Her Song Was Silenced out of a Terrible Tragedy Came a Healing Ministry

May 1999

NORTH AMERICAN DIVISION EDITION

Her Song Was Silenced Out of a terrible tragedy came a healing ministry. A Kinder, Gentler Church Deep Breathing ConneXions99 at GC LETTERS

Time to Go Deeper wherever there is a need. because they were made to feel guilty Well, it happened again! The mail for their reluctance to do things that arrived just as we —Clyde Brooks did not fit their personalities. finished dinner, O XFORD, GEORGIA Prior to the 1940s educational and with it the choices such as the ministry, literature special edition of evangelism, medicine, nursing, and the Adventist “The Lord Said, ‘Baltimore’” was both teaching offered few options for intro- Review (March inspirational and challenging. It cer- verts. Now we have the sciences, engi- North American tainly hit a nerve. If Myrna Tetz keeps neering, many allied health fields, busi- Division Edition). writing like that, she could be personally ness, and more that provide many suit- I figured the dirty dishes could sit on responsible for creating a whole genera- able options. But even today we are the table for a minute while I just took tion of cranky Adventists who missed still being made to feel guilty if we a little peek. An hour later they are their Sabbath afternoon naps! Of don’t do the extrovert things. I would still sitting there, crusting over, while I course, they’d probably be too caught up encourage our pastors and church lead- devour article after article. in the joy of serving to notice. ers (who are most likely extroverts) to I can’t remember a time when the consciously try to find a place where Review wasn’t part of my life. Even —Kim Johnson introverted people can contribute and before I could read, my mother would P ORTLAND, MAINE feel comfortable in their church. read the children’s story to my siblings and me. You would think that after all —Bruce E. Lee these years, it would be just “old hat.” The aesthetic quality of this issue B ERRIEN S PRINGS, MICHIGAN But each week I’m amazed all over immediately caught my eye, first again at how fresh, pertinent, and well through the intensity of the cover’s written each issue is. It is a wonderful color and the white space of the first After nine years of pastoral ministry, my blessing to God’s end-time church. pages, then the attractive background body let me know—with an ulcer and Thank you! and layout of the table of contents. I other symptoms of stress—that it wasn’t was so eager to see what else was new enjoying my trying to fit my round peg —Glenda Sutherland that I found it difficult to lay the mag- into a square hole. Eventually the Lord A USTELL, GEORGIA azine aside until I had read for con- led me into editorial work, which fit my tent. Thank you for making the print personality much better. ministry an art as well as a science. My concern is that I never would Tears came to my eyes as I read of have been considered qualified for the Myrna Tetz’s experience (see “The —Jesse Thompson editorial positions I’ve held if I hadn’t Lord Said, ‘Baltimore,’” March I NDIANA U NIVERSITY OF had my “baptism by fire” in pastoral 1999) of being led to the “jungle” of P ENNSYLVANIA work. What provision does the church Baltimore, assisting her pastor-hus- make to capitalize on its creative, band, working the inner city, elimi- innovative introverts? Do we seek nating her Sabbath afternoon naps The Other Side of Introversion them out and encourage their input and quiet dinners at home with spe- Kim Allan Johnson’s “The Other Side and contributions? cial friends, etc. Before God’s work of Introversion” (Feb. 25 Anchor- is completed, there must be more Points Edition) describes many of us in —Ken Wade such people who will take to the the church. It probably also describes WRITER/ PRODUCER streets as she has done, working many who have left the church V OICE OF P ROPHECY

2 (570) ADVENTIST REVIEW, MAY 1999 Thank you so much for this insightful at dealing with people. This article was article. In fact, as I was reading this right on target and reassuring. God issue, I questioned the assumptions does have a place for each of us and raised in another article about recog- our unique personalities. nizing Christians in the airport by their level of outward joy. This seemed —Corey Metcalfe COVER STORY to reinforce the guilt trip syndrome L ILBURN, GEORGIA that has only served to suppress our 8 Her Song Was Silenced She lived every parent’s nightmare; ability to be expressive. Counting the Cost then she learned to sing about it. Then I read Kim Johnson’s self-dis- BY M YRNA T ETZ covery and explanation about our I have just read Leslie Kay’s unique way of viewing the world and “Counting the Cost” (Feb. 25 ARTICLES more important, our contributing AnchorPoints Edition). Again we strengths. (I would urge that he be a stand amazed at the jewel of a writer 12 Kari’s Story: An regular contributor to the Review. If you found in the Arizona desert. My Extraordinary Journey one fourth of us are introverts, then husband and I love her way with Getting to know Kari Paulsen. once a month would give us propor- words, the lessons she draws from the B Y C HARLOTTE M C C LURE tionate time, right?) everyday events in life, and her 16 Forever Friends When I worked in a major corpo- openness in letting us in on her own God is at work, and we have the ration, they put us through “team problems. Kudos to you, Leslie! stories to prove it. training,” which included personality Thanks for blessing our lives. BY L UDI L EITO tests. When I tested almost off the scale as an introvert, the professional —Enid Hands 28 A Kinder, Gentler Church If only we could be more like Jesus. trainer explained how introverts con- S ILVERTON, OREGON BY S HARON W EAVER P ITTMAN tribute to the team effort. Introverts, he said, usually think deeper and 36 Deep Breathing more creatively and often come up As a little girl I thought the Review Do we have to pray in desperation with better solutions to problems, but was a nice church magazine for the before we can pray in triumph? because they are too quiet to promote older folks. I have never been as BY J O A NN D AVIDSON their ideas, it is the job of the extro- thankful for it as I am now. I have verts to seek out their ideas and stay appreciated it more and more in recent 40 ConneXions99: The Other Spring Meeting quiet long enough to listen and value years. In the past few weeks, during What are the young adults up their input. these very painful events, I am so to now? Though it seldom happens, I could thankful for the manner in which the BY A NDY N ASH see how that arrangement could greatly Review has kept us informed. May our improve cooperation and productivity. new president, Jan Paulsen; our entire DEPARTMENTS Most of the time, though—whether in church worldwide; Elder Folkenberg; 2 Letters or out of the church—the extroverts and our Adventist Review remain faith- are not only in the limelight (where ful until His soon return. 7 Give & Take they should be), but are considered 14 Sandra Doran: Dialogues the only good source of ideas, which is —Marguerite Ray Dendy 24 Cityscapes R ALEIGH, NORTH C AROLINA often their greatest weakness by , B.C. nature. 25 Global Mission

32 World News & Perspectives ELOWNA

Letters Policy , K —Floyd Phillips 39 Camp Meeting Schedule

B ERRIEN S PRINGS, MICHIGAN The Review welcomes your letters. Short, WIGHT pointed letters are the most effective and 47 Reﬂections D have the best chance at being published. Labels such as aloof, antisocial, cold, Letters will be edited for space and clarity EDITORIALS

wallﬂower, and depressed are very only. Send correspondence to Letters to the HOTOGRAPHY BY 5 From What I Hear P familiar to me from my childhood and Editor, Adventist Review, 12501 Old INE up. I too have experienced some of the Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904- 6 Where a Child Is Treasured ; F doubts of thinking I’m an inadequate 6600; Internet: [email protected] Christian because I’m not good at CompuServe network: 74617,15. OVER PHOTO meeting strangers and could be better C

ADVENTIST REVIEW, MAY 1999 (571) 3 “Behold, I come quickly . . .”

Our mission is to uplift Jesus Christ through stories of His matchless love, news of His present workings, help for knowing Him better, and hope in His soon return.

Publisher General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Executive Publisher William G. Johnsson Associate Publisher Charlotte McClure Publishing Board: Phil Follett, vice-chair; Lowell Cooper; William G. Johnsson; Robert E. Lemon; A. C. McClure; Ardis D. Stenbakken, Donald R. Sahly; Ted N. C. Wilson; Robert Nixon, legal advisor

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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. Standard postage paid at Hagerstown, MD 21740. Copyright © 1999, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

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4 (572) ADVENTIST REVIEW, MAY 1999 EDITORIAL The Rites (and BILL KNOTT Wrongs) of Spring

hould a need arise to quickly clear a room crowd- Adventist value is our trust in the reforming work that Scripture ed with Seventh-day Adventists, there is no need does among us when it is clearly heard and humbly obeyed. As to holler anything so dramatic as “Fire!” Adventist pastors and theologians have mined the Word in A simple “Nominating committee!” will do. recent decades, they have reminded us that both Scripture and The annual exercise in congregational our heritage insist that we wholeheartedly Sfrustration known as the nominating committee is a embrace a doctrine of spiritual gifts. Even the champion slayer of motivation, goodwill, and other ministry of Ellen White as messenger to this peo- qualities usually deemed essential to a local church’s ple, exceptional as it was, must be seen against success. Experienced members roll their eyes and the backdrop of a Word that teaches “To each is schedule “Sabbaths by the sea” when nominating given the manifestation of the Spirit for the season rolls around. Local elders orchestrate their common good” (1 Cor. 12:7, NRSV). platform schedules to prevent their own selection. Gifts truly given by the Spirit do not die with Pastors mutter darkly about energy and effort spent each December, nor wither when July approach- filling roles for which there is no passion. es. Squeezing Spirit-given gifts into a mold origi- The collective angst of 850,000 believers nally designed to respond to His leading in ought reasonably to yield in something other another era tacitly assumes that there can be no than a docile acquiescence to this rite of spring (and summer . greater love, no greater witness, no greater growth—no greater . . and fall . . .). No text of Scripture stands behind this sys- joy—than we have known before. This heresy every good tem, nor can endorsement be produced from Ellen White for Adventist must decisively reject. Something in the name how we choose our congregational leaders. It is, admittedly, “Adventist” implies a forward-looking people who will not balk “our” system—a uniquely Adventist expression of an occa- when God reveals His plans to do “a new thing” (Isa. 43:19). sional sourness in the Adventist soul. If asked to chart the In half a hundred churches across North America, congre- incidence of congregational conflict in a given year, most pas- gations are experimenting with matching gifts to ministries. To tors would report the highest spikes within the weeks in this I say, “Amen!” Ministry placement boards that prayerfully which we choose or change our leaders. work with individual members to discover and implement To be fair, the process for choosing congregational leaders their spiritual gifts are emerging as year-round vital support sys- outlined in the Church Manual enshrines several values criti- tems. Such structures empower men, women, and children to cally important to Adventists. We are a fundamentally demo- do the work that God has placed on their hearts, whether or cratic and egalitarian people: “the elders who rule well” not that ministry is yet listed in the Church Manual. One (1 Tim. 5:17, NRSV) are those who govern with the consent leader recently gave this succinct assignment to his nominat- of the governed. Our reading of Christian history (and our ing committee: “Discover what the Spirit is doing in the own history) has taught us to be powerfully suspicious of all church, and get in on it!” claims to hereditary or episcopal authority. The earliest This is no call for revolution, or care- General Conference presidents were also elected to only one- lessly throwing out a process that served year terms. Caution about long tenure underscores a corporate previous generations well. In the absence fear of what Ellen White so aptly termed as “kingly power.” of a functioning doctrine of spiritual Our current system also illustrates the value we place on gifts in the local church, the nomi- group decision-making and accountability. No leader in a con- nating committee is probably the gregation functions without peers: each officer, no matter how best we can do. Only when we

ISC gifted, reports to the wider church board, which alone is remember God’s ideal for His D empowered to vote the initiatives, fund the budgets, and autho- church—“higher than the highest HOTO rize the programs—a fact many pastors would do well to note. human thought”—will we be moved © P But admiring these values need not lead us, ipso facto, to to rethink how we choose the ones HOTO

P assume that a better system cannot be invented. An even higher who serve us in His name.

ADVENTIST REVIEW, MAY 1999 (573) 5 GUEST EDITORIAL Where a Child ALVIN M. KIBBLE Is Treasured

friend once told me, “Home is the place a place was established. Others have lost their place—their where, when you have to go there, they have home—as a result of a divorce or a foreclosure. to take you in.” I later learned that he was Some years ago USA Today carried a story about a report quoting from Robert by the Children’s Defense Fund in Frost in The Death of which it was stated that the number Athe Hired Man. There remains of homeless persons in the United I’ve had nine homes since I was States includes some 100,000 chil- born, 13 if you count the places dren. How tragic; not only do they I’ve lived while away in school. an abiding need not have homes, but they also lack For some, home is not so much a the security that comes with stable place as it is a person. If you travel for a place to call family relationships. a lot, you find yourself reflecting Some have substituted that place on that place or that person and our own. we call home for the church we wishing that you were there, close belong to, for in a real sense many to the ones you care about. have lost their home (family) as a Because of a housing shortage near a military base where result of their acceptance of Jesus Christ. Over the years we he was stationed, a young doctor, his wife, and their three have read or heard of those who, like my father, were put children had to live for a while in the cramped quarters of a out of their homes as a result of their stand for Jesus Christ hotel. A friend said to the doctor’s 6-year-old daughter, and the three angels’ messages. How important it is, then, “Isn’t it too bad that you don’t have a home?” that we do all we can to ensure a sense of geborgenheit in the “Oh, but we do have a home,” she quickly replied. “We church; that it will truly be a place of love and acceptance just don’t have a house to put it in.” for those who hold membership there. Jesus said in John 14:1-3 that He was going to prepare A friend of mine who fishes shared with me one of the that kind of place for us, and once it was prepared He would unique characteristics of salmon. Once hatched, they swim come again and take us there. out to the ocean. But at a given time they begin their home- There’s a German word that has no precise English trans- ward trek through cataracts and rivers, streams and tribu- lation. The word is geborgenheit, and it carries the connota- taries. Nothing but death deters them from getting back to tion of emotional security, as when a child is enfolded in the their home of origin. Their life begins and ends at home. loving embrace of a parent. It represents feelings of emo- As members of the remnant church, isn’t it about time that tional and psychological as well as physical closeness. we begin our homeward journey? The early Christian church- The older I get, the more I sense a need for a place where leader Augustine declared that God is our heart’s true home my heart can truly find rest, a place where my longings are and that we are ever restless until we find our rest in Him. fulfilled, a place where I am totally loved, appreciated, and Are you homeless, maybe homesick? The accepted. Geborgenheit. songwriter reminds us that we all have a When Adam and Eve sinned and lost their Eden home, place where we are loved and treasured as they also forfeited their intimacy with God. But God one of God’s children: promised to buy it back—at the cost of His one and only Son. “Though exiled from home, yet still I Ever since the loss of Eden, men and women have sought may sing: out places of abode, places where they can live in safety and ‘All glory to God, I’m a child of the security. There remains an abiding need for geborgenheit, a King.’” place to call our own. Some of us have spent an extensive amount of time try- Alvin M. Kibble is president of the ing to create a place like that here on earth. Many of us Allegheny East Conference, headquartered have been fortunate to be born into a family in which such in Pine Forge, Pennsylvania.

6 (574) ADVENTIST REVIEW, MAY 1999 ADVENTIST LIFE It seemed as if our 8-year-old grand- daughter, Marlene, was not aware of what was being said from the pulpit at the Forest Lake church, in Apopka, REWS

Florida. One Sabbath the minister— C Terry Pooler—illustrated his sermon ERRY with a story of a church that was unhappy T with their minister and had called a meeting to discuss the problem. After many had complained about their min- LLUSTRATION BY GIVE& ister, an elderly woman slowly walked up I to the front and stood beside the minister. When asked what she was doing, she replied, “I’m standing by my minister.” At the close of this service Marlene asked if she could leave before her parents. When her parents arrived at the church door, Marlene was “standing by her minister.” And each Sabbath since then she has been found at the door by her minister. —Shirley Boyd, Ooltewah, Tennessee TAKE ADVENTIST QUOTES “We might be created from the dust “It is better to be of the earth, but God doesn’t want us LET’S PRAY to treat ourselves like dirt.” —Pastor Tim Goff, speaking on health, to the New hated for telling the Hope church in Burtonsville, Maryland Have a prayer need? “Ellen White is dead, but she left the Have a few free minutes? truth than loved for light on.” Each Wednesday morning —Paul Harvey, on his February 23 broadcast, com- at 8:00 the Adventist Review telling an error.” menting on research done at Loma Linda staff meets to pray for peo- —Lonnie Melashenko, in a seminar at Paciﬁc ple—children, parents, Union College, Angwin, California friends, coworkers. Send your prayer requests and, if JOTS & TITTLES possible, pray with us on In this feature, Adventists share church-related advice. Wednesday mornings. Let’s DUAL PURPOSE SOCIAL: Recently at our Claremore, Oklahoma, church, our social committee leaders, Mike and Heather Wagner, suggested that those share in each other’s lives. with bread-making machines bring them to the church after vespers. All the machines were loaded, and even a few handmade batches were placed in the CONTRIBUTE TO GIVE & TAKE ovens. While the bread was processing We can especially use submissions to and baking, we played table games and these categories: Adventist Quotes, Readers’ visited. When the bread was ﬁnished Exchange, Jots & Tittles, and Dream Center. (we did sample a little ourselves), we And we can always use top-quality wrapped and delivered it with little photos/captions, tasteful drawings and car- notes of encouragement to shut-ins, toons, brief poems, and other fast-paced missing members, and other friends of items. Send submissions (which won’t be ISC the church. It was a great “dual purpose” acknowledged or returned) to Give & Take, D social, and we thought other churches

Adventist Review, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, HOTO might ﬁnd it food for thought. Silver Spring, MD 20904; fax: 301-680-6638; © P e-mail: [email protected]. —Bryant and Joy Davidson, Owasso, Oklahoma (b- HOTO

P [email protected])

ADVENTIST REVIEW, MAY 1999 (575) 7 COVER STORY

SongHer Was Silenced Finding comfort and peace after loss ISC D HOTO © P HOTO P

8 (576) ADVENTIST REVIEW, MAY 1999 BY MYRNA TETZ

HE HELD HIM the best picture possible. He

for a few moments pointed out a beating heart and

after his birth, various limbs, a cute little face,

tracing his cute but he had trouble getting a

little ears, hands, clear picture.” Sand nose with her ﬁngers. “Both “Your amniotic ﬂuid seems Landon and I knew,” Karen remem- very low,” the doctor explained. bers, “that we would have to say “You’ll need to go to Vancouver goodbye before we had ever had a [British Columbia] for more tests.” chance to say hello. Our hopes and dreams were shattered.” Karen and her husband lived in the Northwest

Karen Ritchey was seven months pregnant with their ﬁrst Territories, some 2,000 miles away, and within an hour they child when she went for her regular prenatal checkup. Her were on an airplane en route to a larger, better-equipped doctor had advised another ultrasound just to make sure medical center. “We weren’t sure if we should be alarmed or everything was happening as it should. not,” recollects Karen, “since all the doctor had said was

“The doctor’s face looked concerned,” recalls Karen, ‘You’ll remain in Vancouver until the baby is born.’”

“as he glided his scanner across my abdomen trying to get But after four days of tests and questions, the seven

ADVENTIST REVIEW, MAY 1999 (577) 9 months of hoping and dreaming of my baby boy away.” that is used as an excuse for doing giving birth to a healthy baby were Landon returned to the Northwest nothing. Until Jesus comes again and gone. “Our baby’s kidneys had failed to Territories a few days before Karen, makes all things right, there will con- develop properly,” Karen explained and was met at the airport by the pas- tinue to be devastating losses of every later, “and the doctor said our child tor of the Alliance church, who had kind, whether it be death, a custody would not be able to live outside my waited a half day at the airport just to decision, a divorce, or whatever type of womb. make sure he wouldn’t miss the oppor- separation that takes our loved ones “Love turned to heartache when tunity to show his love and care. from us.” our little son did not survive the 11- When Karen returned, so far from fam- Karen explains how, at times like hour labor,” she recalls. “Those ily and longtime friends, she craved these, she believes that we need each moments with him will be forever the companionship of others who other more than at any other time. etched in our memory. A baby, so pre- would assure her they would share in She knows that their experience has cious, so similar to his daddy in looks, her sorrow. Part of enabled all the cute features that every new the pain that lingered her to mommy dreams of, and yet he lacked for months and years reach the only thing that made it possible was the pain of lone- out to for us to keep him—life.” liness. others Tears and sobs came to the couple, “I know that peo- who for they knew that after holding him, ple claim that at have loving him, and looking at his still times of loss they lost little body, they would have to release don’t know what to infants him. “I’ll never forget the helpless do or say,” wrote this and feeling in my heart,” Karen remem- bereaved young other bers, “as I watched the doctor take mother, “and often loved ones. Why I Sing She prays that BY KAREN RITCHEY even one person will feel able to help some- For as long as I can remember, I have loved music. As a child I would sing a one who is hurting after reading her hymn or two, record it on a little tape recorder, then harmonize with myself. story. Her challenge is to inspire others As the years went by I continued to sing in church, at camp meetings, wed- to lessen the burden of those who hurt dings, and funerals. It was a joy to see the way music could stir people’s hearts. so that this church can be accurately In 1988 our ﬁrst child, Kyle, was stillborn. The song in my heart was silenced. I called “the caring church.” could not hear a melody, let alone any harmony. I found it hard to sing, Nine Years Later because music touched a place in my In 1997 Karen wrote, “Here we are emotions that was still very tender. nine years after Kyle was born and As my heart began to heal, I died. I’ve discovered that families are found that particular songs were created in different ways. In 1993 we soothing to my heart, bringing me adopted a beautiful, healthy little girl; gentle comfort. Songs of hope in 1994 we adopted a handsome, helped me to ﬁnd joy again, as did healthy little boy, and then in 1995 the subsequent births of our other , B.C. we discovered I was expecting a baby children. (God has a sense of humor), and I ELOWNA

If you or someone dear to you , K gave birth to a healthy, wonderful has walked through a dark valley and baby boy. Our house is full of little WIGHT felt sadness, grief, or pain, then . . . D people after all.” I pray that the compilation of songs chosen for this recording will bring you com- Karen knew there would still be fort, hope, and ﬁnally peace, as they have done for me. many days that would bring tears and The title of this project reﬂects the promise I carry in my heart—I’ll Meet You sadness. But she prayed, “If through HOTOGRAPHY BY in the Morning. P this experience our lives can become (For more information about Karen’s ministry, view her website: INE : F fit for heaven, where our family will http://www.members.cnx.net/kritchey/) be truly complete, we thank You, HOTOS P Lord. . . . We cling to the promise of

10 (578) ADVENTIST REVIEW, MAY 1999 seeing our firstborn son, Kyle, again when he can be with us and his sib- Three Ways That May Help Someone You Know lings forever.” Minimize the Feelings of Hopelessness Karen and Landon could have attempted to forget. They could have BY KAREN RITCHEY tried to bury their sorrow with work, family, an active church and social life. Before you assume that the family who is grieving wants to be left They could have become bitter in alone—ask them. Let them know you care—send a card; give them a phone their loneliness. But they did not and call; any small recognition of their pain will be very much appreciated and ever have chosen, instead, to keep the remembered. memory of their loss ever before them, Some feel that if they bring up the topic of death, they will be opening an as difficult as that may be, so they can old wound. Unfortunately, wounds such as death do not ever fully heal unscarred. share comfort with others. And unless requested otherwise by the family, the loved ones feel honored if someone remembers their loss even after some time has elapsed. A Dedication to Baby Kyle When greeting someone who you know is grieving, ask “How are you?” only “My heart aches when I read and if you have the time to find out. Often the family needs to unload their burdened hear the stories of parents who have heart on a fresh person who can offer a new perspective. lost children,” Karen recounts. “And I Helpful hints such as “It was God’s will” or “Time will be the healer” or, wanted to make a difference wherever in our case,“You can always have another baby,” although meant with sincerity, possible. I want to make Kyle’s life may be viewed by the family as someone’s way to try to make their grief count—somehow. If he should ask, insignificant and minimal. when we meet again, ‘Mommy, what did you do to remember me?’ I want to tell him the many stories of lives com- of sharing in the private pain of many who know the sadness and confusion forted and encouraged by what his families.” They ask her how to cope of loss. A lot of seniors have told me mommy did in his memory. I think when they have empty arms on they find these songs inspiring and that is what he would have wanted.” Mother’s Day, birthdays, due dates. “I comforting as well.” “So,” Karen continues, “I decided to try to encourage them to make a A front-page story recently appeared attempt to make the journey a little memory,” Karen says, “to do some- in The Okanagan Saturday, a newspaper easier and more hopeful for others.” thing meaningful in their child’s in Kelowna, British Columbia (where On the tenth anniversary of the loss of memory, to try to make the date a the Ritcheys now live), describing their stillborn son, Karen released a positive experience. My music is a Karen’s ministry. “One Kelowna moth- recording entitled I’ll Meet You in the way that I can reach families of any er’s anguish has turned into a personal Morning! dedicated to the memory of denomination, because we all want to crusade to comfort grieving families the Baby Kyle and to others who have lost have hope and peace, and we all wish world over,” reporter Jim Judd wrote. their babies and children. She says to be reunited someday with our “Her unsolicited comfort touches the that she has found “that heartache loved ones. hearts of virtually everyone she reaches shared is healing begun.” “I’ve been writing to moms that I’ve out to.” Karen and Landon have shared this never met for 10 years,” she admits. “My life has been forever changed recording of songs with dozens of parents “You just have a common bond, and by our experience,” testifies Karen. who have experienced a similar loss. She they appreciate a stranger reaching “There is more tenderness toward writes a letter and sends her recording out. They express how the songs were those who grieve, more empathy, more complimentary—as funds permit. “I just what they needed at that time. . . . understanding, and a strength that vowed never to let anyone else face that I praise God for leading me to those could only come from being in the val- kind of pain alone,” says Karen. She who have been comforted by this ley myself.” chose each song because it gives peace music.” The result has been a lot of Then she adds, “Our children— 1 and comfort to people who have lost communication with grieving parents Kayla, age 6; Adam, age 4 /2; and someone or who are low in spirit or who around the world and a lot of satisfac- Garrison, age 3—are eager to meet might even be depressed. Three of the tion on Karen’s part. their brother in heaven. They want to titles included in the recording are “My mom cashed her retirement teach him how to ride a bike.” “Hidden Valleys,” “Where the Roses savings to help pay for this recording,” Never Fade,” and “Thank God for the Karen says. “She was as committed as Myrna Tetz is managing Promise of Springtime.” we to sharing hope with others who editor of the Adventist Many of the parents with whom have experienced a pain similar to Review. she is in contact continue to keep in ours. I’ve dedicated my music to bring- touch. She calls it a “unique privilege ing comfort, hope, and peace to those

ADVENTIST REVIEW, MAY 1999 (579) 11 FEATURE An Extraordinary

JourneyKari Paulsen tells how God has led her life.

BY CHARLOTTE MC CLURE

ARI PAULSEN SAYS THAT SHE HAS available in Norway at that time. never been bored. “It feels like the Lord has “I was not brought up as a believer, but when I awakened blessed in so many ways.” And that “way” has from unconsciousness, I made a promise to whoever was ‘up been quite a journey—from a dying child who there’ to become a Christian,” Kari says. “But I was plagued searched for God to wife of the newly elected by guilt because I just did not know how to keep my end of Kpresident of the General Conference. the bargain.” The journey began in the beautiful countryside of south- At the age of 13 she was given a Bible, her first, in prepa- ern Norway, where winter sports are part of daily life. “I ration for confirmation. She read “the Book,” and found don’t know when I learned to ski,” she tries to recall, many confusing things. A year or two later Kari met a “because I can’t remember when I learned to walk. Most church school teacher and his wife during a visit to her children in Norway are given skis at a very early age.” Kari aunt—the odd one who was a Seventh-day Adventist. They was the second of four children and should have been a gave her the book Steps to Christ. “And that was it,” she says. Khappy, active child. But there was a cloud. She was born “I was completely smitten.” with a heart defect, and when she was 7 her parents were The next year or two, visits to her new friends were rare told that she would probably never grow up. and difficult to make.There was no Adventist church where “My friends kindly told me that I was going to die, but I she lived, and her questions were many. Finally after much was determined to make it. I was not a willing ‘dier,’” she soul-searching, Kari was baptized in the Sauherad church. remembers. “And that led to how I became a Christian, really, When Kari Trykkerud finally got to Vejlefjord, Denmark, and it was also my first contact with Americans.” to study theology at the Adventist college, she was two When she was 11 Kari was sent to Oslo, where there was weeks late. The first class she attended was one on Old a skilled cardiac surgeon. This was right after World War II, Testament prophets, and the teacher was reviewing the years and it was the first surgery of its kind performed in Norway. of the reigns of kings. The Danish numbering from 50 to 99 As the train left the station for Oslo, she looked back at the was totally different from Norwegian. While she was listen- snow-covered mountains and promised herself that she ing to the dates, confusion must have been evident on her would hold that memory to comfort her if she died. face, for the young man sitting next to her leaned over and The surgery was successful, but secondary infection set in. assured her, “Don’t worry. I’ll explain this counting thing A couple American soldiers, who happened to be patients at afterward.” And there began the relationship between Kari the same hospital, heard about the child’s struggle to survive and Jan Paulsen leading to their marriage at the age of 20. and immediately sent a wire to the United States for peni- The first five weeks of their marriage were spent canvassing cillin, the gift that cured the infection. Penicillin was not to earn a ticket to the United States, where he planned to con-

12 (580) ADVENTIST REVIEW, MAY 1999 tinue his education. “That summer was president of the TED. England was the Old friends from other parts of the world so hot that we took a half day off from Paulsen family’s home for 25 years. are quick to seek her out and bask in her our work for a cooling swim,” Kari says. Elder Paulsen became a general vice presence as she encourages them to tell Paulsen went to America with $30 in president of the world church during her everything that has happened since his pocket, and nine months later they the General Conference session in they last saw each other. had earned enough money for her ticket Utrecht in 1995, and the couple It is gratifying for Elder and Mrs. to join him at Emmanuel Missionary moved to Silver Spring, Maryland. Paulsen to see what has become of College (now Andrews University) in In this busy environment, what do young students whose lives have been Berrien Springs, Michigan. the Paulsens do for relaxation? “Jan formed during time spent on a campus Young Paulsen was a scholar, earn- and I have always enjoyed music, and where Paulsen was their teacher or ing a bachelor’s degree before moving mentor. “So many of the church to Takoma Park, Maryland, where he leaders and lay professionals, particu- earned a master’s degree plus an addi- larly in Europe and Africa, are former tional year of graduate studies at the students; and that is very rewarding,” Washington Theological Seminary. Kari reports. The young couple went home to Before accepting the invitation of Norway, where he pastored for nearly the General Conference Executive two years before returning to Committee, Elder Paulsen went Andrews University, bringing with home to talk it over with Kari, and them Laila, their first child, born in the couple called their children and 1961. Paulsen earned his Bachelor of his mother, seeking their counsel as Divinity degree while at Andrews. they prayed for guidance. The family The Paulsens accepted a call to is very close, although geographically Ghana, where he was a Bible teacher at separated—England, Norway, Latin Bekwai Teacher Training College and America, and the United States. pastor of the college church. A son, Jan Elder Paulsen was elected president of Rune, was born while there in 1963. the General Conference of Seventh-day They moved to the Adventist Adventists on Monday, March 1, 1999. College of West Africa in Nigeria He is the first president to bring an during 1964. Paulsen became head of earned doctoral degree and the first the Religion Department, registrar, YOUNG MISSIONARIES: Early in their ministry while European in this century to serve as and later president. Six months after on assignment in Ghana during December 1963, president of the General Conference. their arrival, civil war—known as the Kari and Jan Paulsen hold their children, baby Jan He fluently speaks Norwegian, English, Biafran War—broke out. There were Rune and daughter Laila. Another son, Rein André, and German, and also has a working plenty of uneasy and sad times con- was born nine years later in Germany. knowledge of Hebrew, Greek, and nected to the harshness of war, but Latin. their ministry thrived. we attend concerts whenever possible,” Becki Timon, who was Paulsen’s A call from Newbold College in Kari says. “Books, in several languages, secretary for the past two years, says of England brought them back to Europe have always been important to each Jan and Kari Paulsen, “We had heard in 1968, where Paulsen became chair one in our family. The languages are a that they were coming to the GC to of the Department of Religion. by-product of our international lives.” further the mission of the people of Four years later Paulsen had earned They enjoy each other’s company. God. We knew that they are frontline a Doctor of Theology degree from “He has a wonderful sense of humor workers, not top-line workers.” Tubingen University in Germany in an and is such fun to be with,” Kari says. Her sentiments compliment Kari area near the Black Forest, where Rein They live near his office, and he usually Paulsen’s own summary: “We are in the André was born. drives home to have lunch with her. school of life, where it is more impor- Elder Paulsen and his expanded While in Ghana in the 1960s Kari tant to function together than under family returned to Newbold, and in suffered a particularly vicious attack of one person or a couple. Everyone must 1976 he became president of the col- malaria. That had further debilitating work, laypeople and leaders together, so lege, a post he held for four years until consequences, one of which is Addison’s that the Lord will come.” 1980, when he was elected secretary of disease. These health realities limit the the Northern European Division (now extent to which she can take part in Charlotte McClure is associ- TED, or Trans-European Division). activities, employment, or travel. ate publisher of the When division president Walter However, despite her health limitations, Adventist Review. Scragg was called to the South Pacific people meeting her discover a lovely, Division in 1983, Paulsen was elected joyous, animated, and generous woman.

ADVENTIST REVIEW, MAY 1999 (581) 13 DIALOGUES: SANDRA DORAN Let Not Your Heart SANDRA DORAN Be Troubled

’m a new pastor in a district with three small churches. not on what Catholicism does or does not teach. One of my members questions the deity of Christ and Having said that, I do not think that you should bother insists that the teaching of the Trinity ought to be dis- to try to explain these points to this man. Such individuals carded because it is a doctrine live for debate. Any time their taught by the Catholic points are answered—either in ver- IChurch. He mails me large packets bal or written form—they respond of material inferring that my mental Stop with 38 more paragraphs on why capacities are inferior to his, domi- they are right and you are wrong. nates every Sabbath school class, spending time Their points are not new and can and insists on consuming time at easily be identified as corresponding board meetings with his dogmatic to those espoused by other individu- opinions. I know that I need to and energy als in other congregations who have show patience in dealing with this bought into the same dogma. The man, but I’m concerned about the on this man. more you feed the fire, the more influence he is having on my con- excited they become, spending every gregation. Some people have even waking hour compiling arguments stopped coming because they are met in the parking lot and that will establish their superiority. bombarded with his unrelenting viewpoints. Most of us have neither the time nor the desire to take You are dealing with a situation that is certainly complex on a person whose entire raison d’être is to prove their own and difficult. This is particularly hard, since you are in your correctness. first district and thus do not have the experience that might What to do? I suggest that you talk with your elders and put things into a much broader perspective. In seeking a other key individuals in your congregation about ways of solution to this problem, I think you need to come to terms minimizing the response to this man. While it’s admirable to with your own response to it, the manner in which your con- “show patience” with people in our congregations, the rights gregation responds, and the theological issues being raised. of this man ought not to take precedence over the rights of I detect from your letter that you are beginning to ques- those who wish to worship in a stress-free environment. tion your training and your own ability to think through When members cannot even get out of their cars without issues clearly. Let me assure you that there is nothing wrong being affronted, it is time for the patience to end. with your mental capacities. You have nothing to apologize Together, as a congregation, agree to stop spending time for in standing by the doctrines of the Seventh-day and energy on this man. Do not counter any of his argu- Adventist Church. You are up against a not-so-subtle form ments. Do not debate with him in Sabbath school. Do not of emotional manipulation and intimidation. This may be get into side conversations with him in the hall. Do not call the first member to call into question your abilities as a a special meeting to let him air his views. When he begins leader of the flock, but he will not be the last. Don’t let soliloquizing, move on to other topics. yourself feel personally affronted. This man represents a type I’ve found that when the key individuals in a congrega- of individual you will meet throughout your career. tion refuse to allow such people a platform, they eventually In considering his accusations about the “Adventist disappear, sending one last sulking, accusing letter, and Church teaching a Catholic doctrine,” I can’t help think- moving on in search of a new audience. ing of a number of beliefs the two denominations share. Should we discard our teaching in regard to adultery Sandra Doran has been involved in pastoral min- because it is “Catholicism”? Should we reject the exis- istry with her husband for 20 years. tence of God, the belief that stealing is wrong, because they, too, are taught by the Catholic Church? It seems to me that right and wrong should be based on Scripture,

14 (582) ADVENTIST REVIEW, MAY 1999 FEATURE Forever Friends Gently, without much fanfair, but with the help of His faithful followers, God brought people closer to Him in 1998.

BY LUDI LEITO

OME PHENOMENAL EVENTS ARE OCCURRING

within our church and throughout the world, events that indicate

an increased interest in spirituality—in both the religious and the

secular realms. To many it seems as though we’re witnessing indica-

tions of end-time events. And although no one can pinpoint the Sexact time of Christ’s return, one shouldn’t ignore the signs that swirl around us. Although we’re well into 1999, the Adventist Church in 1998 saw an amazing ﬂurry of activities, challenges, and dramatic results—stories that are still being told and retold. It was a year of changed lives, a year when even in loss one clear message kept shining through: God loves us and this planet in rebellion. On the following pages, take a few moments to meet some extraordinary people who were brave enough, strong enough, and willing enough to make a commitment to

God, either in ISC D turning over their lives to Him or by HOTO © P helping others to see bet- HOTO

ter the radiance of the P Light of the world.

16 (584) ADVENTIST REVIEW, MAY 1999 WWW.SEEKGOD In today’s technological age the World Wide Web is becoming one of the fastest and easiest ways to find information. Cheryl and Darryl Hosford understand this growing trend and are making the most of it. Their Web page-designing business is their ministry. The Hosfords started their ART ’98 website right along with the early preparation for NET ’98 and main- tained it with the help of other volun- teers. “Our goal was to make this site an interesting place on the Internet to find the Lord,” explains Cheryl. “We had counselors ready to answer questions in our chat rooms, and we received an average of a half million hits per week during the [NeXt Millennium] seminar. Cybersurfers found a number of things to arrest their INTERNET OFFERINGS: Cheryl and Darryl Hosford use their Web page design business to attention. They could download each deliver the gospel to those who “surf” the Internet. sermon in text style, or view it live.” When asked about one of their most and radios; spraying graffiti on the walls.” Jesus, they called each other by phone, memorable encounters, the Hosfords Klima decided, “They need Jesus too.” met, and prayed together. “I could hardly share the following story from the Klima started to play volleyball with believe my eyes,” says Klima. Skinheads, Czech Republic, written by the minis- the young people he met. Then they anarchists, punks, holding hands together terial secretary for the Czecho- started talking together, only five people at and praying—most of them for the very Slovakian Union, Daniel Duda. first. By the beginning of NET ’98 there first time in their lives. Normally these Brno is the second-largest city in the were 17 people meeting together. They all people would not talk to each other on the Czech Republic (after Prague) with about got excited about the NeXt Millennium streets.” 400,000 inhabitants. The city has four Seminar and promoted it among them- Altogether 120 people followed the lec- Adventist congregations. More than 200 selves. Unfortunately, they couldn’t find a tures on the Internet (some in the morning non-Adventists regularly attending NET place where they could watch the lectures or late afternoon) on a small two- by two- ’98 NeXt Millennium Seminar lectures together. inch screen. Nearly 40 of them met regu- (435 people attended the opening night’s Finally they decided to watch it on the larly to discuss the things they heard. By meeting). Internet. The problem was that the live the end of the series 17 individuals decided In one part of the city is a new suburb English transmission started at 1:30 a.m. to give their lives to Jesus. built near the end of the Communist era. But they decided, “We will go to bed ear- The NET ’98 webpage is still Many young families surround the three lier and get up at 1:30 to watch the lec- operational with the full transcripts schools in the area. One of the churches tures.” And that’s what they did. Soon from Pastor Dwight Nelson’s sermons wanted to have a NET ’98 program, but there were 17 to 25 individuals watching (text style and video), and can be they could not find a hall to rent for public in their apartments, telling their friends, found at www.net98.org. meetings. Finally they gave up and began inviting others to join them. Besides the NET ’98 website and having meetings with another Adventist Parents of some of the youth got suspi- their own business, the Hosfords have church nearby. But one young man, cious, worried about some of the bad also founded the Adventist Rosta Klima, was determined to see that things that can be found on the Internet. Association for On-line Evangelism the gospel was preached in his neighbor- “What are our children doing so late at (AAOE). This association helps to hood as well. night?” they wanted to know. “They go to maintain and promote many Adventist “I saw young people wasting time bed early, then get up at night and watch websites, and can be found at

ISC around blocks of apartments, nowhere to the Internet.” Some of the parents got up www.aaoe.org. For more information D go, nothing to do,” he says. “They had to listen to the lectures with them. The on this Web page ministry, go to HOTO funny colors in their hair, and even the result was that some parents joined the www.rapidhost.net. © P boys had earrings, leather jackets, chains, group, increasing the number to 37. HOTO

P shaved heads. They had been stealing cars After the call to give their hearts to

ADVENTIST REVIEW, MAY 1999 (585) 17 The Behind-the- In Praise of a Stubborn God Scenes God Baptism is a major step for many people who have discovered or redis- The story of Angela and covered God. It’s a life-altering moment. Todd, told here by Marge Before baptizing new members, Pastor Kevin Kuehmichel, one of the pastors Schmitt, from Wilson, Michi- in the Cleveland, Ohio, area, asks each new member if he or she would like to gan, is a common one. Yet it’s give a testimony about what the Lord means to them. New member Robert still amazing to see how softly Ricke decided to express himself through a love letter to God. and quietly God touches lives. Angela was 11 years old when she decided to get baptized with Dear God, kept me from going com- many of her friends who were Thank You for Your pletely over. All the being baptized. However, the cere- greatness and love. I things that could have mony’s spiritual signiﬁcance never signaled a truly changed heart or a know that I have grieved happened to me as a life dedicated to Jesus Christ. Thus You, yet You still love result of my deadly when she grew older and left me and want me to fellow- games, I have survived; home, she abandoned her commitment to the Bible and her church. ship with You. but not without some Todd had also turned his back Thank You for each and scars. on his Christian upbringing at the every blessing You have I’ve often thought: age of 11 when his father, a pastor, died suddenly. His father’s sent me, even if I don’t What good could God death had left him feeling empty recognize them. possibly find in my and rebellious. Thank You for Your Son life that’s worth sal- Angela and Todd chose not to live by the Christian principles Jesus, who gave His life vaging? Yet You cared they were taught as children. freely on the cross so enough to try. After they had lived together for that I could have the I’m older now, so the two years, the birth of their first baby awakened their consciences chance to share in His energy and the eagerness to the necessity of a marriage eternal life and happi- of my youth are gone, and commitment. And after experi- ness—if I choose to do I’m left with daily phys- encing the miracle of mother- hood, Angela remembered the so. And I do want to, ical reminders that I’m Jesus she had learned about as a Father. Why wouldn’t I? not 18 or 19 years old child. She began to long for a For too many years I’ve anymore. Even the will- relationship with Him. She also wanted her baby to learn about followed my own ways. I ingness to do many of the Jesus. Todd, however, wasn’t was young, eager, ener- old things is gone. My interested in religion. getic, and so willing to attitude has become: As Angela began studying the Bible’s teachings and prophecies, please myself. But I have “Been there, done that.” Todd argued and fought against to admit that those And yet, God, there You her new beliefs and lifestyle. As moments of pleasure were are, still waiting—with a Angela watched religious television programs, Todd would leave just that, “moments,” and love and understanding I the room in disgust. Sometimes he nothing more. The only cannot comprehend. angrily exclaimed, “You’re not the lasting effects continue God, today I want to woman I married.” Angela began to feel so discouraged that she to haunt me to this day. come home. almost gave up on religion. I have played close to One day Angela brought home the edge for so long, yet video recordings of the Amazing Facts prophecy seminar by Doug somehow Your love has (continued on page 20)

18 (586) ADVENTIST REVIEW, MAY 1999 Maybe there was no such thing. I wanted to investigate, but I A Conversation, a Wedding, a Baptism didn’t know how. My desire for truth became a reality through From California C. Lloyd Wyman writes about my husband, Rick.” another “chance” supernatural encounter that The couple responded to an invitation to view evangelist developed into a harvest of spiritual and emotional Doug Batchelor’s New Revelation Seminar videos. “It was a growth. rocky road during our Revelation Bible study,” Joyce remembers. “The journey was blessed by my husband’s renewed contact with Dr. Nilsen, from the Loma Linda University church, and by our friendship with Nilsen’s daughter Linda, who lives near us.” ick Sasenick, a Rick explains, “We were on R pharmaceutical our way to becoming Advent- dealer, had just completed his ists, so I thought it might be sales pitch to Dr. Svein Nilsen nice to let Dr. Nilsen know at his medical office in Loma the good things he had done.” Linda, California. On a business trip in the Unexpectedly, Dr. Nilsen Loma Linda area Rick decided began to talk to Sasenick about to pay the doctor an unsched- spiritual matters. uled visit. When Sasenick “In years past I took great arrived at the medical office, joy in joining in such a discus- however, he learned that the sion,” Sasenick says. “I was doctor had retired. But Nilsen an ardent Darwinist and a happened to be there that day, Christian cynic. I used my packing up some medical skills in logic and sophistry to records. lay my traps, then took plea- Sasenick excitedly explained sure poking holes in ‘ridiculous’ what had happened, and invited beliefs.” Nilsen and his wife to visit with In this case, though, him and his family. In the Sasenick felt it better not to course of conversation Sasenick offend a customer. He tried to learned that it was Nilsen’s end the discussion tactfully, say- daughter who had introduced ing that he had no interest in the him and Joyce to Pastor Lloyd Bible. “Besides,” he said, “the Wyman of Thousand Oaks, things in the Bible can be near the couple’s new home. proven only if one believes in Pastor Wyman had studied with the Bible.” the couple for two years and had Nilsen, not one to be put officiated at their wedding the off, took up the challenge. previous September. “Every day,” he pointed out, Now Wyman was preparing “history proves the correctness to baptize them. “To have lived WE’VE ONLY BEGUN: Pastor Lloyd Wyman studied the Bible with of certain prophecies that were more than 30 years without a Joyce and Rick Sasenick, performed their wedding ceremony, and written long before the events baptized them, the last step in a spiritual pilgrimage initiated by a care and then to wake up to the occurred.” Nilsen illustrated chance conversation with Dr. Svein Nilsen. reality of sin—well, let’s just this, explaining “something say it’s a little daunting,” about a statue with a head of gold,” Sasenick recalls. Sasenick remarked at his baptism in February. “I stand before The years rolled by, and the two men lost touch with each you with much joy but also with apprehension. By this act, I other. Sasenick moved 100 miles away to Ventura County, pray that God will forgive me for all my sins. I know the north of Los Angeles, began a new job, and married. He and answer in advance, yet it seems unfair because there’s so much his wife, Joyce, both brought to the new home two children from to forgive.” their previous marriages, all four children quite close in age. “As I stand before the Lord, I thank all who brought me to “My desire has always been to find spiritual truth,” says this place. I have privately made a promise to Jesus. My desire Joyce. “As a young adult I realized that the Catholic Church is that I will live up to that promise. Through the blessing of had failed me. I wasn’t sure which religion knew the truth. baptism, I am given a new beginning,” claims Joyce.

ADVENTIST REVIEW, MAY 1999 (587) 19 Batchelor, and Todd agreed to watch the provided a salary that would support his Sheryl had discovered Bedtime first one, entitled The Second Coming family—in answer to their prayers. Stories and The Bible Story series of Jesus. To Angela’s surprise, as Todd On a beautiful warm afternoon last by Arthur Maxwell in her school watched the video the message touched his summer Todd and Angela stepped into the library, and she eagerly read them heart, and he responded by getting down cool waters of the lake at Camp Sagola. whenever she had some spare on his knees and praying. Weeks of honest Robert Quillin, Wilson church pastor, time. She also bombarded one of questioning produced Bible studies and briefly shared their story with a responsive her classmates—a Seventh-day more seminar videos. camp meeting congregation. As the people Adventist—with questions as to why Soon both Angela and Todd decided sang “I Surrender All,” Todd and Angela he went to church on Saturday and they wanted to adopt a new lifestyle and were baptized into God’s family. Todd why he didn’t eat pork. His respons- develop their relationship with Jesus. This and Angela Molgaard had come home to es planted more seeds of Bible meant leaving the retail sales field and Jesus. They had witnessed the fulfillment truth in her mind that would bear beginning to worship God unitedly as a of the old adage “Prayer changes things.” fruit years later. family. They had also experienced the truth that When Sheryl was 18 she accept- They prayed that Todd would find a love changes people. ed Jesus as her Saviour, and in her new job that would support their family continued search for God’s truth, she (which now numbered five) and allow attended churches of many different them to observe the seventh-day Sabbath. denominations. After she married, Todd didn’t have any special skills, not Perfect Timing she and her husband, James, and even a college education, so the family God’s timing is different from our two children, Laura and Aaron, were stepped out in faith and moved from Red own. What might seem like an eter- members for 10 years of a Sunday Wing, Minnesota, to Wilson, Michigan. nity to us is only a moment to God. church in Saginaw, Michigan. There they lived with Angela’s parents He works His life- changing events in However, Sheryl was not spiritually while Todd looked for employment. a blink of an eye, or we take a lifetime satisfied. Two months later Todd was working to finally open our eyes. Consider One day Keith Wirsing, a former for a company with an Adventist boss Sheryl Miller’s story, told here by Kay church member who had become who patiently taught him new skills and Collins. an Adventist, began sharing what

Merlin and Juanita Kretschmar and other area leaders. The NET ’99 Is Coming Kretschmars served for two decades in Greater New York and are veterans in prayer ministry. BY BETTY COONEY The Millennium of Prophecy Satellite Seminar is sched- uled to be broadcast October 15-November 13, 1999, from Marking the opening of the first NET 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Eastern time, nightly evangelistic series to originate from except Mondays and Thursdays. It is co- New York City, a live satellite broadcast sponsored by Amazing Facts and the launched the Millennium of Prophecy North American Division. Seminar (NET ’99) last month. During How You Can Help: the program Pastor Doug Batchelor, Pray. Visit our website and click on speaker-director of Amazing Facts min- “Prayer & Praise” for ways you can sup- istry, shared his vision for launching port NET ’99 through prayer. this series. To register your church for the “The Millennium of Prophecy Seminar series, visit our website will air at what many consider the most (http://www.netny99.org; click on historically significant time of our era,” Coordinator Access; user name—metro; he said, “from one of the world’s password—prophecy) or call 916-434- I’LL TAKE MANHATTAN: Evangelist Doug largest and busiest cities, using the 3880 Monday through Thursday. Batchelor prepares for the first satellite best tools available to our church. Never evangelistic outreach to originate from New Introduce friends and relatives to before have we had such a fertile oppor- York City. The series begins this October. speaker Doug Batchelor before the tunity for broadcasting the gospel in series by sharing the website address. New York City and the world.” Click on Meet the Speaker for online A major prayer initiative encouraging church members videos and audiocassettes from Pastor Doug’s weekly and leaders to pray for this NET series from New York was radio and television programs, and to learn local broad- also highlighted in an interview with prayer coordinators cast times.

20 (588) ADVENTIST REVIEW, MAY 1999 he had learned from the Bible with lives, baptisms, and many wonderful to attend the NeXt Millennium Sheryl and her family. He gave them happenings. Here are a few of these Seminar. We have not missed an the book The Almost Forgotten Day, stories. evening yet. by Mark Finley. Sheryl couldn’t lay it You see, we have both been aside until she ﬁnished it. She was Dear Pastor Dwight, Christians, but something was miss- convinced that her childhood class- My husband and I received your ing from our lives. All this time we’ve mate was correct in observing the flyer in the mail. Usually we pass off been searching for a church we can Sabbath on Saturday. such flyers as junk mail, and into call home. After attending different Sheryl was so excited that she the garbage they go. But something churches, we came across a similar called Keith that very night and asked caught our attention, and we decided trend throughout each one: in our whether she could attend church with him the next Saturday. She went to church with him and later spent time discussing her questions with Gary Bullard, pastor of the First Flint Seventh-day Adventist Church. Sheryl’s hunger for truth brought her to the NET ’95 evangelistic crusade at the First Flint church, the NET ’96 crusade at the Saginaw church, and a festival of faith at Camp Au Sable. However, Sheryl was still not ready to make a commitment to Christ as an Adventist. When the new Saginaw church pastoral team, Bob and Sandi Stewart, arrived, they continued to foster her friendship and spiritual interest. They sent Sheryl’s family the Signs of the Times. Next came evangelists Dan and Kay Collins to the Saginaw church, and Sheryl and her daughter, Laura, faithfully attended each meeting. At the close of the series Sheryl and Laura were baptized, and Sheryl’s son, Aaron, made a decision to be baptized soon afterward. God has used many different experiences both to plant and to water the seeds of Bible truth and to cultivate them gently over the years. When it was time for a bountiful harvest of newly baptized lives, the Holy Spirit led Sheryl Miller and her children to make their commitment to Christ.

Messages From NET ’98 With NET ’98 still fresh in our minds, there seems no end to the stories of touched lives and hearts. This crusade sparked thousands of baptisms around the world, and lives are still being reached through rebroadcasts and over the Internet. During NET ’98 the website dedicated to this event received many messages about changed

ADVENTIST REVIEW, MAY 1999 (589) 21 view, the churches only wanted Ultimate Healing geon, had been raised in a harsh money. We both had a problem with In a sinful world heartache and sor- Protestant home. For most of his life he that. You see, we saw the tithe as row are as much a part of our experi- declared himself to be an agnostic. something you do for other people ence as triumph and celebration. But Six years ago his life changed radically. (i.e., giving 10 percent of your time, God has a better plan in store for His He almost died from a cerebral hemorrhage helping the homeless, etc.). people. This story comes from Pastor and became confined to a wheelchair. However, your message the Steve Gillham, in Casper, Wyoming. Through several strange and frightening other night showed us something, Dr. Ted Johnson, a retired neurosur- experiences his attitudes and opinions about and we really felt the Holy Spirit speaking to us. We recently got married, and in doing so, we have accrued a great debt. Before this seminar, we put ourselves on a budget to get out of debt—we’re talking “holding on to our pennies.” But your seminar touched our hearts, and we began to pray that the Lord would somehow find a way for us to give to the church. We saw that we need to do all of it. We need to give 10 percent of God’s money back to do His work, and we also need to give of our time in helping others, just as Jesus said. He’s called us to do it all. So after the lecture on giving, I prayed something like this: “Lord, You know that we need to get out of debt. But Lord, You also know that our finances are down to the bare mini- mum; we can’t even spare a dime. So please, Lord, You have to show us how we can do it all. We know that the money is Yours, not ours. Sometimes we forget to add the ‘Y’ before the ‘ours.’ In Jesus’ name, amen.” The next day my husband went to work and discovered his boss had been offered another job at a nearby auto shop. He asked my husband if he would go with him to the other shop. My husband was reluctant to say yes, but it turned out that they offered him more money for fewer hours, they would not require him to work on the Sabbath, and he could carpool with his boss, who has a very reliable vehi- cle (we live in the north, where winter snows often cover the highways). We could get out of debt and give the Lord His 10 percent. We still need to stay on a tight budget, but now we can do it all. God is amazing, and I just wanted to tell you that He is answering our prayers. —Scott and Michelle Irwin

22 (590) ADVENTIST REVIEW, MAY 1999 God changed. THREE ANGELS: Deborah Sangster He began to see writes from Nova Scotia. ITCHELL Jesus as his M I’m writing from Lower Sackville, where we are experiencing the rem- Saviour and LENN Friend. G nants of Hurricane Mitch. All day long the rain has been pouring, and Dr. Johnson ASTOR P the wind—well, let’s just say that if received an invi- you weigh less than 100 pounds tation to the you’d better be hanging on to NET ’98 meet- something solid. ings. He and his On my way to the meeting this HOTO COURTESY OF wife, Judy, an P evening I noticed that the traffic inactive Seventh- lights were out, as was the power day Adventist along the road leading to the church. who had not Thankfully, I found power at the attended church church. However, it soon became regularly in apparent that the satellite dish was at many years, the mercy of the wind. It was shak- ing so badly that there was no way decided to for the signal to reach its mark. attend. They Then three angels—Pastor Glenn enjoyed learning Mitchell (above left), associate pastor Pedro Graca, and member Brian Van Noord (above right)—took more about their forever Friend and made turns standing in the rain and wind to hold the satellite dish in place, so that those attending the a decision to be baptized. meeting could receive the blessing of hearing the message. Ted’s health took a turn for the worse, Cooperation and sacrifice saved the evening. however. Several of us gathered around his bedside for an anointing service. Ted expressed his confidence in Jesus, after God hese are just a few of the thou- Ludi Leito is a communica- had waited almost 70 years to see Ted sands of lives that God touched tion assistant for the accept His forever friendship. Surgery was T during 1998. Wonder is all we Adventist Communication performed, but Ted fell asleep in Jesus. can feel when we realize God’s infinite Network. The NET ’98 meetings concluded in mercies. Let’s pray that 1999 will also Casper without Ted’s wheelchair in the show us more beautiful tokens of His aisle. But Judy recommitted her life to love. Jesus and was rebaptized. The Casper church now looks forward to the time when they can enjoy their forever friendship with Jesus, Ted, and with whomever else they can share the good news of God’s love.

FOREVER FRIENDS: Judy and Ted Johnson found that their friendship with Jesus and His church prepared them for dealing with Ted’s life-threatening illness.

ADVENTIST REVIEW, MAY 1999 (591) 23 CITYSCAPES Dear Pastor . . . ROYSON JAMES

n the two months since you arrived at our church, grasp the relevance of Adventism in the next millennium. you’re already aware that this is no normal youth pas- They are part of the computer generation, a new breed that tor posting. Within weeks you were meeting with requires new approaches and new methods. Many have told us school principals, social work- that they want to put their faith in ers, and court officials. Sadly, action, but they don’t know how. Ithis is now standard fare for the pas- They don’t know the reasons behind tor of an inner-city church. We want many church doctrines. They know As you preached your first ser- little about Adventist Church history. mon, thoughtful and sincere, I won- someone who has They say they want to be challenged dered, Does he know what he’s in for? when they come to church, not hear Did anyone prepare him for this? Does the same old ideas all the time. he realize that within five years a good a passion for The key question that demands portion of the youthful bunch on the our answer is this: Why spend mil- balcony will have slipped through the youth ministry. lions of dollars to bring new people back doors, almost unnoticed? into the church and neglect to How do we stop the bleeding? ensure that the church is precious Do you, fresh from the school of the prophets, have a hint and relevant to those already here? of a solution? Did the seminary equip you to reach lost A few years back I attended the funeral of a former mem- Adventist youths and their self-indulgent parents? Or is this ber of the youth Sabbath school class I taught. He was shot just another career stop on the way to that “ideal” call to and killed under cloudy circumstances after losing his way in pastor a beautiful, mature, prosperous suburban congrega- a dense forest of popular music and drugs. I expected to be tion—in the United States, where the dollar is strong and weighted down with sadness and guilt at the loss of this opportunities are plenty? young life. But I wasn’t prepared for the throng of former These are hard questions, I know. But they must be youth class members who packed the church to pay their considered. last respects—scores of Gen Xers, most of whom had not set Our church has written to our conference twice in the foot in our church in years. past few years, begging for a pastor for our youth. We want We hugged, we consoled each other, we buried our young someone—man or woman—who loves youth, has a passion friend, and then we went our separate ways, having little in for youth ministry, and is committed to a life of challenging common after sharing so much for so long. young men and women to be disciples of Christ. This is the tragedy of our church in North America. Repeatedly we were told that only a few seminarians are spe- There seems to be no corporate mission to engage our youth. cializing in youth ministry. Fewer still want to come to Canada. And if there is, it has failed to find prominence in the courses The church in North America is facing a massive crisis. in the seminary or capture the attention of our pastors and, Our youth are questioning the very pillars of our faith. They ultimately, penetrate the programs of the local church. are demanding answers, real anchors to cling to, and mod- Is this a job you want, Pastor? Is it the true desire of your ern solutions to new-millennium problems. More than ever, heart to get young people excited about Christ and His they are seeking role models to lead them in a twenty-first- church? If it is, glorious results await you. century revival. Your brother in Christ. You’ll notice, Pastor, that we are blessed with a relatively large number of youth. Don’t be fooled. There are telltale Royson James is a columnist for the Toronto Star. signs of erosion. Only a small fraction bother attending Adventist Youth (AY) meetings—the first sign of a church failing its youth. Many youth are searching for purpose in life. They yearn to

24 (592) ADVENTIST REVIEW, MAY 1999 GLOBAL MISSION: REACHING THE UNREACHED WITH HOPE

Let’s Finish 14K

SO MUCH SPENT ENERGY Finish 14K is a goal to ﬁnish planting Finish 14,000 new churches for the current “Mission is why we are decade. According to best estimates, for here. All other ‘successes’ this goal to be reached 1,000 new church- are only so much spent es need to be planted in the 500 days energy if they do not leading up to the General Conference contribute to God’s mis- session in July 2000. sion.”–Jan Paulsen, president, General Conference. 14K MORE THAN COLD STATISTICS Photo by Carlos Medley Although statistics help keep track of where we place our resources, they should never disguise the compassion-driven, life-changing work that is Global Mission. Each sta- tistic represents children of God who have come home to their lov- FINISH 14K: A THRILLING ing Father. CHALLENGE Behind the statistics lie thousands of “What a fantastic, stories of Global challenging idea this is. Mission’s wholistic We thank the Lord for the ministry: healing the mighty working of His sick; mending bro- LIFE BEHIND NUMBERS II: Baptismal can- Spirit on the hearts and ken families; feeding didates from the heartland of Hinduism lives of people around the the hungry; releas- gather beside a river in northern India. world through Global ing the possessed; Photo by Gary Krause. Mission. We thank all turning despair to hope, hate to love, the lost to salvation. those who have partici- pated and supported this marvelous outreach thus far. Now, one ﬁnal push to reach the 14,000 mark for the decade. Let’s get going, fellow believers. What a thrilling challenge.”–G. Ralph Thompson, secretary, General Conference.

FOR MORE INFORMATION To receive Global Mission newsletters, support Global Mission pioneers, or join the Global Mission Prayer LIFE BEHIND NUMBERS: A group of new believers gather in front of Ministry, simply call 1-800-648-5824. their church in Bobrovitsa, the Ukraine.

ADVENTIST REVIEW, MAY 1999 (593) 25 CURRENT ISSUES A Kinder, Gentler Church

Adventist professionals bring healing skills

BY SHARON WEAVER PITTMAN to needy congregations

O BODY OF BELIEVERS LIVING IN THE individuals, families, groups, churches, and communities. world will probably ever be free of the pain and suffering of the world. As much as we could A Biblical Mandate wish it otherwise, divorce, suicide, sexual crisis, For the past 100 years individual social workers have been mental illness, addiction, and family problems active in faith-based ministries of compassion. The philo- areN increasingly prevalent in the Adventist Church. Social sophical foundation of the profession is grounded in biblical dysfunction is wreaking havoc in the lives of many who faith- mandates for compassion and social justice (see Isa. 58; fully sit in the pews every Sabbath morning. Everywhere the Micah 6:8; and Matt. 25:31-46). Many denominations have “sins of the fathers” evoke misery and heartache. employed social workers to partner with pastors in providing Pastors report that “people problems” monopolize most of professional services to the hurting church members. Most their daily schedule and confound their abilities to maintain notable are the Salvation Army, Lutheran Social Services, proactive ministries. Well-intentioned but untrained church Catholic Charities, and Jewish Community Services—all pro- members do their best to help those who are hurting, but fessional faith-based nonproﬁt organizations that are funded they often feel frustrated and have a limited impact. mostly by their corresponding religious organizations. Gratefully, there is a group of dedicated Adventist profes- The young Seventh-day Adventist Church was under- sionals who seem to have come to the kingdom for such a standably reticent to embrace the skills of social science prac- time as this. As church members wrestle with the same titioners. In the early years of the twentieth century the problems affecting the rest of society, the skills of profession- developing occupation of social work “professionalized,” leav- ally trained counselors such as social workers are increasingly ing its biblical base. Leading proponents of social work and being called for to bring healing and restore hope. many training programs embraced new philosophies, such as Social workers are commonly thought to be government postmodernism and humanism that conﬂicted with biblical welfare workers. Yet, shattering to this stereotype, social norms. In those thought systems the strength for making workers in our culture work in more than 650 settings, change doesn’t come from divine grace, but lies within each including medical facilities, mental health centers, schools, individual. Social work as a profession viewed the church as a churches, and correctional institutions, just to name a few. part of the social problem that promoted unhealthy depen-

More than 10 percent of all North American social work- dency, rather than being a catalyst for change. ISC D ers today work in sectarian or faith-based settings, and the idea of professional social work as ministry is growing A New Beginning HOTO © P rapidly.* The advanced professional training that social Social work and Adventism are only recently becoming HOTO workers receive prepares them to work effectively with partners. There is now professional empirical evidence to P

28 (596) ADVENTIST REVIEW, MAY 1999 suggest that true and lasting transfor- hensive social assessments and are social workers can be instrumental in mation happens when mortals partner qualified to provide individual and working out difficult situations. with the divine. Among clients who family counseling. They are prepared Program Development: Many social seek help, the best outcomes happen to lead out in group therapy as well, workers are trained in nonprofit man- when they are active members of a and can assist with a full spectrum of agement. These specialized social church community and have a per- psychosocial problems, including workers can become consultants for sonal relationship with God. depression, domestic violence, parent- helping local churches set up unique In the past 20 years programs in ing problems, marital adjustments, compassion ministry projects. They Adventist colleges have been prepar- anger management, addictions, and can also assist with conducting coming students for professional service grief and loss. Their training has made munity needs assessments, grant writ- and ministry. Hundreds of Adventist them knowledgeable about community ing, and proposal development. In social workers now team with their resources, and they can make referrals addition, they can aid in designing local congregations to implement min- to other Christian professionals as specialty ministries for diverse popula- istries of compassion that are effective appropriate. tions and special needs groups. in meeting the needs of both members Education: Believing that it’s far bet- Advocacy and Community Organizing: and the community. ter to prevent an individual or family Social workers can help churches plan As the profession has gained societal crisis than attempt to solve it later, activities for promoting social and eco- acceptance—the Bureau of Labor and Adventist social workers educate par- nomic justice. At a time when hun- Statistics in 1998 ranked social work in ents, teens, seniors, and special needs dreds of Adventist churches in North the top 20 professions—most Adventist groups about effective communication, America are exploring how they can colleges and universities in North adolescent development, adjusting to help to alleviate poverty, improve poor America have moved to offer bachelor’s different life stages, and group-building housing conditions, and eliminate and/or master’s degrees in social work skills. Church- or school-based weekend unfair practices in their communities, (see sidebar). Social work is also one of or longer seminars help thousands of social workers can help churches find the fastest growing professional pro- Seventh-day Adventists learn new skills new ways for expanding ministries of grams in Adventist education. either free of charge or at minimal cost. compassion for socially marginalized Conflict Resolution: All social work- and diverse groups. On the Road to a Healthy Church ers are trained to intervene in crisis. Research and Evaluation: Social Adventist social workers bring a They are taught how to deal profes- workers are trained to conduct research unique set of skills to dealing with sionally with volatile situations and to and evaluation. They are prepared to families, schools, and congregations. function as neutral mediators when evaluate the impact that services have Counseling: Many Adventist social resolution seems impossible. In an era on meeting targeted needs. Is the con- workers are licensed Christian coun- when congregational conflicts are dis- gregation’s Community Services center selors. All are able to conduct compre- tressingly more common, Adventist really reaching its target population in

Adventist Social Work Resources Canadian University College Phone: 403-782-3381 La Sierra University, Riverside, California (B.S.W.) Adventist Social Work Association (ASWA) Phone: 909-785-2000 12501 Old Columbia Pike Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California (M.S.W. and Ph.D.) Silver Spring, MD 20904 Phone: 909-824-4300 Phone: 301-680-6438 Oakwood College, Huntsville, Alabama (B.S.W.) E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 205-726-7000 Paciﬁc Union College, Angwin, California (B.S.W.) Church Compassion Ministries Resource Center Phone: 707-965-6311 Center for Innovation and Excellence in Caring Southern Adventist University, Collegedale, Tennessee (B.S.W.) Andrews University Department of Social Work Phone: 423-238-2111 Phone: 616-471-6196 Southwestern Adventist University, Keene, Texas (B.S.W.) Fax: 616-471-3686 Phone: 817-645-3921 Union College, Lincoln, Nebraska (B.S.W.) Adventist Social Work Educational Programs Phone: 402-488-2331 Andrews University, Berrien Springs, Michigan (B.S.W. and M.S.W.) Walla Walla College (B.S.W. and M.S.W.) Phone: 616-471-6538 Phone: 509-527-2615 Atlantic Union College, South Lancaster, Massachusetts (B.S.W.) Phone: 978-368-2000

ADVENTIST REVIEW, MAY 1999 (597) 29 Healing Hearts at School How to manage confusing emotions How to become a better friend BY TERESA WIEDEMANN, M.S.W. How to make positive choices when life is difficult, rather than choosing drugs, gangs, or alcohol Adventist elementary and secondary schools have Henry, an enthusiastic, affectionate second grader, was increasingly sought the skills of professional social workers discouraged and frustrated with school by November. to help create a better learning environment by resolving Henry’s boundless energy made it almost impossible for issues between students and between children and their him to sit still during lessons. He was extremely bright and parents. Here a school-based Adventist social worker creative, but he didn’t do his assignments or learn much of shares real-life experiences (in which the participants’ what a second grader is expected to know. names have been changed) that illustrate the complexity of Henry went to talk to the school social worker about his class- the issues being faced and the opportunities for healing. room behavior. After careful study and prayer, the counselor rec- In the year since Eleanor and Elaine’s parents divorced, ommended to his parents that he be evaluated for attention the sisters had to adjust to hectic, confusing schedules and deficit hyperactivity disorder. A physician confirmed the diagnosis, routines. Both girls’ teachers saw dramatic changes in their and Henry’s parents agreed to try a minimal dose of medication attitude and behavior. Eleanor became a bully, picking on for a trial period. Almost immediately there was a difference in classmates and fighting. In class she became the class Henry in the classroom: he was focused and hardworking, and clown and caused major disruptions. Elaine, on the other was enjoying happy relationships with his fellow students. hand, withdrew. She wouldn’t participate in group activities In addition to teaching skills proactively, social workers or games: at recess she huddled on the steps alone. She are also trained to deal calmly with crises, including threats cried easily and confided to her teacher that other students of suicide, concerns about physical or sexual abuse, fight- were making fun of her because her parents were divorced. ing, and other conflicts. Most important, as Adventist The teachers referred both girls to the school social schools try to educate students who increasingly suffer worker. Each started with independent sessions and then from the sin in the world around us, social workers provide joined group counseling with other kids. Soon they were one more piece of healing—Christ-centered ministry. openly talking about their fears of change in their family and Monica and Colleen, seventh graders, vacillated between learned that other kids felt some of the same fears. After being best friends and hating each other. When hostile feel- 12 weeks of meetings, both girls were happily back to nor- ings flared up, they divulged each other’s secrets and started mal routines in the classroom and learning how to deal con- false rumors. It became impossible for the girls to pay atten- structively with conflicts in their lives. tion in class or concentrate on assignments. When many of Social workers have a valuable contribution to make in their friends took sides, they too became ensnared in the SDA schools by partnering with teachers, administrators, disruptive emotional and verbal battles taking place in and and parents. They help students meet their social and emo- out of the classrooms. tional needs by providing counseling at school. This allows Discussing their differences with the school counselor dif- teachers to focus on teaching in the classroom, and helps fused the girls’ anger toward each other. The counselor helped parents sometimes struggling to keep up with behavior them to recognize each other’s sensitive “buttons” and not to problems at home and school. Special areas that school push them purposely. They learned how to apologize when they social workers help with include: hurt each other, and how to forgive the mistakes the other still How to deal with the grief associated with loss through made. Monica and Colleen began to realize that popularity divorce or death doesn’t always include trust, honesty, and loyalty. Building How to resolve conflicts constructively friendships on these qualities became their new priority.

its food and clothing distribution pro- can partner with pastors, medical pro- the peace that comes from God into gram? A social worker will have the fessionals, and economic project devel- peace among all of His children. research tools to help ﬁnd out through opers to improve the quality of life for survey development and data analysis. those suffering in developing nations. * National Association of Social Workers (NASW), Washington, D.C. International Social Development: The church of the coming century Many helping professions contribute has a special mandate: to reﬂect the to faith-based international outreach wholeness—the “shalom”—of the efforts. While evangelism, health, and gospel in a ministry structure that part- Sharon Weaver Pittman, economic development are usually the ners with diverse professional experts. Ph.D., is chair of the focus of Adventist projects worldwide, At a time when their skills are sorely Department of Social Work social problems often confound these needed, Adventist Christian social at Andrews University in efforts of the church. Social workers workers have emerged to help translate Berrien Springs, Michigan.

30 (598) ADVENTIST REVIEW, MAY 1999 WORLD NEWS & PERSPECTIVES Hispanics Celebrate 100 Years of Faith and Sacriﬁce

BY STEPHEN CHAVEZ, ASSISTANT EDITOR, A DVENTIST R EVIEW

n a church sanctuary designed to vice president for special ministries, accommodate 180 people, more and Don Thomas, pastor of the Safford than 250 wor- church, the weekend shipers filled featured participants every available from throughout Ispace and spilled out North America. into an overflow tent in On Friday evening the church parking lot. Alfred C. McClure, The Seventh-day president of the North Adventist church in American Division, Safford, Arizona, was presented a message hosting services mark- about the hope of ing the one hundredth Christ’s second com- anniversary of the first ing that was punctu- Hispanic to be baptized ated with stanzas HAPPY SABBATH: Church member John Quiñones (right) welcomes Arizona Con- in North America. LIFT UP THE TRUMPET: The Second from several Coming is the focus of Alfred C. ference president Herman Bauman to Sabbath The weekend cele- Adventist hymns. morning services at the Safford church. bration, held the last McClure’s Friday evening message. At the Sabbath weekend of February, McClure is president of the North morning worship ser- Graham County Fairgrounds featured a American Division. featured praise, music, vice Pastor Vasquez brief review of the Hispanic work over food, fellowship, and prayers of thanks- retold the story of Methodist pastor the past 100 years, congratulatory mes- giving for the way God has blessed the Marcial Serna, who embraced the sages from civic and church leaders, work among Hispanics during the past Sabbath after studying with Walter mariachi music, and Mexican food for 100 years. Coordinated by Manuel Black and Charles Williams, two litera- more than 500 church and community Vasquez, North American Division ture evangelists working the area around members in attendance. Tucson, Arizona. It was Serna, Black, and Williams who brought the Sabbath truth to the Sánchez family, and in his morning message Vasquez recalled the bravery of two sons, Abel and Adiel, who, with their families, were true to their convictions in spite of the hostil- ity of their father against this “new” truth. After a luncheon provided by members of the Safford church, two bronze plaques were dedicated at the DISTINGUISHED GUESTS: Among the many Sánchez cemetery, where Abel and who traveled significant distances to attend Adiel are buried along with their par- the weekend celebration are Thomas Requeñez HALLOWED GROUND: A bronze commemora- (center), a longtime Hispanic pastor (now ents and many members of their fam- tive plaque is dedicated at the Sánchez retired), and his daughter, Anita Requeñez ilies. Another plaque was placed at family cemetery. On the hillside in the back- Moses. They are greeted by Manuel Vasquez, the Marcial Serna grave site a few ground is the resting place of Marcial vice president for special ministries, North hundred yards away. Serna, first Hispanic to be baptized in North American Division. An evening celebration at the America.

32 (600) ADVENTIST REVIEW, MAY 1999 WORLD NEWS & PERSPECTIVES

LABOR OF LOVE: Angel Tarin, a member of the Safford church, built the stone pillar in which one of the historical plaques rests at the Sánchez cemetery. Tarin’s wife, Amada, is a member of the Sánchez family.

LINK TO THE PAST: Margarita Fajardo FAMILY MATTERS: Lujan, great-grandniece of Marcial Serna, Descendants of Abel reﬂects on her family’s legacy at the dedi- and Adiel Sánchez (left cation of a commemorative plaque at to right)—Henry Serna’s grave site. Sánchez, Seferino Sánchez, Daniel Ramirez, Arnold Sánchez, and Fred Sanchez–-pose near the cemetery arch that they rebuilt for the centennial.

IN APPRECIATION: Manuel Vasquez (right) presents a plaque of appreciation to Don Thomas, pastor of the Safford church. In addition to making their facilities available for the weekend celebration, members provided Sabbath lunch to more than 100 visi- MAKE A WISH: Manuel Vasquez (right), tors and decorated the building where Herman Bauman, and Thomas Mostert (par- Saturday evening’s celebration was held. tially obscured) blow out 100 gold candles on the centennial cake. The three represent (respectively) the North American Division, the Arizona Conference, and the Paciﬁc Union Conference.

AFTER THE PARTY’S OVER: Patti Muncy (right), Safford church head elder, and HAVING THEIR CAKE: Lydia Sánchez Perez Sharan Bennett, personal ministries leader, (left) and Estella Sánchez Lopez, daughters of help clean up after the Saturday night cele- Adiel Sánchez, cut cake that is part of the bration. Muncy and Bennett were part of dessert served to more than 500 people in the team that decorated the auditorium for attendance. the event.

ADVENTIST REVIEW, MAY 1999 (601) 33 WORLD NEWS & PERSPECTIVES Should the Vatican Be a State?

BY BERT B. BEACH, DIRECTOR OF INTERCHURCH RELATIONS, GENERAL C ONFERENCE

he Holy See—that is, the pope and central administra- tions includes various bodies that promote freedom of tion of the Roman Catholic Church—has long asked choice, reproductive rights, gender equality, health, and T to be recognized as a state. It has established diplomatic population issues. Some of these bodies represent dissident relations with more than 100 countries. In fact, the Congress voices in Catholic ranks. of Vienna in 1815 went so far as to grant the Papal ambas- Few would quarrel with the right of the Catholic Church sadors (nuncios) to the various countries the rank of deans of to speak out and defend its policies—opposing abortion, their respective diplomatic corps. The Holy See even has spe- most family planning, and aspects of gender equality. The cial status at the United Nations as a per- issue being increasingly raised is whether manent observer nonmember state. NEWS COMMENTARY one church should be granted the privi- Other churches, insofar as they are lege to sit with governments and help recognized by the United Nations, have the status of a non- decide governmental policies affecting the lives of people governmental organization (NGO). everywhere. More recently an international coalition of some 70 A much more appropriate place for the Vatican (Holy nongovernmental organizations has started an effort to See) would be to sit with other NGOs representing have the Holy See (or Vatican) removed from its privi- Christian churches and various world religions, rather leged and exclusive status as a church headquarters recog- than claim governmental status based on artificially inter- nized as a state by the UN. The list of opposing organiza- preted criteria.

NEWSBREAK

Yugoslavia: Church President and the city is in the dark. A state of war has been Calls for Prayer declared, so we cannot move or travel. My young son, my father, and I are staying here in the apartment. We have ollowing NATO air strikes against Yugoslavia in the nowhere else to go. We can only give ourselves into F past few weeks, General Conference president Jan God’s hands and pray for His mercy.” Paulsen called for prayer for the whole troubled Balkan “In Novi Sad, bombs damaged the houses of several region. Adventist believers,” reports Radivoj Vladisavljevic, pres- “It is nothing short of a catastrophe,” says Elder ident of the North Conference in Yugoslavia. “I have Paulsen. “As a church we are troubled and concerned at asked pastors and elders to visit believers and friends these developments that are affecting so many people more than ever, and by this way express their concern for throughout the Balkans. This crisis causes us much dis- their lives. I have asked them to pray and read the Bible tress as we recognize the humanitarian impact of violence, in small groups or in the basements and other shelters, if and we pray for its speedy resolution. Our hearts go out to it is not possible for them to go to church.” all those who have lost loved ones, who have suffered According to Pastor Slavko Tasic, president of the injury, or who have been forced to ﬂee their homes.” South Conference in Yugoslavia, one pastor and several More than 10,000 Adventist believers live in the two members of the church have been drafted into the republics of Serbia and Montenegro, which make up Yugoslavian Army. “I personally know the church mem- Yugoslavia. Since the onset of hostilities, Adventist bers in Yugoslavia to be good and warm-hearted people,” members have been forced to conduct worship services in comments Bertil Wiklander, president of the Trans- basements or air-raid shelters. In Kosovo, where previously European Division, which includes Yugoslavia. “It is 30 Adventist members met in two churches, no meetings always a joyful event to visit them and worship together. are being held, since most left prior to the ﬁghting. Their faithfulness and commitment to the Lord is a won- Adventist lay member Ljiljana Djokic, who lives in a derful testimony to the work of the Holy Spirit. I feel a Belgrade suburb, reported explosions across the city, with deep sense of grief that many of them, frightened and some bombs falling close to her home. “I can hear bombs anxious, spent last night in the basements of their very close to us,” said Djokic. “The sirens are sounding, homes.”—Adventist News Network.

34 (602) ADVENTIST REVIEW, MAY 1999 WORLD NEWS & PERSPECTIVES

AWR Letter Box “I am a refugee who fled my country three years ago because of the many unpleasant problems I faced there. I now live “I have been in a country in which Christianity is not encouraged. So I touched by your can’t tell you how happy I was to find your broadcasts. I will message, and listen to them whenever I get the opportunity. Please con- because of that I tinue the good work of broadcasting God’s Word; you don’t was able to correct know how much relief it can be for millions of people out my life.”—John there like me.”—Maghreb from North Africa. from India. “Your programs give me a lot of encouragement, and I “I have been listen- thank you so much for the good work you are doing in ing to your pro- order to spread the gospel to the whole world.”—Andrew grams for a while from Malaysia. now and have bene- fited greatly from what I hear. You really have chosen an “I have been listening to your programs for many years. appropriate name for your station: The Voice of Hope. They are very beneficial, especially for the information Your carefully prepared programs, which offer pointers they provide about health, character, and the experiences from the Holy Bible, make your listeners joyful.”—Iran. of people. The most interesting information is on the life of Jesus Christ, who has had a positive influence on my “I listen to AWR every day. Your programs are very life.”—Rana from Pakistan. interesting because they give me practical instruction for everyday life. I want to be enrolled in the Bible corre- For more information about Adventist World Radio, write to: 12501 Old spondence school you offered.”—Victorien from Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, Maryland 20904-6600; or call toll-free: 1-800- Madagascar. 337-4297; e-mail: [email protected]; website: www.awr.org.

NEWSBREAK

Adventist Development and Relief Agency Adventist Communication Takes a Leading Role in Handling Kosovar Network Telecasts Refugees in Albania The programs below are planned by Up to 100,000 refugees are now under the care of the ACN the Adventist Communication Adventist Development and Relief Agency International Network for June 1999. Call (800) (ADRA) after signing an agreement with the World ACN-1119 for complete program listings, time, and Food Program (WFP). Under the agreement, ADRA channel information. All times shown are Eastern time. serves as the primary cooperating nongovernmental organization (NGO) for relief in nine Albanian districts. June 1 Florida Conference Camp Meeting ADRA will begin the distribution of food in Kukës, as evening meetings, 7:30-8:30 p.m., June ADRA staff are organized and sent into the remaining 1-5, Telstar 5, channel 24. eight camps in Has, Vlorë, Bajrum Curri, Cibrë, Fier, June 5 Florida Conference Camp Meeting Korcë, Berat, and Gjirokastër. The meals-ready-to-eat Sabbath morning service, 9:30-12:00 (MREs) being provided to the refugees are being donated noon, Telstar 5, channel 17 by the World Food Program (WFP) and distributed by June 2 First Wednesday news and features, the ADRA staff. 6:30-7:30 p.m., Telstar 5, channel 24 Because of the high amount of trafﬁc in and out of June 4 The Next Step NET ’98 follow-up Kukës, roads are beginning to break apart. As a result, devotional, 7:30-8:30 p.m., TBA the World Food Program will be using helicopters to June 12 Adventist Worship Hour church ser- transport food into the refugee feeding centers. Funds for vice, each Sabbath, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 the distribution are being provided by the United noon, Telstar 5, channel 24 Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). To assist ADRA’s Kosovar refugee relief efforts with a donation, please call the toll-free number 800-424- ADRA (2372) (its web page is at www.adra.org).

ADVENTIST REVIEW, MAY 1999 (603) 35 DEVOTIONAL

Breathing As I retraced the steps of Jesus, powerful remindersDEEP came to me about the heart of our Christian walk.

BY JO ANN DAVIDSON

HEN I WROTE THIS ARTICLE, I’D than in any other activity. Her initial petition to God is the just returned home from a month in the first thing we hear from her. And after this she speaks more Middle East, the last 10 days of which than anyone else in the first two chapters of First Samuel. were spent in Jerusalem. This included two Sabbaths, on both of which I walked Her Heart Was Breaking Wto the Great Synagogue early in the morning to attend the Let’s linger briefly on Hannah’s initial prayer, in which she Sabbath service for an hour and a half before the Adventist cried to God in “bitterness of soul and . . . wept in anguish” (1 worship began. I always do this when in Jerusalem on Sam. 1:10, NKJV). Notice that she does not need Elkanah to Sabbath. The ancient chants and prayers sung there move pray for her—she prays. And her prayer becomes the first one me deeply. Our Jewish brothers and sisters have a long tradi- by a woman recorded in the Hebrew Bible. In it she pledged tion of praying, going back to the times of Scripture. her son (not yet born) to God as a Nazirite. What God had The book of Psalms is the classic example in the Old commanded in Leviticus for those who would choose such a Testament, but we’re not limited to the 150 prayers it con- commitment, Hannah promised for her child. tains. Numerous examples of different people praying appear Later when Hannah brought Samuel to Shiloh in fulfill- throughout Scripture. And two of them come to mind just ment of her earlier vow to God, again the focus would fall now: Hannah and Jesus. solely on her. She travels with her husband (Patriarchs and We often pass over the lengthy narrative of Hannah, con- Prophets, p. 571; 1 Sam. 2:11), but their worship experience centrating more on the life of her noble son, Samuel. is initiated by Hannah. Notice how the text specifies that However, in the historical narratives describing the pivotal she directs the activities (1 Sam. 1:24). This is significant shift in Israel’s history from the period of the judges to the when we recall that Elkanah was a Levite (1 Sam. 1:1; monarchy, Hannah stands as the key transitional person. 1 Chron. 6:33-38). Hannah went to the tabernacle expressly The book of First Samuel commences with an extended por- to perform her own vow. It is she who has come with such trait of this remarkable woman, while we’re told compara- expensive offerings to present at the tabernacle, and with tively little about her husband, Elkanah. her own beloved son to dedicate to God’s service. At a later Hannah appears at the beginning of this time period, just as time when Mary presented her Son Jesus at the Temple in the women Jochebed, Miriam, Shiphrah, Puah, and the Jerusalem, she returned home with her child after the cere- Egyptian princess lead into the beginning of Israel’s great mony. In this instance, Hannah will return home without Exodus from Egypt, another great epoch in Israel’s history. her son—an offering without parallel in all Scripture. After a description of her household, we see her at the taber- And at this time Hannah again pours out her soul to God. nacle praying. In fact, we find her in prayer and worship more This second prayer of Hannah is arresting. We do not

36 (604) ADVENTIST REVIEW, MAY 1999 Later Hannah again goes to God, but this time to praise God, showing that for her He is not merely a last resort, visited only in times of crisis. However, neither does Hannah hesitate to beg God for help, as we also observed. Hannah’s two prayers are brimming with valuable instruction. Her first prayer, in extreme suffering, heartens us that God is not afraid of our negative emotions, that we don’t need to “buck up” before we come to Him. God appreciates our complete honesty. After all, He already knows, even before we pray, what’s in our most secret thoughts anyway. He must rejoice when we genuinely face ourselves truthfully. We often discern evidence of this kind of integrity in biblical praying. Hannah’s second prayer reminds us of the attitude of thanksgiving. In fact, this is one of the rare prayers in Scripture that doesn’t petition God. Instead, Hannah’s profound faith compre- hends that her personal experience somehow reflects God’s sovereign- ty over all human his- hear the words of a gentle lullaby as ner that would constrain our pastor to tory, and she exults in praise to Him. typically attributed to mothers. Instead chide us for being drunk? What kind of Hannah’s life yields a vivid portrait we find a rather vigorous, “unladylike” praying is this? of a woman who established a vital shout of triumph! Indeed, Hannah’s First of all, we find Hannah going relationship with the God of heaven, prayer speaks of war, announcing that right to God, pouring out her pain and even though struggling with difficult the enemies of the Lord will be broken grief. She did not think of prayer as a personal problems. Moreover, it was in pieces. proper, tidy exchange between a polite also at a time when the “church at USTINEN J lady and God. If she aches, she cries large” was not healthy—recall that the ARS

L Learning From Hannah’s Prayer out painful words. For her, God is very ark was soon to be captured by the One cannot help being impressed real and her prayers are in earnest. Philistines. Yet Hannah still exhibited with the strength of Hannah’s relation- Biblical prayer has an intensity that profound intimacy with God during ship to God as seen in her prayers. often separates it from our present-day these less-than-ideal times. LLUSTRATION BY I How many of us have prayed in a man- approaches to God. To Hannah, God was not just a

ADVENTIST REVIEW, MAY 1999 (605) 37 huge blur of glistening light with Like Hannah, Jesus hungered to com- God Praying to God! piercing eyes. He was not merely a mune with God. All the Gospels portray When studying the atonement, we personal valet or some celestial Santa Him praying often to the Father—espe- must never pass lightly over Gethse- Claus doling out blessings upon cially during His Passion. The description mane. Of the many lessons we need to request. Nor was God some impersonal in The Desire of Ages of Jesus praying dur- learn, seeing God praying to God this force maintaining the universe. ing that awful hour in Gethsemane way surely ranks paramount. It is here Rather, God was someone near to her, always wrenches me. We ﬁnd Jesus falling that Jesus prayed the hardest of all one with whom she often communed. prostrate upon the ground. “Hitherto,” prayers—“Thy will be done.” Christ’s Ellen White says, “He had been as an ultimate prayer forces us to a deeper Then There Was Jesus intercessor for others; now He longed to understanding of what prayer really is. If I’m inspired by the prayer life of have an intercessor for Himself ” (The Prayer is not a heavenly slot Hannah in the Old Testament, that Desire of Ages, p. 686). The disciples, machine into which we insert a prayer of Jesus in the New Testament and automatically get something amazes me. He would rise up early out. It is not a magical device. It is to pray, we are told, and sometimes not offering suggestions to God to would spend all night in sacred assist Him in helping us. Even worse communion with God. God appreciates is presuming that those who get The Israelite religion and worship what they pray for are closer to God did include much prayer. But when or have more faith than the rest of Jesus’ disciples heard Him pray, they our complete us. The “let this cup pass from me” realized how much they still needed prayer of Christ in Gethsemane is to learn about what it really meant honesty. After all, answer enough to that notion. to pray. “Teach us to pray,” they said Prayer involves the process of to Him (Luke 11:1). And when I He already knows, committing ourselves completely to read Ellen White’s description of God. Like Christ, we need to wres- how Jesus would often spend all tle with ourselves and cry after God night in prayer before His mighty even before we until we too have the victory. miracles, I realize that I also need to Just a few days before writing this, ask Jesus to “teach me how to pray.” pray, what’s in I visited Gethsemane and the Mount She says: “Jesus opened His public of Olives—two sites to which I’m mission with fervent prayer. . . . He our most secret also drawn whenever I travel to frequently devoted the entire night Israel. I was again reminded how to prayer just before He was called much I need to learn about prayer. upon to work some mighty miracle. thoughts anyway. When Ellen White calls prayer “the . . . With strong crying and tears He breath of the soul,” she isn’t just poured forth earnest petitions to using a nice poetic metaphor. Rather, God on behalf of humanity” (Signs she means to arrest us by that anal- of the Times, July 24, 1893). when they saw Him, could hardly recog- ogy. Have you ever had the desperate Jesus praying all night before nize Him, His face was so changed by experience of gasping for air? As soon as accomplishing a miracle! I’m always anguish. “As the agony of soul came we’re born we need to start breathing or gripped by His agonizing prayers in upon Him, ‘His sweat was as it were great we die. And without constant breath- Gethsemane. But here we see Him drops of blood falling down to the ing, our lives would abruptly end. As in praying with similar intensity on the ground’” (ibid., p. 689). “The humanity the physical, so in the spiritual. We nights preceding His miracles! This of the Son of God trembled in that trying must breathe to live. And prayer is “the stunned me. Why would Jesus, who is hour. He prayed not now for His disciples breath of the soul.” With Jesus and God, need to pray all night before that their faith might not fail, but for His Hannah and the many others in working miracles? own tempted, agonized soul. The awful Scripture who practiced it, let us engage Here again Ellen White helped me. moment had come . . . which was to daily in this crucial exercise—the deep “As a man,” she said, “[Jesus] suppli- decide the destiny of the world. The fate spiritual breathing of the soul. cated the throne of God till His of humanity trembled in the balance. . . . humanity was charged with a heavenly [Then] the words fall tremblingly from current that should connect humanity the pale lips of Jesus, ‘O my Father, if this Jo Ann Davidson is an assis- with divinity. Through continual com- cup may not pass away from me, except I tant professor of theology at munion He received life from God, drink it, thy will be done.’ . . . Having the Adventist Theological that He might impart life to the made the decision, He fell dying to the Seminary in Berrien Springs, world” (Our Father Cares, p. 135). ground” (ibid., pp. 692, 693). Michigan.

38 (606) ADVENTIST REVIEW, MAY 1999 Valley View (Southern Oregon) June 18, 19 North American Division Camp Upper Columbia (Walla Walla College) June 16-19 Family Fellowship Festival Meeting Schedule for 1999 (Upper Columbia Academy) To Be Announced Hispanic (Walla Walla College) To Be Announced Washington June 17-26 very year Seventh-day New Jersey Spanish June 27-July 3 Hispanic (Auburn Academy) Adventists all over the world Ohio June 13-19 To Be Announced come together for spiritual Pennsylvania June 11-19 Black Convocation (Camp Berachah) renewal at a time determined Potomac English June 22-26 To Be Announced by their local conferences. Potomac Spanish June 30-July 3 ETraditionally we call these camp meet- Paciﬁc Union Conference Lake Union Conference ings, and they are usually held in the Arizona (Prescott) June 11-19 Illinois summer. Of course, we lack the space Spanish June 21-26 Central September 10, 11 Central California To Be Announced to list all of the worldwide camp meet- Hispanic September 3-5 Nevada-Utah (South Lake Tahoe) August 9-14 ings, but we have received the dates of Northern (Broadview Academy) June 11, 12 Nevada-Utah (Springville) June 21-26 those for the North American Southern September 17, 18 Portuguese August 20-22 Division. Plan now to attend your local Indiana (Indiana Academy) June 6-12 Nevada-Utah Convocation camp meeting. A few of these dates Hispanic September 3-6 (Las Vegas) March 19, 20 may change, so check with your pastor Lake Region (Camp Wagner) June 18-26 Northern California July 22-31 as the time gets closer. These dates are Hispanic August 6-14 Southeastern California July 31-August 7 as of March 15, 1999. Michigan Southern California To Be Announced Hispanic (Cedar Falls Conference Center) Atlantic Union Conference (Camp Au Sable, Grayling) May 21-24 Bermuda June 18-June 26 Lower (Cedar Lake) June 16-25 Southern Union Conference Greater New York Upper (Camp Sagola) July 30-August 1 Carolina May 30-June 5 English June 30-July 4 Wisconsin (Camp Go Seek) June 18-27 Florida May 28-June 5 Hispanic July 16-24 Hispanic August 19-22 Georgia-Cumberland May 26-29 Portuguese May 28-31 Gulf States May 24-29 United September 4 Mid-America Union Conference Kentucky-Tennessee May 28-June 5 New York June 25-July 3 Central States June 11-19 South Atlantic June 13-19 Northeastern June 25-July 3 Dakota June 11-19 South Central June 6-12 Hispanic To Be Announced Iowa-Missouri June 1-5 Southeastern June 10-19 Northern New England June 25-July 3 Kansas-Nebraska May 28-June 5 Southern New England June 18-26 Minnesota June 11-19 Southwestern Union Conference Union: Franco-Haitian To Be Announced Native American Arkansas-Louisiana (Gentry) June 1-5 South Dakota (Pine Ridge) To Be Announced Arkansas-Louisiana (Baton Rouge) March 25-27 Canadian Union Conference Rocky Mountain North America Cowboy Alberta July 2-10 Eastern Slope July 9, 10 (Springtown, Arizona) July 7-10 British Columbia July 23-31 Western Slope June 1-5 Oklahoma (Wewoka) July 16-24 Manitoba-Saskatchewan July 2-10 Wyoming July 13-17 Southwest Region (Lone Star Camp, Maritime July 23-August 1 Athens, Texas) June 12-19 Native American North Paciﬁc Union Conference Texas (Fort Worth) April 24 Alberta (Bowden) June 3-8 Alaska (Interior) To Be Announced Asian (Nameless Valley Ranch) July 30, 31 British Columbia (Lytton) July 17-19 Alaska (Palmer) August 10-14 Texas (Pasadena) March 27 British Columbia (Port Hardy) May 21, 22 Alaska (Prince of Wales) To Be Announced Texas (Longview) May 15 British Columbia (Kamloops) May 21-24 Alaska (Vank Island) To Be Announced Texas (Keene) May 28, 29 Newfoundland July 19-24 Idaho June 15-19 Texas (San Antonio) February 27 Ontario July 8-11 Hispanic To Be Announced Texas (Valley/South Padre Island) April 9, 10 Quebec July 13-17 Montana (Mount Ellis Academy) June 23-26 Texas Korean Convocation To Be Announced Native American Texas Spanish June 2-5 Columbia Union Conference Alaska (Dillingham) Past (January 21-23) Texico (Albuquerque) June 8-12 Allegheny East June 24-July 4 Alaska (Nome) Past (January 28-30) Texico Northern (Lake Hopewell) July 16, 17 Allegheny West June 23-27 Oregon Texico El Paso Convocation Chesapeake June 15-19 Gladstone Campground To Be Announced (Nameless Valley Ranch) August 21, 22 Mountain View June 18-26 Hispanic Camp Meeting To Be Announced New Jersey English June 18-26 Portland July 13-17

ADVENTIST REVIEW, MAY 1999 (607) 39 FEATURE

The Other Spring Meeting Six weeks after world church delegates elect a new president, 400 young adult leaders converge on their world headquarters to do some business of their own.

SHOUT TO THE LORD: On April 15 and 16 the BY ANDY NASH General Conference staff turned over morning worships to their young visitors—then wor- “He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the shiped with them. Photo by Erik Stenbakken. children to their fathers; or else I will come and strike the land with a curse.” —the last verse of the Old Testament, NIV

HEY SAY APRIL SHOWERS BRING MAY FLOWERS. Nearly 400 young Adventist leaders from North America and beyond rained down on their world church headquarters just north of Washington, D.C., April 14-17. ConneXions99 was the anticipated follow-up to eXcite98, a Tmassive grassroots young adult gathering held last August at La Sierra University. But if eXcite98’s focus was staying in the church, ConneXions99 was growing it. Participants spent hours creating new ministries (see “Dreaming Dreams”)—and networking with existing ones (see “Coming Together”). Of the 50-plus departments at the headquarters, half hosted SIDE BY SIDE: For many, Thursday afternoon’s 90-minute focus groups with young adults. Some even interviewed young prayer walk was the highlight of the confer- adults for prospective jobs or internships. ence. Here Adrian Nedelcu, Edward Marton, The interaction didn’t stop there. Dozens of General Conference Edward Birjaru, Jean-Luc Chandler, and Esther employees opened their homes to ﬁnancially strained young adults by night T. Alonzo kneel with George Reid (left) and (see “Bed and Breakfast”)—and worshiped with them by day. “It was the Ekkehardt Mueller of Biblical Research. Photo best worship experience in my nine years here,” said one GC employee. by Erik Stenbakken.

40 (608) ADVENTIST REVIEW, MAY 1999 Sabbath worship eXcerpts at nearby Sligo church, however, “This meeting is not symbolic. God has was less involv- brought you here.” ing—no words were —José Rojas, youth/young adult director provided to the for the North American Division, opening praise songs, leav- night ing most of the congregation mute. “We’re everywhere. They don’t know it, And there were but we’re everywhere.” various other disap- —worship leader Clarissa Worley, pointments: the Portland, Oregon, telling how she wit- $250,000 the nessed to one seatmate on a ﬂight, then ConneXions99 core learned that her other seatmate had team had hoped to been praying the whole time. raise preconference never materialized; “They don’t cut me off as much as they neither did the used to.” expected 800 regis- —opening night speaker Sam Leonor, trants. The latter telling how his newly shaved head com- turned out to be mands respect on the Los Angeles fortunate—GC Freeway. Leonor had promised his facilities couldn’t church’s young adults that if they raised have handled 800 $1,000 for new carpeting, he would let visitors. them shave his head. Moreover, the extra auditorium “I’m hitting my ﬁfth wind.” space allowed —London attendee Andrew Evers, at 10:00 onlookers to wit- p.m. opening night (3:00 a.m. his time) ness the most remarkable aspect “Picture this: Steps to Christ—The of the conference: a Album. Desire of Ages—The Tour.” —Darcy Smith, Thousand Oaks, California, proposing ways to get the Adventist message in contemporary Christian music

“The second-highest holiday in satanism is Halloween. The ﬁrst is one’s own birthday.” —Thursday night speaker and former devil worshiper Michael Brazington, of Lincoln, Nebraska

“Actually, it’s going OK.” —General Conference security

“We’ve watched the young adults move from rebellion to apathy to commitment. If we get out of their way, we might not have to worry about Y2K.” —Union College chaplain Rich Carlson, GRIN AND BEAR IT: Among the 300-plus young adults who toured the Ellen G. White one of several “coaches” at Estate was Anne-Marie Fentrecs from Stamford, Connecticut. Here Anne-Marie attempts ConneXions99 to hold a replica of the 18-pound Bible that Ellen White reportedly held, arm out- stretched, for 20 to 30 minutes while in vision. Photo by Erik Stenbakken.

ADVENTIST REVIEW, MAY 1999 (609) 41 The View From Inside Sabbath morning they took over the Sligo church worship. They set new BY WILLIAM G. JOHNSSON records—for the length of the service and the number of microphones used. The world church headquarters will Sabbath afternoon they caught the Metro never be the same. to downtown Washington, D.C., and took For four days we were taken over by over the Mall in front of the Capitol, invit- 400 young adults. They gathered for wor- ing strangers to their spirited Christian ship and planning meetings in the audito- concert of Plan C and Patty Cabrera. That rium. They spilled out over the large com- night they met for a final message in the plex, occupied committee rooms in break- General Conference building and joined in INTERLINKED: At the closing session out groups dreaming and visioning. They a moving act of consecration. Late, late President Jan Paulsen helped distribute formed little clusters bowed in sponta- a 499-piece ConneXions99 puzzle. they crawled into beds, slept a few hours, neous prayer at any hour of the day. They Everyone went home with a piece. then rose and scattered to the four carried cell phones and talked websites. Photo by Erik Stenbakken. winds. For four days we heard their music, lis- Over and over one word goes through tened to their powerful preaching—primarily on the three my head: purity. Purity of love for Jesus. Purity of desire to angels’ messages—felt their energy, basked in their ideal- glorify Him. Purity of passion to serve Him. Purity of Spirit ism. For four days the barriers that separate the young from presence. the old, and the experienced from the novices, fell away, And that Spirit says to me: Step aside and see what I will and we were one. do through these My servants. I am doing a new thing for They walked the building, visited each department and My Adventist people. I am fulfilling My promise to come service to pray with us. Four of them came by the Adventist upon your sons and daughters. As I empowered young peo- Review office—a vice president of the Bank of America, an ple to bring this movement to the birth, so I am coming officer in the U.S. Air Force on assignment to Turkey, a upon them once more to finish what I began. young woman from Panama who teaches in a Catholic school, a trainer for the U.S. Army. We talked and shared William G. Johnsson is editor of the Adventist and prayed together. Review. Over and over they thanked us for letting them in, letting them take over. But we were the ones who had most to give thanks for.

A GOOD CAUSE: Professional vocalist Patty Cabrera donated her time and talents on Sabbath. Everyone—including conference organizers—paid their own travel and registration fees. Photo by Andy Nash.

ON THE HILL: Between concert items Colorado pastor Byard Parks shared a simple gospel presentation with onlookers. Photo by Andy Nash.

42 (610) ADVENTIST REVIEW, MAY 1999 Dreaming Dreams

BY DORIS VINCENT Key to the ConneXions99 agenda were the break-out sessions. After worship Thursday morning, 40 young adults spontaneously lined up at an open microphone and briefly shared their dreams for the Adventist Church. The remaining 380 registrants then clustered around the dream they most resonated with. Among the developing projects: * A sci-fi movie trilogy about the great controversy, proposed by Andrews University senior Chris Wilson. “It’s time,” said group member Eric Pinnock, “for the truth to be put on screen. It’s time that we take the market that the devil has cornered for so long.” * A support ministry for Adventists attending public high schools. “We want to bridge the gap between the ‘first- class’ Adventists who go to academies and the ‘second class’ Adventists who go to public high schools,” said Shawn Zimbrunes. * A multiethnic ministry focused on racial tensions within the Adventist Church. “‘Red and Yellow, Black and White, all are precious in His sight’—it’s what we have learned, but it’s not applied,” says Trini Myers from Loma Linda University. To join these dreams—or share your own—check out the newly launched Connect Network at www.saltyfish.net.

Doris Vincent is a senior communications major at Columbia Union College.

ORGANIZED SPONTANEITY: After hearing 40 dreams, registrants rallied around the one they liked most. Photos by Erik Stenbakken.

series of wild contradictions—up-tempo music and Ellen White, rumpled Xers and starched administrators, the Gospels and the three angels—that, for once, didn’t seem contradictions at all. As for Adventist young adults’ decade-long battle to get their piece of the pie? Arguably, it’s been won—not yet in salaried positions or in committee seats, but in a formidable presence, an ASI-like presence that brings president and publishers to their gatherings. Their faces ﬁnally familiar, this small army now stands strong enough and will undoubt- edly soon be entrusted with their church—just as God has already entrusted them with His kingdom. REPRESENTATIVES: During the Patty Cabrera/Plan C evangelistic The remaining question: What will they do with it? concert at the U.S. Capitol, several young adults struck up reli- Will they hoard it within their own generation? Or will gious discussions. Here Beth Lemkelde, of York, Pennsylvania, visits with out-of-towners Matt and John. “What’s the deal with they, remembering the thrill of ownership, rush to Seventh-day Adventists? What do they believe?” Matt asked. empower the next? Fifteen minutes later—after photogapher Erik Stenbakken had An early indicator. Among the predominantly college joined a conversation about death and resurrection—the four and postcollege crowd sat 15 Adventist high school stu- prayed together. Photo by Erik Stenbakken.

ADVENTIST REVIEW, MAY 1999 (611) 43 Coming Together

BY LAUREN PERVIS

It began with a question. “How can we make women’s ministries more appealing to young women?” asked Mary Maxson, director of North American Division women’s ministries. “We want to hear your ideas,” added Lynnetta Hamstra, associate director of General Conference women’s ministries. The combined women’s ministries focus group (attended by 18 women) was just one of nearly 30 offered as part of ConneXions99. According to their interests, registrants could choose to dialog with ADRA or Global Mission, Presidential or the White Estate. Participants at the women’s ministries group suggested, among other SKY’S THE LIMIT: Nearly things, a self-help radio every General Conference show, a big sisters’ pro- committee room had a gram, and a website that young adult presence. Photo by Andy Nash. would help match young women with mentors. “More came than I expected,” said Maxson. “There was a lot WHAT IF . . . : ConneXions99 registrants brainstorm with women’s more energy and ideas than ministry leaders. Photo by Lauren Pervis. I expected, too. The Lord’s running ahead of us.” Lauren Pervis is a sophomore communications major at Columbia Union College.

Of the 400 young adults attend- Bed and Breakfast ing conneXions99, more than 100 stayed in the homes of General BY SHALINI J. SELVARAJ Conference employees. (Others stayed at area motels, nearby New Cinnamon rolls, anyone? Hope church, or other nooks and It’s 9:00 Sabbath morning, day four crannies of Silver Spring, of ConneXions99, and Linda Tatum Maryland.) Lapham is putting the ﬁnishing touches “I’ve enjoyed their company in on breakfast. One by one her four GANG’S ALL HERE: A mother of two collegians, my home,” says Linda, an admin- guests make their way into the dining Linda Tatum Lapham and husband Steve welcomed istrative secretary in the North room. Kuddles, the Laphams’ dog, (from left to right) Heather Korgan, Chris Bullock, American Division. “And having greets each one. James Irwin, and Brenda Korgan into their spare the young adults in the GC com- bedrooms. Kuddles slept on the ﬂoor. Photo by Chris Bullock, James Irwin, and plex—feeling their energy and Shalini J. Selvaraj. Brenda and Heather Korgan are mem- worshiping with them—has been bers of the Greeley, Colorado, church. a great experience.” With the extra funds saved from their last mission trip to Honduras, they were able to afford their cross-country road Shalini J. Selvaraj is a junior public trip. “I did most of the driving, got a speeding ticket, and hit relations major at Columbia Union College. a groundhog,” says Heather. “But God brought us here safe- ly and ready to do His work.”

44 (612) ADVENTIST REVIEW, MAY 1999 A British Perspective

ANDY NASH INTERVIEWS DAVE NEAL, YOUTH PASTOR AT S TANBOROUGH P ARK CHURCH, NEAR L ONDON, ENGLAND

What did you expect from this conference and what did you find? I expected—and found—a lot of grassroots youth who wanted to take ownership of their church. My picture of Adventist youth work had been of its being led by official youth directors. This was different. This was led by the youth themselves. You brought three British young adults with you. What were their impressions? They were obviously proud of the physical fabric of this place. I have to say, though, that they’ve had to make a bit of a culture adjustment. They’re very cognitive, and some of the emotions running through worship and the preaching at times—it almost repelled them. But they have a very mature approach. They say it’s OK for this setting. CHECKING IT OUT: Dave Neal What’s the retention rate in England? How many stay in church? Among Anglos, it’s 50 percent. Among Caribbeans, it’s about 65 percent. What are the youth/young adult issues there? The primary issues are ownership, grace versus legalism, and a longing for a warmer climate in our churches. Most British youth are not at all confident in the mission and message of Adventism. The focus of the main sessions here was the three angels’ messages. Did that surprise you? It did surprise me, and I was encouraged by it. It says that North American Adventists want to be faithful to their roots. Was this the first time you’ve seen a worship in which electric guitars were played and the three angels’ messages were preached? Yes, it was—and it encourages me greatly because I think there’s a connotation between electric guitars and grace, grace, grace, and nothing else. Other lasting impressions? North American youth really want to listen to what the Holy Spirit is saying to them. I picked that up very earnestly and want to learn from it. They seem to be expecting something great to happen.

HAPPY TO BE HERE: Another Brit, 20-year-old Simone Pyle, cleared her savings account to ﬂy from London to Baltimore.

WHAT’S OUR MISSION? Urging that we dents—special invitees to ConneXions99. “We really want keep sharing the three angels’ messages, to begin mentoring the generation beneath us,” said Shasta seminary student Shane Anderson was one Burr, 22-year-old coordinator. “We want to support and of seven main speakers. He also directed encourage them.” programming. “It was a very good choice to They say April showers bring May ﬂowers. have ConneXions99 here,” he says. “We as young adults tend to have real problems with institutionalism. We thought that if Andy Nash is assistant editor of the Adventist people could come here and get a positive Review. feel for the institution, we’d be way ahead in the game.” Photo by Erik Stenbakken.

ADVENTIST REVIEW, MAY 1999 (613) 45 REFLECTIONS A Mother’s Inﬂuence BY MICHAEL COE

t was Mother’s Day, and I was walking around the mall it. It was that love that made a seemingly insignificant pur- trying to find the perfect gift—but it could not be found. chase into something wonderful. But that’s not all. A moth- I had to find that special something that would let my er’s influence molds the family members and puts traits into mother know how much I cared their souls that spread like wildfire for her and appreciated her. I when they leave home. Just like the Iwanted to buy a painting or a sculp- spider plant that extends its influ- ture or something really expensive. Of ence all over the country with its course, it didn’t help that it had to be babies, so a mother diffuses her influ- purchased on a 12-year-old’s budget. ence with love for her family. I have After my usual 30 minutes of learned so many good things from looking, I was worn out with the my mother: how to love, how to stay shopping experience, and then I saw cheerful in the face of adversity, and it—The Plant. There was this tiny, how to overcome obstacles. I gained pathetic-looking spider plant in one my love of music from her, and I’ve of the stores that had just the right caught her insatiable optimism. price tag. So I bought it and took it God’s love acts much the same home. And you know what? My way. In fact, His love was the blue- mother loved it. She nursed that print for moms everywhere. He sickly creature into a beautiful thriv- teaches us the right way to do ing metropolis of tiny spider babies. Each one was bursting things and expects nothing in return but our happiness with its own potential to breed new plants. and admiration. I have learned that mothers don’t expect Spider babies in paper cups started popping up all over continual showers of affirmation from their kids—just that our house. All of the windowsills were invaded by fledgling we show them we love them occasionally with a big plants. Meanwhile, the mother plant had grown to immense thank-you or a hug. proportions, and my mother decided that it was time to cut It’s funny to think that such a small purchase was able to back. The spider plant and its babies were taking over our produce so much happiness. If I had been able to buy my home. However, my mother couldn’t bring herself to throw mother a $60,000 BMW that she would have loved, it away all of those healthy little spiders, since they were dear would not have had the same effect. That plant produced to her heart, so she decided to give them away. Every living enjoyment for hundreds of people, and it was under $10. I member of my family got a baby—or several babies—from didn’t have to spend a fortune to show her how much I that mother plant, and so did my mother’s friends. She gave loved her, and she turned the plant into something signifi- them as gifts and as souvenirs to people who visited our fam- cant and beautiful for free. ily. The mother plant had nursed hundreds of babies into That plant still thrives at home with spider babies existence, and they were spreading over the country—all streaming from it. When I move into my new home this the way to Alaska. coming October with my bride, I’m sure we’ll be offered spi- Then we started to get phone calls from people telling us der babies to nurture and watch grow. And the principles how they had given away babies from their plants, and their learned from this experience will fill our own home with friends had given more away. We probably could get into love that grows and gives pleasure. the Guinness Book of World Records for the continuous

ISC spreading of one plant. D Michael Coe is an administrative assistant for the Isn’t it just like a mother to turn that little insigniﬁcant HOTO Adventist Development and Relief Agency baby plant into the magniﬁcent organism that it still is © P (ADRA), located in Silver Spring, Maryland. today, 12 years later? All that plant needed besides water HOTO

P and sunlight was the nurturing care of a mother who loved

ADVENTIST REVIEW, MAY 1999 (615) 47