March 18, 1999

Cutting Edge LETTERS

Creation have my new church family.” this addiction, but many other Kudos to Nathan Brown, winner of Instantly the entire congregation Adventist families as well. It is just as the AnchorPoints stood to their feet and began to clap destructive as going to the casinos or essay contest (see and cheer! The standing ovation other forms of gambling. “The Whole continued as the pastor lowered Universe Mary into the water. The energy in —Name Withheld Dancing,” Jan. 21 the room was electrifying. It’s a won- Cutting Edge derful thing to join the celebration Edition). It was when it’s party time in heaven! A Sabbath Honeymoon brilliant, buoyant, I much appreciated Allan and like a breath of —Glenda Medford Sutherland Deirdre’s January 21 X-Change col- fresh air. Especially inspiring was the AUSTELL, GEORGIA umn (“Jesus Christ, MVP”). I believe quotation “At the heart of the uni- Jesus would be pleased with this pic- verse is a smile, a pulse of joy passed ture of the Sabbath as “honeymoon” down from the moment of creation.” I have a dream of a congregation so in time with Him. In order to absorb its beauty, I had to love with their Saviour that the read the essay several times. applause of the world will not be —Virginia Collier brought into the church. What would SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA —Daniel Kubrock be the next thing to be applauded? ELMSHAVEN, CALIFORNIA Songs? Music? Sermons? What does applause do to the one 11 Million Murdered being applauded? Would it plant the What happened to the other 5 mil- Cheering a Baptism tiny seed of self-exaltation? Would lion? I refer to Jeffrey K. Thompson’s I enjoyed reading every one of the that seed grow into rebellion against reference to “the extermination of Cutting Edge Meditations (Jan. 21), God? Will God hold us responsible more than 6 million Jews” (Jan. 14 but one statement drew me up short. for what we do to another? Since we World Edition). More than 11 mil- Please let Bonita Shields know that cannot know what applause will lion people of all races and national- her “dream” can be realized if she cause in another, we should be very ities were murdered in the Nazi would visit the Lakeview church in careful that we do not cause the loss death camps, but all we ever read Powder Springs, Georgia, during a of a soul. about are the 6 million Jews. The 6 baptism. Every new believer is wel- million Jews comprised about half of comed with cheering, clapping, and —Edna Berriman the Jewish population of the entire loud amens as they emerge from the GRASS VALLEY, CALIFORNIA world, and it is understandable that water. We are not an ethnic congrega- they refer to this as “the Holocaust.” tion, but a very cosmopolitan church But it is sad that the other 5 million, in the suburbs of Atlanta. Gambling’s Many Forms which included some American and Following our most recent evan- Jonathan Gallagher’s “Betting Their Allied prisoners of war, have almost gelistic effort, 10 persons were bap- Lives” (Jan. 21) was excellent, but he completely disappeared from history. tized at one service. When Elder stopped short of touching on an addic- Cavins asked one of them, Mary, if tion within the confines of the —Walt Cason she had any family present, she said Adventist community—multilevel ANGWIN, CALIFORNIA no. But then she turned toward the marketing “get rich” schemes. I have congregation and said, “But I do seen not only my family impacted by

2 (330) ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 18, 1999 Health Care and the Adventist did. The pastor and members could Name have found out her correct address if Regarding Bill Knott’s “A Bridge So they had asked us for it. Unlike Don Near” (Jan. 14 World Edition). As a Pierson’s sister and daughter, our registered nurse who has worked for daughter died of a rare disease in 1980 Florida Hospital for 25 years, I feel the and never had a chance to rejoin our COVER STORY hospital does indeed do an important church. I have always felt bad that service in bringing the Seventh-day she was never given the opportunity 8 Letters to God An intimate look into what some Adventist name to the general public, to say if she wanted her membership young adults really want in a usually in a very positive way. As the continued. relationship with God. mother of a critically ill young adult BY DICK DUERKSEN who spent seven months in and out of —Name Withheld the hospital receiving the best treat- ARTICLES ment available for cancer, I am grateful to them for being on the cutting edge It seems to me that often we could use 14 A Tale of Two Courtships of medicine. a different method for dealing with The congregation’s dilemma: how However, in the midst of one of his folk who just seem to disappear. to deal with a divorced couple BY SHERYL MOORE stays, we were disappointed to find Instead of voting them out, might we that 3ABN had been taken off our be able to define some category in 22 Is It Just an Ideal? viewing selection, although another which they would still be members but Unity is a word that gets a lot of Christian station was available (broad- not on any church list counting toward use these days. But does anyone casting nothing Adventist—only PTL, conference goals? know what it means? 700 Club, Benny Hinn, etc.). Upon BY JENNIFER WYNN addressing this, we were informed that —Stanley Murphy DEPARTMENTS the things being broadcast on 3ABN ZEPHYRHILLS, FLORIDA were too “strong” to be used as an 2 Letters introduction to our faith. 7 Give & Take They are working on programming Labor-saving Devices for a hospital station, but I find it In “Adventists and LSD” (Jan. NAD 13 The X-Change amazing that we should have to sugar- Edition), Robert Granger did an 17 Leaving the Comfort Zone coat or buffer the Bible truths seen on excellent job pointing out a subtle 18 World News & Perspectives 3ABN. People need our truths, espe- but pervasive risk factor in our cially when facing illness. society and church today. Since 25 Tuesday’s Child Adventists typically boast higher 26 Cutting Edge Conversations —Susan Danforth Jones education levels and socioeconomic 28 Bulletin Board DELTONA, FLORIDA status, we tend to gravitate toward the technological whizbang kind of 29 Book Mark gadgets and labor-saving devices that 30 Reflections

Two Teens ISC

he mentioned. D Don Pierson’s “A Tale of Two Teens” One study showed that something

EDITORIALS HOTO (Jan. NAD Edition) really hit home. I as simple as walking to deliver a memo 5 One Lovely Evening © P was glad to see that the church policy instead of sending interoffice e-mail is not “to drop anyone without having could result in substantial health bene- 6 Don’t Read What Ellen a discussion with them.” Unfortunately, fits from the accumulated physical White Wrote Unless . . . this has not always been practiced. activity over the course of a year.

In 1972 my 18-year-old daughter Hopefully this article will cause us to BACKGROUND PHOTO / was dropped from membership with- reflect on our own personal use of NEXT WEEK out anyone discussing it with her. She LSDs and start incorporating more UERKSEN wasn’t doing anything against church physical activity in our daily lives. Heaven Still Matters D rules, but she wasn’t attending, and Maybe we don’t think about it as much ICHARD her membership added to the —Ernie Medina, Jr., Dr.P.H. as we did. Maybe we should. R Ingathering goal. A letter was sent to LOMA LINDA, CALIFORNIA her, but since she had moved to another state, she learned of the dis- OVER PHOTOS BY fellowship after the fact, as we also C

ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 18, 1999 (331) 3 “Behold, I come quickly . . .”

Our mission is to uplift Jesus Christ through stories of His matchless love, news of His present workings, help for knowing Him better, and hope in His soon return.

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PRINTED IN THE U.S.A. Vol. 176, No. 11

4 (332) ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 18, 1999 EDITORIAL One Lovely Evening ANDY NASH

n the middle of a miserable three-week stretch I “It’s daddy/daughter night,” I said. “We’ll take the small glimpsed the road to glory. blackberry cobbler.” Coming off the holidays, I unexpectedly found “With ice cream?” she asked. myself stressed professionally, strained How could I resist? 3 interpersonally, strapped financially, and, Minutes later, after an abbreviated game of Icompliments of the flu deluxe, struggling phys- throw-the-saltshaker-on-the-floor, I barely ically. My wife, Cindy, kindly joined me in the remembered my woes and worries. Alternately last two categories. Everything seemed to spooning cobbler and ice cream into Ally’s unravel at once.1 mouth, then mine, I sat there wondering, Does About the time our feverish nighttime hal- life get much better than this? No computer-gen- lucinations became feverish daytime hallucina- erated graphics; no Chuck E. Cheese enter- tions, Cindy and I concluded—via a rambling, tainment. Just one glowing fire and two grin- incoherent conversation—that our 1-year-old, ning faces. A disciple of simplicity in writing, Ally, would receive better care 80 miles north I vowed afresh to seek simplicity in living. Did at Cindy’s parents’ house. “Sure!” said Grandma Griffin we really need all those magazines? (Apart from the Review, (“Mimi”) when we phoned with the idea. “Bring her on up I mean.) this evening. We’ll meet you at Cracker Barrel at 9:00.” Our check came to two dollars and change. I opened my Kissing a blanketed Cindy goodbye—me for two hours, Ally wallet: a one, a five, and a 20. Normally, I would have just for two nights—we rushed into a cold wind toward our recently left the one on the table and used the five to pay at the purchased minivan.2 After strapping in Ally, I popped in counter. Normally, that’s me—not too stingy, not too gener- Michael Card’s Early Works, a collection of old favorites. I’ve ous, just meeting society’s standard. But on this night I had this album for years, but resurrected it hoping to learn the thought of the server—how exhausted she looked. I also had lyrics to the final track—a beautiful melody called “Now That waited tables at a Cracker Barrel for a while. Much of the I’ve Held Him in My Arms,” sung from the standpoint of customer base was interstate traffic; the tips weren’t real Simeon—so I could sing it to Ally at night. I had tired of my great. Once, though, someone had tipped me $5 for a mod-

standard sing-a-few-bars, hum-a-few-bars routine. est-sized meal. I remembered how surprised and flattered I REWS By the time our van climbed the gentle slopes of northern had felt—it buoyed me all the way home. I tucked the five C ERRY

Maryland, I had replayed the track four times and could now under the plate and swung Ally high. For the first time in T sing out with confidence: “‘Now that I’ve held Him in my days her daddy was feeling good again. arms,’” I rasped, “‘my life can come to an end . . .’” With all Yes, I know—the Matthew 6 blessing for good deeds kept the front seat crooning, Ally might well have wished that her secret. But it’s the Matthew 7 blessing—the narrow road— LLUSTRATION BY life would come to an end. But she didn’t show it. Instead that’s my focus here. On this one night, anyway, I had sam- I she just smiled and syllabled as her father communed with pled the communion, the calm, the caring, that his Father in a way he hadn’t done in a while. I believe defines that road. And it buoyed We crunched into Cracker Barrel restaurant/country me all the way home. store 20 minutes early—apparently, the louder I sang, the more I accelerated—and I remembered Cindy’s suggestion of 1 I had also planned a passing mention of the having a treat with Ally. Vikings’ collapse against the Falcons, but I’ve decided “Two?” said the host. to let the Far Right dictate my every word. 2 Our friends tell us that we’re no longer “Yes,” I said. “Near the fireplace, if possible.” young adults. “You can be missionaries to Our server was a middle-aged woman with a kind but young adults,” they say. “But with a minivan, stressed face and matted black hair. She looked tired. “Well, you’re no longer young adults.” 3 This was before my Far Right Awareness look who we have here!” she brightened, touching Ally’s Program (FRAP). Another time I’ll detail shoulder. my Far Left Awareness Program (FLAP).

ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 18, 1999 (333) 5 EDITORIAL Don’t Read What Ellen MYRNA TETZ White* Wrote Unless . . .

You want to know why Jesus came into this world— but on the man himself ” (Selected Messages, book 1, p. 21). “To this sin-darkened earth He came to reveal the light of God’s love—to be ‘God with us’” (The Desire of Ages, p. 19). You want to know how to study Bible prophecy— “The Bible is its own expositor. Scripture is to be com- You want to know how Jesus feels about you— pared with scripture. The student should learn to view the “In the person of Christ we behold the eternal God word as a whole, and to see the relation of its parts” engaged in an enterprise of boundless mercy (Education, p. 190). toward fallen man” (The Faith I Live By, p. 98). You want to know why there is a lot of emphasis on health— You want to know why sin exists— “The great object of hygienic reform is to REWS

“God did not ordain that sin should exist, secure the highest possible development of C

but He foresaw its existence, and made pro- mind and soul and body” (Counsels on Health, ERRY vision to meet the terrible emergency. So p. 386). T great was His love for the world, that He covenanted to give His only-begotten Son” You want to know how, as a church, we

(The Desire of Ages, p. 22). could reach the world— LLUSTRATION BY I “If Christians were to act in concert, You want to know if Ellen White had a moving forward as one, under the direction sense of humor— of one Power, for the accomplishment of one purpose, they “Forget self, and think of something cheerful” would move the world” (Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 221). (Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 530). You want to know what will happen to this earth when You want to have more effective prayers— Jesus returns— “If the loving-kindness of God called forth more thanks- “Our little world, under the curse of sin the one dark blot giving and praise, we would have far more power in prayer. . . . in His glorious creation, will be honored above all other When you consider His goodness and mercies you will find that worlds in the universe of God” (The Desire of Ages, p. 26). He will consider your wants” (Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 317). ay I suggest you read (or reread) the first chapter of You want to know exactly what God wants you to do— The Desire of Ages for a summary of the plan of sal- “Those who accept the one principle of making the service Mvation from sinless heaven to sinful earth to, again, and honor of God supreme will find perplexities vanish, and a a sinless heaven. When you have finished, you will undoubt- plain path before their feet” (The Desire of Ages, p. 330). edly read the entire book and, indeed, the library of books and compilations of messages on hun- You want to know how to make family worship more inter- dreds of topics written by this amazing esting for your little ones— woman with a third-grade education. And “Let the seasons of family worship be short and spirited. . . . you will be blessed. Family worship can be made pleasant. . . . A few verses of spir- ited song may be sung, and the prayer offered should be short * Seventh-day Adventists believe that the Bible and pointed” (Child Guidance, pp. 521, 522). prediction of a last-day gift of prophecy (Rev. 19:10) has been fulfilled in a remarkable way You want to know about inspiration— through the Holy Spirit’s work in the life and ministry of Ellen G. White. She called her “The writers of the Bible were God’s penmen, not His pen. writings “a lesser light” (Colporteur . . . Inspiration acts not on the man’s words or his expressions Ministry, p. 125).

6 (334) ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 18, 1999 ADVENTIST LIFE During one particular children’s Sabbath school class our team of teachers was discussing the importance of Bible study. We asked the children what things REWS kept them from studying God’s Word. C ERRY

They had missed the concept of TV, so T we began to provide clues. “It is something some boys and girls do too much of.” A pause. “It’s in LLUSTRATION BY

your living room.” I GIVE& To this a child responded, “Candy?” True, we said; that would cloud one’s mind to the clear study of God’s Word, but it wasn’t quite what we were looking for. Suddenly a 5-year-old piped up excitedly, “Chasing the cat!” —Carla Schultz, Leduc, Alberta

READ THE REVIEW . . . AND GET MARRIED

WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT? Brought together by an Adventist Review article 21 months ago, James Jordan, of Maryland, and Kim McQueen, of Iowa, were TAKE married this past December. James, a General Conference DREAM CENTER employee and Harley rider, appeared on the cover of our In this feature Adventists share their March 6, 1997, issue (see church-related dreams. “Running With the 24/7 Gang”). MINISTRY TO MOMS: Just where Shortly after, Kim e-mailed him. will a mother of young children, new After their honeymoon, the to the Adventist Church, go for bibli- Jordans enjoyed a wedding shower cal counsel that will transform her at the General Conference. Here they visit with William and daily life? Not church. Admittedly, my Noelene Johnsson. “While match- children love cradle roll. But I have making isn’t the primary ministry received no personal instruction since of the Review,” says Willliam leaving my Sunday school (see Titus Johnsson, editor, “we’re glad we could help bring James and Kim together.” 2:3-5). Imagine how difficult it must be for the unchurched! This must change to ensure their discipleship. Surely each church has 16 people HATS OFF TO ADVENTIST YOUTH who would volunteer, in teams of two, to baby-sit during worship once To be considered, submissions to this feature must include a every eight weeks. I know from expe- photograph—either posed or, preferably, in action. rience that nothing spiritual is gained Being the only 13-year-old boy walking around the foyer. in the Shoals church in Florence, —Rhonda Bryant, Ellijay, Georgia Alabama, doesn’t bother Matthew Ringer. A junior deacon since age 9, WE NEED YOU Matthew has been known to operate the Send Give & Take submissions to . . . sound system, arm and disarm the burglar alarm, clean the Give & Take, Adventist Review, 12501 Old church, water the flowers, and help distribute evangelistic Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904; materials. “Matthew is always there,” says member Ruth B. Fax: 301-680-6638; E-mail: Potts. “Sometimes he’s the first to unlock the church for [email protected]. Please meetings.” In his free time Matthew also directs parking, include phone number. Submissions will not greets visitors, walks the babies, plays the guitar. . . . be returned. Anyway, Matthew, thanks for going the extra mile for God—and look for your Review cap in the mail.

ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 18, 1999 (335) 7 COVER STORY

Lettersto God Ever wondered what’s on the hearts of Adventist college students?

SHARED BY DICK DUERKSEN

hey came on tissue paper, tithe envelopes, note- Dear God, paper scraps, greeting cards, and expensive person- As You know, I’ve grown up Adventist and have had a alized notepaper scented with perfume. About a semideep relationship with Jesus, but never really what I feel third of them came across the Internet. All are let- it should be. He’s been my friend, but I’m not sure He’s been ters to God—heart-opening pleas for help, wis- my best friend—for which I’m very sorry. I desire a closeness Tdom, hope, and peace. Or towering pillars of praise. A giant that I’ve never felt before, a closeness that will last my life- stack of them now rests on a special shelf in my study. Every few time. I want to be ready for His return. days I pull them down, listen to a few hearts, and then blend my —Lynell prayers with theirs. The journey that God has taken me on during the past 18 God, months has been one of the most exhausting and energizing of my Just hold my hand, and I’ll be OK. Thank You. life. I have traveled to four continents, spoken for Weeks of —Ralph Prayer at six Adventist colleges/universities, and participated in Tmany other special events for youth and young adults. At each G’day, God. location, instead of just making the expected “call,” I have invited Here are my thoughts on Your Son, Jesus: the students and faculty to speak of their spiritual commitment by I want Jesus to be in every aspect of my life, writing a letter to God—and allowing me to be the mail carrier. but it seems no matter how hard I try, He is only there, Because the letters are so inspirational and challenging, I am or more likely, I sharing a few with you. (Only the names and locations have been only depend on Him changed.) What’s here to learn? I’ll let you judge that for your- when there is a difficult time in my life, or when I self. For me, the process has focused my preaching and served as succeed in a difficult situation, a transfusion of hope. but I want Him to be there for all times, Let me know what you take away. even the normal everyday times. —Dick Duerksen, [email protected] I want to renew my relationship with Him, and I want Him to know that He is welcome in my dorm Dear God, room anytime. I’ve lived and learned that I can’t live my life without —Brent You. I need You to direct me and guide me. Please make me a humble servant and use me to do Your will. Dear God, —Greg Hi, it’s me again. I need help. I don’t know what to do

8(336) ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 18, 1999 LIFT HIM UP: Adventist collegians—seen here and on cover—have an open, authentic relationship with Jesus Christ.

with life. Everything that seemed so Dear Jesus, heart. The love of my life broke up certain a little while ago isn’t so cer- Well, I once again feel that I need with me! Is that how You repay those tain anymore. All I know is that I am You and that I am ready for a conver- who, after wandering in the world, not happy here and that I have no idea sion experience. But God, why can’t I finally decide to come back to You? where to go to feel like someone cares feel like this every day? Why does it They say time heals all wounds, and about me. I’m sick of being dominated seem that I have to try to live on my I’ve given it a good four months, God, by my mother and tired of feeling used past conversions, those past experi- but I’m still just as much in love with and overwhelmed by all the things I ences with You, to make it through her as I ever was, possibly more. I try feel obligated to do. There’s so much I today? I want to be able to have a new not to be, but I can’t help it. I see other would love to do, but I feel so restricted. experience with You every day! girls around, but they don’t mean any- Please help me put my life in order. Once again I was a failure today. thing. It’s destroying my life, God, this Show me what to do with my summer At least I am successful at that. I depression. I want to be normal, God— and next year, and make it obvious, totally relied on myself and tried to not just act normal, but be normal. because sometimes I just don’t see accomplish the act of being a I miss her, God, and I’d do anything things like that. Lord, help me. Please. “Christian” so that others would to have her back at my side. She’s so —Samantha notice my pious lifestyle. I keep hop- beautiful and she loves You so much ing that someone will look my way and she’s such a great person. Dear God, and say, “Wow, you sure have given I used to be a very good student and I know You are always impressing up a lot to follow Christ!” get top grades, but not anymore. My me, but for some reason I don’t always Please help me believe! I love You, GPA is sliding through the floor, but hear what You’re saying. Could You be but I just don’t know how to show it. I everyone seems to think I’m fine. It’s more forceful sometimes? Even though hate living like this. Please? hard to even believe in You. that might be a violation of my con- —Dave —Lonny UERKSEN

D science or will, it would make my life

ICK so much easier. Thank You. Dear God, Dear God, D —Eddie Before someone can truly surrender I was introduced to You early in their heart to You, they must have a life—so early that I can’t remember HOTOS BY

P broken heart. And I have a broken not knowing You. I remember talking

ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 18, 1999 (337) 9 and playing with You when there Dear God, hope that someday I will be able to weren’t any kids to talk and play with. As a 21-year-old there are things spend forever with him and You all I remember You helping me to find my that I want to happen in my life. I together—a dream that never became stuffed bunny rabbit, and You even would love to finish school in only two reality here on earth. kept it safe—with the oven turned on! years. I’m planning on getting married —Sal I remember so many things, God— that summer—ssshhh, don’t tell things that proved to a small child that Nancy! But Lord, do You know what Dear God, You were and that You knew me and I’m feeling? I know heaven is greater The last time I wrote You I was 7 loved me. And because of these things than anything the world has to offer, years old. I “mailed” the letter I’ve never questioned Your existence. but am I wrong to desire these things between the books in the bookcase by But right now, God, it feels like I’m on earth? Lord, it’s almost as if I want our fireplace. I’m sure You got it, since about to reach the end of “that which You to hold on for just 10 more years. I it was gone when I looked for it later. I am able”! I mean, how many things don’t really mean it, but sometimes I Seven years old . . . and sure I’d be in can a person handle not knowing? think that way. Work on me, dear heaven sliding down giraffes’ necks Especially someone like me who is Lord. Give me that desire for You and before I was 10. always early, always plans way ahead, for Your kingdom. I remember searching the sky one always knows exactly what she needs —Garrett evening when the clouds were coming to do, in what order, by when. from the east—unusual for our town— I don’t know about student teach- Dear God, and I was sure You were in one of ing, God. Miltonville is a long way You know how often I willingly go those clouds. I even measured them away from everything I know. Yes, the to the edge of hell, then need to deal with my tiny fist. Excited, I told Mom school setting sounds like just what I with all the guilt when I step back. that You were coming to get us that want. But I don’t want to leave college Please, grab me first and drag me back afternoon. She informed me that You right now. I finally have a life and into Your own arms. couldn’t be coming, because we hadn’t friends, which I’ve never had before, —Barb gone through a time of trouble yet. I’m and I don’t want to leave now! sure my disappointment matched those I also don’t know about Marty, God. Jesus, of our church founders. Such was my I wasn’t looking for someone to care I don’t want You. I have no desire childhood faith. Surely You remember. for, God. Why do You bring someone for spiritual things. I feel dead when I Now I am a cynical 22-year-old. I into my life that shows me enough . . . walk into church. Even the songs have am lukewarm, and I hate it. I hate pas- interest to generate feelings and wants no meaning for me. I have become sivity, and yet I am so good at it. You in my heart, but not enough to leave cynical and confused like others have given me so many gifts, God, and me free to care? To safely care, that is. around me. I don’t want to ask You here I am, sitting on a big pile of trea- Why is it, God? I’m 21 years old. back into my life. Why? sure, trying to sort the rubies from the I’ve never had a boyfriend, I can count But I know I need You. So where sapphires while the rest of the world the number of dates I’ve had on 10 fin- does that leave me? Torn. Constantly (Adventist or not) is drowning. gers or less, and Marty is the first guy restless. Crippled by fear. Crying for I’m no good at being Christlike. that I’ve dated more than once. Of help! And I’m supposed to let go and let course, nothing is wrong with me. My —Andrew You, but I “can’t.” So please—pry my brain knows that. Everyone has told fingers loose from whatever it is I’m me that. But it sure feels like some- Dear God, holding on to. Be my parachute. thing has to be wrong. Why do guys How are You? As I’m writing this I have felt You, I have heard You, have fun spending time with me, but letter, tears are coming down my and in my mind’s eye I have seen You. can’t/won’t claim me? cheeks, but You know that! Lord, I am Always vigilant, always loving, always There are so many other things I feeling so lonely and empty inside. I waiting. Always. I don’t deserve it—it don’t know. You alone know what I really need Your help! I want You in doesn’t make sense. And when I really need, God. Help me to know that You my heart, in my mind. I’ll love You think about it, my throat aches and my do know. Help me to lean on You always. eyes water from the perplexity of it. If instead of walking on my own. But —Yolanda only I could be so constant! most of all, help me to keep You as my I love You, God. Restore my child- priority—I can’t do that on my own. I God, like faith—my hope, my enthusiasm. am toooooo busy, and I keep forget- I am really sorry for being so upset Mold me to be Your disciple. Don’t let ting. But I want You to be first, so with You when my father passed away. me become comfortable. I want to do please keep reminding me. I should have been thankful for the “exactly” what You have planned for —Steph healthy years I had with him. The way me. I can’t wait to find out what it is things worked out, I now have more because I’m sure it will be “beyond-my-

10 (338) ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 18, 1999 dreams exciting.” Good night, Father I’m really just a rookie at this! different from everyone else, and I of lights. —Juan want to be normal! I really want to be —Rachelle healed, Lord. Please! Dearest Jesus Christ, —Sharon Dear God, Well, how are You doing up there? I need to apologize for the damage I Me, I’m fine down here, but of course, Dear God, have done to this body You have lent You probably knew that. Please give me Your strength, God, me. It is funny how I get pulled into My mother sent a little red Bible because I seem to have lost my own. the eyes and beauty of the world. God, recently, and I have been doing the —Kelly I want to be beautiful in Your eyes. daily readings every morning and have —Susan felt an inner peace. Thank You. Father God, —Raquel I am an addictive personality, and God, food is my drug. Lord, I need Your I don’t believe in You, but I know Dear God (and Jesus), strength to stay away from the choco- You are a fact. Please help me feel the I know You hear my prayers and are lates! friendship You offer. I am so lonely watching over me all the time and are —Ben that I am dying inside. I want You to my closest friend. hold me and soothe me and make me I am asking You for strength. Dear Lord Jesus, Yours. Strength to help a friend who is hav- Sometimes I am so confused—I —Lori ing a hard time out there in the big don’t know where I stand with You wide world. He needs me, Lord, and I anymore. Dear Jesus, want to be there for him. Mostly, I Sometimes I feel so in love with I really need You right now. I’m los- want to show him that You are there You that all I want to do is praise You. ing my burning fire and energy for for him. Please keep watching over us. Sometimes I feel that life just keeps being a Christian. I wish You could —Charlene getting slammed in my face. send down some great fireball or give Sometimes I feel alone, so very alone. me a vision—anything that would give Dear Lord, Sometimes I feel I am living on the me the power to be a good Christian. I Thank You for all the beauty that is edge of hell, and man, that’s when I just don’t know what being a Christian around me now. And thanks for meet- need You to be just totally working in is all about. Does being a Christian ing me on this hillside and letting me me and using me and bringing me back. mean I can curse? Or watch any movie share the morning with You. Sometimes, all times, I’m glad I’m I want? Or that my decisions are Today I’m making a decision to not alone. Thanks for being there. always right because I have You as a reach out forever to You and put my I am Yours. Keep leading. guiding inner light? And since I’m life into Your nail-pierced hands. Help —Todd saved by faith alone, how important me never to be ashamed of my deci- are my actions? These are all tough sion. I want to serve You forever. Dear God, questions, and I want You to help me Your scared and excited child— We need Your help, God. Please heal find the answers. —Nadia my wife’s past. Let her feel Your forgive- —David ness so she can forgive her family. Dear Lord, —Jared Dear God, I feel so close to the precipice. I have never been this confused in Please help me (us) to the solution Hi, Father, my life, Lord. I am so tired that I think that will help us both, and that will be I really like writing that. You’re the I am going to collapse. I need to know best for the children. You know my only Father I’ve ever had! Thank You soon. What do You want with my life? hurt, anger, and sorrow. Please impress for the few who have helped me to see I’m here at university and I’m miser- his heart so that he will go to the You as my loving friend. able. I guess it’s because I am so lonely. counselor with me. —Sarah I just don’t fit in—even though I get —Ann up on stage and do the performance God, thing in front of the school. That’s all To my Best Man, This is a big company where I am fun and games. But when the laughter The main thing I need right now is working, and there are very few is over, I’m all alone again, Lord. for You to embrace me with Your heal- Adventists here. I am in desperate In the confusion the only thing that ing grace and power. Lord, I am worn need of a special friend. I feel discon- stays still is You. I’ve gone too far to out from being sick this long. Often I nected, wrenched from my humanity, lose You now. I’m here to stay, so wonder what it would be like to go one and very lonely. At nights I cry my please help me up. Don’t forget me. day without taking all these pills. I feel heart out in frustration.

ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 18, 1999 (339) 11 Can You help me? I call to You from Dear Father God, Dear God, the deepest chambers of my existence! My relationship with You is based When I think of You, my mind —William mainly on desperate prayers. I think boggles! these prayers are very common to —Nate Dear God, teenagers, but they are the times I feel Today I realized how involved You closest to You. Isn’t it strange that I Dear God, are in my life—how You take care of feel closest when I’m hopeless? I’m in a hurry! I desperately need all the little things I often think are so —Keri You to help my girlfriend. She needs to insignificant and unimportant. make some big decisions in her life You organize a lift for me when I’m Dear God, about me! You have no idea how late for class. My mama’s dead. You know that. important this is to me! You cheer me up when I’m homesick. But I’m so empty that lately—can You —Kelvin You remind me that I am not alone. imagine it?—I kid myself by saying, You have time for me even when I “Mama’s gonna write soon.” Hear me, Dear God, forget You. God. I’m hurting! With this prayer I say yes to You You don’t treat me like I deserve to —Denise and ask for You to lead me through the be treated. rest of my life. Be my best friend and You love me because that’s the kind God, make my life worth living. of person You are! I want to be with You. —Melanie Thank You. I need to feel Your love. —Jenny I’m trying to be Your child. Father, I’ve decided in my heart, but I’m It’s nice to be royalty! Dear God, confused and want help. —Alicia Some would say I am luckier than The world is sucking me in. others. They might say I am better Pray for me. Dick Derksen is director of looking, smarter, wittier, etc. But I I don’t know what to pray for! spiritual development for know I am still human. I laugh when —Tricia Florida Hospital, Orlando, tickled, bleed when pricked, and ask Florida. questions when confused. God, Lately I’ve been asking many ques- I have decided that You are the tions about You. How can a religion only answer to my problems and want worship a God who exists only in cul- to let You take control of my life. ture and clichés? I want much more! I —Adam want a God who is real. Is that You? As You know, I am a rebel, search- ing. When I get the answers I guess You will be where You have always been. Under me. Carrying me. Hold on. —Jim

God, At the age of 7 I lost my father. At the age of 11 I lost my mother. Since then life has never been the same. I always wanted someone to love me and tell me now and again that they loved me. Sure, I knew about You and had heard that You loved me, but it always felt like that love wasn’t real for me. But now that I’ve got Jesus, I finally know what love is like. This is all I ever hoped for! Boy, do I feel good to be loved by You. It is the greatest expe- rience in my life! Thank You! —Melissa

12 (340) ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 18, 1999 THE X-CHANGE Jeans and Jesus A. ALLAN and DEIRDRE MARTIN

lease help us understand the young adults in our know the Bible says stuff about marrying and dating church who prefer casual clothes for Sabbath people of your own kind. But doesn’t that mean reli- worship. We have a musician who performs in Igion? I’m dating an Indian, and I’m Filipino. The racial her Bermuda shorts, a difference has caused some friction fellow ordained as an in my family. Does it really matter? Pelder in shirt sleeves, jeans aplenty, He’s an Adventist, and so am I. and cutoff shorts. Their children Is Christ What else should there be? come to church in play clothes. Allan’s reply: Second Corin- Money is not the issue. thians 6:14 is often referred to If meeting the King of the uni- concerned with regarding relationships with people verse does not elicit the joy of dress- who are different from us. As best ing in our very best, what does? the fabric I can understand, it is counsel for We were dumbfounded when believers to avoid being “unequally this group, which constitutes our of slacks? yoked” with unbelievers. That’s hardworking social committee, good advice. I’ve seen many a rela- announced that formal attire was tionship filled with anguish expected at the holiday dinner. because one person loves Christ Some of us think that they have their “down home” atmos- and the other does not. phere and “awesome reverence” atmosphere reversed. But to quote that verse to somehow support racism is a Deirdre’s reply: Young adults are very diverse. For some, perversion of Scripture. The Bible in no way, shape, or form clothes are used to make a statement; for others, it’s a non- supports racism. Christ’s relationships with Gentiles is issue. In some ways I agree with your perspective, and in among many vivid examples of His setting the standard that other ways I differ. But let me offer some generalizations we are all one in Him. that may or may not apply. It’s still wise to be sensitive to your family’s discomfort, Our generation is more about relationships than appear- however. If the “friction” is based on their understanding of ances. At times “dressing up” is seen as a status symbol. Scripture, you may want to study with them to get a better Although to past generations they have symbolized respect understanding of where they’re coming from. If it’s simply and reverence, Sabbath suits and dresses have often been that they have prejudicial feelings against your Indian used as a means of social or religious distinction. friend, then hearing them out and acquainting them with You’re ill served to make an assumption about young your friend is worthwhile. Your relationship with your friend adults based on their apparel. It’s better to get to know them will benefit from your gentle sensitivity to your family’s con- personally, to find out how they express reverence. I enjoy cerns. Share with them that Christ is the common denomi- making the Sabbath special with a dress I wear only on that nator in your relationship. day. It’s one way I show God respect and reverence. But it’s not the same for everyone. To take your expression of rever- Send your questions about young adult life, Christian lifestyle, and ence and place it on them will, no doubt, confuse you. Generation X culture to: The X-CHANGE, Adventist Review, When I talked with some of my coworkers, one friend said: 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904-6600; or “I don’t care what my son is wearing; he’s going to church, and via e-mail to [email protected]. that’s what matters most.” That’s a major point for me, also. In church you can build relationships and begin to understand Deirdre and Allan Martin are cofounders of your young adults. As you get to know them, you may find your dre•am VISION ministries, dedicated to relational influence valuable in modeling reverence and respect. empowering young people in Christian Still, I believe Christ is less concerned with the fabric of lifestyle and leadership. their slacks and more concerned with the fabric of their hearts.

ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 18, 1999 (341) 13 LIFESTYLE

A Tale of Two Courtships This isn’t about what was done wrong. It’s about what was done right.

BY SHERYL MOORE

HE NAME OF THE CHURCH bright and attractive thirtysomething whose musical where it all happened is not the im- talent had already become apparent. portant part of this story. Nor are the Bonding with the members was beginning. Bev names of the couple at its center. The participated in Sabbath school class, contributed important part is what the church special music with her sons, and eventually started Tmembers did and what they did not do—and how a Sabbath afternoon singspiration. Early on she vol- the couple reacted. unteered the information that she had been the Now for the story itself, which we’ll tell after we accompanist for a women’s sextet in Faraway State. choose some generic names for our real-life characters Could such a group be put together in Pleasant as well as a universal locale for the very real church. Village, perhaps? We’ll call our leading lady Bev and our leading man The rehearsals began at the home of one of the Steve. Short, crisp names so that you’ll never guess members of the Pleasant Village church. From who they really are. And the church we’ll name the Sabbath to Sabbath the sextet added numbers, even- Pleasant Village Seventh-day Adventist Church. Why tually becoming a women’s chorus. All the while, as not? It is certainly a pleasant church. the singing went on, so also—to no one’s surprise— Bev first appeared at Pleasant Village church on a did the talking and then the praying. Here was a Sabbath in March of 1994. Did she live in Pleasant woman who had needs and was sharing them. They Village? No, she told the people who welcomed her added hers to theirs. Did any of them ask about Bev’s that she was from a faraway state. She was visit- marital status? No doubt. Does a form to fill out exist ing her parents in town—inactive members, that doesn’t seek that information? Is there ever a she called them. Bev and her three boys, ages conversation with a newcomer that omits the “Are 3, 10, and 13, probably stayed for hospitality you married?” question? That’s how they came to dinner afterward (who can remember?) and know about Steve; he was back there in Faraway then went on their way. Would she be back? State. Then one Sabbath Steve showed up in church The next two or three Sabbaths Bev returned. If for a weekend visit. He sat with his boys, maybe even they, the Pleasant Village members, were curious to with Bev. know the reason for the extended visit, they did not Sooner or later it came out—Bev had decided ask for an explanation. They warmly welcomed this not to go back to Faraway State. At her parents’ house there was room and to spare for her little

14 (342) ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 18, 1999 family. There was food and to spare. of Pleasant Village church discovered no surprise. But you have to under- Married very young, she was now trying these things about Steve when, after stand. The church members loved Bev. to finish college, first by correspon- five lonely months of separation in They loved Steve. And Steve had set- dence, then on a nearby campus. Here Faraway State, he packed up and tled down in Pleasant Village and was with her parents she could study and moved to Pleasant Village. He had told there for the long haul. If things were have help with the youngest offspring. Bev of his plan to move, and he found made unpleasant for him and for Bev, a job and an apartment. He kept well, it wouldn’t have been Pleasant Separated by Irreconcilable appearing at her doorstep, and the more Village any longer, would it? Steve Differences he did this without resolution of those wanted to be with his boys; he wanted She and her husband were separated unresolved (and unenumerated) issues, (though who knew) to be with Bev. by irreconcilable differences as well as by the more Bev became entrenched in Oh, there were some awkward distance. What had led to this estrange- the separation. In the end they were moments, to be sure, where this ment? Over time Bev shared some of the divorced. unprecedented situation posed (it has reasons: illness after illness; Steve’s unem- What did the church think of that? to be said) problems. But this story is ployment and the attendant financial Whatever the members thought, at not meant to rehearse these problems. crunch; Bev’s isolation and overload as least one leader was troubled. “We can’t And meanwhile, not a single Pleasant she tried to finish her degree; Steve’s have this,” he said. “Something must be Village member took sides. The prob- depression over his jobless situation; done.” lems and struggles of Steve and Bev failed counseling. Let us not enumerate Most of the members smiled and were not the subject of gossip. They further. The fact remained that Steve and asked, “But what?” No one was inclined were the subject of prayer. Bev were now separated. to say to Bev, “You can’t attend here.” Somewhere in the more than two Meanwhile the singing group (they Or to Steve, “Go on back to Faraway years of separation (Bev and Steve living did sing a couple times for church ser- State; you can’t come here.” apart, but in a sense, still together) Steve’s vice) had become Bev’s support system. True, Steve had at first felt some handy ways came to light in church They did not counsel; they listened. resentment toward “those women” who needs, in the needs of various members. They did not pry; they prayed. Here was were “on her side,” especially toward The host had sold her big house (she was a single mom groping to find her way, the host at the home where the singing downsizing) and was moving into a study for a degree, take care of the boys, and the talking and the praying took condo. Who better than Steve to direct handle her financial problems—a place. But he soon found that no one packing, to help muscle all those boxes woman dear to the Lord and now made him feel unwelcome, prejudged, into storage, and eventually to move them becoming dear to her new friends in rejected. In fact, the members drew out and into the refurbished condo? It Him. If once or twice, in their loyalty to him into fellowship. He sang solos, and wasn’t long till he became the right-hand

IGITALLY MODIFIED her, they hinted of disapproval of Steve, Bev accompanied him. He joined the man of the host herself, and she became a

/ D Bev was quick to say, “But I want you to choir, and Bev was assistant director. special friend and confidant, as Bev had ISC

D like him.” She led in Pathfinders, and he became already become. The host listened to each As it turned out, Steve was not hard assistant. in turn as they shared their concerns. Her HOTO

© P to like—witty; capable; good-looking If some reader is now questioning listening ear was always available to (hair to die for); talented in a variety of the wisdom of electing a divorced either, her counsel evenhanded and wise. HOTOS

P ways, including musically. The women woman and a divorced man (from each One day when the possibility for reconcil- other, that is) to church office, that is

ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 18, 1999 (343) 15 iation seemed at its most remote, the host Thus in October a new relationship said to Steve, “When you and Bev get began—unrevealed to anyone. It would married again, I’ll give you the biggest not have been prudent to build up any- party you’ve ever had.” Could he believe one’s high hopes and expectations. It that? Would it ever really happen? had to be only a trial run, but it was indeed a courtship. The Romantic Part of the Story In February the Pleasant Village Steve and Bev continued to find Seventh-day Adventist Church had a themselves together in church fellowship Valentine’s Day party. The program and in service and in the upbringing of consisted in part of stories told by dif- the boys. Spiritually uplifted and nur- ferent couples and a description of the tured by their new church family, they inevitable proposal. In a climactic were ever so gradually drawn back moment Bev and Steve announced together. Attitudes changed. they were engaged to be remarried. If a Had Steve been insensitive to Bev’s vote had been taken right then, the needs? Had Bev driven too hard for tale of Bev and Steve’s two courtships change, for goals? Anger, resentment, would have won the award for the temper, stubbornness—where was guilt, “most romantic.” And during the where was blame? The Spirit of the Lord telling of their story one of the secrets was doing His softening work. of their second courtship did come Steve was ever helpful to Bev at fix- out—on the previous Christmas Eve up jobs in the home where she and the Steve had actually proposed on bended boys now lived after she finished her knee. Bev confessed she liked the sec- degree and got a teaching position. He ond proposal better. was always there when she needed his At the marriage license bureau, after strong arms, his laid-back unflappability. the June 27 wedding date was set, the Bev remembered his birthday, baked the happy couple filled out the obligatory traditional cake, and helped the boys application (with no marital status box make gifts. Never-before flowers came to unchecked). When they wrote down the Bev’s door for special occasions. Steve same last name, the clerk’s eyes turned stopped saying “We’ve got to get this into question marks. Bev and Dave just family back together again” and began smiled and left her puzzled. Figuring that hinting that maybe he could ask her for one out, they decided, would give the a date once in a while. Then in clerk a break from tiresome paperwork. September of 1996 she attended a Now, before they ride off into the sun- women’s retreat. It was in a class related set, you’ll want to know: Did the host to romantic relationships (which she had remember her promise to give the couple entered almost unintentionally) that Bev a big party? Well, of course. ■ came to a sudden and startling realiza- tion. She wanted to have dates with Sheryl Moore is a pseudonym. Steve. She wanted him to court her.

16 (344) ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 18, 1999 LEAVING THE COMFORT ZONE Jesus Died for CHRIS BLAKE Goliath, Too

nly a boy named David, only a little sling . . .” Angel: “No, I am of the host of heaven.” It’s a catchy tune, and I’ve sung it myself. To the angel, the question is irrelevant. It’s the There’s more to the story than we sing, same for us today. The question isn’t “Is God on our however. We usually stop short of depict- side?” but rather “Are we on God’s side?” The world ing David’s chopping off Goliath’s head of sports provides a stunning laboratory for the “God Oand holding up the dripping trophy, or describing just is on our side” phenomenon. Each time a victori- what happens when the Israelite army “routs” an ous player exults, “God was with us,” I get enemy, how a man looks and sounds when he’s the impression that if God was on their side, dying, and how a man looks when he kills. then—Mark Twain’s “War Prayer” calls this In addition, when we cheer and laugh “the unspoken part”—God wasn’t on the about Goliath’s slaying, we should be aware other team’s side. that some children (and adults) may infer What a devastating implication, and a that there are good people and there are bad surefire way to build resentment against God. people, that God doesn’t love these bad In every contest He would be against half the people as much, that they deserve the bad participants. But could God have been just as things that happen to them, and that maybe much on the losing team’s side? Might He be it doesn’t even matter if I add to their pains.1 This isn’t an “with me” just as much when I don’t find my car keys, when I inevitable inference; it is a possible one. don’t make the field goal, when my dad doesn’t recover from Does God guide and guard only His chosen few? No, God cancer? looks after everyone. He doesn’t “take sides” that way. Jesus God becoming Immanuel, “God with us,” is a fact not affirms this when He tells us that to be followers of God we necessarily borne out by victories or defeats. In this context must love our enemies, for the Father “makes his sun rise on “us” isn’t the Seahawks or the Screaming Eels, nor is “us” the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on our country or our denomination. “Us” is the human race, the unjust” (Matt. 5:45, RSV). God makes His sun shine on all of us, all of God’s children. the bottle-sucking infant who sleeps in a crib and on the God does take sides. Against the rulers of darkness. bottle-sucking infant who abuses his wife. He sends blood Against powers and principalities that inhabit an unseen coursing through the veins of those who love Him and those world. Using His timeless weapons, God battles lies with who despise Him. truth, despair with hope, and venomous hate with liberating The belief that God looks after only His favorites, the love. Along with David’s slingshot victory, let’s make certain freshly scrubbed and honey-scented, the exclusive remnant, we teach that God is “with us” when we lose, and that God is as wrong as the belief that the sun orbits the earth. God so loved the world that Jesus died for all those people we can look after us better when we allow Him to do so—by fol- don’t even like. lowing His directions, for instance—but that’s not God’s choice; it’s ours. In the book Mere Christianity C. S. Lewis 1 In a January 17, 1999, Associated Press article, retired U.S. Army Col. Harry Summers observes, “It always makes it easier to fight a war if you writes, “He shows much more of Himself to some people demonize people so that you’re not killing human beings, you’re killing the than to others—not because He has favourites, but because devil.” it is impossible for Him to show Himself to a man whose 2 C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity (New York: Macmillan Publishing Co., 1952), p. 128.

REWS whole mind and character are in the wrong condition. Just as C sunlight, though it has no favourites, cannot be reflected in a

ERRY 2 T dusty mirror as clearly as a clean one.” Chris Blake teaches at Union College in Lincoln, I like the conversation that takes place in chapter 5 of Nebraska. Win or lose, he loves God. Joshua. Joshua is planning to conquer the walled city of Jericho when he looks up to see someone holding a sword. LLUSTRATION BY I Joshua: “Are you with us or against us?”

ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 18, 1999 (345) 17 WORLD NEWS & PERSPECTIVES Eye Care Gains New Vision Through ADRA

BY MARVIN MEIER, ADRA/TOGO DIRECTOR, AND CHARLOTTA NUBOER-COPE, EDUCATION PROGRAM DIRECTOR FOR ADRA/TOGO

t 10 years old, Gnavassi Hospital (GAEH) arrived to Fonyalco was labeled as teach all the children in the mentally disabled even school about eye diseases and though her early academ- screen them for eyesight ic results had been good. problems. AIn Togo, where primary school While the staff of the out- classes can be very large, it is common reach team organized the practice to put the smaller children in pupils for the screening the front of the classroom and the process and eye health taller children in the back, guarantee- lessons, Christina de ing the smaller pupils a good view of Oliveira, one of the hospital the blackboard. Unfortunately for directors, noticed that Gnavassi, as she grew taller and there- Gnavassi and other students fore was pushed toward the back of the were not lined up for the room, she strained more and more to visual acuity test. A teacher THIS WON’T HURT A BIT: Christina de Oliveira, a see the words and numbers written on explained that these chil- codirector of the hospital, examines a patient. the blackboard. dren were mentally impaired As her academic performance dete- and not included in the activities. preventable diseases, disease is too riorated, Gnavassi became known as a De Oliveira insisted that all stu- often accepted where simple preven- student with mental impairment. dents should be screened. When it tive measures could have tremendous Students like Gnavassi are often was Gnavassi’s turn, the doctor real- public health impact. ignored and instructed not to interfere ized that the little girl’s problem was Doctors often find this to be the with the rest of the daily routine. short-sightedness. Shortly afterward, case, especially for young patients In May 1998 children in the Togo Gnavassi received her first new pair coming to the hospital. “Years of a school received special testing. The of glasses. potentially fruitful life are destroyed outreach team of Glei Adventist Eye Immediately she burst into tears, by preventable or easily curable eye saying that this was the diseases that simply come to our beginning of a whole new life attention too late,” Christina’s hus- for her, providing an oppor- band, Dr. Edgard de Oliveira, says. “In tunity she once enjoyed at addition to the impact on the individ- the front of the class years ual, blind family members represent a before. Sadly, Gnavassi’s considerable economic burden to any story is an exception. Most African family.” eye problems in developing GAEH was established in 1992 countries go undetected, with funds from ADRA/Sweden and reports de Oliveira. Christoffel Blindenmission, an inter- More than 17 million cases national nongovernmental organiza- of blindness are reported in tion (NGO) specializing in care for Africa every year, with the those who are blind and disabled. The number escalating by 2 mil- hospital is run by the de Oliveiras, a lion each year. Even though husband-and-wife team of eye special- GETTING DOWN TO BASICS: Simple eye examinations, approximately 30 percent of ists from Brazil. With 16 beds and 25 like this one, could help stem the widespread eye dis- persons with eye problems in staff members, it is the only specialized ease in Togo. developing countries have hospital in Togo. People from as far

18 (346) ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 18, 1999 WORLD NEWS & PERSPECTIVES away as Niger, Senegal, and Morocco schools in the area surrounding the just how much eye disease exists in come for treatment. Sometimes hospital, including the one Gnavassi Togo. It is ADRA’s dream to expand ADRA itself refers patients to the hos- attended. They provided preventive with the aim of providing access to eye pital from its various project sites. education and eye exams for all the care for all Togolese children from Since 1992 the de Oliveiras have children and gave each child three birth through age 14. What better gift screened 120,000 people and treated vitamin A tablets. They also than sight? 45,000 patients. screened all children for river blind- ADRA/Togo has implemented pro- The pilot project to prevent eye ness, which is endemic in the Ogou jects in partnership with GAEH since problems from going undetected in prefecture, where the project was it was first established. ADRA/Togo Togo schools was initiated in 1997 by implemented. itself has been active since 1989. Its the efforts of three partners: GAEH All children who were in need of other current projects in Togo include provided the staff, ADRA provided further medical attention were an agricultural training program in col- corrective glasses and funds for the referred to the hospital, where they laboration with the Ferme Adventiste diagnostic equipment, and Christoffel received free treatment. By the end of Klobateme agricultural training center, Blindenmission contributed a car, the pilot phase in January 1999, the which ADRA/Togo founded and built some equipment, and glasses and vita- doctors had examined 10,439 students in 1990. ADRA also conducts a non- min A tablets for all children. Vitamin and 155 teachers in 27 schools and formal education program for rural A deficiency is known to be the cause taught them eye health education. Of Togolese women, combining literacy of night blindness and respiratory dis- these children, 2,600 received correc- training with classes in health and eases among children. tive glasses and 1,343 students were women’s rights. The 13-month pilot project was referred to the eye hospital for further Completed projects include health run out of the GAEH. Every week investigation and treatment. and health education programs, AIDS Christina de Oliveira and an out- Nearly 4,000 of the 10,439 needed education, and agricultural training for reach team from the hospital visited some sort of intervention, indicating Togolese farmers.

NEWSBREAK

Trinidad: Adventist Church Deplores “It is a sad thing when we find people with such a low Thusia Movement Actions, Announces Joint level of tolerance toward the beliefs of others,” said Leito. Anti-Drug Program With Hindus “They must understand that religious freedom is not only for any one group, but that we must respect the beliefs of other faiths as well.” he Seventh-day Adventist Church in Trinidad has dis- “Once again offshoot groups and extremists have used T sociated itself from the actions of a splinter group that the name Seventh-day Adventists in a way we cannot sup- attacked Hindu beliefs and provoked a combative response. port and must condemn,” said John Graz, Public Affairs A group calling themselves the “Thusian Seventh-day and Religious Liberty director for the Adventist Church. Adventist Church” targeted Hindus, distributing litera- “Their lack of Christian courtesy and their provocative ture allegedly hostile to Hindu beliefs, which prompted proselytism have caused much damage for the church. the declaration of a holy war from a prominent Hindu Christian extremists, like other religious extremists, are religious leader. enemies of religious freedom. The Seventh-day Adventist “We dissociate the Adventist Church from the reck- Church wants to make clear that we condemn this kind of less approach of Thusia, and state positively that we con- approach.”—Adventist News Network. demn their approach comprehensively,” said Clive Dottin, Public Affairs and Religious Liberty director for Walla Walla College and Quiet Hour the Adventist Church in Trinidad, during a meeting with Cosponsor Philippines Series the Hindu group Maha Sabha on February 10. As a result of the Adventist-Hindu meeting, the two Walla Walla College, in College Place, Washington, groups agreed on a cooperative agenda to fight crime and in conjunction with the Quiet Hour ministry and the drugs in the community, as well as developing projects focus- North Pacific Union Conference, recently sponsored an ing on health, family life, and education, reports Dottin. evangelistic series in the Southern Mindanao Mission, Speaking of the combative approach used by Thusia, Philippines. Israel Leito, Inter-American Division president, called for Held in the city of Barbell in southern Mindanao, the higher principles of religious liberty. meetings ended on January 2 with 1,023 baptisms. The

ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 18, 1999 (347) 19 WORLD NEWS & PERSPECTIVES Nature’s Dark Side

BY MICHAEL D. COE, JR., ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT, ADRA INTERNATIONAL

t was a morning like any other for the Austrian ski resort whomever they could, but they knew that time was not on in Galtuer. Lots of the white stuff brought tourists into their side. More snow fell, and another avalanche hit the Ithe area for an enjoyable vacation with their families. area the following morning. This one rolled into the little They expected a terrific weekend of skiing, relaxing, and hamlet of Valzur, seven miles to the northeast, flattening 11 spending time together. What they got was tragedy. houses and killing dozens. The mountain started to tremble, and a dull roar could Life is precious. Earthquakes in Central America, drought in faintly be heard above the laughter and festivity. As the roar Africa, and war in Europe—these are but a few of the tragedies became louder, authorities scrambled to that snuff out lives in a sickening instant. get as many people as they could off the NEWS COMMENTARY When we hear of such tragedies, we mountain before devastation hit, but are prone to become anxious and fearful nature acts quickly when it wants to, and the avalance came when we think that there might be a calamity waiting for down like thunder and lightning. us. These thoughts should remind us of the comforting Houses were sliced in half by its fury, as if a giant razor words of the psalmist found in Psalm 46: “God is our refuge blade had severed them. People were buried alive in their and strength. . . . Therefore we will not fear, though the bungalows or while skiing on the mountain. Cars were earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the tossed like Matchbox toys. Entire villages were swallowed as sea” (verses 1, 2, NIV). No one can stop nature, but we can the snow encompassed them. remember that God is our rock in adversity. In His hands Rescue workers scrambled to find bodies and rescue nothing eternally bad can happen to us.

NEWSBREAK

nightly atten- (MCH) facilitator, was en route to Cap Haitien when the dance num- attack occurred. bered at more St. Fleur had just finished some personal business in than 1,000. Port-au-Prince and was on his way back to northern Pedrito Haiti, where he works on ADRA’s MCH projects. “After Maynard-Reid, stealing whatever they could, the bandits then shot the professor of bib- passengers,” reports Ed Baumgartner, ADRA/Haiti direc- lical studies and tor. “St. Fleur was shot twice in the neck and later died as missiology at a result of his injuries.” the college, was St. Fleur began working for ADRA/Haiti in June the main speak- 1993. He was recently transferred to his current position er for the meet- with the MCH project. He was a member of the Temple ings. He was assisted by WWC president W. G. Nelson Adventiste Church. His immediate family is based in and his wife, Nancy, WWC staff members Violet Carrefour. Maynard-Reid and Gary Tetz, and seven students. Twenty-five students from Mountain View College, Church Announces Latest Country Website Philippines, and many local pastors and lay members, including mission president Wendell Serrano, completed With the addition of the latest Seventh-day Adventist the evangelistic team. country website in Slovakia, the number of country-spe- cific websites operated by the Adventist Church now ADRA Worker Dies in Shooting exceeds 40. “We appreciate the commitment of church organizations An Adventist Development and Relief Agency in different countries to make Adventist material available (ADRA) worker was among those killed after bandits where they are, and in the local language,” says Jonathan attacked a public transport vehicle in Haiti on February Gallagher, webmaster for the church’s global website at 10. Enks St. Fleur, an ADRA maternal/child health www.adventist.org. “As a church we are dedicated to

20 (348) ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 18, 1999 WORLD NEWS & PERSPECTIVES

Did You Know? For Your Good Health

São Tomé and Príncipe President Commends Teen Smoking on the Rise Adventist Church Young people under the age of 18 became daily smokers Miguel Trovoada, president of the Republic of São at the rate of more than 3,000 per day during 1996. That’s a Tomé and Príncipe, welcomed the January 19 visit of 50 percent increase in the rate of daily smoking by teenagers Adventist world leaders from the General Conference and since 1988. And if current trends continue, more than 5 Euro-Africa Division (EUD) to his country, and expressed million people currently under age 18 will eventually die of appreciation for the activities of the Adventist Church in smoking-related diseases.—Centers for Disease Control. São Tomé. The São Tomé and Príncipe islands are located off the western coast of Angola. Heart Attack Symptoms Often Ignored “I am very happy to welcome you,” said Trovoada. “The While most people are aware that chest pain is a heart work of your church in our country is very much appreci- attack symptom, other indicators—including numbness or ated because of the beneficial influence it exerts upon its pain in the arm, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea or population. Our democratic policy promotes the practice vomiting, dizziness or lightheadedness, and five others— of religious liberty as far as it lies within the framework of are less understood by the public and often ignored. The respect of the citizens’ rights and duties and promotes issue is critical, because clot-busting drugs are available man’s moral values and dignity.” that can reverse a heart attack in progress, but these drugs The delegation included Ulrich Frikart, EUD president become less effective six hours after an attack begins. (whose territory includes São Tomé), and Maurice Almost a quarter of all heart attack patients delay seeking Verfaillie, director of the EUD Department of Public care for at least six hours.—Archives of Internal Medicine. Affairs and Religious Liberty.—Adventist News Network. For Your Good Health is compiled by Larry Becker, editor of Vibrant Life, the church’s health outreach journal. To subscribe, call 1-800-765-6955.

NEWSBREAK sharing our faith in every land and in every language. The curriculum, and Internet is a truly effective means of doing just that.” Christian mentors. Countries with their own Adventist websites include With help from most European nations, Canada, the United States, sev- educational founda- eral Caribbean countries, Brazil, Venezuela, Singapore, tions, the virtual Australia, among others. school will operate “We’re encouraging all church entities to develop web- across North sites as a matter of priority,” says Gallagher. “Connections America in church- to those we are aware of can be found on the link page at Richard Fenn Wintley Phipps es, hospitals, and www.adventist.org.” For those fluent in Slovak, the new site community centers. can be found at www.casd.sk.—Adventist News Network. ✔ In Madras, India, Pastor Doug Batchelor, director of the Amazing Facts ministry, recently concluded a six- News Notes week series that resulted in 350 baptisms. More studies and follow-up meetings are still being conducted, and ✔ Richard Fenn, North Pacific Union Conference there is high interest among non-Adventist pastors, Public Affairs and Religious Liberty director, was recently reports Betty Cooney of the Amazing Facts staff. elected as associate director of the General Conference Public Affairs and Religious Liberty Department, effec- What’s Upcoming tive January 1. In this position Fenn will serve as the church’s liaison to United States Congress. Mar. 20-27 Youth Week of Prayer Fenn replaces Wintley Phipps, who resigned from the Mar. 27 Thirteenth Sabbath Offering for the department on December 1, 1998. Phipps is currently Northern Asia-Pacific Division working to establish the U.S. Dream Academy, based in Apr. 3 Missionary Magazine Emphasis Columbia, Maryland. Apr. 10 Youth Spiritual Commitment Still in the developmental stage, the academy will pro- Celebration vide youth with online, faith-based tutorial and remedial Apr. 17 Literature Evangelism Rally

ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 18, 1999 (349) 21 ANCHORPOINTS

Is It Just an Ideal? How one experience opened my eyes on unity.

BY JENNIFER WYNN

The following piece was one of two runners-up in our need to go so far to see that? Wasn’t it evident in my own AnchorPoints essay contest on the fundamental doctrines of the backyard? Adventist Church.—Editors. I define Christian unity as that sometimes fleeting, and usu- ally elusive, moment when all individuals in the church have OPENED MY SUITCASE OF UNWASHED the same goal: the gospel of Christ. It’s when differences clothes and smelled Venezuela. The odor was of between believers are erased through the like-minded- heat, dirt, and sweat—made bearable only by the ness of the Holy Spirit. It’s when, in Christ, bias- pleasant experiences that it recalled: smiling faces es do not exist, spiritual gifts are not hier- bringing bright-pink watermelon and the occa- archical, and personal agendas are Isional hug; the buzz of easy conversation between crew unknown. The only thing members as they rumbled down the road in a tired, run- that matters then is God. If down bus; the unfettered acceptance between believers the Adventist Church is to make as each sought to contribute to God’s work in their headway to share the truth about Jesus, uniqueness. With closed eyes and an open mind I then it must function as “one body and one smelled again and detected the fragrance of the Holy Spirit . . . one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God Spirit woven in between. and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in Flooding my memory was a mission project in all” (Eph. 4:4, 5, NIV). Without this spirit, the work of God Venezuela in which I participated at the withers like a dead vine. close of February 1998. It sounds good, this lofty definition. But as we hear so The experience was a first often, head knowledge without Christ is simply that—it’s all for me, and I flew home in your head. with a collage of images filling my mind and a few trin- Satan Was Laughing kets in my bags. But it wasn’t until I From personal experience I already knew what unity was opened my suitcase and rummaged through not. The church I attend has just emerged from its own time the dirty laundry and wrapped gifts that I of division. During its own “Dark Ages” I had had a realized the souvenir God really wanted me to ANCHOR front-row seat at the “Colosseum” and witnessed Satan’s bring back, namely, a better understanding about POINTS dark and whispering spirit. Factioning and politicking church unity. had taken the place of the true work. No vision existed, I laughed. I’d ventured thousands of miles from and relationships were strained. I learned some valuable home to catch a glimpse of what a unified body of lessons then. First, everybody’s responsible—and I people could do when driven by the Holy Spirit. mean everybody. Second, it doesn’t matter who’s wrong But then a sobering thought hit me: Why did I or right; no side wins when the collective body’s identity

22 (350) ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 18, 1999 and mission have been undermined. personal exploration. Strong bonds are But enter Venezuela. Many people, Visiting South America, I became formed between participants in these one objective: build a church. A bit of a reacquainted with unity. And for the programs, they say, because of the shared loner, I was surprised at how quickly benefit of my congregational family— experience. If the extreme physical exer- camaraderie formed. It was easy to laugh which is really just a microcosm of the tion and sleep deprivation doesn’t bind and talk with those on your work crew world church—I knew God wanted me your group, the close quarters with new as each worked on his or her particular to bring back a personal introduction and—shall we say—interesting person- assignment. Our personal motivations of my “new friend.” alities certainly should. for being there were left unspoken— I was struck by unity’s familiar But it didn’t really. The adventure they were largely the same anyway. appearance—an ageless, androgynous, was fun, personally revealing, and Not only that, but the local people composite “everyperson.” A perfect physically challenging. But strong were warm and affectionate, and I will blend of all humanity. Global. I saw a friendships forged in the fires of sister- always carry in my memory my pale reflection of myself in that face. hood? Hardly. The common experi- encounters with them. It felt good to But two things stood out about unity ence, while valuable and important, be welcomed and appreciated, regard- beyond my limited definition. Unity has did not provide the same glue as hav- less of my gender, race, economic sta-

ISC an unobstructed, sweeping vision and ing a common goal. We were 10 tus, or level of skill. D knows how to create relationships. women who each had our personal It stands to reason, then, that a HOTO Let me explain. A year ago I decided reasons for being there. Once those shared vision and godly relationships are © P to take part in a survival-type excursion reasons were satisfied, we had no need intrinsically linked. When the true HOTO

P designed for the very-nineties need of for the others in our group. objective is embraced through the power

ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 18, 1999 (351) 23 of the Holy Spirit, the parameters for and how precious unity really is. was God’s intention to broaden my relationships are set. Little issues melt More than just taking action, unity perspective and help me bring back away. It becomes less important to pour is about leveraging time. It’s the the vision to my local church family. energies into carrying grudges and per- church’s witnessing tool. Conflicts I have sorted through these sonal jockeying. Although we already between church members make us a Venezuelan images and am not utterly are equal in the sight of God, we begin laughingstock before the world and naive. I know the local people are not acting like it to one another because slow down the work. In contrast, the immune to their own frailties. I know Christ is in our hearts. efforts of a cohesive body are more effi- the short amount of time I spent there cient and effective. Sometimes that could never have revealed the divi- It Dawned on Me cohesiveness comes only when people sions that surely exist there too. Lack In the Venezuela experience I real- are willing to apologize or to be vul- of harmony is a human experience, not ized that, however imperfect, here was a geographical one. I am also aware an example of the Holy Spirit’s desire Unity in the Body of Christ that the relationships with those with for all levels of God’s church—from whom I worked side by side were the smallest groups to the General The church is one body with many mem- more superficial than what I see each Conference. Many people, one objec- bers, called from every nation, kindred, Sabbath year round. tive: share the Word. Sharing the tongue, and people. In Christ we are a new But it’s just that I was able to lose gospel of Christ is the building of the creation; distinctions of race, culture, learn- the “church leader baggage” and see church. Not in the physical sense, but ing, and nationality, and differences the simplicity of unity. And because in the spiritual one. Without a per- between high and low, rich and poor, male my time was short, I could afford to sonal acceptance of Christ and His and female, must not be divisive among us. look through rose-colored glasses and vision for His remnant, Adventists are We are all equal in Christ, who by one Spirit see only the parts that God intended. nothing more than a group of people has bonded us into one fellowship with Him However momentary or even unreal- loosely tied together by doctrine. It may and with one another; we are to serve and istic, in my insulated existence I be a nice experience, but it doesn’t be served without partiality or reservation. could see the ideal. It was a gentle create action; neither are other people Through the revelation of Jesus Christ in the reminder to rise above artificially cre- important. Scriptures we share the same faith and ated issues and take the high road. Personal acceptance is an opera- hope, and reach out in one witness to all. I am proud to be a part of my tive term here. It’s a deep condition This unity has its source in the oneness of local congregation. It has rallied that is hard to characterize, but it is the triune God, who has adopted us as His round the banner. We are staging a created only when we allow Christ to children. (Rom. 12:4, 5; 1 Cor. 12:12-14; comeback. We have rediscovered make us Christlike, as defined in Matt. 28:19, 20; Ps. 133:1; 2 Cor. 5:16, the goal and the relationships cre- Philippians 2:5-11. With God- 17; Acts 17:26, 27; Gal. 3:27, 29; Col. ated within it. We have a vision, and inspired servitude and humility, you 3:10-15; Eph. 4:14-16; 4:1-6; John 17:20- its name is Christ. cannot help directing your spiritual 23.)—Fundamental Belief No. 13. Yes, we’re only in the toddler gifts toward the cause. Without it, it’s stages of our healing process. But by easy to be distracted by petty or bossy the grace of God I want to humble personalities, or think yourself better nerable—even if they’re right—for the myself before my brothers and sisters. than you are. preservation of the team. I want to help point our eyes to the My pastor shared with me some Thank God too that the work is dif- goal: the spreading of the three angels’ words that helped put my jumbled ferent for each of us. Unity does not messages. I’m going to do whatever is thoughts about my short trip into per- equal uniformity. We each have our in my power to help my church family spective. When you know your time is spiritual gifts to dedicate to the king- realize that Christ can take us even finite, he said, your emotional experi- dom. God is limitless in creative pow- closer to the cross of unity and help us ence is intensified. That’s true. But ers. He is specially sculpting each one realize our golden potential—if only those words are even more far-reaching of us with an artist’s gentle hand. Like we’d let Him. I know we will. than I first thought. a craftsperson, He adds a piece of All this because I took a little trip Aren’t we all engaged in a mortal, Himself into His works. And with our to Venezuela to help build a church! transient mission project in our daily uniquenesses He has given us the ability Imagine that. Satan isn’t laughing any- lives? If we as a church truly believe to be embracing of those differences. more. ■ our earthly time is short, then shouldn’t our work take on a heightened inten- To Catch the Vision Jennifer Wynn, 30, writes sity? If we really embraced the idea of So I asked myself again: Why did I from Puyallup, Washington. finite time, then maybe more people need to go so far to observe unity’s She is a registered sales would realize that it’s not worth it to genetic makeup under the power of a associate with a national stay involved in personality conflicts— heavenly microscope? I know now. It brokerage firm.

24 (352) ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 18, 1999 listen to see if it’s safe to go outside. Prairie dogs go outside to eat and We Are Family play with each other. Prairie dogs really like to be with other prairie dogs. That’s why they live in families, that’s why the families live in neighborhoods, and that’s why prairie dogs build towns. They look out for each other. They keep each other company. NELLIE JOE BROWN That’s why people live in towns too. That’s why we have families. We need each other. ave you ever seen a chirp and whistle and call. They also The Bible talks about a special kind prairie dog? They live bark. They got their name because of of family—the family of God. In this on the prairie, where the barking noise they make. family God is the Father and we are His there’s lots of grass to One of the coolest things about children. The Bible says, “He loved us eat and plenty of flat prairie dogs is the way they build so much that we are called children of Hland to build their towns. Maybe towns. Prairie dog towns are like peo- God” (1 John 3:1, ICB). Other people you’ve been to a zoo that has a prairie ple towns, only they are underground. who love God are our brothers and sis- dog exhibit, and you’ve watched them There are long tunnels, like roads, ters. This is a big family. sit up and look around or pop in and leading to neighborhoods of family It’s important to get together with out of their burrows. burrows. Each prairie dog family builds our family. Sometimes we need to be Prairie dogs are not dogs. They a burrow, which is like a house. Each with other people who believe the don’t look like dogs. They don’t act burrow has a main tunnel, which is same things we do. So we go to like dogs. They aren’t even remotely like a hallway, leading to different lit- church. We go to church to worship related to dogs. Why are they called tle rooms. There are sleeping rooms, a the Father with our brothers and sis- dogs? They sound like dogs. Prairie nursery, and a toilet. And up near the ters. We keep each other company. We dogs are noisy little critters. They entrance there is a room where they take care of each other. We are family. ISC D HOTO © P HOTO P

ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 18, 1999 (353) 25 Cutting Edge Meditations

In this feature Adventists share what’s on their heart. We wel- But as I switched to the come your brief but deeply spiritual stories, insights, struggles, even local news, I discovered that it wasn’t easy to be drawings and photos. Send to Cutting Edge Meditations, removed from a weather disaster half a country away. Adventist Review, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD At the Edmonton International Airport, only 60 miles 20904. As with Give & Take, we don’t pay for or return submis- (100 kilometers) up the road, the lines were also long sions to this feature.—Editors. and people were also stranded. CNN interviewed a New York family in similar straits—stuck at the airport and Of Ice Cream and Love wanting to get home. It made me think about the intercon- Everything went well with the Sabbath lunch in my friend’s nectedness of air travel. lovely home. Then came dessert—a burned pound cake. She Then I thought about the interconnectedness of our lives moaned softly as she cut one slice after another to find that as Christians—about how I can serve the Lord in Canada and the bottom was black, crusty, bitter-tasting. She was about to you, maybe, in Phoenix or New Orleans or London. With our throw the whole thing away when I said, “Stop; we can make profound interconnectedness, each of our storms—be it per- something with it.” sonally interrupting or spiritually unsettling—can affect others We then cut the cake into thin slices, layered them on as well. I’m reminded that we constantly need the warmth of each dish, and topped them with a lot of ice cream. The each other and the warmth of the Son in every part of our guests enjoyed the delicious dessert, and no one even noticed lives. the bitter crust. —Stephen Payne, College Heights, Alberta, Canada Driving home, I thought about the ice cream and burned cake—how love can be like the ice cream. It can cover up Love Letters faults and mistakes, imperfections, and even bitterness. It was Valentine’s Day, and my classroom was a jumble of —Maruja Barrientos, Riverside, California hearts, hanging Cupids, and third graders scurrying around the room with their precious cargo of candy hearts and cartoon Let It Snow? love letters. I watched as each student carefully selected small I was lucky enough to watch the results of the New Year’s white envelopes for their classmates and dropped them into winter storm from the warm comfort of my basement in their paper bag “mailboxes.” College Heights, Alberta. When I flipped past the weather Finally it was time to collect each bag and open up the channel and the news shows, I saw not only cars stuck in drifts treats. There was a frantic ripping of paper, then a quiet pause and people working their snow shovels, but also the devasta- as each message was read. “You’re number one on my team, tion brought to air travel. Places such as Pearson International Valentine,” said one card with a picture of Troy Aikman’s Airport in Toronto had ground to a halt in the snowstorm— smiling face on the front. “Hope you have a spottacular with people huddled on chairs and sleeping on the floor. Valentine’s Day,” a bright 101 Dalmatians card declared. “I’m

26 (354) ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 18, 1999 going batty over you,” said Batman, blazing across another card. Then I saw one student open up a larger Valentine with great care—neatly unsticking the edges of the envelope, then plucking out the pink card inside. After reading the words on the inside of the card, she popped out of her seat and ran over to a boy. “Do you really mean what’s inside the card?” she said excitedly. “Let me see,” said the boy, grabbing the card out of her my age group in church. Perhaps the first step is to understand hands. He read the message: “Will you be my Valentine?” what we are feeling. Don’t tell me to reject my society, because With a careless toss of the card and a nervous laugh, he said, I have to live in it. Just show me how the two come together. “Of course not.” The girl’s face fell and her smile disappeared —Patty Froese, Toronto, Ontario, Canada as she picked up the card and trudged back to her desk. God declares His love for us in a book that has been read Touched by an Angel by millions. However, unlike the heartbroken third grader, we In our retirement years we sometimes run into difficulties know what God will say when we ask, “Do You really mean with our medication. Once I become very distressed. My whole it?” being was sorely upset. In my anguish of soul I prayed to our “Yes. I, God, so loved the world that I gave My only Son to heavenly Father for forgiveness of sins and to be filled with the die for you. If you believe that I love you, I have eternal life Holy Spirit. As I knelt by my bed I felt a hand lightly touch waiting for you.” He’s never ashamed to be our Valentine. my shoulder. I had no fear and felt the Lord had sent an angel —Melanee Grondahl, Chico, California to comfort me and answer my prayer. It was a wonderful experience—one I shall never forget. Absentees Now I pray, “Lord, keep me humble and be there when I It’s been said that our church lacks young people. Where stumble.” are the people between 18 and 25? Why do they leave? —F. Edna Myer, Apopka, Florida Everyone asks, and nobody is left to answer. Here’s where some of us have gone. All Yours Now 20, I’m caught in a world that I don’t understand. I’ve Evin, a beautiful little boy of 19 months, was tragically been raised with church for my entire life. I’ve been told what killed in an accident. At the funeral his grandfather shared a is right and what is wrong, and deep down I know what God poignant memory and hope. wants for me. But church is not my entire life—nor do I think He and Evin had spent much time together the last few it should be. I attend university and am thoroughly enjoying weeks of his life. While Grandpa held him, Evin would myself, yet I can’t seem to find how my religion should fit into reach down and pull from Grandpa’s pocket his shining my life. gold-rimmed glasses. Dangling them in front of his eyes, My church does not condone homosexuality. My peers tell Evin would wistfully ask, “Mine?” Each time Grandpa me that I’m a homophobic if I don’t accept it unconditionally. would say, “No, Evin; they’re mine.” It became almost a (To be a homophobic in my age group is somewhat like being a game, but each time Evin would be more hopeful when leper.) I still don’t know exactly what I think on that subject. he begged, “Mine?” and more sorrowful when the Can I fully support a church that makes me look to the public answer was no. as though I am hateful for not accepting people? “I’d like to believe,” said Grandpa at the service, Is there a God? I don’t think it’s wrong to question that. “that when Jesus comes, He’ll take Evin in His arms. I’ve been raised with that belief, but I have to believe it for Evin will reach up to touch Jesus’ shining gold myself. I refuse to have my parents’ religion. This has to be crown and wistfully ask, ‘Mine?’—at which point my choice. And I’m terrified when I ask, “Does God exist?” he’ll hear the answer he’s been waiting for. What if it’s all a huge farce? What if I get too involved and ‘Yes, Evin,’ Jesus will say lovingly, get pointed out as a fanatic? What if it’s all like the TV ‘it’s all yours.’” preachers—all smoke and mirrors—and I look stupid for —Florence J. Mitchell, believing it? I want so badly to be taken seriously that I’m Coarsegold, afraid of taking a leap and losing all respect. California

IGITALLY MODIFIED How do you take something from your childhood and transfer

/ D it into your adult life? How far and how seriously do I take my ISC

D religion? Where is the dividing line between a healthy Christian

HOTO experience and fanaticism? I want to fit in, to fit church into my

© P life. I desperately want to believe, but in illogical terror I run. It is asked often where the young people are. I don’t have HOTOS P all the answers to that, nor do I have the solution to keeping

ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 18, 1999 (355) 27 MALAWI Mrs. Nida Damas, Poblacion Sominot, Pastor N. S. Tsoka, Nanyangu SDA Church, c/o Zamboanga del Sur 7022, Philippines: NRPD, P.O. Box 9, Bwanje, Malawi: literature Revelation Seminar Bible, Spirit of Prophecy for evangelism and outreach. books, church magazines, Sabbath school lessons, sermon tapes, children’s papers. MYANMAR Librarian, Myanmar Union Adventist Seminary, Arlene S. Garcia, Western Mindanao Mosokwin Road, Myaungmya 10211, Myanmar. Conference, P.O. Box 2389, Ozamiz City 7200, The library is in need of Adventist periodicals. Philippines: children’s materials, cards, Picture Rolls, songbooks, tapes. Langh Sawm Mang, Secretary, Upper Myanmar Mission of Seventh-day Adventists, Crisenciani Halasan, Nilo, Tigbao, Zamboanga “Brightlands,” Cherry Road, Pyinoolwin 05061, del Sur 7043, Philippines: Spirit of Prophecy Myanmar: church magazines, Ministry, Sabbath books, church magazines, Revelation Seminar school Picture Rolls, Spirit of Prophecy and Bibles, Picture Rolls, world history books. Literature Requests church books. Daniel Hinol, SDA Church, Bag-ong Imagine having church or an evange- NAMIBIA Kauswagan, Tambulig, Zamboanga del Sur 7025, listic series without written material or Neville Neveling, P.O. Box 11610, Windhoek, Philippines: church magazines, sermon outlines. Namibia 9000, Namibia: church books and visual aids. The following persons and magazines. Mrs. Emerald P. Marsala, Western Mindanao institutions have requested denomina- Conference, P.O. Box 2389, Ozamis City 7200, tional literature and would be grateful PHILIPPINES Philippines: kindergarten materials, Picture Rolls, for your help. This list is for literature Joy Awa Bandade, SDA Church, Mahayeg, children’s papers, tapes, SS materials, cards, and only. Please discourage any solicitations Zamboanga del Sur 7028, Philippines: hymnals, visual aids. magazines, children’s papers. for funds by the recipients. TRINIDAD, WEST INDIES Matilde N. Benito, Kapatagan Valley SDA Cecil Parris, Ramdass Street, Sangre Grande, BOTSWANA Elementary School, 9214 Kapatagan, Lanao del Trinidad, West Indies: church magazines, tracts, Pastor Thomas Magaka, SDA Church Southwest Norte, Philippines: religious pictures, cards, mag- and books. Botswana, Private Bag 017, Molepolole, azines, children’s songs, and classroom materials. Botswana: Bibles, Spirit of Prophecy books (Steps to Christ, The Desire of Ages, The Great Controversy), and church magazines.

GHANA Samuel Amoah, P.O. Box 9358, Accra, Ghana: Signs, Bibles, Spirit of Prophecy books, sermons and songs on tape, film strips and projector, Picture Rolls, and children’s teaching aids.

Pastor S. Adu Gyamfi, SDA Church, P.O. Box 31, Ammasu, Dormas, Ghana: Picture Rolls, Early Writings, Education, Testimonies, Adventist Reviews, Church Manual.

KENYA Benson Kibochi Nganga, P.O. Box 16417, Nakuru, Kenya: church magazines.

Evans Nyamari, P.O. Box 619, Keroka, Kenya: Bibles, church magazines, tracts, church books.

Johnson Otieno Oloo, P.O. Box 33, Asumbi, Kenya, and Kennedy Agwanda Otieno, P.O. Box 84, Karungu, Kenya: literature and other materi- als for witnessing.

Nelson Onchomba Nyatara, P.O. Box 3658, Nakuru, Kenya: Bibles, Signs, and Spirit of Prophecy books.

LAOS AND VIETNAM Dorothy Walter, Laos and Vietnam, c/o Southeast Asian Union Mission, 251 Upper Serangoon Road, Singapore 347 688, Singapore: church magazines and books.

28 (356) ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 18, 1999 One strong point is Abbott’s to cope, improve, or remove it. superbly ironic wit. Her offbeat obser- Having the issues defined clearly vations make her one of the best and realizing I was not the only humorists among current Adventist Adventist with such feelings I found authors. Occasionally she uses a flash- extremely helpful. Some of the mate- back within a flashback, which can rial left me feeling as if MacCarty cause confusion, but her brisk pace knew my innermost thoughts. ¥MARK¥ makes up for the wandering structure. The titles in the first part of the This book is nearly as complicated book (“Looking to Him”) held my as real life, with more questions than attention. They dealt with issues such answers. Don’t look to Abbott for a as assurance of salvation, a bland pick-me-up sermon on how to over- devotional life, and unanswered Journal of a Not-So- come doubt. What you will find is a prayers. Who hasn’t struggled with searching voice and the picture of a these? I learned about Heman the Perfect Daughter church family that is quirky, sometimes Ezrahite (Ps. 88). He wrote this psalm legalistic, often embarrassing, but when his prayers weren’t being Nancy Carver always there. answered, yet “he still sought the Abbott, Pacific Press Journal of a Not-So-Perfect Daughter Lord every morning and night. Publishing is part of the new Sycamore Tree Perhaps the greatest unsung hero of Association, Boise, imprint from Pacific Press. These the Bible, he never gave up.” Idaho, 1998, 224 books are intended for seekers, both In the second part of the book the pages, US$10.99, inside and outside the church. Even if author describes the discouraging Can$15.99, paper. you’re not a baby boomer or have practice of “looking at one another.” Reviewed by Becky never considered leaving the church, He includes such subjects as “how to Lane Scoggins, a Abbott’s story may help you under- go to church with someone you don’t freelance writer liv- stand the people near you. agree with” and “good Adventists ing in Laurel, Maryland. don’t have problems at home, do Things We Don’t Talk About: Help they?” ifteen years ago this book for the Private Struggles of Ordinary “Looking Within,” in the third probably wouldn’t have Adventists part of the book, talks about the dis- been published. It’s too tress that comes from looking at our- Adventist for most secular Skip MacCarty, selves. How can we know God’s will? publishers and perhaps too Review and How can we prepare for the final cri- Fhonest for the Adventist publishing Herald Publishing sis, and how do we cope with our fear houses of the past. In the early chap- Association, of it? How do we get up and keep ters we learn that the narrator drinks Hagerstown, fighting after defeats in our private coffee, watches television on Friday Maryland, 1997, spiritual battles? Is there spiritual nights, and rolls her eyes at the pre- 190 pages, CPR for those of us who seem to be fabricated witnessing spiels of zealous US$14.99, doing things right yet feel as though church members. Worse yet, she Can$21.49, our spirits are dying? The author hasn’t gone to church for more than a paper. Reviewed offers help, affirmation, and hope. decade. It’s hardly a typical recipe for by Sally Dillon, a freelance writer living “Looking Out at the World” inspirational literature. in Timberville, Virginia. includes “Bottom Line Religion” and But her openness is just what makes “Witnessing Bloopers.” Besides bloop- Nancy Carver Abbott’s journal so My teenage son saw me reading this ers the author offers seven successful appealing. As a thirtysomething pro- book and asked, “Why are you reading ways to witness. fessional, she finds herself sandwiched that? Since when have you been an In the final chapter we are “looking between her young family and her ordinary anything?” through His eyes.” As His child, we aging father. Once an idealistic What is an ordinary Adventist? A have His eyes to see others in a differ- Adventist teen, she is no longer broad range of people and beliefs make ent way. “inright, outright, upright, downright ordinary Adventism a large umbrella! MacCarty writes in an easy reading happy all the time.” She battles Skip MacCarty peels away the external style with warmth and humor—a vol- depression, reevaluates her childhood stuff to uncover basic spiritual and ume definitely worth reading. church, and struggles to understand emotional struggles common to most her family’s past. “I guess I lost faith in Adventists. He describes the problem my faith,” she writes. and includes a how-to portion—how

ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 18, 1999 (357) 29 REFLECTIONS The Stories in BY PATTI HANSEN TOMPKINS the Scars

n 1987 a little girl fell down an abandoned well in corners and turns. We bump against them and bruise or Midland, Texas. More than 10 years later the girl bleed. Sometimes we break physically or emotionally. (known as Baby Jessica) has no memory of the drama Sometimes a turn leads us into a brush with death. But that captured the world’s atten- when we survive, we go on, tion. She has only heard stories reshaped from our experiences. Iof the frantic rescue operation and the great rejoicing when she finally Each of these e all have scars of one emerged in the arms of her rescuer. kind or another. They tell But Jessica still carries scars from scars tells a story Wour stories—of being her 58-hour ordeal. knocked down by a car or by cruel “I’m proud of them,” she said in words, of broken ankles or broken an interview given on the tenth of survival. hearts. Perhaps our falls have been anniversary of her amazing rescue. accidents; perhaps we’ve stumbled “I have them because I survived.” 1 over our own stupidity. But we’ve all My son, who was born 15 weeks premature, carries a felt pain, feared the unknown, asked why, and wondered seven-inch scar across his abdomen and several smaller scars about the future. around his clavicle. His scars tell a story of surgeries and When I look at my scars, I remember the stories that other invasive procedures performed when he weighed less have shaped my life. Take a long, lingering look at your own than two pounds and was fighting for his life. He has these scars. Listen to what their stories teach you. Ponder the rea- scars because he survived. son you exist. Think of all you have in common with God’s I have a hazy, haphazard scar on my lower back from the other children and with our Saviour. And give thanks for day I was knocked down by a car and scraped against an having safely negotiated the unique edges of your life. asphalt driveway when I was 5 years old. A small neat surgi- The ultimate irony is that in the end (which is really the cal scar on my right ankle reminds me of the day a semi beginning) we will be perfect. Our scars will vanish, yet our forced my car into the concrete center divider of a busy Saviour’s will remain, because “he was pierced for our trans- southern California freeway. Each of these scars is a badge of gressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; . . . by his authenticity that tells a story of survival. wounds we are healed” (Isa. 53:5, NIV). The older we get, the more scars we are likely to accumu- We who believe in this crucified and resurrected Saviour late from accidents and disease. But less visible are the scars have reason to give thanks for His scars. We do not doubt on our hearts from disappointments and hurts. Scars from the authenticity of the marks in His hands and His side. neglect, abuse, shame, and indifference linger on in our Those scars are evidence of the measure of humanity He souls. It is hardly possible to get through life without them. shared with us the absolute proof that the power of life can Whether our scars are physical or emotional, we needn’t triumph over the possibility of death. He succumbed, but He be ashamed of how life and its hurts have worn us. We are overcame. And He’s got the scars to prove it. ■ like the little bunny in the classic children’s story The Velveteen Rabbit, who talks with his nursery friend, the Skin 1 Orlando Sentinel, Oct. 14, 1997. 2 Margery Williams, The Velveteen Rabbit (New York: Derrydale Books, Horse, about becoming Real. 1986). “It takes a long time,” said the Skin Horse. “That’s why it doesn’t often happen to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time Patti Hansen Tompkins writes from Altamonte you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your Springs, Florida. eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby.” 2 In our journey to becoming Real (the authentic human beings God intends us to be), we meet various edges and

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