FEBRUARY 1, 1982
NORTH PACIFIC I RENCE the bees left. The bees did not leave; a God Is Good: few sat on the picnic table but off the tablecloth. Several buzzed close but not one near me or my plate of food. He Commands the Bees "Just brush them slowly with your By Arlene Foley hand if they get close and they will leave," I said to my husband. "We are Last summer, when the temperatures two meals fanning ourselves and the to have faith — they won't hurt us." I were soaring, we packed up our little table; even the dogs at our feet couldn't prayed for increased faith as we ate and camper and drove to the Wenatchee enjoy a tasty morsel without bees hover- talked, and also sent prayers of River. We found a large, lovely river- ing dangerously near their mouths. thanksgiving to the One who knows our side recreational vehicle campground. The feeling of happiness left me as I needs and desires of my heart. Our three How enjoyable it was to wade into the prepared our third meal. These bees dogs lay at our feet, refusing the morsels cold refreshing water! Our dogs romped were ruining the mealtimes completely of food they generally love. Simple: no in a small shallow pool along the big and it was far too hot to eat in an en- food, no bees bothering them. Their river. This little round, quiet pool was closed camper. A feeling of defeat and mouths were kept shut — a little like the lined with smooth flat rocks and encir- helplessness overcame me. The next lions in Daniel's den experience. cled with small rocks for sitting. second brought a powerful surge of dif- Another lesson came home very Some doting father, in his concern for ferent thoughts: God has allowed us to strong. God does not answer us always his little ones, put this together, a be here, He is caring for us and knows in the way we expect. The bees weren't monument of his love. How much more about our difficulty with the bees, we removed. Only as we exercised our faith does our heavenly Father care for us! need only to ask. I cheered up im- was stronger control placed on the bees' The manager left a sprinkler near us mediately. behavior. When my faith started being for the entire three days we were there. As I fixed the food, my husband set plagued by doubt the bees became more Like children, we ran through it many the table and put the food on. As I sat active and came closer. As my attitude times a day to help stay cool. At night it down I announced, "God wants us to be of faith turned to Jesus in childlike trust put needed moisture into the air and we happy and I've prayed that He take care the bees would move farther away. slept well. Wild flowers were blooming of the bees and keep us from being Previous to this trip I had been pray- close by and lots of birds visited all day bothered. We are to have faith." With- ing for a better understanding of faith, near us. What a beautiful spot to rest out a word he looked dubiously at me. also more awareness of experimental and relax! We felt so fortunate. Several things happened to me in the religion. What a lesson! Thank you, We noted no one ate outside and we next few minutes. My fear and anger at Jesus. quickly learned why. Bees! They would wait till we had eaten a few bites and begin to fly around our faces. We spent Admonitions for Worthy Students Arlene Foley writes from Bothell, By Fannie L. Houck Wash. 1. Love the Lord with heart and wal- school expenses. Will not the Lord, the let alike. Allow the blessings of stew- school, and your benefactors be de- LEANER ardship to fill both of them. lighted? NORTH PACIFIC UNION CONFERENCE 2. Trust the Lord to supply your 5. Spend money wisely, honoring (USPS 394-560) needs. Be prepared to count His provi- needs before wishes. Fun, fads, and fin- Member Associated Church Press Address all correspondence to: dences. ery fade, but education endures. GLEANER, 3. Do not covet another's schol- 6. Thank those who help pay your North Pacific Union Conference arship or fine clothing, for true happi- school bills. Even unknown donors rel- P.O. Box 16677, Portland, OR 97216 ness has neither price nor repayment ish a grateful spirit. The money- (503) 255-7300 schedules. handlers can relay your attitude and let- February 1, 1982 Vol. 77 Number 3 4. Work industriously to earn your ters of appreciation. Editor, Morten Juberg 7. Participate in worthwhile ac- Assistant Editor, Ed Schwisow Fannie Houck is a Port Townsend, tivities at school. In so doing, mental, Published by the North Pacific Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Wash., free-lance writer. spiritual, and social growth shall be Please Note—Every reasonable effort is made to screen both editorial and adver- tising materials and to avoid error in this publication. But the North Pacific Union Conference GLEANER does not accept About the Cover responsibility for categorical or typo- Gary Lackie, Anchorage, Alaska, took the unusual ice graphical errors, nor for advertisers' sculpture at Portage Glacier, 48 miles south of Anchorage. He claims. notes that the area "makes its own weather and the winds Second-class postage paid at College sometimes blow in excess of 100 miles an hour." Place, Washington. Published semi- Lackie is a foreman at Northern Printing where he is a monthly at Color Press. Subscription, cameraman. He uses a Canon F-1 camera and shoots with $6.25 per year. Kodachrome II film. The exposure on this picture was 1/1000 Litho U.S.A. CP31701 of a second at f/8. POSTMASTERS: Send form 3579 to North Pacific Union GLEANER, P.O. Box 397. College Place, Washington 99324.
GLEANER February 1 1982 page 2 yours. Why else have you enrolled in school prematurely. 10. In the days beyond graduation, this school? 9. Be faithful in attending church endeavor to share your bankroll with 8. Shun time-wasting and evil ac- services when you are home, lest it be scholars who need support. Thus shall tivities, lest you stray far from your said of you, "Who is he? I don't know your debt be repaid and your heart educational goals and be asked to leave him." cheered. Contrary to Nature By Claude H. Veal
"Now, all you have to do is stick your know them because they are spiritually get the feel of it and establish confidence head under water and breathe," I said to discerned." I Corinthians 2:14. Just as in the equipment. A skilled swimmer the man standing waist deep in water the diver must go contrary to nature, and accustomed to swimming underwa- beside my boat. What was I trying to putting his confidence in his air-supply ter while holding his breath, he antici- accomplish? Strange counsel indeed, system and doing that which reason de- pated no problem in being able to do the and if one were to be ignorant of the clared foolishness, so must the Chris- work. But, try as he did, he could not circumstances, foul play could well be tian put his confidence in God and, con- bring himself to attempt to breathe with suspected. trary to every natural inclination, by a his head submerged. With the evidence To elaborate on the story, let me ex- constant act of the will, receive the sup- before him of having watched me work, plain. My work, at that time, was the ply given him by God. he still could not exert his will strongly salvaging of logs that had sunk to the Just as my tanks had a limited supply enough to overcome his natural fear bottom of the East Hoquiam River in of air, so we must daily receive fresh and, consequently, I could not use him western Washington. The procedure supplies of grace. And, just as my sub- in my work. involved the use of a scuba-diving out- concious effort to revert to my natural Connected to my air supply and using fit, by which the logs were located, after state and expel the mouthpiece, so in it, I could work effectively in a hostile which a line would be hooked to the log our spiritual life, one regression can be environment. Separated from it I was in and it would be raised to the surface and the end of our whole experience. immediate danger and helpless. "Abide held up by attaching empty steel drums Back to the opening scene. Due to a in Me and I in you. As the branch cannot until it could be moved to a loading area. slight cold, during which a diver should bear fruit except it abide in the vine: no The key to the whole operation was not work, I decided to break in another more can ye except ye abide in me." the work of the one using the diving man to do the underwater work. We had John 15:4. gear, and the success of this person to gone to a shallow spot where he could perform his work lay in his ability to go contrary to nature and breathe under water. When I first took up this work I soon This Couldn't Be You, Now Could It? learned that this was not easy to do. In fact, it took all my will power to con- By Robert H. Pierson sciously force my lungs to behave in a manner that violated every natural in- "Ya, ya, ya. Grrr, grrr, grrr. Wran- clination. Even after I had proven the gle, wrangle, wrangle." Harry Husband reliability of my breathing apparatus, and Winnie Wife are chewing each other still every breath was taken only as a out again. The air is blue with conflict. conscious effort. A deliberate act of the The phone rings. will — but breathe I must if I were to Harry Husband hurries to answer. remain in that environment and live. Immediately his voice changes dra- One day, shortly after I first took up matically. The abrasive yowling is gone. this work, I was working in about eight Now his words are dripping with honey. or ten feet of water and was trying to They are the essence of sweet reason. fasten my tongs on a large log that was "Yes, why of course! Sure," he purrs. nearly buried in the mud. My supply of "That's wonderful. No problem at all. I air was nearly exhausted and I was fran- appreciate that so much. You are so MARRIEDS tically trying to finish my job with the thoughtful. Thank you very much." last few gasps of air before surfacing. Sound familiar? I hope not. But this place sweet water and bitter? My breth- The last lungful was gone and, subcon- little bitter-sweet-talk scenario is not al- ren," James declares, "these things sciously thinking that my mouthpiece together fiction. Now is it? ought not so to be" (James 3:10, 11). constituted an impediment, I spat it out The Apostle James has a few words I think James knew a lot about and inhaled. The results were nearly for any of us who may be bitter-sweets: husband-wife relationships, don't fatal. I thought I would never reach the "Doth a fountain send forth at the same you? surface. "But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he Robert H. Pierson is a retired General Claude H. Veal is from Vernonia, Ore. Conference president.
GLEANER February 1 1982 page 3
First Female Intern in NPUC Begins Work in Spokane Central Church By Morten Juberg
Interesting situations develop when "Okay, Lord, I'll do it." This wasn't Collette Crowell, assistant pastor of the an easy decision. Spokane Central Church, is introduced "I knew it would hurt my social life," by one of her members. she said. "I felt it would be an unpopu- "This is our pastor." Then comes a lar stand and I wasn't sure it was for me. silence as the person wonders what to At that time I didn't feel a call to be a say next. "But we love her." pastor. I only felt called to take theol- Collette is in an unusual circum- ogy." stance, being the first female ministerial Her parents, who live in Seattle, intern in the North Pacific Union Con- suggested she should have something to ference and only the second pastor. The go with the theology major, and she mi- other is Diane Forsyth, associate pastor nored in elementary education. During of the Walla Walla College Church. her school years at Walla Walla College Her work assignment isn't much dif- she served as a local elder. ferent from that of other beginning "The more church work I did, the ministers in the Adventist Church. more I knew I wanted to give my life to "I have a whole page with my job the service of God," she related. description," she noted. "I have The turning point in her decision- preaching assignments about once a making came between her junior and month. I teach a Sabbath school class Collette Crowell, the first female ministerial senior years at college. She received an and work with all the children's divi- intern in the North Pacific Union Conference. assignment to a small church in Gold sions, seeking to upgrade their pro- Beach, Ore., as an extern pastor. The grams. relate to a kindred person than a male. senior minister was gone most of the "I do personal visitation, go to the Collette preached her first sermon on summer and she had the full respon- hospitals twice a week, and I have a her 16th birthday during a Week of sibilities of ministering to the congrega- Bible study load of between eight and 10 Prayer at Auburn Adventist Academy. tion. a week. I'm busy," she added. At that time, she had no inkling of the "I came to Gold Beach with the at- As a female minister, she does have future and planned to take medicine as iitude that if God wanted me to be a some advantages over her male coun- her chosen career. pastor, then the people would support terparts. During the first part of her freshman me," she remembered. "If they give me "One of the prime unwritten parts of year at Walla Walla College, a friend a hassle, I'll give up. I wasn't certain my job description is that I am the dis- suggested the possibility of taking about my calling." penser of hugs to women," she said theology, but Collette didn't give it The kindness and warm acceptance with a typical smile. much thought at first. by the Gold Beach members sealed her On her first day of work she received "For about three weeks I was decision. an introduction to the type of ministry awakened in the middle of the night and "At the end of the summer I came she could best perform. A lady of felt a call to prayer," she recalled. "I away saying, I will do everything I can another denomination had seen mention knelt down and said, 'Okay, Lord, you to be a pastor, because I felt the Lord of Collette's assignment in the local woke me up. What do you want to talk was calling me." paper and came to see her. A victim of about?' " Collette didn't receive a great deal of husband abuse, she felt she could better The answer came back quite strongly, encouragement in her decision. "I want you to take theology." This "My teachers and others at school Morten Juberg is editor of the happened night after night and finally never discouraged me, but neither did GLEANER. she gave in. they say there was a future in it. They said in effect, 'Don't get your hopes up too high. You may be disappointed.' " Her call to the ministry came from the Upper Columbia Conference and now she looks to the future. "This August I will be going to the Collette Crowell visits with Seminary and that has been one of the her superior, Charles Brown, greatest goals of my life," she said. "I senior pastor of the Spokane look forward to the Seminary. Before I Central Church. received my call I planned to teach until I had enough saved so I could send my- self to the Seminary." Marriage is also in her future plans. "I am a typical female in that I want a family. I want to raise children. When that happens I will take off some years GLEANER February 1 1982 page 4 and raise them right. As my family vied for position or attention. As I meet of pastor is one that isn't given. It has to grows I want to get back in the minis- with other pastors I find they have ba- be earned. In my case I have to earn try." sically the same needs as I do. their respect." Quite naturally, many of the mem- "At times, though, it's lonely at these Charles Brown, senior pastor of the bers, as well as others, are trying to meetings because I'm single and female. Spokane Central Church, puts her ac- hurry along this phase of her life. She is The other ministers are there with their ceptance in a positive manner. always getting introductions to eligible wives, but it would be the same for the "She's accepted by about 80 percent young men, but "Mr. Right" hasn't single man," she added. of our membership and that's as many come along yet. As far as the future, she sees herself in as the average pastor has behind him," Collette has no problem relating to an associate pastoral role in a larger he said. "There's always a percentage other young pastors in the Upper Co- church. She recognizes the importance of Adventists who don't relate to their lumbia Conference when they get to- of the members in her future. pastor." gether for meetings. "I can decide I am a pastor and the Whatever lies ahead for Collette "I've always considered myself to be conference can, too," she stated. "But Crowell, she is convinced she is follow- a colleague, an equal, and I don't try to it's up to the people and their response ing the leading of her God and that's prove myself," she related. "I've never as to whether this is my place. The role what is the most important. p Spokane Central Members Enjoy New Addition to Their Church By Florence Stentzel
For too many years Central Church in tary and church library. There are cra- ful work of the head deacon, George Spokane had endured Babylon as each dle roll, kindergarten, primary, junior- Kabanuk, when construction began, in week the Sabbath school teachers vied earliteen and youth departments, as peoviding necessary temporary electri- with each other to hear and to be heard well as four adult classrooms and a choir cal service. Other professional help in the crowded sanctuary. The juniors rehearsal room. Two ground-level en- came from Glen Krebs, who did the tap- and cradle roll children were even sent trances on the alley accommodate ing; Arthur Knauft, the painting; Larry next door to inadequate rooms in an old wheelchairs and the handicapped. Wagner and Don McCartney, carpen- frame building. Something had to be Between the old and new structures a try; Wendell Schutt, electical; and Ted done to change the situation. beautiful courtyard with fountain and Stentzel and Howard Fleming, plumb- After much discussion and delibera- benches, planned, planted and executed ing. tion, the frame building was torn down by Bill Norton and Tola Duncan, de- Others could be mentioned who put a and on Oct. 2, 1978, ground was broken lights the eye and offers a quiet retreat willing shoulder to the wheel to keep for the construction of an educational for those seeking solitude. things rolling, like the women preparing wing to the church. A second frame building adjacent to tasty meals for the hungry crews each With A. J. Minor as construction the new addition has been razed and will week and Pastor Charles Brown, who superintendent, work progressed provide, when black-topped, off-street encouraged everybody. apace, with work bees nearly every parking for 22 cars. To date, more than $220,000 has been Sunday, and soon passersby began to Many hours of donated time by donated to the finishing of a structure realize that a truly beautiful edifice was church members make this building that will be valued at $260,000, for taking the place of the old frame build- truly a dream come true for the church which we say, "To God be the glory, ing. Some situations caused the work to family. We greatly appreciate the faith- great things He hath done." ....„00 slow down, but the Homecoming in May of '80 aroused the interest of new and old members, and by the spring of '81 classes were moving over into the new rooms, even though finishing touches were still lacking, like doors without hardware, carpets on floors and permanent treads on stairs. Now Baby- lon had given way to subdued voices from many individual classrooms. The new addition provides a spacious entrance with recessed coat-hanging racks on two levels, ready access to rest- rooms on both floors, offices for pastor, assistant pastor, church secre- Florence Stentzel is communication secretary of the Spokane Central Church. This attractive addition to the Spokane Central Church provides space for offices and children and adult Sabbath school classrooms.
GLEANER February I 1982 page 5 I he Clara n. Rutgers imetnewary avnum ns k-unege rinse, vv assn., as one In my nu-gesi HUVCIUISL CICILICIlitay Mann113 Ill LIM rlan LEIVWcat. Dedicated People Help to Make Rogers School Operation Successful By Morten Juberg A successful school is more depend- his dependence on his staff as well as constituent churches," he said. "We do ent upon people than its facilities. others who are interested in Christian all the recruiting we can, but the enroll- This is the opinion of John Thorn, education. ment wouldn't be what it is without the principal of the 323-student Clara E. "We see a lot of individual help and help of some very dedicated people." Rogers Elementary School in College magnanimous spirit on the part of many Thorn said there are 11 students in the Place, Wash. Now in his seventh year of people who contribute to and make up school who would not be there if it leadership at the school, he recognizes the worthy-student committees in our weren't for aid from members of the College Place, Walla Walla, and College churches. He spoke of one person, who prefers to remain unnamed, who heads up a team of people who contribute regularly to education of needy students. "The enrollment of our school is what it is because of the coordinated and con- sistent efforts of people like her," he added. Included among the staff are 13 teachers, a librarian, a physical educa- tion director, a music instructor and the principal. "Our teachers are recruiters for our school as well," he noted. "When there is a warm, Christ-like atmosphere in the room it makes for happy, contented children, who are good salesmen for Christian education, too." Thorn also singled out a volunteer worker in his school, Ruth Werner, who does much for children with reading disabilities. That's the subject of an ac- John Thorn is principal of companying article. the Clara E. Rogers School.
GLEANER February 1 1982 page 6 Seventy-Eight-Year-Old Volunteer Aids Children With Reading Problems
By Morten Juberg
When should a retired person start "Reading is vital to the success of a slowing down? child in school," Mrs. Werner stated. Seventy-eight-year-old Ruth Werner "They have to learn to read and if you of College Place, Wash., said she can help them in the first and second planned to cut down her activities grades, you're way ahead." "when she got old." So far she hasn't When one looks into a classroom in shown much evidence of age because the Rogers School, it isn't hard to spot her days are filled with activity. Mrs. Werner. She will be huddled in a Eight years ago when she and her secluded corner, an arm around the husband moved to College Place from pupil, giving needed instruction. She en- Spokane, she looked for volunteer work joys the children and they in turn like where she could help others. With a her. This love for children goes back lifetime of teaching experience, she many years. applied first to the Clara E. Rogers Ruth Werner's parents taught church School. Soon she got a phone call from a school in Los Angeles, and she was teacher: "Come in. We can use you." born upstairs above the church school She's been at it ever since. on 54th Street. When the influenza Ruth Werner directs her work par- epidemic struck in 1918, she substituted ticularly at children with reading dif- for sick teachers at the age of 15. Ruth Werner ficulties, and she spends four mornings Her husband, A. J. Werner, spent a week from 9 to 11:30 tutoring children. many years in school work, his last as- them up and repair them. I mend arms "These are youngsters who need a signment being in the Upper Columbia and legs and dress them," she said. "I one-to-one situation," she said. "With Conference, where he served as the used to send them with missionaries to some you can help them in a few weeks education director. many parts of the world or I shipped and they can go on their own. Others When they lived in Hawaii she ini- them. need help over a period of time." tiated another project which has "In some of the mission fields little Teachers welcome Mrs. Werner's brought joy to countless little girls girls have never seen dolls, and to have help. They collar her in the Rogers' around the world. She began collecting one is a real treat for them," she added. hallways when they have a child who old dolls. Thousands of dolls have gone through needs special help. "People give me the dolls and I clean her careful hands. At one time she sent three 50-gallon barrels of dolls to India. Now she sends the dolls to her sister in Los Angeles, and she in turn sends them with dentists who have mission projects in Mexico. It's been said that old age is a state of mind, and Ruth Werner is proof that one's talents don't have to deteriorate with the passage of time. To a Daughter and Her Husband `Twas Valentine's Day, some years ago, The day you two first met; And upon a day in August ,ge" 40 That your wedding day was set. May this time of reminiscing Draw each closer to the other, That one day, not too far distant When Jesus comes to claim His ) own, c,/ You'll hand in hand together Walk those streets of purest gold. Seventy-eight-year-old Ruth Werner is a familiar sight around the Clara E. Rogers School, Nora McIntyre where she helps children with reading disabilities. St. Helena, Calif.
GLEANER February 1 1982 page 7 ri Lay Bible Ministries: Rocky Butte Jail Visitation Sharing the Blessings Offers Many Challenges to Group By Morten Juberg
Each Thursday evening an unusual Ernst Kast has been a member of the of the guards, understands the prison- gathering of four men takes place in the group since its beginning. His soft Ger- ers' lingo and knows his way around the parking lot of the Rocky Butte Jail in man accent reveals his ethnic back- jail. There is no searching for weapons Portland. The men get out of their cars ground. He came to the United States in or contraband, a testimonial to the fine and pause by one of the automobiles. 1951. reputation of the Lazarus Ministry. They clasp hands and pray earnestly Why does he go to the jail? Our visit started at B Tank on the top that God will bless their visit to the jail "I want to help these people find the floor of the jail. Here incorrigible pris- that evening. This done, they head to- Lord." oners are kept in solitary, bare cells. A ward the gate for several hours of visit- A similar response indicates the six-foot-wide corridor separates the ing. motivation for the other two prison vis- barred cell from the outer aisle. Bob These men are part of the Lazarus itors, Steve Rafaele and Bob Jordan. Korter's method of introduction was Prison Ministry, an Adventist organiza- Rafaele, who is laundry manager at simple. tion headed by Robert Korter, who Portland Adventist Medical Center, "Would you like something to read? founded it. On a recent evening I tagged was raised a Roman Catholic. Is there anything I can do to help you?" along to see how these four men worked "My mother wanted one of her sons With the conversation started, Bob with prisoners. But first a word about to be a priest and I was the one," he showed them some of the literature he the personnel. recalled. carried with him. Bob Korter has been an Adventist for Though not a priest in the Catholic "I'll take one of those Signs of the four years and during most of his adult Church, Steve ministers to a neglected Times," one prisoner said. A small six- life he has been in investigative work. group of men every week. inch space next to the floor provided a He worked as a deputy sheriff in Bob Jordan is a welder working a means of flipping the magazine to the Multnomah County and prior to that as busy schedule at shipyards on Swan Is- prisoner. a police officer in New Orleans, La. He land, but still finds time for the Lazarus With another inmate, Bob asked has also been an insurance company in- Ministry. about the family. The prisoner put some vestigator and a private detective. In visiting Rocky Butte Jail, I was pictures of his wife and children in a As a deputy sheriff, he was assigned rather surprised at the freedom granted paperback book and slid them across to the Rocky Butte Jail for six months. the prison visitors. Korter knows many the floor. The jail is a holding facility for the county. Many of the 250 prisoners are awaiting trial. Others are serving short sentences up to a year. While working at the jail, Korter got acquainted with the head chaplain, who arranges for the spiritual needs of the prisoners. When he was converted, he Right, a group from renewed his acquaintanceship and got the Lazarus Prison permission to visit the jail. His visits Ministry prepares to began in December 1978. visit the Rocky Butte "Why go to a jail?" I asked, seeking Jail. From the left: Bob Jordan, Ernst to get an insight into his motives. Kast, Bob Korter "God gave me a burden and a love for and Steve Rafaele. these men and women who find them- Below, the Rocky selves in jail," he replied. "I wanted to Butte Jail. share the love of God with them."
GLEANER February 1 1982 page 8 Years of police work have given Kor- Dramatically, the cellblock quieted lives are being changed. ter the ability to discern whether the down. After talking with the ringleader One testimonial of the effect of the prisoner is telling the truth. for 20 minutes, Korter concluded the prison visits comes from an inmate who He cut short one conversation and as visit with prayer. The area continued to wrote Korter: we walked away he said, "He's a devil be quiet. "I thank God there are people like worshiper. We can't do much for him." What about results from the Lazarus you. You never asked what I did or who There are different holding areas for Ministry? I was, but reached out your hand and the inmates, depending on the severity Ernst Kast puts it well. "I'm willing asked me to accept Jesus. You have of the crime. On the lower floors of to leave the results of our work with the shown me love and Jesus and accepted Rocky Butte Jail prisoners are housed in Holy Spirit. The decisions of what the me for what I am." dormitory-like rooms with 30 or 40 prisoners do will come later on. They Noah Toates and Donald Whitlock bunks in each unit. have to find out the truth. Those who are active in this phase of the ministry at Contact with the prisoners in these are sincere will accept." the Oregon State Penitentiary in areas is on a face-to-face basis with only There are no wholesale baptisms Salem. the bars separating the visitors. Many of from the Lazarus Prison Ministry, but the inmates look forward to the weekly visits from the quartet. To a casual visitor, such as I, this seemed to be the most unlikely place for spiritual contacts. The blare of the tele- A Look Inside a Penitentiary vision overpowered the hum of conver- two inches directly below my sation. Some of the prisoners played EDITOR'S NOTE: Few people heart. . . . cards; others lay on their cots reading. realize what it is like to be in prison. The handle wasn't too long so I Despite the noise, the men held many Those who enjoy freedom have diffi- conversations with prisoners, giving culty comprehending what it is like to thought it was a small knife and I them books and Adventist literature and look out through bars. pulled it out to defend myself. I closing the appeal with prayer. Bob Korter has been correspond- pulled and it began coming out, and ing with a prisoner in another state out, and out. When I saw how much Not everyone is responsive. Some shook their heads when asked if they and the following are excerpts from a knife was in me (it only lacked a half wanted anything. Another middle-aged letter recently received: inch of coming out the back), I got a man replied, "I'm not a religious man, little sick. . . . but I respect you for what you stand First I must give you a little back- For a second I thought of following for." ground on the penal sys- him (old habits are hard to break) but A few weeks back as the men came to tem. It is nothing like Oregon. Stab- I suddenly felt sorry for him, that he visit the jail they heard much noise com- bings, murders, gangs fighting for was so full of hate that he could do ing from the maximum security section. control of the yard. I saw a Negro such a thing. I've since prayed for "We heard they were rioting and the killed right in church, right after the him. . . . guards said we would be better off not minister had spoken about forgiving On the way to the hospital I had a going there," Korter said. "I had been our enemies. Satan, of course, is not very spiritual experience. In a nut- counseling with one of the ringleaders prohibited from conducting business shell, I realized that nothing in this and went to see him. in the Lord's house. In fact, when world, not money, not man-made "As soon as he saw me his whole one sees some of the things that go on philosophies, nothing matters but character changed. He shouted out in- in church, I think it is one of Satan's serving God whatever way He structions to the other prisoners and told favorite working places. . . . chooses for us. I can't really describe them, 'Shut up. The Christians are In Oregon State Penitentiary when it but it has added a seriousness to a fist fight starts, people crowd my faith that was not there before. A here.' " around to watch. Here everyone seriousness which must lead to some runs because the guards shoot con- way of serving God beyond my daily victs who fight. A fight started at the Bible study or church attendance. commissary and four towers opened What this commitment will manifest up and 17 people were hit. So this itself as I do not know. . . . isn't OSP. This prison was designed I didn't know a thing about Satan for about 1500 like OSP but they (despite having served him all my have doubled up all the single cells life) until I became a Christian. Satan and the place is a powder keg. . . . doesn't have to waste his time on I was in the weight area doing people who are running their own chin-ups. I have a habit of doing life. They will mess it up on their chin-ups with my eyes closed, espe- own. But he does concentrate on cially on the last few repetitions in a Christians. Sometimes I think I'll go set for concentration. The hit man crazy with all the conflict. I used to had noticed this and chose to get me have such a simplistic concept of while I was on the chin-up bar. . . . Christianity. You know how it goes: He aimed right for my heart and accept Christ and all your problems drove it home but the bounce put me are over. Truly we wrestle against Christian Record Braille on the way back up instead of the principalities. Too many Christians second pause I usually take before have forgotten this. . . . Foundation, Inc. starting back up. That put the knife serving blind persons since 1899
GLEANER February 1 1982 page 9 world, a shock from which it has not yet College Professor Replies to recovered. Christian communities still tend to stand on one side of the issue or the Walla Walla. News Article other. Either they see the Word of God as an "inspiring" human document, or they overlook the humanity entirely, claiming that it is a Word directly from EDITOR'S NOTE: When Walter Rea the Lord, virtually untouched by human visited the Walla Walla Valley recently, hands. Walter Rea himself inadvert- the Walla Walla Union-Bulletin ran a ently revealed the crux of the matter full-length feature describing his cur- when he told his College Place audience rent views of Ellen White. The same on Saturday afternoon: "Don't you do newspaper published a follow-up fea- to the Bible what I am doing to the writ- ture the next week based on interviews ings of Ellen White or you will destroy with three Walla Walla College the Bible, too." teachers. For several reasons, the The appeal of conservative Christian teachers were quite unhappy with the churches continues to be demonstrated. feature. A great number of people find them- The result was a letter to the editor selves attracted to a community which submitted by Alden Thompson of the believes in a personal God who has re- School of Theology, one of the teachers vealed himself in Scripture and who who had been interviewed. The letter Alden Thompson takes a personal interest in his creation. appeared in its entirety in the Walla tended to exaggerate the differences be- But coming to grips with a Word from Walla Union-Bulletin on Dec. 15, with the Lord that is both human and divine the heading: "White article failed to tween us. In your paraphrasing, you do not is extremely difficult. Here is where I discuss inspiration in larger context." see the Ellen White experience offering represent my position properly when Because the letter represents an im- a real opportunity to the Adventist com- portant corrective to the original fea- you state that I had agreed with Rea's charges of "plagiarism" and that Ellen munity. Can we see the Word of God as ture, and because both Adventists and both human and divine? We will lose White was "dependent" on sources. non-Adventists have expressed ap- many of our children to unbelief if we preciation for the perspective it pro- You also speak of Ellen White "admit- ting" to the use of sources. In scholarly cannot. vides, the letter should be of interest to During my doctoral program in Old GLEANER readers. sources, the word "dependent" is often pejorative; "plagiarism" implies intent Testament studies at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, I came in con- As one of the three Walla Walla Col- to deceive and "admitting" suggests confession of wrong-doing. Use of such tact with professors who once believed lege professors interviewed for your but who no longer do. They were in- feature "The White Controversy" terminology tends to impose an unwar- ranted negative interpretation on the trigued as I described how my experi- (Dec. 4, 1981), I wish to express my ence with the writings of Ellen White disappointment with the form in which data. For the record, the three of us who had helped me not only to maintain, but the material appeared. In general, your to deepen my confidence in Scripture reporter handled the direct quotations were interviewed agree that there is no evidence of malicious intent in conjunc- while using modern research tools in the accurately and we certainly have no study of Scripture. The research poten- complaints about the manner in which tion with Ellen White's literary borrow- ing. Nor do we see a "conspiracy" on tial in Ellen White studies is enormous he conducted the interviews, for he was and I find the prospects exciting, but as I most cordial. But it would be extremely the part of the church in withholding information from its members. An un- told your reporter, I am not just in- difficult for someone not actually part of terested in defending Ellen White, I am Adventism to describe the current derstandable reluctance and resistance has been evident, but not because of any interested in defending faith itself. mood in the community from a be- There is too much pain, agony, and suf- liever's perspective. Thus, the para- sinister motives. I realize that space is always a prob- fering in our world to be left with only phrased portions of the feature and the the dregs. juxtaposition of certain quotations ap- lem in any journalistic effort, but it was an unfortunate omission not to place the I had hoped that your feature could peared in a form that could be quite capture some of the optimism and ex- misleading. discussion in the larger context of the inspiration debate which is very much citement that it is possible to experience A primary problem lay in the use of in the Adventist community at present. emotive rather than descriptive terms. alive in conservative Christianity today. It is in that connection that my own Regrettably, we have sometimes ap- The three of us who were interviewed peared to be preoccupied with our own do have different perspectives and ex- experience has led me to a deep ap- preciation of Ellen White's ministry, a affairs. But we are members of the press ourselves accordingly. Such di- Christian family and of the human fam- versity is one of the stimulating benefits ministry which reveals the blending of the human and the divine. Believers are ily. We are a community of believers of belonging to the Adventist academic committed to serving the needs of a community, especially at Walla Walla inclined to overemphasize the divine element in the inspiration process, often troubled world while looking forward to College. Unfortunately, the use of a better one. The current discussions rather emotive language in the feature to the neglect of the human. In the 19th century, the "discovery" that the bibli- will undoubtedly be traumatic for some, but the result could very well be a re- Alden Thompson is a professor of reli- cal prophets were human, using discovery of our heritage and a broaden- gion at Walla Walla College. sources, documents, and secretaries, came as a real shock to the Christian ing of our vision.
GLEANER February 1 1982 page 10 someone took our children away. We A Modern Miracle thought maybe these people didn't like kids, because we looked all around and By Mel Ruiz there were none in the room. Big tears as told to Lila May Anderson rolled down my wife's face. She was afraid she might never see her children This is my story of what the Lord has day I was going to take a couple to again! Maybe these Protestants had done for me and how we became mem- church, she said, "I'd like to go with locked them up someplace to keep the bers of the Adventist Church. We were you." Now the reason she wanted to go church quiet. As soon as the lady born in Mexico, but I received an immi- was because when we first came to the finished the lesson she took us to the gration permit to do contract farm labor United States we lived close to a church room where the children were. We in Texas, so my wife and I moved there where the people made lots of noise. We found them standing in a corner. Maybe a short while before our first child was never went there, but our friends did, they were afraid, too, or perhaps they expected. One day an immigration of- and they told us that the people rolled on were just shy. ficer visited our home about the time my the floor and did all kinds of strange After that, we enjoyed church, even permit was due to expire. things. My wife was curious and wanted though we couldn't understand a word "When is your baby due?" he asked. to see what went on in a Protestant of the sermon. When church was over, "Any hour," I answered. church. the man we brought went right to the "Then you can stay in the United "Okay," I said, "if you want to go, car, and we started to follow him. We States for a while longer," he replied. "I just be ready." So we went. When we didn't want to talk to anybody, but will stop by again." arrived we couldn't speak one word of people kept trying to talk to us and ask- This was in the early fifties, and Mex- English, and it seemed to me that the ing my name. I did understand that ican families, some of whom had been in people there kept saying something much. the United States for years, were being over and over, but some young folks I was greatly impressed with my first shipped back to Mexico by the were singing and it sounded just like visit to church. I had never been in one truckload. We expected to be sent back angels to me. The couple I brought must before. Never! My parents were any day, too, as my permit soon expired have told someone they were bringing Catholic and believed in saints, idols and our baby had arrived, but the officer Mexican people, for when we got to and priests, but I didn't, so I just never had apparently forgotten us. church a Mexican lady came in and went. One day my boss and I were on the talked to me in Spanish, then took us to The couple we brought lived seven way to the barber shop when an immi- a class and helped us with the Sabbath miles from town. When we got there the gration officer stopped us and said, school lesson. I was surprised, as I man said, "Wait just a minute and we "Where are your papers?" never expected to fmd anyone speaking can eat. We've got everything ready. "I don't have any." in my language. We want you to stay and eat with us." "Would you like some?" he asked. "Oh no, no!" I said. "It's too late already. I've got to go to work." But we "Oh, yes!" I answered. Where Are Our Children? We went to El Paso and were given stayed for dinner. papers that not only allowed us to stay However, we did not enjoy Sabbath "When we were almost finished eat- in Texas but also to go anyplace in the school because we were worried about ing the Mexican lady came in. No one United States. Why did we get to stay our family. As soon as we got there, said anything — they were quiet when here when nearly everyone else had to go home? I know God was leading us. Some time later we moved to Califor- nia. A friend whom I was working with was returning to Mexico. He had been taking an older couple to church on Saturdays, and after he left the old man asked me, "Now that your friend is gone, will you take us to church next Sabbath?"
To Church on Sabbath I had just bought a car, so I answered, "Yes, I can take you to church," in- tending to go on to work after leaving them there. I had car payments to make and didn't want to miss any more work than necessary. I was working the crops, and it was close to the end of the season, so I was trying to make all the money I could. We needed clothes, groceries, and other things. When I told my wife that next Satur-
Lila May Anderson lives in Dorris, Calif., and is a member of the Klamath Falls, Ore., Church.
GLEANER February 1 1982 page 11 she walked in. We didn't say anything, you. Not very long after that it started This went on for weeks. Each day I either; we were anxious to leave. raining and we couldn't work. It rained would ask the same question, and she As we were starting to go, everyone and rained and rained. Every night it would give the same answer, "Just said, "Just a minute. Don't go yet. Let's rained. We didn't know anybody. We enough for tomorrow." go in the living room and then you can didn't have any credit any place. Worst I believe that God blessed our poor go." of all, I knew we had only a few family, because it rained steadily for a groceries. We did have a big tin of lard whole month. When it finally stopped Our First Study we bought just before we found out that and I was able to start working again and When we went in there that lady al- we couldn't eat pork products, so of buy some groceries, the beans, flour ready had a projector set up and was course we didn't use that! Otherwise, and oil ran out. ready to give us a Bible study. When she there were just a few beans, a little flour, God has blessed us so abundantly! was finished it was too late to go to and a small bottle of oil. Even though I can hardly speak Eng- work, so there was no chance for us to One day I asked my wife, "How lish, He has allowed me to become a break that first Sabbath! After that I many groceries do we have?" foreman for Burlington Northern Rail- would get two men to work in the fields "Just enough for tomorrow," she an- road Co. This is why I believe that God on Saturday, for from that day on we swered. will take care of us, regardless of where never missed church, and that was the The next day I asked her again, "How we are — the mountains, or any place — way we became Adventists. many groceries do we have?" as long as we are doing what He wants I have one important thing left to tell "Just enough for tomorrow." us to do.
CONFERENCE NEWS invited him to a stop-smoking clinic, OREGON starting the next evening. Jim Allison thought to himself, "Well, there's my answer!" Christian Motorcyclist Aided He accepted the invitation to the By Stop-Smoking Plan clinic and attended all five nights. When "When you ask God for something, I talked with Jim Friday evening, he and mean it, you'd better be ready right hadn't smoked a cigarette all week! I now for the answer!" When Jim prayed inquired about the physical and emo- that Sunday morning, Oct. 25, he didn't tional difficulties he'd encountered dur- expect God to answer him that day! ing the week, but he told me the only Meeting Jim and Alice Allison the last problems he'd experienced were a slight evening of a recent Five-Day Plan to headache and a little dizziness the first day. Jim said, "The Lord's been back- Jim Wood, left, Meadow Glade Church Stop Smoking, I was immediately member, invited Jim Allison, center, to the drawn to their warmth and friendliness. ing me all the way, and a lot of good stop-smoking clinic. His wife Alice, right, and I was going to take a few pictures and people are praying for me." When I jok- granddaughters Kim and Krista came with write a follow-up article on the clinic, ingly asked Alice if Jim had been Jim some of the evenings to lend their support. focusing on someone who would make an interesting story. Little did I realize the blessing and inspiration I was about to personally receive. Jim had been smoking three to four packs of cigarettes a day for the past 30 years. As president of the Vancouver, Wash., chapter of the Christian Motor- cycle Association, he felt he couldn't witness effectively for the Lord with a cigarette in his hand. Alice told me Jim had tried to quit smoking on his own before, but had always failed. This particular Sunday morning, Jim decided to ask God to help him quit smoking. He put his problem in the Lord's hands and went with Alice to one of the Christian Motorcycle's functions. They started visiting with Jim Wood, a member of the Meadow Glade Advent- Happy graduates of the Meadow Glade stop-smoking clinic with Dr. Donald Coy, standing, ist Church, who, not even knowing of second from left. Dr. Coy's assistants were, seated in front, from left: Vi Huntington, Esther the other Jim's desire to quit smoking, Benedict and, standing in the back, at the right, Lela Franzman.
GLEANER February 1 1982 page 12 "crabby," she answered, "Not at all. In Wood and the Allisons continue their Schmidt, Shady Point district, Med- fact, it's been harder on me worrying witness to non-Christians, and we are ford, leaders in marriage enrichment about him!" inspired by their example. programs; and Pastor Charles and The Allisons are actively involved Carolyn Stewart Maryann Liu, Brookings-Gold Beach, with the Association almost every Communication Secretary who are hosting the program. weekend during the summer. They are The retreat will be held in Curry frequently invited to ride along with County, Ore., with easy access by non-Christian clubs on their weekend coastal Highway 101. trips all across the country. Then, on Marriage Enrichment Session For reservation information, phone Sunday morning, the Christian Motor- Scheduled for Oregon Coast (503) 469-3030 and leave name and cycle Association members conduct the If you've been planning to do some- number for return call or mail your church services. thing special for your spouse for Valen- name and address with a $20 deposit to: Jim says it's difficult to break the tine's Day, how about a weekend Coastal Marriage Retreat, PO Box 777, code and relate to some of the non- coastal retreat combined with one of the Brookings, OR 97415. Christian members, but, being bikers outstanding marriage enrichment pro- themselves does break down barriers grams available today? Klamath Falls Youngsters and allow them to talk about Christ. Feb. 19-21 are the scheduled dates for Some of the non-Christian bikers even a marriage enrichment weekend spon- Meet "Friends of Jesus" accept Bibles from the Christians. Ac- sored by the Brookings - Gold Beach I had heard the primary class had cording to Jim, many of these tough bik- Adventist churches. Featuring a coastal something exciting going on, so I de- ers are hungry for something they don't setting, predicted warm weather, com- cided to visit one Sabbath and see just have. plete program of marriage enrichment what made the children so enthusiastic. The purpose of the Association is to materials and food and lodging for the This is what I found. witness for Christ, and as the newspa- weekend, this special retreat promises The primary Sabbath school class in per ad read that attracted Jim and Alice to be an outstanding event. Klamath Falls Church is full to over- to the club, they are "Riding for the Because space will be limited to the flowing. Why? One reason is because Son." first 25 couples to register, it is learning in that particular room is fun, The current Vancouver chapter of the suggested that you send in your reserva- and learn they do! CMA was started by Vic Volt, CMA tion early — by Feb. 5, if possible. The When I visited, the program for the state representative, who is well liked by total cost per couple will be $75 and will quarter was centered on "Friends of the club members. The national associa- include lodging for two nights, meals Jesus." With Marianne Storfjell as tion was started in the early 70s by a from Friday supper through Sunday leader and Ileen Graham and Ginger Baptist preacher in Arkansas. As a morning brunch, and all fees for mate- Logue as assistants, the children have motorcyclist himself, he saw what was rials and instruction. been learning about each of the 12 disci- happening in the clubs and said they Leaders for the weekend will include ples of Christ. needed Christ. Pastor Gordon and Becky Reoch of Several men from the church family Besides camping out with their own Lakeview, cofounders of the Engaged were invited to each portray one of the club and other clubs, the Vancouver Encounter program begun at Andrews disciples. Each was given some mate- CMAs have won many trophies riding in University; Pastor David and Donna rial on a disciple and asked not only to parades. Alice says people in cars are always waving and smiling at them as they ride along the freeway on their Starting Sunday, Feb. 14 Honda Goldwing 1100. At first she was desperately afraid to ride on the motor- LIFE IN CHRIST CRUSADE cycle, but prayed, and now, with God's help, she sometimes can be seen sound asleep behind Jim, cruising along the freeway. I was impressed at the different ways the Lord can use us to witness for Him. Those working with the Five-Day Plan are doing their part. Adventist Jim