March 14, 2013 Vol. 190, No. 7

www.adventistreview.org

March 14, 2013

Prisoners of Fear 7 Dies at 80 11 Do I Need a Gun? 24

It Starts Here What happens when toddlers go to school?

“Behold, I come quickly . . .” Our mission is to uplift Jesus Christ by presenting stories of His

Devotional matchless love, news of His present workings, help for knowing Him better, and hope in His soon return. she tucked him in at night, he’d tell her all the fun stories from his school days playing with his comrade. In the morn- ings when he got up, he was excited to go back to school because he knew his friend was going to be there. One day she arrived at the school earlier than usual to pick up her son. He saw her at the door and came running, as children often do when they catch a glimpse of Mom. He gave her a hug and then immediately pointed across the room so that he could show her who his new friend was. “He’s right there!” he said, beaming and pointing. “Which one?” she asked, perplexed as she followed his tiny finger into a sea of children. “The kid in the red shirt!” When her eyes landed on her child’s friend, she couldn’t help smiling. In a 18 22 11 6 eyeS COVER FEATURE ARTICLES RedDEPARTMENTS EDITORIALS 18 It Starts Here 2 2 Red Shirt 4 Letters Shirt 6 Bill Knott By HEATHER had a student in the English class I class with 25 or so children, every child Wilona Karimabadi HeatTHOMPSON-DAher Thompson-y wasD teachingay at a community col- in her son’s room was White except her Reclaiming the Library lege a couple years ago tell me the son’s best friend, who was wearing a most beautiful story. I was talking 7 redPage shirt. In a room 7 in which all but one for There are all kindsto ofthem waysabout my life growing up shared the same skin tone, her son Ias a biracial child. For me, the combin- could not think of a single characteristic 7 Stephen Chavez toddlers? Why not? to describe eaching other. of two different cultures has been that would identify his friend to his precious. I have never had any real con- 8 motherWorld from the other News children in& the Prisoners of Fear fusion about who I was or where I room, except for his red shirt. belonged. I grew up with both my Black Perspectives 2 4 Do I Need a Gun?father and White mother, who loved Identifying Me Claude Richli each other dearly. There really was not When my student told me that story, I much room for confusion, because I wasGive moved. There & is Take a reason that Christ knew them both, loved them both, and 13 said that in order to enter the kingdom The question ofknew self- that they loved me. of heaven, we would first need to My student’s story was about her son. become like children. Children are pre- defense is a comHe- had been attending his first year 14of cious.GLOW Children don’t Stories hate until they are school and often came home raving to first taught hate. plicated one. his mother about his new friend. When There are a lot of things Jesus could 15 Searching the Obvious 22 (214) | www.AdventistReview.org | March 14, 2013 2 8 Introducing the Why

2 9 Etc.

31 Reflections Next Week ON THE COVER Beyond Belief Sabbath school isn’t just for We used to say, “Once an big kids. The younger they Adventist, always an Advent- start, the more they receive. ist.” New research indicates Cover photo by Merle Poirier. that may no longer be true.

Publisher General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists®, Executive Publisher Bill Knott, Associate Publisher Claude Richli, Publishing Board: Ted N. C. Wilson, chair; Benjamin D. Schoun, vice chair; Bill Knott, secretary; Lisa Beardsley-Hardy; Daniel R. Jackson; Robert Lemon; Geoffrey Mbwana; G. T. Ng; Daisy Orion; Juan Prestol; Michael Ryan; ; Mark Thomas; Karnik Doukmetzian, legal adviser. Editor Bill Knott, Associate Editors Lael Caesar, Gerald A. Klingbeil, Coordinating Editor Stephen Chavez, Online Editor Carlos Medley, Features Editor Sandra Blackmer, Young Adult Editor Kimberly Luste Maran, KidsView Editor Wilona Karimabadi, News Editor Mark A. Kellner, Operations Manager Merle Poirier, Financial Manager Rachel Child, Editorial Assistant Marvene Thorpe-Baptiste, Assistant to the Editor Gina Wahlen, Quality Assurance/Social Media Coordinator Jean Boonstra, Marketing Director Claude Richli, Editor-at-Large Mark A. Finley, Senior Advisor E. Edward Zinke, Art Director Bryan Gray, Design Daniel Añez, Desktop Technician Fred Wuerstlin, Ad Sales Glen Gohlke, Subscriber Services Steve Hanson. To Writers: Writer’s guidelines are available at the Web site: www.adventistreview.org and click “About the Review.” For a printed copy, send a self-addressed en- velope to: Writer’s Guidelines, Adventist Review, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904-6600. E-mail: [email protected]. Web site: www.adventistreview.org.Postmaster: Send address changes to Adventist Review, 55 West Oak Ridge Drive, Hagerstown, MD 21740-7301. Unless otherwise noted, Bible texts in this issue are from theHoly Bible, New International Version. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Unless otherwise noted, all photos are © Thinkstock 2013.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 36 times a year on the second, third, and fourth Thursdays of each month by the Review and Herald® Publishing Association, 55 West Oak Ridge Drive, Hagerstown, MD 21740. Periodical postage paid at Hagerstown, MD 21740. Copyright © 2013, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists®. PRINTED IN THE U.S.A. Vol. 190, No. 7

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www.AdventistReview.org | March 14, 2013 | (195) 3 Taking the Hint It seems to me that God »» I appreciated Andrew cut the template for that McChesney’s article “Taking approach when He fashioned inbox the Hint” (Jan. 24, 2013). The the Ten Commandments. The Letters From Our Readers lesson he shares is based on first four define “spiritual the biblical principle that it morality”—a citizen’s rela- is a sin to tempt or influence tionship to religion, if he or others to sin. Jesus Himself she chooses to have such a have to know that Someone made this very plain in relationship. Here civil gov- like that would never do any- Luke 17:1, 2. ernments should not intrude thing to harm me, much less As the author implies, this except as necessary to safe- send me to an eternally principle is often violated by guard those freedoms. The burning hell. I’m so glad we the adoption of provocative last six commandments know the end of the story as worldly styles of dress. But define “civil morality”— Revelation tells us. God wins, another area of concern is those that preserve the lives and I want to be on His side. the advertising done by the and well-being of all citizens, Pauline N. Pierson immoral gambling, alcohol, religious and secular. If civil Only Adventist Collegedale, Tennessee tobacco, and theatrical enter- governments do not enforce »»The January 24 article by tainment interests. As con- just laws here, the result is Grenville Kent, “Listening to Tried and True, scientious Christians we anarchy. Atheists,” sums up the main Old and New shouldn’t be involved in any Some might say that the reason I couldn’t be anything »»I appreciated Sandra Black- way with the promotion or commandment against cov- other than an Adventist. It’s mer’s editorial “Tried and production of advertising for eting cannot be regulated by not hard to see why so many True” (Jan. 24, 2013). I iden- these morally degenerate civil law since it is a sin of Christians are leaving their tify with her not adapting businesses. the mind. Even that com- churches and becoming readily to change. I also drive Leonard Lang mandment, however, can atheists. I would too if I an older Honda, slightly Newcastle, Wyoming influence laws dealing with

January 17, 2013 believed the common “Chris- younger than hers, but with Vol. 190, No. 2 fraud, overreaching in busi-

January 17, 2013 tian” belief in life after death 398,000 miles. It has never www.adventistreview.org ness, unjust discrimination, 7 A Wave and a Greeting

Religiously Unaffiliated 8 Swell Worldwide 26 and an eternally burning left me stranded, and has Divine Assassin? etc. hell. I could never love or required minimal repair. Lee Roy Holmes Religious Freedom in Kettle Falls, Washington respect a God like that. Those of us who don’t make the United I realize there are a lot of a lot of money, but still want States IS one of January 10, 2013 flaws in our people, myself to be faithful in tithe and the most Vol. 190, No. 1 fundamentalS freedom r January 10, 2013 unde attack? www.adventistreview.org included. I have been an support for various church Ordination Study 8 Committee Named Willing to Be Led 15 27 Adventist all my life and ministries, can do so by God’s Peddler don’t know of one member denying our desire for new Religious Freedom What Is a

Mystic?Seeking hip of my family who hasn’t been toys and clothes. in America companionS with Christ hurt emotionally, or in other I too want to see our »»I found Nicholas P. Miller’s ways, by someone in the church utilize new technol- brief historical sketch of the church. After all, why would ogy as well as continue pol- various viewpoints regard- Satan try to discourage peo- ishing the “tried and true” ing church and state rela- ple who are not attempting and using them to spread the tions (“Religious Freedom in What Is a Mystic? to follow the truth of the gospel. If more people would America,” Jan. 17, 2013) to be »»This is just a note to thank Bible? . . . put the Lord’s work first, very helpful. Positioning you for publishing Eric There are other reasons, there would be a huge differ- with the “dissent- Anderson’s article on mysti- too, for my love of the Ad- ence in the funds that went ing Protestants” and coun- cism (see “What Is a Mystic?” ventist Church. Our Sabbath into ministry versus per- seling us to support govern- Jan. 10, 2013). I never rest is wonderful, . . . then sonal desires. ment involvement in “civil expected to see such a thing, there is the health message. Tim Arner morality” while opposing its in view of my experience of Most of all, when I think of Knoxville, Tennessee promotion of “spiritual the deep negativity toward my Best Friend, Jesus, ago- morality” makes sense. nizing on the cross for me, I

4 (196) | www.AdventistReview.org | March 14, 2013 Christian mysticism in Sev- enth-day Adventist churches. I was especially pleased to I’m so glad we know the end of the story as Revelation see the references to the tells us. God wins, and I want to be on His side. Ellen White comments Anderson selected, Evelyn “ —pauline N. pierson, Collegedale, Tennessee Underhill (who may not be found in Internet sources), ” and C. S. Lewis. I liked the should be received as learn. Anyone who examines Steve R. Morris’ article “My whole article, especially the granted is surrounded with a the library of Ellen White can Father Sang to Me” (Jan. 17) last two paragraphs. . . . I cloud of mysticism. Nothing see a similar openness to is a photo of hope this is not the last thing stands out in clear and dis- learning from the insights of another one of you write on the subject! tinct lines, upon rock bot- other Christians. I just pray our authors, Lynn P. Hartzler tom. This is one of the that the “chosen” of today Larry Yeagley. Sacramento, California marked signs of the last can, along with their doctri- Here is a photo days” (Selected Messages, nal faithfulness, exhibit a of Morris. S. R. Morris »»I looked up the word “mys- book 1, p. 15). similar humility, grace, and South Eng- ticism” in response to the May the truth always openness. I think this was a land Conference president recent article from Eric stand clear! very important article at a Samuel Davis is the speaker Anderson. If you do a search Bob Stewart critical time, and I deeply mentioned in the caption in E. G. White’s writings, you via e-mail appreciate the Review’s can- with the bottom photo on will find that “mysticism” is dor and courage in serving page 10 of the February 14 generally used as leading a »»Eric Anderson’s article Christ and His church. Review, not Pastor Ian Swee- person away from God’s spoke to the whole issue in a Nicholas Miller ney. Our apolo- truth, not in leading them positive, biblically informed, Berrien Springs, Michigan gies for these closer. Ellen White-influenced, and errors. Mystics and mysticism personally experiential way. The Place of have been around a long I was very moved by it. I plan a Servant time. It came out of the study to share his article regularly Hooray for Jimmy Phillips »» S. davis of Plato leading those follow- with my students and others and his article “The Place of a ers who were Christians to who ask questions about Servant” (Jan. 10, 2013)! His go into monasteries to spirituality, mysticism, and eloquent description of become the first Christian related issues. I want to doing what we don’t feel like mystics. Anderson is blur- thank Anderson for writing doing when people annoy us We welcome your letters, noting, ring the edges so that one such a thoughtful and per- reminds me of the gospel as always, that inclusion of a letter cannot see between good and sonally revealing piece, and song that goes something in this section does not imply that evil. to thank the Adventist like “to put my human the ideas expressed are endorsed by Read the following quote Review team for giving prom- nature down, and let the either the editors of the Adventist from Ellen White: “Spiritual inence to a piece that will Spirit take control of all I do Review or the General Conference. darkness has covered the run counter to some unfor- . . .” Not easy. Short, specific, timely letters have earth and gross darkness the tunate prejudices against I am very proud of our the best chance at being published people. There are in many learning from other Chris- magazine and the variety of (please include your complete churches skepticism and tians that can be found in views expressed in it. address and phone number—even infidelity in the interpreta- certain Adventist circles. Phyllis E. DeLise with e-mail messages). Letters will tion of the Scriptures. Many, In a number of instances New Port Richey, Florida be edited for space and clarity only. very many, are questioning Christ held up the faith of Send correspondence to Letters to the verity and truth of the Gentile outsiders, including Corrections the Editor, Adventist Review, 12501 Scriptures. Human reason- the Syrophoenician woman »»We’ve published two Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD ing and the imaginings of and the Roman centurion, as errors related to photos. The 20904-6600; Internet: letters@ the human heart are under- models of spirituality from photo that accompanied adventistreview.org. mining the inspiration of the which the “chosen” could Word of God, and that which

www.AdventistReview.org | March 14, 2013 | (197) 5 Editorials Reclaiming the Library “A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines.”—Emerson. [DISCLAIMER 1: The citation of a justly famous proverb by Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882), the celebrated Unitarian clergyman and Transcendentalist, does not mean that I endorse all that Emerson ever wrote or thought or preached. I simply like the proverb and find it useful, especially in these com- bative times.] Emerson’s bon mot has been quoted by a century and a half of college English, religion, and philosophy teachers—yes, at Adventist colleges, too—who have been trying to crack the intellectual tundra that often accompanies the adolescent mind, hoping some new, green idea might emerge and even flower. Origi- nally intended to cleverly skewer reactionary politicians, pedants, and preachers, his witticism has become a cultural warning of the dangers of the unsupple mind, the rigid and fearful consistency that Bill insists on rolling the marble down the same groove, time after time. Had he been more daring, Emerson Knott might have pointed to the work of his friend and sometime tenant Henry David Thoreau, the Transcen- dentalist who memorably chastised government, consumerism, and militarism. Thoreau also mentored at a distance of the developing ideas of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr. [DISCLOSURE 1: I have read extensively in Thoreau’s works, spending some of the happiest hours of my youth walking the muddy path around his beloved Walden Pond, and admiring the countercultural “A tiny minority man who called respectable Victorian America to “Simplify, simplify” (Walden, 1854). His volumes, fre- quently dusted off, are some of those I would rush to save should fire strike my library.] of Adventists [DISCLAIMER 2: Much as I admire the willingness of Thoreau to counter the acquisitiveness of his age (“A man is rich in proportion to the number of things which he can afford to let alone”), I cannot make him into a is now wielding Christian, or allow the impression to linger in a hundred little minds that I endorse everything he wrote.] Yet Emerson and Thoreau must have winced when fellow Concord resident and author Nathaniel Haw- unwarranted thorne took up his pen to mock the pretentiousness of Transcendentalist thought in a redux version of Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress that he cleverly titled “The Celestial Railroad.” influence on [DISCLOSURE 2: Nathaniel Hawthorne’s 1843 6,700-word short story, deemed “a most happy expo- sure of the inconsistencies of popular religion,” was so prized by Review and Herald founder and editor the church’s James White that it was almost continuously offered for sale in booklet or tract form on the back page of this magazine in his lifetime.] educational, The tortured shape of this editorial is a grim illustration of the fact that a tiny minority of Adventists is now wielding unwarranted influence on the church’s educational, pastoral, and publishing ministries pastoral, and by stoutly insisting that no reputable thought leader should read, own, or cite from a book by a non- Adventist author. They have invaded pastors’ offices, disrupted worship services, and left a trail of litter publishing across a smattering of Web sites. Their position is clearly wrong, for by their test none of the church’s founders, including Ellen White ministries.” herself, should have any credibility. The libraries of Ellen and James White, , J. N. Andrews, John Loughborough, and every major Adventist officer or thought leader since the mid-nineteenth cen- tury have been filled with volumes by non-Adventist authors, well read and frequently dusted off. It is precisely Adventism’s engagement with the ideas, opinions, beliefs, and philosophies of the age that make this movement’s faith statements so compelling and ultimately victorious. We are winning the contest of ideas—which, of course, requires that we know what others are thinking. Weary of the soulless ideologies and isms of the contemporary world, millions of men and women around the globe are turn- ing to the clearly biblical and rational ideas on which our faith rests. Now is no time to allow the well-intentioned but misguided fringes of this movement to distract us from the mission given us by Jesus, even when their anti-intellectualism is cloaked in memorized and repeated pieties. The faith of Jesus has always been—and should always be—a robust, resilient, and engaging faith that does not hesitate to understand the ideas around us, but tests them all by the clear and timeless Word of God. [DISCLOSURE 3: This magazine, for 164 years the journal of literate Adventism, will not be intimidated by those too fearful to read.] n

6 (198) | www.AdventistReview.org | March 14, 2013 Prisoners of Fear Until recently members of our editorial staff took turns posting items on the Adventist Review’s Facebook page for a week at a time. Coincidentally, in 2012 I was asked to monitor our Facebook account during the weeks just prior to Easter and Christmas. I know some Adventists see red every time they read the words “Easter” and “Christmas,” so I was careful not to use those words. Instead, I used terms such as “Christ’s death and resurrec- tion,” and “Christ’s birth.” I know that Christ wasn’t likely born in December, and I know that pagan practices have been connected with both events. Still, the vehemence of the posts from our “friends” who objected to the very notion that we should join other Christians in commemorating these significant events surprised me. The infer- ence seemed to be: “Don’t call us Christians; we’re Adventists!” I know some like to entertain the fantasy that our movement sprang out of some vacuum, and that before Seventh-day Adventists arrived, was apostate and infected with all kinds Stephen of pagan beliefs and practices. In fact, our movement is part of a progression of 2,000 years of Chavez Christian history—some good, some bad—that’s left us centuries of tradition (the good kind) from those who have faithfully transmitted “the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people” (Jude 3). I feel bad for Adventists whose fear of being deceived leads them to view fellow Christians only with suspicion and suggest that because they aren’t Adventists and they commemorate Christ’s birth and resurrection they’re somehow deceived. In countries of the world in which Christianity is the predominant religion, the weeks leading up to the observance of Christ’s birth, His death, and His resurrection are prime opportunities to share our faith, not our fears. n

A House for God One home; five historical events in Adventism. 1852 1853 returns to Palmer Hiram S. Case and C. P. Russell are home and converts M. E. Cornell, rebuked by Ellen White in the Palmer who later converts John P. Kellogg, home for accusations against a woman father of . in the company. They defect and begin the Messenger party, the first Seventh- day Adventist offshoot movement. 1858 While at the Palmer home on March 16, two days after receiving a vision on the great 1854 controversy, Ellen White is struck A council meeting is held in with severe paralysis, leaving her the Palmer home, and there incapacitated. It takes six months DAN R. PALMER is a decision to purchase an to write what she has seen. White First convert of evangelistic tent—Adventism’s is later shown that the illness was Joseph Bates in first in Michigan. Cornell a direct attack by Satan so the Michigan in 1849 (the converted minister from vision could not be shared. 1852) left immediately for New A prayer meeting is held in the home just before York to make the purchase. James and Ellen White leave on a train bound for 1854 Wisconsin. Shortly after leaving the station, it derails, injuring many, but the Whites are unharmed. World News & Perspectives

physical, emotional, or spiritual, as well as assisting in disaster relief on the island of Sumatra after the 2004 tsunami. “We are grateful for the opportunity to contribute in this country,” he said. The Seventh-day Adventist Church operates a number of facilities that help the Indonesian people, including Adventist hospitals in Bandung, Bandar Lampung, Manado and Medan. The church also operates 372 schools and three universities in Indonesia. “We hope to help the people of Indo- nesia to solve a number of problems. God understands what is best for our lives,” Wilson concluded. During his visit, Wilson helped inau- gurate a new wing of the Manado U nion I ndonesian : W est P hotos Adventist Hospital on February 15. The PRESIDENTIAL MEETING: General Conference president Pastor Ted N. C. Wilson, left, greets President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono of Indonesia, at the Halim Perdanakusuma new three-story facility, which first Air Base, near the capital of Jakarta, on February 12, 2013. Wilson expressed gratitude to opened in 2008, provides an additional President Yudhoyono for the religious liberty granted in Indonesia, and pledged the help 55 beds. of Seventh-day Adventists in the nation. At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the governor of the North Sulawesi Prov- ■■SOUTHERN ASIA-PACIFIC ince, Sinyo Harry Sarundayang, said the additional facility was a response to pri- Wilson Meets Indonesia’s mary health development goals of President Yudhoyono, increasing longevity, reducing the infant mortality rate, and reducing the Praises Religious Freedom prevalence of malnutrition. “Optimizing private hospitals is our Pledges cooperation to help people in need priority,” Sarundayang said. “Manado By MARK A. KELLNEr, news editor Adventist Hospital is a representation of strengthening community health “It is an honor for us to be able to be in mately 250,000 baptized members in resources and becomes the right answer Indonesia and a good experience to meet the nation, whose majority population to continuous development of welfare,” with the president to share the views of is Muslim. he said. the Seventh-day Adventist Church in “We are grateful for the opportunity The provincial government pledged helping the people,” Ted N. C. Wilson, to contribute in this country, and I am US$400,000 for radio-diagnostic equip- president of the General Conference of grateful to the president for the reli- ment and a new ambulance unit. Seventh-day Adventists, said to reporters gious freedom granted to groups in The hospital has grown to employ after an audience with President Susilo Indonesia,” Wilson added. 265 people, up from 25 employees when Bambang Yudhoyono at the Halim Per- “It’s amazing to hear that Indonesia it opened five years ago. danakusuma Air Base near the capital of is a country with the second-highest On February 13 Wilson visited Ban- Jakarta, on February 12, 2013. economic growth. But President Yud- dung Adventist Hospital, which is Wilson is visiting Indonesia as part of hoyono is also aware of the need to do located about 90 miles southeast of celebrations of more than a century of more things for his people,” Wilson Jakarta, and considered one of the top Seventh-day Adventist work in the explained. The General Conference pres- hospitals in West Java. Founded in 1950, country. There are 1,547 Adventist con- ident said the church is committed to it now has 230 beds and employs 700 gregations in Indonesia, and approxi- help in various ways, whether social, people. A new $7 million building

8 (200) | www.AdventistReview.org | March 14, 2013 facility was inaugurated last year. Wilson also visited Indonesian Adventist University in Bandung, which was first opened in 1929. He helped to dedicate ground for the construction of a new science center, and later addressed an assembly in the universi- ty’s Alumni Center. “You are an important part of the worldwide Adventist education pro- cess,” Wilson told a group of 2,000 fac- ulty, staff, and students. “You may seek knowledge of science and philosophy and all other bodies of knowledge, but remember that the foundation of all true knowledge is the knowledge of God,” he said. The Adventist Church also operates hospitals in Bandar Lampung and HOSPITAL INAUGURATION: Nancy Wilson, left, joined her husband, Ted N. C. Wilson, at Medan. the dedication of a new wing for Manado Adventist Hospital. At right is the Honorable Sinyo Harry Sarundajang, governor of North Sulawesi province in Indonesia. Wilson was joined on the trip by his wife, Nancy; Alberto Gulfan, president of the Adventist Church’s Southern Union; Noldy Sakul, president of the is an Adventist Church member. n Asia-Pacific Division; Joseph Perangi- East Indonesia Union; and T. B. Silalahi, —with information from local media nangin, president of the West Indonesia a retired Army lieutenant general who reports and Adventist News Network

■■NORTH AMERICA Adventist Schools, Security Leaders, Unite to Keep Campuses Safe PASS group to hold conference in July 2013 By KERI SUAREZ, media relations specialist, , writing from Berrien Springs, Michigan

As national debates intensify over directors of Oakwood Adventist Univer- When Dale Hodges became the direc- how to effectively safeguard our educa- sity, Southern Adventist University, tor of the Office of Campus Safety at tional institutions against future acts of Andrews University, and Loma Linda Andrews University, he was concerned violence, Professional Adventists for University, as well as the directors of about the negative perceptions that had Safety and Security (PASS) is preparing security at ADRA, the General Confer- developed between students and cam- for their third annual meeting, to be ence of Seventh-day Adventists, and pus safety. The term “veggie cop,” a held in July 2013. PASS was organized in the Review and Herald Publishing slang term commonly used in Adventist 2010 to bring together safety and secu- Association. settings to refer to safety or security rity professionals serving at Seventh- For years there were discussions professionals, was new to Hodges. As a day Adventist schools, hospitals, and about the need to establish an organiza- retired homicide detective, Hodges other institutions to discuss best prac- tion that would connect the various wanted to repair any negative percep- tices, provide community resources, safety and security departments at tions while building the professional- and maintain an Adventist network of Adventist institutions. Although there ism of his office. security personnel to allow the distri- was an acknowledged need for commu- “It was my desire to establish stan- bution of important information. nication between the different entities, dards of service and levels of profes- To date, there has been active involve- attempts to form a professional network sionalism that had not been seen ment in PASS from campus security never moved beyond preliminary stages. before,” he says, hoping such improve-

www.AdventistReview.org | March 14, 2013 | (201) 9 World News & Perspectives

counterparts were also retired law enforcement or active members of their local law enforcement communities with a diver- sified knowledge base and experience to share. “It’s my desire that this association will bring a level of professionalism across the board to all Adventist entities, so we’re all providing similar ser- vices in a professional manner,” says Hodges. “Setting the bar, so to speak.” During its second annual meeting in 2012, PASS adopted an official constitution and bylaws in addition to laying out sev- eral goals. One goal is the

y photo U niversit A ndrews development of a Web SECURITY FOCUS: PASS officers. Back row, left to right: Lewis Eakins, vice president (chief of the Oak- page under the umbrella wood University Police Department); Melvin Harris, sergeant at arms (captain of the Oakwood Universi- of the General Conference ty Police Department); Dale Hodges, president (director of the Office of Campus Safety, Andrews Univer- of Seventh-day Adventists. sity). Front row, left to right: James Vines, General Conference director at large (director of Security and Safety for the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists); Blaise Adams, secretary (office manager, This Web site will allow Campus Safety, Southern Adventist University); Paul Muniz, chaplain (director of Agency Safety and PASS to provide its mem- Security for ADRA); Brian Worden, treasurer (foreman for Plant Services, Review and Herald Publishing bers with resources of Association). working policies and guidelines for emergency ments would eliminate negative percep- management that include requirements tions. “When we raise the standards, published by the Department of Home- everybody wins.” land Security and the Department of Hodges felt the best way to raise stan- Education. Other goals include the dards, both at Andrews and other development of a peer review team to Adventist institutions, was to develop evaluate the security services of institu- an organization to provide models and tions at their request and suggest possi- lists of best practices for safety and ble improvements; the collection of a security offices in the Adventist com- database for persons or things of inter- munity. During the summer of 2010 est; and recommendations for Clery Act Hodges contacted his counterparts at compliance and adherence to NFPA, y U niversit oma L inda

various Adventist colleges and institu- y L OSHA, and EPA regulations and guide- tions to see whether there was interest lines within our institutions. in forming such an organization. The The 2013 PASS conference is sched- response was overwhelming. Some courtes P hoto uled for July 15-16, 2013, at Loma Linda departments committed to attending CONFERENCE ORGANIZER: Suzy Douma, University. For information on attend- the meetings, and those that could not a retired police captain, is director of secu- ing, contact Dale Hodges, current PASS rity at . She is orga- stated their support. Meeting dates and nizing this year’s meeting of the Profes- president and director of the Andrews an agenda were set and the rest fell into sional Adventists for Safety and Security, University Office of Campus Safety, at place. Hodges learned that many of his scheduled for July 15-16. [email protected]. n

10 (202) | www.AdventistReview.org | March 14, 2013 ■■NORTH AMERICA Morris Venden, Noted Adventist Preacher, Author, Dies at 80 Ministered to generations, had wide influence By JAY WINTERMEYER, Upper Columbia Conference, reporting from College Place, Wash.

Morris L. Venden, well-known husband, father, Seventh- the consummate statesman, Morrie was deeply respected day Adventist preacher, teacher, and author, passed to his and admired everywhere he served,” he added. rest Sunday evening, February 10, 2013. Venden was 80 years Along with writing more than 30 books about Jesus, Ven- old and died following a 10-year battle with frontotemporal den was a widely sought-after speaker and has been dementia, or FTD, a compara- described as a master of the art tively rare form of dementia. of preaching, and most of all, His wife, Marilyn; one son, Lee, someone who loved Jesus. and his wife, Marji; two “His books were like an daughters, Lynn and LuAnn oasis of fresh spirituality. They Venden; three grandchildren, uplifted Christ, not just keep- Kris, Lindsey, and Mark; one ing the Sabbath and keeping brother, Louis, and Louis’ wife, the law,” said Ovidiu Rad- Margie, survive. ulescu, a pastor now living in During his ministry Ven- Arkansas, who in Communist den pastored several large Romania secretly typed and Seventh-day Adventist con- distributed translated copies gregations, including the La of Venden’s 1980 book “Faith Sierra University Church and That Works.” Pacific Church The tagline from that book, in California and the Union as listed on Amazon.com, is College Church in . “You don’t get righteousness Later he led the Azure Hills by seeking righteousness. Seventh-day Adventist Righteousness comes by seek- Church near Loma Linda, Cal- ing Jesus.” ifornia, from which he retired “I know several people who in August 1998. chose to stay in the church At Azure Hills Venden held because of reading Morris Ven- three services each Sabbath den’s books,” Radulescu said. that were filled to capacity. Venden’s son, Lee, said, “Dad His son, Lee, recalled his will be remembered for the

father’s advice, as he became photo UCC one string on his violin that he a pastor: “The world and the PREACHING LEGEND: Morris L. Venden, longtime Seventh- consistently talked about; Seventh-day Adventist day Adventist preacher, teacher, and author, passed to his Jesus, and the privilege avail- Church are starving for more rest on February 10, 2013. able to everyone to have a of Jesus. . . . Any pastor who meaningful friendship with will make Jesus the one string on his violin will be in Him. At this point it seems clear Dad will be able to sleep demand.” this disease off; the long sleep from our perspective, the In retirement Venden briefly joined the short sleep from his.” (VOP) radio ministry team as an associate speaker. Venden’s memorial service was scheduled to be held in “Morrie agreed to preach on our 30-minute Sunday the Loma Linda University Church, on Sunday, March 3, broadcast and also appeared at dozens of appointments 2013. n and camp meetings for the VOP,” recalled Lonnie Mela- —with additional reporting by Mark A. Kellner and Adventist shenko, who at the time was VOP speaker/director. “Always News Network

www.AdventistReview.org | March 14, 2013 | (203) 11 World News & Perspectives

the church leadership developed a plan to better some of the buildings that are in precarious conditions and in great need to be rebuilt, church leaders said. Church members jumped on board thanks to a united church, said Moise Javier, treasurer for the church in the Dominican Republic. “Each member has recognized their responsibility and is willing to contribute talents and resources in order to accomplish great things for the church and the community.” The Faith Adventist Church in the city of Higüey in the eastern part of the island was the twenty-fifth new church BRAND-NEW CHURCH: Faith Seventh-day Adventist Church in the city of Higüey in the to be dedicated, an event that took place eastern part of the Dominican Republic was the twenty-fifth new church to be dedicated on the final Sabbath of 2012, December by the local union. It’s so new that the sign isn’t on the building yet. 29. Church leaders and hundreds of members filled the church for a special ■■INTER-AMERICA thanksgiving program to commemorate the new building. Adventists to Open 25 New, Twenty-five more Adventist churches 25 Remodeled Churches are scheduled to be rebuilt and remod- eled this year, administrators said. in Dominican Republic Administrators have no doubts about reaching the goal this year thanks to a Membership approaches 282,000 committed membership. attending 686 congregations. The Seventh-day Adventist Church in By BERNARDO MEDINA, Inter-American Division, reporting the Dominican Republic operates a hos- from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic pital, a university, dozens of primary and secondary schools, and 20 radio Maintaining existing worship name of our Lord in a dignified and stations throughout the island. facilities and building new ones is a proper way,” he added. For more on the Seventh-day Advent- goal Seventh-day Adventist church With a membership of more than ist Church in the Dominican Republic, leaders in the Dominican Republic 284,000 attending some 686 churches, visit adventistas.org.do. n have in order to keep pace with the needs of a fast-growing membership. During a recent series of dedication ceremonies, 25 new churches through- out the island country were inaugu- rated. Another 25 are being remodeled, leaders said. “This has been possible only thanks to God’s grace and to the thousands of church members who have contributed toward the development of the church throughout the island,” said Pastor Cesario Acevedo, president of the church in the Dominican Republic. UNION PRESIDENT: Pastor Cesario Acevedo speaks during the inaugural ceremony for “We praise God because 25 new con- the La Fe (Faith) Seventh-day Adventist Church of Higüey in the eastern part of the gregations can worship and glorify the island on December 29, 2012.

12 (204) | www.AdventistReview.org | March 14, 2013 y crews © terr y crews © terr

adventist life

My wife recently told me an interesting story. When she was young, she went to her grandmother’s house for the summer. Her brother, a year younger than she, wrote her a letter. In the letter he told her that their family had turned vege- Sound Bite tarian and that “now we are eating something that resembles rubber heels.” —N. Gordon Thomas, Angwin, California

“It is possible to lie without My husband, the boys’ dean, and I live in a boarding academy boys’ dormitory. As we eagerly awaited the birth of our first child this past summer, I was a little uncertain how the boys would feel about the baby when they returned to school. saying a word. People may do Would the baby make too much noise for the boys; would the boys make too much noise for the baby? Would they dislike the extra demands on our time? so by a nod of the head, a wink Shortly after the boys returned to school my husband told me that every night in worship with his RAs (resident assistants), one of them would pray, “Please help the baby to sleep so that Mrs. Knight can get some rest.” I’ve fre- of the eye, a wave of the hand, quently been asked, “How’s the baby, Mrs. Knight?” or “Can I hold the baby, Mrs. Knight?” The baby even made a candid appearance with one of the boys in his or merely by remaining silent.” school “Names and Faces” picture.

—Thomas Chitowe, Guruve, Zimbabwe, as a caution to I shouldn’t have worried. After all, one of the best things about boarding Adventists to monitor their behavior in regard to academy life is that we’re all just one big family! truthfulness —Jaclyn Knight, Hutchinson, Minnesota did you know? Here are some interesting dates regarding vegetarianism in the . By the way, how’s that vegeburger?

1838: Vegetarianism 1971: Publication of Diet for a Small Planet, by 2003: Vegetarian 2011: MyPlate replaces MyPyra- endorsed in the U.S. Frances Moore Lappe, launches vegetarian move- food (such as soy mid, ending 19 years of food pyr- by the American ment in U.S. One percent of U.S. citizens describe milk and textured amid guidelines from the U.S. Health Convention themselves as vegetarian. vegetable protein) government. According to the sales double since diagram, “protein” is a compo- 1983: Dr. John McDougall’s The McDou- 1998 to $1.6 billion. nent of a healthy diet, but meat gall Plan—the first book promoting is not specifically mentioned. veganism by a credentialed Western medical authority—is published.

1838 1990 2011

1900-1960: As 1974: Vegetarian transportation and 1990s: Medical evidence supporting the superiority of vegetarian diets becomes over- Times magazine is whelming. The American Dietetic Association officially endorses vegetarianism, and refrigeration improve, founded by Paul Obis. meat consumption books by prominent doctors promote low-fat vegan or mostly vegan diets (e.g., The increases. McDougall Program and Dr. Dean Ornish’s Program for Reversing Heart Disease).

—from an October 12, 2012, TakePart article available at http://news.yahoo.com/look-around-america-vegetarianism-isnt-going-anywhere-155700692.html

www.AdventistReview.org | March 14, 2013 | (205) 13 GLOW Stories

Giving Light to Our World—GLOW—is an outreach initiative in multiple NAD conferences based on the concept of church members carrying Adventist literature with them wherever they go and handing it out, free of charge, at every opportunity. Here are two short stories of lives touched by GLOW:

Giving Light to Our World

A hairdresser in California found two pieces of literature Story 1 addressing the topic of Sabbath in two different places. After she found the second one she wondered whether it might be a sign from God, so she prayed and asked the Lord to somehow give her one more piece of literature on that subject if she was supposed to learn more about the Sabbath. Not long after, a person distributing literature in Fresno handed her a GLOW tract—the topic was the seventh-day Sabbath. The woman broke into tears. She soon called the GLOW office number listed on the tract and signed up for Bible studies. She recently was baptized and now stocks her local Adventist church with GLOW tracts.

A husband and wife who own a small store in which they sell Story 2 wholesome, healthful bread placed a rack filled with GLOW tracts near the front of their store. One day two customers who at first looked like they were going to buy some bread instead expressed interest in the tracts. “When we go on walks, we like to give out religious literature door to door,” they told the store owners. “These GLOW tracts will be great to distribute.” The store owners said the customers inspired them to be faithful and to let their “light” shine more fully at every opportunity.

Stories compiled by Central California Conference GLOW director Nelson Ernst. To learn more about GLOW, go to sdaglow.org. amacho C R icardo

14 (206) | www.AdventistReview.org | March 14, 2013 Searching the Obvious Precious Item I forgot to pray. * * * At 7:30 a.m. my colleague and friend Martin stops by my office and places a box on the corner of my desk. It’s a gift from his wife, Tracy. He explains that over the weekend, as they walked through the botanical gardens, they saw this item and thought of me. I barely have a chance to thank Martin as he quickly heads out to teach. I have to get to my 8:00 class. I look at the box, the heavy lid and thick green bow. What exactly made them think of me? I carefully lift the lid and see the delicate, beautiful gift: a bonsai embedded in a beautiful clay pot. Engraved on the clay pot is the phrase: “Precious Item.” At the bottom of the box is a pamphlet. There it is, in bold print: Five Simple Steps to Care for Precious Item: Water, Soil, Housing, Pruning, and Light. As I quickly thumb through the “simple steps” (six pages with 10-point font, Arial Narrow), I feel an urgency to return the bonsai to Martin and Tracy with a note that would convey the sentiment “Thank you, but I don’t think so. This is too complicated.” Instead, I place the bonsai back in the box and begin my walk to the classroom. As I walk across campus I walk past students, colleagues, the janitor that sings every morning while she completes a final walk through of the building, the gardener that calls everyone sir and ma’am, and a few strangers that I cannot identify as visitors or students. Entering the classroom, I realize: I forgot to pray in my office. My day is dependent on constant prayer! I immediately say a silent prayer. Every morning when I reach my office I take a moment to pray for guidance, for strength to complete tasks I may not know are ahead for that day. I’ve already had a morning devotional at home; still I need the presence of the Holy Spirit in this environment. Working in a secular edu- cational institution is a challenge. On a daily basis I recognize that my witness and ministry are by Dixil example. This is not always easy. I am conscious that I must walk these halls accompanied by Rodríquez heavenly grace. I glance at my lecture notes and notice I have inadvertently included the bonsai pamphlet in my lecture folder. Water, soil, housing, pruning, and light. Any precious item would thrive with those components. Any precious item would grow and take a beautiful shape with these components. Precious “items” like the students sitting here, like Martin, Tracy, and me. Suddenly my mind is inundated with reminders of Bible verses that speak of these components as necessary: living water, seed that fell on good soil, house built on rock, the vine and the branches, the light and the way. I am amazed at the extraordinary ways in which God reminds me of the ministry I am called to bear witness to. * * * Back in my office I consult the pamphlet to find the best housing for the bonsai. I am certain a proper name is in order. As I work, Tracy stops by for a visit. She arrives as I am placing the bonsai near the window to soak in the light. I am grateful to have the opportunity to thank her for the gift in person. She tells me she is a minister’s daughter. She knows how hard it can be not to have the luxury to speak openly of your faith. “When I read the bonsai steps for care, I thought: This is what I try to do in my Christian life,” says Tracy. “The precious item we share with others is our example, our faith. I wanted you to know that I see you. I see your example.” Her words give me courage and also place a weight on my shoulders that only prayer will take care of. At the end of the day the bonsai has acquired a proper name: Faith. Because a visual reminder of why I pray every day is not only good to have, it is easy to share with others: water, soil, housing, pruning, and light. n

Dixil Rodríguez, a university professor and volunteer hospital chaplain, lives in north Texas. Join the conversation at [email protected].

www.AdventistReview.org | March 14, 2013 | (207) 15 (208)

Starts 18 By Wilona Karimabadi (210) | www.AdventistReview.org |March 14, 2013 Cover Story I rubber ducks,rubber hammers, small stuffed carry the task out athand. energy-fueling breakfast order in to of both who will have on loadedup an board, stands awoman ormanaduo the front of the room, next to ablue felt thattunes will besung that day. And at played someone by who knows allthe usually anupright the corner in piano gling from white ceiling panels. There is boardsbulletin andtinsel icicles dan- colorful pictures of penguins tacked to toouts taped them. Perhaps there are soft muted color withsnowflake - cut There will alsobeboxes of props— t Its walls a may bepainted here isaroom some- where the back in of a church or maybe in church in ormaybe the basement. Its- pur pose issimilar to other rooms—a place to study, to learn, andto visit. a little different. ere But this roomBut is borns to preschool-ready toddlers who Sabbath school. Tiny tots from new- such asthese. fromremember own our days classes in come songs that many of usmay still grins, stuffed cuddly animals, andwel- welcomes each child withcheerful whoever the case may bethat Sabbath, dressed their best. in cushioned car-seat carriers, they too are are present aswell—nestled well- in with pretty clips their hair. in The babies sweater-vests; anddresses andtights ties; khakis andbutton-downs andlittle tiny suits withcoordinating shirts and They are dressed their Sabbath in best— moms,just andeven grandparents. or sometimes, andother times dads just bold—accompanied anddads moms by class sospecial. chairs—of this room­ of isthe it inhabitants theseBut frontin of rows of tiny, colorful chairs. animals, andfelt flowers neatly placed These are the children of beginner “Teacher Ruth” or“Teacher David,” or Theyin—some shy file andothers —that make this

Photos by merle poirier Why beginner Sabbath school is so important.

children who had to work the “Bird’s Nest.” This soon morphed instead of attending school. into the kindergarten division in 1886, The idea behind them was to and by 1890 children were able to provide academic education while receive Our Little Friend—the weekly attend a class created especially for slipping a little religion into the mix. paper for the beginner and kindergar- them. But at their ages and develop- Among early Adventists, Sabbath ten Sabbath school, still in publication mental levels, why does it matter that school work didn’t come about until today. Over the years the church’s Sab- they come? Are beginner Sabbath school 1852, when James White authored 19 les- bath school programs have been rede- classes Sabbath morning day care or sons for children and youth that were fined and reorganized. Though cradle something much, much greater? published in the Youth’s Instructor. The roll was the beloved name of the begin- first Sabbath school classes for adults ner class, the latter moniker became Where Did It Come From? were organized in 1853 while James and widely known with the development Beginner Sabbath school (ages 0-2) Ellen White were in Rochester, New York, and implementation of the GraceLink was better known as cradle roll for and in the early days there were only two curriculum in 2000. And as the result of many years. It is the first class a child is divisions—children and adults. But the a recent reassessment initiative, new introduced to under the umbrella of the Sabbath school concept was of great material in the form of artwork, children’s division in most Adventist importance to Ellen White’s ministry. resources, program ideas for leaders churches. Other classes for the youngest “The Sabbath school is an important and parents of special-needs children, members of our churches include kin- branch of the missionary work,” she etc., have debuted for the junior level dergarten, primary, and junior. The age wrote. “Not only because it gives young this year, with more to follow soon for groups in these classes vary from and old a knowledge of God’s Word, but other age levels. church to church, but generally the because it awakens in them a love for its beginner class welcomes its tiniest sacred truths, and a desire to study them Do the Wee Ones members from babyhood until they are for themselves; above all, it teaches them Really Understand? ready for either a beginner II or kinder- to regulate their lives by its holy teach- The littlest ones in beginner class— garten class environment (ages 3-5). ings.”1 More formal organization fol- some too small to sit upright in their According to Gary Swanson, associate lowed in 1869 when Goodloe Bell chairs by themselves—absorb every- director for the General Conference’s became editor of the Youth’s Instructor. He thing going on around them like Sabbath School and Personal Ministries created two series of lessons—for chil- sponges. Developmentally, there are Department, children’s Sabbath school dren and youth—and published plans vast differences between a newborn and in the Seventh-day Adventist movement for organizing leaders. This more formal a 6-month-old, so just imagine what is had interesting and humble beginnings. approach was implemented in Battle happening with them cognitively dur- In the late nineteenth century, Protes- Creek, Michigan. Once it gained initial ing those crucial first years—a time in tant churches began Sunday school pro- success, the concept of organized Sab- which they will learn much more than grams under the name “Sabbath school,” bath school took flight. in other periods of their lives. as Sundays were considered the Sabbath. The very first children’s division was Donna Habenicht, Ed.D., professor They were initially outreach programs to formed in 1878 and was actually called emeritus of educational and counseling

www.AdventistReview.org | March 14, 2013 | (211) 19 calves.’ The essence of the saying is that if you want strong reliable bulls, you must take care of the calves.” It’s hard to ready babies and toddlers in their Sabbath finery for Sabbath school and church and make it there on time. It’s harder still when they can’t sit psychology at Andrews University, And it sticks—in more ways than you quietly and you know there is no way coauthored Teaching the Faith: An Essen- may realize. the family will make it through an entire tial Guide for Building Faith-shaped Kids, “My mother told me that when I was service with a restless baby/toddler. But with Larry Burton, professor of curricu- 14 or 15 months old, she took me to going week after week is crucial. lum and instruction at Andrews Univer- what we then called cradle roll,” says “As much as I want parents involved, sity. “Babies, toddlers and 2-year-olds Aileen Andres Sox, editor of Our Little I also want them to be assured that can learn many things in Sabbath Friend. “It seemed to her as if I were pay- there is value in bringing their little school, including religious, social, and ing attention to everything but the children to Sabbath school,” says Tina character-developing experiences,” teacher. She remembers thinking that if Pillai, who leads beginners at New Hope which include prayer, singing and mov- I weren’t going to learn anything, she Seventh-day Adventist Church in Ful- ing to music, sharing, listening, giving might as well go to her own class, taking ton, Maryland. “When parents are an offering, saying Jesus’ name and rec- me along with her. The very next day she excited and motivated about what is ognizing the Bible as God’s book.2 noticed I was walking rather oddly and going on in Sabbath school, they will Though children this young have repeating ‘tee toe, tee toe’ over and over. bring their kids regularly to church, and short attention spans, they are very She finally realized that I was trying to when parents participate in Sabbath capable of gleaning much, relying on sing ‘Tiptoe, tiptoe, little feet.’ When she school, they become agents for change.” their senses to learn the most. Thus they began to sing the song, I was absolutely “Going to Sabbath school with a baby, benefit immensely from a program filled gleeful and tiptoed to the music. Never toddler, or 2-year-old is a supportive with prop boxes of goodies such as felts again did Mother think going to my Sab- experience for baby’s parents,” adds and small toys, felt boards to “wham” bath school was a waste of time.” Habenicht. “They meet other people in pictures of Jesus and shepherds and ani- the church who have babies, and they mals onto, and of course, short and And It Matters Because . . . support each other in baby rearing. They sweet songs. Children of this age group In the life of a church there is a past, observe how the teacher teaches their also respond well to repetition—a tech- present, and future. As adults we strad- child and are encouraged to teach their nique employed by the most experi- dle the line between the past and the little ones at home.” enced beginner Sabbath school leaders. present. But the future of the church On mother-of-four Chrystal Kueter’s “I like beginners because you stick to the lies squarely in the hands of our prog- first visit to an Adventist church, she was same program as they need that repeti- eny—our littlest ones. hesitant to involve herself and her little tion,” says Jane Morrison, a veteran “There is a saying from Malawi that ones in Sabbath school. beginner class teacher currently serving goes “Nkhuzi nkhu ma thole,” says at Spencerville Seventh-day Adventist Saustin Mfune, associate Church in Maryland. “By the time we director of the Children’s change programs, they’re kind of just Ministries Department catching on. Parents will say, ‘Oh, it’s at the General Confer- nice to have a new program,’ but for a ence. “It literally child that age, they need to keep doing it translates to ‘the and doing it and doing it.” bulls are in the

20 (212) | www.AdventistReview.org | March 14, 2013 Best Practices for Beginner Sabbath School Leaders By “Teacher” Jane Morrison • Love the children and tell them so! And “I thought you had to drop them off at “throw kisses” as they leave. a glorified day care as in other churches,” she says. “So when I was encouraged to • Know your families. Call each child by stay, I have to be honest, I was really dis- name. As they come in, greet them by name appointed. But as I watched my son even if the program has begun. Touch and eagerly learning about nature and God, I hug them as appropriate. was stunned! I was moved to tears and blessed more than if I’d gone to a month • Be prepared—don’t read. You’re going to of Sabbath school classes on my own. I use the program for several months, so learn was so moved by the tender way they it. You may need some help to remember the taught the very young. I was also blessed order. Place cards or the program sheet where to be an example for my son, and sit with you will pick up your “tools”—the props. him to model that example.” That early exposure to the simplest • Be super-organized, but at the same time adaptable. Some you may concepts of our faith in developmentally have such full attendance that you’ll need to skip the more involved activities. Or appropriate ways does make a big differ- maybe you just sense things are too busy and choose to use certain activities to calm ence. “Helping young children grow the children. spiritually nurtures the bud of spiritual- ity that God has placed in the human • Watch the pitch of your voice. Try to keep an even, normal tone. Sometimes whis- heart. Eventually the bud becomes the per and you’ll be amazed at the calming effect it has on the little ones. full-bloom rose of spiritual devotion.”3 In a room at the back of the church, a • If necessary, ask parents to be quiet. They don’t mean to distract—they’re usually beginner class is ending. A little boy no so happy to see another adult or friend beside them that they begin to visit. Ask them older than 18 months toddles to a prop to participate with their child in the program. box and reaches inside—mimicking his teacher. He finds a little orange felt flag • Be accepting. If a child comes up front, pick them up or use them to help. Then with the word “Jesus” on it. Excited, he help them back to their seat when appropriate. Assure the parents it’s OK. waves it around and with a big on his sweet face, says: “Ree-zuz!” • I like to have coleaders up front. It helps to alternate speaking—giving each other In the end, isn’t that what it’s all a break, collecting the next item, and providing another voice. If it works, include a about? n man and a woman. I’ve had some great coleaders in my time. 1 Ellen G. White, Testimonies on Sabbath School Work (Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., • Use as many 3-D items as possible—stuffed animals, mitts, little wooden ham- 1900), pp. 109, 110. mers and wood, etc. You may also want to use at least one of those “good old felt” 2 Donna Habenicht and Larry Burton, Teaching the Faith: An Essential Guide for Building Faith-shaped Kids activities in each program and let them “pat-pound” away. They love it! (Hagerstown, Md.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 2004), p. 213. Be creative. Always keep your eyes and ears open for new activities and items. 3 Ibid., pp. 211, 212. • Recently I heard some laughing as we were leaving a Cracker Barrel restaurant. I looked and found the laughing coming from a “peekaboo” bear. I just had to have two Wilona Karimabadi taught for Sabbath school as beginner-age children love playing peekaboo. It’s an excellent beginner Sabbath school for prop to use at the beginning of our program to get their attention and welcome them. many years when her now-teen and -tween kids were little, • And one more! When you have a nature or other type of program instead of a and appreciates what it did for Bible story program such as Noah’s ark, heaven, Little Boy Jesus, etc., make sure you her faith and theirs. are always conscious to say, “Jesus made the animals. Jesus takes care of the animals. Jesus lets us help take care of the animals. Jesus sees us. Jesus loves us.”

Jane Morrison teaches beginners Sabbath school at Spencerville Seventh-day Adventist Church in Silver Spring, Maryland.

www.AdventistReview.org | March 14, 2013 | (213) 21 Devotional

she tucked him in at night, he’d tell her all the fun stories from his school days playing with his comrade. In the morn- ings when he got up, he was excited to go back to school because he knew his friend was going to be there. One day she arrived at the school earlier than usual to pick up her son. He saw her at the door and came running, as children often do when they catch a glimpse of Mom. He gave her a hug and then immediately pointed across the room so that he could show her who his new friend was. “He’s right there!” he said, beaming and pointing. “Which one?” she asked, perplexed as she followed his tiny finger into a sea of children. “The kid in the red shirt!” When her eyes landed on her child’s friend, she couldn’t help smiling. In a

Seeing with Jesus’ eyeRs ed By HEATHER had a student in the English class I class with 25 or so children, every child THOMPSON DAY was teaching at a community col- in her son’s room was White except her lege a couple years ago tell me the son’s best friend, who was wearing a most beautiful story. I was talking red shirt. In a room in which all but one to them about my life growing up shared the same skin tone, her son Ias a biracial child. For me, the combin- could not think of a single characteristic ing of two different cultures has been that would identify his friend to his precious. I have never had any real con- mother from the other children in the fusion about who I was or where I room, except for his red shirt. belonged. I grew up with both my Black father and White mother, who loved Identifying Me each other dearly. There really was not When my student told me that story, I much room for confusion, because I was moved. There is a reason that Christ knew them both, loved them both, and said that in order to enter the kingdom knew that they loved me. of heaven, we would first need to My student’s story was about her son. become like children. Children are pre- He had been attending his first year of cious. Children don’t hate until they are school and often came home raving to first taught hate. his mother about his new friend. When There are a lot of things Jesus could

22 (214) | www.AdventistReview.org | March 14, 2013 use to point us out to His Father. I can As I read this part, I did what I often Red Shirts All just see Him discussing bringing me do while reading or listening to stories: We do not deserve Christ. We have hurt into the kingdom. I put myself in the leading character’s Him, we have disgraced Him, we have “That’s her!” He’d say, beaming as shoes. I thought, If that were my husband, betrayed Him, and if He came back right He’d point me out to God the Father. I would leave him. I am not saying that is now, I believe many of us would crucify “Which one?” He’d respond. Now, at the right thing to Him all over again. If this point there are a million things do, and I am not On that card is you are sunk in the Jesus could use to identify me. He could saying that is a note penned guilt of your past, so point me out as the girl that’s been a what everyone much so that you hypocrite or the same girl who stole else should do. I from the hand cannot breathe or that ankle bracelet from the conve- am simply saying of Christ that move, lie still, because nience store in ninth grade and to this what I think I Jesus wants you. On day has never been caught for it. The would do in this reads: “I forgive your pillow is a card, girl who threw up all over her twin bed situation. you. I love you. and on that card is a the first time she got drunk in high In Lucado’s note penned from the school, or that girl who lost her cool book the couple Let’s move on.” hand of Christ that and spewed a few choice words when is on vacation reads: “I forgive you. I she got cut off on the highway (and that together, reflecting and crying, and try- love you. Let’s move on.” one was more recent than I’d like to ing to figure out how to move forward. Jesus, the one whom they called admit). The woman is trying to figure out if she Christ, is , because everything We try not to tell each other about can move on from this infidelity. Lucado we have done, every secret sin He’s seen us do in the dark, means nothing to Him the second we have sincerely repented and sought His forgiveness. I’m not perfect, but at least I know what a loser I am; and because of that, I am forced to seek His shelter and guidance every morning the second my eyelids open. Yes, there are a million different things Jesus could use to point me out to the Father. Lucky for me, He’ll just stand there beaming, proud to point me out in the crowd. And the single charac- Shirt teristic that He notices that would dis- our shortcomings because we fear we says this: “In this case the wife was tinguish loser me from a roomful of will lose respect. We keep things from clearly in the right. She could have left. saints is my red shirt. one another, sometimes even from our Women have done so for lesser reasons. In heaven we’ll all be wearing red. It closest friends, for fear that if they Or she could have stayed and made his will be the color for every season. Trust found out they wouldn’t see us any- life a living hell. Other women have me, no matter what you’ve done or more, and they’d just see the sin. done that. But she chose a different where you’ve been, you can still seek the response.” refuge of Christ, and when you do, stand I Forgive You. Let’s Move on “On the tenth night of their trip my tall and be proud to slip on that beauti- I read a devotional entry once by Max friend found a card on his pillow. On ful, distinguishable, bright-red shirt. Lucado in his book Just Like Jesus, in the card was a printed verse: ‘I’d rather “That’s My friend!” Jesus will say, which he talked about a personal friend do nothing with you than something smiling. “The one washed in the blood who had had an affair. The affair had without you.’ Beneath the verse she had of the Lamb.” n happened more than a decade earlier, written these words: I forgive you. I love and the husband never confessed it. you. Let’s move on.” Heather Thompson Day is When his wife finally did find out, 10 I was struck by this story, because in working on her Ph.D. at years later, they dropped everything and the character of this woman I recog- Andrews University. Her most took a trip together to put out the noise nized the character of Christ. Romans recent book is Cracked Glasses, of the world and focus on each other 3:23 reminds us: “For all have sinned the Review and Herald’s 2013 and their relationship. and fall short of the glory of God.” young adult devotional.

www.AdventistReview.org | March 14, 2013 | (215) 23 Story presence to reassure us that all was well in our suburb of Nairobi, Kenya. But where were they? Worse yet, why did their emergency center not take my call? I dialed and dialed, but my call went unanswered. The banging on our security bars con- tinued, and the thugs began working on our doors. Thankfully, our solid metal doors resisted their assault for a while.

So Much to Protect Our two girls hid under the blankets in our bed. Young and small, their tiny bodies hardly made a bump where they lay huddled. I headed back downstairs with my wife, Beate, behind me, shouting and yell- ing in the hope of perhaps scaring them away. I had no weapon in the house— nothing. I reached for my toolbox and grabbed a rubber mallet. Now I stood, Do I fearing the worst, feeling naked and com- pletely vulnerable in my pajamas. If only I had a weapon, I thought, things might be different. Need a Nobody came to our rescue; least of all the police, notorious for showing up well after the fact, if at all. Finally the door gave, and in rushed the first individual. Whack! I hit the GUN man’s head with the mallet, and he ? reeled and crashed to the floor. Six other Protecting men erupted into our living room, shouting and yelling for money and ourselves from valuables. One of the intruders went the bad things straight to our pantry and stuffed his out there mouth with raw pasta shells. They seemed to be high on drugs; perhaps they had sniffed too much glue. busying themselves. I turned all the Why don’t I have a gun? lights on, ran upstairs to our bedroom, The next thing I knew, one of the men and flipped the switch of the siren on lifted a crowbar over my head and BY CLAUDE RICHLI the roof. It began to wail in the dark- brought it down savagely. Instinctively, I loud banging sound woke ness, building to a crescendo, alerting raised my arm to deflect the blow, but it us shortly before 4:00 one the whole neighborhood that we were still glanced my head. My arm felt funny; morning. Apprehension victims of a break-in. something warm trickled down my head filled my heart as I raced Frantically I grabbed my cell phone and formed a large, crimson stain on my downstairs. What I saw and called 9-1-1 and our security blue pajamas. My wife was also Aconfirmed my worst fears. Someone agency, which, according to their ads assaulted. A blow landed on her shoul- was hard at work, trying to smash, and our contract, was supposed to be der, grazing her ear, but leaving her break, or saw through the metal bars only minutes away in the case of an standing and comparatively unscathed. that protected our windows. incident. Their car was usually parked a Stunned, I threw one or two hundred Peeking outside, I saw in the glare of couple miles away from the gates of our dollars in cash, and my wristwatch (a the lights, two or three dark figures residential neighborhood, a discreet wedding present from my wife) at the

(216) 24 (216) | www.AdventistReview.org | March 14, 2013 men. I shouted, “You’re being watched again in my mind, feeding my sense of afraid than in Kenya, and 3,000 times by holy angels, who are recording your guilt: if only I had been better prepared, more reasons to have a gun at home (or every move.” at least with a can of pepper spray. I in our purse or under the arm) and to Hearing these words, my attacker could have easily sprayed the choking leave the country. stopped, looked around slowly, and substance into the assailants’ faces Although we don’t always feel safe in then made his way to the door. The oth- while they were working on the window the United States, and even though I ers followed. They quickly disappeared bars, taking care of the situation before may decide one day to replace the pep- into the night, leaving behind the one I it became worse. I wondered if I should per sprays I eventually acquired but had knocked out with my rubber mallet. have prayed instead of running around gave away when we left Kenya, I am con- shouting like a madman. vinced there are no good reasons I What If? One thing I never regretted, however, should have a gun. The unintended con- The man roused, stood slowly, and was not having a gun that night. Had I sequences of that sort of ownership looked at me, pained. Then came my had one, I may now have someone’s life frighten me even more than the possible second shock of the night: it was James, on my conscience, the life of someone consequences of not owning a gun. our gardener, who lived in a small dear to us, someone who showed the The words of Jesus to Peter resonate house behind ours. He explained that utmost loyalty and courage. in my mind: “Put your sword back in its when the intruders had broken into the place,” “for all who draw the sword will property, which was protected by a high The Violence die by the sword” fence, he had tried to intervene, but they Around Us Then came my (Matt. 26:52). The 300 had quickly immobilized him. When the A few years later we million guns, and the door had finally given way, they had woke up again in the second shock more than 30,000 thrust him forward as a human shield, middle of the night, of the night. lives lost to gunshot in case I was armed. Subsequently he this time because of deaths every year in had received the blow on the head. gunshots that seemed so close as to be this country,* still fail to convince me to Instantly I knew why I didn’t have a on the compound of the East-Central join the ranks of citizens who are armed gun. I would have killed him, even while Africa Division, where we served. We and ready. Maybe one day, but that day he was trying to protect me and my were terrified at the thought that our hasn’t come yet. n family! In fact, as I reached for my tool- colleagues may have lost their lives to * See Georgina Olson, “More Than 30,000 People Die box 15 minutes earlier for something to violence. From Gunshot Wounds Each Year in the United States” protect us, I had hesitated for a The next morning all seemed to be nor- (Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, moment: should I take my heavy, car- mal, and none of our friends or coworkers 2010), www.wilsoncenter.org/sites/default/files/ Olson_21.pdf. penter’s hammer or the silly rubber were missing. Reports came back that a mallet? I chose the latter. couple bodies lay on a side street, not far Claude Richli is associate I couldn’t have been happier: the car- from our gates. The police left them there publisher of Adventist Review penter’s hammer would have broken as a deterrent to criminals. Following this and magazines. his skull. incident we decided that after four years It was a traumatic night for our family. in Africa, it was time to move on. Thankfully, the girls were unhurt and As if to seal the decision in my mind, hadn’t seen any of the violence. Beate was the national newspaper screamed in its left with a bruise on her shoulder and next Sunday edition, in bold letters cov- ? What Do You Think? deafness in one ear for a week or two. ering almost the entire page: “100,000 Within 48 hours we were able to reasons to be afraid in Kenya!” The 1. Is there a difference between move into a vacant house on the cam- story described the escalation of vio- “defending yourself” and owning a pus of Maxwell Adventist Academy, just lence because of the estimated 100,000 gun? What is it? a few miles away, leaving the worst of guns circulating in the country. 2. You decide you should own a gun for the bad memories behind. This gave us A few months later the country self-protection. Your neighbor thinks the safety we needed to serve another descended into violence following pres- about buying a gun but decides not three years in Kenya. idential elections. to. Who is right? My recovery was the most difficult. It My family and I now live in the 3. What should be one’s primary consid- wasn’t just that I had to sport a strange United States, a country with more than eration when deciding whether or not haircut because of the two-inch-long gash 300 million guns in circulation. Consid- to own a gun for protection? on the side of my head, and it wasn’t ering the mass shootings that have 4. How do texts such as Matthew 7:1 because of the cast on my arm. It was the taken place at public events, in schools, influence what you think about this terrible sense of having let my family down. at shopping malls, etc., we may well important topic? The dreadful scene played again and have 3,000 times more reasons to be

www.AdventistReview.org | March 14, 2013 | (217) 25 Vital Signs

Exploring the connection HEALTH AND GUN VIOLENCE

by KATIA REINERT was with much shock and sadness that been linked to physical, mental, and social health as well as North American Division president Daniel mortality. The Institute of Jackson interrupted the proceedings during Medicine (IOM) and the Cen- an administrative meeting on December 14, ters for Disease Control have documented violence as a 2012, to announce the tragic news of the major health problem in this Ifatalt shooting of 20 children and six adult staff members country. The IOM states that “in 2001, violence accounted at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, for 45 million disability- Connecticut. Those of us at the meeting stopped what we adjusted life years (DALYs) lost, were doing and together earnestly prayed for the families with low- and middle-income countries bearing the largest in pain. We couldn’t believe that such young, precious burden.”1 But violence can be children, together with teachers, would die in this senseless prevented, and the IOM’s Forum on Global Violence Pre- way. Evil seemed to prevail. vention (FGVP) is working to reduce violence worldwide by promoting research on both protective and risk factors and encouraging evidence-based During such times of inexplicable can return soon and take us home. In prevention efforts. The FGVP aims to facil- tragedy many find comfort in the assur- the meantime, however, we cannot itate dialogue and exchange by bringing ance that this world is not our home neglect to do everything we can to help together experts from all areas of violence and that soon the great controversy reduce the risk of mass killings in our prevention, including faith-based organi- between good and evil will end. We look communities today. zations, to address this concern. forward to the day that families will be The World Health Organization also reunited with loved ones whom they Violence and Health confirms a significant health impact lost to death. We yearn to complete the Violence in all its forms—domestic, from this “contagion of violence.” Pub- task given to us by God to share the gos- gun, youth, gender-based, intimate part- lic health officials list violence as one of pel message with the world so that He ner, childhood, elderly, and so forth—has eight major factors negatively affecting

26 (218) | www.AdventistReview.org | March 14, 2013 as a faith community doing enough to educate ourselves on the health conse- Online Resources quences of violence, in order to raise on Preventing awareness of the importance of violence the health of citizens in the United prevention in all its forms—including Gun Violence States.2 This is a major health issue that gun violence? Are we learning appropri- health ministries leaders in faith-based ate and helpful therapeutic ways to talk COMPILED BY KATIA REINERT institutions must address. Johns Hop- about violence with kids, answering kins University recently held a summit questions they may have and addressing on gun violence at which presenters and their possible fears of encountering vio- cga.ct.gov “Helping Children attendees discussed available research lent situations? and Adults Cope and evidence that support the need to Many helpful resources are available With Events Like reduce violence and thus its related that can help answer these questions the Newtown health risks in the community.3 from a public-health perspective (see School Shootings”; sidebar). It’s well worth the time to read Connecticut Commis- Gun Violence and Politics and utilize these materials. sion on Children There are those who view matters Ultimately, we must grasp opportuni- such as gun violence as political issues. ties to point people to Christ, the Cre- Others, including the Seventh-day ator, healer, and restorer of our lives. Adventist Church, view them differently. Jesus said: “I have come that they may “Gun Violence preventioninstitute.org In line with current research, the official have life, and that they may have it more Must Stop. Here’s Adventist Church statement regarding abundantly” (John 10:10, NKJV).5 We What We Can Do gun violence reads as follows: look forward to the time our Savior will to Prevent More “While it is true that violence and bring an end to the death and evil in Deaths”; criminal inclinations lead to guns, it is this world; but until then, He calls us to Prevention Institute— also true that availability of guns leads be His lips, hands, and feet to make our to violence. The opportunity for civil- communities places of health, healing, ians to acquire by purchase or other- and wholeness today. wise automatic or semiautomatic Let us not neglect to do our part. n sesameworkshop.org assault weapons only increases the “Talking to 1 Institute of Medicine, “Forum on Global Violence number of deaths resulting from Children About Prevention,” http://iom.edu/Activities/Global/ Recent Events”; human crimes. . . . Seventh-day Advent- ViolenceForum.aspx. Accessed Feb. 5, 2013. ists . . . wish to cooperate in using every 2 Surgeon general, “National Prevention Strategy,” Sesame Street www.surgeongeneral.gov/initiatives/prevention/ Workshop legitimate means of reducing, and elim- strategy/index.html. Accessed Feb. 7, 2013. inating where possible, the root causes 3 Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, of crime. In addition, with public safety “Gun Policy Summit,” www.jhsph.edu/events/gun- policy-summit/agenda.html. Accessed Feb. 5, 2013. and the value of human life in mind, the 4 Seventh-day Adventist Church, “Ban on Sales of sale of automatic or semiautomatic Assault Weapons to Civilians,” http://adventist.org/ assault weapons should be strictly con- beliefs/statements/main-stat4.html. Accessed Feb. 5. 2013. aap.org 5 Texts credited to NKJV are from the New King “Statement in trolled. This would reduce the use of James Version. Copyright © 1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Response to the weapons by mentally disturbed people Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Elementary and criminals, especially those involved School Shooting 4 in drug and gang activities.” Katia Reinert, Ph.D.c., C.R.N.P., in Connecticut”; We must do what we can to help depo- F.N.P.-B.C., P.H.C.N.S.-B.C., is American Academy liticize the issue of gun violence. We can director of the North American of Pediatrics point to the research linking violence Division Health Ministries with adverse health factors, while shar- Department. ing biblical principles that, if followed, can strengthen entire communities, fam- savethechildren.org “Ten Tips to Help ilies, and individuals. We also must ask Children Cope”; the question Are we as individuals and Save the Children

| March 14, 2013 | (219) 27 Introducing the Why Faith Over Feeling He simply hung in place, matted in blood and gasping for breath. Though it’s often used in hyperbole, in this case the weight—and, for that matter, the hope—of the world was literally on His shoulders. For the past 24 hours a universal audience of angels, demons, and unfallen beings had been fixated on Planet Earth. They watched as beads of blood poured down His cheeks and as He was condemned by a kangaroo court. With their own eyes they saw His back bend under the ultimate symbol of humiliation before being nailed to it like a common criminal. After nearly 4,000 years of seeing “through a glass darkly,” they were coming face to face with the truth, which was suddenly so clear: Jesus was love, justice, mercy, and truth. Satan was not. On that dark afternoon the universe was enlightened with clarity. But inside the heart, mind, and soul of the Savior, evil forces sought to enshroud Him with doubt. As we know, when life is at its worst, Satan works his hardest, pouncing like a predator on a wounded animal that falls behind the safety of the herd. Ellen White sheds light on Satan’s unrelenting attacks on the wounded Son of God: “The Savior could not see through the portals of the tomb. . . . He feared that sin was so offensive to God that Their separation was to be eternal” (, p. 753). Undoubtedly, heavenly angels, who finally grasped the full scope of the great controversy, wanted to jump out of heaven and bring Jesus back to His rightful throne. But this had to be done, and He had to face it alone. For six hours a war waged within Jesus. Even as it did, He remained meek and peaceful, never once Jimmy lashing out against those who were truly guilty. Phillips When the weight of sin became too great, Jesus bowed His head and left the world the same way He came in: humble and innocent. His last victory provides the ultimate example of trust, conviction, and courage. Ellen White wrote: “In those dreadful hours He had relied upon the evidence of His Father’s accep- tance. . . . He was acquainted with the character of His Father. . . . He committed Himself to God, the sense of the loss of His Father’s favor was withdrawn. By faith, Christ was the victor” (ibid., p. 756).

Faith Like Jesus If you’re anything like me, you run back to your favorite Bible promises when times get tough. In the face of adversity, uncertainty, and doubt the assurances of Scripture are a constant reminder that God is faithful and has our best interest in mind. One of my favorites, and perhaps one of yours too, is Proverbs 3:5, 6. Let’s take a brief look at verse 5 (next month we’ll examine verse 6): “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” In my experience it seems we tend to hone in on the first half of the verse, the part about trusting God. If you’ve ever confided in a Christian friend during a difficult time, you’ve undoubtedly heard such senti- ments directed back to you: “You just have to trust God.” True, trust and faith are where each of us must begin when we face trials. However, without further detail, a plea to trust in God can sound ambiguous, clichéd, and empty. That’s where the part about not leaning on our own understanding comes in. In His experience on the cross Jesus provided the perfect blueprint. Despite His dire circumstances and complete separation from God, Jesus didn’t rely on a gut feeling. Instead He focused on the just, merciful, and loving character of His Father. As end-time believers we’re called to have similar perseverance in times of trouble (see Rev. 14:12). Follow the example of Jesus: Don’t be captive to feelings; have faith in whom you know. He sees the beginning from the end. Most of the time, we can barely see at all. n

Jimmy Phillips ([email protected]) writes from Bakersfield, California, where he is electronic media coordinator for San Joaquin Community Hospital. Visit his Web site at introducingthewhy.com.

28 (220) | www.AdventistReview.org | March 14, 2013 Bookmark Celebrations: Living Life to the Fullest

Allan Handysides, Peter Landless, Kathleen Kuntaraf, and Fred Hardinge. Softcover, 240 pages, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Health Ministries Department, 2012, US$14.99. Reviewed by David R. Wil- liams, Norman Professor of Public Health and African and African-American Studies, Harvard University.

his book is worth purchasing sim- Tply for the breathtaking pictures. Each page provides stunning photo- graphs that reflect the diversity of our planet in terms of both people and places. This coffee-table book, however, provides much, much more. Written by four health professionals who serve in the General Conference Health Minis- tries Department, CELEBRATIONS is packed with timely and practical scien- benefits to the environment. tions. Every effort should be made to tifically valid strategies to improve The chapter on choices is excellent in make the healthful choice, the easy health. providing the long-lasting conse- choice. CELEBRATIONS is an acronym for key quences of our decisions. It recognizes CELEBRATIONS is filled with detailed principles that provide a broad vision of that choices can be affected by contex- practical advice. For example, the chap- health. Readers familiar with the eight tual factors and indicates that stress and ter on exercise provides tips on select- laws of health will recognize several of emotion can affect individual decision- ing proper training shoes. Also them (exercise, liquid, rest, air, temper- making. Research indicates that most important to note is that the many ance, and nutrition). But scientific infor- individuals will do things that they health recommendations in CELEBRA- mation is also presented on factors that would not normally do if placed in a TIONS are credible. The authors rou- we often don’t think of as key drivers of compelling situation. Accordingly, it’s tinely present official evidence-based health, such as choices, the environ- important for Christians to learn to pay guidelines from reputable professional ment, belief, integrity, optimism, and attention to situational cues and con- organizations. Moreover, to maximize social support. The chapter on the role texts of vulnerability and to avoid them, the practical value of the book, each of the environment, for example, argues to the extent possible. In addition, many chapter ends with a life-application that environmental awareness is rele- people live in conditions that impose section, which provides questions for vant to the maintenance of good health. severe limits on good choices; therefore, individual reflection and practical Issues discussed include overpopula- promoting health also requires us to application, as well as for group dis- tion, deforestation, sustainable agricul- pay greater attention to policies that cussion. A spiritual focus is a golden ture/food distribution, energy opportunities to facilitate health- thread that runs through each chapter. conservation, air and water pollution, ful choices and initiatives that remove CELEBRATIONS is a book that people and domestic and agricultural waste. barriers to healthful living. Much can be will have a hard time putting down, and Surprisingly, this chapter does not done to create a culture supportive of is an invaluable resource that can move include a discussion of the multiple good health in our homes, churches, each reader along the path to more ways in which plant-based diets offer schools, hospitals, and other institu- healthful living. n

www.AdventistReview.org | March 14, 2013 | (221) 29 Tools of the Essential Tools for most pressing questions for almost all Witnessing pastors and congregations in North Two major reference tools have recently Trade America. Three new books address this been published that every Adventist question with specific, doable answers: should have at hand to answer Bible full armor of God.” Discussion panelists The Big Four: Secrets of a Thriving Church questions. What the Bible Says About . . . was include well-known speakers Shawn Family, by Joseph Kidder (Review and written by veteran Boonstra, Roscoe Howard, Dick Duerk- Herald Publishing Association), evangelist Mark sen, and Rich Carl- describes empowering leadership, pas- Finley. It contains son. There are also sionate spirituality, active members, and 32 studies that downloadable dis- the worship experience as key factors. It cover all the doc- cussion sheets. includes discussion tools to help you trines of Adventist Published by assess your local situation. faith. It uses the Pacific Press, you How to Grow an Adventist Church, by classic question- can purchase these Russell Burrill (HART Resource Center), and-answer materials through is the culmination of the author’s long approach with your Adventist career as an effective public evangelist Bible texts to address each question. Book Center or and trainer of pastor-evangelists. He The second book, Always Prepared: directly from the author at www.dick discusses natural church development, Answers to Questions About Our Faith, pro- stenbakken.com. classic church growth theory as it vides responses to often-debated ques- applies to Adventist churches, friend- tions in the contemporary context: How Responding With ship evangelism, and includes a chapter reliable is the Bible? How can miracles Practical Compassion specifically on how to relate to newcom- be possible? Are there moral absolutes? A growing number of Adventists are ers who show up at your church. A total of 20 such topics are carefully training and organizing to respond with As Jesus Did It, by José Cortés (Xulon examined, each by a different Bible practical help, in Christ’s name, to Press), describes scholar. Humberto Rasi and Nancy Vyh- major disasters. First Response: Change the approach to meister, both of whom have distin- Your World Through small-group evan- guished careers in Adventist higher Acts of Love, by gelism being used education, edited the collection. David Canther, is successfully in the Pacific Press published both volumes, the story of ACTS New Jersey Confer- which are available through your local World Relief, a ence, where the Adventist Book Center or at www. disaster response author is presi- adventistbookcenter.com. team that goes to dent. It provides a such places as useful description Men’s Bible Study Haiti after the of the methods Former Adventist military chaplain earthquake and used in immigrant churches, which are Dick Stenbakken has produced two New Jersey after growing much faster than the average resources that could help your church Hurricane Sandy. church in North America. reach out to men, which is a particular This book includes much practical The first two books are available need in most congregations. information on helping devastated com- through your Adventist Book Center; The Centurion develops the story of the munities as well as some of the most the third, by Cortés, can be purchased at Roman officer who was in charge of the helpful material I have ever seen on www.xulonpress.com. n crucifixion and a witness to the resur- dealing with the spiritual questions and rection of Christ. It asks men to imagine needs that arise in the wake of disaster. Monte Sahlin is director of what difference this experience might You can get a copy from major online research and special projects have made in the centurion’s life. Each booksellers. for the Ohio Conference and a chapter has discussion questions. senior consultant at the The Armor of God is an eight-part DVD Three New Books on Center for Creative Ministry. series exploring what Paul means when Church Growth questions and suggestions can be sent to him he urges in Ephesians 6 to “put on the How can we grow? That is one of the at [email protected].

30 (222) | www.AdventistReview.org | March 14, 2013 Illustration © darrel tank forever. be between you seal andHim—anintimate of your friendship He wants to share withyou. Andthe name He has prepared for you will it, known only to the one who receives (Rev. it” 2:17). hasaneternal God nickname that I will give someof the hiddenmanna. Iwill alsogive that person awhite stone withanew name written on nickname, He but hasaspecialnickname waiting for heaven. you in Jesus said, “To the one who isvictorious, What would like? sound it How would you feel when He said Not it? only can He call you your earthly by hadtheand John privilege of knowing what was it like to beathomewithChrist. home andsomeone calls instead me“Jules” of Julie, Iknow Iam where Ibelong. Iam home. Peter, James, nickname called. Ilove mynickname—especially hearing after among along trip strangers. When Iarrive like for to John hear Jesus call hima son of thunder. the times about I have It makes me think heard myown enjoys, andlaughs withdelight over Hischildren. nature, apassion for cooking, orany other idiosyncratic quality that Hisfollowers might have. He loves, each relationship Jesus haswithHisfollowers hasits own DNA. He appreciates asense of humor, alove for toward agroup of people, rather but alove that takes the distinctive in qualities of each person. Inasense, call them the sons of thunder. Jesus’ love for Hisdisciples andfor afeeling usisnot just of goodwill directed edged andloved. He knew Simon well enough to call himPeter—the stone; andJames enough andJohn to how He loved each disciple uniquely, asthere were individual traits each about one that Jesus acknowl- (toJohn them hegave the name Boanerges, which (Mark means ‘sons of thunder’)” 3:16, 17). the twelve heappointed: Simon (to whom hegave the name Peter), James son of Zebedee and hisbrother saying, “We are close. We have ahistory. We are friends.” fact:important nicknames are almostsacred. When nicknames, callour usby friends isasifthey it are also dadcallsmy methat, to Igrumbled myself. foyer gushed asshewrapped around me. herarms Istiffened asshereleased mefrom herbear hug. Only “Juli-B, Nicknames Jesus each is calling of us to beathomewith Him. Can you your nickname? Himcalling by you imagine I wonder what have must it been like for Simon to hear Jesus call him Peter. Or what have must it been Jesus’ use of nicknames reveals powerful something how about He relates to us. Each nickname revealed One of the mostpowerful the Bible truthsin isthat Jesus used nicknames for Hisdisciples. “These are To have astranger nickname use mydad’s for memadeuncomfortable, reminded it meof but an n Health S English at Adventist University of Julie C it is o ok isanassistant professor of ciences inOrlando g so ood y for , Florida.

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