N Lewis O Atlantic Starr Lay Chri Lake: Another Clothes Call

Home , Atlantic Starr, Barbara Weathers, Juan Carlos Viera

June 18, 1998

Chri lake: Another Clothes Call LETTERS

Adventist Higher Education Having left a generous industry about the newly established Women's I loved Ginger Ketting's "A College salary and retirement to teach electri- Resource Center at La Sierra Professor Shares Her cal engineering, I am now happily part University (see "Kit Watts: What's Heart," in the April of the lowest-paid engineering faculty She Doing Now?" Apr. 16 Cutting 16 Cutting Edge in North America. The happy part is Edge Conversations). Some projects Edition. I have that our students gather here to learn reported as fact are actually still in attended an Ad- engineering together with Adventist process—including a resource library, ventist college for Christian principles. I did not come worship materials, and liturgies three of the past four here either to quietly observe or to designed for women. Since this is a years, and during contribute to a decline of Christian donation-based ministry and I'm a that time I have visited with students standards. Why have the editors of the half-time director, it will take time to from almost every Adventist college or Review thrown me into a barre' turn plans into reality. university in North America. Ella and I ran out of time It's amazing to see the dis- Don't Forget . . . and space to explore it, but crepancy between college my work at the Southeastern students' opinion of their The deadline for our Fresh Voices contest is approaching. California Conference is also professors and outsiders' If you're an Adventist age 35 or younger, we welcome a cutting-edge experience! opinions of these same teach- your essay (1,700 words or fewer) about one of the For example, SECC has: ers. My professors do such a church's 27 fundamental beliefs—what it's all about, what ■ One of the first and wonderful job of relating to it means to you personally, and how it's made a difference largest education and endow- Gen Xers and are unrecog- in your life or the life of someone you know. ment funds to provide a new nized for it. The Adventist We'll award three prizes—a grand prize of $700 and two source of income to church professors at our schools runner-up prizes of $500 each. (Other articles accepted will schools. come closer to consistently merit an honorarium according to our regular rates.) ■ A project to enhance accepting students for who Send your essay (on paper and on a three-and-a-half-inch the skills and spiritual leader- they are than does any other disk, if possible) by July 31 to AnchorPoints Contest, ship of pastors ministering to branch of the church. It can't Adventist Review, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, baby boomers. be a coincidence that the MD 20904-6600. (Call 301-680-6560 for details.) ■ A successful Generation ones who relate best to our X congregation in Escondido generation are the ones who that is poised to become a spend the most time with us. apples in which we must surely expect training center for others. a few to be rotten? ■ More than a dozen women pas- —Adam Andreassen Stories that name neither the tors, who make up 10 percent of our SOUTHWESTERN ADVENTIST accused nor the accusers bring all of pastoral workers. UNIVERSITY us under suspicion. ■ Tremendous ethnic diversity in our congregations, represented in —Carlton Cross administration. Ginger Ketting's "A College Professor WALLA WALLA COLLEGE ■ A newly appointed assistant to Shares Her Heart" inspired and encour- COLLEGE PLACE, WASHINGTON the president for women pastors, aged me. The anonymous sidebar Halcyon Wilson. ("When a Teacher Lets You Down") and accompanying editorial notes let More From Kit Watts —Kit Watts me down lower than I had been lifted. I enjoyed talking to Ella Rydzewski RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA

2 (818) ADVENTIST REVIEW, JUNE 1 8 , 1 9 9 8 Mixed Message What Would Jesus Do? ADVENTIST I have some mixed feelings about rec- Chris Blake's "Beyond WWJD" ommending a book that has erroneous (Leaving the Comfort Zone, Apr. 16) information as to our beliefs (see struck me as contrived, cutesy, and R Lyndon K. McDowell's review of unreasonably critical, and I think it Patrick Glynn's God: The Evidence. The would be very offensive to our evangel- COVER STORY Reconciliation of Faith and Reason in a ical brothers and sisters in Christ as Postsecular World, Apr. 16). We should well as to many Adventists. 8 Always ... and Forever They traded in their glamorous not be offering a mixed message as did While I may be wrong, I think lifestyle for the applause of heaven. the people of old. that most Adventists and virtually BY ANDY NASH all evangelical Christians believe —Bob Roe ardently that the highest calling we VIA E-MAIL have is to try to "do what Jesus ARTICLES would do." Would Blake take issue with Thomas a Kempis, who long 14 Standing Firm Home School/Church School ago wrote the classic Imitation of What happens when your role I read with interest Deirdre Martin's Christ? models disappoint? BY ANDRA ARMSTRONG response to the letter in the April 16 WWJD in no way precludes our X-Change ("One Size Does Not Fit individuality. When I sing that moving 22 Watch the Music All") regarding home-schooled chil- little chorus "To be like Jesus, to be The importance of reading off the dren and their denied request to put like Jesus," I am not thinking about same page. information about their activities in cloning Him in the literal sense of BY SARAH E. COLEMAN the local church school paper. wearing long hair and no wristwatch, Apparently there is much confu- but about living by the principles that 24 On the Level What's the most efficient way to sion about the role of the church governed His life. For Blake to infer spread the gospel? school in the home-school arena. that WWJD is "Christian rhetoric BY STEVE DiVNICK Some home-school parents expect the filled with shallow optimism and easy church school to provide them with piety" fills me with righteous indigna- textbooks; others want their children tion. Taken seriously, the WWJD slo- DEPARTMENTS included in field trips and other gan can form the bedrock of a Christ- 2 Letters school-sponsored activities, such as centered life full of realistic optimism. gymnastics or music classes. The basic Because He was victorious over sin, I 7 Give & Take idea among many home-school par- too, in Christ, can conquer sin. 13 Leaving the Comfort Zone ents is that the church school should 17 Book Mark provide all these services to children —Warren S. Ashworth, PROFESSOR 18 World News & Perspectives who attend the church. That is an ADVENTIST STUDIES AND MISSION incorrect assumption. PACIFIC UNION COLLEGE 29 The X-Change Children whose families pay tuition 31 Reflections to the church school are afforded the privilege of field trips, quality text- During our family worship tonight we books, and specialty teachers for music found Chris Blake guilty of mocking EDITORIALS or gymnastics. The school newsletter is the stuff of our life. His penalty is to in this same category. The church wear a WWJD baseball cap and watch 5 The Christian in an Age school should not be obligated to pro- all 10 of the Veggie Tales videos back- of Talk Shows vide services to students who do not to-back while playing Script-tionary 6 Our Church Paper pay for them. and sucking on a Testamint!

A better answer might have been to , UI —Ron, Jo Ann, Kristy, and see if the church newsletter would NEXT WEEK KER

include information about the home- Kelly Vozar TO

school group or suggest that the home- FREDERICKTOWN, OHIO LLE Courting Trouble MI

school groups get together and produce Can "taking it to court" be reconciled CA their own newsletter. with "turning the other cheek"? OTO BY PH —Maureen Wlsener

NATIONAL CITY, CALIFORNIA COVER

ADVENTIST REVIEW, JUNE 18, 1998 (819) 3 ADVENTIST it is written

"Behold, I conk 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. God The Adventist Review (ISSN 0161-il19), published since still works 1849. Is the general paper of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. It is published by the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and is printed 40 times a year each Thursday except the first Thursday of each month by the Review and Herald' Publishing Association. Periodicals postage paid at Hagerstown, MD 21740. Copyright © 1998, miracles! General Conference of Seventhday Adventists.

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4 (820) ADVENTIST REVIEW, JUNE 1 8 , 1 9 9 8 EDITOR I A L

WILLIAM G. JOHNSSON The Christian in an Age of Talk Shows

Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in desk. A few weeks ago, for instance, I received a letter that con- others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out.— sisted of a page tom out of the Review with words scrawled across Colossians 4:6, Message. it, including an obscenity in large letters. And the writer signed himself a "sixth-generation Adventist"! hen it comes to speech, this is a graceless I have attended Sabbath school classes whose stated pur- age. Polite conversation, once the hallmark pose is "to have a good discussion"—regardless of whether or of culture, has yielded to that modem bar- not the dialog deals with the lesson or leaves members spiritu- barism, the talk show. ally uplifted. Now, I love a good discussion and encourage it, "Everywhere we turn, there is evidence but discussion isn't an end in itself. Jesus alone and His glory Wthat, in public discourse, we prize con- must be our goal in all we do, or we fall into tentiousness and aggression more than a worldly mode of operation. cooperation and conciliation," wrote And, of course, we easily slip into harshness Deborah Tannen, professor of linguistics at and criticism, faultfinding and gossip. As a Georgetown University, in a recent people who profess God's name in these last Washington Post article.' Her new book, days, may He give us words that heal instead The Argument Culture, is published by of wound, that build up instead of tear down, Random House. that encourage and inspire—grace words. May Tannen describes a meeting with another our speech be like Jesus', seasoned with salt. guest as she was about to go on a television Jesus' searching test—"I tell you, on the talk show. This man, who wore a shirt and tie day of judgment men will render account for and a floor-length skirt, had red hair down to every careless word they utter; for by your his waist. He told Tannen, "When I get out words you will be justified, and by your there, I'm going to attack you. But don't take it personally. words you will be condemned" (Matt. 12:36, 37)—seems That's why they invite me on, so that's what I'm going to do." severe. But the fact is that our words show who we really are: And that's what he did. When the show began, Tannen they reveal that the grace of a loving God has touched and hardly finished a couple sentences before the man threw out his changed our hearts and lips, or else, like Peter sitting by the hands in a gesture of anger and began to shriek out accusations fire while Jesus faced His accusers, that we have not yet against her and all women. Then Tannen watched in amaze- yielded to the gracious Pattern. ment as the studio audience erupted in vicious attacks on the Those same lips, those lying lips, spoke truth a few months other women guests. later. Along with John, Peter boldly proclaimed Jesus of This is the media age, and the media thrives on confronta- Nazareth as Messiah and only Saviour of the world. His words tion. The goal isn't to share perspectives in a common search amazed the religious leaders of Jerusalem, but then they recalled for truth, but rather to best your opponents in debate, even if it that he had been with Jesus (see Acts 4:5-13). means interrupting or outshouting them. After Pentecost, notes Ellen White, Notes Tannen: "Headlines blare about the Star Wars, the "the language of the disciples was pure, Mommy Wars, the Baby Wars, the Mammography Wars; every- simple, and accurate, whether they thing is posed in terms of battles and duels, winners and losers, spoke in their native tongue or in a for- conflicts and disputes. Biographies have metamorphosed into eign language."2 That's an ideal for every demonographies whose authors don't just portray their subjects Christian in this age of talk shows. But warts and all, but set out to dig up as much dirt as possible, as if grace words come only, as they did the story of a person's life is contained in the warts, only the for the disciples, as a gift of grace. warts, and nothing but the warts." ' "For Argument's Sake," Washington Inevitably, the spirit of the age impacts the church. You Post, Mar. 15, 1998. would be shocked at mail that occasionally comes across my The Acts of the Apostles, p. 40.

ADVENTIST REVIEW, JUNE 18, 1998 (821) 5 EDITOR I A L Our Church Paper ANDY NASH

ecently I was talking with a close friend's mom, frustrates another category of readers—the ones who want herself a close friend, about my recurring dream the "noble" and "praiseworthy," but the "true" and "right" as for the Adventist Review—that it might fully well. It isn't that they don't enjoy good news; they do. review Adventists: printing the struggles along They're glad that 20,000 people were baptized last year, but with the successes, the bad news' along with they also want to know whether they're still around this Rthe good. "By reading the bad news," I urged, "we'll better year—and if not, why not? To this group, one of the most appreciate the good news." positive things the church can do is to "No, Andy," she said, "you'll lose your share negative news about itself. It signals readership." She then explained how her a desire to learn from mistakes—to grow. own parents don't want bad news in One church paper; two different "their" Review. "They know there's pain philosophies. The first emphasizes and problems in the church," she said, Adventist; the second emphasizes Review. "but they don't want to be reminded of it Each is biblical. Which should reign? netheeing the We must somehow make room for every week." chetch More recently I got a letter from an both—and we aim to in each of our edi- Adventist author taking issue with my tions, especially our Cutting Edge Edition. commentary ("Serious Bible Study, But we aren't quite there. Anyone? Anyone? Mar. NAD Edition) on the books Since one of my tasks' is to work closely with the Cutting Adventists are buying. He didn't question the commentary's Edge Edition, I invite you: Help get us there. truthfulness—our tendency to gobble up end-time discourse, Conferences, colleges all news suppliers: Keep reporting while new Bible study aids sit unsold—but its appropriate- your organization's highlights, but don't shrink from also ness. "What good," he wrote, "are we going to achieve by reporting the lowlights—the setbacks, the challenges. Your

telling . . . church members that they are basically no good?" credibility will soar. I think of the pastor who, in a mass invita- He then directed me toward Philippians 4:8, asking, "If the tion to area young adults, described his church as a "struggling Bible tells us to think about noble and praiseworthy things, congregation." That's exactly the kind of church many young shouldn't these also be the same things we write about?" adults want to join—a church that recognizes its condition. I value both of these comments—first, because they were Individual Adventists: Do you have a story of spiritual brought directly to me; second, because they underline the growth or struggle to tell? a current issue to address? a lifestyle varying tastes and needs of Adventist readers. question to explore? an opinion, devotional, interview, fea- Many Adventists fall in the "good news only" category. ture, or news item to share? Share it. (When possible, share The Review, they believe, should be strictly an uplifting sidebars, photos, and graphics along with it.) Just one request: magazine, an anchor amid the storm. The reader should Be real. Don't skip over the rough spots. Don't sugarcoat your come away thrilled, even proud, to be a Seventh-day conclusion. Adventist—"What a church!" Certainly most Adventist Send submissions (on both hard copy media subscribe to this view. "Publications Just Keep and disk) to Cutting Edge Edition, Mentioning Seventh-day Adventists," proclaims the April 6 Adventist Review, 12501 Old Columbia Monday Fax, a newssheet from the North American Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904. Division. The short piece tells of Adventists being lauded in May your words be both true and Vegetarian Times and Family Motor Coaching. "Yes, our noble. church name was misspelled . . ." it concludes. "But let's take all the credit we can." ' "Bad news," of course, is a subjec- Fair enough. It's fine to report Adventists getting positive tive label. My other tasks include opening press. But are we as quick to report negative press? (Lately, unmarked packages and fielding calls there's been a good chunk.) It is such one-sidedness that from the far right and far left.

6 (822) ADVENTIST REVIEW, JUNE 18, 1 9 9 8 HERALD'S TRUMPET Hi, kids! Herald the Review angel is back, and Herald's trumpet is once again hidden somewhere in this magazine. In our last contest (in the May 14 World Edition) we did something crazy—we let grown-ups participate too! The prize for our three winners (whose postcards were chosen randomly) was our famous Review cap (pictured below). Who were the winners? Aletha Gerst, from North Platte, Nebraska; Chester Holbrook, from Beulah, Michigan; and Shirley Kleugard, from Hubertus, G E Wisconsin. Where was the trumpet? On page 6. This time the kids are taking the contest back. So if you're a kid, and if you can find Herald's trumpet somewhere in the magazine, send a postcard to Herald's Trumpet at the Give & Take address below telling us where you found it. The prize—a perfect prize for summer—is Robby, the true story of friendship between a robin and his human family, by Velma Craven Meyer. Have fun!

HATS OFF TO ADVENTIST YOUTH

T Remember church school trips to the local

ADVENTIST QUOTES nursing home? Some students continue the visits long after they're required. A ninth grader at "U hen you mind your Adventist Christian Academy in Bloomington, own business, you'll have Indiana, Shannon McArtor has visited mem- fewer decisions to make." bers of two local nursing homes every month since —Floyd Hilliard, OroviUe, California September 1996. Shannon also visits shut-in members "I found my bike—except there once a month, participates was a big kid on it!" in the Dress-a-Doll cam- SMOOTH MOVE: Shannon helps make clothes for the Dress-a-Doll campaign, in which dolls are given to under- —a 9-year-old boy during a Friday evening testi- paign mony time at the Celebration Center, Colton, (see privileged children during the holidays. California. (The previous week he had asked for everyone to pray that he would find his bike.) photo), walks for healthier babies in the March of Dimes Walk/America, leads out in her youth Sabbath school "I'm almost done with the first class, and much, much more. "We really appreciate the draft of my article on drama. It uses nice things Shannon does," says church member Carrie a new, creative way of quoting Ellen Bonnette. White. Instead of whole sentences, I So do we, Shannon. Look for your Review cap in only quote one word or phrase at a the mail! time. For instance, a line from the text might read: 'On many occasions Mrs. White commented, "I like" "drama." "I think that Adventists" WE NEED YOU "should embrace" "it [drama]." Send Give & Take submissions to . .. Give & Take, Adventist Review, 12501 "People who don't like" "drama" Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904; Fax: 301-680-6638; E-mail: "should be" "disciplined."' " [email protected]. Please include phone number. Submissions will —Rick Mann, Altamonte Springs, Florida, in a not be returned. tongue-in-cheek query letter to the Review

ADVENTIST REVIEW, JUNE 18, 1998 (823) 7

Former superstars . . . and Forever David and Marian Lewis are tired, broke, and without steady work. They've never been happier.

BY ANDY NASH

N THE SUMMER OF 1988, STILL RIDING Little did David Lewis and Marian Jones know that this the wave of their number one hit "Always," the pop group Manhattan meeting would someday lead to their joining hands in Atlantic Starr was searching for a new female vocalist to marriage—and rejoining the church of their youth . . . replace Barbara Weathers, who had gotten a solo deal. Hearing of the need, Manhattan-based high fashion model ANDY: You both grew up in the Adventist Church. Then I you both left. Why are you back? and singer Marian Jones phoned Atlantic Starr's Westchester, DAVID: Well, quite frankly, I came out of a trance. As far New York, studio, just 30 minutes away. back as I can remember I wanted to be an entertainer. From Lead singer/songwriter David Lewis took the call. He told the time I saw the Beatles invade America in the sixties I Marian to mail her photo and tape to his manager in California. wanted what I now realize is worship. Girls screaming, Unimpressed with the runaround, Marian pursed her Oil of pulling their hair out, fainting—the whole bit. I knew this Olay lips. was something I would one day pursue. "Hey, look," she said, "you need to see me." However, once I got in to the business, I realized what it Marian offered to take the train to Westchester. No need, said was all about. It's like looking at the New York skyline. From David. He would drive his red 635 BMW to Manhattan. the outside it looks beautiful—all the bright lights and sky- The glamour couple cruised around the city listening to Marian's scrapers. Only when you get in it do you see how dirty and audition tape. David liked her soft Vanessa Williams-like sound and dark it really is. expressed interest in producing her songs (he later would) . But, he My spiritual roots were being pulled out—one compro- said, Atlantic Starr was looking for a Whitney Houston type. mise after another. There was very little I wouldn't do for Still cruising, the mood less pressured, David and Marian money and success. I realized that this show business wasn't found their talk turning to common experiences: life under the the wonderful thing that I saw on the screen. You might be lights, family members with diabetes, and most stunning of all, a the number one artist in the business today, but you are so shared childhood in the Seventh-day Adventist Church—a church afraid of not being there tomorrow that you can't even enjoy each of them had left behind. the moment. After years of compromise, anxiety, and stress,

8 (824) ADVENTIST REVIEW, JUNE 18, 1998 allowed me to become a model. I've done things that I'm not at all proud of—things my parents will never know. David and I used to have these talks. Once he opened an Elle magazine, and a well-known model was wearing a totally sheer blouse. He asked if I would wear something like this. And I said, "No way—I wouldn't wear that sheer blouse." Then he asked, "What if Giorgio Armani asked you to wear a sheer blouse in one of his fashion shows?" And I couldn't say no. I mean, this is Giorgio Armani— the biggest designer in the world. I said, "Well, I don't know. I would have to think about that." And David said, Don't you realize what you're doing— the pictures that you take, the pictures in your portfolio, the things you wear on the runway? They entice men." IN THIS TOGETHER: After quitting their careers in 1995, the Lewis family lived off their sav- And I said, "What are you talking ings until 1998, when they began touring schools and churches. "As our savings dwindled, I about? It's just fashion." was panicking," says Marian. "But once it was all gone, a peace came over me. We live I used to justify everything I did month-to-month now." Here David and Marian pose with their three children, Milan, Adrian, because to me it was all part of my job. and Wanda. David also has a 9-year-old son, Brandon, from a previous relationship. I had taken pictures in lingerie, swimwear, short tight skirts, low-cut I said to myself, "This just isn't it. I you as a vessel in which He could blouses. Never once did I wonder how still feel very empty." dwell to save His children. my Saviour would feel or how I must I thought that being a part of a have made men sin in their minds. I ANDY: You say that you were feel- Christian denomination made me a just thought of it as a job. What ing empty. Are you feeling fulfilled Christian. But I wasn't serving Jesus, so brought me back was some of the talks again? I wasn't a Christian at all. I wasn't that David and I had. They sharpened DAVID: Oh, yes, I am. Although our anything. my conscience. lifestyle has changed tremendously, I have such a peace knowing that God is ANDY: Marian, why did you come in my wife, in my kids, in my house- back? hold, and that life for us will never MARIAN: It's really interesting. Like end. For some people this life is all David, I always thought I was a that they have. That's why they say, Christian. I thought believing in God "You only live once. You better do it and asking forgiveness of my sins and all now." I know that this life is just a going to church whenever possible ilgrimage for me. The real glory starts made me a Christian. hen I see Jesus. I was in the fashion industry for many years as a print, runway, and ANDY: When you were with Atlantic commercial model, and there is a very Starr, were you still connected with dark side to those self-serving and self- God and with the Adventist Church? glorifying industries. You're blinded by DAVID: Yes. I sent 10 percent of my ambition, and you don't even see how earnings back, and when I was in dark it really is—the unhealthy envi- ronments, the constant competition, town, I went to church. So yes, I FOCUS: David and Marian pray before their looked at myself as being a Seventh- agents making sexual advances, program at Oakwood College this past day Adventist or a Christian. But I women with women, men with men, March. Their 90-minute presentation didn't realize that being a Christian drugs and alcohol, and much more. includes a video documenting their journey. was not just assisting God with mate- These were some of the things my par- testimony, question-and-answer, and of rial things, but allowing Him to use ents weren't aware of when they course, music. Photo by Shawn Wray.

ADVENTIST REVIEW, JUNE 18, 1998 (825) 9 ANDY: He gave you a man's per- totally and completely, we're send- spective. ing out mixed messages. MARIAN: Yes, he did. I would say, Christ went into the ghettos "Only women read magazines like Elle, and all of these different places, Cosmo, Bazaar." He would say, "Those but He didn't condone or con- are the same exact magazines on the form. He was a light in a dark table in our recording studio, and let place. He said, "I'm on this one me tell you—we are not looking at the mission—to seek and save—and fashion." that's it." As a child I had ethics. I had morals. But in the industry you slowly MARIAN: Also, David talks lose those things. They are chipped about being morally correct in pop away. By beholding, you become music. Yes, he used to sing morally changed. correct songs—sweet love songs— but he was singing these songs and ANDY: Is it possible for someone to those songs weren't bringing peo- be in these careers and still be a ple to the cross. wholehearted Christian? DAVID: In my opinion, no. You can't DAVID: Songs like "Always" and serve two masters. First of all, the "Masterpiece"—these songs were motivation for going into these indus- very clean and beautiful, but JUST ANOTHER GIG: In one of her last modeling tries is to serve self, not Christ. What many of the people who loved jobs—which included Bob Mackey, Liz Claiborne, you have to realize is that the person these songs were not believers in Valentino, and Oil of Olay—Marian poses for Bride with a 9:00 to 5:00 job doesn't have the Son of God. God gave me magazine in early 1993. That August Marian put the same influence on the masses that this talent for a specific purpose, on a wedding gown for real. those in the entertainment business but I was not allowing that pur- have. When I was out there making pose to be fulfilled in my life. It God. These are things that He insti- records and performing on stage and in would be like God ordaining a pastor tuted. So the song was not evil. But for videos, someone's son or daughter was to preach the gospel, but instead of me to sing just those kinds of songs and watching and listening. They were tak- doing that, the pastor is out doing never mention the name of Jesus— ing in every action, every word. No motivational speeches. Now, motiva- that would be an outright sin. You see matter what I thought, I was affecting tional speeches in and of them- what I'm saying? But if I sing about people I didn't even know. We who are selves—that's not a sin. But I was Jesus, I'm always safe. Always. in the business of entertainment—be it singing morally correct songs when movies, sports, fashion, or music—are God was saying, "Son, I gave you the ANDY: David, earlier you mentioned role models, whether we like it or not. voice to bring people straight to Me." a desire to be worshiped. Both of you Unless one's influence is Christian were worshiped. But even in your ANDY: Do you still Christian concerts now, you still sing songs like have people lining up afterward to "Always"? shake your hand and visit with you. DAVID: Yes; in fact, Is there still a temptation to cater to some friends are hav- that desire to be worshiped? ing a family reunion, DAVID: In your flesh, yes! You have to and their anniversary say "Not I, but Christ." You always is going to fall around have to do that, because there's some- that time, so we are thing in your makeup that still wants going to sing that song to take some of the glory. for them. Let me make something very clear: ANDY: Marian, was it a hard transi- "Always" was a wed- tion to leave a career in which thou- ding song—a song sands of eyes are waiting to watch about nature, family, you? Was it hard to take off your jew-

EMOTIONAL MOMENT: Marian breaks down at her and David's commitment. All of elry, as you've done? baptism on April 29, 1995. Marian had been baptized into the these things are com- MARIAN: Yes, initially those things Adventist Church at age 12. Though David also grew up pletely in harmony were difficult for me. I loved the world. Adventist, he had never been baptized. with the principles of And I loved nice things in the world.

10 (826) ADVENTIST REVIEW, JUNE 18, 1998 And when David took off his wedding driving, I would get off at the next ANDY: Put them in your own lan- ring shortly after we got married, I was exit, turn around, and go home and guage? hurt, I was offended. I asked him, "How put my ring on. But once God came DAVID: Yes, exactly. But we don't could you do that? These rings signify a into my life, I forgot to put on the want the gospel/jazz, gospel/ rhythm bond between us." And David replied, rings and chains, and it wasn't even a and blues type of sound. We want to "Honey, the true thing that binds us is conscious thought. It was like "I don't keep it beautiful. We want the message Christ." And I said, "Well, I'm going to need it." to be clear musically as well as lyrically. hold on to mine because I love my ring—I don't worship my ring." But the ANDY: Marian, a lot of young MARIAN: We don't want the beat or more I studied, the more I read, the Adventists—both men and women— anything else to distract from the more I realized that I didn't need adorn- are wearing jewelry. To many of them message. ment, because Christ has made me so jewelry has become something of a full. He's filled my life so much that I moot issue. ANDY: So you don't have a beat in MARIAN: The church your music. has begun to compro- DAVID: We do use drums, but they're mise. One girl will wear very subtle—almost to the point that a very small stud in her you might not even realize they're there. ear, and another girl will look and say, "Well, ANDY: How do you feel about these little hoops what's happening in the contempo- shouldn't make a differ- rary Christian music industry? ence." And another will DAVID: I'm very concerned that if say, "Well, let me put we're not careful, the business of gospel two holes in my ears." music will take over. They call it the And before you know it, music business, but it's the business of so many people are music. The business boils down to doing it that it becomes numbers. We have to realize that as the norm. Why can't we gospel artists we are really missionaries. be the example? Why We are not out here to be gospel can't we set the stan- icons—to be at the top of the charts CELEBRITIES: David (second from left) and his two brothers. dard? Don't we realize and to sell the most records. We are Jonathan (left of David) and Wayne (right of David), who the advantage we have here to brings souls into the kingdom made up Atlantic Starr, lock arms with Stevie Wonder in over those who don't of God. Everybody is so excited that 1987. "My brothers and I had this dream to become know Jesus? gospel music is now becoming this famous." says David. "But as soon as we became famous. things started to change. Things that I could talk over with lucrative industry, and we're catching my brothers personally now had to be done through agents ANDY: What stops you up to the secular. But we're using the and lawyers. I was thinking. Man. this isn't good." Wayne from wearing jewelry? secular industry as a pattern for what and Jonathan are still with the pop group. MARIAN: I don't need we are doing. We have to be peculiar. these things to validate We're not with a record company right me—to validate who I now, because they wanted a secular don't need anything but Him. am. Christ validates who I am. sound with spiritual lyrics. I had diamonds and golden jewels— beautiful jewelry, expensive jewelry. DAVID: It sets you apart. It gives peo- ANDY: What's a secular sound? My wedding ring is very expensive— ple a chance to ask "Why?" DAVID: For example, there's a con- we are still paying for that wedding temporary Christian song called ring. But when I let those things go, it ANDY: Your music. How would you "Stomp." The music for this song was was a relief, because I had come to a classify it? taken from a rhythm-and-blues hit point where I realized that Christ was DAVID: We do a mix of hymns and called "One Nation Under a Groove," everything. contemporary gospel. Our music is by George Clinton, who used to be a similar to the sound of the Brooklyn producer for a group called Parliament DAVID: A lot of times when we put Tabernacle Choir. We like their slower Funkadelic. Clinton contended that on adornment—diamond rings and songs, like "I Am Not Ashamed," his music was an "unholy sound." To stuff—it's to make ourselves feel like "Praise You"—songs that are Christ- mix this music with a gospel message we've arrived. I used to have a ring centered and that have a sense of pure really concerns me, because this was a that I put on every day. And if I forgot heart appreciation and reverence. And song that we used to bump and grind to put it on and I was on the highway we do hymns in a more updated style. to in the clubs.

ADVENTIST REVIEW, JUNE 18, 1998 (827) 11 ANDY: Is a song's mes- in such a way where we as sage in the words or in a family, as a couple, don't the music? have the stresses that other DAVID: Both. Some peo- husbands and wives have. ple say, "At first the beat If we do have a problem, attracts us, and then the we know where to go now. beat goes away. Then we We get down on our knees hear the message." But I and we pray. don't believe that. Let's be honest—would God want ANDY: How do you feel something as important as when you wake up in the His good news to be morning today compared drowned out by the music? to 10 years ago? DAVID: I look forward to MARIAN: At one acad- living now. I look forward emy one of the students ADVICE: David (left) counsels another Adventist vocalist in January at the to seeing another day— said, "I hear the beat world church headquarters. Since leaving Atlantic Starr, David has rejected whereas when I was in the first, but then I hear the lucrative offers to return to pop music. "There's always going to be some- business, my stress was my message, and the beat body trying to redirect your vision," says David, who acknowledges the dif- alarm clock. And I was very ficult road independent Christian artists have to travel. fearful of my position and goes away." We took a Photo by Andy Nash. vote, and a few students my status. But now I have said, "Yeah, that's true," so much to look forward to. but the majority said, The hope just keeps me "No way. You never get away from DAVID: Constant encouragement. going—the hope that one day I will the beat." It does make you want to They need to know that God is an really start living. This is just a pilgrim- move, you know? unconditional, loving daddy, and that age now. Paul says, "Eye bath not seen, you don't have to clean up your act to nor ear heard, neither have entered into ANDY: Are there some instruments come to Him. He'll do the cleaning. the heart of man, the things God bath that should not be used in worship? Too often we're showing them a prepared for them that love him" [1 Cor. DAVID: No, the instrument itself has standard that isn't real. They look at us 2:9]. I'm waiting for that. no power to do anything. It's the mind. sometimes and say, "I can't attain that. Once I touch that instrument, it's my I can't be that. So if I can't live up to MARIAN: When I lived in Manhattan influence that will make the difference. the expectations of my parents and my I used to come home, lock my door, For instance, I could listen to somebody leadership, then I know God can't and rarely go out again. Now when I play "The Old Rugged Cross" on a gui- accept me, because they are God's rep- wake up in the morning, the first thing tar so pretty that I'll get tears in my resentatives." I do is say, "Thank You, Lord, for giv- eyes. Then they could turn around and Young people want to see some- ing me another day." I look forward to use that instrument to convey something real. They don't want to hear a waking up and seeing my husband and thing completely dark. It's the spirit sermon; they want to see one. The pic- babies and knowing that God is good. within me that makes it good or evil. tures are not going with the message, It's just like "What are we going to do and they're saying, "Well, if the church today, Lord?" ANDY: Do you have plans to come isn't doing anything for you and you've out with a CD? been an Adventist for 30 years, Dad DAVID: Yes, we're just now putting and Mom, then what will it really do Want to Book 'Em? materials together. Right now we have for me?" David and Marian Lewis can be con- a tape called "Coming Home," which tacted at: True Light Ministries, P.O. has six songs and a couple stories. We ANDY: An observation. You both Box 2982, Poughkeepsie, New York want to do an album consisting of look very happy. 12603; phone: 914-471-3089; e-mail: hymns and original material. We hope DAVID: We were just talking about Internet: [email protected] to release something by the end of the that— summer, if possible. MARIAN: That's funny that you ANDY: You've been spending a lot of would say that. Andy Nash is an Adventist time with Adventist young people. Review assistant editor. What are you finding? What do they DAVID: Well, we are just so happy need most? that God allowed us to come together

12 (828) ADVENTIST REVIEW, JUNE 18, 1998 LEAVING THE COMFORT ZONE Another Clothes Call CHRIS BLAKE

"And why worry about your clothes? Look at the field lilies! Humanities Department, George Gibson and Karl-Heinz They don't worry about theirs" (Matt. 6:28, TLB). Schroeder, bought some new work shoes for the office—athletic shoes they wear with a shirt and tie. This is "ensembling" for ecently my son Geoffrey embarked on a quest to us. To accessorize, we carry a briefcase. find suitable clothes for Spirit Week—five Yet I've cut a few stylistic swaths in days of sartorial high jinks at his my day. I wore Chuck Taylor All-Star academy. The next day would be Converse tennis shoes in the sixties. Untied. Old Day, the idea being to simu- I wore a hat through college, and my jeans Rlate older persons by wearing ancient clothes, sported holes at the knees. I owned blue spectacles, glued-on wrinkles, powder in the shoes that I painted myself. "Mom, trust hair, ad extremum. Geoff marched straight to me," I wish I'd said. "Someday these will be my closet. in vogue." "Whoa!" he exclaimed, as though he'd Truthfully, I think I have pretty good finally found the father lode. "Any of this taste in clothes, but if I could shop for 24 will work!" hours straight and do all the shopping I'd Very funny. Or so it appeared to Geoff and need for the rest of my life, I'd do it. I loathe to Yolanda, my wife and former friend. They meandering in the mall; I detest playing held up shirts, ties, jackets, and pants, and pawn to Parisian designers and Madison Avenue mavens.' cackled like young hens. Then Geoff tried on some of my Really, I'm not against modem fashions. I just don't care. My clothes. I had to admit, he did look older. By about 80 years. He sense of self is not tied to my clothes, and I try not to humiliate stuck his arms through a jacket that Walter Matthau wouldn't my wife's sense of self. As for my sons, how can I trust the wis- wear. Seeing him doubled over with convulsions of laughter dom of people who wear "shorts" that extend below their made me think that maybe I should shop for clothes before the knees? decade ends. Though it's tempting, I do not see myself as more spiritually Around my house I'm a legend in long-ago. I'm the paragon advanced simply because I'm stylistically clueless. Adventists of passé. A model of outmoded apparel. The fashion plate of don't do God any favors by appearing en masse at a potluck of fogydom. If Leonardo DiCaprio is the prototype of style, I'm polyester. Ellen White, who possessed the spiritual gift of the antitype. When they made my style, they didn't have to uncommon sense, writes of extremes in dress. "There is a me- break the mold—I'm still wearing it. dium position in these things. Oh, that we all might wisely find Basically, I don't pay attention to styles. My theory is that that position and keep it."' they'll all come back anyway. And when they do, then I'll In the end I consider Jesus' field lilies as well-dressed partly change. My haircut is the same as it's been since college, when because they do not bend all the way to faddish breezes. I gave up on "the bush." I carry flip-up sunglasses in our car. My Contemporary is temporary at its root. I prefer to call my style sweatshirts show bold evidence of events such as "BIG TOP "enduring classic." '90" and "Remember the Maine!" God's angels may wear Airwalks. They certainly have I'm not alone. In the Humanities Division here at Union wing tips. College the male professors, mostly English and history types, generally dress according to one fashion era: primeval. We flowed ' Though one could appropriately ask how much Paris plays into the handling of Levis. into the retro look without even trying. Our wardrobe maxim is Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, p. 425. "If a robe was good enough for Jesus, it's good enough for me." When a male colleague gets some new "gear," he gains notoriety. Chris Blake dresses himself in Lincoln, Nebraska. "What happened to the Nehru jacket?" He teaches English, too, at Union College. "Could I have your bell-bottoms now?" Some months ago my friends and colleagues in the

ADVENTIST REVIEW, JUNE 18, 199 8 (829) 1.3 LIFE S T Y L E

How young adults cope when their parents leave the church

BY ANDRA ARMSTRONG

OU'RE THE REASON YOUR PARENTS ARE of a deep spiritual burden. Visiting with friends at church still in the church," a well-meaning yet naive was a part of my academy social life. But by attending church member told me one Sabbath morning. church, even sometimes for the wrong reasons, I discovered I flashed a puzzled grin and turned away, wonder- what really counts—getting to know God and feeling Him ing how someone could be so insensitive. "I'm only in my life. y15 years old," I wanted to yell. "I can't make my parents do any- Now I attend church because I have made a conscious thing, much less go to church. It's not my responsibility!" decision to do so, and I've found I'm not alone. Increasingly He assumed what only God and my parents knew, and I young Adventists are witnessing their parents' exodus from was insulted. Who made him an authority on my family life? the church. But many stand firm in Jesus even when their He had never spent time with my family or me. parents do not. I wondered if other people at my church assumed the same. I felt ashamed, embarrassed, and suspicious every time Tom: "Our Family Worships Were a Joke" someone asked about my parents. Did they really care, or did Tom,* a theology major at a Seventh-day Adventist they just want the latest scoop? Lying to everyone, as well as university, says he remembers feeling confused when his to myself, I would put on a brave smile and say, "Everything dad stopped attending church four years ago. is fine." But it wasn't. Within a year my parents were sepa- "I wanted to know what was going on in Dad's head," rated, and Dad stopped attending church. Tom says. "Our family worships were a joke because Dad I was shocked. Dad was my spiritual leader. As a church didn't take them seriously, even though Mom wanted this elder and lay minister he taught Sabbath school, lived the time to be special." health message, cohosted a local Adventist radio program, At first Tom wasn't worried when his dad started slipping and was involved in prison ministries. As a teenager I was away. "It was a gradual process," he says. "We really weren't supposed to rebel, not Dad. He was supposed to worry about alarmed when he started skipping church, but we did keep me. Instead, I found my concerns focused on him. inviting him to attend church with us." When Dad left the church, I too thought about leaving. The situation deteriorated when the family moved to But I stayed because the spiritual lessons my parents taught another state after Tom's dad faced a political struggle at the me as a child outweighed Dad's actions when I was a teenager. Adventist college where he taught. I was living proof of the verse: "Teach a child in the way [he "Dad was next in line to become chair of his department, or she] should go, and when [he or she] is old, [he or she] will but his colleagues were against his taking the position," Tom not turn from it" (Prov. 22:6, NIV). says. "When he started teaching at a public university, he I can't say that I continued to attend church only because realized that non-Adventists are nice too—even more so,

14 (830) ADVENTIST REVIEW, JUNE I 8 , 1 9 9 8 Dad said, than the Adventists he had church leader to barhopper. adults at the church I now attend have worked with before." "I was so confused," she says. "One also made a big impact on my life." That's when Tom's dad completely minute Dad was a big part of the Ali stresses that it is important for stopped attending church. church; the next minute he wanted the church family to support young "I didn't know my dad anymore," nothing to do with God, the church, Adventists in their spiritual walk. says Tom. "I thought he rationalized a or anything in between." "They need to know that the spiritual lot. He started questioning Ellen Ali's dad left the church when she path they take is their choice," she says. White's credibility, and I started to was 11, meaning she had to grow up believe him." faster than most Adventist preteens, Leslie: "My Parents Were Tom says his personal time with and her spiritual maturity level then Burned Out" God saved him. "I decided it was bet- was well beyond her years. Leslie, a student at a Seventh-day ter to stay with the church, even with "I had to decide what was best for Adventist university, says she was dis- its flaws," he says. "There's a support me," Ali says. "Having a close relation- appointed when both her parents left group there that you don't have in the ship with God was what I wanted, and the church. "I was a senior in high world." most of all, what I needed [during that school before I really realized they had Tom believes accepting young peo- time in life]." left," she says. "I was very stressed out ple in his situation is vital to nurturing Ali attends public school now because about the whole ordeal." their spiritual growth. In fact, he says an her dad doesn't want to send her to a But before they left, Leslie says, "accepting attitude" by Adventists Seventh-day Adventist academy. But she knew something had to change might also draw his dad back to church. Ali misses the encouragement of her because her parents were discouraged Christian teachers and friends. with the church. "My parents were All: "I Was So Confused" "When I attended a Seventh-day burned out," Leslie says. "They were Ali, a blue-eyed public high school Adventist elementary school, my extremely involved in everything [at sophomore, says she was deeply pained principal was very encouraging and the church], and people started taking by watching her dad leave the church. was always there for me when I advantage of them." Like Tom, she was troubled by her needed to talk," she says. "Fortu- When her parents left, Leslie went dad's gradual transformation from nately, the youth leader and several through a period of role reversal. "This

ADVENTIST REVIEW, JUNE 18, 1998 (831) 15 The job of the church community, Helping Them Stand Firm says Harr, is to help people—young and old—connect with God. "If they BY ANDRA ARMSTRONG experience God," he says, "they will What can you do to help young Adventists whose parents are missing members? never leave [Him or the church]." Remember us. Include us in church activities, offices, and responsibilities. Going away to college helped Send us a birthday card. Show us that we're still an important part of the untangle my spiritual life from my par- church, even if our parents are no longer involved. ents.' Instead of focusing on what I saw Be supportive but not pushy. "I had tons of people asking me what was going as Dad's missing spiritual life, I concen- on with my family, wanting to know if they could do anything to help," Leslie says. trated on loving him, no matter what, "I wanted to tell them to stay out. The more people pushed their way in to help, and building my own life with God. I the more frustrated I became. The best thing they can do is pray." hope that I will show Dad through my Listen. Listening shows us you care and want to understand. Now is not the life that church is more than ceremony time to lecture or give unwelcome advice. "One of the best ways to give support and mingling; it's about finding an eter- is to listen and show sympathy," Tom says. "Sometimes people make comments nal friend—God. when they aren't appropriate." Now I'm not embarrassed when peo- Allow room for spiritual growth. If there was ever a time when we needed support, ple ask about Dad. At times I'm even not criticism, it is now. "I didn't grow a lot spiritually until my dad left the church," Ali comfortable enough to share what I've says. "Before Dad left, he was my spiritual base. When he left, I had to decide which been through with people in similar sit- spiritual path to take, and [it was important] to know I made the decision." uations, hoping they too will gain strength. More important, I love and accept Daddy no matter what. After all, situation was totally new to me," she Seventh-day Adventist Church. "If isn't that what God does? • says. "My parents were always the ones they haven't experienced God, they trying to drag me to church, but now I have no reason to stay with the church * Names of those interviewed have been changed. was trying to get them to go." unless they have a community," he As with Tom and Ali, Leslie also says. "Because these parents are fin- felt confused. "I had to really think ished raising their children, they're out about my commitment to Christ, and I of the parenting crowd, but aren't quite Andra Armstrong is a senior journalism still do," Leslie says. "There were times ready for the retirement crowd, either. major at Southern Adventist University. when I wanted to give up, but I'm glad Sometimes their kids continue going to I never did." church because they have a commun- Leslie says she is strong now because ity, especially if they're in academy." of-her spiritual "support group" at the summer camp where she worked. "I was able to see God working through my life and [that of] others," she says. "Whenever I struggle, I remember my summer camp experience and am WARNING: Even th, encouraged. God became very real to DO NOT READ TAM BOOK 11 me through those summers." 94,9A Leslie says she stayed with the IN CHOICE church because of her "strong attach- • EVEN THE ANGELS MUST LAUGH AGAIN ment to God." "I'd like to say my rela- Jan S. Doward. Have you ever been in church tionship with Him is perfect, but and witnessed something so funny you almost suf- sometimes I feel like I am on the focated trying to contain yourself? This updated wildest roller-coaster ride," she says. version of an old favorite with new stories added "I'm fortunate to have good friends is a priceless collection of actual incidents and who are committed to Christ, and accidents that have occurred in church. they've been a good influence on me." Story by story, this collection of humor will remind you of the joy of being a Christian and the wonder of a God who created laughter. 0-8163-1408-X Paper. US$5.99, Cdn$8.49. The Need for Community "And it's that same caring commu- AVAIIABLE AT YOUR LOCAL al nity that many departing parents ADVENTIST BOOK CENTER. Pacific Press' Publishing Association CALL 1-800-765-6955. CREATING THE FUTURE OF ADVENTIST PUBLISHING haven't found," says Randy Harr, youth ®1998 Pacific Press.' Publishing Association • Prices subject to change Visit us at: www.pacificpress.com pastor at the Collegedale, Tennessee,

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The Voice of the Spirit Juan Carlos Viera With its focus on the Spirit of Prophecy, The Voice of the Spirit assures the reader that God has spoken in modern times and that we can have confidence in the words of His prophet. 0-8163- 1654-6 English. 0-8163-1661-9 Spanish. Paper. US$8.99, Cdn$12.99.

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Pacific Press® Publishing Association Creating the future of Adventist publishing Available at your local ABC; Visit us at www.pacificpress.com

call 1-800-765-6955. © 1998 Pacific Press® Publishing Association 82054/478 Printed in USA The Bible Code uses several tricks. consonants or vowels. The vowel-like The author takes Hebrew without letters aleph and `ayin are either used vowels, then adds vowels at whim to as vowels or ignored. Hebrew uses let- yield words. He attaches modem ters for numbers, so dates are easy to meanings to old Hebrew words to get discover. Modem Hebrew dates don't words like missile, or he invents usually name the millennium. Thus spellings (Clinton is spelled qlyntwn). 1994 in The Bible Code could be 2994 Hebrew word roots usually have or 994. If you apply these tricks to any • MARK• three consonants, so when they read page of English, there's a good chance from any direction and vowels are that something "prophetic" will appear. added, many possibilities emerge (the Christians don't need a code to tell consonants dg can yield dog, dig, dug, them what will come. We have a more The Bible Code Doug, Dag, doge, adage, and adagio in sure word of prophecy (2 Peter 1:19). If only one direction). The computer we are faced with some new revelation, Michael Drosnin, Simon and Schuster, adjusts the line length until the most God tells us how to test it—to the law New York, difficult word (usually a name) can be and to the testimony (Isa. 8:19-22). TH E 1997. Reviewed found vertically; then the author finds Let's not be deceived (2 Thess. 2:9-12). B1B1. E by Ed Christian, related words horizontally (as words are Ph.D., assistant normally read). It's no surprise that the More information—pro and COI) E professor of word war turns up in a code when the con—is available on the Internet: MICHAEL 111405 HIM English and related Scripture text uses the word sev- http://www.altavista.digital.com, use Bible, Kutztown eral times. Bible Code as the search field name, or University of The Bible Code uses Hebrew letters write to Ed Christian, Department of Pennsylvania. similar to our s, z, sh, and is inter- English, Kutztown University, Kutztown, changeably, and w and y as either PA 19530.

he Old Testament has a secret code, discoverable with the help of a computer! So claims the author of The Bible Code. A SON TBy adjusting the number of letters in each line of text and treating the result as a giant word search puzzle, the FOR PRAYER author believes that the Bible reveals the future—the assassination of Find a deeper Tim Crosby, Ruthie Jacobsen. Yitzhak Rabin; Saddam Hussein's 1991 intimacy with Jesus and Lonnie Melashenko share attack on Israel. through prayer! practical steps for growth We can also look forward to a great and thrilling stories of Jesus' earthquake in 2000 or 2006, the earth responses. being annihilated by a comet in 2012 (a later verse says it's a false alarm), a Paperback, 0-8280-1355-1 great terror desolating the world in Regularly USS12.99, Cdn$1 8.99 2113, and an averted atomic holocaust Special introductory price, near the end of the world. US$10 99 Cdn$15 99 Where did this code originate? through August 31, 1998 Exodus 32:16 says, "The writing was the writing of God, engraved on the This Review and Herald tablets" (NIV). Hidden in that verse book is available at your local Adventist Book Center. (revealed by the code) is the phrase "it ( Call 1-800-765-6955. was made by computer." 8ff 1111.1111111111111M Many Christian bookstores carry Pnces and availability The Bible Code and similar books. I subject to change. even heard an Adventist pastor preach I2 Add GST in Canada. Visit us at www.rhpa.org on The Bible Code as a revelation from God for the last days.

ADVENTIST REVIEW, JUNE 18, 1998 (833) 17 WOR LD NEWS & PERSPECTIVES 700 Adventist Teens Take a Community Plunge in Florida

BY CINDY KURTZHALS, FLORIDA CONFERENCE COMMUNICATION DIRECTOR

even hundred Florida Orlando coordinator John Sorenson Adventist high school stu- told that he'd gotten a call from Patty dents from Tampa, Hoder, saying, "We need a really big Jacksonville, Orlando, Saint project." Hoder was part of the con- Petersburg, Ocala, Miami, ference youth/young adult ministries SAvon Park, Lake City, High Springs, department planning team. Sorenson and across the state planted 211 trees immediately stopped the 5,000 volun- in Orlando recently as part of Green teer-solicitation letters his office was Up Orlando, the Curry Ford Road ready to mail out for the 14 side landscape project. They partnered with streets project and scheduled the the City of Orlando, Orange County, a Adventist youth. "It was almost prov- number of area businesses, neighbor- idential that it worked out this way," hood organizations, and churches. he said. The tree planting was one part of "You're in a servant-leadership the youths' Community Plunge, a role," Orlando city commissioner Don HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE: Adventist youth series of one-day service projects con- Ammerman told the Adventist youth, planted 211 trees in Orlando. Florida. ducted as part of the annual "Do Cub Scouts, and city and county offi- Something" Youth Congress, held at cials. "You're giving sacrificially to the Forest Lake Academy in Forest City community. You leave a gift to this Veda Farms, and Florida Hospital, March 12-14. Teams of students also community that would be impossible donated food to feed the volunteers. painted two Orlando houses, did a to do any other way." "It touched me greatly that the pro- trash pickup in downtown Orlando, "When budgets are tight and we gram was run by students," said Selena visited a battered women's shelter, pre- pool together, even more takes place," Cebuella, cohost for Youth Congress sented a puppet program at a home for said Orange County commissioner '98. "When adults do things, it doesn't abused children, and took Spirit Vans Clarence Hoenstine. "Boundary lines have the same effect. We know how to into the community to help others. become invisible, and you meet the reach our own peers. On the news you At the project kickoff Green Up needs of people. You give them a level hear about 13-year-olds killing. [While of service they deserve, and residents we were planting trees] and looking at have community pride." the faces of people as they drove by, This is the first partnership for a they were smiling at us. It was good for landscape project between the city them to see young people do some- of Orlando's Green Up program and thing positive." Orange County's Orange Escape pro- Why were the kids doing it? "We gram. "In a recent visual preference want to help people who need help, survey, eight of every 10 residents we and we're trying to do our best," said asked—that's 80 percent—said they Natasha Henry, a student at Horace wanted to add more landscaping," Mann Middle School and member of said Mayor Glenda Hood, who also the Eden French church in Miami. expressed great appreciation for Laces Wade, a student at Forest community support. "I know I'm Lake Academy and a member of Press going to enjoy these trees as I drive Memorial church, echoed the senti- to work now." ment of every student interviewed PAINT-UP FIX-UP: The youth also painted a Several businesses, including when she said, "I want to make the church and residential home. Worthington Foods, Melita Bread, world a better place."

18 (834) ADVENTIST REVIEW, JUNE 18, 1998 WORLD NEWS PERSPECTIVES

plans and orders for equipment." AWR Purchases Station "The land is very flat," says project director Brook Powers, "and the water Site in Italy content makes it perfect for shortwave propagation."

BY ANDREA STEELE, ADVENTIST WORLD RADIO PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR Jacobsen said AWR plans to break ground later in 1998. "With the Lord's long eight-year process has led cast, but Italian law did not allow blessings, we plan to flip the switch to Adventist World Radio to pur- shortwave stations. However, Italy begin broadcasts from this station at Achase 133 acres passed legislation at the time of the General Conference (54 hectares) of land in AWR's request, making session in Toronto in July 2000." the small northeastern the station a possibility. Angelo Orsucci, representing Ente Italian town of Argenta, The proposed station Patrimoniale UICCA—the legal asso- land that AWR president will broadcast to North ciation of the Adventist Church in Don Jacobsen says will and West Africa, the Italy—joined Jacobsen and members of become the site of the Middle Fast, and the Bergamini and Bovolenta families, church's newest short- Southern Asia, reaching the owners of the property, for the wave radio station. 2 billion people. "We signing of the purchase agreement. Church members ON THE DOTTED LINE: AWR have looked forward so "AWR owes a great debt to the donated $4 million president Don Jacobsen com- long to this day," says Euro-Africa Division and the Italian toward the station's con- pletes the purchase. Jacobsen. "The authori- Union of Churches for their support in struction in the 1990 ties reviewed our plans this long process," Jacobsen says. "We General Conference session offering. and considered our applications for per- are also grateful for the support of AWR applied for a license to broad- mits. Now we can proceed with building church members around the world."

NEWSBREAK

Riots in Indonesia Rally and gasoline prices. This caused great upheaval in a Churches to Aid Victims country that was already suffering from high inflation and unemployment. hile the country was in political turmoil recently, "Our churches will be open on Saturdays, and we will Wthe Seventh-day Adventist Church in Indonesia have worship together," said Wagiran during the height organized itself to donate food to the needy and was of the crisis, "but those who fear for their lives should among those "trying to help calm the situation," says probably stay home and worship there." Our churches Jonathan Wagiran, communication director for the West not the object of the riots, but some of our members Indonesia Union Mission. were. Church leaders confirmed that no Adventist stu- Wagiran reported that Adventists joined in a day of dent or member was involved in any of the protests. In fasting and special prayer with the Forum Bakti Kasih the city of Jakarta there are 10,000 Seventh-day Kristiani (United Christian Leaders in Indonesia) and Adventist Church members, 50 churches, and 12 that the Adventist Development and Relief Agency schools.—Adventist News Network. (ADRA/Indonesia) also joined the club of Peduli Sesama (Concerned Others) to collect funds and distribute aid to President, Governor Visit Alabama ACS Center the poor areas in the city. Some church members reported that their homes and During his tour of the April tornado damage in several businesses were demolished as looters and protesters ran- Southern states, United States president Bill Clinton and sacked the city of Jakarta. Alabama governor Fob James visited the Adventist Com- "Many homes of church members were destroyed," says munity Service's (ACS) relief center serving Pratt City. Wagiran. "They have lost their jobs because businesses President Clinton and Governor James both expressed have closed down. We are greatly concerned about our their deep appreciation for the contribution the Chinese members, who appeared to be among the targets Adventist Church made to help tornado victims, says of the riots." The Chinese population, a small minority in Verdie Culpepper, a disaster relief consultant for the the country, dominates commerce in Indonesia. North American Division and Arkansas-Louisiana Trouble started when the government increased food Conference ACS director.

ADVENTIST REVIEW, JUNE 1 8 , 1998 (835) 19 WOR LD NEWS & PERSPECTIVES What's Mine Is Mine!

BY GARY SWANSON, EDITOR, COLLEGIATE QUARTERLY

enn.sylvania State University sociologist Barry for survival: "This cave is mine. Go find your own!" Ruback recently offered the following interesting When you think about it, however, it doesn't seem all pinsights into our human nature: that necessary to trace basic human selfishness back to cave It takes an average of 27 seconds for a car to vacate a dwellers. The fact is, humankind is just plain ornery. You see parking space if no one is waiting; if someone is waiting, it it every day in the me-first and what's-mine-is-mine attitudes takes 31 seconds. that we display to one another. The average call from a public tele- Humorist Garrison Keillor said it NEWS COMMENTARY phone is 82 seconds if no one is waiting characteristically well in a monologue to use the phone; if someone is waiting, delivered at Carnegie Hall: "We're just it takes four minutes. plain rotten!" Surprised? Probably not. Who hasn't suspected as The Bible says as much too: "The heart is . .. desperately much? wicked" (Jer. 17:9). But what exactly is going on here? One explanation But the Bible also offers the only solution to such all-too- offered by sociologists is that this unwillingness to give up human behavior: "Heal me, 0 Lord, and I shall be healed; possession of something is a manifestation of our territorial save me, and I shall be saved" (verse 14). instincts that go back millions of years. They say it reflects So next time you're using a public phone, cut it short. a time in our evolution when such behavior was necessary God will be only too happy to help you do it!

NE W S B R E AK

ACS volunteers helped 1,000 persons during the first Korean evangelism in North America, officials say. day of operations. There are approximately 1 million Koreans in the United States, and half of them reside in Los Angeles. New Adventist Publishing House Serves Koreans Adventist Health System Expands in Louisiana Three hundred persons witnessed the dedication of the new Korean Adventist Press (KAP) building in Los Officials at Adventist Health System (AHS) recently Angeles, California. completed an agreement with General Health System of Operating under the auspices of the Southern Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to take full management for the California Conference since 1980, KAP publishes and 556-bed health system. distributes The system includes Baton Rouge General Medical Korean lan- Center, inner-city tertiary medical center, and Baton guage books Rouge General Health Center, as well as long-term care and journals, facilities. "Although this is the first time that AHS has such as Signs of been involved in this type of arrangement, we are excited the Times and about the possibilities," says Sandra Johnson, AHS vice NAD Church president for business development. Compass, to the 110 Washington Teacher Garners Tandy Award Korean Adventist con- The Tandy Corporation recently awarded Tom Lee, a gregations science teacher at Columbia Adventist Academy in Battle across North America. Ground, Washington, a Tandy prize for outstanding teach- The cost of the new building and renovations was ing through its national technology scholars' program. Lee $600,000, but press officials announced that the facility is on the list of Tandy's top 100 teachers in North opened debt-free. KAP will provide a vital push to America, which recently appeared in Time magazine.

20 (836) ADVENTIST REVIEW, JUNE 1 8 , 1 9 9 8 WOR LD NEWS PERSPECTIVES

Religion in the News For Your Good Health

Buddhist Leaders Alarmed Over Christian Inroads Lower Internal Pressure Buddhist leaders from 15 Asian nations, meeting in Potassium is proving to be a key dietary factor in lower- Kyoto, Japan, expressed concern over the inroads that ing high blood pressure. A new study measuring the effects Christian missionaries have made among followers of the of various minerals on hypertension found average blood 1,500-year-old tradition. pressure changes were significant with potassium, but not The leaders—among them the Dalai Lama, Tibet's with magnesium or calcium. Eating more bananas, oranges, exiled religious and political leader—called for concerted and green leafy vegetables can help lower high blood pres- efforts to increase interest in Buddhism among youth in tra- sure or help prevent it from increasing in the first place.— ditionally Buddhist nations, the Associated Press reported. American Heart Association. Malaysian Buddhist priest K. Sri Dammananda Maha Thera said, "Buddhism is on the decline in South Korea, Calorie Double Take Malaysia, Taiwan. Every day we are losing our youth to While more than 50 percent of consumers check food Christianity." There are about 300 million Buddhists labels for fat, only 10 percent look at calories. That may worldwide.—Religion News Service. explain increasing levels of obesity even as people eat less fat. Many low-fat foods have as many calories as their full- Jews Fear Anti-Semitism More Than Intermarriage fat equivalents. A check of supermarket shelves showed one A new survey of American Jews shows them to be more brand's regular and reduced-fat peanut butters both having worried about anti-Semitism than intermarriage. 190 calories; and country-style and low-fat frozen potato The American Jewish Committee survey found that 57 steak fries both with 110 calories. Don't assume that less fat percent of those surveyed believe anti-Semitism is a greater means fewer calories.—Tufts Health and Nutrition Letter. threat to Jews than intermarriage. Thirty-eight percent said —For Your Good Health is compiled by Larry Becker, editor of Vibrant Life, intermarriage is the greater threat.—Religion News Service. the church's health outreach journal. To subscribe, call 1-800-765-6955.

NEWSBREAK

Nearly 17,000 public and private high schools are certified to participate in the awards program, Tandy officials say. Administered by Texas Christian University, the Tandy program also honors 29,249 meritorious high school seniors.

NET '98 to Offer Closed Captioning ❑ Please send me one year, 40 issues, of the Adventist Review for US$38.97. ❑ Please renew my subscription. Like most prime-time television programs, the upcoming NET '98 satellite ❑ Please update my address. Enter new address at top of form. Copy previous address at bottom evangelistic series that begins October 9 will offer closed captioning for the of form or enclose old mailing label. hearing-impaired. ❑ Please send a gift subscription to the address Churches wishing to provide closed captioning need a 25-inch or at the bottom of this form. larger television connected to the satellite source, says John Blake, a My Name special representative of the Adventist Deaf Ministry Committee of Current Address North America. City The service is free to viewers. For details on how to connect for closed cap- State, Zip tioning, call Adventist Deaf Ministries at (403) 782-4255 or the Adventist Phone Communication Network at (800) ACN-1119, option 4. Please enter previous address or gift address here. What's Upcoming Name Address July 4 Vacation Witnessing emphasis City July 18 Home Study International Day State, Zip Aug. 1 Global Mission Evangelism Day Sept. 5 Lay Evangelism Day Please enclose payment for orders. Mail to: Subscriber Services, P.O. Box 1119, Hagerstown, MD 21741. Sept. 12 Adventist Review promotion Credit card orders: 1-800-765-6955. Sept. 19 Family Togetherness Day L 663-01-0 .

ADVENTIST REVIEW, JUNE 18, 1 9 9 8 (837) 21 DE V 0 T ION A L

Watch the Music What I learned from the back of a first-grade class

BY SARAH E. COLEMAN

ITHIN SECONDS THEY'D the beat: "One, two, three, four . . ." discovered the hand chimes. With a disorganized clang the students' exercise com- As I, an observer, watched, the seven menced. From my vantage point behind them, I watched students streamed in from recess. Mrs. Grieb's face contort into various expressions of surprise "What are we doing now?" David asked as anything but unity ascended from those chimes. Wjust before tripping over his perpetually untied shoelace. "Stop, stop, stop!" she finally bellowed. "We'll try number "Making music," Mrs. Grieb told the gangly first grader as 1 again, only this time I want you all to watch your music." she lifted him from the floor where he'd fallen. Several obedient children bent their heads to the notes, "Music?" His eyes lit on the neatly arranged instruments and the beat slowly emerged. Martine gleefully swung her before him. "Look, guys!" chime in perfect precision with the rhythm, sending ear- Robert emerged from the bathroom and tromped to the splitting pings bouncing off the walls. table. "Wow, fun!" He lifted a chime over his head and swung it down within inches of the table. Bong! The Culprit Martine reached for the smallest chime at the end of the One chime, however, consistently rang a few milliseconds row. "Mine's prettier!" she claimed, waving it in front of her behind the rest. Like Mrs. Grieb, I strained my ears to catch like a magic wand. Ping-ping-ping! Pleased with the delicate the culprit. noise, Martine plopped into her chair and began a staccato "That was cool!" Robert giggled at the song's conclusion, of pings steady enough to mesmerize a monk. "accidentally" hitting Micah on the head with his chime. "Wait a minute!" Mrs. Grieb yelled through a megaphone "Can we do another one?" of rolled-up music. "Look at the sheet of paper in front of "Of course!" Mrs. Grieb replied, smoothing her shirt and you. These are the notes you all will follow. We've got to lifting her imaginary baton. "Watch that music!" play together before we go on tour." One, two, three, four . . . Heads bobbed and toes tapped Her profundity went unnoticed as the children laughed, with the faltering beat. Sometimes it lagged, and sometimes traded chimes, and competed for the noisiest instrument. it rushed, but never did the lone chime find that elusive "Listen!" Mrs. Grieb thundered, rising from her green cadence. Like an almost-forgotten compliment after a formal chair and sending it skidding into the chalkboard. "We're dinner, it followed each note awkwardly. going to make some music. Are you ready?" She raised her Suddenly I spotted the culprit. hands like a conductor for the New York Philharmonic. David hunched forward in his chair, his back rounded into Heads nodded and ringing chimes stilled into silence. a turtle curve of concentration. His music lay rumpled "Watch your music," she cautioned again, then counted beneath his elbows, and his long sneakered feet kept sporadic

22 (838) ADVENTIST REVIEW, JUNE 18, 1998 time on the dirt-blue carpet. Even the your loyalty to the church, you can more I knew I'd never belong. Like dust puffs that he raised goofed out of accomplish the blessed work with us! David, I strained to catch the beat by cadence. I can? following others' lead. "One, two, three, four!" Mrs. Grieb Just read your Bible and pray every I never found it. blasted the beat in his direction, hop- day. Singing bands and hall worships ing in vain to right the problem. Even My mind teeming with new phrases echoed woodenly against the corridors David's sunburned nose strained as he and lofty ideals, I trotted expectantly off of my heart. After moving prayer brought his chime down groups, my sore knees lasted again and again . . . longer than my spiritual inevitably just missing the high. And Communion beat. His deep-green eyes services inspired inward darted from student to stu- yawns instead of tears of dent in search of a bobbing repentance. head to keep time with. Like a cat following a Watch the Music swinging string, he tried to Finally a fragment of mimic the rhythmic rise something I'd once read and fall of Mrs. Grieb's filtered through my frantic hands. brain. "Follow Me." During song after song "Follow who?" that struggling musician "Me." tried to find the jive of the I shook my head to clear music. I grinned at Mrs. it. "What about the vibrant Grieb from behind David's youth leader who claims sweating neck, knowing she's on fire for You?" music class would be a "Follow Me." year long challenge. "Should I imitate my classmate who has worship I Was Just Like That Boy each morning for exactly Witnessing David's 18 minutes?" plight made me realize "Follow Me." that I haven't changed "Do You mean that much since first grade. into my new life as a church member. copying the religious jargon, habits, True, I don't get recess anymore. I went to church each week. I and commitments of my church family True, I've learned to catch myself joined youth groups, prayer groups, and won't bring me closer to Your heart?" when I trip over a shoelace . . . usually. Bible study groups. I gave testimonies. "Follow Me." And true, I can tap a decent beat with I volunteered to feed the hungry, I'd been missing His point this my foot. But I still haven't found the clothe the naked, and befriend the whole time. kind of unity David searched for dur- prisoners. I led Sabbath school, song Instead of watching others to find ing that firsthand chimes rehearsal. service, and witness teams. my spiritual rhythm, I should have At age 11 I officially joined the Through all my hyperactive accom- been watching Christ, my music, for Seventh-day Adventist Church. Now, plishments, however, my blood never the real beat of His pulse. Something well-meaning adults assured me, I offi- pulsed with the heartbeat of Christ's told me that if I imitated Jesus' heart- cially belonged to the body of Christ. body. It seemed as though the harder I beat instead of others' renditions of it, I The what? tried to fit in, the worse my effort might find the real cadence of His body We're all members, they explained, sounded. Where had I gone wrong? more easily. of His wonderful body. We work All around me church members Today I pick up my chime, keep my together to accomplish Christ's mis- shared and told and gave to others, eyes on the music, and forget about the sion. Just as the body works together to blossoming like zinnias in the summer, sounds around me. I'm going to follow digest food, smell flowers, or pump while I, like an unopened tulip bulb, Him instead of listening to them. ■ blood, we work together to save souls, remained buried in the ground. I won- rescue lives, and praise God. dered why they seemed so perfectly in Sarah Coleman is working tune with the rhythm of service, the We do? as a recruiter for Adventist rhythm of God's body, while I simply You're a part of that awesome mis- Frontier Missions in Berrien sion, they congratulated me with tears struggled to tap my foot. The more I Springs, Michigan. in their eyes. Now that you've affirmed watched their "faultless" work, the

ADVENTIST REVIEW, JUNE 1 8 I 9 9 >, (839) 23 OP INION On the Leve Lessons learned while marketing

• •

BY STEVE DIVNI

OU'VE PROBABLY BEEN APPROACHED— sharing that excitement with everyone they meet. maybe even pressured—by friends or family want- ■ People willing to stay up late at night talking and ing you to try a "new" product. They tell you that dreaming with friends—imagining in vivid detail what the they've lost weight, have cleaner clothes, future will be like. improved their gas mileage, or that some vita- ■ People eager to open up their homes to share their ymins have made them healthier. Their lives have changed— excitement with strangers from all over their city. and yours can too! In fact, you may have bought the product ■ People willing to invest in books and tapes, and to read and joined an organization—more than once—and even and listen every day. approached your friends, hoping they'd "get in" too. ■ People who aren't deterred by naysayers trying to This is multilevel marketing (MLM), sometimes called ridicule their conviction. network marketing. Although full of controversial prod- ■ People motivated by an intense loyalty and love for ucts and practices, multilevel marketing has become so their product, who are swept off their feet with head-over- successful that many of the largest corporations in the heels enthusiasm for the reward. world now sell their products through one or more of ■ People whose passion shows. Others want what they've these techniques. got and ask about it! What does this have to do with the Seventh-day Does that list describe your attitude toward your church Adventist Church? Plainly said, the essential difference and its beliefs? Would you like to belong to a church full of between MLM and evangelism is only in the product. One is people with a deep passion for Jesus and the salvation of temporal; the other is eternal. But the prime ingredient for friends, family, neighbors, and fellow workers? Could that success in both is passionate belief—belief so powerful you vision ever become a reality? can't help sharing it with others. Absolutely! But some things will have to change, and Consider these characteristics that a vibrant church and that won't be easy. Because MLM and the church have so MLM have in common: many similarities, we can see the church's challenges ■ Friends talking to friends. more easily by looking at this industry and some of its ■ People getting excited about an idea or a resource and problems.

44 (840) ADVENTIST REVIEW, JUNE 18, 1998 • • • • • • •••••••••••••••

• • • • • • • • •••• •••••••••••••••••••

From the Ground Up turn, focused time and attention on cations and at the conventions, both of My MLM experience began in the new people, thereby repeating the which increasingly featured informa- early eighties. The company was new. In mentoring process. tion about territory volume rather than those early days the chairman of the The plan was so simple and power- personal sales. board and the president went out and ful that people could be recruited one The chairman of the board and personally demonstrated the product and day and go out and recruit others the president had long since stopped their recruited distributors. They were full of next. They simply shared what was personal contacts, and now focused energy and "modeled" how to grow. shared with them the day before. The attention on their vice presidents, who The company spread across the U.S. "story" appealed to a cross section of had also stopped their personal recruit- and into several countries in less than a poor and wealthy, male and female, ing to focus on their company jobs. A year using the person-to-person for- young and old, and all cultures. troubling dichotomy soon developed: mula. People enthusiastically shared Differences receded in the presence of people became distrustful of the offi- the product with guests in their homes, a common passion that united every- cers while at the same time aspiring to at restaurants, in hotel elevators, in one. Strangers became friends. similar positions. Promotions were now supermarket parking lots, and in every It was a marvelous and dynamic era. seen as evidence of success. Sales and other imaginable place. Company pub- Growth was exponential. recruiting began to slow down. lications and conventions featured As the company grew, the owners glowing testimonies. decided to organize the U.S. into terri- Midlife Woes "Natural leaders" were the focus of tories and appoint top producers as vice The company pressed on. Leaders the company; "professional leaders" presidents who would be trained at the believed the answer to organizational

had not yet emerged. Simple repetition "sales university" and earn an income malaise was to expand to new cities DISC of the shared experience was the domi- from all the sales activity in their terri- and countries by requiring vice presi- TO PHO

how to grow. The new "converts" were appointed. The company now fea- ings using all the props and expertise TOS

were mentored into leaders who, in tured these vice presidents in the publi- learned at the training school. PHO

ADVENTIST REVIEW, JUNE 18, 1998 (841) 25 Distributors paid a percentage of cult to differ with those who signed their income to cover the meeting For passion their checks. If they had input the expense, and the vice presidents ran administrators didn't like, they kept the show. Testimonies from long- to thrive in quiet out of dependence or fear, or ago successes were used as inspira- simply told the administrators what tion, since recent testimonies they wanted to hear. The gap of weren't nearly so inspiring. the church, understanding between the people Even with these developments, and the officers widened. people still joined! Though some peo- responsibility must Distributors were now dropping ple were now dropping out, the over- out faster than they were coming in. all numbers still grew, leading admin- rest with Seminars and conventions became istrators to believe they were on the meetings filled with spiritless people right track. Dropouts were described who all looked alike—sitting in as those "who never really believed." the people. rows, staring toward the front, lis- So long as overall growth continued, tening to vice presidents plead with it was easy to ignore the danger sig- them to recruit. They quit bringing nals. Company-sponsored meetings con- know what's good for them, so we their friends, neighbors, and fellow ducted by vice presidents were heralded will make and enforce rules to protect workers. Gone were the enthusiastic as the "best" method for growth. The them from themselves." embraces and stories that had larger the attendance at the meetings, Distributors were required to work stretched far into the night at past the more such meetings were reported through vice presidents who enforced gatherings. Some distributors, frustrated in the publications and praise was the company's rules. The few who tried at feeling unheard, quit paying their directed to the vice president. to get unique plans approved ran into dues and eventually quit attending. Individual home-based meetings died a discouraging maze of committees and Others of the original distributors were out. paperwork. Spontaneity and creativity still loyal—but not to the product and But somewhere, hidden deep in were dying. Distributors with instincts passionate belief. They had become those company-sponsored meetings that once motivated them to action loyal to the company and structure and with their polished presentations, was a now came to believe that their the memory of what was once believed. subtle, unspoken message: You new instincts must be wrong. They quit The once-vibrant, standing-room- recruits don't have the expertise or skill to honoring their questions and ideas and only meetings were now attended by a hold meetings. We will do it for you. eventually quit having them. The small handful of lukewarm distributors We've been to the training seminars. We product and program attracted free- who still said they wanted the rewards know how to talk about the product. We thinkers and highly motivated people, of sharing the product, but said it less know how to run things. You pay your but once they joined, their creativity often and without passion. The people dues, and we'll do the work. The organi- and individuality were no longer and meetings were no longer attrac- zational paradigm appeared successful, prized! They were expected to trust tive. Even the most enthusiastic dis- and everyone who continued "bought someone else's judgment and believe tributors didn't bring new people more into" it, including the new recruits, only what the company decided. than once or twice. who believed they needed the vice Finally, despite many attempts to presidents to succeed. Endgame revive it, the company folded. Eventually, however, even the vice Sales volume was now rapidly dete- This cycle has repeated itself many presidents became frustrated at the riorating. Many formerly active and times in the world of MLM. For unlike lack of involvement by the distribu- successful distributors became discour- traditional business approaches that tors. Unfortunately, the vice presidents aged and quit. Some of the vice presi- depend on professional sales facilities came to believe that the distributors dents quit. The company labeled them and personnel, MLM depends on worked for them. Ironically, the dis- as losers, quitters, and troublemakers. enthusiastic, passionate amateurs— tributors believed that too. All were Ironically, the owners/administrators ordinary people who are excited and frustrated; few knew why. believed they were not authoritarian want to tell others. By nature an MLM A few hardy distributors still oper- because they ran all policies through organization is more loosely structured ated with their own style. But the committees. Of course, the committees and thrives on individual initiative. officers tried to disparage the success were comprised mostly of vice presi- Anything that stifles that individuality of those who didn't adhere to com- dents, who were believed to represent and enthusiasm eventually kills it. pany-approved plans—even when the the people. And the vice presidents alternative idea was successful. One always agreed with the owners (except Noting the Parallels statement by the CEO still rings in for those who were quitters!). Vice Is it really any different for a con- my ears: "Common distributors don't presidents naturally found it very diffi- gregation or a denomination?

26 (842) ADVENTIST REVIEW, JUNE 18, 1998 If growth is made dependent on the America and at the General Con- Let's celebrate the passion of godly pastor, the conference administrator, ference have called for more focus on individuals, and not be afraid when it or the evangelist, membership will the local church, with less dependence looks different from our own. Let the eventually cycle toward stagnation. on administrative structures. How can pastor ask "How can I support your Passionate belief and action will grad- we get there from here? ministry?" and not "Won't you please ually grind to a halt. Can administration create that focus, support one of these committee- Even other fields of our world or must it come from the members? Can approved ministries?" For passion to church are susceptible to this troubling an effort to decentralize be developed by thrive in the church, responsibility must trend. In many regions that are rejoic- a committee and administered by the rest with the people. Pastors and admin- ing in life, energy, and growth, there very leaders who are trying to be less istrators can't cause passion or create are currently very few pastors. administrative? How can we "give" giftedness. Their God-given role is to Ordinary people are doing the work— more autonomy to local churches? service growth and support passion. the same people who have just joined Taking it a step further, shouldn't My experience with MLM has the church. They are simply sharing the local church place its focus on the helped me see the church I love with what was shared with them—keeping giftedness of the individual member? new eyes. Now I dream of a church the mentoring circle alive. Still, we That would be truly risky—and excit- full of people with passion—people hear appeals for funds to train and ing! We would have to trust the cre- whose lives have been changed by the install more pastors in these areas. ative impulses of individuals who are one and only Product that really Why would the church want to do being moved by the Holy Spirit. We changes lives. Join me in imagining that? Do we want all the divisions of would have to trust ordinary people to that church, and in creating it. ■ the world church to eventually have share the gospel who might lack theo- the same pastor-member ratio as we do logical training or administrative skill. Steve Divnick is an inventor in North America? God help us! Why Do we really believe in a Holy Spirit and manufacturer living in not let the people continue to be who is powerful enough to equip regu- Miamisburg, Ohio. responsible for evangelism? lar members to evangelize their com- Our elected leaders in North munities—and then the world?

paying bills. She looks tired, so you give her a neck rub. The ripples are Making Waves starting to spread. Your mom feels less tired—so after she's done with the bills, she decides to make a ROSY TETZ picnic for supper. The ripples keep getting wider. Your dad had a hard day at work, but the ave you ever been to You can make waves. Just toss a backyard picnic makes him feel so the beach? There are stone into a pond. The stone makes much better, he takes everyone out for lots of fun things to do ripples spread wider and wider in a ice cream. at the beach, but one of circle. Waves on the ocean move the Everything you do makes a differ- the best is playing in same way these ripples do. ence. If you do something mean, that Hthe waves. You can dive into the There are other ways you can make makes waves too. When you are waves or let them knock you over or waves. Sometimes when we talk about mean, it makes other people feel try to catch a ride on them. No matter "making waves" we are talking about mean. But when you are nice, how full of energy you are, you always people instead of water. We say that chances are other people will pass get tired before the waves do. They people are "making waves" when they that niceness along. never stop rolling. try to make a difference. Jesus made waves. He showed us It might seem as if waves are the Here's how it works. Let's say you how to love. He asks us to keep those ocean's way of playing with you, but are feeling kind of lonely. Your cat waves rippling. He'll help us. "Even the ocean doesn't actually cause the jumps into your lap and starts to the wind and the waves obey him!" waves. Do you know what makes purr. That is the "stone" that is (Mark 4:41, NIV). waves? The wind. Waves are caused by thrown into the water. You start to How many waves are in the ocean? the wind blowing on the water and feel more cheerful—so after you pet More than you can count. What differ- making ripples. The harder the wind your cat for a while, you go find ence can you make? More than you blows, the bigger the waves become. your mother. She's in the kitchen, can imagine.

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A. ALLAN and DEIRDRE MARTIN Taking Faith to a Rational World

ow do you know that religion isn't just the of Christ. Pray earnestly that the Holy Spirit will be the prime "opium of the people"? How is it possible to mover in the life of the seeker. Be careful of the pride and pre- explain to a questioning mind that God really sumptuousness that are so tempting when one leads another to exists and cares, espe- Christ. Ask the Holy Spirit to use you cially since our as His tool, to give you insight as to Hchurch was founded on the immedi- You will have how best to go at His pace. The pres- ate coming of God (and that was ence of the Holy Spirit is key to con- more than 130 years ago)? version. Being a humble tool of the Allan replies: In intellectual and little impact by Holy Spirit can help win the heart of philosophical settings it may be very a questioning mind. difficult to explain your Christian simply trying to While it's true that our church has experience. The modem mind frame been proclaiming Christ's coming for of proving one's ideas with verifiable inform people. 135 years, every moment we share facts is still used by some to address our faith within the context of our religious issues, but I am of the opin- love for people and in submission to ion you will have little impact by simply trying to inform the Holy Spirit another questioning mind may decide to be people of your faith, especially if their questioning is merely healed by the Great Physician. to debate or to denounce Christianity. The Pharisees of Dr. Jesus wants to return for that person, too. Christ's day are a good example of the difficulty of religious dialogue with those whose hearts are set against it. re we going to have to pay for all our deeds in Karl Marx's line reminds us that many people find comfort heaven? in their faith, but I would contend that Jesus Christ is the Great A Deirdre replies: I'm not sure where you came by Physician for humanity. And in this postmodemistic age it's not that information, but as I understand it, once we are in heaven the knowing that is the characteristic most prominent in our all the judgment and "payment" for deeds will already be done. faith; it's the experiencing of Christ's forgiveness and indwelling The time of judgment is now (Dan. 7:13, 14; Heb. 7:25). that is central to helping questioning minds discover Him and When Christ comes again and takes His believers with Him to find healing. Here are a few approaches I've found helpful: heaven (1 Thess. 4:17), we will be going to heaven to be with Live Him. While it's important to have a solid rationale for Him (John 14), not to pay for our sins. Jesus already did that. your faith, Christianity is best displayed by living the life in Heaven will be an incredible place of peace, joy, and eternal Jesus. Being filled with the Holy Spirit not only makes you an happiness. It will be a place where we can spend quality time example to seekers but also gives you the wisdom and discern- with Jesus Christ, the one who paid for all our sins on the ment to say the words and do the actions at the appropriate cross, giving us the opportunity to be in heaven . . . debt-free. times consistent with being Christ's follower. Being a living example opens the heart of a questioning mind. Send your questions about young adult life, Christian lifestyle, and Love them. As contentious as some prebelievers may be, Generation X culture to The X-Change, Adventist Review, know that they are struggling with their own faith or lack 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904-6600, or thereof. When you are questioned about your faith, it's via e-mail to [email protected]. important that your first response, even before speaking, con- veys your love for them as God's creation. Returning their interrogation with authentic interest in them can be quite Allan and Deirdre Martin are cofounders of disarming. Being a loving Christian can help melt the heart dream VISION ministries, dedicated to of a questioning mind. empowering young people in Christian Let the Holy Spirit do His job. Your prayers—perhaps lifestyle and leadership. Visit their website at more than your replies—will convince the seeker of the reality http://www.tagnet.org/dvm.

ADVENTIST REVIEW, JUNE 18, 1998 (845) 29

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R EFLECTIONS

BY J. GRANT SWANK, JR. The Perfect Father

of too long ago I heard a preacher tell his under the blanket, I sat on the edge of his bed to pray as I congregation all that a father should be to usually do. Should I turn the prayer into a mini-lecture, try- his family. He made us priests, kings, ing to get in one last punch? Don't the pros tell us that dur- prophets, disciples, ing sleep the brain keeps on absorb- and companions. ing the last thoughts that are planted NThen there were all those scrip- Should I turn in the mind? tures to support his tally. It was Or should I turn tender and love neatly outlined. The delivery was the little fellow to pieces? Would impressive too. tender and love that be copping out? It was hard to When he neared the end of his find the right words, but I made a remarks, I felt like David strapped the little fellow stab at it. His face was turned away down with Saul's armor. I couldn't from me. He was wondering what get up from the pew. Whew! to pieces? approach I would take. After all, I glanced around, looking at this was not the first time a day had other fathers in the congregation. ended like this. Although we tried not to show it, throughout the conclud- Then I caught his big brown eyes, turned a bit more to ing hymn we were wondering how we could match up to the size up my expression. I wilted. After all, he knew he had pastor's description. done wrong, but there was this look of hope in his face. I know I'm supposed to take the children to church regu- I closed my eyes to pray. "Dear Lord, thank You for my larly early in life and teach them the Bible, the ways of boy. You know how much I love him. He means the world to prayer, and the path of salvation. I also know that it is more me. Now we thank You for this night's sleep. Be near us all. important for me to live the truth than to talk about it. And may tomorrow be a good day. In Jesus' name, amen." But what formula applies when spats seem to increase He swung his body around and hugged me tightly. within the family and the halo slips a bit off center? "Daddy, do you love me even when I'm bad?" he asked with During those moments I grapple with the priestly, his mouth close to my ear. prophetic, kingly hats, only to find them slipping off my "Yes," I answered. "I always love you." brow. And then I glance to the right and the left, hoping With that he said one of the most encouraging statements the world isn't watching. After all, as a Christian father, am known to humankind. It isn't novel or new. Yet it's powerful. I not to live the perfect example? "You're the best daddy in the world." I guess the attractive family pictures on religious maga- It was then that I promised myself something. Yes, there's zines—the ones with a handsome man surrounded by beau- still room for improvement as far as my being a father is tiful offspring and that gorgeous wife—really did brainwash concerned. And yes, I've goofed from time to time. this naive mind. But enough years have gone by that I real- Yet that night I told my memory to hold on to one thing ize neat dads and perfect families don't always come in such as the years keep passing by. It was the innocent testimony attractive packages. With that, I heave a sigh and I recoup. of a little boy to a father who was sincerely trying. You see, being a father isn't a matter of appearances. When "You're the best daddy in the world." you stand before your Maker, He won't ask you to smile or "Don't forget it," I told myself as I turned out the light. show off your family. Instead, you must face Him honestly and "Don't ever forget it." ■ say, "I did my best—even during the worst of times." The other evening I was having a tussle with my 7-year- J. Grant Swank, Jr. ministers in the Church of the old son. We were not seeing eye-to-eye. It was time for him Nazarene and writes from Windham, Maine. to get ready for bed, and I felt as though the evening had been rather botched up. I didn't like the feeling at all. After he had climbed into his pajamas and curled up

ADVENTIST REVIEW, JUNE 18, 1998 (847) 31 The Bible Explorer Series Need a 2 Corinthians The SINGE °Wayless Hand? Having Less, Depending More On God

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