February 13, 2014 Vol. 191, No. 4

www.adventistreview.org

February 13, 2014

Imprisoned Monteiro “on a Mission” 8 Condemnation and Grace 20 In Sickness and in Health 28

Waiting for Senghor The joys and challenges of international adoption

“Behold, I come quickly . . .” Our mission is to uplift Jesus Christ by presenting stories of His matchless love, news of His present workings, help for knowing Him better, and hope in His soon return.

16 28 10 6 COVER FEATURE ARTICLES DEPARTMENTS EDITORIALS 16 Waiting for Senghor 2 0 Condemnation 4 Letters 6 Bill Knott tompaul wheeler and Grace Tagged and Tainted The joys and challenges Claudio Fuentes 7 Page 7 of international adoption The journey from des- 7 Kimberly Luste Maran peration to salvation 8 World News & The Taste Perspectives 2 4 Why Does Yom Kippur Matter? 13 Give & Take Stefan Serena 15 Searching the Obvious How an ancient ritual translates into contem- 2 3 Introducing the Why porary experience 2 7 GLOW Stories 2 8 In Sickness and in Health Eden Leeper 3 0 Etc. God is our help in both. 31 Reflections ON THE COVER Next Week Young Senghor is now part Preaching in Action of a loving family, thanks A new generation of to being adopted by a Adventist leaders is already couple with love to share. shaping the church.

Publisher General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists®, Executive Publisher Bill Knott, Associate Publisher Claude Richli, Publishing Board: Ted N. C. Wilson, chair; Benjamin D. Schoun, vice chair; Bill Knott, secretary; Lisa Beardsley-Hardy; Daniel R. Jackson; Robert Lemon; Geoffrey Mbwana; G. T. Ng; Daisy Orion; Juan Prestol; Michael Ryan; Ella Simmons; Mark Thomas; Karnik Doukmetzian, legal adviser. Editor Bill Knott, Associate Editors Lael Caesar, Gerald A. Klingbeil, Coordinating Editor Stephen Chavez, Online Editor Carlos Medley, Features Editor Sandra Blackmer, Young Adult Editor Kimberly Luste Maran, KidsView Editor Wilona Karimabadi, News Editor Mark A. Kellner, Operations Manager Merle Poirier, Financial Manager Rachel Child, Editorial Assistant Marvene Thorpe-Baptiste, Marketing Director Claude Richli, Editor-at-Large Mark A. Finley, Senior Advisor E. Edward Zinke, Art Director Bryan Gray, Design Daniel Añez, Desktop Technician Fred Wuerstlin, Ad Sales Glen Gohlke, Subscriber Services Steve Hanson. To Writers: Writer’s guidelines are available at the Adventist Review Web site: www.adventist- review.org and click “About the Review.” For a printed copy, send a self-addressed envelope to: Writer’s Guidelines,A dventist Review, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904-6600. E-mail: [email protected]. Web site: www.adventistreview.org. Postmaster: Send address changes to Adventist Review, 55 West Oak Ridge Drive, Hagerstown, MD 21740-7301. Unless otherwise noted, Bible texts in this issue are from theH oly Bible, New International Version. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Unless otherwise noted, all prominent photos are © Thinkstock 2014. The Adventist Review (ISSN 0161-1119), published since 1849, is the general paper of the Seventh-day Adventist® Church. It is published by the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists® and is printed 36 times a year on the second, third, and fourth Thursdays of each month by the Review and Herald® Publishing Association, 55 West Oak Ridge Drive, Hagerstown, MD 21740. Periodical postage paid at Hagerstown, MD 21740. Copyright © 2014, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists®. PRINTED IN THE U.S.A. Vol. 191, No. 4.

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www.AdventistReview.org | February 13, 2014 | (99) 3 tomed to—and desensitized to—the horrors that seem- ingly happen in this world inbox every day. We have been pro- Letters From Our Readers grammed to flip from one disaster to the next without placing these events in any end-time context. Contain- ing a litany of tragedies and ANSEL OLIVER/ANN PHOTO: losses occurring this past Church Departures Visiting Churches would add: try to show up 10 year, the article helps the »» I came across the article »»Regarding Sandra Black- or 15 minutes early. Maybe reader make sense of it all “At First Retention Summit, mer’s editorial “Visiting even offer to help in some and realize: Yes, God is still in Leaders Look at Reality of Churches—the Flip Side” way. Blackmer’s article is charge. Church Departures” (Dec. 12, (Jan. 9, 2014), how sad that written with the frame of Boonstra’s writing is 2013). I do hope the church is church members need to be mind of expecting and look- important for all Seventh- taking an honest look at this prompted on how to “greet ing for the best in our broth- day Adventist Christians, and is willing to accept some themselves” when visiting a ers and sisters. This can help particularly teachers and advice coming from one who church. Like probably too the more timid or struggling pastors. Anyone ignoring has gone out the back door. many others, when having ones to have more self-confi- today’s trends does so at When I was an active visited churches in different dence to be a blessing in their own peril. member of the church, I parts of the country with my return. Sometimes we have a As someone who follows found the people to be con- husband (who is not an Ad- hard enough time because of news events closely, I am cerned about economic and ventist), I’ve had to locate the insecurities and discourage- grateful to Boonstra and the social status. When you are greeter and request a bulle- ment in reaching out to the Review for these thoughtful new to a church, among the tin. I am a fairly outgoing regular attenders, let alone a insights. first things they ask are what person, so though this has new face. Come in with a Tom Ballard kind of work do you do. The been a bit awkward, it hasn’t smile, knowing someone Woodbine, Maryland response is much like what been devastating. It can take needs your love and is written in James 2:3. . . . a lot of courage for some acceptance. Fumigate the But what struck me even people to visit a church; per- I love my church. I am so Cockroaches more was that after I quit haps it is even more difficult thankful to be a part of this »»I so much enjoy Andrew coming to church, no one to visit a new church if they movement. McChesney’s Dateline Mos- ever called to ask why I are alone. Many visitors are JoAnn Rachor cow column. He writes in an wasn’t coming. Yet for more not Adventists. How they are Grand Rapids, Michigan interesting, down-to-earth than a year I was getting

December 26, 2013 greeted and regarded as they Vol. 190, No. 36 style that I can relate to. On solicitations in the mail for

December 26, 2013 enter the church may be the www.adventistreview.org Sabbath afternoon I read his donations. Documentary Highlights 10 Adventist Education 14 The Nationalof Anthem Heaven 27 deciding factor in whether Fumigate the CockroachesBefore 2014 article “Fumigate the Cock- What won the battle for they will return. roaches Before 2014” (Dec. Christianity against pagan All visitors deserve to be 26) and decided I should Rome? It wasn’t might or

greeted at the door, made to The Year of express my appreciation— military that won. It was how g AHEAD Reversingk AND the Looki NTide LookiNg BAC feel welcome, given a bulle- then that evening on the Christians treated their fel-

GYC tin, and directed (sanctuary SPECIAL national news (on TV) I low human beings. When or Sabbath school classes, noticed someone who looked ordinary Romans saw that etc.). The Year of familiar. Sure enough, it was the Christians did not do as Carol Iram Reversing the Tide McChesney commenting on the Roman leaders Woburn, Massachusetts »»A longtime reader of the the upcoming Sochi Winter accused—when they saw Adventist Review, I was blessed Olympics situation. how the Christians were »»I really like the approach by Shawn Boonstra’s article Jean Dickerson kind, caring, and willing to Blackmer outlines in her edi- “2013: The Year of Reversing Lansing, Michigan help their fellow man—the torial. Many great ideas! I the Tide” (Dec. 26, 2013). I lies of the Roman leaders agree with Boonstra’s view were cast aside. that we have become accus- Christians living the mes-

4 (100) | www.AdventistReview.org | February 13, 2014 sage of Jesus Christ are what »»We must follow the com- make the difference. mand of Christ to teach and The Adventist Church has baptize. We feel that our job I love my church. I am so thankful a powerful message that is done when new members to be a part of this movement. attracts. But when people are baptized. We must con- join and are not treated as sider them infants who “ —joann rachor, Grand Rapids, Michigan Jesus would treat them, they need our care. Much of our often go straight back out the problem would be solved if ” door. And when the only we could have that mind- “family” of mine. Jews, Christians, thing following them out the set. It is a problem for us The information the Review and Psalm 110 door is an outstretched hand lifelong Seventh-day Ad- provides has really helped »»I read Andy Nash’s column asking for money, they will ventists to realize that these me grow and learn. It is a about “Jews, Christians, and not come back. folks are making a lifestyle wonderful addition to Bible Psalm 110” (Nov. 21), and I Deena Sherwood change, not just a church studies, Sabbath school, and just have to ask: “Huh?” via e-mail change. weekly attendance for wor- I’ve noticed that Nash’s Dave Everts ship services. columns tend to be more »»Reviving discipleship, nur- Cleveland, Tennessee Thank you to anyone who theologically oriented, which turing believers, and reunit- gave a “new believer” mone- is fine; I have nothing against ing with the missing: God tary gift! good theology. But a column has made it clear to me for Lori Pyeatt devoted entirely to the trans- some time now that in order Swartz Creek, Michigan lation of certain Hebrew to reach the community, the terms seems more suited to members’ hearts must be in »»Wow. In his editorial Bill a theological journal than to the right place with God Knott writes that 25 percent a general-interest Christian first, or we cannot fully do of those who join leave the magazine. the work of ministering to church within the first 12 Ruth Ellis others. This particular sec- months. That is awful. No Brooklyn, New York tion in this article is of the wonder Ellen G. White says utmost importance. Mem- Go Ask Erica that the Lord is not bringing bers of our church need to »»I read Bill Knott’s edito- many into the church be nurtured. We need to rial “Go Ask Erica” (Nov. 21, because we are not ready for allow ourselves to be taught 2013) and wanted you to them. I guess we don’t know by God Himself in order to know how much this how to integrate them and be successful and have our brand-new Adventist has bring them into one of our churches grow. appreciated this free sub- little group families. This is We welcome your letters, noting, Our hearts need to be in scription [to the Review] for critical, I know, having had to as always, that inclusion of a letter the right place before we can the past year! And yes, I guide that in the churches in this section does not imply that minister to others. have been a member since where I pastored. the ideas expressed are endorsed by Marilyn Rutter December 29, 2012, and Jack Blanco either the editors of the Adventist Shelby, North Carolina plan to stay with this new Collegedale, Tennessee Review or the General Conference. Short, specific, timely letters have the best chance at being published (please include your complete We feel that our job is done when new members are address and phone number—even with e-mail messages). Letters will baptized. We must consider them infants who need our be edited for space and clarity only. “ Send correspondence to Letters to care. . . . It is a problem for us lifelong Seventh-day Advent- the Editor, Adventist Review, 12501 ists to realize that these folks are making a lifestyle change, Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904-6600; Internet: letters@ not just a church change. adventistreview.org. ” —dave everts, Cleveland, Tennessee

www.AdventistReview.org | February 13, 2014 | (101) 5 Editorials Tagged and Tainted A hundred books and television shows have inured us to the reality that we are being surveilled in almost every arena of our lives. We laugh nervously at the memory that each ATM transaction is being recorded, that images of our license plates are being snapped at every tollbooth, and that red-light cameras silently detect our marginal transgressions past stop signs and marked crosswalks. The revelations made by Edward Snowden of government-sponsored tracking of our tweets, e-mails, and phone conversations induce us, like Winston Smith, the protagonist of George Orwell’s dystopian 1984, to find some corner of our homes or workplaces in which we can be confident of being unobserved. Or has someone—anyone—tagged our cars or carry bags with a micro device capable of transmitting information on everywhere we go and everything we say? In the story lines from Hollywood, the victimized lover of liberty eventually discovers the Bill watch battery-sized wafer attached to his bumper or buried behind the glow of his big-screen TV. Knott This is the way we wish the story would end. But what if the thing that marks us, that monitors us, that ultimately reshapes our lives and our relationships, was invisible to the eye—a tag seen only by the “Wise Ones,” who have powers to detect spiritual fluorescence unseen by all others? Fantastical and dystopian as it seems, just such a device is now available to the average Pharisee or Sadducee. This tag—this “taint,” if you will—is more readily available than vitamin supple- ments at your local pharmacy, but a hundred times more potent. Note this development: A respected and faithful Adventist evangelist allows that he has “no problem” with the idea of ordaining women to ministry. He is immediately “tainted” by hot blog postings that wrongly recite Ellen White’s visionary prediction—“Many a star that we have admired for its brilliance will then go out in darkness.”1 The goal of such labeling is clear enough—to diminish the evangelist’s influence, damage his reputation, and limit his opportuni- ties. No matter who engages in such stuff, it is an act of fallenness. Or this: A respected and faithful Adventist theologian reveals that he feels compelled by his commitment to Scripture to accept the concept of male “headship” he finds there. Instantly the room begins to cool: his access to certain circles of conversation starts closing; his previous schol- arship may no longer be trusted by those who read the Bible texts another way. The taint has been attached, and proves more durable than Super-Glue. Score yet another for the forces of darkness. Sad to say, some among God’s people have learned from American political culture the success- ful techniques of tainting philosophical opponents. Watch an episode of Hannity or The Rachel Maddow Show, and you will (I hope) wince at how frequently such polarizing labels as “leftist” and “reactionary” are thrown about by those who make their living as professional controversial- ists. We can more easily excuse the antics of Sean and Rachel, however, for they have no stated mission to “build up the body of Christ.” That such behaviors are still practiced freely among us—with no apologies for the damage they are doing to the unity for which Jesus prayed (John 17)—is the shame of the modern Adventist Church. “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men,” Paul urged the believ- ers in Rome (Rom. 12:18, NKJV).2 Writing to the factious Galatians, he insisted that an even higher ethic was required in the fellowship of the church: “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Gal. 6:10, NKJV). The plainest reading of inspired counsel immediately precludes the politics of taint. Let us not only wince or shudder when we hear such stuff: let us “call it out”—oppose it—in the name of the One who is never ashamed, despite our many injuries to Him and to each other, to call us “brothers and sisters.” n

1 Ellen G. White, Prophets and Kings (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1917), p. 188. 2 Texts credited to NKJV are from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

6 (102) | www.AdventistReview.org | February 13, 2014 The Taste The decision was bold. The ingredients were fresh. The professional chef was skilled. The taste, a spoonful of food, was disgusting. The four judges, who are also mentors on the cooking-themed reality competition The Taste, did not know who had prepared their bite-sized portion. They didn’t know how much thought had gone into it. And they couldn’t figure out all that was in the tasting spoon. They did know, how- ever, that the food left a bad taste in their mouths, and a bad impression in their minds. Kyle Schutte grossed out the four judges with his “chicken-fried watermelon with pickled watermelon rind” in last year’s competition. When he was revealed to the judges for their com- ments, they were shocked that an expert chef gave them something they couldn’t eat. He did not make it on the show. This year Schutte got a second chance. On the January 2, 2014, season premier, he tried again with an inedible “reconstructed caprese salad with basil-infused mozzarella.” Second chance Kimberly blown, he was again sent home. Luste The lesson: We have a message to share with the world. It is one simple, delicious, message that tells of God’s gift to us. Jesus died and rose so that we may live with Him forever. There are, of course, Maran other things that should be learned progressively. But helping others understand the gift waiting for us is that first important “taste.” How often do we get wrapped up in other ingredients? in touting our skills? in preparing complex yet unappealing bites? If I were someone unacquainted with Christ, I cannot imagine I’d want a sample of what some church members are subsisting on. (No good purpose served in illuminating the menu here.) Don’t blow your first “blind tasting.” It is unlikely that you’ll get a second chance. But if you do, learn your lesson. n

10-Talent People

he Lord has given you talents to use, and in using these talents as He intended “Tthey should be used, you will have increased aptitude and wisdom and clear spiritual eyesight to understand His work. Your mind and eyes must watch for His appearing, your ears open to hear the faintest whisperings of His voice. Your knees He has made; use them in kneeling in prayer. He is your strength. By faith take hold of the Unseen. Let your feet be shod with the preparation of the gospel for running obediently in the way of His commandments. Your tongue and voice are a talent given you of God to tell the story of His life, of His lessons, of His death, of His resurrection, of His ascension. Your bodily strength is to be devoted to the Master in fighting the good fight of faith *To listen to Pastor Scott’s full sermon, visit www.spencervillesda.org/article/2/worship. on the battlefield, overcoming His enemies with ‘It is written.’ Your sympathies and Click the word “next” until you reach the sermon dated November 30, 2013. energies belong to God. Use them to glorify your Redeemer.” —That I May Know Him, p. 328

Compiled by Janelle Collins, intern, summer 2013 World News & Perspectives

sion helped overcome that. “I decided not to spend time being angry or bit- ter,” Monteiro said. “I saw so many other prisoners who were angry, mad, and upset all the time. I quickly saw how it broke them down and poisoned all their relationships. The Bible reminded me that I have a God who was with me and helps me bear all the injustices.” He said his greatest concern was for his family, who remained in Togo dur- ing his detention. “My biggest concern family M onteiro courtesy photo was for my wife and four children. If CROWD OF WITNESSES: Some of the more than 1,000 people who turned out at Nelson Mandela International Airport in Cape Verde on January 19, 2014, to welcome Pastor something had happened to them Antonio Monteiro home. because of what happened to me, that would have been the worst thing,” he ■■Cape Verde said. While representing Jesus, Monteiro Monteiro Was “on a Mission” had real issues to deal with. Another During Togo Imprisonment Seventh-day Adventist, local member Bruno Amah, was convicted by a jury Seventh-day Adventist pastor freed and sentenced to life in prison in the after 22 months’ detention. case where Monteiro was acquitted. Amah is considering his legal options, BY ADVENTIST REVIEW staff including appealing the decision. Seventh-day Adventist pastor accompanied the Monteiros from their General Conference president Ted Antonio Monteiro, a Cape Verde native stay in Dakar, Senegal, to Cape Verde. N. C. Wilson spoke to Monteiro by who underwent 22 months of detention “Later this same man, when in trouble phone after his release. Wilson said in Lomé, Togo, and is now home, said he with the police, blamed me for a crime I Monteiro thanked the world church for was on the Lord’s service during his neither knew about nor had anything to its support. Millions of Seventh-day Ad- captivity. do with.” ventists worldwide held prayer vigils, Monteiro was released from prison On arriving in Cape Verde, the Mon- launched social media campaigns, on January 13, 2014, ending a nearly teiro family was welcomed by more sponsored letter-writing initiatives to two-year ordeal that kept him and four than 1,000 friends and well-wishers at government officials and diplomats, others detained on charges of conspir- the airport, all of whom celebrated his held press conferences, and led a signa- acy to commit murder in a case that acquittal in Lomé. Although Monteiro ture drive for a petition calling for the captured the attention of the Adventist can’t say why he was detained for so release of Monteiro and others involved world church. long, he believes there was a divine pur- in the case. In his first public comments on pose in his captivity: “I was on a mis- Church officials expressed “mixed the case that contained allegations of sion when spending time in the Lomé feelings” over the January 13 court rul- murder and other crimes such as prison, and I would not leave before my ing, which acquitted some and con- “blood trafficking”—Monteiro main- time was up,” he said. victed others. tained not only his innocence, but also Monteiro added, “My period in “The acquittal of Pastor Monteiro is that he had no knowledge of the prison was like an evangelistic outreach, good news, and we are happy for him alleged behavior. with the prison and the prisoners being and his family. We are surprised and “I was assisting a man who came to my territory and people to evangelize. I very sad about the condemnation of my office for help, a man I had never didn’t consider myself a prisoner of Amah,” said John Graz, Public Affairs seen before,” Monteiro told Delbert Togo, but, like the apostle Paul, I was a and Religious Liberty director for the Baker, a vice president of the General prisoner for Jesus Christ.” Adventist world church. Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Asked if his time in jail led to bitter- The arrests and detentions unfolded in an interview, following which Baker ness, Monteiro said a conscious deci- following a string of homicides in Sep-

8 (104) | www.AdventistReview.org | February 13, 2014 tember of 2011. Five men, including Monteiro and Amah, were detained in March 2012 and held without a trial solely on the accusation of one man who was described as a “pathological liar” in a court-ordered psychiatric exam. That man, Kpatcha Simliya, who was also detained, was also convicted in the court’s ruling and sentenced to life in prison. Depending on different newspaper and police accounts, more than a dozen bodies of women between the ages of 12 and 36 had been found in the northern Lomé suburb of Agoué in 2011. The bodies had stab wounds, and some ANN photo internal organs had been removed. SAHEL FAREWELL: Seventh-day Adventist pastor Antonio Monteiro greets colleagues at the Sahel Union Mission office in Lomé, Togo, before leaving to return to his native Blood and organs are often used in cere- Cape Verde. Monteiro was detained in a Togolaise prison for nearly two years on false monies of voodoo, which is widely prac- charges. ticed in Togo. When no arrests were made, the pub- “Any informed and reasonable man prison with me, kindly and decently, lic demanded justice for the killings, would have doubts regarding his and they wanted to know how I could church leaders said. incredible outpouring or the feasibility do that,” Monteiro recalled. “This Simliya was later shown on television of his crimes or supposed crimes,” a opened many doors to witness and surrounded by police guards, telling the September 9, 2012, court-ordered psy- share about the love of Jesus for us. As I story of the series of murders he said chiatric exam stated, which was viewed kept showing and talking about forgive- that he organized, naming accomplices by Adventist News Network. ness and love, people noticed, and it who allegedly collected blood and Monteiro was in the same prison as started to make a difference.” n organs. But much of the story proved Simliya, but chose to extend forgiveness unlikely, including the number of vic- and kindness to his accuser. —with reporting from Delbert Baker and tims and the methods used, according “People would see me treating my Adventist News Network; written by Mark A. to Simliya’s medical examiner. accuser, who was also in the same Kellner.

■■North America Eric Anderson, Southwestern Adventist University President, to Retire Served nine years at Texas school BY MARK A. KELLNER, news editor

Eric Anderson, a veteran historian, Southwestern in 2005, will return to we have been richly blessed during our professor, and college administrator, will Napa County, California, in retirement, years here.” complete nine years as president of the school said in a statement announc- Larry Moore, chair of Southwestern’s Southwestern Adventist University ing Anderson’s plans. A search for a suc- board of trustees, said, “He has been an (SWAU) in Keene, Texas, when he retires cessor is underway, a spokeswoman excellent leader for the university. He later this year. reported. and his wife have both contributed Anderson, who spent 30 years as a Speaking to a regular meeting of greatly to our program.” professor and department chair at SWAU faculty and staff on January 14, According to SWAU, Anderson has church-owned Pacific Union College in 2014, Anderson said, “My wife and I served one of the longest presidential Angwin, California, before coming to believe that God called us to Keene, and tenures in Southwestern history. Only

www.AdventistReview.org | February 13, 2014 | (105) 9 World News & Perspectives

one other president, Marvin Anderson, tory. According to religion teacher Bill had more continuous years of service. Kilgore, Anderson brought a “unique (Founding principal C. B. Hughes, blend of scholarship and spirituality” to served 13 years in three separate terms.) his leadership. Another teacher, Andrew Influential leaders H. H. Hamilton and Woolley, director of the honors pro- Donald R. McAdams also served nine gram, credited Anderson with having a years each. “vision of the benefits of a liberal arts When he came to the school, located education.” about 30 minutes south of Fort Worth, Anderson holds a doctorate in history Texas, Eric Anderson noted a family from the University of Chicago and has connection: “My family actually has published academic studies on a variety ties to this school,” he told the South- of subjects, including Reconstruction, western Union Record in 2005. “My Southern Black education, and church

great-grandfather Charles C. Lewis P hoto SWAU history. During his time as president, he was at one time president of Keene PRESIDENT RETIRES: Eric Anderson, a occasionally taught courses in the His- Industrial Academy, the predecessor veteran historian, professor, and college tory Department and the Southwestern administrator, will complete nine years as to SWAU.” honors program. president of Southwestern Adventist Uni- Anderson said he was pleased with versity in Keene, Texas, when he retires According to the SWAU news release, the school’s recent accomplishments. this year. the school has offered Christian educa- “I’m leaving the university in good tion since 1893, today featuring 67 aca- hands,” said Anderson. “Our team of “My most important goal was to demic programs including business, vice presidents is outstanding. We also enhance Southwestern’s academic qual- nursing, and education, three masters have a strong and improving faculty.” ity while preserving our distinctive programs, and diverse ways for student He noted the “dramatic growth” in this Christian environment,” he added. involvement on campus and abroad. n year’s freshman class and recent Faculty reaction at the school, accord- —with information from Darcy Force, improvement to campus facilities. ing to the SWAU statement, was lauda- Southwestern Adventist University

■■North America Alma Tucker, 90, Quiet Hour Fixture, Passes to Her Rest Served ministry for decades alongside late husband, LaVerne Tucker BY ADVENTIST REVIEW staff

Alma (Hooper) Tucker, 90, a fixture In the 1950s Alma and LaVerne, a Sev- on the staff and board of Quiet Hour enth-day Adventist pastor, served as Ministries (QHM), a Seventh-day Ad- missionaries in the Philippines. After- ventist Church-supporting broadcast ward they expanded QHM’s interna-

outreach, passed to her rest January 10, tional ministry, including mission H amstra teve 2014, QHM officials reported. projects and evangelistic meetings. This She had been a part of QHM since the laid the groundwork for the ministry’s : S photo 1940s, when she married LaVerne focus today on international evangelism QUIET HOUR FIXTURE: Alma Tucker, who passed to her rest January 10, 2014, at age Tucker, son of QHM founder J. L. Tucker. mission trips. 90, speaking about the early Quiet Hour Alma had several roles within the min- While employed by the QHM, Alma years at the seventy-fifth anniversary cel- istry: singing in the radio and TV quar- was instrumental in developing and ebration in April 2012. tet, speaking and singing at maintaining the QHM Way of Life Bible international evangelistic meetings, study course. She also supported This included many appearances on var- working as an employee, and serving on LaVerne’s work as ministry vice presi- ious media programs and significant QHM’s board of directors. dent and later as president/speaker. roles in international evangelistic meet-

10 (106) | www.AdventistReview.org | February 13, 2014 ings. In addition she served on the QHM nity presented itself, she was tireless in children, and six great-grandchildren board of directors for more than 30 pursuing it. There will be many people, survive. years. not least myself, eager to see her on res- A memorial service was held Sabbath, “She truly had a heart for service and urrection morning.” February 8, at the Calimesa, California, for sharing the gospel,” said Bill Tucker, LaVerne Tucker passed away in 2001, Seventh-day Adventist Church. n Alma’s son and current QHM president/ preceding her in death, as did a son, —with information from Steve Hamstra, speaker. “Whatever outreach opportu- Donald. Sons Bill and John, nine grand- Quiet Hour Ministries

■■North America Congregation Moves Into Plains Township Facility Wyoming Valley Seventh-day Adventist Church holds grand opening. By JOE HEALEY, Pittston, Pennsylvania, Sunday Dispatch, reporting from Plains Township, Pennsylvania (Reprinted with permission. Copyright © 2014 Civitas Media. All rights reserved.)

After they prayed, they celebrated. The newly named Wyoming Valley Seventh-day Adventist Church held a grand opening Sabbath on Saturday [January 4, 2014] in the congregation’s new home in Hudson, the former St. Joseph’s church on Martin Street. Now there is prayer and music com- ing from the building once again, albeit a day earlier each week as the Protestant denomination worships on the tradi- tional Sabbath, or Saturday, the seventh day. During the church’s milestone, a member of the congregation, Micaela Herman, 11, of Larksville, reached a milestone as well. Herman was bap- tized, full-immersion style in a large pool in front, and welcomed into the church family. Herman, a student at Muhlenberg Christian Academy, Hunlock Township, said she had “some butterflies” in her L eader /T imes arutis stomach and was “a little nervous,” but

she did just fine. Because a pool heater : B ill T photo wasn’t working, Pastor Robert Fisher CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER: Head elder Lester McLean leads the congregation in prayer shortened the ceremony, but Herman at the Wyoming Valley Seventh-day Adventist Church. was still fully immersed in the cold [baptistry]. us, that’s what’s so important in life.” said. “We’re just so blessed by it all. We Micaela’s mother, Dia Wallace Her- Wallace Herman said in addition to want to tell the community that we’re man, said the baptism is a spiritual her daughter, she was proud of the new here and our doors are open to anyone highlight in her daughter’s life. church. and everyone.” “For us religiously, this is as impor- “At a time when there are so many The Kingston Seventh-day Adventist tant as a child graduating from college, congregations that are closing and Church purchased the building in Octo- because you’re dedicating your life to diminishing and getting smaller, we’re ber, and members are now making the Lord,” Wallace Herman said. “And to bucking that trend and expanding,” she themselves at home.

www.AdventistReview.org | February 13, 2014 | (107) 11 World News & Perspectives

The congregation has been worship- The Kingston Seventh-day Adventist nity outreach. This church will provide ping in the Wyoming Valley well more Church has survived for nearly 95 years us a much better opportunity to con- than 100 years. It dates back to 1895, while suffering through the many floods tinue our ministry into our when tent services were held on Wyo- of the Susquehanna River. Two of these community.” ming Avenue in Kingston. The church floods, in March 1936 and June 1972, The Hudson church, built in 1970, fea- was officially organized on September caused extensive repairs and remodel- tures a crescent-shaped sanctuary with 18, 1896, but didn’t have an official ing to be done. In 2007 church elders vaulted wood ceiling and seating for home until 1917, when the congregation decided to build a new facility in Pringle, 350. The lower level conforms to the decided to build a house of worship. but as construction costs and delays same crescent shape and includes a very The church was built on donated mounted, they decided to purchase the large fellowship area and full commer- land by a member of the congregation. vacant Hudson church, which had been cial kitchen. The church still stands on Second Ave- merged with nearby St. Peter and Paul The kitchen is helpful because healthy nue in Wyoming and is being sold to a church. meals are often offered after services, Jewish congregation to be used as a Pastor Fisher said the new church fits and Saturday was no different. And a synagogue. The old church seats more in with the church’s mission. special musical presentation was held than 100. “One of the reasons this is important after the meal. Throughout the years, several addi- for us is our whole ministry [revolves] Read the story online: http://golacka tions were made, primarily for the around bringing people to transforma- wanna.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?date=20140 church’s school. tion, reconciliation, health, and commu- 104&category=news&lopenr=301 049816. n L eader /T imes arutis : B ill T photo STORY TIME: Karen Castillo lets children smell honey during a children’s story at the Wyoming Valley Seventh-day Adventist Church in Hudson.

12 (108) | www.AdventistReview.org | February 13, 2014 crews © terry poem adventist life Prodigal Years ago I was scheduled to speak at the Adventist You’ve gone away . . . church in Wausau, Wisconsin. My host family phoned to Believing the “truth” you think you know assure me that the wife and two children would meet Believing that I have sought your ruin Sound Bite me at the airport Friday afternoon. Before leaving to Believing that I must be gone from the catch the plane at the South Bend, Indiana, airport, I world you seek. grabbed some magazines to read during the flight. “Every act in our Suddenly it dawned on me that I had no idea what my You’ve left my home host looked like, nor had I given her any description of But not my presence life should be in myself. How would we find each other in a crowded But not my love airport? But not my grace. When we landed, I thought of a solution. As I walked worship to God.” toward the baggage claim area, I held a magazine You’ve sold your birthright —Geoff Starr, at the Tollgate against my chest. Within moments a woman And bought leftover porridge Seventh-day Adventist Church in approached me. “You must be Dr. Strayer,” she To hold you ’til the offal awakens you West Virginia exclaimed. When I nodded, she replied, “I knew it had To know the dregs I offer are greater to be you when I saw you holding up this week’s Ad- Than the kingdom you seek. ventist Review.” It was better than a passport! —Brian E. Strayer, Berrien Springs, Michigan Know that I offer not dregs But my kingdom But the grace of my glory think about it And the glory of my grace. Comfort zone—get out of it; Overcome the opinions of others; Come home dear child Move into the miraculous; Come home. Expect the encouragement of God. —Tom Green, Littleton, Colorado —Marie Smith, Blossburg, Pennsylvania, submitted by Mary Calhoun

www.AdventistReview.org | February 13, 2014 | (109) 13 (110) Searching the Obvious Personal Day The e-mail arrived just as I was packing my belongings to head home. The subject line read: “Do Not Forget Your Personal Days!” I have two personal days accumulated. Therefore, I am encouraged to take a personal day before I lose them. I wondered if anyone is keeping track of the fact that I enjoy arriving at work on a daily basis. Why would I need a personal day? * * * If you ever come to visit, I will tell you to take the exit to Ponder and drive until you see the most beautiful rosebushes, then turn right. The home with the beautiful landscaping belongs to one of my neighbors. When I leave for work I see her watering the roses, the trees, and the beautiful herb garden. I see her almost every day and I don’t know her name. * * * I pull out of my garage. A new day. Where did all this haze come from? A light drizzle of rain prompts me to drive a little slower through my neighborhood. As I stop at the stop sign, something looks wrong. The perfectly landscaped yard is now covered in toilet paper. The trees, the roses, the herbs, everything is covered in toilet paper. I shake my head and turn onto the road heading to work. Who would do such a thing? What if she doesn’t have someone to help her? What if she cannot physically do this herself? Out loud I hear myself say: “What am I supposed to do? She’s a stranger, and I have to go to work.” Silence. Exit. I am taking an exit and heading back toward my house. I quickly enter my house and send an e-mail to work with a personal day electronic form filled out. Then I e-mail my students. I survey my garage to see what tools I have. None. Only trash bags. As if on cue, my phone rings. It’s my dear friend Annie. She asks if I am driving to work. No. She listens to my story and asks: “What makes you want to help this neighbor? You don’t know her.” That’s why. Dixil The line is silent for a moment. “Give me the address,” says Annie. Rodríquez I drive to my neighbor’s home. I can see her standing with a rake in one hand and a trash bag in another. I walk toward her and ask if I can help. She shakes her head and says all is fine. Then she bursts into tears. I put my arm around her. The damage is worse than I thought. Her name is Debbie. I take the rake and begin working. She talks about her family and the wedding she is meant to attend tonight. As we talk, a familiar car pulls up. It’s Annie, her husband, Jason, and her two teenage sons. They arrive with bags, a ladder, rakes, and work gloves. As we clean, Annie asks me why I am not at work. Personal day. She laughs. “Jason and I did the same thing. We called the school to excuse the boys from class today. This is an important lesson for them. Not one found in textbooks.” Four hours later the landscaping looks almost as it did before. Jason collects 10 trash bags we have filled, while Debbie inspects the roses. “You know, this morning when I was about to leave for work, I saw this mess and I called work and said, ‘I need a personal day,’ ” says Debbie. “I looked at this and said, ‘Dear God, how am I going to take care of this alone?’ ” She begins to cry. “Every week at church they ask us to share how we have been blessed this week. Well, y’all are my blessing. You are the angels God sent me when I cried out to Him today. The Holy Spirit knew just whom to inspire. I don’t know how to thank you.” * * * At home I stand next to the window watching the rain come down, glad that Debbie does not have to worry about her landscape, grateful for my good friends, and amazed at how God finds a way to fill up our personal days. n

Dixil Rodríguez, a college professor and volunteer hospital chaplain, lives in Texas. To join the conversation, visit [email protected].

www.AdventistReview.org | February 13, 2014 | (111) 15 Cover Feature

We can’t guarantee we’ll be she told me. “I really feel that adoption able to issue a visa for your celebrates the way God loves us.” son to leave the country.” A few years ago we had found our- My wife, Lisa, and I sat in the U.S. selves the part-time parents of a teen- consulate in the Democratic Republic of age girl who needed support. The the Congo, our 13-month-old son snug in experience assured us that we had what a carrier on Lisa’s chest. It was our second it took to be adoptive parents. In late morning in the capital city of Kinshasa, 2010 we settled on an agency working and not yet 24 hours since we had picked in Ethiopia, and we decided to adopt a him up from his orphanage. boy. Legally he had been our son for But we hesitated. Word came that more than four months. But the closer Ethiopia was slowing down its adop- we got to taking him home, the tion processing. The summer of 2011 weirder things became. we prayed and pondered. Finally we Growing up with an adopted older sis- decided to stick with our agency and ter, I had anticipated adopting for as long move ahead. “Unless we get a sign from as I could remember. With a heart for the the Lord,” I told their rep, “we’re com- most vulnerable, Lisa felt the same. mitted to your program.” “Motherhood goes far beyond genetics,” The next Tuesday morning my phone

16 (112) | www.AdventistReview.org | February 13, 2014 for news, for documents translated from French, and for any new photos of our soon-to-be son. That May we offi- cially became his parents, but the immi- gration process dragged on. “Are you sure that’s Senghor?” Lisa and I stared at new images from the Congo. In them Senghor’s skin sagged. His hair and eyebrows were gone. His hollow eyes focused on nothing. We barely recognized him. He had always looked serious, but now he just looked numb. We soon learned that a doctor had declared him “too fat,” so the orphanage staff had cut back his meals. At 10 months of age he had lost three pounds. Our rang—the agency rep again, apologetic. first families had just brought children adoption agency intervened, but the pho- Their program was on hold. Inwardly, I home, and, as of that morning, they tos still chilled us. thanked God that we hadn’t mailed our were accepting new applicants. I researched our looming trip to Kin- dossier, and the US$4,000 down pay- We soon learned of a baby boy, just 4 shasa. An adoptive family shared on ment we would have lost with it. months old. Political unrest delayed his their blog what they had encountered When I called to give Lisa the news, medical testing, but after six I asked, “Should I call that Congo weeks an unflattering photo agency again?” of an annoyed baby arrived. We stepped out His name: Senghor (Sen- Sobering Images gore). Searching online, I dis- of the room A year earlier, I had contacted an covered that Senghor was the agency working in the Democratic surname of the first indige- shell-shocked. Republic of the Congo, a central African nous president of Senegal, a nation scarred by civil war and grinding renowned poet. poverty. “Our program’s too new,” they We fell in love with the name, and the picking up their daughter, including had said, “but we’ll put you on a wait- somber, chubby-cheeked boy who video of her orphanage. As they arrived, ing list.” So now I called again. The pro- stared out at us from a second picture. the first child they encountered was a gram director answered, and sounded In January 2012 we officially matched, baby boy, who stared off into space as quite surprised to hear from me. Their and as the months went by we waited they greeted him: Senghor.

www.AdventistReview.org | February 13, 2014 | (113) 17 ALL SMILES: Families are tiny room where the consul and vice-con- laboratories where the sul looked out at us through glass. The principles of heaven are consul spoke with his jaw tight, his words demonstrated. controlled. “We wanted to let you know that we’ve found out some things about your case . . . The documents said he had no parents, but he does have parents . . . We need to interview those parents, and the social worker, and . . . The worst-case scenario is that you may not be able to take your son home . . . You have to make a

arnett plan for staying here long-term.” We stepped out of the room shell- shocked. Senghor would need revised

B : J ordan P hoto documents, paperwork that had taken months the first time. The consul’s A few weeks later I found another “You are Senghor’s parents?” words that we might not be able to take video. Again a parent’s roving camera “Yes!” we answered. Lisa and I Senghor home, though, rang the loud- found Senghor sitting by himself. “Hi!” climbed into an SUV and headed from est. We prayed, called our families, and the adults greeted. Senghor looked up, Kinshasa’s hectic center to the green settled in to wait. but his eyes made no connection. hills of Senghor’s orphanage. As we Meanwhile the faint outline of a half I sat at our computer and cried. Was arrived, workers were delivering the smile squiggled onto our son’s face. our son OK? Had sudden starvation made last of several new cribs and beds. “Almost a smile,” I encouraged, dancing him worse? We had no way to know. A woman appeared in a doorway. In him around the room in my arms. Whatever the truth, he was our son—and her arms a sleepy baby, blinking. It was “Almost a smile.” he needed us. And we needed him. Senghor. Our son. He was real. “Lisa!” I By Wednesday dinner, he had breathed. She turned, inhaled, and absorbed some 30 hours of nonstop Jumping Through Hoops reached out for him. love, attention, and affection. And when After strenuous and sustained prayer, His belly was as round as a basket- he discovered a love for curry and palak Lisa and I made up our minds. We ball. His face, which seemed all cheeks, paneer, Senghor beamed and laughed would fly to Kinshasa the first week of nearly swallowed up his tiny nose. with abandon. He had transformed September. We didn’t know when we Patches of hair had begun to grow back from supremely solemn to seriously could bring Senghor home, but we felt on his head, but some were an unnatu- silly. Having just started crawling a we had to get him out of the orphanage ral red color. His chest rattled with a week before, Senghor started walking, and start parenting him. sound I had to keep reminding myself with assistance from us or from the We bought plane tickets, then got a call was not a contented purr. nearest piece of furniture. from our agency. The good news was that He looked about ready to cry, but he As the days passed, the visa situation his visa was in process. The bad news just didn’t have it in him. remained murky. The adoption agency’s was that the consulate had launched an We handed him a toy lion. He just local lawyer couldn’t fathom why the investigation into his background, which stared at us. Lisa hugged him tight. “Oh, technical detail of Senghor’s parents’ could take several months. The agency I’m never going to let you go!” identities was such a big deal. But as I discouraged us from traveling. “They Senghor fell back asleep in the morn- lay in bed Friday night aching with food won’t move any faster just because ing sunshine. We took him to the SUV, poisoning from a bad lunch, Senghor’s you’re there,” the director told me. back to Kinshasa, on to his new life. As Cheshire grin beaming down at me, I But our minds were set. Our boy we bounced along the pitted roads, Sen- thanked God for getting us that far. needed us. We signed a waiver holding ghor’s head slammed hard against the We learned that Senghor’s biological our agency blameless for any complica- window. He didn’t make a sound. mother had abandoned him when he was tions, put our trust in God, and set That afternoon we bathed him, 3 months old. Without income, there was flight for Africa. hugged him, and took a hundred pic- no way his biological father could have tures. He was so quiet, so serious, so afforded the infant formula—itself many Tuesday, September 4: Our first small. He just stared at a toy rattle. days’ wages—to keep Senghor healthy. morning in Kinshasa. Our guide’s wide His father was scheduled to speak to the smile greeted us in the hotel lobby. And Wrapping It Up consulate Monday, and would be glad to his question sounded so . . . real. Wednesday morning we entered the tell his story.

18 (114) | www.AdventistReview.org | February 13, 2014 We passed time in our small hotel head during meals, happy about so room, bonding, playing with toys, and many things he can’t seem to process. I feeding Senghor what little we could humor him with one more energetic concoct with a teakettle: mashed pota- reading of Llama Llama Red Pajama. I toes, oatmeal, cold canned beans. He soothe his “owies.” I wonder at the utter insisted on holding food in each hand bliss that shines from his face as he puts as he ate, plus whatever he could cram one arm around each of us and pushes into his mouth. Lisa and me together so we’ll kiss, then Monday afternoon we knelt, prayed, tilts his head so we’ll each kiss him. and waited for word from the consulate. And I think that one day soon Sen- Then, as we passed through the hotel, ghor and Lisa and I will all bask we spotted a young man drinking a together in another embrace, a holy, Coke with our guide. Our agency had heavenly Father’s hug. We shall kiss told us not to speak with Senghor’s bio- Jesus as freely as we wish, and share the logical father, but I felt compelled. I utter bliss of forever with Him. And I walked across the lawn and extended wonder: how much of the difference

my hand. Senghor’s father held on and will we ever appreciate—the difference of the author ourtesy shook it for the next several minutes. between our now and our then, our Looking back, there’s so much I wish I time in the orphanage and our place in : C P hoto NICE TO MEET YOU: Lisa Wheeler meets had asked, such as why they’d chosen our Father’s home, the dull planet we her new son for the first time. such an uncommon name. In that now share and the glory that then will moment, though, I focused on one thing: be? Tennessee. This man was the key to us bringing our We left for Africa, uncertain when we son home. Our guide took our photo would return, with a house that still together—me, as exhausted-looking as I needed plenty of preparation. Yet we’ve If You’re Considering felt, my arm around his shoulders; he, been assured that our heavenly Father’s Adoption handsome with fine features and Sen- place is ready for us, and that His Son International adoption is continu- ghor’s eyes, a muscular arm clasped will soon return to take us home. “In ally in flux and is dependent on indi- across my chest. Despite the ordeal, I love he predestined us for adoption . . . vidual country regulations. was grateful to have details to share through Jesus Christ, in accordance with For the most up-to-date informa- with my son about his background. his pleasure and will—to the praise of tion for each country, visit adoption. A week later, I finally dashed from the his glorious grace” (Eph. 1:4-6). n state.gov. If you’re considering working embassy into the rain, Senghor’s immigra- with a particular agency, contact the tion visa packet tucked beneath my arm. Tompaul Wheeler is director of the Joint Council on International Children’s documentary Leap of Faith: The Ultimate Services at www.jointcouncil.org. Adopted in Love Workout Story and author of GodSpace. He For a look at some of the emotional Today I watch Senghor throw back his lives with Lisa and Senghor in Nashville, challenges experienced by adoption parents, one excellent resource is Par- enting the Hurt Child: Helping Adoptive Families Heal and Grow, by Gregory Keck and Regina Kupecky (NavPress, 2009). The status and process of adoption in the Democratic Republic of Congo The experience assured us (DRC) has continued to change, both that we had what it took from the United States government’s side, in response to cases like ours, and to be adoptive parents. through new Congolese restrictions. Most international adoption is cur- rently frozen in the DRC, and a large number of families find themselves praying for God’s guidance and intervention.

www.AdventistReview.org | February 13, 2014 | (115) 19 Adventist Life BY CLAUDIO FUENTES he scene before me as I sat brought upon my family and friends, atop a rock on a high slope how much sorrow and despair they had was very familiar. Brown endured while trying to help me over- hills lay to the left, to the come my addiction. As I sat there, the right, and in front of me, guilt and remorse intensified. If there Ttoward the west. It was wintertime in were a way I could heal all the hurt I had southern Mexico, and nature was dor- caused, I would not hesitate to take it. mant, waiting for the rainy season to But it was impossible to repair the arrive once again. damage. The rains, when they come in early No matter how many times I had May, last only long enough for farmers apologized and asked for forgiveness, I to plant and cultivate their produce, and had continued to hurt people. I couldn’t then vanish quickly away. By December seem to escape my addictions and their the hills begin to change from green to consequences. My family and friends brown, and the drying soil transitions had finally chosen not to have me from dark brown tones to red. To the around them anymore. Condemnation and Grace untrained eye, the winter panorama As daylight turned to dusk, the guilt Meeting God makes it appear that all nature is dead, and remorse turned into loneliness and changed but that isn’t reality. Among the layers despair. To combat these feelings, I of shades of brown, life in many forms began reflecting on better days, when as everything. continues. a child I shepherded goats on these To me, the landscape was beautiful, same hills. I remembered helping the but soon the sun would descend behind female goats deliver their babies, and the hills and I would be alone, far from the joy that gave me as I carried the little everyone. My thoughts longed to dwell ones on my shoulders. I also remem- upon the scene before me, but I had bered the happiness the newborn goats learned that every time I rejoiced in brought to my family. Every time a new- something beautiful, the misery I was born came home with me, the whole enduring seemed worse. family would come out to see it and give If I could rewind my life and start again; if it a name. I also remembered my I could have another chance to make things mother faithfully waiting for me at the right; if I could just clean up the past and goat gate as I brought the goats back start over—maybe my life would be different, home from the hills. She would smile I thought. Once again I reflected on all the harm that my drug and alcohol abuse had

20 (116) | www.AdventistReview.org | February 13, 2014 and say, “Hurry! Supper is ready. You witch doctor. Nothing worked. As I heading back to town. Something had have to eat.” dwelled on my past failures my situa- changed inside me. A sense of hope had I looked toward the west as the sun tion looked hopeless. A new fear then become rooted in my heart. I felt that I began to sink from sight. Darkness was came over me as I began to see death as could visit my family. only moments away. Reflecting on the the only way out. A few days after my encounter with good days of my childhood had resulted Then I thought, What about God? What if God’s presence, and with the support of in only temporary peace. Despair once He really exists? What if He is out there some- my family, I went to an Alcoholics Anon- more settled upon my heart. where and I can call on Him for help? As this ymous (AA) rehabilitation center and I had been staying in an old, aban- possibility took hold in my mind, I began was diagnosed with a severe addiction doned building. I trembled inside as I to pray: “God, I’m not sure if You exist. I to alcohol and other drugs. I was thought about spending another cold don’t know where You are. I don’t know accepted as an inpatient. Three years night in that place. What scared me anything about You. All I know is that I later, I completed my recovery plan. The most, however, was knowing that I was can’t live this way any longer. I beg You, if God whom I had met in the hills had going to wake up to another day. I had You exist and can hear me, please come helped me to stay clean and sober. I was nothing to look forward to. I had lost all and show Yourself.” fully detoxed, my mind was clear, and in that was dear to me—my family, Nothing happened, so I called out a my heart I had begun to worship the second time. God who delivered me. “God, if You exist, please come and I later took Bible studies from an Ad- show Yourself.” ventist pastor and concluded that it was As I finished speaking, something Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who had come Condemnation and Grace began to happen. My surroundings to the brown hills of southern Mexico to appeared different. It seemed as if time seek and save His lost sheep. My Savior friends, job, and dignity were gone. had stopped, as if nature itself knew that took me upon His shoulders and brought something great was taking place. As I me home. Hitting Bottom sat there motionless, I began to sense a Today, by the grace of God, I have a I remained where I was, even as dark- wonderful, peaceful Presence, and I no loving relationship with my family. They ness began to embrace the place. After longer felt alone. I could not fully under- recognize that Jesus has transformed all, it would be better to go down to the stand what was happening, but some- my life. God has also given me many village later, when the possibility of thing in my heart told me that God friends who love me and whom I love running into other people would Himself was there with me. I fell upon dearly. He has also opened the way for lessen. my knees and with tears in my eyes said, me to attend Weimar Institute in Cali- I then began to contemplate my life. It “So there is a God; this is the God that fornia, where I am learning how to had been a long time since I had been people talk about.” I prayed, “Thank You, share my faith, hope, and joy with oth- sober. Several times I had tried to quit, God, for listening to me. Thank You for ers. Soon Jesus will send me to be a hoping to achieve a normal life—but all Your comforting presence.” shepherd—this time not for goats, but the promises I made to myself, my fam- for precious souls. n ily, and my friends had turned out to be A Changed Life empty ones. I had asked the “saints” for I don’t recall how long I knelt there, Claudio Fuentes was a deliverance, and had even gone to a but I remember descending the hill and student at Weimar Institute in California when he wrote this article.

www.AdventistReview.org | February 13, 2014 | (117) 21 (118) Introducing the Why The Best Christmas Ever Now before you say anything, I know that you’re reading this article almost two months after Christmas, and Yuletide cheer is probably the furthest thing from your mind. But if you’ll indulge me, I’ll share a bit about my holiday journey this past year. If you’ve followed my column lately, you know that I’ve been talking a lot about serving others. In the weeks leading up to Christmas I felt as if God was hitting me over the head with this message, urging me to apply it. To be candid, I’m an innately selfish person. I struggle with materialism and perfectionism. I battle with these lusts of the flesh daily. And when I take my eye off the ball, I get caught up in the treasures of this world and furthering my own kingdom. Not to be clichéd, but this year I was determined to exemplify the true meaning of Christmas. When my wife, Natalie, asked what gifts I wanted, I told her not to get me anything. This wasn’t some reverse- psychology ploy; I truly wanted to take the focus off of myself this year. That meant actively looking for ways to bless others. About a week and a half before Christmas I was talking to one of my friends at church who was going through a difficult time financially. As we talked, he mentioned that he didn’t even have a Christmas tree for his kids. Later that day I casually relayed the conversation to Natalie. It turned out that she had also encountered a family without a tree. Natalie is one of those people who will actually follow through on a great idea, instead of just talk- ing about how wonderful it sounds in theory. She suggested that we take it upon ourselves to bring Christmas trees to these two families that following Sunday morning. “Sure, sounds good to me,” I replied. In my mind, however, I downplayed the impact. It’s just a tree. They could probably use presents or some extra money a whole lot more. Jimmy Wisely—as any good husband knows—I kept my reservations to myself. The next day we bor- Phillips rowed my brother-in-law’s Ford F-150 and headed down to Lowe’s. By this point, the pickings were slim. Thankfully, we were able to find a couple of perfect six-foot noble firs that would bring the Christ- mas spirit to any living room. We finished up by loading our cart with bases for the trees, ornaments, and a few strands of lights. After delivering the trees, we headed home. Based on their reactions I knew these two families had been blessed. But I still didn’t feel like we’d done much. That changed exactly one week later. The next Sunday, we ran into one of the families. As we exchanged pleasantries, the mother told us that her youngest son had made something for us. The 10-year-old boy handed Natalie a folded paper. On the front of the handmade card was a beautiful red poinsettia. Inside was a picture of a living room, com- plete, of course, with a perfect Christmas tree. The following is a portion of the note he had written: “Thank you for the tree; we really appreciate it. I think God will pick you when the day comes and when all will be taken to heaven. You and your husband should have the best Christmas ever! Thank you for everything you have done for us. . . . I hope someday we can do something for you. Like the Bible says, ‘Do unto others what you want others to do unto you.’ That is one of my favorite verses.” As Natalie read the card out loud, our eyes filled with tears. Needless to say, I had drastically underesti- mated the impact of a Christmas tree. Christmas is an easy time of year to do things for those less fortunate. But the effect of such a simple act made me wonder: how many times do I pass up similar opportunities throughout the year? “Do unto oth- ers” shouldn’t be a holiday motto; it should be a lifestyle. Turns out, the Bible is full of wisdom. It just took a 10-year-old to remind me. n

Jimmy Phillips ([email protected]) writes from Bakersfield, California, where he is director of marketing and communications for San Joaquin Community Hospital.

www.AdventistReview.org | February 13, 2014 | (119) 23 Heart and Soul: Theology

BY STEFAN SERENA o Seventh-day Adventists, 8, Jesus entered the Most Holy Place, the Day of Atonement has where He restores the gospel to its always held special signifi- rightful state, accomplishes the cleans- cance—and with good rea- ing of the sanctuary, and vindicates the son. The very inception of character of God. But while I’m always Tthis church is firmly linked to this eager to learn more about our Lord, event, providing its theological identity. whatever happens in heaven doesn’t Ellen White called the sanctuary doc- seem to affect my Christian experience. trine one of our “landmarks,”1 and the We have to keep in mind that God’s church lists it among its 28 Fundamen- Word speaks purposefully into this tal Beliefs. world and into our lives. So, then, how But why would Yom Kippur (or the can my twenty-first-century Christian Day of Atonement) matter to me per- experience be different from that of sonally? How do the math and history faithful Christians who lived centuries behind Daniel 8 and 9 translate to ago and were unaware of 1844? How everyday life? can Yom Kippur enrich my daily walk We may have a fairly clear under- with Jesus to a degree beyond what standing of the events transpiring in even faithful martyrs of old heaven since 1844: According to Daniel experienced?

Meet Ehud Our understanding of Yom Kippur relies heavily on the celebration of the annual feast of the Day of Atonement in ancient Israel. While we have no known account of the actual celebration of the Day of Atonement ritual (which exists only in prescriptive form in Leviticus 16 and 23), enough information is available to piece together the puzzle. Let’s consider the experience of Ehud, an imaginary Hebrew Why Does Yom Kippur Matter? A practical guide to the Day of Atonement

24 (120) | www.AdventistReview.org | February 13, 2014 with a fairly common name. The name, when atonement is made for you before seen the might of the Lord and had wit- meaning “beloved,” was a continuous the Lord your God. Those who do not nessed people being “cut off” because reminder of just how much Yahweh deny themselves on that day must be they had refused to humble themselves.2 cared for him. Nevertheless, like most of The memory of his sin came back with us today, Ehud was not always faithful. greater force than ever! Ten days to live! His conscience told him that not every- We may think we Not many of us get to know our final day thing was right. To humble himself to with such precision and imminence! It is the point where he would make his are waiting for for this that the days leading up to the error known by going to the priest to God’s return great Day of Atonement were also known offer sacrifice was, however, an alto- as “days of awe.” gether different matter. Weeks and when, in fact, He On the morning of Yom Kippur, Ehud months went by, and he learned to live is waiting for finally surrendered. He knew he was with the consequences of his sin. In fact, guilty. Guilty of wasting time, guilty of he often forgot about it. Things seemed our willingness neglecting all the good he could have all right. to cooperate! accomplished had he stayed within Until Ehud heard the trumpets. He God’s reach. But he also knew that he had been totally caught up in his work was forgiven, because he finally had of securely storing the last remains of cut off from their people. I will destroy humbly confessed his sin and had it— his crops and had completely forgotten from among their people anyone who according to God’s law—transferred to that it was the first day of Tishri, the does any work on that day. You shall do the sanctuary. He had peace, and it Feast of Trumpets. The countdown to no work at all. This is to be a lasting showed. Better to be broken than cut off. the great Day of Atonement, only 10 ordinance for the generations to come, Unlike others, he survived! days away, had begun. About this day wherever you live. It is a day of sabbath the Lord said: rest for you, and you must deny your- From Knowledge to Salvation “The tenth day of this seventh selves. From the evening of We should not assume that Ehud month is the Day of Atonement. the ninth day of the would have been indifferent toward the Hold a sacred assembly and month until the follow- finer details of that day’s theology. He deny yourselves, and present ing evening you are knew full well that the Day of Atone- a food offering to the Lord. to observe your sab- ment was when the high priest went Do not do any work on bath” (Lev. into the Most Holy Place for its yearly that day, because it is the 23:27-32). cleansing. He knew about the specific Day of Atonement, Ehud had regulations and procedures; he had wit-

25 nessed them year after year. But it Spirit proclaiming it to the world, they sibility. Pentecost demonstrated the wasn’t rational, theoretical knowledge would have seen the salvation of God, effects of the power of God acting in that saved him that day. the Lord would have wrought mightily conjunction with humans willing to with their efforts, the work would have sacrifice everything for God. This expe- Yom Kippur Today been completed, and Christ would have rience of the early rain will be repeated The Bible is a practical book. God come ere this to receive His people to in even greater force and is referred to didn’t give us theoretical knowledge for their reward.”3 as the “latter rain.”4 its own sake. He is trying to save us, The antitypical Yom Kippur was sup- Let’s humble ourselves so it can be urging that knowledge must flow into posed to end a long time ago. Jesus soon! Let’s seek God’s presence daily, actions. wanted to return. Many terrible events hourly—in fact, always! We are privi- There is at least one major difference that transpired during the last 170 leged to be part of God’s final mission between the Yom Kippur at the time of years could have been avoided. We may to Planet Earth. n Moses and its antitypical fulfillment: think we are waiting for God’s return 1 Ellen G. White, Counsels to Writers and Editors (Nash- whereas, back then, the time of its com- when, in fact, He is waiting for our will- ville: Southern Pub. Assn., 1946), p. 30. pletion was always specifically known ingness to cooperate! 2 Or “afflict his soul.” As Matthew Henry puts it in to be at the end of the tenth day of As preposterous as it may sound—it his commentary on Leviticus 23:27: “The humbling of our souls for sin, and the making of our peace with Tishri, it seems open today. How would is this movement, tiny and insignificant God, is work that requires the whole man, and the the knowledge of our untimely death in though it may seem, which in part holds closest application of mind imaginable. . . . He that 10 short days change our attitude and the keys to the biggest event ever to take would do the work of a day of atonement in its day, as it should be done, had need lay aside the thoughts of actions? The fact that it often takes a place. Not because God isn’t omnipo- every thing else.” That’s the reason the day was called terminal illness or another tragedy for tent, but because the eternal happiness a “sabbath” and doing any work was completely people to truly experience God’s for- of the universe depends on certain laws prohibited. 3 Ellen G. White, Early Writings (Washington, D.C.: giveness and peace speaks volumes. by which God operates. In the plan of Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1882), p. 299. Nevertheless, we are living in the salvation, God is dependent on the 4 Ellen G. White, Christ’s Object Lessons (Washington, great antitypical day of atonement. Is it response of human beings and He D.C.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1900), p. 121. possible that our reaction to God’s works with them. While He never willed long-suffering grace and patience is sin, He patiently dealt with it for thou- Stefan Serena, originally indifference? What would happen if sands of years. I am afraid He has also from Switzerland, serves as each of us accepted Jesus’ command dealt with Seventh-day Adventists for technical coordinator at the (and invitation) to “deny himself, and longer than He wished. Ellen G. White Estate in Silver take up his cross” (Matt. 16:24, KJV)? This is the true raison d’être for Spring, Maryland, U.S.A. Remember Ellen White’s thought- Adventism. There is ample reason to provoking statement? “Had Adventists, care about 1844. It may be the greatest after the Great Disappointment in 1844, prerogative ever given to a group of held fast their faith, and followed on people—as well as the greatest respon- unitedly in the opening providence of God, receiving the message of the third angel and in the power of the Holy

26 (122) | www.AdventistReview.org | February 13, 2014 GLOW Stories Giving Light to Our World Giving light to our world— Members of a small church in Michigan GLOW—is an outreach Story 1 placed six GLOW racks in various stores in initiative in multiple North the community and kept them stocked with GLOW American Division conferences tracts. After reading through the tract about Sabbath, a based on the concept of customer became convinced that Saturday is the Sab-

bath. He told the manager he should close on Saturdays amacho church members carrying and presented the biblical evidence to support that Adventist literature with them position. The manager read the tract and agreed, so he wherever they go and handing changed his store hours and closed on the Sabbath. C : R icardo photo it out—free of charge—at every A local GLOW leader in California named Enrique attempted to contact Joel, a opportunity. Here are two Story 2 visiting preacher, to ask him to bring GLOW tracts to the church that weekend short stories of lives touched when he came to present the sermon. However, Enrique had Joel’s old number in his phone. by GLOW: In response, he received a text asking, “What is GLOW?” He discovered the person he had contacted wasn’t Joel but a middle-aged woman. Enrique explained that GLOW tracts are lit- tle pamphlets about health and God caring for us. After a long pause, he received the text: “Does He care?” Enrique shared Bible promises from Isaiah showing that God loves every- one and has a plan for each person’s life. He also asked if she had any prayer requests. When they were ending their texting conversation more than an hour later, she said, “Thank you! I just finished crying.” God works in mysterious and creative ways.

Stories compiled by Pacific Union Conference GLOW director Nelson Ernst. To learn more about GLOW, go to sdaglow.org. To watch video GLOW testimonies, go to vimeo.com/user13970741.

www.AdventistReview.org | February 13, 2014 | (123) 27 Story

BY EDEN KOLIADKO LEEPER athy didn’t know what to do; everything was happen- ing so fast. At night, after her husband, Dan, fell asleep, Kathy knelt by their Kbed. “God, I’m scared. What do I have to know?” As she knelt, Kathy felt God impress- ing three things upon her: Dan had a brain tumor, it was incurable, and he would go quickly. Kathy met Dan Goddard during her first year at Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska. She was immediately drawn to his warm personality and sense of humor. As time went on she realized he had a “pastor’s heart.” They dated for two years and were married after Dan graduated in 1968 with a degree in the- ology. In terms of ministers, she said, “He was the complete package: a strong preacher, an effective administrator, and a compassionate pastor.” Thirty-three years of marriage and three children later, Dan was invited to return to Union College as senior pastor of the College View church. After all those years, Dan and Kathy felt as if they were going home.

Did You See That? As graduation neared during their first year at Union, Kathy and their son James began to notice changes in Dan. “He kept forgetting his appointments and losing things, such as his keys and cell phone,” she said. Since Dan was by nature an organized and motivated person, these changes con- cerned them. At first Kathy didn’t feel that she had to do anything,In until Sickness one day she was visited by two mem- bers of Dan’s pastoral staff. “Dan is changing,” they said. They explained and in Health how Dan had started coming to the office late and forgetting important Managing the pain appointments. They had all noticed that his sermon the previous week had been

different and unusual. crews © terry

28 (124) | www.AdventistReview.org | February 13, 2014 After Dan went to sleep, Kathy prayed, “God, I’m scared.”

doctor scheduled an MRI for the follow- Dan quickly began to deteriorate. ing Monday. Within a month, he couldn’t do any- That Friday after the doctor’s thing for himself. Exactly two months appointment was different than any after the day of his first doctor’s other Friday night in their home. Kathy appointment, Dan passed away. was terrified and cried out to God. After Looking back, Kathy says, “Some peo- Dan went to sleep, she knelt down and ple would think I’m crazy because I say I prayed. “God, I’m scared.” can hear God’s voice. It’s not an audible Kathy went to bed, and the next voice, but I know it’s the voice of the morning she dismissed the impression, Holy Spirit. family of the G oddard ourtesy C thinking she was just jumping to the “God got me ready that night I cried FACING THE FUTURE: Dan and Kathy worst conclusion. out to Him.” Goddard, a few months before Dan’s As the next week wore on, Kathy Since Dan’s death, Kathy has devoted health crisis. learned that God had been speaking to her life to teaching, traveling, and doing As the three compared notes, Kathy her. Dan’s MRI showed he had a brain mission work. She teaches composition realized that something was wrong tumor. The doctor explained that even if and creative writing as an associate pro- with her husband. it was benign, it was impossible to oper- fessor of English at Southern Adventist “Dan, where are you supposed to be?” ate on because it sat on top of his brain University. Her trust in God has helped Kathy asked that evening. stem. A biopsy showed that the tumor her through her experiences and Dan looked up from the television, was a stage-four glioblastoma, an incur- inspired others. confused at his wife’s question. Kathy able type of tumor. “Life is a journey,” Kathy says. “It can and James explained that he had missed The next Sabbath, Dan preached his be the pits, or an adventure.” n three appointments that evening, along last sermon, which he called “Expect a with many others during the previous Miracle.” College View church, which Eden KOLIADKO Leeper week. They told him about other normally held 2,000 people, was packed graduated from Southern changes they had seen in him, and how with more than 3,000 there to hear Dan Adventist University with a he seemed like a different person. speak. Kathy and Dan’s two sons stood degree in public relations. She Dan seemed not to understand what on either side of him for support. They now lives in Loma Linda, California. they were saying. had all been worried that Dan wouldn’t “Dad, you just don’t get it,” James be able to finish. But with the prayers of explained. “There’s something terribly his church members, he finished the What Do You Think? wrong with you. You’ve changed.” entire sermon about the miracle of ? “I have?” Dan asked with a confused changed attitudes. He said that even if 1. Cancer is never a welcome guest. look, seemingly unaware of what was God didn’t heal him, he would continue What have been your first thoughts going on. to trust Him. when you, a friend, or a loved one “I’ve made a doctor’s appointment for Dan also had conversations with his has had to face this enemy? you tomorrow morning,” Kathy said. children and Kathy about what was 2. List three things one should not say Dan went to bed confused and upset. going on. He didn’t want what was hap- to someone facing a doubtful future. pening to him to cause a faith crisis in 3. List three things one might say to Shocking Diagnosis their lives. In the last weeks of his life assure someone of God’s never-end- The next morning they went to Dan’s Dan frequently quoted 2 Corinthians ing love. medical doctor. As the examination 12:9: “My grace is sufficient for you, for 4. In situations like this it’s all too easy went on, Kathy began to panic and feel my power is made perfect in weakness.” to be purveyors of false hope on one scared. Dan couldn’t even walk a “Dan’s faith made it easier for me,” hand, or undeserved guilt on the straight line. She knew that this was not Kathy says, remembering this difficult other. What would you do to avoid a stress-related health issue, as she had time in her life. “He was peaceful. He either extreme? thought, but something organic. The didn’t blame God.”

www.AdventistReview.org | February 13, 2014 | (125) 29 Bookmark From Plant to Plate Tami Bivens, From Plant to Plate: Turning between “enriched” and “fortified” on Life is busy, and too often we don’t eat fresh, simple food into a delicious habit the food labels. And what is the differ- well because there just doesn’t seem to (Auburn, Calif.: Life and Health Net- ence between the number of calories on be the time to cook something elaborate. work, 2013), 288 pages, $19.90 on www. a product and the fat content? All in all, Most of us come home so mentally amazon.com, reviewed by Chantal J. a very practical and helpful section con- drained that we can’t focus on prepar- Klingbeil, associate director, Ellen G. cluding part 1 of the volume. ing a well-balanced dinner. This is White Estate. where the included 21-day meal planner can be a real love cookbooks. Not that lifesaver. II’m a great cook—I just At this point, you could like looking at the creative just go ahead and use the process, and occasionally I book as a standard recipe actually try a recipe. In the book, but there is some- case of Tami Bivens’ book it thing unique. Each recipe was different. I actually includes a QR code that used the cookbook and allows you to watch a have tried out more recipes professionally filmed than from any of my large video cooking presenta- collection. Why? The reci- tion on your smartphone pes are easy, and unlike or tablet. You can simply some “healthy” recipes, the scan the QR code and then end product looks good use the video like an ani- and tastes good. In fact, this mated easy-to-follow book is not just about reci- recipe. pes—it’s about health; and More than 100 recipes health is much more than are divided into breakfasts, diet. entrées, salads, soups, Bivens, a registered dieti- sides, sweets, sauces, dips, tian, begins with a brief and dressings. The book (research-based) introduc- finishes off with a handy tion to the impact of air, index. water, sun, exercise, rest, There is one thing I temperance, and trust on would like to be different: our overall health. She then a spiral binding on the goes on to trace the growth book would improve the of vegetarianism, and particularly veg- Part 2 introduces the reader to the usefulness of the volume quite a bit, anism, and provides a Bible-based foun- most commonly used foods in the rec- but the Raw German Chocolate Cheese- dation for healthy lifestyle choices. As ipe section. From Plant to Plate does not cake made up for any inconvenience— she puts it: “A plant-based diet is about require you to stock up on unfamiliar at least in my case. being as compassionate, as conscien- products that can be bought only at The book can be purchased only tious, and as healthy as possible. It is so pricey health stores. Most of the foods online at Amazon (just search for Tami much more than a diet. It’s a lifestyle” are readily available at any grocery store. Bivens or the book title), another help- (p. 27). Finally, a two-page easy guide to making ful “modern convenience.” All in all, my Bivens also helps to make sense of the plant-based substitutions for your family and I loved the simple, tasty, and labels on our food in an easy reference favorite recipes is also included. easily reproducible recipes in From Plant section (pp. 28-33). Perhaps, like me, you Part 3 is where you get to the exciting to Plate. This volume is a winner in the have been mystified by the difference part—the deliciously illustrated recipes. kitchen! n

30 (126) | www.AdventistReview.org | February 13, 2014 Reflections True Love Valentine’s Day is generally a fun holiday. It evokes images of red- candied hearts, small-winged Cupids, and white-laced cards proclaiming never-ending love. Children give and receive little notes of affection; parents and children exchange cards and “goodies”; friends and work colleagues tell one another how much they’re valued. It’s a day that love and friendship are celebrated. Perfect love, of course, is found only in Jesus. No earthly love can begin to compare to the matchless love of Christ and His gift to us of eternal life. Neither are we able to fully comprehend it. If we reflect on love in human terms, however, what does that word mean? When a man and woman first fall in love and marry, the romantic side of love is paramount. As time goes on, however, the focus of their thoughts often shifts somewhat and becomes more absorbed in day-to-day events and challenges. The small annoyances and frustrating habits of a spouse begin to test fortitude and commitment, and “compromise” is the order of the day. Does this mean that love has lessened? No, not at all! In reality, it likely has grown. As I reflect on my own marriage of 38 years, I realize that learning how to give and take, to adjust, to be flexible, are skills that helped us to grow both as individuals and as a couple. Making it through the rough times, the tough times, and coming out the other end not unscathed, but wiser, more patient, more under- standing, helped us to comprehend love more fully. Seeing what’s not quite so good about a spouse and loving them anyway—knowing they must do the same for us—is what draws out and reinforces the love for that special person in our lives. Not giving up on the person, believing in them, supporting them, and receiving those things from them in return help keep a marriage strong and stable. True love is commitment. It’s the knowledge that your partner cares for you and “has your back.” Our emotions are involved, but they can’t be our only criterion for love. It’s also based on principle—which leads to action in small ways as well as large. These seeming platitudes are often easier to say than to do. Marriage is hard work and must be based on a solid trust and reliance on God. Both parties must be committed to the marriage, and developing a grow- ing love and respect for each other is a high priority. Ellen White describes it well: “True love is not a strong, fiery, impetuous passion. On the contrary, it is calm and deep in its nature. It looks beyond mere externals and is attracted by quali- ties alone. It is wise and discriminating, and its devotion is real and abiding. God tests and proves us by the common occurrences of life. It is the little things which reveal the chapters of the heart. It is the little attentions, the numerous small incidents and simple courtesies of life, that make up the sum of life’s happiness; and it is the neglect of kindly, encouraging, affectionate words, and the little courtesies of life, which helps compose the sum of life’s wretchedness. It will be found at last that the denial of self for the good and happiness of those around us constitutes a large share of the life record in heaven.”* Putting your relationship with your spouse first and foremost above every- thing else (other than your relationship with God) is the secret to attaining a happy, long-term marriage and discovering true love. It may not be the way we first envisioned it would be—instead, it will be better.

* Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1948), vol. 2, p. 133.

Sandra Blackmer is features editor of Adventist Review.

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