VJEEKLY NEWS AND INSPIRATION FOR SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS DECEMBER 22. 1994 nother Christmas. Another year so quickly gone. How and E-mail messages of good cheer. May your tribe increase! A ast the sands of time run through the glass of our lives. And we praise and thank our God, who has crowned this At this season of remembering and rejoicing at the birth of busy year with good things. He's the God who comes through the Messiah, we wish you a blessed holiday season with fam- for us, who again and again manifested His grace, supplying ily and friends. May the Lord fill your days with the joy of our every need. His presence. So with the psalmist we sing: "I am still confident of this: I We also thank you, dear readers, for your ongoing interest in will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. and support of the ministry of the Adventist Review. So many Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the. prayers, so many kind notes and telephone calls—and faxes Lord" (Ps. 27:13, 14, NIV).

r" " 1111•11111111!,

R The team that brings you the Adventist Review, from left to right, top to bottom: William G. Johnsson, Ella Rydzewski, Myron K. Widmer, Carlos Medley, Kit Watts, Roy Adams, Chitra Barnabas, Stephen Chavez, SPRINGE

D. Jean Sequeira, Steve Trapero, and Carol Jednaszewski. OEL J

2 (1354) ADVENTIST REVIEW, DECEMBER 22. 1994

ADVENT'S 1

DECEMBER 22, 1994

DEPARTMENTS ARTICLES

6 Newsbreak DEVOTIONAL 10 Children's Corner 8 There Is Room 11 Turning Point Maybe the reason we cram so much into the holidays is so we won't feel the desperation of being on the "outside." Here's 17 Faith Alive! good news. by Sven H. Jensen

21 World Report TURNING POINT 22 Bulletin Board 11 Jerry the Wanderer 12 Something to 23 Reflections Every church has its oddballs. And there isn't anything they can teach us. Or is there? by Bonita J. Shields hold on to

STORY EDITORIALS 12 In Times Like These 4 Not Funny Ah, those precious moments when Jesus seems so near! Why 5 Christmas and do they almost always occur in the midst of a raging crisis? Kwanzaa by Mildred J. White

HERITAGE 14 An Encouraging Word NEXT WEEK One hundred fifty years ago this month God gave Ellen White her first vision. It was just the message disappointed people This Is Goodbye. For needed to hear. It's a good thing for us to remember, also. 14 A message for 12 years she's our time answered questions by Tim Poirier

that have made us GLOBAL MISSION UPDATE chuckle, weep, and shake our heads with 18 Making Up for Lost Time astonishment. But There are reasons the Adventist Church is growing like wild- before she goes, fire in the former Soviet Union. But chief among them is the Miriam Wood has fact that people hungry for the gospel can't get enough of a something else she good thing. by Charles R. Taylor wants to say. Cover illustration by Art Lenderman

General paper of the Marketing Representative Te Writers: We welcome unsolicited Subscription Desk, Box 1119, Hagerstown, Texts credited to NEB are from The New Seventh-day Adventist Church Ginger Church manuscripts. Manuscripts must include MD 21741. Single copy, US$2.25. Prices English Bible. 0 The Delegates of the Oxford address, telephone number, and Social subject to change without notice. University Press and the Syndics of the Editor William G. Johnsson Consulting Editors Robert S. Folkenberg, Security number, where available. Cambridge University Press 1961, 1970. Associate Editor Roy Adams Matthew Bediako, D. F. Gilbert, Robert J. Notification of rejection may be expected Meal/Um Nodes aid champs of Reprinted by permission. Texts created to NN Associate Editor Myron K. Widmer Kloosterhuis, A. C. McClure, Kenneth J. only if accompanied by a stamped, self- address Call toll-free 1-800-456-3991 or are from the Holy Bible, New International News Editor Mittleider, Leo Ranzolin, Calvin B. Rock, G. addressed envelope. Address all editorial 301-791-7000, ext. 2436. Version. Copyright CD 1973, 1978, 1984, Assistant Editor sieonen Chavez Ralph Thompson correspondence to 12501 Old Columbia International Bible Society. Used by permis- Assistant Editor Kil Watts Special Ceableaters Bryan Ball, M. E Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904-6600. The Adventist Review (ISSN 0161-1119) is sion of Zondervan Bible Publishers. Bible toots Editorial Assistant Ella Rydzewski Cherian, P. D. Chun, Israel Leito, Edwin Editorial office fax number (301) 680-6638. published 40 times a year, each Thursday credited to RSV are from the Revised Standard Administrative Secretary Chitra Barnabas Ludescher, J. J. Nortey, Jan Paulsen, L D. except the first Thursday of each month. Version of the Bible, copyright C) 1946, 1952. Editorial Secretaries Carol Jednaszewski Raelly, Ted N. C. Wilson, Joao Wolff Subscription prices: US$36.97 for 40 Copyright © 1994 Review and Herald' 1971, by the Division of Christian Education of Jean Sequel ra African-Indlan Ocean Editions 'idol', issues. US$48.97 for 52 issues. Add $10.20 Publishing Association, 55 West Oak Ridge the National Council of the Churches of Christ Art Director Bill Kirstein Japheth Agboka postage for addresses outside North Drive, Hagerstown, Maryland 21740. Second- in the USA Used by permission. Designer Steve Trapero Inter-American Edition Editor, Adalgiza America. class postage paid at Hagerstown, Maryland Design Assistant Gert W. Busch Archt To place your order, send your name, 21740. Postmaster: send address changes PRINTED IN THE USA Ad Sales Melynie Tooley South American Editions Editor, R. S. Lessor, address, and payment to your local Adventist to Adventist Review, 55 West Oak Ridge Drive, Subscriber Services Larry Bunnell Portuguese r• • Mayr, Spanish Book Center or Adventist Review Hagerstown, MD 21740. Vol. 171, No. 51.

ADVENTIST REVIEW, DECEMBER 22. 1994 (1355) 3 EDITORIAL

Not Funny

ecently a church member sent me a official seal of Roman Catholic approval, light, liberating us from such sickness? 1\copy of a newsletter sent out by an the stamp of the pope's blessing! The problem of destructive criticism independent ministry that claims to be When I saw this newsletter I didn't has a long history. Although Ellen Adventist. The allegations in the letter know whether to laugh or cry. And I White powerfully rebuked sin, she fre- were so outrageous, so far from the felt angry, especially for my Hispanic quently warned against indulging a neg- truth, that they were hilarious. But brothers and sisters whose love for the ative, suspicious spirit. I recommend a some people will believe them and lose Lord and His church have been study of her counsels: look up refer- their way—and that's not funny. maligned. ences under "Censure," "Criticism," The writer singled out the NAD edi- How does one respond to slander like "Evilspeaking," and "Faultfinding" in tion of the Adventist Review for this? By seeking redress through the the Comprehensive Index to her writings November 1994. Its cover featured the legal system, forcing the perpetrator to or on CD-ROM. You will find much to closing service of the Hispanic issue a retraction and an apology? ponder, including this counsel to one Ministerial/Evangelism Council held It's tempting, but it's not the way of individual: "You are just as surely doing last year in Keene, Texas, when the par- Christ. The Master, who first suffered the work of Satan as is any one of his ticipants joined in a candlelight conse- under false accusations, taught us to open agents. The doubts which you cration to the work of the gospel. commit all our ways into the hands of have introduced to many minds will Assistant editor Stephen Chavez the Lord of truth, who will take care of bear fruit. Your harvest is ripening for attended the council and reported on it the situation in His own time and way. the final gathering. Will you be proud of for our readers (see "Living the Dream" it then? You may turn to the Lord; you in that same issue). He also took the Strange Times may find rest in Him. But you have so cover photograph, using time-lapse I share this experience with Review long educated yourself to criticize, to photography. readers because it is typical of what all turn and twist everything in a false light, But what does the newsletter say church leaders face in these strange that it will require earnest prayer and you'll find on the cover? A picture of a times. Such a spirit of tearing down, of constant watchfulness to break the habit priest wearing full vestments and carry- finding fault, pervades modern society which has become second nature" ing a golden crucifix! And it suggests that anyone who bears responsibility (Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 288, 289). that the Review editors deliberately finds himself or herself subjected to blurred or airbrushed the "priest's" innuendos, half-truths, and some- I take these words very seriously. head so as to disguise the beretta he's times—as in this case—outright lies. They tell me that the spirit of criticism wearing! I wonder: What motivates people may so take over my life that I will see Some imagination! But false. Any of who carry on such activities? The indi- evil where no evil exists. Is this what the 500 people who were present can vidual behind the newsletter claims to Paul meant when he wrote, "To the verify that this is 100 percent nonsense. be commissioned by God for this work. pure, all things are pure, but to those But that's not all. The newsletter takes His material quotes at length from Ellen who are corrupted and do not believe, aim at the 16-page insert "The Saints' White's writings. But the Lord isn't the nothing is pure" (Titus 1:15, NIV)? Victory in the End-time," which I author of lies, and His work builds up To have faultfinding as second authored. This exposition of Revelation instead of tearing down. nature—that's not funny. 12-14 was not new—it was reprinted I also wonder: Why are some people To corrupt others by our criticism— from volume 7 of the reports of the ready to believe falsehoods? Why that's not funny. Daniel and Revelation Committee, and would they accept the word of someone We're dealing with much more than first published in 1992. For some reason who signs his name as "Pastor," making a living by selling videos. the newsletter writer has now "discov- although he has never been ordained by We're dealing with life-and-death ered" massive error in it and is peddling a the Seventh-day Adventist Church, who issues, matters of eternal consequence. video on his "exposé." And so he writes in fact was disfellowshipped from And that's not funny. that the "priest" on the cover gives the membership in the church? Does not "imperator" (he meant imprimatur)—the the gospel of Jesus bring us into the WILLIAM G. JOHNSSON

4 (1356) ADVENTIST REVIEW, DECEMBER 22, 1994 EDITORIAL

Kwanzaa and Christmas

1—Nwring this season when our includes poetry, stories, readings, or benefit the community as a whole. Lthoughts turn to the birth of Christ activities that teach each principle. Examples of ujamma are found in the and the profound meaning that His life, On the seventh night, the karamu New Testament church. Luke writes, death, and resurrection holds for us all, (meal) is prepared. The meal normally "And all that believed were together, there is another holiday that is signifi- begins by passing the unity cup and and had all things common; and sold cant to me and other Black Americans. each person taking a sip. their possessions and goods, and parted The celebration is called Kwanzaa. them to all men, as every man had Started in 1966 by historian Maulana Spiritual Principles need" (Acts 2:44, 45). Karenga, this uniquely African- At the center of the Kwanzaa cele- Nia (purpose) encourages us to pur- American celebration is observed by an bration are seven spiritual values that sue a specific goal in life, to make a dif- estimated 13 million persons annually. are affirmed, values that help people ference in the world around us. As The root word kwanza is derived from live quality lives. I believe Adventists Christians we have a divinely ordained Swahili and means "first," and is usu- can learn from these principles because goal. Note the words of God through ally associated with the firstfruits of the they have biblical applications that Moses to Pharaoh: "But I have raised harvest. The celebration isn't a substi- could help us in our walk with Christ you up for this very purpose, that I tute for Christmas, nor is it even a reli- and our relationship to others. might show you my power and that my gious festival. How, then, should Umoja (unity) espouses a commit- name might be proclaimed in all the Christians relate to it? ment to build unity in the family, soci- earth" (Ex. 9:16, NIV). First, let's seek to understand what it ety, or ethnic group. Only when unity is Kuumba (creativity) promotes excel- is all about. It is a cultural celebration maintained will there be profound, lence, unleashing the potential each one that provides character-building activi- meaningful change in the community. has within for the betterment of our ties for and fosters self-esteem in youth. Peter understood the necessity of community. And Christ has promised unity when he wrote, "Be ye all of one His followers the key that unlocks His Kwanzaa Symbols mind, having compassion one of divine potential in our lives. Paul The seven days of Kwanzaa run from another" (1 Peter 3:8). alludes to this key when he writes, "I December 26 to January 1. Kujichagulia (self-determination) can do all things through Christ which The Kwanzaa celebration revolves promotes self-advancement and self- strengtheneth me" (Phil. 4:13). around seven basic symbols. Among improvement, the opportunity to be Imani (faith) fosters respect for and them are mazao, the fruits and vegeta- measured with our own yardstick and devotion to our parents, teachers, and bles of harvest; mkeka, a mat represent- not by predetermined values of others. forebears, and to the lessons they have ing African tradition; kikombe cha Christians too must not use secular taught us. Here again, Christians would umoja, the unity cup; kinara, the can- values to define their lives. Paul writes, be wise to consider this counsel. dleholder representing African people; "Be not conformed to this world: but be Solomon writes, "My son, hear the and mishumaa saba, seven candles rep- ye transformed by the renewing of your instruction of thy father and forsake not resenting the seven principles of mind, that ye may prove what is that the law of thy mother" (Prov. 1:8). Kwanzaa. good, and acceptable, and perfect, will So don't be surprised if your To participate in Kwanzaa, family or of God" (Rom. 12:2). African-American friends greet you church groups—even several Adventist Ujima (collective work and responsi- with "Happy Kwanzaa." Now you churches—come together around a bility) advocates the collective owner- know what they mean. table that is spread with the mkeka and ship of our brothers' and sisters' * See Kwanzaa: Everything You Always Wanted to candles. welfare and success. Paul admonished Know but Didn't Know Where to Ask (New York: Some families decorate their homes that "We . . . that are strong ought to Gumbs and Thomas Pubs., 1993), pp. 3, 4; Seven Candles for Kwanzaa (New York: Dial Books for Young for the celebration. Other families dress bear the infirmities of the weak, and not Readers, 1993). in African clothing or hairstyles. Each to please ourselves" (Rom. 15:1). night a candle is lit to affirm one of the Ujamma (cooperative economics) Kwanzaa principles. The festival often supports the pooling of resources to CARLOS MEDLEY

ADVENTIST REVIEW, DECEMBER 22, 1994 (1357) 5 NEWSBREAK

WORLD CHURCH classes in France. The Ivory Breath of Life Celebrates Coast is among those coun- Adventists and Lutherans tries following this system. Hold Consultation. The first- 20 Years of Ministry However, in response to ever official conversations appeals from Adventist lead- between Seventh-day 'More than 2,000 Adventists in the Washington, D.C., area ers, the minister of education Adventists and Lutherans M celebrated the twentieth anniversary of the Adventist for the Ivory Coast exempted took place November 1-5 at Church's Breath of Life television ministry. A special city- all Adventists from attending the Adventist Church's wide convocation was held at Takoma Academy on Saturday classes and ordered Marienhoehe Seminary, December 3. that no examinations be Darmstadt, Germany. During the Sabbath morning service, colleagues, friends, given on that day. Although the Adventist and relatives of BOL speaker Ivory Coast church lead- Church has no intentions of Charles D. Brooks honored the ers just received word that joining the World Council of evangelist with citations and education minister Pierre Churches, Adventists seek to gifts, including an acrylic ship Kipre has now canceled understand and to be under- set on a marble base—symbol- Saturday classes for all ele- stood by other Christians. izing the Christian church (see mentary and secondary The meeting was of special photo). schools, reports General interest to Adventists, since Founded in 1973-1974 by Conference president Robert we are frequently designated Walter E. Arties, Breath of S. Folkenberg. a "sect" in countries in Life ministry is the only which Lutheranism is the General Conference-sponsored media ministry aimed at Middle East Pioneer Dies. state religion. Black Americans. The broadcast also has brought viewers to George Okwera, 42, one of Nine Adventists repre- Brooks' evangelistic meetings, which have reaped more than the first two Sudanese minis- sented the General 12,000 baptisms and begun 12 new congregations. ters ordained by the Conference, and eight Operating with a shoestring budget, BOL airs on the Black Adventist Church, died in Lutherans the Lutheran Entertainment Television network, Vision Interfaith Satellite Cairo, Egypt, on November World Fellowship. Both del- Network, and Three Angels Broadcasting Network. 12. egations were comprised of He helped establish the scholars, pastors, and admin- first Adventist church in istrators from various areas members are foreigners who series. Finley asked those Khartoum, the capital of of the world. live and work in Israel. who had been baptized since Sudan, says Middle East The January 5 Review will Israel Mission president 1990 to stand; 90 percent of Union president Svein bring a report on the discus- Ermanno Garbi says it's the congregation stood, says Johansen. His last post of sions by editor William G. extremely difficult for General Conference presi- duty was Port Sudan, where Johnsson, who was a mem- Jews to accept Christianity. dent Robert S. Folkenberg. he organized an Adventist ber of the General However, he believes that Today there are more than company. Conference delegation. it's important for the church 4,500 Adventists in Okwera's wife died one to maintain a witness in Moscow. year ago from complica- New Believers Baptized in Israel for its Jewish popula- In the past six months It Is tions from malaria. The the Jordan River. Sixteen tion, Arab residents, and Written has received 65,000 couple leaves three teenage new Adventist believers visitors. pieces of mail from through- daughters. publicly declared their faith out the former Soviet Union in a Jordan River baptism on Evangelism Continues in in response to its programs New Church Building October 22. Twelve of the Eastern Europe. it is Written broadcast weekly on 25 sta- Dedicated Near Arctic new members are Romanian, speaker Mark Finley con- tions. Circle. A new Seventh-day while the others are Nigerian ducted a brief reaping series Adventist church was dedi- and Ghanaian. in Moscow that concluded Ivory Coast Suspends cated in Mosjoen, Norway. After maintaining a pres- eight evangelistic seminars Saturday Classes. Sabbath just south of the Arctic

EY ence in Israel for more than by local pastors. Baptisms classes have become a prob- Circle, on October 29. The 100 years, the Adventist totaled 188. lem in many francophone structure, which seats more Church now has 150 mem- About 3,500 attended the countries in Africa with the than 100 persons, was RLOS MEDL A

C bers. About two thirds of the closing convocation for the reintroduction of Saturday financed through donations

6 (1358) ADVENTIST REVIEW, DECEMBER 22. 1994

NEWSBREAK

and sale of the congrega- mote drug and alcohol pre- tion's former church build- NAD Christmas Special vention. ing, reports Adventist News Twelve Pathfinders with Review. to Air on ABC 100 other Watford residents The new building will be formed the state of North furnished with glass mosaics, New Noel, the North American Division's one-hour Dakota and waved red rib- pulpit, chairs, and a Com- A Christmas special, will be aired just before Christmas and bons as an airplane flew munion table from the old on Christmas Day on many ABC television affiliates. overhead taking pictures. The church at Skodsborg Even though the airing often will be late at night, invite commercial ran statewide Sanitarium. After the your neighbors and friends to watch the program. Or if you beginning October 18. Adventist Church sold the think you'll fall asleep before it airs, set your VCR to tape it "This is an excellent way Skodsborg property, the new and watch it at a more convenient time! to show our community and owners demolished the Here's a partial list of stations airing the broadcast as of our state that Pathfinders are church. However, they presstime (check your television guides for listings in your area). committed to a drug-free agreed to donate these items lifestyle," says club director December 24 Nashville—WKRN 10:30 p.m. Cindy Hawronsky. to the Mosjoen church. Norfolk—WVEC 11:30 p.m. In other news from Norway. Oklahoma City—KOCO 12:40 a.m. Anderson (SC)—WAXA Midnight Orlando-Daytona Beach- members of the world's most Austin—KVUE 10:30 p.m. Melboume—WFTV 12:30 a.m. FOR YOUR INTEREST northern Adventist church, in Baton Rouge—WBRZ 1:00 a.m. Ottumwa (IA)-Kirksville 5:30 p.m. Birmingham—WBRC 3:00 a.m. (M0)—KTVO Hammerfest, have organized a Boston—WCVB 11:30 p.m. Pittsburgh—WTAE 12:30 a.m. AWR Story Available on Buffalo—WKSW 11:30 p.m. Portland—KATU 11:30 p.m. Video. Adventist World new congregation at nearby Burlington-Plattsburgh— 11:30 p.m. Providence-New Bedford— 11:30 p.m. Alta. WVNY WPRI Radio has released the Chicago—WLS 12:30 a.m. Raleigh-Durham—WTVD 11:30 p.m. Chico-Redding—KRCR 11:30 p.m. Roanoke-Lynchburg—WSET 11:30 p.m. first of four videos high- NORTH AMERICA Colorado Springs-Pueblo— 1:35 a.m. San Jose—KNTV 11:30 p.m. lighting the results of KRDO San Francisco-Oakland—KGO 11:30 p.m. Columbus (OH)—WSYX 11:30 p.m. Sault Ste. Marie—WGTQ 11:30 p.m. its worldwide ministry. Dayton—WDTN 11:30 p.m. South Bend-Elkhart-WSJV 11:30 p.m. The first edition of The Southwestern Adventist Denver—KUSA 12:12 a.m. Syracuse—MKT 12:30 a.m. College Hosts Acrofest. Detroit—WXYZ 11:30 p.m. Traverse City (MI)—WGTU 11:30 p.m. AWR Video Story Book, Duluth-Superior—WDIO 10:30 p.m. West Palm Beach-Fort Pierce 11:30 p.m. Gymnastic and acrobatic Evansville (IN)—WTVW 10:30 p.m. —WPBF called Chapter 1: Miracles teams from six Adventist Greensboro-High Point- Yakima—KAPP 11:30 p.m. in Russia, includes the story Winston-Salem—WGHP 4:05 a.m. colleges and 11 academies Greenville-Spartanburg- December 25 of AWR's leasing of broad- Asheville—WLOS Midnight casting facilities that for- improved their techniques Hartford-New Haven— 11:30 p.m. Atlanta—WSB 4:30 a.m. and learned new ones at the WTNH Cincinnati—WKRC 4:30 a.m. merly served as Communist Jacksonville-Brunswick— 11:30 p.m. Cleveland—WEWS 4:30 a.m. annual Acrofest 1994 at WJKS Grand Rapids—WZZM 1:30 a.m. propaganda machines. The Southwestern Adventist Kansas City—KMBC 11:35 p.m. Houston—KTRK 8:00 a.m. eight-minute video also Knoxville—WATE 11:30 p.m. Lexington—WTVQ 1:35 a.m. College in Keene, Texas, Los Angeles—KABC 12:30 a.m. Mobile-Pensacola—WEAR 4:30 a.m. features testimonies of new Miami—WPLG 12:30 a.m. New York—WABC 1:30 a.m. Adventists and a feature Milwaukee—WISN 11:30 p.m. St. Louis—KTVI 3:05 a.m. Minneapolis—KSTP 1:00 a.m. Waco-Temple—KXXV 12:30 a.m. on the Bible school at the Adventist Media Center in Tula, Russia. November 10-12. took part in recording a tele- To order the free video, The acrofest provided vision public service write to: Adventist World instruction by 16 world-class announcement for Red Radio, 12501 Old Columbia gymnasts who specialize in Ribbon Week, October 23- Pike, Silver Spring, MD teaching and coaching. The 31. Red Ribbon Week is a 20904; or call (800) 337- gymnasts displayed the results national campaign to pro- 4AWR. of their work in a dramatic Saturday night program before CHURCH CALENDAR more than 1,000 persons. Dec. 31 GC Session Offering for Global Mission— North Dakota Pathfinders Hands Across the World Offering Southwestern Adventist College Promote Drug Prevention. Jan. 7 Soul-winning Commitment Sabbath first-year student Heidi Schneider was one of 400 participants in The Pathfinder Club in Jan. 7 Day of Prayer and Intercession in North Acrofest 1994. Watford City, North Dakota, American Division churches

ADVENTIST REVIEW, DECEMBER 22. 1994 (1359) 7 DEVOTIONAL few years ago when we hometown of Nazareth and went to the lived in Nigeria, I took synagogue on the Sabbath, as was His my family on a vacation custom. Standing before the congrega- to the southern part of the tion, He read from the Scriptures and A followed up with a brief explanation. country. We drove from place to place in our car, visiting friends, The reaction was quick and violent. churches, and institutions. "All the people in the synagogue were There As we were traveling in new territory, furious when they heard this. They got we had a map to guide us, of course. But up, drove him out of the town, and took a map does not tell everything, espe- him to the brow of the hill on which the cially not how slowly the traffic moves. town was built, in order to throw him That's why late one evening we found down the cliff" (Luke 4:28, 29). Is ourselves still a long way from our next There was no room for the Saviour destination. Nor did the map tell us in His hometown! His own townspeo- where to find a hotel for the night. ple drove Him away. No room. No Room After a long while we found one. place to call His home. "Foxes have "Sorry," said the clerk, "we have holes," He said, "and birds of the air Beautiful words no room!" have nests, but the Son of Man has no After another long while we found place to lay his head" (Luke 9:58). when you're tired, a second hotel. Same story. "We have no room!" Asked to Leave burdened, lonely. We were getting very tired now. Another scene. Across the Lake of Besides, we did not actually relish Galilee in the region of the BY SVEN H. JENSEN driving late at night, especially in Gerasenes. It was there that Jesus that part of the country. healed the demoniac and sent the evil In the next town we found another spirits that possessed him into a herd hotel. But again the story was the of swine, which, goaded by this sin- same: "Sorry, no room!" ister power, rushed into the lake and But in this case, the owner could perished. Seeing this, "the [local] see the disappointment spelled out on people began to plead with Jesus to our faces. "You may sleep in the bar if leave their region" (Mark 5:17). you don't mind," he said graciously. No room for the Healer! No room It was very late, and the bar was for the Comforter! empty. So that night my family and I And in Samaria it was the same slept on the floor in the bar of a story. Scripture says that "he sent strange hotel. messengers ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready When There's No Room for him; but the people there did not Two thousand years ago a desper- welcome him" (Luke 9:52, 53). ate couple shared our experience: And that was not all. We read in "So Joseph also went up from the John 5:39, 40: "You diligently study town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the Scriptures because you think that Bethlehem the town of David, because by them you possess eternal life. he belonged to the house and line of These are the Scriptures that testify David. He went there to register with about me, yet you refuse to come to Mary, who was pledged to be married me to have life." There was no room to him and was expecting a child. While in their hearts for Jesus. No room! they were there, the time came for the The hardness of their hearts turned baby to be born, and she gave birth to into open hatred in the judgment hall her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in of Pilate. "It was the day of Preparation cloths and placed him in a manger, of Passover Week, about the sixth because there was no room for them in hour. 'Here is your king,' Pilate said to the inn" (Luke 2:4-7). * the Jews. But they shouted, 'Take him Think about it—no room for the away! Take him away! Crucify him!'" Saviour of the world! (John. 19:14, 15). When Jesus grew up and began His Take Him away! Crucify Him! ministry in Galilee, He came to His From birth to the end of His min- 8 (1360) ADVENTIST REVIEW, DECEMBER 22, 1994 istry Jesus was met with a clear mes- When You Feel Unwanted sage: We don't want You. We have One of the most difficult experi- no room for You. "We know that ences in life is to feel that we are God spoke to Moses, but as for this not wanted—that there is no room fellow, we don't even know where for us in the company of others. he comes from" (John 9:28). People experience this when they lose their job, fail an examination, Yet He Made Room for Us go through a divorce, are afflicted There was no room for Jesus, but He by sickness, or experience death in made room for us! "But I, when I am the family. People who've lost their lifted up from the earth," He said, "will rights, who live as refugees, or draw all men to myself" (John 12:32). who've been rejected because of And that's exactly what happened race or color feel the same. Our at the cross. The cross has drawing world is full of people who feel power. At the foot of His cross there is rejected and unwanted. room for us all. No one is excluded. If you feel that way today, listen As we read the story from the again to the words of Jesus: "I will Bible, we see the soldiers there, never drive you away." Jesus has drawn to the Man on the cross. The made room for us all in His heart, in centurion cannot keep back his testi- His plans, in His future. mony. Says Luke: "The centurion, Yes, in the heavenly kingdom He seeing what had happened, praised has made room for us: "Do not let God and said, 'Surely this was a your hearts be troubled. Trust in righteous man"' (Luke 23:47). God; trust also in me. In my Father's There was also room for the house are many rooms; if it were not Pharisees and for the rich at the foot so, I would have told you. I am going of the cross, for Nicodemus was there. there to prepare a place for you. And And Joseph of Arimathea. When they if I go and prepare a place for you, I came they were reluctant followers of will come back and take you to be Jesus; when they left they were fully with me that you also may be where convinced that He was the Messiah. I am" (John 14:1-3). There was room for the thief, too. There is room! Plenty of room. Himself in the midst of excruciating For the One who found no room pain, Jesus reached out to His fellow among us has made room for us all. sufferer with these encouraging words: What a wonderful message for us to "I tell you the truth today, you will be share! Shouldn't we then make room The One with Me in paradise" (see verse 43). for Him in our hearts today? And There was even room for Jesus' tor- shouldn't we make room for others? mentors and the mob. "Father, forgive This world is full of closed doors. them, for they do not know what they But each of us can open the door of who was are doing" (verse 34). Jesus did not our heart and invite Jesus in. condemn them. In His heart there was Entering, He'll fill our lives with room. He wanted to save them all. love and with His Spirit. And there was room for the women rejected * All Scripture references in this article are from and the disciples. The members of the New International Version. God's church were there. At the foot of the cross they were assured that His sac- rifice provided salvation for them all. has made We can look in faith today to that same cross and have the full assurance that "whoever believes in him shall not per- ish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). room Sven Jensen is Yes, the One who was rejected has church ministries made room for all. He says: "All that director for the the Father gives me will come to me, Middle East Union, and whoever comes to me I will for all. Nicosia, Cyprus. never drive away" (John 6:37).

ADVENTIST REVIEW DECEMBER 22, 1994 (1361) 9 The Best Christmas Gift

BY ELLA M. RYDZEWSKI

t was the day before Christmas, settle for anything less, she told herself. the table to symbolize the straw in and all through the Gorski household The family was preparing to drive to Jesus' manger. things were popping: Mother doing Grandma and Grandpa Gorski's, as they After packing the food and gifts, the some last-minute gift wrapping; sister did every year for Christmas. You see, family piled into the car. They rode Ann baking Christmas poppy seed rolls; the grandparents had come to America several hours through the Pennsylvania Father washing the car. Baby brother from Poland, and traditional Polish fam- countryside before arriving at Grandma Jay let out a scream after bumping his ilies have their Christmas feast the night and Grandpa's house. Cousins, aunts, head on the floor for the third time in a before Christmas. At that time all the and uncles who lived closer had already sad attempt to walk. Allison, having just family gathers for a meatless (or fish) arrived. But dinner wasn't quite ready. celebrated her twelfth birthday, felt dinner. Often an extra place is set for the You know all about that last-minute quite grown-up and indifferent about Christ child or a needy stranger who bustling that adults go through to get what was going on. She slouched on the might come to the door (Matt. 25:40). things ready for special dinners. sofa, thinking about the beautiful blue To remind people why they Finally everyone was seated, and the cashmere coat she wanted for are celebrating, straw time came for Grandpa to read the story Christmas. She wouldn't is strewn under of Christ's birth from the Bible, as was his custom. When he finished he turned to the family—some 20 in attendance—and said, "Do you know what that means? This story is not about a baby, but a gift. "When Jesus came He brought us eternal life. There is no gift we can receive more precious than that. Cars, houses, clothes, will all be gone one day, but we will have life forever. What a gift!" Allison thought about the cashmere coat for a fleeting moment, and then her eyes caught sight of the humble straw on the floor. It was straw just like that which once held Jesus. Life eternal? The coat didn't seem so important anymore.

10 (1362) ADVENTIST REVIEW, DECEMBER 22, 1994 TURNING POINT Jerry the Wanderer

By Bonita J. Shields

Uor many years I wasn't able to claim would assure him that no one would kill tences. He told us he had grown up a 1. Galatians 2:20 for myself. It says: "I him, but he asked again and again. Jew and then become a Christian. His am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I One Sabbath Roy earnestly tried to family thought he was nuts. He had live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: lead Jerry's two-sentence conversation in dreamed of being a minister and had and the life which I now live in the flesh another direction. In the midst of this dia- enrolled in a Bible school. But studying I live by the faith of the Son of God, who logue, he invited Jerry home for dinner. and working full-time took a heavy toll; loved me, and gave himself for me." I was astounded. I felt I already he'd had a nervous breakdown. If I was truly to become "crucified had fulfilled my Christian duty. Unlike After lunch Jerry asked us to drive with Christ," how was I supposed to some, I had smiled, shaken his hand, him to his weekly meeting of the act? Would I wear a perpetual smile and Veterans of Foreign Wars. During the say "Praise the Lord" in answer to every How would I cope with ride he spoke of his love for Jesus. A question asked? glow came over his face whenever he Friend: "Bonita, do you like choco- mentioned that name. late?" having a two-sentence Me: "Yes, praise the Lord!" New Understanding Friend: "Bonita, I'm sorry to hear We said goodbye, and Jerry was on that your relative died." man in my home for his way. Instead of feeling relieved that Me: "Well, it was the Lord's will. the afternoon was over, I was awed at Praise Him!" the power of God. God had taken my I had heard others talk this way. I dinner? fears and uncertainties and replaced resisted. It seemed as though I would them with love for Jerry. have to hand over my personality and When I had become willing to enter mind to a God who would turn me into the unknown with God, even though it a brainless robot. Was that what God and asked how he was feeling. I could appeared frightening, I received a won- wanted? be courteous and loving to a two-sen- derful blessing. In a small way I think I tence man at church, but what would we learned what it means to "be crucified The Unexpected Invitation talk about for a whole afternoon? with Christ." I am not to become a Then I met Jerry the wanderer. He Since it was a sunny spring day, we brainless robot, but a person through wasn't a member of my church or any decided to eat lunch on the porch. While whom God can express love to others. church. But he attended all of them— Roy and Jerry talked out there, I I also learned that people we may ours on Saturday and other churches on escaped to God. Running to the bed- tend to label as insignificant may be the Sunday. room, I knelt and prayed, "Dear Lord, very ones God will use to lead us closer On Sabbath mornings he would what am Ito do? I have no idea how to to Jesus. smoke a final cigarette before entering relate to this person. Please help me. Jerry has since passed away. As far as church in his battered jacket and worn Please love him for me—I'm not doing I know, he never joined a church. But hat. After finding his place in the front very well." knowing what I know about Jerry, I pew and nervously pushing his coat When lunch was ready, I invited Jerry expect to see him at the marriage supper sleeve up to look at his imaginary and Roy to help themselves. To my sur- of the Lamb. I plan on sitting beside watch, he would turn toward the congre- prise, Jerry the wanderer washed and him there. And neither of us will have to gation and lead us in a hymn. It was an dried his hands and prepared his plate. worry about what to say. unsolicited performance. Roy invited him to ask the blessing. A He would come and go several times beautiful prayer came from his lips. during the service. Afterward he greeted At first conversation was mono- people with a smile and a prerecorded tonous. Jerry took off on his tangent, but Bonita Shields is studying theology at speech: "Will the Jews kill me? I am a we kept prodding him with questions. Columbia Union College. She writes Jew inwardly." My husband, Roy, and I He was capable of more than two sen- from Takoma Park, Maryland.

ADVENTIST REVIEW, DECEMBER 22, 1994 (1363) 11

STORY

Storm brewing in the North Atlantic sent winds whip- ping across our island. It was a Friday afternoon in November 1962. With an aching heart I watched from my kitchen window as waves driven by the wind crashed over the fence in our backyard. "Lord, give me strength to face another day with- out my baby." My tears flowed freely. "Please, Lord, heal his fractured skull—"

BY MILDRED J. WHITE

ADVENTIST REVIEW, DECEMBER 22, 1994

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The ringing telephone interrupted my Early that Sabbath morning I awoke Dr. Sutherland. Hour after hour I waited prayer. It was Dr. Twomey. "Mrs. and listened for the storm. All was for a report. White, your baby has begun bleeding quiet. "Surely the plane will come this Finally a smiling Dr. Sutherland internally. We've started transfusions—" morning—" called me into his office. "First, the "How serious is it?" I interrupted, my "Mom, Dad, come and see!" Terry, good news," he said. "We've checked heart pounding in my chest. our 10-year-old, interrupted my your baby over thoroughly. He has no "Mrs. White, you must understand. thoughts. —There's fog everywhere. The internal bleeding, and his head is heal- Your baby is dying. Only radical treat- seaplane can't fly in this." ing nicely. You could take him home ment will save him. Come to the hospi- "It can't be," Arnold said as he today if you lived here in the city. tal as soon as you can." dashed to the window. "We've never "But something puzzles me," he said as A numbness spread throughout my had fog here." But there was fog—a he got up from his desk and walked over body as if I had received a stunning thick, white blanket of it! to the window overlooking the bay. "I blow to my head. After two long weeks In a few minutes Dr. Twomey called don't know how to say this, but Dr. of waiting and hundreds of prayers for and reported that Richy had spent a Twomey never asks for a care flight healing, was this how it would end? good night. "As soon as the fog lifts," unless it's a life-and-death matter. He han- he said, "I'll meet you at the sea base dles everything himself—from delivering with the baby." babies to surgery. Why he sent your baby year earlier I, my husband, and But the fog didn't lift. We went to our on a care flight is a mystery to me." our two sons had left Andrews little church on the hill. I sat in the back "It's not a mystery to me, Doctor," I University for my husband's first pas- pew, wrapped in my own sorrow, oblivi- said humbly. And I told him my story. toral assignment on the island of ous to all around me. Suddenly I heard I know that although our lives are in Newfoundland. We enjoyed our work singing. It was melodious and majestic. God's hand, not all are healed. Some are throughout the areas of Botwood and Looking up, I saw only Pastor Desmond not, and we don't know why. But if we

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Cottrell's Cove. Our boys relished the and Ruth Tinkler. But it seemed to me that know Jesus, we have someone to depend freedom of living and wandering along an angelic choir joined them as they sang: on who's larger, wiser, and more compas- the shores of the North Atlantic. sionate than any earthly friend or power. Then in "May month" when a mam- "In times like these you need a Savior, Knowing Jesus as a friend is the first step moth iceberg was grounded out in the bay, In times like these you need an anchor; to experiencing peace in spite of pain. our little Richy was born. He made our Be very sure . . . your anchor holds A favorite quotation of mine says, cup of happiness overflow. With his dark- and grips the solid Rock! "Summon all your powers to look up, blue eyes, curly blond hair, and happy dis- This Rock is Jesus . . ." not down at your difficulties; then you position, he won the hearts of all who saw will never faint by the way. You will him. Now, six months later, he lay dying soon see Jesus behind the cloud, reach- in an old army hospital. It all began when IS the song rolled over me, I ing out His hand to help you." 2 an old-fashioned swing in our home went caught a fresh glimpse of Jesus, the ' "In Times Like These," music and words by Ruth crashing to the floor with Richy in it. solid Rock. I let go of my grief and Caye Jones. The Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal, No. 593. pain, and gave it all to Him. No longer Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 578. did I pray "Heal my baby," but "Your e met Dr. Twomey at the hospital. will be done, not mine." Sweet peace Mildred J. White writes He came right to the point. "Your baby's flooded my soul. from Redding, Cali- condition is too serious for me to handle Sunday morning dawned bright and fornia. here. I'll order an emergency flight to clear. I accompanied Richy on the emer- INC. FIVE,

take him into St. John's. If this storm lets gency flight to St. John's, where he was BY up, we'll have him there in the morning." placed under the care of a neurosurgeon, R FOU

ADVENTIST REVIEW, DECEMBER 22, 1994 (1365) 13 HERITAGE An Encouraging Word Leave it to God to bring a little encouragement to those who had been so cruelly disappointed.

BY TIM POIRIER

o the Millerites, so recently Hannon's first vision. Nor do we know its recorded in Early Writings, Life Sketches, disappointed, December 1844 exact location.' Yet for millions of Seventh- and Spiritual Gifts. was particularly dreary. The day Adventists, the images given in that Tnew year was only a few days vision—those that describe the journey and What It Meant away, but Jesus had not returned as final deliverance of God's people—remain The vision began with the "Advent peo- expected, and the confident joy that a treasured part of our heritage. ple" on the path to the New Jerusalem— attended the waiting ones in Portland, It happened in the home of a Mrs. their place and destination reaffirmed. But Maine, had given way to disillusion- Haines, where Ellen was visiting to give most significantly, the bright light of the ment, confusion, and uncertainty. her mother some relief from the continual Midnight Cry was behind them, illuminat- Was the "Midnight Cry" a hoax? Had care Ellen's feeble condition required. ing the path ahead of them. there been another mistake in chronol- There, while praying at morning worship, So, contrary to the conclusions they had ogy? Or was Jesus only delaying His come to arrept, Hannon's vision validated return to reward those who would faith- the message and experience of the 1843- fully "endure unto the very end"? These Her sense of God's 1844 "Second Advent awakening." were some of the questions that darkened Further, the fulfillment of the prophecy the minds of those who only a few weeks was not to be projected to a future date. earlier had forsaken family, friends, and leading was too strong The Midnight Cry had been faithfully fmancial security in order to spread the given, as they had at first believed. Their message of Christ's soon return. continued safety in traveling to the heav- Ellen Harmon's experience was no dif- to dismiss the past enly kingdom was assured only by keeping ferent. But her sense of God's leading in "their eyes fixed on Jesus, who was just the Advent movement was too strong to before them, leading them to the city." dismiss the past months as a delusion. God months as delusion. But Harmon's vision also indicated must have had a purpose, she believed, in that not all of the "Advent people" were permitting His people to be disappointed. prepared to follow the light. Some The 17-year-old concluded—as had Ellen "was wrapped in a vision of God's "rashly denied" that God had led them. most others in the Portland band—that glory, and seemed to be rising higher and They lost sight of the light behind them the door of mercy was being kept open a higher from the earth."' and, taking their eyes off Jesus, stum- little longer. Giving up her belief that Although during the following months bled off the path down into the "dark the Midnight Cry was past, Harmon she related orally the scenes revealed to and wicked world below." Harmon thought it must yet be future; the 2300 her, it was not until a full year later that the described those who thus fell as being in prophetic days of Daniel 8:14 must vision first appeared in print, and then only no better position than those who had reach beyond 1844.' in part. It was included in a letter to the never accepted the Advent message— But an unexpected revelation one editor of the Day-Star, a Millerite paper those for whom she believed the door of December morning convinced many in that published in Cincinnati, Ohio, by Enoch probation had already closed. disheartened band that their conclusion was Jacobs. Ellen's intent was apparently for In her vision, Harmon was an active in error—that prophecy had not failed. Jacobs to share her communication among participant in the events of the future. She his acquaintances, but he decided to pub- described herself as one of the 144,000 liv- Her First Vision lish it "at the request of many friends that ing saints whose eyes were soon drawn to We don't know the exact date of Ellen have heard it read."' Today the vision is a small black cloud in the east. One can

14 (1366) ADVENTIST REVIEW, DECEMBER 22,1994 only imagine her excitement as she related greatest trials . . . looked so small compared ends abruptly. However, in most printed the scene that had been uppermost in the with the far more exceeding and eternal accounts she added to this account a minds of the believers for months and even weight of glory that surrounded us that we vision of the new earth that she received years: "We all in solemn silence gazed on could not speak them out, and we all cried in the early months of 1845.6 the cloud as it drew nearer and became out, 'Alleluia, heaven is cheap enough!' When James White issued A Word to lighter, glorious, and still more glorious, and we touched our glorious harps and the "Little Flock," he republished and till it was a great white cloud. The bottom made heaven's arches ring." footnoted Ellen's first vision—which appeared like fire; a rainbow was over the consisted of only 66 sentences—with 35 cloud, while around it were ten thousand A Celestial Banquet Scripture references, including one from angels, singing a most lovely song; and After viewing the heavenly ark, Ellen the Apocrypha.' The idea of postcanoni- upon it sat the Son of man. His hair was watched as Jesus adorned the celestial cal dreams and visions was not a popu- white and curly and lay on His shoulders; supper table with "manna, almonds, lar one at the time, so James, quoting and upon His head were many crowns. His grapes, and pomegranates."' At this from Acts 2:17-20, introduced Ellen's feet had the appearance of fire; in His right point the record of Ellen's first vision vision with the following reminder: hand was a sharp sickle; in His left, a sil- ver trumpet. His eyes were as a flame of fire, which searched His children through and through." In vision Harmon saw Jesus returning, according to His promise. But His searching eyes gave r- the saints a stark sense of their own unworthiness. "We all cried out, 'Who shall be able to stand? Is my robe spotless?'" The angels ceased their song, and there was a time of "awful silence" that was bro- ken by the voice of Jesus: "Those who have clean hands and pure hearts shall be able to stand; My grace is sufficient for you." Then "joy filled every heart." Again Harmon saw the saints, with lighted faces, caught up into the air along with those called from the grave. After seven days of travel, the redeemed "marched" into the New Jerusalem, where they viewed the tree of life, the river of life, and the throne of God. Ellen wrote: "Our

ADVENTIST REVIEW, DECEMBER 22,1994 (1367) 15 "The Bible is a perfect, and complete We have heard of the palms, the commandments of God and the faith of revelation. It is our only rule of faith and robes, the crowns, Jesus, are perfectly calculated to explain practice. But this is no reason why God And the silvery band in white; the past Advent movement and show may not show the past, present, and Of the City fair with pearly gates, what our present position is, establish future fulfillment of His Word, in these All radiant with light. the faith of the doubting, and give cer- last days, by dreams and visions; We have heard of the angels there, tainty to the glorious future."' according to Peter's testimony. True and saints, "The subject of the [heavenly] sanctu- visions are given to lead us to God, and With their harps of gold, how they ary was the key which unlocked the His written Word; but those that are sing; mystery of the disappointment of 1844. given for a new rule of faith and prac- Of the mount, with the fruitful tree of It opened to view a complete system of tice, separate from the Bible, cannot be life, truth, connected and harmonious, show- from God, and should be rejected."' Of the leaves that healing bring. ing that God's hand had directed the At the time of Ellen Harmon's vision, great Advent movement and revealing there were others who claimed to be The King of that country, He is fair, present duty as it brought to light the recipients of divine messages. He's the joy and the light of the position and work of His people." 't Authenticating Ellen's vision with place; The vision of December 1844 unites Scripture authority—as fulfilling Peter's In His beauty we shall behold Him the experiences of God's people—past prophecy for the last days—set her min- there, and present—in our common anticipa- istry apart from those of other visionar- tion of the appearance of that "small ies, a distinction that was a hallmark of We all cried out, black cloud" in the east. It not only pro- all of Ellen White's writings. vides a vivid illustration of our past Harmon's view of the future presented experience, but it keeps before us the the little band in Portland with much- "Alleluia, heaven is present assurance that when that day needed assurance that they were still on arrives Jesus will pronounce His grace to the path to the heavenly kingdom, even be all-sufficient for His followers, who though others might stumble and declare cheap enough!" will joyously enter into the city. their past experience a mistake. The encouragement and hope afforded them is And bask in His smiling face. captured in these verses penned by ' See A Word to the "Little Flock," p. 22, and William Hyde, present when Ellen We'll be there, we'll be there in a Manuscript Releases, vol. 5, p. 96. little while; The house formerly thought to be the Elizabeth received her first vision of the new earth. Haines home was not standing in 1844. At the present We'll join the pure and the blest; time it is not known where Mrs. Haines was living at the THE BETTER LAND We'll have the palm, the robe, the time of Ellen's vision. According to D. E. Robinson, the home was no longer standing by 1909 (Review and crown, Herald, Dec. 9, 1909). We have heard from the bright, the And forever be at rest.9 ' Unless otherwise credited, all quotations from Ellen's first vision are taken from her account in Early holy land, Writings, pp. 13-17. Italics are supplied. We have heard, and our hearts What It Means Day-Star, Jan. 24, 1846, pp. 31, 32. Word to the "Little Flock," p. 16. are glad; Does the vision still have a message See Spiritual Gifts, vol. 2, pp. 52-55. For we were a lonely pilgrim band, for our generation, 150 years later? ' The book of 2 Esdras was of special interest to many early Adventists. See Ron Graybill, "Under the And weary, and worn and sad. Absolutely! There are still those who Triple Eagle," Adventist Heritage 12, No. 1: 25-31. They tell us the pilgrims have a question the prophetic significance of Word to the "Little Flock," p. 13. 9 As printed in Spiritual Gifts, vol. 2, p. 56. The dwelling there— 1844. There are still temptations to live verses were put to music and included in several early No longer are homeless ones; and act as if "the city was a great way Adventist hymnbooks (Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal, No. 453). And we know that the goodly land is off." There remains the challenge to stay Early Writings, p. 63. fair, on the path that is "higher" than the one " The Great Controversy, p. 423. Where life's pure river runs. on which the world travels. And most important is the vision's counsel to keep They say green fields are waving our eyes "fixed on Jesus," who is just there, before us, leading us to the city. That never a blight shall know; In this anniversary year, we do well And the deserts wild are blooming fair, to remember that the bright light of the And the roses of Sharon grow. Midnight Cry "shone all along the path Tim Poirier is assistant There are lovely birds in the bowers and gave light for their feet so that they director of the Ellen G. green— might not stumble." Interpreting this White Estate, Silver part of the vision, Ellen White later Their songs are blithe and sweet; Spring, Maryland. And their warblings gushing ever new, wrote: "Such subjects as the sanctuary, The angels' harpings greet. in connection with the 2300 days, the 16 (1368) ADVENTIST REVIEW, DECEMBER 22, 1994 FAITH ALIVE! From the Sidelines

By Calvin B. Rock 0

I'm an older person and would service to the more senior elders, the brutalizing, are scarcely less objection- I appreciate programs designed for housebound or those who are no longer able because of the excess to which they me and my age group. But it seems mobile. are carried. They stimulate the love of that my local church offers programs Not to be overlooked in this regard pleasure and excitement, thus fostering only for young people. Am I justified are intergenerational discussion groups a distaste for useful labor, a disposition in feeling that the church should pro- and activities in which the senior citi- to shun practical duties and responsibili- vide more things for my age group? zens (I like the term chronologically ties. They tend to destroy a relish for gifted) among us can share their wis- life's sober realities and its tranquil The dynamics of contemporary soci- dom. enjoyments" (Education, pp. 210, 211). r ety magnify the disparities between And remember, you do not have to Does this counsel make attendance at groups as identified by income, educa- wait for the church to structure pro- football games and boxing matches a tion, race, ethnicity, gender, and—since grams for you. Older members can facil- sin? Perhaps. But whether or not it is a people are living longer—age. The rea- itate matters by planning programs sin, it is clearly questionable because of son for the latter reality is ever-increas- themselves. In doing so, you can its potential influence not only upon ing longevity. demonstrate how it could be, in Paul's one's spiritual progress but upon one's The average life span during the terms, that "though outwardly we are public example as well. Roman Empire was 22 years of age. In wasting away, yet inwardly we are But that brings up a related question: mid-nineteenth-century United States it being renewed day by day" (2 Cor. 4:16, Is it also questionable to listen to and was 47 years of age. Life expectancy (at NIV). look at such events on radio and televi- birth) in many industrialized nations has sion? The answer is that while the mat- now risen to 76 years. y husband is an elder of the ter of public example is not involved, Since a generation (the average span Mchurch, but he attends every the principle of "being changed by of time between the birth of parents and football game and boxing match he beholding" certainly is. That's the les- their children) is approximately 25 can. I tell him that this is a sin and son of Philippians 4:8, which reminds years, contemporary U.S. society is the that he will be lost while preaching to us to focus upon that which is honor- first in our history to host 5 generational others. Please comment on whether or able, pure, lovely, etc. units concurrently. They are the GI gen- not Adventists should attend and be I conclude that while "sin," as com- eration, born 1901-1924 (ages 70-93); involved in these kinds of activities. monly defined, may not be the case in the silent generation, born 1925-1942 the issue you raise, we are not in error to (ages 52-69); the boomer generation, If you are looking for Bible texts or regard fascination for brutality as a born 1943-1960 (ages 34 to 51); the Church Manual statements that categor- "weight" (Heb. 12:1) or potential obsta- thirteener generation, born 1961-1981 ically condemn professional sports, you cle to the development of a Christlike (ages 13-33), and the millennial genera- will be disappointed—there are none. character and disposition. tion, born since 1982 (age 12 and However, our prophet, Ellen White, You are probably going too far to under). Each of these groups is repre- has made some very clear comments on consign your husband to eternal loss. sented in our churches, and each the matter: But it is certainly helpful to tactfully deserves analysis and care. Unfor- "Some of the most popular amuse- warn him about the spiritual dangers of tunately, we are not as sensitive to this ments, such as football and boxing, have addiction to violence, be it witnessed in phenomenon as we should be. become schools of brutality. They are the stadium or from his favorite chair at There are a number of activities that a developing the same characteristics as home. congregation might consider in pro- did the games of ancient Rome. The gramming for the growing number of love of domination, the pride in mere still-active seniors in its midst. These brute force, the reckless disregard of Calvin B. Rock is a general vice presi- include special study groups, educa- life, are exerting upon the youth a power dent of the General Conference. He tional trips and retreats, fellowship lun- to demoralize that is appalling. holds doctoral degrees in ministry and cheons, and, of course, activities and "Other athletic games, though not so religious ethics.

ADVENTIST REVIEW, DECEMBER 22, 1994 (1369) 17 p MIS

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In the city of Amursk, in Russia's easternmost republic, meetings were held by Pastor Michael Zozulin. Zozulin Making Up for is secretary of the Ministerial Association for the Russian Union, and is the oldest active pastor in the union. Attendance at the evening meetings hovered around 200. The local Lost Time Adventist church had six members before the meetings began. The num- We knew the final movements would be rapid ones. ber increased to 59 during the series, and as many as 170 attended Sabbath services. At the conclusion of the meetings local government authorities provided an eight-room building for a new church, along with 100 chairs, some BY CHARLES R. TAYLOR tables, and supplies for remodeling the facility. Victor Marko is the new pastor. In Astrakhan, where the Volga River he most dramatic change on the the autonomous republic of Mordovia, empties into the Caspian Sea, evange- TAdventist map of the world has located in central Russia. Evangelist F. lists Konrad Mueller and Michael been the transformation of the former Dale Leamon conducted meetings in a Oleinik led a team of Adventists taking Soviet Union. It was one of four "direct building large enough to accommodate the gospel to the city. action" areas of Global Mission, as more than one event at a time. In During the meetings they were defined in documents adopted in 1989 another auditorium on another floor of approached by Yury Pavlenko, a public and 1990. The number of Adventists the building another Protestant lecturer prosecutor. "Telling people about the there has tripled—from 34,000 to led out in meetings of his own. law, love, and a healthy lifestyle, you 100,000. On the second week of the Adventist are making a great investment in the Progress continued throughout 1994. series an agent of the KGB entered the struggle against crime," he said. "All Even after the transfer of the Baltic building. He observed both meetings our employees support your diligent republics to another division, during the and then said to the other Protestant lec- work. I wish you the very best. God is first half of 1994 national Seventh-day turer, "Put away your Bible—you are right, and good will overcome evil." Adventist ministers held more than 120 done. Go home!" evangelistic campaigns, baptized more The pastor protested, than 6,000 members, and established "What about the more than 40 new churches. Inter- Adventists in the large national evangelists—from the hall? What are you Americas, Europe, and Australia—held going to do about 35 campaigns, baptized about 5,000 them?" members, and established 18 new "Nothing," answered churches. the official. "There is something different Open Hearts, Open Doors about Adventists. They The novelty of foreign speakers and seem to be part of our the emphasis on local culture were a community." winning combination in the changing "It's a miracle we political and social climate in the former were able to fmish the Soviet Union. Here is a sampling of evangelistic meetings Pastor N. S. Smagin (right) shows Burt Crary (left) and Gilbert Bertochini copies of the Bible and Ellen White's books that secretly experiences repeated across the country. in Saransk," concluded were typed and copied by hand during the 60 years that Russian The city of Saransk is the capital of Leamon. Adventists had little contact with the world church.

18 (1370) ADVENTIST REVIEW. DECEMBER 22,1994 AL misst

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delicate contacts made by neutrals during the cold war era. Russian delegates attended the 1975 General Conference session in Vienna, Austria, because of the negotiations of Theodore Carcich. Indeed, the site was deliberately chosen to make it easier for them to attend. Ukrainian Adventists in the midwest United States and Canada were links to the church that emerged in the Euro- Asia Division. Family relationships have greatly influenced the growth of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in many parts of the world. The longing to A Russian Orthodox priest attended one of the "satellite" meetings held in Moscow. share with loved ones the joy of a new- found freedom in Christ is a powerful 100 Become Adventists Mark Finley, speaker for the televi- incentive. Renewed contact after Michigan pastor Larry Lichtenwalter sion program It Is Written, preached in decades of separation thrills individuals preached in the city of Vinnitsa, south- the Olympic stadium in Moscow. As a and churches. west of Kiev, in the Ukraine. A local result, 1,760 people were baptized. Missionaries' furloughs not only pro- Orthodox priest opposed the team's Lonnie Melashenko, speaker of the vided them with a change from stressful efforts by standing outside the hall each Voice of Prophecy radiobroadcast, living conditions in a strange environ- evening and trying to turn people away. pointed thousands of Russians to the sec- ment, but gave them opportunities to In spite of this, nearly 1,000 people ond coming of Christ in the mining city speak to home churches. Local members attended the meetings, and more than of Perm, in European Russia. Four hun- then understood the broader needs of the 100 chose to become Seventh-day dred sixty-nine people were baptized. world church and were given a stimulus Adventists. Pastor John Carter explained the for mission giving. Bruce Johnston, president of the Scriptures to those who attended meet- Russian students living in the North Pacific Union Conference, was ings in Nizhni Novgorod (formerly Western Hemisphere, such as Elvina one of many union and conference Gorki), which had been strictly off-lim- Tomenko, who rode on the Adventist presidents who conducted evangelistic its for foreigners. More than 1,200 were float in the Tournament of Roses series in Euro-Asia. His campaign in St. baptized before the series ended. Parade; her sister Albina, a student in Petersburg increased the membership of Cuba and Argentina; Helen Rudoy and the church there by 174. How It All Began her husband at Southern College; and One of the many professionals who Operation Bear Hug, started in the Anya Leonova at Southwestern attended the meetings in St. Petersburg North Pacific Union was a medical doctor contaminated with for Magadan and por- radiation from the Chernobyl disaster. tions of eastern Siberia Because of poor health, the man's per- that adjoin Alaska, has sonal physician advised him not to been followed by the attend the meetings. He attended any- sister-union idea link- way, and found the meetings to be thera- ing the Southwestern, peutic. Mid-America, and At the close of the series the man Canadian unions with was a new person—spiritually and the Ukraine. physically. He testified, "The alcohol is But the foundation gone, the smoking is gone, I'm running they built upon has five kilometers a day, taking daily been years in the mak- baths, drinking lots of water, and read- ing. Alf Lohne's book ing the Bible. I have never felt better or Adventists in Russia Mark Finley and the It Is Written evangelistic team conducted meetings happier in all my life." resulted from years of in this auditorium, built for the 1980 Moscow Olympics.

ADVENTIST REVIEW, DECEMBER 22, 1994 (1371) 19

Adventist College, have recently the northern slope provided personal links of a differ- of the Caucasus, ent kind. five in southwestern Siberia, and six in Doors Open Wide the Russian far east, Neal C. Wilson, upon retiring as from Lake Baikal to president of the General Conference, the Kamchatka was asked to assume responsibility for Peninsula. Eight coordinating the approach to doors campaigns took and perestroika. place in five of the opened by glasnost The many baptisms held in Russia over the past two years helped member- Richard Wilcox and Robert Spangler eight republics of ship in the Adventist Church almost triple. raised funds for evangelism in the for- the Southern Union: mer Soviet Union. Gilbert Bertochini Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan. 119 people. Among them was a repre- has been working closely with Valery Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan. sentative of the KGB's Department of Ivanov, evangelism coordinator of the They make an interesting array, spread Religion. Euro-Asia Division, to coordinate across the territory of a superpower When those in his department asked evangelistic campaigns by ministers whose people have breathed deeply of why he attended the meetings, the agent from Europe, the Americas, and the freedom and received with open aims the replied, "You don't have to be con- South Pacific. They worked closely messengers of the gospel from people cerned about me. I attend every night to with national ministers, who were tem- formerly considered enemies. control their activities." pered by isolation and persecution, as Two more stories give color to these However, the message of judgment, well as new graduates of the Adventist statistics: forgiveness, and salvation he heard Seminary in Zaokski, near Tula, south During the campaign in Kurgan, just moved him to accept Jesus Christ as his of Moscow. That's where Michael east of the Ural Mountains in Asian Saviour. He was one of the first to Kulakov lived for a number of years, Russia, a young woman asked Dale respond when Mayer made an appeal shepherding the scattered believers Leamon, "Is it possible for me to be for baptism. His testimony said it all: "A who live in the 11 time zones from the saved?" new world has opened up to me. Now I Baltic to the Bering Sea. He responded with a simple but cer- am a happy person." tain answer: "Sister, the Bible says that Looking Back, Looking Ahead the Lord can save anyone." ith the collapse of Communism in Gilbert Bertochini, evangelism con- "Pastor, I don't think you understand WEastern Europe, Christianity has sultant for Euro-Asia affairs, reported my case," she replied. "I want to know if unparalleled opportunities to reach peo- that 13,880 baptisms resulted from 89 God can forgive me for breaking the ple for Christ. But just as we cannot tell seminars by 83 international evangelists sixth commandment—`Thou shalt not how future political developments will during 1993. Eight of these took place kill." alter the course of history, neither can in the Baltic republics (which in "Of course He can." we tell how long this window of oppor- January 1994 were welcomed into the "But," she cried, "I've had an abor- tunity will stay open. Trans-European Division). tion." It seems clear that now is the time to Twenty-one evangelistic series took The woman felt hopelessly lost. The cooperate with the Holy Spirit by putting place in the Ukraine, the breadbasket of state church teaches that abortion is an at His disposal our spiritual, financial, Eastern Europe and home to millions of "absolute sin" that cannot be forgiven. and material resources for this and other immigrants such as those portrayed in In despair she asked again, "Can the projects of Global Mission. Fiddler on the Roof. Neighboring Lord forgive me?" Moldova was the site of four evangelis- Leamon replied, "Jesus said, 'All sins tic series. will be forgiven" (Mark 3:28). Six were held in Moscow and sur- Her tears turned to tears of joy. "Oh, rounding areas, the government center Pastor," she wept, "I have hope for the Charles R. Taylor is in of Russia's 150 million people. Two first time in my life!" She was among the charge of research and took place in Belarus, and one each in 159 Russians who were baptized in statistics for Global St. Petersburg, Pushkin, and Kalin- Saransk, Russia. Mission at the General ingrad, Russia's isolated Baltic port. In Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, evangelist Conference, Silver Six took place in southern Russia and Helmut Mayer, from Germany, baptized Spring, Maryland.

20 (1372) ADVENTIST REVIEW, DECEMBER 22, 1994 WORLDREPORT

■ CALIFORNIA Students Demonstrate Against Mudslinging Politicians Making a positive statement in a negative world

s the 1994 election approached and principal Bud Moon. "But I was proud redemptive ways that may make the Apolitical campaigns became more of our kids for wanting to speak out." world a better place. The arena of poli- and more vicious, students of govern- Forty students quickly mobilized and tics—one of the showcases of the demo- ment and economics at La Sierra made placards with messages such as cratic system of government—seemed in Academy in California became increas- "Stop the Mud!" "What Are You For?" this case to contribute to the growing "What About cynicism and disillusionment among the the Issues?" young people. "You're Mak- For Adventist young people, the chal- ing Us Cyni- lenge to remain optimistic is perhaps cal," "Plat- even greater than for other youth. forms of Mud," Adventist youth have been told that "Stop the world conditions will only get worse. Slop," "Vote But young people—who are by nature No to Mud," idealists—crave active involvement in and "Up With the processes that shape their lives. Decency." They want a better world, and they Then on showed that they're willing to work to election make it better. They want a church that eve the 40 stu- emphasizes world improvement as well dents marched as self-improvement. against dirty Perhaps the church can learn from What to do when the political process sinks to new depths? These young people politics for these students. Perhaps they can teach made a statement for politicians to "clean up their act." three hours in the difference between being the "light ingly disillusioned with the process. front of one of the most popular shop- of the world" and being the "salt of the "With all this mudslinging," said one ping malls in Riverside, California. earth." While many Adventists have tra- student, "how can we understand the They met a supportive community. "It's ditionally preferred lighthouses to issues?" about time," one observer declared. trenches, these students weren't content Said another who voted this year for Another said, "This is what young peo- to "shine" at a distance. Instead, they the first time, "It's really hard to know ple should be doing today." Students muscled their way into the world's salty how to vote, because I don't have any also had the opportunity to speak with issues as Christ did. idea what the candidates are for." local people about La Sierra Academy, Christ's teachings, after all, indicate So the day before the November what it stands for, and why they were that heaven will not be filled with election, these students asked adminis- against mudslinging. self-improved people who sought trators at the school for permission to The setting for this activity was, escape from this world, but rather with demonstrate against the mudslinging. according to many political observers, those who lost themselves, working to "It wasn't an altogether traditional one of the meanest campaigns in the his- make the world a better place. activity for an Adventist school," said tory of the United States. The faculty Adventist prophet Ellen White wrote, r and sponsors who supported the action "We have an individual accountability By Wayne R. Judd, vice principal for attempted to meet two goals: to help stu- to God, an individual work which no advancement and history chair of La dents think clearly about the issues one else can do for us. It is to strive to Sierra Academy in Riverside, involved in the election, and to involve make the world better" (Gospel California. them in the broader community in Workers, p. 125).

ADVENTIST REVIEW, DECEMBER 22, 1994 (1373)21 BULLETINBOARD

teacher, Korea SDA Language Institutes, Seoul, Korea, of Adventist Hospital Church, Thailand, and Evelyn Saint Albans, New York, left New York July 31. Yvonne Muir, of Oakhurst, California, left Los Angeles To New Posts Leo Herber, to serve as physician/family practice, September 12. Adventist Volunteer Services Guam SDA Clinic, Tamuning, Guam, and Claudia J. Anthony Benjamin Neely, to serve as music teacher, Lorraine Siew Ling Chin, to serve as English/Bible Herber, of Scottsdale, Arizona, left San Francisco June 22. Guam Adventist Academy, Talofofo, Guam, and Jada teacher, Korea SDA Language Institutes, Seoul, Korea, of Nancy Bernice Howell, to serve as English/Bible Lee Harmon Neely, to serve as elementary teacher, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, left Los Angeles August 10. teacher, Korea SDA Language Institutes, Seoul, Korea, of Guam Adventist Academy, Talofofo, Guam, of Custer, David Christensen, to serve as physician on the Smyrna, Georgia, left New York August 10. Michigan, left Muskegon, Michigan, July 3. emergency medicine team, Sopas Adventist Hospital, Peter Edward Howell, to serve as country director, John Lavon Nerness, to serve as OB/GYN physician, Wabag, Papua New Guinea, of Corona Del Mar, ADRA/Azerbaijan, and Patricia K. Howell, of Guam SDA Clinic, Tamuning, Guam, and Shirley of Stuart, Florida, left Los Angeles California, left Los Angeles August 6. Wappingers Falls, New York, left New York June 29. Yvonne Nerness, Terrence Clem, to serve as pastor, Sopas Adventist Shelly-Ann Fernella Husbands, to serve as elemen- July 28. Hospital, and Kathleen Clem, to serve as tary teacher, Guam Adventist Academy, Talofofo, Guam, Kathleen Elizabeth O'Hara, to serve as elementary physician/emergency medicine team, Sopas Adventist of Brooklyn, New York, left Memphis August 10. teacher, Saipan SDA School, Mariana Islands, of Hospital, Wabag, Papua New Guinea, of Corona, Manly Richard Hyde, to serve as physician/surgeon, Angwin, California, left Los Angeles August 2. California, left Los Angeles August 6. emergency medicine team, Sopas Adventist Hospital, Karl Douglas Ordelheide, to serve as physician of Sheila Marie Cooper, to serve as English teacher, Wabag, Papua New Guinea, of Montrose, California, left internal medicine, Guam SDA Clinic, Tamuning, Guam, Euro-Asia Division, of Chesapeake, Virginia, left Boston Los Angeles August 6. Barbara Jo Ordelheide, and four children, of Lincoln August 23. Ayana Jack, to serve as English/Bible teacher, Korea City, Oregon, left San Francisco June 17. Robert Carter Darnell, to serve as guest lecturer, SDA Language Institutes, Seoul, Korea, of Riverside, Trenton Lyle Pierce, to serve as math teacher, Guam Indonesia and the Philippines, Far Eastern Division, of California, left San Francisco July 31. Adventist Academy, Talofofo, Guam, and Laura Pierce, Loma Linda, California, left Los Angeles July 6. Angella Marie Johnson, to serve as English/Bible to serve as elementary teacher, Guam Adventist Everton George Dawkins, to serve as English/Bible teacher, Korea SDA Language Institutes, Seoul, Korea, of Academy, Talofofo, Guam, of Salem, Oregon, left Seattle teacher, Korea SDA Language Institutes, Seoul, Korea, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, left Los Angeles August 10. August 10. Brooklyn, New York, left Los Angeles August 10. Daniel R. Jump, to serve as supervisor, horticulture Grace Beatrice Pitcher, to serve as English-Bible Kevin Wayne Ellis, to serve as English/Bible teacher, program, ADRA/Cambodia, Siem Reap, Cambodia, of teacher, Korea SDA Language Institutes, Seoul, Korea, of Korea SDA Language Institutes, Seoul, Korea, and Hyon Columbia, Maryland, left San Francisco July 6. Camden, Maine, left Bangor, Maine, August 15. Kim Ellis, of Lincoln, Nebraska, left Los Angeles June 21. Arla Heather Kay, to serve as English teacher, ITS- Martine Polycarpe, to serve as office secretary, Jose Alfredo Encinas, to serve as English/Bible Ukraine, of Stettler, Alberta, Canada, left Canada Guam-Micronesia Mission, Agana Heights, Guam, of teacher, Korea SDA Language Institutes, Seoul, Korea, of September 19. Fort Lauderdale, Florida, left Denver September 6. Tucson, Arizona, left Los Angeles August 17. Shara Dawn Kay, to serve as English/Bible teacher, Marsha Lee Power, to serve as English/Bible Crystal Anne Falkenberg, to serve as English Korea SDA Language Institutes, Seoul, Korea, of College teacher, Korea SDA Language Institutes, Seoul, Korea, of teacher, ITS-Ukraine, of Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada left Heights, Alberta, Canada, left Los Angeles August 10. Orland, California, left San Francisco July 31. Canada September 19. James Keany, to serve as physician/emergency Elwyn Roy Bush Pryce, to serve as assistant to the Paul Garibaldi Faigao Famisaran, to serve as X-ray medicine team, Sopas Adventist Hospital, Wabag, Papua director, ADRA/Peru, Lima, Peru, of Cleburne, Texas. technician, Guam SDA Clinic, Tamuning, Guam, and New Guinea, of Riverside, California, left Los Angeles left Dallas June 1. Maria Cometa Famisaran, of Loma Linda, California, August 6. Henry S. Pyo, to serve as English/Bible teacher, left Los Angeles August 10. Michael D. Kendall, to serve as elementary teacher, Korea SDA Language Institutes, Seoul, Korea, of Garden Gary Alan Fellows, to serve as elementary teacher, Koror SDA Elementary School, Palau, Caroline Islands, Grove, California, left Los Angeles June 21. Egypt Field, Heliopolis, Egypt, of Galeton, Pennsylvania, of Lincoln, Nebraska, left Los Angeles August 2. Cheryl-Kim Quillin, to serve as director, health edu- left New York August 29. Jeremy Todd Knowlton, to serve as English teacher, cation project, Cambodia Attached District, Phnom Wayne Fernando, to serve as science teacher, ITS-Ukraine, of Langley, British Columbia, Canada, left Penh, Cambodia, of Wilson, Michigan, left Chicago Adventist Ekamai School and Ekamai International Canada September 19. August 23. School, Bangkok, Thailand, of Keene, Texas, left Los Fordyce Verlin Koenke, to serve as principal, Guam Jane Ellen Rutherford, to serve as English teacher. Angeles August 9. Adventist Academy, Talofofo, Guam, and Sharon Ann ITS/Ukraine, of Yahk, British Columbia, Canada, left Charles L. Fletcher, to serve as teaching assistant, Koenke, of Auburn, California, left Kansas City, Canada September 19. Guam Adventist Academy, Talofofo, Guam, of Lincoln, Missouri, July 20. Natividad S. Salvador, to serve as English/Bible Nebraska, left Denver August 17. Paul Albert Kravig, to serve as elementary teacher, teacher, Korea SDA Language Institutes, Seoul, Korea, of Anna Maria Fordjour, to serve as elementary Mission College, Murak Lek, Saraburi, Thailand, Marlis Loma Linda, California, left Los Angeles June 21. teacher, Koror SDA Elementary School, Palau, Caroline J. Kravig, and one child, of Dunlap, Tennessee, left Los Norbert Schwer, to serve as physician/surgeon, Islands, of Southfield, Michigan, left Los Angeles Angeles June 13. Guam SDA Clinic, Tamuning, Guam, Christine Diane August 7. Wagner Kuhn, to serve as field coordinator, ADRA- Schwer, and two children, left Minneapolis April 7. John Peter Geli, to serve as station manager/develop- Azerbaijan, and Gisele Kuhn, of Berrien Springs, Joseph M. Scoggin, to serve as physician/Emergency ment director, KSDA-FM, Guam-Micronesia Mission, Michigan, left Baltimore June 15. Medicine Team, Sopas Adventist Hospital, Wabag, Papua Agana Heights, Guam, and Tami Michelle Vence Geli, Christopher Todd Lake, to serve as secondary Bible New Guinea, of Colton, California, left Los Angeles of Altamonte Springs, Florida, left Knoxville, Tennessee, teacher, Ebeye SDA High School, Marshall Islands, of August 18. July 27. Kent, Washington, left Seattle August 14. Lloyd Kenji Sewake, to serve as chaplain/pastor, Cheryl Lynn Gilbertson, to serve as English/Bible Lydia Patricia Luillaume, to serve as English Yokohama Servicemen's Center, Japan, and Amy Emiko teacher, Korea SDA Language Institutes, Seoul, Korea, of teacher, ITS-Ukraine, of St. Hubert, Quebec, Canada, left Sewake, of Sacramento, California, left Los Angeles May Weimar, California, left Los Angeles June 20. Canada September 19. 22. David Leroy Gouge, to serve as English teacher, Wade Alan McCall, to serve as secondary Bible Gloria Jean Skarlose, to serve as relief teacher, Mission College, Muak Lek, Saraburi, Thailand, and teacher, Adventist Ekamai School and Ekamai Cyprus Overseas School, Nicosia, Cyprus, of Chicago, Leona Grace Gouge, to serve as associate librarian, International School, Bangkok, Thailand, of Berrien Illinois, left Chicago August 29. Mission College, Muak Lek, Saraburi, Thailand, of Springs, Michigan, left New York August 10. Wayne Elmer Smith, to serve as physician/anesthesi- Caldwell, Idaho, left Seattle August 28. John David Maguire, to serve as English/Bible ologist, Guam SDA Clinic, Tamuning, Guam, Tamara Todd J. Graham, to serve as English teacher, Russia, teacher, Korea SDA Language Institutes, Seoul, Korea, Joan Smith, and three children, of Puyallup, of Maplewood, New Jersey, left New York June 21. and Rebecca Lyn Maguire, of Tujunga, California, left Washington, left Seattle June 19. Steven Michael Green, to serve as physician/emer- San Francisco July 31. Hae Sun Son, to serve as English/Bible teacher, gency medicine team, Sopas Adventist Hospital, Wabag, Gwendolyne C. Mamanua, to serve as physical edu- Korea SDA Language Institutes, Seoul, Korea, of Darien, Papua New Guinea, and Elizabeth Anne Green, to serve cation and English teacher, Adventist Ekamai School and Illinois, left Los Angeles June 21. as nurse/emergency medicine team, Sopas Adventist Ekamai International School, Bangkok, Thailand, of Michael Shawn Strom, to serve as history Hospital, Wabag, Papua New Guinea, of Colton, Mentone, California, left Los Angeles July 10. teacher/counselor, Ebeye SDA High School, Marshall California, left Los Angeles August 6. Michael John Mandzuik, to serve as English teacher, Islands, of Montgomery, Alabama, left San Francisco Thomas Max Grove, to serve as English teacher, ITS-Ukraine, of Custer, Washington, left Canada August 16. Turkey, and Martha Margaret Grove, of Alberta, September 19. Jinae Su, to serve as English-Bible teacher, Korea Canada, left Minneapolis August 15. Siegwart Edsel Mayr, to serve as instructor, SDA Language Institutes, Seoul, Korea, of Loma Linda, Primelyn Guarin, to serve as elementary teacher, Computer Science Department, Caribbean Union California, left Los Angeles June 22. Ebeye SDA High School, Marshall Islands, of College, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, of Berrien Springs, Gregory John Terhark, to serve as elementary Scarborough, Ontario, Canada, left Toronto August 2. Michigan, left South Bend, Indiana, September 19. teacher, Guam Adventist Academy, Talofofo, Guam, of Roy Andrew Hamilton, to serve as English/Bible Wellesley Walter Muir, to serve as pastor, Bangkok Baxter, Minnesota, left Los Angeles August 7.

22 (1374) ADVENTIST REVIEW, DECEMBER 22,1994 R EFL E C T IONS

A Fire Truck for Christmas

ur most memorable Christmas was in Cihristmas morning came, and two of us O1954, when money was somewhat less k.../waited in suspense as she opened the than plentiful in our home. Our son David— crudely wrapped package. She paused as she then 5 years old—had saved 30 cents to buy looked at it, a look of wonder on her face. his mom a present. I took him shopping to see Then she threw her arms around a beaming what he might purchase at that price. David and hugged him. "Whaddya think I should buy her, Pop?" he "Son," she said, "this is the best gift you asked before we had started the search. could have given me." Then, perhaps sensing I gave several suggestions: a writing tablet, a the unspoken question, she added, "And I'll handkerchief, a small box of powder. But his let you play with it whenever you wish." expression told me that none of these inter- When David Later on, when we were alone, I compli- ested him. mented her on how well she had handled the situation. "You really put on a good act. I The Search insisted on seeing even thought I saw a tear ready to run down The search began—in one store after your face." another. I was becoming impatient at his not "An act!" she exclaimed in surprise. "That taking any of my suggestions. Finally I asked, toys, I thought was no act! David did give me the nicest pres- r- "Well, don't you think you'd better decide on ent he could have given—something he something?" thought he would have liked if he had been He looked at me with a puzzled expression he'd forgotten me." This time I did see several tears of plea- on his freckled face. "Yep, guess I should, but sure streaming down her face as she contin- I just dunno what." Then suddenly he bright- ued, "And I'll never forget it!" ened up. "May we go to the toy department?" whom he was Feeling that denying a 5-year-old boy a A Prophetic Gift a chance to look at toys would rank me as the The gift had a prophetic quality about it. world's most heartless father, I agreed. shopping for. David later served as fireman, then as fire Soon he was examining some bright-red chief, in Benton Harbor, Michigan. plastic fire trucks. I made a mental note to buy The little red fire truck? My wife treasured him one. But my thoughts were interrupted by it until it disappeared in 1965, when a tornado his question: "Hey, Pop! May I buy one?" demolished our house. I "Why not wait until Christmas? Perhaps you'll get one then. Besides, if you buy one, Dear Lord all I can give You to show my love you won't have any money for your mom's is as David's 30-cent fire truck But, in faith, I present." sense that You too are pleased with my offering. "Not for me. For Mom! I think she'd like it, Thank You for accepting it. Amen. don't you? And," he added, "maybe she'll let me play with it too." I tried to argue him out of it. "Dave, those fire trucks are for kids, and your mom is grown up. Don't you think . .. ?" But when we left the store, he was clutching a bag that had in it a little red fire truck. Eugene Lincoln is retired and Had I not promised to keep his secret, I lives in Hagerstown, Mary- would have told his mom, to forewarn her to land. appear pleased when she opened the present from him. But I was sure she would know what to do. BY EUGENE LINCOLN

ADVENTIST REVIEW, DECEMBER 22,1994 (1375) 23 .11-J OF, 1-800-765-6955

Some People Can't Wait for Christmas. Some People Can't Wait for the Weekly Adventist Review. Some People Can't Wait to See if They Get the Weekly Review for Christmas. The Weekly Adventist Review

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