September 9, 1999 World Edition AA Sister’sSister’s LegacyLegacy TheThe meltdownmeltdown atat ChernobylChernobyl affectedaffected oneone familyfamily inin waysways theythey couldcould nevernever havehave imagined.imagined. Africa’sAfrica’s SonsSons andand DaughtersDaughters OfOf FalseFalse HierarchiesHierarchies andand HumanHuman GodsGods LETTERS A New Mood in India Having recently visited India myself, I Knowing for Sure What an inspiration Bill Johnsson am grateful for Dr. Johnsson’s three- For more than 60 years our Lord has brought to us by his well-written arti- paragraph reference to religious liberty guided me into many Bible classes, cle “A New Mood in India,” July 8 in the world’s largest democracy (“A seminars, series of meetings, sermons, issue of the Review, New Mood in India,” July 8). Indeed, individual Bible study, and our fine plus the related edito- recent spasms of anti-Christian action Sabbath school lessons. For those rea- rial in the same issue sprang, in the main, from political ani- sons, I venture to reply to Calvin (“Lessons From mus, not religious. India’s instruments Rock’s “Knowing for Sure” (July 8). India”). Coming from of governance do guarantee freedom of Both my observations regard the Johnsson, who shared religion—and this freedom we’ll cele- first question, first column. I believe with us the lean brate in New Delhi November 16-18 Ellen White’s two statements do agree. years, it meant all the at the International Religious Liberty I believe Jesus’ human nature was cre- more—a charitable and understanding Association World Conference on ated and human, through His mother, recognition of what we see happening Religious Freedom. Great program. Mary—“identical with our own.” Also, today, not as a negative reflection on Fine hotels. Delicious Indian food. we must be “warned from the ground some possible missing factor in past The Adventist Review’s liberty-loving of making Christ altogether human, endeavors, but as a joyful recognition readers everywhere are invited to par- such a one as ourselves.” There is no that in God’s providence the time of ticipate. contradiction here. The four Gospels reaping has come after many years. are full of His healings and other mira- Well done—God bless you, and God —Richard Lee Fenn, deputy cles, as well as His parables and teach- bless India. secretary general, IRLA, ings, proving that He was and is General Conference divine. His resurrection and ascension —Ted Torkelson S ILVER S PRING, MARYLAND are further proof. B LACKFOOT, IDAHO As for the two Bible references (Matt. 27:44 and Luke 23:39-43), I see The July 8 report on India thrilled Waiting for a Visa no problem there, either. Matthew per- me—I just wish my parents, who gave Chitra Barnabas’ article on Tom 25 years of mission service to India, Carter’s global journey (July 8), which could see what is happening now. turned into holding patterns of delay, An Unbelievable Offer The photograph of Bill Johnsson disappointment, and detour, illustrated To mark our 150th anniversary and his wife with Vincent Hill School nicely how God remains directing we’re offering a year’s subscription to in the background came very close to events behind the clouds of life’s per- the Review for only $19.99—that’s my heart, as my father was principal spectives. Those still held in some just 43 cents per issue—the lowest there for 13 years. I got my early edu- holding patterns are cheered on by price ever! This offer is for a limited cation at VHS. articles such as this one. Thank heav- time and applies only to people who May the Lord continue to bless en no one, including no seemingly haven’t subscribed for at least one India and also the work you are doing human-controlled circumstance, really year. If you don’t subscribe, act now! at the Review in giving guidance to the has the ultimate direction of one’s life If you do subscribe, tell someone church and reporting the progress of but God. His thoughts and His ways about this great offer. To subscribe, His work around the world. are always mercy and kindness. call 1(800) 456-3991; or contact us through our World Wide Web site —Margaret Blue Jackson —Joe Hagan at www.adventistreview.org. L ONGVIEW, WASHINGTON O RANGE, VIRGINIA 2 (1226) ADVENTIST REVIEW, SEPTEMBER 9, 1999 haps was called away from the cross, successfully accomplished. Stephen and did not hear the plea of the repen- Chavez (“Implications of the tant thief to Jesus. Besides that, Luke Incarnation,” June 10) strikes the right was not one of the original 12. He had note in reminding us that the the advantage of elapsed time, and had Incarnation is not only a theological probably talked with several other dis- statement. It is also the method by COVER STORY ciples in addition to Matthew. which we should reach those near and 8 A Sister’s Legacy far. Let us turn to the Scriptures in the The fallout from the Chernobyl —Pearl L. Pflugrad search of principles we should still disaster—both good and bad—will P ORTLAND, OREGON apply today in ministry and mission. be felt for years to come. BY J ENNIFER M AE B ARIZO —F. Edgar Nunes Test Your Global Mission IQ B ERRIEN S PRINGS, MICHIGAN ARTICLES I believe that the several hundred 13 Heart to Heart British people reading the Adventist The essential qualification for work- Review (July 8, p. 21) around the world Forgive Me for Coveting! ing with the blind—or anyone else. will have chuckled at reading the I have been paging through my collec- BY R ON B OWES description of the Isle of Wight as an tion of Adventist Reviews and cursing (I “island nation.” The island is no more think I may be forgiven for this kind of 22 “Hello, My Name Is Darren Bucklew” a separate nation than Long Island is curse!) the powers that control the How susceptible are you to being distinct from the U.S.A. It is not just global economy and the rate of scammed? British, but Britain! exchange. We all know what Ellen BY R OBERT R. WRESCH Furthermore, why does the General White said about the state of financial Conference perpetuate the myth of the affairs toward the end of time, and we 24 Of False Hierarchies and Human Gods island being an unentered territory? are certainly living in those times. What does it mean to be divine? My father-in-law, Pastor Fred Edwards, Satan is tying us up in chains of dollars BY E LIJAH M VUNDURA back in the 1960s, pastored the group and cents—to the extent that those of some 15 baptized members for a living in the “developing” countries no 28 Africa’s Sons and Daughters number of years. The group had existed, longer can afford the simple joys of What hope is there for a continent often embroiled in religious, even at that time, for decades. One life—the weekly Review! political, and tribal conflicts? hopes that the IQ of the Global God bless you for a great magazine. BY T HOMAS P. M ILLER Mission Department is a little more Next year I’ll thumb my nose at Satan precise than it appears! and order the Review anyway! DEPARTMENTS 2 Letters —Martin L. Anthony, Personal —Maureen Moroff IGITAL COMPOSITE Ministries Director N AMIBIA 7 Give & Take / D T RANS-EUROPEAN D IVISION 12 Bible Questions Answered 16 Adventist World Radio Implications of the Incarnation 17 Tuesday’s Child The Word of God points not only to 18 World News & Perspectives THER PHOTOS SUPPLIED the Messiah and His message but also / O 27 Faith Alive! RESS to the mandate and the methods we P should employ in the fulfillment of our 30 Reflections God-given mission. Adventists, like other denominations, neglect to reflect Letters Policy EDITORIALS SSOCIATED upon the methods God employed The Review welcomes your letters. Short, 5 The Scandal and the throughout the centuries and in varied specific letters are the most effective and Mystery © 1986 AP A cultural settings in reaching His lost have the best chance at being published. 6 The Crater Cake creation. We often turn exclusively to Letters will be edited for space and clarity other sources and sciences when devel- only. Send correspondence to Letters to the NEXT WEEK oping evangelistic and missionary Editor, Adventist Review, 12501 Old strategies. But the God who gave us Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904- “I Was a Lost Cause” the mandate has also revealed the 6600; Internet: [email protected] Have you heard the one about the atheist who went to church? OVER BACKGROUND PHOTO methods by which His mission may be CompuServe network: 74617.15. C ADVENTIST REVIEW, SEPTEMBER 9, 1999 (1227) 3 “Behold, I come quickly . .” Our mission is to uplift Jesus Christ through stories of His matchless love, news of His present workings, help for knowing Him better, and hope in His soon return. Publisher General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Executive Publisher William G. Johnsson Associate Publisher Charlotte McClure Publishing Board: Phil Follett, vice-chair; Lowell Cooper; William G. Johnsson; Robert E. Lemon; A. C. McClure; Ardis D. Stenbakken, Donald R. Sahly; Ted N. C. Wilson; Robert Nixon, legal advisor Editor William G. Johnsson Associate Editors Roy Adams, Bill Knott Managing Editor Myrna Tetz News Editor Carlos Medley Assistant Editors Stephen Chavez, Kimberly Luste Maran Editorial Assistant Ella Rydzewski Project Coordinator Chitra Barnabas Administrative Secretary Ruth Wright Editorial Secretary Jean Sequeira Designer Bill Tymeson Desktop Technician Stephanie Kaping Ad Sales Melyne Tooley, Genia Blumenberg Subscriber Services Steve Hanson Consulting Editors: G.