Page 9 Page 10 Page 18 August 2018 Why Christians In Praise of A Daughter’s Shouldn’t Leave Quieter Gifts Prayer Facebook A Gift for Building People By Bill Knott

ook around you Sabbath morning at those with whom you L worship. Who holds your church community together? I watch him working his way down the aisle in the moments between Sabbath School and the start of the worship service. The elderly couple who regularly sit three rows ahead of me brighten as he approaches, and lean forward to his greeting. He holds their hands and murmurs words of warmth and welcome. Crossing the aisle, he makes a four-year old completely happy when he notices the beautiful green ribbon she is wearing in her NAMIBIA hair—and how well it matches her new dress. Her parents beam with righteous pride. And when he reaches for my hand across the pew, I notice how he gives his gaze entirely to me for the 30 seconds that we talk— About the Cover no sidelong glances, no reaching for those who could be thought as more important. I am treasured; I am valued; I belong. Mduduzi Tshambo, a Zimbabwean from His ministry makes me believe this church can be my home— the Ndebele/Zulu tribe, attends the that I will be more to these people than tithe in the offering plate Windhoek Central Seventh-day Adventist or a number in the Sabbath morning count. He will notice if I’m church, where he is active in its Adventist not here next Sabbath morning—on the road, or sick, or much in Men’s Organization. Mduduzi is married need of grace. and has two children. He is an architect, And I remember him, well after Sabbath’s sermon has disap- who works at a firm in Windhoek, the peared into the mist, and the choir’s anthem—fine though it was— capital city of Namibia. has drifted to obscurity. For he has given me a context in which I Cover Photo: Calvin Runji truly hear the Word—let it take root—and find my heart so lifted by the music. Not all God’s

In the News Perspective in the July 2018 Adventist World Not all gifts are trumpet blasts. Christian Kaysers was identified as being Norwegian. He God’s gifts Sometimes the low, sweet is, in fact, French-German. We apologize for this error. are trumpet melodies are what we need. blasts. He is a builder of my Focus Sometimes church community, and 10 In Praise of Quieter Gifts gratefully, not the only one. the low, While we shine spotlights The Word sweet on those who preach and 16 Devotional melodies teach and move us with 26 Bible Questions Answered are what their song, the unsung he- we need. roes of a hundred thousand My Church Adventist congregations are 14 Global View the men and women gifted to engage us, learn our names, offer to 19 Millennial Voices pray with us, and make us choose this place as “home.” 20 Feature Give them their due—the laborer’s reward. The Spirit-driven gifts 24 Spirit of Prophecy they exercise create the bonds that keep this movement traveling together. If you are one of them—God bless you! And if you are one Living Faith encouraged by their ministry, express your gratitude for what their 18 Faith in Action kindness means to you. 23 Faith and Science 27 Health and Wellness 28 May I Tell You a Story? 30 Growing Faith—Children’s Pages

We believe in the power of prayer, and we welcome prayer requests that can be shared at our weekly staff worship every Wednesday morning. Send your requests to [email protected], and pray for us as we work together to advance God’s kingdom.

2 August 2018 AdventistWorld.org News Moment

Norwegian Parliament deputy speaker Abid Q. Raja (left) and Adventist Church’s Legislative Affairs director and liaison to the United States Congress Dwayne Leslie share a light moment during the annual Adventist- sponsored Religious Liberty Dinner in Washington, D.C. Raja was given an international award for his work on religious tolerance.

Photo: Mylon Medley, North American Division News

AdventistWorld.org August 2018 3 News in Brief

“They are scat- Valuegenesis tered. We want Researcher Dies at 75 “It has provided a to bring them V. Bailey Gillespie, well back together, known for his work unique opportu- so we can ac- as chief Valuegenesis nity for the public count for them researcher, passed and provide min- away on May 7, 2018, to get acquainted istry for them.” after a battle with liver cancer. Gillespie served with other sections —Gordon Williams, first as pastor and academy elder at the Philadelphia religion teacher before of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, on joining the faculty at Adventist Church St. Thomas, the British Loma Linda University Virgin Islands, which was and later at La Sierra web site, which ex- hit by Hurricane Irma, a University, where he Category 5 storm that served as associate plain the beliefs, wreaked havoc on the dean of the H.M.S. mission, and commu- church. Following the Richards Divinity School. storm, the local church’s Valuegenesis is a land- nity activities in the 1,400 members began mark study of students attending other churches in grades 6-12 enrolled United Kingdom and not as damaged, includ- in Adventist schools. ing the Shiloh Adventist Its goal was to discover around the world.” Church. With repairs what makes Adventist —Church leaders in the British Union Conference, refer- under way, worshippers young people accept or ring to the participation of Adventists Mark De Lisser and recently returned for reject the faith of their Paul Lee in the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan services in the fellow- parents and what the Markle. De Lisser arranged the version of the song “Stand ship hall of the church. Church can do about it. by Me” for The Kingdom Choir, in which Lee sang the solo.

350,000 The entire population of Iceland, which Adventist members aim to reach with a future Hope Channel Iceland. In prepa- ration for producing local programming, 15 volun- teers recently attended interactive television pro- duction training, which in- cluded an “on the street” workshop in Reykjavik city center, where they en- gaged the local commu- nity in street interviews.

Photo: Trans-European Division

4 August 2018 AdventistWorld.org News in Brief

Work Begins to Rebuild Classes at The Number of Religiously Unaffiliated Adventist University in Tonga People Around the World Three months after Cyclone Gita devastated Tonga, work has begun to rebuild classrooms at Beulah Adventist College, a Seventh-day Europe Adventist school on the island. A North America 144,330,000 65,000,000 team of nine volunteers from the United States is coordinating the Middle East–North Africa 2,300,000 Asia-Pacific construction work. Beulah alum- 875,720,000 ni currently living in the United States have sponsored the team, Latin America–Caribbean while Tongan alumni, parents, 48,990,000 church members, teachers, and Sub-Saharan Africa students are taking turns to 28,690,000 supply meals to the volunteers during their three-week visit. Source: Pew Research Center

“We will spare “We came togeth- er with one goal in no efforts to mind, to unite to support the reach the world for the second church be- coming of Jesus.” cause in so —Ramon Canals, Personal Ministries and Sabbath School director for the world church, commenting on the recent doing we will meeting of the denomination’s major Bible correspon- dence schools. Gathered in Jerusalem, representatives discussed whether the future of correspondence schools be supporting will involve social media, mobile-friendly Web sites, our commu- printed Bible courses, apps, or a combination of them all. nity at large.” US$1.8 Million —The Honorable Mwigulu Nchemba, Tanzania’s min- Amount paid for a new seven-story building on a prime lot ister of internal affairs, who assisted in launching a in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. The remarkably low price three-week satellite evangelism series. In his remarks is hard to explain, say church leaders in the region. The Nchemba said he was more than willing to come building will be used as an urban community center and will and launch the Adventist evangelistic meetings be- house a bookstore, a health food store, a foreign-language cause he respects Seventh-day Adventists for their school, a music school, a health center, ADRA’s Vietnam contribution to the development of the nation. headquarters, and meeting halls for two congregations.

AdventistWorld.org August 2018 5 News in Depth

Inclusion and Equality May Stifle Australian pastor makes his case Freedom of Religion before Parliament committee

By Tracey Bridcutt, Adventist Record

In an effort to promote inclusion in Sydney and Melbourne. Worker harmoniously, “this tolerance is and equality, there is a trend was among a number of repre- being eroded.” toward stifling freedom of religion sentatives from religious groups, He added, “It is ironic when you or belief, Michael Worker told a human rights organizations, and consider the significant good that is public hearing. ethnic groups invited to attend. being done by faith-based charities.” Representing the Seventh-day Ad- “While recognizing that Chris- Worker said that broad freedom ventist Church in Australia, Worker tians are the most persecuted group of thought and conscience is nec- was invited to present an opening in the world, the Seventh-day essary for religious freedom rights statement and be part of a panel dis- Adventist Church has had a long to flourish. “Taking offense is an cussion at the hearing, which is part and proud history of advancing insufficient reason to limit speech, of an ongoing Australian government religious freedom rights for all as virtually all speech of substance inquiry into the status of the human peaceful people of faith and even offends the subjective sensitivities right to freedom of religion or belief. those with no faith at all,” Worker of some listeners,” he said. The inquiry, announced in said in his opening statement. While there is limited protection December 2016, was conducted by “In addition to advocating for for freedom of religion or belief at a the Human Rights Subcommittee of freedom of religion or belief, free- federal level, “many of the challenges Parliament’s Joint Standing Commit- dom of thought or conscience is to that freedom come from state, ter- tee on Foreign Affairs, Defense, and equally important, and while this ritory, or local levels,” added Worker. Trade. It is examining Australia’s is often neglected, this freedom “We believe that the government efforts to promote and protect free- is foundational. These freedoms needs to intensify its efforts to dom of religion or belief worldwide, are essential to a tolerant society, garner greater freedoms and protec- including within its own shores. which has mutual respect for differ- tions internationally. However, to Last year the Seventh-day Ad- ing perspectives,” he said. do so, it needs to be sure that it has ventist Church made a submission Worker told the public hearing a consistent domestic practice.” to the inquiry, and this led to an in- that while liberal democracies have He concluded, “It is imperative vitation for Worker to speak at the been known traditionally as places that positive protections for free- public hearing, held over two days where a diversity of views can exist dom of religion or belief are pro- vided in federal law that enshrines these freedoms in our country and ensures that we continue to be Michael Worker both a tolerant and a free society.” In a press statement, the sub- committee chair, Menzies Member of Parliament Kevin Andrews, said most of the submissions to the in- quiry to date have overwhelmingly expressed the concern that religious freedom or freedom of belief are being challenged by the emphasis placed on other human rights. “Whether the human right to religion or belief needs further pro- tections, and what form additional protections might take, are matters being considered by the subcom- mittee,” he said. Photo: Adventist Record

6 August 2018 AdventistWorld.org News in Depth

Unity Oversight Committee Compliance process outline begins Continues to Meet

By Unity Oversight Committee

After several months of dialogue under development.” He also pointed • the next-higher administrative and data gathering, the Sev- out “the dialogues with the world level is tasked with the responsi- enth-day Adventist Church’s Unity divisions and various unions have bility of overview, and its admin- Oversight Committee has begun been very helpful and have guided istrators are expected to create an outlining elements of a compliance the writing committee in its outline.” atmosphere by which compliance process that will be considered by By the end of May members of and unity may be achieved. world church leaders later this year. the committee met with the leaders • in dealing with noncompliance, The committee, which met May 14, of 12 of the 14 world church enti- administrators are asked to use 2018, at the church’s headquarters ties (13 divisions and one attached good judgment, maturity, and in Silver Spring, Maryland, United union), according to Hensley Moo- discretion. States, had a positive and produc- rooven, secretary of the Unity Over- • existing General Conference pol- tive time together and is moving sight Committee. “These have been icies and guidelines are available toward consensus on basic ele- very cordial and candid dialogues,” as tools for administrators in ments of the document that will go Moorooven said. dealing with issues of noncom- to Annual Council in October, said Meetings with the remaining pliance. Mike Ryan, who chairs the group. two entities are scheduled to take • a list of consequences for non- The committee is part of the Uni- place in the next few weeks, and ac- compliance. ty in Mission: Procedures in Church cording to Moorooven, the work of • a process of recourse. Reconciliation process voted by the the committee will be informed by Ryan emphasized the document church’s General Conference (GC) the input received, indicating their is still in its outline stage. “Between Executive Committee during its input will be considered before the now and August we will be in the 2016 Annual Council. document is finalized. development process.” During its May 14 meeting the According to Ryan, some of the The document will be released committee discussed the first steps elements included in the document in its entirety once it is considered in drafting an outline of a docu- will be: and voted by the GC Administrative ment to be brought to the 2018 • an acknowledgment that the Committee (ADCOM). From there it Annual Council that will be held in church operates on trust, and that will be sent to the General Confer- October, according to Ryan. the administrative level closest to ence and Division Officers Commit- “Consensus is forming around a the issue of noncompliance will tee (GCDO) before going to the GC few points to be included in the out- be the one trusted and responsi- Executive Committee at its Annual line,” Ryan said, “although it is still ble for bringing about compliance. Council in October.

AdventistWorld.org August 2018 7 News Focus West Central Africa Division (WAD)

“Members “Scripture “The voice should learn how to plead 1,500 says in all of hope with God to The number of women things— must reach use them pow- from 10 different regions good or where my erfully to finish of Cameroon who recent- the work so ly met in Ngaoundéré, the bad, sweet feet can- that we can go head city of the Adamawa or bitter, not touch, home and be region, for the Second with the Lord.” National Adventist positive or as far as —Elie Weick-Dido, West- Women Ministries negative— the ends of Central Africa Division Congress. Attendees we need the earth.” (WAD) president, moved out from the con- —Brazilian volunteer addressing more than vention center on several to give Fabíola Ferreira Schliech, 15,000 Seventh-day occasions, handing out thanks to who operates the Adventists who gathered pamphlets and carrying the Lord.” Novo Tempo Bissau for the official launch out humanitarian activi- radio station in Guinea- of the Pentecost 2018 ties through assistance to —Part of the statement re- Bissau, a small West evangelism initiative specific people groups in leased by the Mid-Central African coastal country in eastern Nigeria need, including seniors. Ghana Conference that includes a series earlier this year. expressing sympathy of islands. Portuguese and encouragement for is the country’s official victims in the aftermath language, allowing the Pastors in Central African Republic Receive of an armed robbery at station to repurpose Motorcycles for Mission the Adoato-Adumanu content created by Novo Seventh-day Adventist Concerned by the challenges that pastors face in fulfilling Tempo in Brazil, as well Church in Kumasi, Ghana. their duties in the Central African Republic (CAR), Elie as original programming. Armed thieves made Boromia, president of the CAR Mission, decided to make away with cash, mobile motorcycles available for three of his pastors, Emercy phones, tablets, and lap- Abib Ndombeth, Hervé Wirawile, and Jonathan Mobia. tops. No one was physi- The motorcycles will help them cover the long distances 797,952 cally hurt in the process. separating the groups and churches of their respective WAD membership as districts. (^-) of March 31, 2018

Photo: West Central Africa Division

8 August 2018 AdventistWorld.org By Jamie Schneider Domm, digital strategist, Perspective North American Division

Photo: Sticker Mule Why Christians purpose, we can proclaim the three bring, but I’m sure censorship will angels’ messages with a loud voice be a dominating factor. Shouldn’t Leave throughout the world. The apostol- I have dealt with censorship issues Facebook ic gospel was spread by dedicated repeatedly, and I am frustrated by the teachers and evangelists who often arbitrary challenges I must navigate faced persecution, sometimes to ensure the success of the church’s Many Facebook users are wonder- death. They took the gospel where campaigns. This has only made me ing how to respond to the revelation the people were, regardless of more committed to use these tech- that the social media giant not only the personal cost. In the Western nologies to accomplish our mission. mishandled access to user data, but world we do not face persecution After all, if we are doing the Lord’s also actively suppresses expres- in the same way other Christians work, the Holy Spirit will grant us sion of Christian and conservative do around the world, but at the favor when algorithms don’t. values, playing political “favorites” moment, God isn’t asking us to. He Religious organizations would throughout the world. It’s easy to has, however, asked us to use what benefit from the removal of understand why people feel upset. is in our hands (Ex. 4:2) to connect discriminatory biases that limit Facebook dominates an impressive with the children of God and share reach and access to our ideas and share of the digital market, and a the gospel. resources. We must hold these misuse of the data and/or power Social media is the modern companies accountable, otherwise wielded by its platforms constitutes School of Tyrannus, a place where they maintain monopolies with the a formidable threat to a free society. the ancient Ephesians gathered to power to decide who has a voice, However, this reach is the very rea- engage with new ideas, pass the who has our data, and what they do son Christians who are serious about time, share thoughts, and partici- with this information. fulfilling their role in the Great Com- pate in discussions. Young people Adventists should advocate for mission should stay. Social media spend up to nine hours a day on free speech. Our ability to spread has become part of the very fabric social media for the same reasons. the gospel in the public forum relies of our society. We connect instantly Paul spoke at the School of Tyran- upon it. We must press forward, with others around the world, share nus in Greece for two years (Acts and speak Bible truths within our ideas, and embrace what it means 19:8-10), essentially getting the sphere of digital influence. Stay, but to be human. Technology has often gospel to go viral. stay with purpose. Share your faith been driven by the need to better Like Paul, we must take the gos- online. We cannot wait any longer. communicate and connect. With pel to where people are and engage This is our generation’s Great Com- each advancement has also come them in discussion. We must make mission (Matt. 28:16-20). the advancement of the gospel. use of this technology before it’s A full version of this commentary can be found at I believe the next Great Awak- too late. We don’t know for certain https://goo.gl/rJ9ifj. ening will be digital. If we unite in what the “time of trouble” will

AdventistWorld.org August 2018 9 Focus In Praise of Quieter Gifts Not all evangelism is public, nor should it be.

BY DAVID TRIM

“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of Agnes, her husband, Ted, and the youngest of their him who brings good news, who proclaims peace, who eight children lived in the house beyond the station.1 brings glad tidings of good things, who proclaims salva- Agnes’s husband worked on the railroad, which is tion, who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns’” (Isa. 52:7). how they came to have that house. He was gone much of the time, serving as a fireman, as they then hey lived in a small house, a very small called it, on steam-powered locomotives. The fireman house—not very well built, with a corrugated shoveled coal into the fire of the engine, which is T tin roof, a standard Australian dwelling in the how they came to live beyond the coal piles, at the mid-twentieth century. The house lay at the end of the end of the road past the station. road that led to the train station, but beyond the train Elsewhere in the small town of Muswellbrook station. In fact, it lay just beyond the huge piles of coal lived one of Agnes’s daughters, Pam, who was that were necessary for trains to run. The road seemed married and the mother of a little boy. Still, to end at the station, but there was, in fact, a dirt track Agnes felt isolated in the house beyond the that went past the station—easy to miss, leading only station. Pam was almost the only person to to this small, not very well-built house. visit her. Indeed, Agnes reflected at times, her

10 August 2018 AdventistWorld.org The author’s father, John Trim

Courtesy of the Author

Agnes was more hesitant. But after Pam shared what she had learned in the Bible studies, Agnes joined. Readers can probably guess where this story is going. Agnes, Ted, Pam, three of her siblings, and (eventually) Pam’s children were home was never even visited by Full of fear, Agnes opened the all baptized into the Seventh-day traveling salesmen, which was door to a short young man wearing a Adventist Church. unusual in Australia in the early blue suit that didn’t fit him as well as 1950s, when many vendors went it might and wasn’t new; but it was DISTINCTIVELY ADVENTIST door to door selling goods. well pressed and the man in it was OUTREACH Agnes attended her local Presby- neat and tidy. Agnes, in her surprise, I have two reasons for sharing this terian church’s women’s group. One blurted out: “Who are you?” He was story. First, that pastor was my father, Sunday the women were agog about a Seventh-day Adventist pastor. John Trim. The second reason is that In Praise of the news that two groups of radical, Agnes was inclined to say, “You it prompts some thoughts about how heretical, so-called Christians were know, I’m a Presbyterian. I have people come into the Seventh-day now active in their neighborhood. my own church. I have no need of Adventist Church. Jehovah’s Witnesses had come to your strange doctrines.” But it was In Adventism, public evangelists Quieter Gifts Muswellbrook. But even worse, so so extraordinary that someone had are our celebrities, and that has had Seventh-day Adventists. The come to the house and knocked been true for most of our history. women were full of tales of how on the door that instead she said, From Merritt E. Cornell to Mark Fin- these people might knock on your “Come in.” ley, H.M.S. Richards to C. D. Brooks, door. Agnes thought, Maybe there’s a Agnes offered the man a cup John Loughborough to John Carter, blessing to living at the far end of the of tea because that was what one evangelists are near-legendary road, past the station. did in Australia in that era. The figures: our “rock stars.” Because of man politely declined and asked their remarkable skills, public evan- ADVENTISTS IN TOWN! for a glass of water instead. Then gelism has been a huge blessing to Jehovah’s Witnesses never came he began to talk with Agnes and the movement, and continues to be to Agnes’s door. One day, though, Pam about their families, their in many parts of the world. when Pam and her own son were husbands; about Agnes’s other Sometimes we find ourselves visiting, there was a knock at the adult children; about both women’s assuming that it was through major door. No one ever knocked on hopes and fears. The man began to evangelistic campaigns that this the door of that house! Not even talk with them about a hope that denomination came into being. Agnes’s and Pam’s Presbyterian went beyond the things of this Actually, though, that isn’t how our pastor had ever visited. Agnes world, which could surmount all earliest pioneers laid the founda- thought, Is it a mistake? Both wom- their fears. When he had to leave, tions. To be sure, by the 1860s John en’s next thought was It must be bad Pam was ready to consider opening Loughborough and Merritt Cornell news about Ted, because only railroad the Bible with him, and she did. For were pitching big tents for evange- employees would come and knock at the next few months she studied listic meetings and the “big tent” the door: only they know we’re here. the Bible with him. became our signature.

Photo: Lightstock AdventistWorld.org August 2018 11 But if we trace all the way to the early 1850s, we discover that the foundations of this movement were laid by people such as Joseph Bates, James White, John Byington, and others, traveling on the train, stopping in small towns, and studying the Scriptures with individuals and families. Our early “evangelists,” on entering a new town, would inquire, “Is there anyone here who believes in the second coming In Europe this has been the story up the church remarkably in those of Jesus?” (code for “had been a for many years. Recent research by countries in the 1940s and 1950s. Millerite”). Alternately, they might members of the Southern Adventist Having been an assistant to ask, “Is anyone here a zealous University School of Religion, how- Burnside, my father was then given Bible student?” If so, they knocked ever, reveals that even in the United local churches to pastor. He ran his on their doors, and, if welcomed, States public evangelism reaches own evangelistic meetings but met studied the Bible with them. This only an ever-narrowing section of the with little success. My father later movement didn’t originally rely on population.2 said that he just didn’t enjoy it, major public evangelistic efforts. When public efforts evoke though he tried hard. Instead, we went to people’s homes embarrassment or indifference, My father was shy by nature, and and studied with them in person. there is a danger of giving up on he sometimes felt uncomfortable outreach. If evangelism is only when engaging in public evan- THE LIMITS OF PUBLIC public evangelism, then it becomes gelism. What he liked most was EVANGELISM too easy to say, “Well, since evange- studying the Bible with people and This isn’t just a point of historical lism doesn’t work, we’ll just focus teaching his church members to fact; it’s important for the church inward. What else is there to do?” conduct Bible studies. He learned today. In large parts of the world pub- that there were ways to break down lic evangelism is impossible because EVANGELISM IS MORE THAN barriers so that people would be of restrictive laws. At least 2 billion PUBLIC EVANGELISM willing to study the Bible with people in the world will never have But there is another form of him—more willing, too, to subse- the opportunity to attend a prophecy evangelism: meeting people, quently come to Adventist evange- seminar or a large evangelistic including by knocking on their listic meetings. He discovered that meeting—unless their governments doors, becoming friends with them, he could use radio and newspapers miraculously change their policies. and studying the Bible with them. to make Adventism seem as it really In Europe, and increasingly in North That’s what my father did. I don’t is: friendly and Christ-centered, not America and parts of Latin America, wish to make him into a perfect something to be feared or avoided. public evangelism is no longer the man. He wasn’t, though I can truly He also had a passion for health most effective method of reaching say that I have never met a more outreach and temperance. He out to people. Christian man. Among his limita- realized that teaching people how It doesn’t matter how well tions—at least for that era and his to overcome addictions to tobacco promoted a campaign is; how sig- calling—was that he didn’t have a and alcohol meant that they would nificant the financial and logistical gift for public evangelism. trust him. In the 1970s he realized support; how good the graphics; His first job, after graduating from that teaching people how to control how powerful the preaching; How Avondale College’s ministerial train- their blood pressure and their Spirit-infused and prayerful those ing course, was working on a major stress levels, how to exercise, and who organize, support, and under- evangelistic campaign led by George how to cook healthfully all created take it: most people don’t attend Burnside, whose name even today an open door for Adventism. Teach- public meetings unless they have is well known in Australia and New ing about healthful living in the some previous connection with Zealand. Burnside’s extraordinarily here and now could open the way the hosting group. powerful evangelistic preaching built to teaching about living eternally.

12 August 2018 AdventistWorld.org Photo: Courtesy of the Author John Trim (second from left) spent his ministry supporting community service activities, such as this public her daughters was visiting, along presentation about how with a granddaughter. to stop smoking. Pam told me the story that began this article. Then with tears in her eyes she quoted this text to me: “How beautiful upon the mountains My father was conscious of are the feet of him who brings good the “bidding work.” He wanted to news.” She said, “David, we praise improve people’s lives and thus God every day for your father, make the Adventist Church appeal- because he went past the station, ing to them. But he also wanted past the coal dumps, and knocked those he helped to follow Jesus; so on our door. Our whole family will CHRIST’S METHOD whenever possible he sought to be saved because of that.” My father was using Christ’s study the Scriptures with them. My father shared that he had method of ministry—one that A text so familiar to Adventists been tempted not to call at Agnes’s takes its name from Ellen White’s articulates Christ’s words to John, home. It was late afternoon in the profound observation: “Christ’s and to us: “Behold, I stand at the hot Australian summer, and he method alone will give true door and knock. If anyone hears My was tired. However, he said, “I had success in reaching the people. voice and opens the door, I will come promised the Lord I would go to The Saviour mingled with men as in to him and dine with him, and he every house”; so he went to the last one who desired their good. He with Me” (Rev. 3:20). Christ is at the house at the end of the road. showed His sympathy for them, door knocking; we, His followers, ministered to their needs, and won have to be at doors knocking as well. their confidence. Then He bade In large parts of them, ‘Follow Me.’”3 TOTAL MEMBER My father effectively used INVOLVEMENT the world public Christ’s methods in three countries, Here’s my final reason for evangelism pioneering community health sharing this story. Many of us outreach in New Zealand and India, don’t have the spiritual gift of is impossible and helping to develop it in Aus- evangelists. We can’t all preach to tralia. He used media in innovative thousands; that’s a rare spiritual because of ways to promote the church in gift. If evangelism is only public Australia and New Zealand. evangelism, conducted by profes- restrictive laws. But my father seemed always to sional clergy (often professional have known that it’s not enough evangelists), it can never result in Our spiritual gifts may lead us to communicate well, or to make total member involvement. to different work than knocking Adventism seem as friendly as pos- If we have other spiritual gifts, how- on doors. But the key point is that sible, or to help people make healthy ever, we shouldn’t therefore conclude there is work for every disciple choices that lower their stress and that we don’t have an active part of Jesus to do in sharing the good prevent admission into our won- to play in the great Second Advent news of our Lord and Deliverer. It derful Adventist hospitals. All those movement—that we aren’t wanted or is for us to find what our part is things are what Jesus would do if He needed in sharing the gospel. and do it, just as John Trim did in were here. In fact, it’s what Jesus did Three years ago I was visiting my Muswellbrook, 65 years ago. when He was here; and it’s what He father, who was in a nursing home “I stand at the door and knock.” would have us do now. suffering from advanced Parkin- 1 Names have been changed for this article. But there’s the last part of the son’s. My mother told me, “There’s a 2 Alan Parker, “Does Evangelism Still Work?” Ministry, August 2017. quotation in The Ministry of Healing: woman here whom your dad and I 3 Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1905), p. 143. after Jesus mingled with people, knew when we began our ministry.” sympathized with them, and met We put my father in a wheelchair their needs, then He bade them, “Fol- and I wheeled him down to another David Trim is director of the Office low Me.” We too, at some point, must floor, where my mother greeted an of Archives, Statistics, and Research bid people to follow the Master. elderly woman. It was Pam! One of for the General Conference.

AdventistWorld.org August 2018 13 Global View

position by approving a document, “The Relationships of Seventh-day Adventists to Civil Governments To Save Life, and War,” at the General Confer- ence session in 1954. The state- ment was reaffirmed and further refined at the 1954 and 1972 Rather Than Annual Councils of the General Conference Executive Committee. The statement reads, in part: “Genuine Christianity manifests Take It itself in good citizenship and loyalty to civil government. The The long-standing position of the breaking out of war among men in no way alters the Christian’s Seventh-day Adventist Church supreme allegiance and respon- sibility to God or modifies their obligation to practice their beliefs he question of military and put God first. service arose early in the “This partnership with God T history of the Seventh-day through Jesus Christ who came Adventist Church. Officially orga- into this world not to destroy nized in 1863 during the height of men’s lives but to save them the United States’ Civil War, the new causes Seventh-day Adventists to denomination almost immediately advocate a noncombatant position, had to wrestle with how its members following their divine Master in not would respond to the call of arms. taking human life, but rendering all As with other difficult questions, possible service to save it.”1 the pioneer leaders studied the “Noncombatant service” is issues, using the Bible as their guide, defined as “(a) service in any unit of and concluded the position most the armed forces which is unarmed consistent with biblical principles at all times; (b) service in the was noncombatancy (the conscien- medical department of any of the tious objection to bearing arms). armed forces . . .; or (c) any other By 1864 the young church had assignment of the primary function successfully appealed to the United of which does not require the use of States’ Federal government for arms in combat; provided that such an official designation of non- other assignment is acceptable to combatancy, a position that it has the individual concerned and does consistently held ever since. not require them to bear arms or to be trained in their use.”2 STATEMENT ON NONCOMBATANCY NOT A TEST In the years following World War In addition to taking a noncom- II, the Adventist Church further batancy position, the Seventh-day elaborated on its noncombatancy Adventist Church encourages its In the most public members not to join the military. only three conscientious objectors, manner possible, Nevertheless, it is not a test of ever to receive this honor. church membership. The concept of saving life rather Adventist Church According to Adventists in Uniform, than taking life is illustrated the Web site of the church’s Adventist powerfully in the interaction of leaders have called on Chaplaincy Ministries, the church Jesus with His disciples, recorded world leaders to avoid “does not seek to be the conscience in Luke 9:52-56. Jesus was on His for any member or commander,” but final journey to Jerusalem. Along conflicts and seek the rather seeks to “inform the conscience the way, He hoped to spend a short and behavior of both, so decisions can time in a Samaritan village and Prince of Peace.” be made with maximum understand- sent messengers ahead to make ing and thought.”3 some preparations. When He The Adventist Church under- came to the village, however, He real battles of the great controversy stands that in some countries, was refused hospitality because are going on every day. Satan and noncombatancy options are not the people had learned He was on his angels are battling against each available, and Adventists are His way to Jerusalem. This is just one of us, striving at last to claim required to serve in their country’s one indication of the animosity this world as his own. military. Even then, young believers between Samaritans and Jews. We need to pray for our countries, are encouraged to find ways to be Knowing that Jesus wanted only wherever we are in the world, and for faithful to God while serving their to bring a blessing, and furious that the leaders of our countries. We need country. If members find themselves they would treat their Master so to pray for our fellow members, for in the military, whether by personal rudely, James and John offered to our world church, and the unusual choice or conscription, the church, annihilate their perceived enemies challenges regarding military service through Adventist Chaplaincy by commanding “fire to come down around the world. And most of all, Ministries and other avenues, tries from heaven” (Luke 9:54). we need to pray for peace—the peace to minister to them spiritually. To their surprise, however, Jesus that only Jesus can bring now, and in rebuked their militant attitude. “You His kingdom to come, where there SAVING LIFE do not know what manner of spirit will be no more wars. Seventh-day Adventists have you are of,” He told them. “For the Son “And God shall wipe away all tears maintained their historic witness of Man did not come to destroy men’s from their eyes; and there shall be no in favor of peace and noncomba- lives but to save them” (verse 55, 56). more death, neither sorrow, nor cry- tancy throughout the 155 years On another occasion, in the ing, neither shall there be any more of the church’s existence. This Garden of Gethsemane, when a close pain: for the former things are passed position has not been hidden: in disciple of Christ decided it was time away” (Rev. 21:4, KJV). Let us pray the most public manner possible, to use a weapon, Jesus reproved him, that God will use us in Total Member Adventist Church leaders periodi- stating, “Put your sword in its place, Involvement to reach others with cally have called on world leaders for all who take the sword will perish the lifesaving power of the gospel to avoid conflicts and seek the by the sword” (Matt. 26:52). through Jesus Christ, the Prince of Prince of Peace, who came that These verses point at the heart Peace and our coming King. we might “have life and . . . have it of why the Seventh-day Adventist 1 Available at “What Does Non-Combatantcy Mean?” Adventists more abundantly” (John 10:10). Church has always and continues in Uniform, http://adventistsinuniform.org/military-service/ non-combatancy/. Probably the best-known Sev- to take a noncombatant stance 2 Ibid. enth-day Adventist noncombatant regarding military service. Follow- 3 Ibid. was Desmond Doss, who served as ing the example and teaching of a medic in the United States Army our Savior, we are here to save life, Ted N. C. Wilson is president of the during World War II. Doss is best rather than take it. worldwide Seventh-day Adventist known for saving the lives of 75 of Church. Additional articles and his fellow soldiers during a fierce A PEOPLE OF PRAYER commentaries are available from battle on the island of Okinawa. We Seventh-day Adventists need the president’s office on Twitter: @ pastortedwilson and on Facebook: This act of courage earned Doss to be people of prayer. While the @Pastor Ted Wilson. the U.S. Congressional Medal of world is engaged in battles that can Honor. He was the first, and one of be seen, many invisible but very

Photo: Lightstock AdventistWorld.org August 2018 15 Devotional Real or Fake? Focusing on what really counts

riving while intoxicated is left the bar, until finally his was In the story, the “designated decoy” a serious offense because the only car left in the parking lot. is a person who remains sober D the driver is incapable of He started his car and departed. As but acts drunk. His job is to divert operating a vehicle safely, thus soon as he pulled away, the officer the attention of the police officer endangering themselves and other went after him, pulled him over, so that his drinking buddies can motorists. Statistics show that and gave him the breathalyzer escape unnoticed. driving under the influence (DUI) test. When it came up negative, the In our spiritual journey we are of alcohol or recreational drugs is a officer was puzzled and muttered prone to be distracted. We may predominant cause of traffic acci- to himself, “How could this be? The be preoccupied with many good dents. The level of intoxication is breathalyzer must be broken.” things at the expense of the most typically determined by a measure- The driver grinned and said, “No, important thing. A decoy is meant ment of blood alcohol content or the breathalyzer is OK. Tonight I’m to obscure the essentials from the BAC. Police officers routinely pull the designated decoy!” peripherals and the eternal from suspected drivers over to test their What’s a decoy? Merriam-Web- the temporal. Some are sidetracked BAC level using a breathalyzer. ster Dictionary suggests two by conspicuous consumption. The story is told of a police definitions. First, a decoy is Many are “choked with cares, officer who was staking out a bar “someone or something used to riches, and pleasures of life” (Luke to catch potential DUI offenders. draw attention away from another.” 8:14). Others are fixated upon It was past midnight when an Second, a decoy is “someone or marginal issues that loom larger extremely drunk man stumbled out something used to lure or lead than life. Some major in minors of the bar. He went to the parking another into a trap.”1 A decoy is until they are caught in the quag- lot fumbling for his keys, trying to specifically designed to distract and mire of confusion. Still others are unlock five or six cars before locat- deceive. These two characteristics bogged down with the busyness of ing his. Meanwhile, several patrons are significant as we think about everyday living, while prayer, Bible left the bar and drove away. spiritual decoys. study, and spiritual discipline are Once inside his car, he rum- neglected. maged around the switches, DISTRACTION The apostle Paul admonished trying out the brakes, lights, and The first purpose of a decoy is to Christians to serve the Lord windshield wipers. More patrons distract or divert attention in order to achieve an expected outcome.

16 August 2018 AdventistWorld.org Jesus Himself warned about the many fake teachers and fake christs that would arise and lead many astray.

“without distraction” (1 Cor. 7:35). the fake duck call entice the ducks The enemy and his angels are Comparing the two sisters Mary into believing the real thing. They decoy agents par excellence. They and Martha, Jesus commented that become dinner for the hunter. detract and deceive—“even the “Martha was distracted with much Just like the duck hunter, Satan elect” (cf. Matt. 24:24). We need to serving” (Luke 10:40). She was and his evil angels use trickery to know the schemes of the enemy, “worried and troubled about many snare and mislead. They trick us to refuse to be blindsided, and test things” (verse 41). Her sister Mary, accept the fake instead of the real. the spirits. The fake and the real however, was ever attentive, sitting Spiritual decoys are highly perilous are almost indistinguishable. at the feet of Jesus and listening to because they are truly lifelike. They The decoy may look like a duck Him. Martha had been distracted are designed to charm and mes- and sound like a duck, but it’s by things that were of secondary merize. The apostle Peter tells us not a duck by any means. “None importance. “She needed less how to make sure that we are never but those who have fortified the anxiety for the things which pass spiritually deceived and drawn in mind with the truths of the Bible away, and more for those things by artificial decoys. “For we did not will stand through the last great which endure forever.”2 follow cunningly devised fables conflict,” wrote Ellen White.3 “Only More important, the church is when we made known to you the those who have been diligent mandated with a marching order power and coming of our Lord students of the Scriptures . . . will of winning the world for Christ Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses be shielded from the powerful delu- (Matt. 28:16-20). First things must of His majesty” (2 Peter 1:16). In sion that takes the world captive.”4 come first. We should be about our the next chapter Peter highlights There is, however, good news. Father’s business and refuse to be some of Satan’s decoys and When we spend quality time in the sidetracked. distractions at the end of time (cf. 2 Word each day, God’s Spirit assures Peter 2:1-3). us of being able to discern the fake DECEPTION Jesus Himself warned about the from the real, the essentials from The second purpose of a decoy many fake teachers and fake christs the nonessentials, and apathy from involves deception. Hunters that would arise and lead many mission. routinely use decoys to lure astray (Matt. 24:1-14). Peter, Paul, 1 www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decoy animals to come within shooting and John also repeated the same 2 Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific range. A duck hunter, for example, warning (2 Peter 2 and 3; 2 Cor. Press Pub. Assn., 1898, 1940), p. 525. 3 Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific uses a decoy made to look just like 11:13-15; 1 John 2:18-27; 4:1-6). Press Pub. Assn., 1911), pp. 593, 594. 4 Ibid., p. 625. a real duck. He places the decoy in These tantalizing teachings are the water and makes a duck call nothing but decoys designed to that sounds like a real duck. When deceive, confound, and contradict G. T. Ng, originally from Singapore, ducks fly overhead, they hear the clear commandments of God serves as executive secretary of what they think is another duck (1 Tim. 4:1-5; 2 Tim. 4:3, 4; Mark the General Conference and lives calling them. As they fly closer, 7:5-13). with his wife, Ivy, in Silver Spring, Maryland, United States. they spot what they think is a real duck. So both the fake duck and

Photo: Christian Kitazume AdventistWorld.org August 2018 17 Faith in Action A Daughter’s God uses many Prayer ways to reach hearts

Health & Wellness

hen we arrived in the city where we now live, we knew of only one other Adventist residing here. It was a woman W married to an indigenous Muslim. We heard about the many times she had tried to talk to her husband about Jesus and the Bible, as well as the problems this had created. Her husband was not open to learning anything about her faith. mentioned blessings he had received as Eventually we met her husband and began developing a friendship a result of the church group’s prayers, with him. One day the husband accepted an invitation to attend a such as his parents recovering from worship service with us, but it was apparent that he was not interested an illness. At the end of the service in the message. We continued praying for him, however, and spending everyone, including the husband, time together as friends. Eventually he became more open to us and prayed together and thanked God for our church group. His many blessings. One day his young daughter prayed in front of him and closed the prayer A few days later the couple experi- by saying, “In the name of Jesus, amen.” The husband became angry and enced a serious financial problem. Once told his daughter that she was never to pray in Jesus’ name again. more the Adventist wife was surprised His wife was very discouraged, so she pleaded with God for wisdom when her husband joined her for prayer. and patience. Later she asked her husband to read the Koran with Since then they have been praying her. She showed him every passage that mentions that Jesus is alive together every day, with the daughter in heaven at the side of Allah. Then she said, “Do you see it? There is closing each prayer with the words “in nothing wrong with our child praying in the name of Jesus.” the name of Jesus, amen.” The man was surprised; he had never read those verses before. After Even though the husband still a brief silence he replied, “OK, she can pray in the name of Jesus—but struggles to understand everything, he is He is not God!” His wife was so happy. She thought to herself, That will developing a personal relationship with be a whole other conversation. We will get there. God and sharing his faith with others. They later became acquainted with another couple like them: the It is awesome to watch the Holy Spirit wife had a Christian background, and the husband was a Muslim. transform his heart. They were invited to dine at the couple’s house. While there, their new friends asked them, “What is your religion?” The husband replied, “We’re Seventh-day Adventists!” ChanMin Chung is communication coordinator for the Middle East and North “Adventist? What is that?” Africa Union (MENA). The experiences “Oh, we keep the Sabbath, so we meet every Sabbath and pray in this story were shared with him by a together. We also don’t eat pork.” gospel worker in the MENA territory. The Adventist wife could hardly believe that her Muslim husband had introduced himself as an Adventist. Her husband again accepted an invitation to attend a special wor- ship service, where attendees shared answers to prayer. The husband

18 August 2018 AdventistWorld.org The Vacation Bible School (VBS) though was another story. We started out with a handful of children, and at Millennial Voices the end of two weeks there were about 95 children in attendance! The children enjoyed singing, coloring, playing, and listening to Bible stories. But the highlight for me was not in See God the hustle and bustle of the meetings and VBS—rather, it was the time spent with the only Adventist family in town. The father of the family worked in a at Work coal mine. His wife had passed away, leaving five children behind. We spent most of our time helping them with the household chores. They were happy to see new faces and have two good meals each day. The oldest daughter was finally able to take a break from her duties. ummer was around the corner There was joy in the simple things. We and I had to decide between were blessed as we shared our lives and Staking a break or joining an strengthened each other’s faith. evangelistic meeting. Going home Yes, there were long walks to fetch to family, friends, and good food was water; the smoke from the open cooking alluring, but I needed to complete the fire caused some irritations; the short requirements for field evangelism. nights with howling winds made sleep While studying at Spicer Adventist nearly impossible. That all became irrel- University in India, I had been part evant, though, when I saw their smiling of Living Fountain, a student-led faces, the joy over a shared meal, and the ministry group, and was interested in peace that comes in trusting that God is joining their summer mission trip. at work. We might have returned more Plans for the mission trip were laid, sunburned and a few pounds lighter, but We might have and we soon got busy weeding gardens, we were enriched by the experience. assisting college events, and doing other When I see young people start initia- returned more small jobs to raise funds and reach our tives such as the one we participated in, I goal. During the next few weeks we see God at work. The time and efforts we sunburned and prayed, practiced songs, and divided invest to bless others is precious in His a few pounds responsibilities among team members. sight. God is touching lives—ours and Finally, after a three-day journey, we those we are called to serve and bless. lighter, but we reached our destination. He equips us and prepares us to minister Laitryngew, a small township in more effectively to the world around us. were enriched by Meghalaya, northeast India, was to be I already wonder what will come the experience. our home for the next 14 days. The next. building where the meetings were to be conducted seemed small and dimly lit, particularly in comparison to the towering Catholic church down the Beersheba Maywald, originally from Tamil Nadu in India, is currently pursuing street. Pamphlets were distributed, materials were organized, the sound a Master of Arts in religion with a New system and stage were set, and we were ready to begin. A few visitors Testament focus at the Adventist walked in during the first few days. On other days it poured rain, making International Institute of Advanced it difficult for people to attend. At the end of two weeks three people Studies in Silang, Cavite, Philippines. were interested enough to study the Bible with the local pastor.

AdventistWorld.org August 2018 19 Feature

ew publications within the Review and Herald office had the Seventh-day Adventist acquired its first printing press. An F Church have had as great an Shortly after, James White spent impact as the Adult Sabbath School more than a month visiting groups Bible Study Guide (ABSG), com- of believers on the East Coast of monly known as the “quarterly” in the United States, traveling in a Instant some parts of the world and the covered carriage with his wife, “lesson book” in others. With more Ellen, and their 3-year old son, than 15 million copies produced Edson. At noon, while the horses annually, its use today is certainly fed, he would sit down to continue Best much broader than Adventist pio- writing the lessons for some 2,000 neer James White ever imagined as Advent believers.3 he penned those first studies atop Today the production of the a “dinner box” more than a century study guides has expanded to their Seller 1 and a half ago. being printed in 93 languages and The original lessons were created distributed worldwide to millions A curriculum to help Adventists progress in their of members in the church’s 13 understanding of the Bible proph- administrative divisions. studied by ecies that gave the Advent move- millions around ment its impetus in the mid-nine- PREPARING A PEOPLE teenth century. This emphasis has Early lesson topics focused the world never been lost. Even now, millions on the prophecies in the book of of people around the world—in Daniel, the sanctuary doctrine, all age groups—study a particular and the three angels’ messages, BY PENNY BRINK Bible topic every week, then meet encouraging members to prepare together in their Sabbath School for and hasten Jesus’ appearing. In classes to share and learn. more recent years Sabbath School members studied all 66 books of HOW DID IT START? the Bible systematically, Adventist The original Bible study les- fundamental beliefs, the Holy Spirit, sons were printed in the Youth’s stewardship, and healthful living. Instructor2 in August 1852 after

20 August 2018 AdventistWorld.org Photo: Kristina Penny N/A Not at All

4% In a study done in 2013 by the 6% Office of Archives, Statistics, and Research (ASTR), church members Sometimes were asked questions about what helped to develop their religious life: 15% Sabbath School, the Adult Sabbath How much has the School Bible Study Guide, church Adult Bible Study worship service, personal prayer and Guide helped Bible study, and family worship. you develop your ASTR reports that in seven out of nine divisions surveyed, more than religious life? 50 percent gave Sabbath School the highest ranking. 53% 22%

Very Much Often To read the full report, visit https://bit.ly/2LzzdHc

“We cannot possibly target only Goldstein adds that local Sabbath “A classmate who was not a one particular need regarding School teachers play an important member of our church said she was content or one preference of style role in the success of the study sure she recognized my name from among the incredible diversity we guides. “The guide is just that—a somewhere,” Homayouni explains. see in the world Adventist Church,” guide—but the teacher is key,” he “She asked me, ‘Don’t you edit Bible says Clifford Goldstein, senior editor says. “The teacher can contextualize study guides?’ of the Adult Sabbath School Bible it, bring it to the level of those in the “‘How do you know?’ I Study Guide for 19 years. “It’s just too local group, apply it to relevant local responded. great a field. Wehave to focus on the issues, and make it as engaging and “She told me that someone had Bible and its universal principles.” interesting as they choose to.” given one to her on the topic of Goldstein says his goal continues The Sabbath School members couples in the Bible as a wedding to be publishing “present truth” for themselves, Goldstein says, also present. Then she smiled and said, church members today. must commit to studying the ‘Of all the gifts I received for my “We have to keep it interesting lessons and attending the study wedding, the Bible study guide was enough for those who have been groups. The mission of the guides the gift I loved best.’ lifelong Adventists,” he says, “but is fulfilled in the Sabbath School “It was such a joy for me to real- basic enough for those who have classrooms, he says, only when ize that my work as associate editor only started their journey.” members engage in their study of the ABSG reached individuals “I cannot guarantee that everyone fully and practice the principles where it mattered.” uses it,” he continues, “but I know they learn in their communities. that millions do around the world. THE JOURNEY OF THE BIBLE And that’s a feat in itself, because A SHARING TOOL STUDY GUIDES some undoubtedly find it too Many members value the study The production journey of the conservative, others too liberal, and guides so highly that they “don’t guides is likely more multiplex yet others think it should be pre- have the heart” to throw them away, than most people think. It begins sented differently. Despite all that, so they find ways to share them soon after each General Conference it remains a great unifier. Wherever with others. Soraya Homayouni, session, when Sabbath School and you go in the world, you will find a associate editor of the study guides, Personal Ministries Department group with whom you can study the discovered this firsthand while leaders from the church’s world Bible, the same topic that you have taking a course in creative writing divisions gather for an advisory been studying all week! It keeps us as part of her master’s degree. and choose the study guide topics grounded and brings us together.” for the following five-year term.

AdventistWorld.org August 2018 21 Print/Subscriptions NUMBER OF LANGUAGE COPIES/YEAR 25,000,000 Church Membership, 2017: Spanish 5,873,740 20,008,779 English 3,033,554 20,000,000 Produced Yearly by Portuguese 2,071,348 Divisions: French 599,336 15,271,621 Twi 416,000 15,000,000 Kiswahili 393,562 Indonesian 334,200 Church Sabbath Total Number of School Attendance LaoLanguages: 800 93 10,000,000 7th Sabbath: Attendance 7,699,275 7th Sabbath: Kiribati 600 7,128,757 Yearly Farsi 560 Subscriptions: Greek 520 3,817,905 5,000,000 Oriya 400 Hebrew 300 Tigrinya 200 0

Information provided by Adult Bible Study Guide staff. To see complete listings, go toAdventistWorld.org/ABSG .

These topics are then approved by no charge. Of course, members A CONSISTENT MISSION the General Conference Admin- generally contribute to study-guide If he could change anything istration Committee. The editor production expenses through about the development of the study chooses authors for each of the their offerings. In other regions, if guides, Goldstein says he would topics, who are given two years to members don’t order and pay for all “speed up the production process.” write the lessons. The completed their required study guides for the Some might compare this manuscripts then enter two cycles next two quarters in advance, they sentiment to the objective of earlier of reading, feedback, and editing will find it very difficult to acquire lessons to “speed up” the return of by board-selected committees, them later. In yet other areas, Jesus. The mission, it seems, is still the General Conference Biblical members seem to receive their the same. Research Institute, and ABSG booklets by entirely miraculous Whatever the study guides mean department editors—after which means, considering the challenges to church members individually the final formatting and copyedit- involved in transporting them today, they remain one of the great ing is performed. At this point the from publishing houses to remote mainstays of the Adventist Church. final copy is sent to world church territories such as mountainous An informed church is a church ready divisions for translation, printing, island villages. to share biblical truth. If members and distribution in the local fields. Church leaders continue to study use this precious resource “to the “It’s about a five-year process ways to resolve these accessibility full,” evidence indicates that it will for any one lesson to complete issues, such as utilizing technology keep us grounded, bring us together, the production cycle and land in to provide online platforms to and truly help us “speed things up” as a church member’s hand for that those who are able to access them. we look forward to that great day! quarter’s study,” Goldstein says. “I always throw an extra copy of 1 Historical information in this article is taken from “Sabbath School the study guide into my bag when Publications,” The Seventh-day Adventist Encyclopedia, “Sabbath ACCESSIBILITY—A WORK I’m traveling,” says Goldstein, “just School Publications” (Hagerstown, Md.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn, 1996), vol. 11, pp. 513-517. IN PROGRESS! in case I don’t find WiFi where 2 https://www.adventistarchives.org/youths-instructor-editors 3 James White, in Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, May 6, 1852. Not all church members have I’m going. But I usually study my easy access to the lessons. In some lesson online or on the app. There world regions a member can walk are so many different apps and Penny Brink is contracted to up to the hospitality desk at church online sites for the lesson study; Adventist World as a writer, editor, on a Sabbath morning and ask for there should be no problem finding and coordinator for contextualized as many study guides as there are it. I think this is a good trend.” editions. She lives in Somerset West, South Africa. members in their household—at

22 August 2018 AdventistWorld.org the Creator’s mighty power, which is able to do “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine” (Eph. 3:20).

THE GOD OF INTENTIONALITY The study of planets outside our solar system has led to a better appreciation of the remarkable combination of planetary conditions that allow us to live on Earth’s Faith & Science surface. Within an immense universe, humans find themselves in the very place where their existence is possible. This balance required for life that some Can Rocks Teach attribute to chance is a gift that helps us Us Something recognize God’s intentional plan for us. THE GOD OF RESILIENCE About God? Despite Earth’s beauty and design, nature has a dark side for which answers am a geologist who believes that our planet and the living beings it are not always obvious. However, a strik- sustains were formed by the will of God. Like other aspects of Cre- ing resilience is observed when hazardous I ation, the earth and its rocks “have no speech, they use no words; geological processes affect our world’s no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, systems. Buffering mechanisms absorb their words to the ends of the world” (Ps. 19:3, 4, NIV). What message significant environmental stress, and do these silent words carry? Can we learn more about the qualities of normal conditions are often restored after the Creator through the study of geology? catastrophes. God has endowed the Earth and its inhabitants with coping mecha- THE GOD OF HEART, SOUL, AND MIND nisms to resist and spring back, providing Our minds are able to arrange geological observations in a logical assurance that He has not abandoned us. fashion, and apply this knowledge for prediction and management. Why is it that our brain can so effectively make sense of the envi- THE GOD OF HISTORY ronment surrounding us? To me, this wonderful resonance between Earth’s rocks can be arranged in an human minds and the world they seek to understand speaks of a ordered succession, showing that our Designer who created them both. planet had a beginning and a history, for Not only is the world intelligible; we also respond to it emotionally. which every layer is a tangible reminder. Breaking waves approaching the beach can be described mathemati- God’s self-revelation in the Bible traces cally, but can also make us feel surprised, pensive, excited, or relaxed. this history from Creation, to the Flood, The Creator made our world for us to enjoy in a multilayered, beauti- to the precious promise of a new heaven fully integrated way. and a new earth (2 Peter 3:5-13). Like the sequence of metals in the THE INFINITELY VAST WISDOM OF GOD image of Daniel 2, rocks attest to histo- Earth’s processes can be organized according to consistent patterns. ry’s directionality and point toward the However reality exceeds our models, it transcends our imagination at God who accomplishes His plan in the every observable scale. We inhabit a richly textured universe with infinite times He has predetermined. opportunities for discovery. These vast possibilities for exploration are a humbling but joyous reminder of the greatness of our Creator God. Ronny Nalin, Ph.D., originally from Italy, is a research scientist at the Geoscience THE MIGHTY POWER OF GOD Research Institute at Loma Linda University. Rock formations preserve evidence of massive processes, such as the movement and collision of continents that involve enormous amounts of energy. But the Maker of the world is greater than anything seen in His creation. So folded, uplifted, and transformed rocks remind us of

Photo: Pedro Lastra AdventistWorld.org August 2018 23 Spirit of Prophecy Food Is

ur bodies are built up from the food we eat. There is a constant breaking down of the O tissues of the body; every movement of every organ involves waste, and this waste is repaired from our food. Fuel CHOOSE WELL Each organ of the body requires its share of nutri- Well-tuned tion. The brain must be supplied with its portion; the bones, muscles, and nerves demand theirs. It is machines require a wonderful process that transforms the food into custom care. blood and uses this blood to build up the varied parts of the body; but this process is going on continually, supplying with life and strength each nerve, muscle, and tissue. Those foods should be chosen that best supply the elements needed for building up the body. In this choice, appetite is not a safe guide. Through wrong hab- its of eating, the appetite has become perverted. Often it demands food that impairs health and causes weakness instead of strength. We cannot safely be guided by the customs of society. The disease and suffering that everywhere prevail are largely due to popular errors in regard to diet.

24 August 2018 AdventistWorld.org But not all foods wholesome in themselves are equally suited to our needs under all circumstances. The various preparations Care should be taken in the selection of food. of rice, wheat, corn, and Our diet should be suited to the season, to the climate in which we live, and to the occupation we follow. Some oats are sent abroad foods that are adapted for use at one season or in one climate are not suited to another. So there are different everywhere, also beans, foods best suited for persons in different occupations. Often food that can be used with benefit by those peas, and lentils. engaged in hard physical labor is unsuitable for persons of sedentary pursuits or intense mental application. God has given us an ample variety of healthful foods, secured in almost every land. The various prepara- and each person should choose from it the things that tions of rice, wheat, corn, and oats are sent abroad experience and sound judgment prove to be best suited everywhere, also beans, peas, and lentils. These, to his own necessities. with native or imported fruits, and the variety of vegetables that grow in each locality, give an oppor- HUMANITY’S ORIGINAL DIET tunity to select a dietary that is complete without the In order to know what are the best foods, we must use of flesh meats. study God’s original plan for [humanity’s] diet. He who Wherever dried fruits, such as raisins, prunes, apples, created man and who understands his needs appointed pears, peaches, and apricots are obtainable at moderate Adam his food. “Behold,” He said, “I have given you prices, it will be found that they can be used as staple every herb yielding seed, . . . and every tree, in which articles of diet much more freely than is customary, is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for with the best results to the health and vigor of all food.” Genesis 1:29, A.R.V. classes of workers. Upon leaving Eden to gain his livelihood by tilling the earth under the curse of sin, man received permission to eat also “the herb of the field.” Genesis 3:18. This material is taken from Counsels for the Church Grains, fruits, nuts, and vegetables constitute the diet (Boise, Id., Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1991), pages 221, chosen for us by our Creator. These foods, prepared in as 222. Seventh-day Adventists believe that Ellen G. White simple and natural a manner as possible, are the most (1827-1915) exercised the biblical gift of prophecy during more than 70 years of public ministry. healthful and nourishing. They impart a strength, a power of endurance, and a vigor of intellect that are not afforded by a more complex and stimulating diet. In order to maintain health, a sufficient supply of good, nourishing food is needed. If we plan wisely, that which is most conducive to health can be

Photo: Lukas Blazek AdventistWorld.org August 2018 25 Bible Questions Answered The Son and the Spirit

How close was the ministry. During His anointing as the Lord’s Messiah, the Father proclaimed Him to be “My beloved Son; in Q relationship between You I am well pleased” (Luke 3:22). “And the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove” (verse 22). The the Holy Spirit and Christ Servant of the Lord in human form was empowered by the Spirit to fulfill His saving mission. His life was during Jesus’ earthly now under the care of the Spirit, who immediately after the baptism led Jesus into the desert to face the enemy ministry? (Luke 4:1). Satan had no control over the life of Jesus, whose inseparable companion was the Spirit.

3. DEATH AND RESURRECTION It was the closest it could have ever been. Each mem- The New Testament says little about the function of ber of the Godhead has been involved in the redemp- the Spirit during Jesus’ crucifixion. Only Hebrews 9:14 A tion of the human race. I will discuss key moments in seems to associate the Spirit with the sacrifice of Jesus Jesus’ experience when the Holy Spirit was particularly when it states that “through the eternal Spirit [Jesus] close to Him. offered Himself without spot to God.” The thought is not developed, leaving us to wonder about its meaning. 1. INCARNATION The passage seems to assign to the Spirit the priestly The incarnation of the Son of God was a momentous function of presenting to God the unblemished sacrifi- event in cosmic history that must have been preceded cial victim. The connection between the Spirit and the by immense activity within the Godhead in heaven. resurrection of Christ is indirect. Once God chose and prepared the right instrument When Paul speaks about the role of the Spirit in for this event—Mary—the Son of God became human our resurrection, he says, “But if the Spirit of Him who within her womb. An angel from heaven descended raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised to the city of Nazareth to inform the young girl what Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal was about to happen: “The Holy Spirit will come upon bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you” (Rom. you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow 8:11). The Spirit in us is the Spirit of the One who raised you” (Luke 1:35). In the virginal conception of the Son Jesus; and He will also give us life (resurrect us) through of God the Spirit was present displaying His power in the Spirit. There is a hint to the presence and action of unparalleled creative activity. No specific details are the Spirit in the resurrection of Jesus that contributes to provided about His work in the incarnation of God’s assure our resurrection. Son, probably because what occurred was beyond The Spirit was constantly with Christ during times of human comprehension. joy, temptations, death, and resurrection. He is also by our side; guiding our lives, filling us with joy and strength 2. BAPTISM AND MINISTRY as we face challenges. Let’s trust Him, and let Him be our John the Baptist prepared the way for the initiation of inseparable companion in our Christian pilgrimage. Jesus’ ministry. Before his birth an angel told his father that John “will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb” (Luke 1:15), and at the moment Angel Manuel Rodríguez lives in Texas, United States, after serving the church as a pastor, professor, and of his birth Zacharias, his father, “was filled with the theologian. Holy Spirit and prophesied” (verse 67). The Spirit was indeed active in events that led to the initiation of Jesus’

26 August 2018 AdventistWorld.org tremor typically increases slowly over time as individuals age. Some individu- als have only shaking of the hands/arms; others may have a shaking (bobbing) of the head, and also a voice tremor or changes in speech. This could account for difficulty in singing. In essential tremors it appears that the major problem lies in the cerebellum, a part of the brain that is key in the control of smooth and accurate movement, pos- ture, and balance. This is done through the coordination and regulation of muscle Health & Wellness activity. There is a complex anatomical and chemical loop regulating movement, and pathological changes in part or parts of this mechanism are thought to be responsible for essential tremor. Tremors The diagnosis is made on the basis of a comprehensive medical history and clin- Do they usually indicate ical examination. Family history can be helpful. It is important to enquire about Parkinson’s disease? specific medications that may cause or aggravate a tremor (some antiepilepsy agents, certain antidepressants, and My mother is 60 years of age and enjoys good health. She has devel- lithium). Exposure to toxins such as lead, oped shaking of the hands, which gets worse in stressful situations. mercury, or manganese may also cause Her voice has also changed, and it’s difficult for her to sing. She has tremors. Careful history and examination been told that this is “essential tremor.” Is this the same as Parkinson’s can readily distinguish essential tremor disease? Why is it essential? from Parkinson’s disease. Treatment is essentially cared for e are fearfully and wonderfully made, and part of the won- with medication, although surgery and a der of creation is coordinated movement. We may take this technique known as deep-brain stimu- W for granted until something goes wrong. Every movement lation may be needed in cases in which and action is coordinated by the nervous and muscle systems of the the tremor is disabling. body. Complex mechanisms are in place to ensure that every planned— even every reflex—action is well executed or performed. Changes in normal functions of our movement, including shakiness or tremor, are Peter N. Landless, a board-certified nuclear cardiologist, is director of broadly termed movement disorders. Adventist Health Ministries at the General The word “essential” when applied to the condition “essential familial Conference. tremor” indicates, in medical language, that the exact cause of the Zeno L. Charles-Marcel, a board-certified problem is unknown. This terminology is used also to describe more internist, is an associate director of than 90 percent of cases of high blood pressure, or hypertension, which Adventist Health Ministries at the General Conference. is labeled “essential hypertension” if no specific causes are found. The word “familial” indicates a genetic component, often a family history of the condition. It does not affect longevity (life expectancy) and is not the same as Parkinson’s disease. Essential tremor is one of the most common movement disorders. Approximately 1 percent of the global population (one person in every 100) is affected. It affects men and women equally and becomes more frequent as people grow older. It may appear in childhood, but it is seen most commonly in the second decade of life and after the age of 60. The

Photo: Sabine van Erp AdventistWorld.org August 2018 27 The Singing Church don’t remember the name of the village, spot near the church where there should though my photographs keep the be water, maybe even less than 100 feet I memory colorfully clear. It was a place down. Can hardly wait to drill.” of deep-gray dust, ragged clothes, spindly The drill was already there, pulled in cashew trees, and thorn bushes inter- last night and set up by Garry’s crew of spersed with occasional clumps of grass. ADRA workers. Two young boys tried to sell me a When I say “the drill,” you might think race car they had crafted from discarded of something simple hanging off the back “May I Tell wire, red rubber bands, and Coke cans. of a pickup. Not Garry’s drill! This was a You a Story?” I didn’t have room to carry it home, rig Garry had designed after several weeks but bargained with them anyway. They of bouncing along Mozambique’s back BY DICK DUERKSEN desperately needed whatever money I country highway trails. The drill was really could give them. We settled on a price, three vehicles: A drilling rig built into a and after I borrowed the local currency monster truck, a water tank and power from Garry, I gave them double, the generator carried by a similar truck, and equivalent of US$2. an accompanying 4x4 pickup. It took all When I showed the car to Garry he three, and four men, to drill a well. laughed and asked how I was going to “I think,” Garry told me, “that every get it home. time there’s a new church out here in “Not sure,” I answered. the thorn bush, we ought to drill them a “No problem,” he said. “I’ll toss it into well. You know, the water of life and the one of my bags and bring it home on my Water of Life, both coming together in next trip.” the village. We could maybe even place It was just like Garry. He didn’t need the well right beside the church. Imag- to do it, but offered to be my “mover,” ine, villagers coming to the well for free because he wanted to help me out of a water and listening as church members tough situation. sing about Jesus, the true Water of Life! * * * That’s evangelism at its best.” The day had begun with four hours of Garry had located the only possible dusty bouncing and sweating through spot for drilling the well. The new water the bush of Mozambique. Garry wanted source would be about 20 paces from us there when he drilled this well. the homemade church the members had “This is one of the poorest places I’ve put together with kinesu straw and palm ever visited,” he said. “There’s a well branches. down the path about a mile or so, but the * * * fellow who owns it charges so much for A crowd was waiting. Mostly children the water that most of the village goes and women, since the men were off work- to bed thirsty every night. I’ve found a ing in the fields, or away in the mines of

28 August 2018 AdventistWorld.org Publisher The Adventist World, an international periodical of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The General Conference, Northern Asia-Pacific Division of Seventh-day Adventists®, is the publisher. Executive Editor/Director of Adventist Review Ministries Bill Knott International Publishing Manager Chun, Pyung Duk Adventist World Coordinating Committee Si Young Kim, chair; Yukata Inada; German Lust; Chun, Pyung Duk; Han, Suk Hee; Lyu, Dong Jin Associate Editors/Directors, Adventist Review Ministries Lael Caesar, Gerald A. Klingbeil, Greg Scott

Editors based in Silver Spring, South Africa. Their greeting was a song. * * * Maryland, USA Sandra Blackmer, Stephen Chavez, Costin Make that: “Their greeting was many Right there by the monster drilling rig Jordache, Wilona Karimabadi songs, sung loudly, their voices rising, he had personally designed and built. Editors based in Seoul, Korea Chun, Pyung Duk; Park, Jae Man; Kim, leveling, rising higher, and dipping deep By the same rig that had already drilled Hyo-Jun like kingfishers on the distant riverbank.” more than 800 water-gushing wells into Operations Manager Garry laughed through his ever-ready the dust of Mozambique. Merle Poirier Editors-at-Large/Advisors smile, and motioned for everyone to sit Garry cried. Big tears falling down his Mark A. Finley, John M. Fowler, down on the church pews. The pews, face to join the thick sweat that stained E. Edward Zinke Financial Manager by the way, were long branches set into his shirt. Kimberly Brown slingshot “Y’s” that had been driven into When the rig motor died, the women Management Board the dirt. returned, bright plastic water jugs Si Young Kim, chair; Bill Knott, secretary; Chun, Pyung Duk; Karnik Doukmetzian; “Most uncomfortable pews I’ve ever bouncing expectantly on their heads. Han, Suk Hee; Yutaka Inada; German Lust; Ray Wahlen; Ex-officio: Juan sat upon,” Garry said with a smile. Like giant red, yellow, and blue M&Ms Prestol-Puesán; G. T. Ng; Ted N. C. Wilson Garry explained to everyone about dancing in the African heat. Art Direction and Design the well. Why we were drilling it. How Garry explained about the sand, the Types & Symbols deep the crew would drill it. What the 180 feet, “maximo,” and told them all he To Writers: We welcome unsolicited manuscripts. Address all editorial pump would be like and how it could be was very, very, very sorry. correspondence to 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904-6600, repaired with a simple rubber washer Everyone cried. U.S.A. Editorial office fax number: made from an old tire tube. Why the Then the head elder motioned for us (301) 680-6638 E-mail: [email protected] water there must always be given free, at to join the members in the church. We Web site: www.adventistworld.org “no cost” to the villagers. came together, sitting on the incredibly Unless otherwise indicated, all Bible references are taken from the New King Then Garry led us all out to the trucks uncomfortable pews, listening as Garry James Version. Copyright © 1979, 1980, and many of the members prayed for the explained it all again and again, until all 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Texts well. Long prayers, well prayed. that remained was a sad silence. credited to NIV are from the Holy Bible, New International Version. Copyright © The drilling took most of the day. Far Then an older woman began to sing. 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide. Used by longer than Garry had expected. There Others joined, and soon the sweat- permission. was only sand down through 50 feet. stained congregation’s singing chased Unless otherwise noted, all prominent Then a bit of stone, then more sand. away the dusty sadness. “Jesus, after photos are © Thinkstock 2017. Adventist World is published monthly and “Should be water soon,” Garry smiled. all, is still King and Saviour,” the elder printed simultaneously in Korea, Brazil, Most of the women left to care for life proclaimed. “He will provide water for Indonesia, Australia, Germany, Austria, Argentina, Mexico, South Africa, and the around their huts. The children drifted our jugs in another way.” United States. in and out, coming back only when the Vol. 14, No. 8 drill crew added a length of pipe, or when the rig backfired. Dick Duerksen, a pastor and storyteller living in Portland, Oregon, United At 120 feet the well was still dry. States, is known around the world as “an Same at 180. That was as far as the itinerant pollinator of grace.” drillers could go. Garry cried.

Photo: Dick Duerksen AdventistWorld.org August 2018 29 Growing Faith Fun-filled pages for younger ages

It’s the Little Things Big things start off as small things.

You Are Making a Difference!

t wasn’t easy being the small- shooting skills. At first he wasn’t One day Jordy’s mom wasn’t est kid in Jordy’s class. He too great at it, either. But then it feeling well and had a hard time Iwas always the last person started getting easier to control getting herself up from the chosen for basketball, and it the ball and shoot it straight table to get ready for her doc- was really tough sometimes. into the net. But he didn’t think tor’s appointment. Jordy rushed Jordy decided enough was he was making progress at all. over to try and lift to her up, but enough. He was going to get Jordy decided to eat like an it was really tough for him. “I’m bigger, stronger, and faster, no athlete too. He hardly stopped to useless, Mom!” he huffed. “I’m a matter what it took. At home he breathe when he devoured what- terrible basketball player, and I began lifting “weights”—well, ever his mom or dad cooked for can’t even help my mom stand actually, they were backpacks supper; and he always asked for up, all because I’m so small!” stuffed with all the books he seconds! Every week he’d weigh Jordy’s mom looked at him could fit. But he lifted them. and measure himself hoping with her kind eyes and said, Every day after school and Sun- against hope that he’d miracu- “You are so not useless! Do you days, Jordy went to the neigh- lously grow at lightning speed. It realize that every time you eat borhood basketball court—rain disappointed him when he didn’t all your supper and have a little or shine. He was there for hours immediately see the results he more, you are nourishing your practicing his dribbling and wanted right away. body to get stronger? Do you

30 August 2018 AdventistWorld.org Illustration: Xuan Le

BY WILONA KARIMABADI

Bible Treasure: “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me,’”

(Matt. 25:40, NIV).

What Can You Do? not see that every time you go The next time you see a large puddle or go to a out and practice basketball, little by little you get better at pond or lake, find a smooth, round pebble and it? Do you know that even if it’s toss it into the water. What happens? You’ll notice hard for you to lift me out of your little pebble creates ripples on the surface of this chair, the fact that you put your arms around me gives me the water that go bigger and farther than the size strength?” of the stone itself. You can create a similar “ripple Jordy finally understood. The little things he did day by day effect” in your life. Go out of your way to be kind, were helping to make a differ- helpful, and thoughtful to others. Say encouraging ence—in his life and his mom’s. things, help someone lift a heavy bag, share a treat Jesus reminds us that whatever we do to help is like doing it with a friend who’d enjoy it. At first it may not seem for Him. He notices, and others as though anything is happening, but trust me, it is! notice—even when we don’t think so.

AdventistWorld.org August 2018 31 Adventism’s historic “journal of faith” presented in modern form.

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