh Adventist University and crop. I saw rice lying in beds Seminary, and Carole runs a medical on the road after the win- clinic. They told me about an earlier nowing. I saw men pedal- visit to Bijatpur. ing bicycles and cycle “I visited our academy at rickshaws laden with Bijatpur three years ago,” said sacks of rice. I Bob. “The students were in a saw children terrible situation. The flood playing had washed away the mud cricket walls of the dormitories and filled in the space with silt. Students were sleeping on mats laid over the mud. Those who had a place to go to had left; others who

HIGH JINKS: Editor Johnsson gets the Bijatpur orphans ready for bed.

ADVENTIST REVIEW, JANUARY 14, 1999 (41) 9 did not were still there, wet and miser- construction takes in these parts. This McNeilus returned to Bangladesh in able. They hardly had any food. It was new campus was a project requiring April, along with Don Kirkman, an deplorable.” He told how he had more like seven years than seven architect from Auburn, Washington, helped them dig out the mud from the months. who donates his services to church proj- dormitories, and gathered clothes and And all this—in Bangladesh! ects around the world. Together they food for them. What happened here seems unreal. caught a vision of a new and enlarged We drove through Bijatpur and saw The story no doubt has a multitude of campus that would become a center for on the outskirts a white wall with new facets and players; here is what I helping and training young people and buildings rising behind it. We jumped pieced together. for camp meetings for the church. down from the pickup, the gate was But before any development could opened, the band struck up a tune, occur, a huge problem had to be and the honor guard snapped to solved—a pond three football fields attention as Elder Folkenberg made long and 40 feet deep. McNeilus can his entrance. Stretching out before us make big decisions and make them was a gleaming new campus, a rec- fast: he decided to fill in the pond and tangle with buildings ringing three build over it. sides and a landscaped quadrangle McNeilus asked Maranatha with cement sidewalks. Volunteers International to make the I blinked. The contrast with the vision a reality. This lay organization village of Bijatpur, with all that we has built thousands of churches and had seen along the way, was total. schools around the world, relying A round of dedication cere- heavily on volunteer help. But the monies followed. First, a meeting in task at hand would challenge their the new auditorium, filled with a ingenuity as nothing in their history. thousand people—many of them Maranatha turned to Robert students and faculty—speeches, Poblano. Poblano is a building con- acknowledgment of local officials, tractor from California who went into thanks, praise to the Lord, garlands, banking and left it five years ago to gifts. Then dedication of the entire help Maranatha. He and his wife, campus (renamed the Maranatha Doris, arrived at Bijatpur April 5, Seventh-day Adventist Seminary) 1998. “We just came on a visit,” said and building after building in Doris, “but we extended our stay a bit, turn—administration, boys’ dormi- then more, then on and on.” tory, girls’ dormitory, orphanage, The first task was to fill in the cafeteria. pond. Poblano located contractors and Besides these large buildings we subcontractors who could help him. saw 10 new staff homes and a block PEDDLING PREZ: World church leader Robert Soon trucks were hauling in fill and for single teachers and guests, while Folkenberg sets the pace for cycle rickshaws dumping up to 300 loads a day. beyond the quadrangle a new ele- carrying guests leaving to dedicate new church Hundreds of men and women worked mentary school and a building to building. as hired laborers, carrying dirt in pans provide a play area for the orphans on their heads. during the monsoon season are A couple years ago Garwin and In seven weeks the pond had been rising up. Marilee McNeilus, of Dodge Center, filled. Its only remaining evidence is If the very existence of this campus Minnesota, were watching a program on the boat the locals used on it! amazes you, the story of how it came to 3ABN about orphanages in Bangladesh. Soon buildings began to rise around be will blow you away. As they heard David and Beverley Waid the campus. By the time the monsoon Seven months before the day of dedica- describe the pitiable conditions at hit, roofs were up and the work could tion, November 12, 1998, this campus Bijatpur, they determined to help build a go on. The big flood came, but now a did not exist! A wonderful complex of new home for the children. wall was in place, and although the 125,000 square feet has risen from the They came to Bijatpur in February waters rose to within a foot of the top, mud in an unbelievably short time. 1998 and were appalled at what they the campus escaped harm. I cannot imagine this feat being saw. The orphans had a new building, At the height of the activity about accomplished in the United States, but the students were housed in a bam- 1,000 people were employed on the Canada, Germany, or any place on boo structure with dirt floors. “Garwin, project, most of them day laborers. I Planet Earth. I lived in India for 15 we need to get them a new school,” can only imagine the organizational years and have a sense of how long Marilee told her husband. and human relations skills involved in

10 (42) ADVENTIST REVIEW, JANUARY 14, 1999 guiding this massive undertaking, mar- walking on up through the tallest. And the biggest needs? Upgrading vel at what was accomplished, and Seventy-four kids holding toys and the education of the ministry and devel- give God the glory. dolls and soccer balls. Seventy-four oping work in the cities—we are still pri- orphans march out of their old marily a rural church, said Wollan. he wonder of Bijatpur isn’t in cramped quarters across campus and the buildings, however. Indeed, into new rooms. Running back and his has been a trip of surprises— Ta big new facility can become a forth. Exploring, bouncing on new divine serendipities made all the white elephant because of the costs of beds. And hoping for a parting hug. Tmore welcome because of my operation. I choked up. I couldn’t take any reluctance to come to Bangladesh. The McNeiluses, however, have pictures. It was all too beautiful and Surprise—to meet students of mine looked ahead: for every dollar spent on too sad. from Spicer College days. Union secre- buildings they have set aside another Those who help a child build for tary Swapon Halder, treasurer Ramesh dollar for endowment. This endow- the future. Those who help an orphan Biswas, Global Mission coordinator ment will not only help maintain the build for eternity. Pradip Bairagee, and others now lead campus; it will provide education for the work in Bangladesh. poor children. And in view of limited arald Wollan directs the work Surprise—to run across Chris opportunities for girls, the endowment of the Adventist Church in Smoot heading up ADRA’s efforts, stipulates that an equal number of girls HBangladesh. It is a hard field: supervising a staff of about 110. When and boys will be helped. we have been here more than a century, I last saw Chris, he was a student at Already a vegetable garden is grow- but growth has been glacial. Andrews University. ing where once was 40-feet-deep water. Surprise! Things are changing. In And of course, the big surprise—the Land beyond the campus will be devel- 1998 the church added incredible accomplishment at Bijatpur. oped into paddy fields and a rice mill more than Once again I am impressed at how installed. The plan envisages a self-suf- 3,000 mem- laypeople are making the church go. ficient facility that will provide work bers; it will The surge in church growth here—lay- for students, service to the community, people are behind it. The new semi- and a center for church growth. nary—lay funding, lay vision, lay plan- The buildings are wonderful, ning, and lay leadership made it but they aren’t the heart of it all. happen. Most of the building was Look at the bright-eyed youth, done by paid workers, but laypeople see their smiles, hear their “Good were there also: Paul and Evelyn morning, sir” as you meet them Conrad from Colorado, Walter and on the sidewalk, and you know Maxine Johnson from Iowa, Cecyl what this story is really about. and Marilyn Rentfro from But if you want your heart California; fine men and beauti- to be tugged hard, if you can ful women toiling with their stand one more surprise on this amazing double during the period 1995-2000. hands, getting dirty, losing fingernails. journey, come with me to the orphan- I asked Elder Wollan what has The last scene, however, that I take age. There they are, kids from 2 to 12, made the difference. “Three factors,” away is the young people, and espe- singing songs about Jesus before they go he told me. “First, the Global Mission cially the orphans. I think of them less to bed. A lovely young woman, so full pioneers. We have 64 of these young than a year ago sleeping on mats over of love, is leading them. I ask her her people, with 36 more in training. They dirt floors in buildings made of bam- age; she says it’s maybe 12, but she does commit themselves to go into new boo, with leaking roofs. I see them not know. areas and establish a church within parading across the campus clutching Time for bed, but first—something five years. their dolls and toys, and I choke up important. Wade into the sea of young “Next, the 1000 Missionary again. bodies and hug, hug, hug. Lift them Movement. These are teenagers or And I think: Here is grace. ■ up, hold them close, put them on your youth a little older who give a year of shoulders. Put your arms around their lives in service. them—four, five, six—and squash, “Finally, our departmental leaders squash, squ–a–a–a–sh until they giggle have become actively involved in mis- with delight. Then say good night and sion. Together with the laypeople they William G. Johnsson is edi- try to disengage the bodies clinging to are helping to grow the church.” tor of the Adventist your hands and legs. Maranatha is helping also, building 200 Review. The next day, a procession. churches with adjoining schools, and Seventy-four, from the baby hardly digging wells.

ADVENTIST REVIEW, JANUARY 14, 1999 (43) 11 LIFESTYLE PRINGER D. S OEL J BY HOTO A Community Connection P Volunteering is a great way to show our love.

BY BETTY KOSSICK

RE YOU LOOKING FOR ORDINARY WAYS talents. I’ve had the privilege of writing a fund-raising letter to share your faith? Do you really want a and a script for a video for the local United Way campaign. Christ-connected focus to the people in your Later I was asked to participate in the production of the community? video in an acting role. These opportunities came because of A My husband and I have a great desire to my presentations to civic groups and businesses to help raise share our faith in Jesus with others. Working at several jobs funds for those who have nowhere else to turn. in a variety of places through the years, we’ve found that 3. Offer to help operate the booths for health fairs. In this community volunteerism is a fine platform for faith-sharing. way we have represented various agencies, such as the Tobacco Reduction Coalition and Down With Drugs. We Involvement Beyond Church Doors have also worked with a clearinghouse called Love in the When we enter into the public sector and are willing to Name of Christ (Love INC). This organization is a bevy of roll up our sleeves, people take us more seriously than if we Christian churches and public agencies that work together volunteer just within the cloister of our own church activi- to help people who fall through the cracks as far as aid goes. ties—no matter how outreach-oriented the projects might be. It’s possible to team with other Christians by volunteer- This is especially important to Seventh-day Adventists ing our services in the community without entering into because we’re sometimes mistaken for a sect or cult. entangling ecumenical alliances. Volunteering expresses to From our experience of getting to know a new commu- other Christians that we really do love them and our com- nity, we’ve found that there are ways to offer much-needed munity unconditionally. help to volunteer organizations. Here are some suggestions: Church members, though, often think of “our” commu- 1. Write a letter to the city manager and offer to volun- nity outreach programs as the ultimate in community teer in any way you can to benefit the community. My hus- involvement. However important church-sponsored pro- band discovered that these kinds of letters are a rarity and grams are, they remain just that—church-sponsored pro- are welcomed by the city officials. Because of work experi- grams. The public knows this because we use our denomi- ence in supervision and decision-making, he was asked to fill national name with our efforts (and in our opinion, we are a vacancy on the board for the airport authority even remiss if we don’t). though he is not a pilot (nor does he have financial clout!). Often we expect the public to attend or participate in our 2. Contact service organizations personally and offer your programs, yet we hesitate to participate with non-church-

12 (44) ADVENTIST REVIEW, JANUARY 14, 1999 tithes and offerings. Diverting time How to Organize a Health Fair in Your Local Mall and money that belongs to the church to help outside the church is not a BY MYRNA TETZ worthy answer. As our understanding of our com- Health fairs were developed and implemented in the city of Vancouver, British munity has grown, my husband and I Columbia, in the 1980s by Gayle Haeger, who was then in charge of Adventist have come to see our community vol- Health Network for the British Columbia Conference. The goal was to facilitate unteer work as another aspect of our the exposure of community service organizations to the populace. faith sharing. There is always ample Gayle would contact the mall manager for permission to bring community ser- opportunity to speak of Jesus. All vice organizations with their displays into the mall for three days for a health fair. humanity belongs to God. He has The next step was to contact the service organizations (Adventist Health Network wonderful friends waiting to be con- also set up a booth) and invite them to become involved. Gayle would give each nected to each other through the vol- group a map of the mall area showing the location of their booth, listing when the unteer process. mall would be open so they could set up their display, when they should take it Yes, sometimes we can rejoice if down, and the mall regulations. they sit next to us in our church pews, On the opening day of the fair Gayle would be available to welcome and help waiting on the Lord with the same each group find their space. Throughout the day she would visit each booth to hope. But if they don’t, we will still be discuss the event with the representatives of the organizations. just-do-it volunteers. We believe the The service groups were grateful for visibility and involvement with the commu- word others is more than just a word; nity. “It was so much fun to get to know the people in these organizations,” says it’s a certain sound to rally Christian Gayle, who is now teaching English at Upper Columbia Academy in Spokane, volunteers. Washington. “They really did appreciate our efforts to help them get their mes- And only God knows the ultimate sage out.” Gayle became well acquainted with each group’s personnel and, in end of the connecting process. ■ addition, they learned about the organization Gayle represented.

Betty Kossick writes from sponsored outreach, fearing that we are become idea people ourselves? Cadillac, Michigan. She was being disloyal with our time and recently awarded the Eagle money. Local Church Involvement Award for her positive Are we? What is our reason for Of course, we need to stay actively lifestyle articles in the helping people or causes? Is it solely to involved in leadership positions in our Cadillac Evening News. bring them into our church as mem- local churches and contribute faithful bers, or is it because we care about both individual and public needs?

Connecting With Others There are so many ways to connect with others. Of course, none of us can help with every good program in our community, but there are many worthy ones, including: ■ March of Dimes ■ Heart, cancer, lung, and other disease-related groups ■ Hospital auxiliaries ■ Hospice care ■ Volunteer fire and rescue teams ■ Board or committee involvement in service organizations that help decide important community policies. What about attendance at city council meetings? Do we care enough about our city or township govern- ment to attend meetings, to help influence the idea people, or to

ADVENTIST REVIEW, JANUARY 14, 1999 (45) 13 F AITH ALIVE! Keeping Faith CALVIN B. ROCK

y husband, who was a loyal Adventist, went employees. What I assume you mean by “various needs” of the to sleep in Jesus six years ago at the age of congregation are matters to be cared for not by tithes but by 81; I am now 85. Our only child, who was offerings, that is, church expense (see the Seventh-day Adventist always in church Church Manual, pp. 136, 137, 191). with us and who Second, it helps to view the local con- Mwent to Adventist schools through Godly training ference as headquarters for constituent college, has left the fold and shows no churches whose service allows congrega- inclination to return. We thought, tions with larger tithe amounts to assist from Proverbs 22:6, that he would does not inevitably weaker ones in the matter of ministerial “not depart,” but he did. I ask the and Bible teacher hiring. If constituent Lord to forgive our mistakes, and I produce godly congregations did not have this “com- pray that our son will return to Him. mon storehouse,” the present plan by The primary message of Proverbs children. which pastors’ pay is standardized and not 22:6 is not that proper training guaran- determined by each congregation’s finan- tees our children’s fidelity to God. That cial ability would be lost. likelihood is enhanced when the training is correct, but this state- A third helpful perspective is that the local conference oper- ment’s primary reference concerns vocational training, not the ates as a vital support base for: (1) union conferences, whose assurance that godly rearing inevitably produces godly children. services tie together its local conferences and various institu- Our oldest daughter, who was 12 at the time, made this point tions (i.e., union colleges); and (2) the General Conference, in a memorable way on an occasion when I attempted to “reach which supervises our world mission through its divisions and her” by insisting that I was to blame for a certain bad habit she provides financial undergirding for its institutions (i.e., Andrews had. Other approaches had failed, so I tried getting her attention University, Loma Linda University, and Oakwood College). by insisting that it was really my fault, not hers; that though I Since the General Conference annually distributes to weaker had tried to be a good father, I had failed and was therefore divisions much more than they contribute to the world budget, responsible. She was visibly sobered by my approach and tearfully the principle of the strong helping the weak has critical applica- replied, “But Daddy, you shouldn’t feel bad—God gave the devil tion at this level as well. good home training, and look what happened to him!” How As these poorer divisions become self-sufficient, there will, true. If a third of God’s angels, created in perfection and sur- no doubt, be policy revisions that will permit stronger divisions rounded by glory, fell (Rev. 12:7), should we blame ourselves to retain greater tithe percentages for hiring at home. when, after we have done our best, our children apostatize? But thinking of home, since there are no policy restrictions We are, of course, inevitably pained, but not inevitably on the use of offerings, an immediate boon to most local blamed. And even if we did make contributing mistakes, the churches’ finances would be an increase in freewill giving. And ultimate choice is still theirs. Our only recourse in such cases is since, paradoxically, enhancing tithe performance usually to ask God (and, if warranted, the offspring) for forgiveness and enhances freewill offerings, stimulating the 60 percent of our leave final influence and judgment with Him: He, after all, membership that does not tithe faithfully will prove a triple loves them infinitely more than we do. blessing: more tithe for the world work, more offerings for home, and more personal benedictions upon individual mem- ’m not one to criticize, but I don’t understand why congre- bers and families. gations have to send 100 percent of tithe “up the ladder” to the local conference. How can this be defended given the I Calvin B. Rock is a general vice president of the various needs of individual congregations? General Conference. He holds doctoral degrees in First of all, by the authority of the Scripture, the writings of ministry and Christian ethics. Ellen White, and church policy, tithe use is restricted to the support (salaries, etc.) of pastors and certain other church

14 (46) ADVENTIST REVIEW, JANUARY 14, 1999 STORY

Angels in My Classroom Going beyond the call of duty is their specialty.

BY LAURELEE MISSEGHERS

T’S FRIDAY MORNING, 6:00. My clock radio starts playing, and my cat starts whining.

REWS Ignoring Scamp, I roll over and drowsily hit the sleep button. Another 10 minutes under C Y ERR

T the covers would feel so good. BY

TION What, the radio’s still playing? Oh, it is 10 minutes later. Scamp whines again, and LLUSTRA I I the other two cats, hearing me stir, race out the bedroom door. So begins my day. ADVENTIST REVIEW, JANUARY 14, 1999 (47) 15 It Has to Get Better People Problems best course is to warn them. After all, From this inauspicious beginning I I remember a conversation I’d had they aren’t to blame for the way I become a whirlwind of activity. It’s with a parent the day before. He was feel—yet. Friday morning, and there’s much to upset because I had left without his Once they’re quiet I begin my lit- be done before the Sabbath arrives: children, even though I’d waited an tle speech: “Listen, I’m upset and shower, make myself presentable, clean extra 10 minutes at the pickup point. angry about a few things right now. the bathroom, wash and hang a load of He had arrived 12 minutes late; why It would be best if you just sat quietly laundry, wash the dishes that I wasn’t hadn’t I waited? in your desks and don’t talk, OK? Or motivated to do last night, etc. True, he had had the best reason I might respond a bit differently Already it’s 7:15. I have time to possible for being late, but I’m not a than usual.” grab a bag of chocolate-covered mind reader. How was I to know he The kids sit in silence. We get almonds and a frozen loaf of banana would arrive at all? After all, I’m through worship and begin the day’s bread from the freezer—it will have volunteering my time. Last year, work. When the phone rings, I go to to suffice for today’s lunch. I wish the office to answer it. When I my husband a good day, grab my return to the classroom, there’s a box of corrected homework, and note on my desk. “To Mrs. head out the door. They aren’t to Misseghers.” It’s folded in two. It snowed last night, and inches Curious, I open it up and begin to of the fluffy white stuff cover the blame for the way read: ground—and the school van—like a “Dear Mrs. M,” it begins pre- soft blanket. As I reach for the snow dictably. “We are sorry you are hav- scraper and begin brushing off win- I feel—yet. ing such a bad day! We hope that dows, the beauty of the soft snowy whoever and whatever is bugging blanket eludes me. It isn’t a warm when I didn’t drive the school van, you will turn out fine! We hope you snugly blanket. It’s a powder of icy dust I arrived at school by 8:00 a.m. Now have a good weekend, and get lots of spraying me in the face and chilling I don’t get there until 8:45. There’s rest for tomorrow. We will try to be my hands. so much to be done, but there’s no good and save you a hazardous day. I nervously begin my daily trek to time to do it. Don’t get discouraged, and keep on the school. I haven’t driven a van on Thinking thoughts blacker than trying. We like you a lot; you are icy roads before. Cautiously I test the midnight, I arrive at the church park- always so fun to be around. Don’t brakes. Even though I’m going less ing lot to collect more kids. I’m 10 quit now! than 10 miles per hour I feel the tires minutes late. But no one’s waiting; no “From those who care (TWC).” slip and slide. It reminds me how frag- one else has arrived. I slowly pull My heart is touched, and I quickly ile life is and with what a great away, but have to stop by the roadside leave the room as tears threaten to responsibility I’ve been entrusted: to several times for late arrivals. spill over. The black fog that had pick up nearly a dozen students and The rest of the ride continues to be enveloped me until now vanishes as take them to school—so many pre- nerve-racking until I finally arrive at this ray of sunshine warms my heart. cious and priceless lives. school. Again I look at the small band I’ve been ambushed by God’s grace— I make my first pickup. The chil- around my wrist that enslaves me. demonstrated by the ones who are dren are bundled up, enthusiastically Only five more minutes until school supposed to be looking to me as their greeting the new day. My own enthusi- begins. I dare any adult to challenge role model. asm has already waned with the pass- me now. I want to rant, rave, and ing miles. It almost fades completely release the tension I feel. But there’s ater in the day my students ask: when I discover that on the smallest no time; the bell rings, signaling the “Do you like teaching?” incline the van behaves with difficulty. beginning of the school day. L “Yes,” I answer, “I do.” Thankfully, traffic is light—lots of “Why?” space in between the vehicles—and I Rising to the Challenge “Because it’s so rewarding.” continue the journey. My students enter the classroom “What makes it rewarding?” they My thoughts, however, are dwelling with the joyful exuberance that comes want to know. more and more on the negative. The from being with their friends once “You do!” ■ snow, the slippery driving conditions, again. As they slowly drift to their and the crawling cars are conspiring desks, I’m looking frantically for an Laurelee Misseghers teaches against me. This is ridiculous; 25 mph interesting worship story. We finished grades 5-8 at Grand Valley in a 50 mph zone? I look at my watch. our other book yesterday. I finally find Adventist Academy, near I’m running late. one they will enjoy, and ask for silence. Paris, Ontario, Canada. Still fuming inwardly, I decide my

16 (48) ADVENTIST REVIEW, JANUARY 14, 1999 ADVENTIST WORLD RADIO One Listener, Many ANDREA STEELE Believers

he school bell had rung, the last student had and took careful note of the frequency so he could always scurried out the door, and quiet had settled on listen. With 150 hours of broadcasts to China each week, the room like the dust motes shining in the there are many programs available. Soon Mr. Wu had writ- afternoon sun in the ten for a Bible correspondence open window. Nisa course, found a Bible, and was Ttidied his desk, looked at the studying diligently. But he didn’t palm trees swaying against the want to be alone, so he shared blue Indonesian sky, then, glanc- his happy discovery with friends ing at his watch, he too hurried and neighbors. At last count from the room. If he hurried, he nearly 100 people were attending would arrive home in time for the house church Mr. Wu estab- the Voice of Hope program he had lished. been listening to with growing Some people who hear the interest for several weeks. programs make extraordinary At home Nisa turned on his changes in their lives, and this radio and got out a pen and paper, draws others to them. Drunkards, for he wanted to write down the criminals, thieves, abusers—all address. He had made a decision: find the hope of release from the radio program offered a free their terrible lives through Jesus. Bible course, and Nisa wanted to ELECTRONIC BIBLE STUDY: Elias heard the gospel on Such was the case with Maria. know more about the Bible. Until Adventist World Radio, and as a result there are now three Maria was an angry and vio- then his only religious book had churches and four branch Sabbath schools in a previously lent person, making everyone in been the Koran. unentered area of south Sumatra, Indonesia. her family afraid and unhappy. Nisa did take the Bible course, and he found it so interest- She even beat her husband. All of the neighbors in her ing that he made another decision. “These lessons would be Guatamalan city avoided her. good for my students,” he said to himself. “They have prob- Then one day 25-year-old Maria heard the story of Jesus lems making good decisions and understanding about life.” broadcast on Adventist World Radio and learned how He So Nisa wrote to the Bible School in Jakarta, Indonesia, and could give her a new life. The Holy Spirit worked on this asked for 84 sets of Bible lessons—one for every student in turbulent soul and changed her. the small government school where he taught. After some weeks of listening to the programs, she But Nisa didn’t stop there. He wrote again to the Bible stopped hitting her husband. Then her neighbors noticed school, asking for 36 more lessons—these he distributed to that she was kinder, friendlier, more accepting. The change neighbors in his village in west Kalimantan. Soon he had was so complete that they began to seek her counsel. distributed a total of 150 Bible lessons, and a dozen people “I promised God,” Maria says, “that I would never beat were ready for baptism. my husband again. The Voice of Hope programs have given Adventist World Radio, broadcasting Voice of Hope in me hope. I don’t need to be violent or afraid ever again!” nearly 50 languages, plants seeds of hope and joy in the Please pray for people whose lives change and who share hearts of many people, but the results of this ministry don’t their faith when they find Jesus through the programs of stop there. As in the story of Nisa, other listeners become Adventist World Radio. convinced of the truth of the message they hear and share it with others.

Like a Seed Andrea Steele is director of public relations and development for Mr. Wu heard the AWR broadcasts in Mandarin one day Adventist World Radio.

ADVENTIST REVIEW, JANUARY 14, 1999 (49) 17 WORLD NEWS & PERSPECTIVES In the Footsteps of Queen Esther: Journey to Iran

BY RAY DABROWSKI, DIRECTOR OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT

t all started with a series of evan- blood sister to gelistic meetings Kenneth us,” said Mittleider, a retired General Mahmoud Conference vice president, con- about the times ducted in Riga, Latvia. While en Ken and Iroute to the meetings through Cyprus, Barbara Mittleider was diverted to another air- Mittleider spent port because of airstrip repairs in with his family. Larnaca. His taxi ride with a govern- “What ment official from Iran led to a con- [Rostámabadi] versation about health and smoking. desires is to do When Mittleider saw him light a ciga- all that would rette, he voiced his surprise, as the benefit the peo- Muslim faith teaches not to smoke. ple of Iran and “What followed was an invitation bring a closer to visit his home in Iran,” Mittleider understanding recalls. “It was a friendly exchange between GLOBAL FRIENDSHIPS: (left to right) Barbara Mittleider, Maliheh and between two stranded passengers who Iranians and Mahoud Rostámabadi, Joan Coggin, Sadaf Rostámabadi, and Mohammed shared a common need. We exchanged the people of Rostámabadi. our business cards, and weeks later the world,” says faxes followed. But when a business Mittleider. It was this desire that led to rated the medical center there. visa was requested, I was introduced to two official visits made by a team of Mahmoud Rostámabadi.” Adventist leaders to Iran in December 1994 Visit From that casual meeting a relation- 1994 and April-May 1998. During a five-day trip in 1994 ship started that opened many doors to Adventists established contacts with the church. “There is no question that Iranian Connection several government officials, some of God brought our lives together. You Adventists have a relationship with whom remembered well ADRA’s have become a blood brother and Iran that goes back to 1911. More response to the earthquake in Roodbar. recently, in 1990, in the aftermath of an As Adventist leaders met with Iran’s earthquake the Adventist Develop- ment and Relief Agency built 86 houses for suffering victims in the Gilan and Zanjan provinces. With the aid of ADRA/Germany a hospital was also established that now performs an average of five surgeries per day. At first the hospital lacked such basic items as X-ray equipment and incuba- tors, but ADRA secured the needed equipment. In Roodbar the German Army HOUSE OF HEALING: The Adventist built a hospital for which ADRA pro- Development and Relief Agency built this med- vided an X-ray machine. In August of EVANGELISTIC FAMILY: Ken and Barbara ical clinic in the aftermath of an earthquake. 1994 the German ambassador inaugu- Mittleider visit Iranian ruins.

18 (50) ADVENTIST REVIEW, JANUARY 14, 1999 WORLD NEWS & PERSPECTIVES minister of the environment, they them during the war. heard about a proposal to launch a Two years later, in September nationwide stop-smoking campaign. It 1996, Rostámabadi visited the United was obvious that Adventists were States, including the world church equipped to respond to that challenge. headquarters and Loma Linda The campaign would be cosponsored University. He was “overwhelmed,” as by a department of the health ministry he said, by the Adventists’ hospitality and Loma Linda University Cardiac and attended a church service at the Institute. Three areas were identified Spencerville, Maryland, Seventh-day and agreed upon—that the Breathe Adventist Church. Free program would be a gift from the During this visit he extended an Seventh-day Adventist Church to the invitation to General Conference pres- people of Iran; that LLU would send a ident Robert S. Folkenberg to visit team to train teachers of the program; Iran. “We learned that the new minis- COMMUNITY FEAST: For the Imam Hossian celebration the wealthy prepare and serve and that a pilot program would be ter of health requested that they con- food for the poor. offered to government officials. tinue cooperation in conducting a The smoking issue was one of many stop-smoking program in Tehran, and flowers. The children were delightful.” that church leaders soon became a meeting was arranged for Coggin, the Dialogue with Iranian officials Folkenberg family, and Barbara and reached a new level in 1998. “I think it me to visit Iran,” Ken Mittleider was very important that we returned recalls. and they appreciated the fact that we wanted to accomplish something,” 1998 Visit Coggin says. “We met with new people “I was fortunate enough to go to in charge of the Ministry of Health who Iran with Ken Mittleider on the seemed much more friendly, open, and first trip,” Coggin says. “On the sec- interested in developing a relationship. ond trip I was impressed immedi- Both Ken and I could sense the differ- ately by a more open attitude of the ence in each of the meetings.” people. Initially I found that as Mittleider noted the thoughtfulness individuals the Iranians liked of their hosts. “Our Iranian hosts INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS: Joan Coggin (cen- Americans and seemed especially quickly learned that we are vegetarian, ter) established dialogues with several govern- pleased to have us there.” so they provided vegetarian meals ment officials, including Ali Akbar (left), a for- Strained relations between Iran throughout the visit. After they got to eign minister under previous governments, and and many Western countries under- know us, they offered grace at the offi- Mohammad-Reza Masjedi, director of the National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and gird perceptions that people of oppos- cial meals,” he recalled. Lung Disease. ing political spheres cannot get “It became obvious that the people along. But Adventists saw examples of Iran love Americans. It was demon- aware of. During a visit at the Iran of the goodwill and hospitality for strated on so many occasions during University of Medical Sciences’ which the Iranian people are known. my two visits,” says Mittleider. “As we Cardiovascular Medical Center in Coggin’s visit to Persepolis proved this embarked on our second visit, we Tehran, Ken Mittleider and Joan beyond a doubt. wondered how we would be received. Coggin, assistant to the president of “My knee was giving me trouble,” she Who would meet us when we arrived? Loma Linda University for interna- says, “so I spent time sitting on the bench We found the church leadership in tional relations, were able to get in front of the museum. Some school- Iran apprehensive at first. They had to acquainted with a state-of-the-art children came by—little girls—and they look at all aspects of the visit and eval- medical facility. “It’s just like back came up and tried to talk to me. uate the advantages of being involved home,” Coggin comments. “Realizing I was an American, they with representatives of the interna- The discussions focused on exchange became excited. They giggled, smiled, tional church. But apprehensions programs with Loma Linda University. and did all the things that 9-to-12- quickly disappeared.” The Iranian hosts also shared the chal- year-old girls do to show their During discussions with the govern- lenge of caring for the needs of refugees, approval. As we left, two of the girls ment, the church leaders sought reso- now numbering 4 million, from the Iraq gave me bouquets of wildflowers they lution of two issues: (1) recognition of and Afghanistan wars. Hospitals were car- had picked from between the rocks of the Adventist Church and (2) the for- ing for refugees with tuberculosis as well the ruins. I had tears in my eyes and mal registration of ADRA/Iran as an as those affected by the nerve gas used on only wished I could have preserved the official agency.

ADVENTIST REVIEW, JANUARY 14, 1999 (51) 19 WORLD NEWS & PERSPECTIVES

The Adventist Church, which owns were important to undertake for the try. After all, we have a history that property in Tehran, was registered church and for the university: “It was dates back millennia,” they said. until 1982 and had local congregations very beneficial to have Pastor According to Mittleider, a plan is in four places, with one pastor looking Folkenberg there—closely identifying us being developed to take a group of up to after those congregations. According with the church, and yet we were sepa- 60 people from the United States in April to local sources, the churches were rate. I represented LLU, which is part of or September 1999. Arrangements are able to meet on a regular basis the church, but it is not a church.” being made with professional people in throughout the 1980s and 1990s. The Iran visit had yet another Iran to entertain visitors and learn about As with every event when believers dimension, a prospect for future con- each other’s culture. The trip is to include come together, Sabbath, May 2, was a tacts and openness. “Many Muslims a visit to historical sites, such as special day for believers in Tehran. were surprised to discover that there are Persepolis, near Shiraz, one of the capitals The Folkenbergs, the Mittleiders, and Christians who don’t smoke and don’t of ancient Persia, with the ruins of the Joan Coggin were able to worship with eat pork. Such a discovery endears us to palaces of Darius I and Xerxes I (probably a group of 50 Adventists and visitors. them,” Mittleider says. “During the visit Ahasuerus of the story of Esther). Following the service a fellowship meal we were challenged to organize a group In the words of another visitor to was provided with the typical hospital- of Seventh-day Adventists for a tourist Iran, tourism is still a new concept in ity for which Adventist congregations excursion to Iran that would allow us to the country. Bill Heavey put it plainly in in the Middle East are known. The get acquainted with the Iranians.” his Washington Post report: “The people visit of the world church president as The idea was pressed by the minis- are proud of their heritage, and are well as the fruitful discussions with the ters of culture and tourism. “Please, almost desperate to show it all to you.” government opened new doors for the think about it. Bring a few families “It’s quite a feat to walk where denomination to be seen as a vibrant and we will give them the time of Esther walked, where her husband is part of the society in which it lives. their life. We will open our homes to buried,” Mittleider says. “I’m certainly Coggin agrees that the Iranian trips them and take them to see the coun- looking forward to returning.”

NEWSBREAK

Controversy Breaks Out Over World had been that of polygamy. The committee expressed Council Membership Vote satisfaction, however, with assurances received from Celestial that as of 1986, only monogamous clergy were being admitted into its pastorate. (That assurance BY ROY ADAMS, ADVENTIST REVIEW ASSOCIATE implied, of course, that older clergy may still be living in EDITOR, REPORTING FROM HARARE, ZIMBABWE polygamous relationships, not to mention the member- ship at large. Yet the committee “became convinced that he Eighth Assembly of the World Council of membership would be beneficial for the church in its TChurches (WCC), meeting in Zimbabwe, voted efforts to proclaim and live out the gospel message with- December 5 to receive into full membership eight new in the African culture.”) churches from six countries. The action brought the As the debate opened on the issue, speaker after number of churches belonging to the WCC to 338, two speaker took the floor to question the wisdom of the Orthodox churches having opted to leave the world committee’s recommendation. But in an assembly noted body during the past 12 months. for its liberal stand on certain issues, no one could be The reception of new churches, usually a time of sure which way the vote would go. In the end the vote applause, was tempered by the decision of the WCC to deny was overwhelming, and spontaneous applause policy reference committee (PRC) to postpone the deci- broke out, perhaps out of relief. sion on the application for full membership by the The controversy continued the following day, however, Celestial Church of Christ of Nigeria. When I talked to when the official WCC newspaper, quoting Densen them following the assembly’s action, the leaders of the Mafinyani, general secretary of the Zimbabwe Council of Celestial Church claimed not to understand the reason for Churches, ran a four-column headline proclaiming the postponement, but remained hopeful that the matter “Polygamy No Problem for African Churches.” Hours later could be resolved later in the session. an infuriated African delegate rose in the assembly to That hope seemed well founded when the PRC, in its denounce “the implication that Christians in Africa had second report to the assembly five days later, recom- polygamy in their blood.” Not so, he said, amid loud mended admission. The sticky issue, the committee said, applause from his fellow African delegates and the whole

20 (52) ADVENTIST REVIEW, JANUARY 14, 1999 WORLD NEWS & PERSPECTIVES Who’s Correct?

BY BERT WILLIAMS, MAXWELL ADVENTIST ACADEMY, NAIROBI, KENYA

t the hour that this is being written United States vince the world community that the attack must be stopped cruise missiles and British bombs are reaching targets and that suffering of defenseless Iraqi people must cease? Ain Iraq. China and Russia have condemned the If the United States and Great Britain are correct, what action. In a particularly strong move, Russia has pulled its can they do to convince the world community that the ambassador out of Washington, D.C., in protest. attack is essential in order to save innocent people in the The United States and Great Britain say that Saddam future from a well-armed Saddam Hussein? Hussein has broken his commitment to the United Nations At this point it is unlikely that anyone will be convinced yet again, and thus an action to degrade of anything that they don’t already his ability for creating weapons of mass NEWS COMMENTARY believe on this issue. Right or wrong, destruction and waging war on his neigh- people are going to think what they bors is absolutely essential. think, and that is pretty much the way it is. Russia and China, siding with Iraq, say that the attackers Which causes one to wonder how God must feel when have used an insignificant misunderstanding as a pretext for citizens of Planet Earth misunderstand His governance of launching the attack on Iraq, which only adds further to the the universe. Is He simply reconciled to being misunder- unjustified suffering of the defenseless Iraqi people. stood? Does He despair of convincing people with minds It must be challenging being a leader of a world power at already set that His strategies are correct? such times. It must be challenging at times being the ultimate super- If Russia and China are correct, what can they do to con- power of the universe.

NEWSBREAK assembly; it was Africans who had led the opposition to that he was one of the 30 preachers short-listed for the deny membership to Celestial—a claim quite evident to final from an initial list of more than 250. Assessors visited me as I’d watched the vote the previous evening. each of these 30 candidates in their home churches, and Later in the day WCC General Secretary Conrad Raiser only six reached the final, reports John Surridge, British announced that the council’s legal personnel had deter- Union Conference communication director. mined that the vote on Celestial was unconstitutional and The final event took the form of a two-hour worship illegal. Instead of bringing back the request for a fresh vote, in which each of the candidates was asked to speak for 10 however, the WCC business committee decided to refer minutes on a subject of their choice. Sweeney’s winning the matter to the new central committee. sermon was entitled “It’s the Thought That Counts.” (The Eighth Assembly of the WCC met in the Sweeney was the first Black preacher to win the con- Zimbabwe’s capital December 3-14, 1998. A full report test, now in its fourth year, reports the Times. will appear in the February 11 issue of the Review.) After being announced the winner and presented with the awards, Sweeney commented: “This trophy is in Adventist Pastor Wins Preacher of the Year recognition of the sterling work being done in our church- Award es week in and week out. There is no greater calling and no greater privilege than to speak on God’s behalf.” Adventist pastor Ian Sweeney took first place in the After the event Sweeney was presented with a sculp- finals of the prestigious London Times Preacher of the Year ture of a dove and will later receive £1,000. competition November 27 at the Methodist Central Hall in Westminster. What’s Upcoming Sweeney, 33, who currently pastors in the Sheffield dis- trict, was originally entered for the competition without Jan. 16 Message and Mission Emphasis his knowledge when a publisher forwarded to the Times a Jan. 23 Health Ministries Day sermon he had originally written for a book on Black Jan. 30 Religious Liberty Day preachers. His first knowledge of his involvement in the Feb. 6 Bible Evangelism Emphasis competition was when he received a letter telling him

ADVENTIST REVIEW, JANUARY 14, 1999 (53) 21 DEVOTIONAL

Is it a joke? Is it science fiction? So why are smart people sinking good money into a thing like that?

BY JEFFREY K. THOMPSON

RINCE LAZARUS, A UNITED STATES standing on pilings similar to an offshore oil- millionaire, recently announced that he is ready drilling facility. The city will be constructed in to begin constructing a new country in the beau- such a way that each platform will comprise a tiful Caribbean Sea, 120 miles off the coast of the city block and will be surrounded by water. This British crown colony of Grand Cayman. This should make policing much easier, says Lazarus, Paccording to a lead story in the Caymanian Compass. A and crime should be virtually nonexistent.3 Canadian company was slated to begin construction during Present plans call for the construction of banks, hotels, the latter part of 1998. condominiums, a shopping center, an airport with the New Utopia is not a joke, nor is it science fiction, says capacity of landing 727s, a movie theater, a central park, Prince Lazarus, who has claimed a 284-mile patch of and the finest hospital in the world, dedicated to antiaging ocean for the city. And his action is legal, he says, since and longevity modalities. the area in question falls within international waters. But The economy of New Utopia would be based on offshore although New Utopia attorney general Richard Balch finance, tourism, and medical services. Prince Lazarus indi- made formal application for recognition to the United cated there would be no taxes in New Utopia. Government Nations back in 1997, there has been no response from revenue would be derived from banking fees and a 15 per- the U.N. so far.1 cent duty on everything imported. The city will be built, Lazarus says, where there is a natu- New Utopia will be a constitutional monarchy, with rally occurring rise in the sea floor, making for a depth grade Prince Lazarus on the throne. And succession will be heredi- of between 12 and 57 feet at the location.2 tary, according to the already written constitution. A board The first structure to go up will be a 300' x 300' platform, of eight governors has been chosen to manage the country,

22 (54) ADVENTIST REVIEW, JANUARY 14, 1999 and there are currently 530 citizens on the rolls. Citizenship The Idea Isn’t New

TESIA will require a clean criminal record and payment of Throughout history ambitious people have always AR US$1,500.4 attempted to invent some type of utopia. The book of © C Prince Lazarus Long was born Howard Turney. He said he Genesis depicts the postdiluvians feverishly trying to com- AP

/ M changed his name to prevent people from linking New pete with God rather than serve Him. In the end God

ISC Utopia with his antiaging business that earned millions in moved to frustrate their plans (Gen. 11:1-9). D clinics in Mexico and the U.S.A. New Utopia’s constitution Karl Marx, a German revolutionary, theorized an eco- HOTO imposes no religion, provides citizens with religious liberty, nomic utopia. But Communism, the system he envisioned, © P and allows for gay marriages. The construction cost is has failed—as all human systems eventually will. Someone

HOTO 5 P expected to run to about US$340 million. has said that capitalism is the unequal distribution of wealth,

ADVENTIST REVIEW, JANUARY 14, 1999 (55) 23 while Communism is the equal distribu- More important, peace will prisoners in our own homes; one day tion of poverty. reign—between God and all cre- soon we will be free. Today we mourn; Adolf Hitler tried to build a utopian ation. There will be no need for one day soon we will be comforted. society in Germany by masterminding locks and keys and security systems. Today we die; one day soon we will the extermination of more than 6 mil- “On no day will its gates ever be live forever. Today we fear nuclear lion Jews in a mad attempt to create a shut,” the Bible says, “for there will holocaust; one day soon we will study super race. But he failed. be no night there” (verse 25). war no more. Today we have home- lessness; one day soon we will inhabit God’s Utopia mansions. How good to know that God has a Plans call “And I John saw the holy city, new true utopia on the horizon! Jerusalem, coming down from God out When and where will this be? And for banks, hotels, of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned what city is it? One answer is found in for her husband” (Rev. 21:2, KJV). Galatians 4:26: “But the Jerusalem that condominiums, “Then the eyes of the blind shall be is above is free, and she is our opened, and the ears of the deaf shall mother.” 6 a shopping center, be unstopped. Then shall the lame The patriarch Abraham looked for man leap as an hart, and the tongue of this utopia with eager expectancy. We an airport—the the dumb sing” (Isa. 35:5, 6, KJV). read in Hebrews 11:10 that “he was “And the ransomed of the Lord shall looking forward to the city with founda- works—in the return, and come to Zion with songs tions, whose architect and builder is and everlasting joy” (verse 10, KJV), God.” and Jesus shall reign as King of kings And John the revelator describes middle of the and Lord of lords in the New this divine utopia in glowing terms. “I Jerusalem (see Rev. 19:16). saw the Holy City,” he said, “the new open sea. I like Ellen White’s summation: Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven “Sin and sinners are no more. The from God, prepared as a bride beauti- Who Gets to Go? entire universe is clean. One pulse of fully dressed for her husband” (Rev. If you are wondering who may/may harmony and gladness beats through 21:2). not enter this utopia, you don’t have the vast creation. From Him who cre- And what is the size of this utopia? to speculate. The Bible tells us in ated all, flow life and light and glad- “The city was laid out like a square,” Revelation 22:14: “Blessed are they ness, throughout the realms of illim- the book of Revelation says, “as long that do his commandments, that they itable space. From the minutest atom as it was wide. He measured the city may have right to the tree of life, and to the greatest world, all things, ani- with the rod and found it to be may enter in through the gates into mate and inanimate, in their unshad- 12,000 stadia [about 1,400 miles, or the city” (KJV). owed beauty and perfect joy, declare 2,200 kilometers] in length, and as In other words, the city will be that God is love.” 8 ■ wide and high as it is long” (verse open only to those who do the will 16).7 Its walls, Revelation goes on to of God. 1 Guy Harrison, Caymanian Compass, Sept. 11, 1998, pp. A20-24. say, were “made of jasper, and the city And who will be excluded? Again 2 Ibid. [was] of pure gold, as pure as glass” the text informs us: “Nothing impure 3 www.new-utopia.com. (verse 18). Even the streets are of will ever enter it, nor will anyone who 4 Ibid. 5 Harrison. gold (verse 21). does what is shameful or deceitful, but 6 Unless otherwise noted, Scripture refer- God’s utopia will have no need only those whose names are written in ences are from the New International Version. for solar or nuclear energy. “The the Lamb’s book of life” (Rev. 21:27). 7 Though we do not know whether these dimensions are to be taken literally, we are sure city does not need the sun or the As the earth came forth from the they’re meant to portray something grander moon to shine on it, for the glory hand of its Maker in the beginning, it than we can ever imagine. of God gives it light, and the was exceedingly beautiful. Its surface 8 The Great Controversy, p. 678. Lamb is its lamp. The nations was diversified with mountains, hills, will walk and plains, interspersed with noble by its rivers and lakes. However, sin has pol- Jeffrey K. Thompson is light, luted and devastated God’s beautiful president of the Cayman and the creation. As a consequence, we have Islands Mission of Seventh- kings of the war and sickness and death. day Adventists. earth will bring But one day soon we will have their splendor into peace. Today we have poverty; one day it” (verses 23, 24). soon we will have plenty. Today we are

24 (56) ADVENTIST REVIEW, JANUARY 14, 1999 read this Bible text. A top spinning strong and fast hits a bump and starts Spinning Tops to wobble, loses its balance, and falls. That’s what happens to us some- times. We think we can be good and ROSY TETZ obey the rules. And then down we go. What should you do when that happens? Get up and try again, of course. But you can do more. ave you ever played with 4. If the circle is lopsided, the top You can learn from your mistakes. a top? You can make one will wobble. Figure out what went wrong. Plan to yourself. Cut a circle out 5. If the pencil isn’t stuck through avoid the same mistake next time. of a piece of cardboard. the exact middle, the top will tip over When you make a top, keep adjusting Poke a sharp pencil quickly. the shape, the size, and the placement of Hthrough the center of the circle. Set the At first I thought making a top the circle. Figure out what makes it work. point of the pencil on the table, hold would be easy, but I had to experiment Figure out how to make it better. the eraser end with your thumb and fin- a bit before I got it to spin. I needed to You can think about your life the ger, and set your new top spinning. figure out why my top kept falling. same way. But in your life you have Here’s what I found when I made Sometimes we use the word “fall” to help. When you “fall” and sin, you my top: describe when a person sins. When don’t have to get back up on your own. 1. Use a short pencil. Paul writes “Anyone who thinks he is Jesus will help you get going again. 2. Try sliding the circle to different standing strong should be careful not When you make a mistake, you don’t positions along the pencil. to fall” (1 Cor. 10:12, ICB), he’s not have to figure it out on your own. Jesus 3. The circle shouldn’t be too actually talking about falling. He’s will help you understand. small. Try tracing around a mug to talking about sinning. Keep close to Jesus. Together you get a good size. It’s easy to imagine a top when you can stand strong.

ADVENTIST REVIEW, JANUARY 14, 1999 (57) 25 HERITAGE FILE

An Anglican Preacher’s Defense TION CIA SSO of the Seventh-day Sabbath A UBLISHING P ® ERALD & H EVIEW : R TIONS LLUSTRA I

26 (58) ADVENTIST REVIEW, JANUARY 14, 1999 BY NIKOLAUS SATELMAJER months at the gatehouse in Why This Man Matters Westminster, in addition to the nine Theophilus Brabourne’s Discourse weeks he was imprisoned while being Upon the Sabbath Day is considered by examined. One judge, not satisfied that scholars to be “the first major work to T WAS AN AGE OF SPIR- Brabourne merely serve prison time for appear in the seventeenth century his crime of advocating the Bible advocating the Christian observance of itual boldness, but few could Sabbath, called for the death sentence. Saturday.” 5 But it is more than histori- The minister’s wife was even informed cal curiosity that recommends both the match his sheer audacity. that her husband was to be burned at man and his writing to modern the stake.3 Sabbathkeepers. Brabourne is an Dedicating his new book on aggressive and able defender of the Modest Beginnings Sabbath, employing many of the same the Bible Sabbath to Who was this bold spirit who could methods and scriptural arguments that so calmly face the united opposition of Seventh-day Adventists would use two ICharles I, king of England and head of both church and state in defense of centuries later. He approaches the topic the Bible Sabbath? by discussing the positions of the critics the Church of England, Theophilus Theophilus (“God-lover”) of the Sabbath, analyzing biblical pas- Brabourne was born in 1590 in sages, reviewing historical develop- Brabourne called upon the king to pro- Norwich, England, 120 miles northeast ments, and discussing ways that the of London. He attended local schools Sabbath should be kept. mote the seventh-day Sabbath until 15 years of age, intending to enroll at Cambridge University. A Man Under Authority throughout the British Isles. Though his father supported young According to Brabourne, the Theophilus’s desire to study for the Sabbath must be discussed in the con- The reaction to Brabourne’s book ministry, the difficult religious situation text of the authority of the Word of and its dedicatory statement was pre- during the reign of James I caused him God in the believer’s life, the continu- dictably swift and brutal. The king di- to recommend a different career. ing importance of the law of God to rected Bishop Francis White of Ely to Theophilus was sent to London as a the believer’s conduct, and the nature deal with the heretic minister. representative for the family stocking of the commandments. Summoned to defend his views and business. Understanding the Word of God as writings, Brabourne was subjected to Brabourne married in London and the highest authority for human life is enormous pressure: returned to Norwich with his bride. foundational to Christian life, “I held a conference with that rev- Once home, he resumed his original Brabourne writes. Human reason is erend bishop . . . at Ely House in plans and studied for the ministry feeble and insufficient at best,6 “sub- Holbourn, about the Sabbath; it lasted under the tutorship of three Church of servient and handmaid to the Holy many days, an hour or two in a day; England ministers. Ordained at age 31 Scriptures.” 7 Because Brabourne takes after that, I did the like once before on September 24, 1621, as a priest in such a strong position on the signifi- the Archbishop of Lambeth.” 1 the Church of England, Brabourne cance of the Bible, he spends consider- Ecclesiastical intimidation didn’t quickly distinguished himself as a able time discussing texts used by those cause Brabourne to alter his opinions, writer on controversial subjects. Had who either support or oppose the Bible however. Required next to appear the new minister applied himself only Sabbath. Likewise, in his discussion of before the king’s High Commission to his pastoral assignment, it’s unlikely Sunday he again appeals to the and defend himself, Brabourne was that modern-day Sabbathkeepers unchallengeable authority of Scripture: arraigned in front of a gathering that would have ever heard of him. if God intended that Sunday should included many ministerial colleagues: By1628 he had published his first become the Christian Sabbath, would “On the day of my censure in the high book, A Discourse Upon the Sabbath Christ not have given just such a com- commission court . . . near an hundred Day, thrusting himself and his ideas mand? 8 Human reasoning, no matter ministers present as I was told, besides into the midst of a heated debate how persuasive, cannot have equal hundreds of other people. . . . The king’s about the Bible Sabbath.4 His second authority to God’s revealed will. advocate had pleaded a long time against volume three years later brought him “Never with me,” Brabourne pro- me [and] read a discourse against me, the full attention of both king and claims; “I trust to God.” 9 about an hour long, wherein he argued court. Following his release from Brabourne’s arguments in favor of against the Sabbath day.” 2 prison, the undaunted preacher wrote the perpetuity of the moral law, and The High Commission, vested with another six books and one unpublished thus the Sabbath in which it is both ecclesiastical and judicial author- manuscript about the holiness of the enshrined, ring true to the interpretive ity, sentenced the minister to serve 18 Bible Sabbath. methods used by Seventh-day

ADVENTIST REVIEW, JANUARY 14, 1999 (59) 27 Adventists centuries later. The New Testament passages often cited by and so much of the word Sabbath is “a particle of the moral law those who urge that the Sabbath was a ‘Remember.’” 18 which is perpetual,” 10 he wrote in his time-bound rather than timeless cre- Brabourne also identifies the 1628 volume. “Our Saviour Christ ation of God. In Romans and Council of Laodicea (A.D. 364) as himself ratified the moral law, and Colossians, he observes, the “sabbaths” one of the parties responsible for the every iota and tittle of it unto the referred to are not the moral Sabbath, attempt to get rid of God’s Sabbath. world’s end, Matthew 5:17, 18.” 11 The but other days observed by Gentiles in That council is “guilty of that sin fore- apostles likewise supported the their preconverted state or Jewish cere- told by Daniel 7.25.” 19 Drawing an Sabbath as a part of the moral law,12 he monial sabbaths, which were never unusual connection between the first- notes, and it should trouble the con- intended to outlive the sacrifice of Jesus. century church and the church coun- science of any person to hear it ques- If the Sabbath on earth is merely a type cil held there three centuries later, he tioned.13 of a great heavenly Sabbath, as some reminds the reader that in the book of readers of Hebrews claim, then the type Revelation, Laodicea is the “worst of Dealing With Critics must be in force until the antitype the 7 [churches].” 20 Brabourne’s insights about the dif- arrives, Brabourne urges. “So then must While Brabourne laments that the ferences between the moral and cere- the Sabbath if a type of heaven endure knowledge of the Sabbath was “utterly monial laws distinguish him from other until heaven be come.” 16 and altogether blotted out of remem- thinkers of his era who wrote or brance in the church for 1,200 years” 21 preached about the Bible Sabbath. Prophecy and the Change of the after the Council of Laodicea, more While Brabourne maintains the perpe- Sabbath modern historians of the tuity of the moral law, he recognizes If the Bible is clear in upholding Sabbath can demonstrate that there were ceremonial laws that the Sabbath and does not open the that the Sabbath did not were limited in duration. To answer door for a change, then how did the disappear nearly so much critics of the Bible Sabbath, he exten- day of worship change? Brabourne cites as Brabourne believed. In sively treats six key passages that were evidence that the early church kept several regions of Europe advanced to support the popular the Sabbath well past the New and Africa notion that the Sabbath was a ceremo- Testament era and at least until the Sabbathkeeping nial fixture done away with at the Council of Laodicea in A.D. 364.17 movements were death of Jesus: Numbers 28:9-19; Most intriguingly for Seventh-day either maintained or Deuteronomy 5:15; Matthew 12:8; Adventists, Brabourne maintains that reemerged as part Romans 14:5; Colossians 2:16, 17; the change of the Sabbath was pre- of reforming Hebrews 4:10, 11. dicted by the prophet Daniel. The movements in Using the breadth of Scripture to prophecy of the “little horn” power the Christian testify to the Sabbath, Brabourne illus- who would seek to change times and church. trates that the Sabbath predated both laws (Dan. 7:25) is dealt with no less the exodus from Egypt and the giving than six times in his 1628 volume. of the ceremonial law at Sinai. Thus While his identification of the little while the Sabbath became linked to horn is not unique to his era, two great expressions of Jewish iden- Brabourne’s argument that the Sabbath tity, it is not in its essence dependent is referred to in Daniel 7:25 marks him on those images of redemption and one of the earliest Christian schol- time-bound regulation. “Sabbath was a ars to link the change of the Sabbath in nature and institution Bible Sabbath to the power before there [were] any sacrifices,” 14 he described in Daniel 7. concludes. What power then is To those who argued that Christ, responsible for the change? the Lord of the Sabbath, certainly had Brabourne appears to link the power to change the day of wor- the “little horn” of Daniel 7 ship, Brabourne pointedly asks, to the Roman papacy, “What’s that to our question?” The though he by no means issue is not what Christ may or may clears Sundaykeeping not do, but “what Christ did.” 15 And Protestants of blame. The since there is no evidence that Christ Sabbath commandment, abolished the Sabbath, it is still bind- writes Brabourne, “is forgot- ing for Christians. ten at all hands utterly by Brabourne also deftly handles the both Protestants and Papists:

28 (60) ADVENTIST REVIEW, JANUARY 14, 1999 Other Aspects of the Sabbath ever. This strong proponent of the God’s law, the gospel, and the Sabbath, Brabourne’s theology of the Sabbath Sabbath felt that there is a legitimate set a benchmark of excellence for moves in many directions with which role for Sunday in the life of the many later interpreters. twentieth-century Sabbathkeepers res- church, even though it cannot in any Most important, this much-abused onate. Among these is an important way replace the Bible Sabbath. The minister should be honored for discov- linking of the Sabbath with the rightful role of Sunday, or the Lord’s ering the link between the Sabbath process of sanctification (growing into day, is to remind Christians of the and biblical prophecies of the end- the likeness of God). Arguing with Resurrection, for it “was instituted for time. For those today who may doubt logic that would have appealed to his the memory of the Resurrection.” 30 that the Sabbath will figure promi- fellow churchmen, Brabourne declared nently in the final conflict between that the “sacraments be signs of justifi- Christ and Satan, Theophilus cation.” 22 Justification is an act of God, Brabourne’s work is a 400-year-old but so is sanctification, in which God Brabourne is beacon and guide. ■ “hath freely bestowed upon us every good and perfect gift whatsoever is in 1 Theophilus Brabourne, A Reply to the one of the Inductus Doctor, p. 74. In this citation and all 23 us, James 1:17.” The Sabbath, he others, spelling and punctuation have been maintains, is a sign of our sanctifica- adapted to reflect current usage. For a more in- tion, for it is a sign between God and earliest depth discussion of Brabourne’s writings and influence, see Nikolaus Satelmajer, “Theophilus His people. The weekly Sabbath Brabourne and the Sabbath,” Andrews University reminds us that “the Holy God is that Christian Seminary Studies 26, No.1(Spring 1988):43-56. 2 Brabourne, p. 100. fountain and author of our sanctifica- 3 24 Ibid. tion and holiness.” scholars to link 4 ———, A Discourse Upon the Sabbath Day Unlike other Sabbathkeeping (1628). authors of that era and later, Brabourne 5 Bryan W. Ball, The English Connection: The the change of Puritan Roots of Seventh-day Adventist Belief maintains that the Sabbath should be (Cambridge, Eng.: James Clarke and Co., 1981), kept only during the daylight hours of p. 139. the seventh day, and not for a period of the Bible 6 Discourse, p. 54. 7 25 Ibid., p. 56. 24 hours. More important, however, 8 Ibid., p. 57. are his statements on what it means to 9 Ibid., p. 144. Sabbath to the 10 keep the Sabbath. While it is true that Ibid., p. 80. 11 Ibid., p. 183. (Italics supplied.) God forbade “unnecessary servile 12 Ibid., p. 212. work,” 26 God does not forbid “works of power described 13 Ibid., p. 179. charity and necessity.” 27 Brabourne 14 Ibid., p. 115. 15 Ibid., p. 154. appropriately places greater emphasis in Daniel 7. 16 Ibid., p. 111. on what can be done on the Sabbath 17 Ibid., p. 217. than on what cannot be done. He 18 Ibid., p. 78. 19 Ibid., p. 167. writes that it is acceptable on the With just such an acknowledgment, 20 Ibid. Sabbath to lead a beast to water, Brabourne was finally released from 21 Ibid., p. 77. “pluck and rub ears of corn,” prison after the investigation that fol- 22 Ibid., p. 198. 23 Ibid., p. 199. help a beast out of a ditch, lowed publication of his 1631 volume. 24 Ibid., p. 197. and kindle a fire.28 “I wrote that I confessed it [Sunday] to 25 Ibid., p. 83. Three broad reasons be an holy day of the church,” he 26 Ibid., p. 107. 27 Ibid., p. 105. are advanced for keeping wrote later, “and so much I might have 28 Ibid., p. 106. the Sabbath: (1) for wor- said of Christmas Day also.” 31 29 Ibid., p. 146. ship and service, or 30 Ibid., p. 193. 31 Ibid., p. 101. specifically to honor God An Enduring Testimony with our worship and ser- In every age God has found a wit- vice; (2) for the good of ness to the enduring truth of His humankind, benefiting Sabbath. Theophilus Brabourne’s testi- both the soul and the mony, for which he suffered much, has body; and (3) for the proved both an inspiration and a Nikolaus Satelmajer is direc- good of the animals.29 resource for Bible students in the four tor of professional growth for Modern Sabbathkeepers centuries since he wrote. His clear the Ministerial Association of might flinch over at least teaching about the Sabbath as an inte- the General Conference of one part of Brabourne’s gral component of the Word of God, Seventh-day Adventists, Sabbath theology, how- illustrating the harmony between Silver Spring, Maryland.

ADVENTIST REVIEW, JANUARY 14, 1999 (61) 29 BIBLE QUESTIONS ANSWERED “Gods” on Trial ANGEL MANUEL RODRíGUEZ

oes Psalm 82 acknowledge that there are Since the charges against the “gods” are of a social nature, other deities with whom the Lord works and one could conclude that in the subversion of justice they are over whom He presides and rules? working through the social institutions and through those Let me quote the two placed there to enforce the laws. We verses you seem to have have here a description of the pow- Din mind: “God presides in the great ers who work behind the scenes in assembly; he gives judgments among The divine social the social evils of our society and in the ‘gods’” (verse 1);* “I said, ‘You are the perversion of the legal system. “gods”; you are all sons of the Most and cosmic order 4. The use of the word “gods”: Now, High.’ But you will die as mere men” back to the basic question—who are (verse 6). The New International these “gods”? The word is used in the Version puts quotation marks around will be reinstated. Old Testament in a variety of ways the word “gods” in order to distin- and not just to designate the true guish them from the true God. Israelite God or the gods of the pagan Identifying those addressed by the Lord helps in gaining a bet- nations. Two of these usages are important in this case. First, it ter understanding of this psalm. Let’s look at the key issues. is used to refer to a representative of God. Moses stands in 1. The court is in session: Psalm 82 describes a judgment God’s place before Aaron and Pharaoh (Ex. 4:16; 7:1), and scene, and God is the presiding judge. The existence of a King David represents the Lord, who is the true king of Israel, divine council where God sits in judgment and where deci- before the people (Ps. 45:7). The judges of Israel also repre- sions impact the lives of other creatures is biblical, as indi- sented God as the one who, through them, judged the Israelites cated by the stories of Micaiah (1 Kings 22:19-23) and Job (e.g., Ex. 18:19; 1 Sam. 2:25; cf. Ps. 138:1; John 10:34-36). (Job 1; 2; cf. Rev. 4; 5). This idea was also common among The word is also used to designate spiritual powers from other ancient Near Eastern religions. In this psalm God is the underworld, the realm of the demonic. The spirit who the judge (verse 8), and He is bringing to court the “gods” came from the earth pretending to be Samuel is called a god over whom He has unquestionable authority. by the sorcerer (1 Sam. 28:13; cf. Isa. 8:19). In the New 2. Legal charges are made: The “gods,” whoever they Testament Paul seems to have these powers in mind when might be, are accused of two serious charges. First, they have he says, “There are many ‘gods’” (1 Cor. 8:5), and in his use not fulfilled their responsibility in preserving social justice of the phrase “the god of this age” (2 Cor. 4:4). but have rather protected the wicked and condemned the Psalm 82 is a vivid description of spiritual and human innocent (verse 2). Second, they are accused of blindness, powers who now operate through our social institutions to that is, they lack the knowledge and wisdom to distinguish pervert justice and oppress the poor and the innocent. In between what is right and wrong (verse 5). Consequently the heavenly council the evidence against the wicked and they are creating cosmic dissonance and instability (“All the the wicked one will be presented, and they will be con- foundations of the earth are shaken” [verse 5]). victed by this majestic court (verse 6). The divine social 3. Characteristics of the “gods”: Based on this psalm and cosmic order will one day be reinstated. itself, we can say one thing about these powers: they are evil. They exist in the realm of darkness and lack true * Scripture references in this article are from the New International Version. knowledge. Notice the phrase “They walk about in darkness” (verse), which expresses the idea of a perma- nent way of life. They exist in a state of rebellion Angel Manuel Rodríguez is an associate director of against God’s established social order. Their lack of the Biblical Research Institute of the General knowledge is not based on ignorance because the Lord Conference. told them what was expected from them (verses 3, 4); these “gods” are controlled by a spirit of rebellion.

30 (62) ADVENTIST REVIEW, JANUARY 14, 1999 REFLECTIONS Searching Eyes BY SARI FORDHAM

heir eyes haunt me, innocent eyes piercing want to talk about it? It is certainly easier for me to say through the television screen. Eyes that are full nothing—to do nothing. But in the meantime that girl is of pain, resignation, sometimes bewilderment. hurting. She might need someone to listen. But I’ll never Eyes that beg for someone know if I don’t ask. to care. The faces change— Then there is the boy who sits alone TRwandan refugees, Romanian orphans, in the cafeteria, his eyes begging for North Korean children—but the eyes someone to be courageous enough to sit remain the same. They search my soul. with him. No one ever does. Go sit with Yet I sit on the couch and do noth- him, my conscience tells me. Oh, I ing. I don’t want to do nothing. I want couldn’t, I think. I’m too shy. What to share my Special K casserole and would we talk about, anyway? Does it chocolate-chip cookies. I want to hold matter? That boy probably wouldn’t the listless babies. I want to supply the care. He just wants to be socially

ISC village with clean water and modern acceptable. D medicine. I want to go out there and And what about the woman at HOTO change the world for them. church? She isn’t the easiest person to © P I think, I am only a kid. What can a love. Last week she told me that my HOTO

P kid do? And so I turn away from the skirt was too short and that I laugh too television, pick up my geometry book, and start studying much. She makes me mad, but when I think about it, I about isotope triangles. But I cannot escape the eyes. They realize that she must be lonely. Most people avoid her. I’m follow me to college. I decide to be a doctor. I will heal sure she would like to be invited for a Sabbath hike—even bodies. I will bring hope to the eyes. if I do laugh too much. I visualize myself in a mud hut giving inoculations to a I have no excuse not to. Even a history major can take line of children. The room is hot, and sweat is dripping the time to listen or to make a new friend. Yet becoming down my face. The heat doesn’t bother me, though, not involved requires effort. It is much easier to sit in my ideal- when I look at the children. They are thin with dirty faces, istic cocoon because today I cannot help the children in but they are beautiful. I smile knowing that my injections Africa or the orphans in Romania. I can only wallow in pity will protect them from polio, typhoid, or some other awful for them—guilt-free pity (the easiest kind). My pity even disease. My life is finally one of fulfillment. I no longer have makes me feel good about myself. I’m a caring person, I can to watch idly, powerlessly, from the sidelines. think smugly. When I wake up to reality, I realize that my plan has But that isn’t enough for God. He didn’t say “Blessed are some flaws. I hate biology, and looking at blood makes me you who thought about feeding Me when I was hungry” or faint. I find myself, instead, drawn to liberal arts. I reluc- “Blessed are you who wanted to visit Me when I was in jail.” tantly change majors. With a simple piece of paper and a He didn’t even say “Blessed are you who planned on invit- few signatures, my dream is vanquished. Now I struggle to ing Me in when I was a stranger” (see Matt. 25:34-36). find a new direction for my life. I cringe when someone asks There will be no excuses at the Second Coming, because what I plan to do with my history major. “Save the chil- every day God gives us opportunities to help the hurting. dren” sounds very limp to my ears. Improbable. What can a We just need to open our eyes and get involved. ■ history major do? Nothing real, I quickly surmise. And then God gently opens my eyes a little wider. Now I Sari Fordham is teaching in South Korea. see different eyes. These eyes are ordinary. They pass me every day. But they are also filled with pain. A girl who lives on my hall broke up with her boyfriend last week. I know her smile is fake, but I hate to intrude. What if she doesn’t

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